On my arival here Mr. Dobree told me he was informed By a line from you1 that I had Said that I was taken By a Privateer that belonged partly to his father2—and Desired me to give him in Wrighting What the Captain Said. But as it is a matter that Concerns my Country and You being part of the legislative body of my Country To Whom I am accountable for my Conduct—I told Him I Rather Chose to leave it With you and if you thought Proper to give a Coppy or the original I Should be Content. I Shall now Relate Matters in such a Manner as if Called upon I Shall be Ready and Willing To make oath to the truth of them. Viz. Capt. de lagarde Of the mars Cutter Privateer belonging to Jersey Accidentally Said Mr. Dobree of Guernsey was one of His owners. On his mentioning the name of Dobree I Asked if he had a Son in Nants—He answered yes. I then Told him I knew the young gentleman and that he had married A Daughter of Mr. Scheiwghauser3 in Nants. He answered Yes he is married Some where there. I then told him I Should Acquaint the Commissioners of it as Soon as I arived in France. These Gentlemen are undenyable facts. I have the honour To be your most Obedient humbl Servt

The 9th Instant I had the honor to pay my respects to you and to request your information tutching the Convoy we Solicited for the Ships at Nantes.

I meet with some difficulty in expediting of our Ships. They being American property must of course be furnishd with American Pass's. I have to request you will favor me with your Pass's by return of Post1 for the following; Vessels otherways met at Sea are subjected to be taken by our Own Ships as well as by the Enemy.

(The Brig Molly. 120 Tons) a Prize taken from the English bought at Rochelle.

(The Ship Le Chasseur 250 tons) a Prize taken from the English bought at Rochelle.

(The Ship Mary Fearon 350 tons) a Prize taken from the English bought at Lorient.

(The Ship Governor Livingston 500 tons) a Prize taken from the English bought at Rochelle. For this Ship we have your Commission of Letter of Marque that may serve the Place of a Pass tho every Vessel belonging to America clear'd out in France ought to have one from you to serve instead of Register no Court or office being yet establish'd to grant the latter. These four Vessels are the Sole Property of James Price, William Haywood and John Bondfield.

Letters from Cadiz mention the Capture of an American Vessel sent into Gibralter having on board Tobacco and Rice. He reports an engagement betwixt Comte d'Estaing and an English Fleet the latter end of November but no pert particular Circumstances.2

Letters from Martinico mentions their Ports being blockt up by English Cruizers. That they dayly expected the Arrival of Cte. D'Estaing. We are without other Inteligence. The Arrival of a Vessel at Morlaix from the States you will have been duely Advised.3 With due Respect I have the Honor to be Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant