From Bernard Dehez
als: American Philosophical Society
<Saint Sebastian, January 1, 1780, in French: I refer to Capt.
Conyngham who had given me his word of honor that he
would stand surety for the outcome of his trial, whatever it was.
Messrs. Gardoqui and Messrs. La Goanere from Coroña were
to do the same in case the War Council in Madrid disapproved
the freeing of Conyngham’s five crewmen. But I never heard
from him nor from you, who have authority over him, so that,
unable to deposit the necessary retainer, I had the door
slammed in my face when the case came to trial. I could have
brought it to a successful conclusion, but because Conyngham
did not live up to his word of honor, the sentence, as you will
see by the enclosed copy, is a blow to our Commandant général
who had only tried to be of help. He has been condemned to
a fine of two thousand piastres. Please order Conyngham to
reimburse this unfortunate man about whom I feel guilty for
having persuaded him to help your cause. Messrs. Gardoqui tell
me they have written to you a while ago but received no
answer.>
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