From Thomas Barclay (unpublished)
Auteuil 28 July 1783
Sir

I have the honor to inform your Excellency that I received last post a Letter from Messrs. Schweighauser & Dobreé of Nantes under whose care the Arsnal belonging to the United States is placed, informing me that their Partner at L’Orient Messrs. Puchelberg & Co., had some months ago laid an attachment on all the Arms and other Military supplies under the Care of Messrs. Schweighauser & Dobreé.

I need not inform your Excellency of the Nature of the transaction, as it fell immediately under your own inspection, but I beg leave to say that unless Government passes some signal Censure on those persons who have brought attachments against the property of the United States The Execution of my office will be embarrass’d beyond discription.

I beg Sir you will lay the matter in its proper light before the Minister’s, and obtain as soon as possible the dismission of this attachment and of those laid on the Alliances prize money.

These attachments have been held in suspence several months to the great determent of the Public business under my care, and at the imminent risk of a heavy Loss in the final payment. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Most Humble Servant

Thos Barclay

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.
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