John Ross to the American Commissioners
ALS: University of Virginia Library; copies: National Archives (two);
transcript: National Archives
<Nantes, October 8, 1778: I have yours of September 30 indicating
that I am to be deprived of the commissioners’ advice
beyond that concerning the money extended me. It has been
my position all along that I am responsible only to Congress
but I fail to see why you have charged me with indecency.
Decency was also due to me. No decency was observed in
seizing the private property of others. The money extended
me by the commissioners has been accounted for in purchases
by order of the committee of Congress. It will be replaced as
soon as funds reach me. However I need instructions for shipping
the remaining property, consisting in blankets, clothing,
etc. Consider the ill consequences to the states of further delay.
Wages to the officers and crew of La Brune should not be
considered advances to me. Mr. Williams knows how the
20,000 livres furnished me by order of Mr. Deane were disbursed.
Mr. Hodge’s disposal of the cutter Revenge followed
Mr. Deane’s instructions, as Mr. Lee is well aware.>
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