Sartine to the American Commissioners
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; Library of Congress (two),
National Archives (two); transcripts: National Archives (two)
<Versailles, September 21, 1778, in French: I have received
your letter of the 17th. I knew that the principle of reciprocity
in the matter of recapture would meet with your approval.
The regulations of Massachusetts of which Capt. McNeill informed
you are different from the English and more like the
French. The regulations of England, by allowing half the
value of the vessel to the original owner, favor the interests of
commerce. It would be important for the various American
states to adopt a uniform law in this regard to preclude difficulties
which owners of vessels might incur in their ignorance.
With respect to the Isabelle, it is up to the courts of law, not the
administration, to hear the owners’ claim. Should the decision
go against them, you will recognize that a third or a half the
value of this vessel should be held by public officers until the
two nations have agreed on a procedure regarding recaptured
vessels.>
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