The American Commissioners to Schweighauser
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives
<Passy, September 13, 1778: The Thérèse, whose cargo is assigned
to us, has arrived at Nantes. We wish to sell the cargo
and reserve the proceeds for a particular purpose. We request
and impower you to sell the cargo, transmit an account, and
hold the proceeds for our orders.
M. de Sartine informs us he has taken measures regarding
the prisoners. We have received from him a passport for a
cartel ship to come from England to Nantes and Lorient with
American prisoners. This ship should take off your hands and
ours all the British prisoners in France captured by American
warships and privateers. We sent this passport to England
yesterday. We hope all these unhappy prisoners, British and
American, will soon have their liberty; if not, it will not be our
fault.
We want the Baltimore to sail as soon as possible, having no
particular orders to give about her. We think the 5% commission
you charge is too high and are willing to pay no more
than the customary commission, which we understand is 2%.>
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