For more than a Year past the French Merchants of this City have apply’d to me, to know if they were oblig’d to appear under Arms with the Militia; and they have at different tims, requested me to make such Representations on the Subject as I should judge proper, as well to the Predecessor of your Excelly, as to yourself. I have always answered them, that as I did not see any Attempt made to force them to this kind of Service, I should think it indiscreet to trouble the Executive Branch of Government with Reclamations that did not seem to have any Foundation. But it now appears that the Captains of the Militia are become more rigorous than heretofore, and some among them require the French Merchants not only to appear at the present Reviews, but to pay Fines for their former Absences.

As the Treaty of Commerce between France and the United States of America, leaves scarce any doubt respecting the perfect Reciprocity with which the Subjects of the two Nations ought to be treated, and that never any American Member has been molested in France on Account of the Militia, I dare hope that your Excelly. would be pleased to take into Consideration, the Representations which I have the honour to make in behalf of the French Merchants, and to take such Measures as you may judge proper for preventing their being hereafter troubled on that Subject. I have the honour to be with Respect, Your Excellency’s most humble and most obedient Servant