The American Commissioners to Sartine
LS: Archives de la Marine; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society;
two copies: National Archives
<Passy, June 15, 1778: We refused M. Bersolle’s previous draft
until he had sent his accounts. He then billed us for a thousand
louis advanced to Capt. Jones on his arrival. Again we
refused, because we had not authorized the advance and, when
the Captain wrote that he could not feed his men, concluded
that he had not in fact received the money. It is most irregular
for a merchant to draw on us before sending his account, or a
captain before obtaining permission; Jones has already received
more than 100,000 livres from us for his needs. If we
are to pay debts contracted without our leave, they may soon
bankrupt us.
We are grateful for recovery of the goods pillaged from the
Lord Chatham, and assume that the costs will be paid from the
sale of the ship and cargo.
We have ordered that Lieutenant Simpson be sent home for
trial.
We should be obliged if you would order the immediate sale
of the prizes. The captors need their share of the proceeds, and
we need ours to pay for the charges on the ships. Prizes have
hitherto been sold so cheaply that all incentive may disappear
for sending American warships abroad.
We do not know Capt. Botsen, but should be glad to have
him used if you need a pilot for American waters and find him
qualified. We are obliged to the consul at Nice for his helpfulness.>
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