The American Commissioners to Sartine
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National
Archives
<Passy, August 13, 1778: We are sorry for the delay in answering
your letter of July 29. We are of opinion that the regulations
are very good but wish to make the following observations.
We propose that judges of admiralty in America because
of the size of their jurisdictions be permitted to delegate their
authority. We also wish permission to store captured merchandise
until it can be exported to America so as to avoid
paying heavy customs duties. We suggest that the expenses
attendant on these regulations and fees be made public. Inconveniencies
may possibly arise once the regulations go into effect;
we beg leave, in that case, to call them to your attention
and to request His Majesty to make necessary alterations.>
630400 = 027-248a.html