From Bersolle
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Brest, April 24, 1778, in French: I informed you that the Lord
Chatham has arrived. On the intendant’s orders I made a
declaration to the admiralty, and yesterday the hatches were
sealed. Here is the note the Captain gave me of forty-seven
items on the bill of lading; whether that is the total cargo I do
not know. The vessel is in good shape, loaded to the beams
with bales of hops and other merchandise. The farmers general
have asked for a note of the cargo so that they may give
orders about prohibited articles before the sale. If Mr. Jones
had left me a power of attorney, along with yours, the admiralty
would have had no jurisdiction; with those powers I
might still, despite the seals, easily evade its claim and arrange
an advantageous sale. Please let me know your wishes.>
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