The American Commissioners to Vergennes
ALS: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Massachusetts
Historical Society; three copies and transcript: National Archives
<Passy, October 1, 1778: We have received your letter of September
27 and its enclosure. Our instructions from Congress
do not empower us to conclude treaties with the Barbary
states but we request your help in obtaining passes from them
for American ships and citizens. We agree with you that an
acknowledgment of American independence and a treaty of
commerce with those powers would be mutually beneficial.
Should we, in your opinion, apply immediately for the passes
or wait for powers to undertake negotiations towards a commercial
treaty? Please inform us when we should apply directly
to other ministers on subjects relating to their departments.>
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