From James Bedout
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Bordeaux, August 11, 1777, in English of sorts: I am a merchant
captain, Canadian born, and have sailed in New England
ships; my brother is in Washington’s army. I am therefore asking
for a commission from Congress to cruise against the English
tyrants. In expectation of it I have already bought here a
Boston sloop, the Congress; her mate and some of her crew are
American. She will be armed with twelve guns and loaded
with war supplies, and I expect to sail late this month. So that
I may destroy enemy ships on my way to New England, please
send the commission in care of the Dutch commissary in this
city.>
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