Sartine to the American Commissioners
Two copies: Library of Congress
<Versailles, December 22, 1778, in French: You are undoubtedly
aware that American seamen escaping from English prisons
often arrive in French ports without the basic necessities.
I can instruct the commissioners in ports where you have no
agents to treat these men as they would French escapees. Regarding
British prisoners taken by Americans, I propose they
be removed to designated prisons and guarded and fed at the
expense of the United States in accordance with his Majesty’s
regulation of September 27. Please let me know if these arrangements
meet with your approval and inform your agents
accordingly.>
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