Schweighauser to the American Commissioners
Copy: National Archives
<Nantes, September 24, 1778: I received your letter of the 14th
[13th] only yesterday covering one from Capt. Richard, together
with the documents relative to the cargo of rice and
indigo shipped by A[braham] Livingston of Charles Town.
The person in charge of the vessel, M. Peltier du Doyer, tells
me that, on orders from M. de Beaumarchais, he has already
sold the cargo except for a few casks of inferior indigo. I expressed
suprise at this imprudent action. Until I receive further
instructions from you, I will do nothing more. I am extremely
happy to learn that an exchange of prisoners will soon
take place. As to my commission of 5%, please consider the
trouble and expense attendant on my situation. I must supply
interpreters, outfitters and repairmen, and provide for the considerable
needs of the prisoners. If I am to receive only 2% I
must charge the travelling expenses of my representatives at
Brest and Lorient. M. Penet and M. Thomas Morris offer precedents
for my own demands which I do not think unreasonable.>
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