The American Commissioners to Vergennes
LS: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Massachusetts
Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives
(two); translation: American Philosophical Society
<Paris, February 9, 1779: For nearly six months Captain McNeill
of the privateer General Mifflin has been embarrassed
with a lawsuit concerning a French ship he recaptured from
the British after it had been three days in their possession. By
French laws this prize is valid; it would be unjust if it were
reclaimed because American laws on the matter are different.
The vexations and delays caused by such cases discourage
American armed ships from carrying out operations against
the English in European waters. We ask that you join with M.
de Sartine in soliciting a more speedy resolution for the cases
and equal treatment for Americans and French subjects.>
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