From — Sieulanne
Copy: American Philosophical Society
<Ste. Croix de Teneriffe, July 30, 1778, in French: Having captured
and brought into Palma, one of the Canary islands, the
English brigantine The Countess of Mouton, Capt. Conyngham,
of the Revenge, asked me to bring her to Martinique. We settled
on conditions. As I was about to sail on July 19, I was accosted
by an armed sloop sent by the Governor of Palma acting on
orders from Marquis de Travallosos, Commander-in-Chief of
the Canaries. The instructions were to stop my ship and arrest
me, as well as Capt. Conyngham who was still in sight of the
port. I was abused and eventually told to address myself to an
English merchant in Orotava, named Thomas Cologan.
His answer, enclosed, proves that my arrest was really a
reprisal against Conyngham. Could you please obtain from
the court of Spain a reimbursement for the five hundred
piastres this delay is costing me? The sum should be remitted
to the French consul who will forward it to me. As to the
insult to the flag, I am certain you shall obtain redress.>
630324 = 027-184a.html