Daniel McNeill to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Lorient, October 12, 1778: After my arrival I applied to the
agent to receive my prisoners; I sent them ashore but the
commandant of the port refused them, lacking orders from
the ministry. I cannot take them on board unless I send twenty
Americans ashore. Since few opportunities for passage exist,
this would be a great hardship for men who escaped English
prisons and want to get home. Let me know what to do as
soon as possible.
How do you think the lawsuit over the Isabelle will go? The
former proprietors complicate the case with all kinds of deceptions.
Another ship originally belonging to the same owners
has arrived in Brest, recaptured by Capt. Pickerin
under similar circumstances. Hence it is important to establish a
correct precedent.>
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