In answer to the two papers inclosed in your favour of the 9th. Instant, the first containing a Detail of Insults offered to the Spanish Flagg by three american Vessells of War called the Resolution the Plimouth, and the little Resolution said to have sailed from Nantes, and the second containing an account of other Insults offered by other American Vessells in the west Indies to the same Flagg; I have to assure you in general, that I never heard of the Existence of any american Vessells of War of those Names, and particularly I never heard of any such that ever sailed from any Port in France. I therefore believe from these Circumstances, as well as from many others, that the English Cruisers have boarded Spanish Vessells, as well as those of other Nations, under the Flagg of the United States proffessing themselves to be americans, with a view of impressing on the minds of those Nations an Idea of our Ships of war being a set of Pirates.

I will however do all in my Power to gain Information on this Subject, and if I ever find the Smallest Instance of such Conduct in any american, I shall think it my duty, in justice to the reputation of my virtuous Countrymen, not only to expose them by giving immediate Information, but to do all I can to bring them to punishment. I am ever with the greatest respect Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman