The Memorial of the Captains of the American Merchant Vessells now at Nantes and the neighbouring Ports, Humbly Sheweth.

That your Memorialist apprehend more Danger of Capture by the Enemy on this Coast, than in the whole passage beside.

That as this Kingdom has lately declared that the American Commerce shall be protected, they humbly request the Representatives of their Country to make application to the French Court for such a Convoy off this Coast as they in their Wisdom shall Judge sufficient for their protection.

That they apprehend they will be all ready for Sea by the Fifth Day of May next, and in confidence of obtaining the desired Convoy those of your memorialist that are ready sooner will wait for the others.

Your Memorialists trust that there can be no Impropriety in this application, since exclusive of their Concern for their Safety and that of the People under their Command, the Pressing necessity of their Country for the Articles with which their Vessells are loaded, makes it their Duty as faithfull Subjects of the United States to take every possible method for the Preservation of their Vessells and Cargoes.

Your Memorialists hope for a Compliance with their Request, and as in Duty bound, Will every pray.