I beg leave to lay before your Excellency the enclos’d Papers, complaining of the improper Proceedings of the Admiralty at Nantes, in deciding on a Cause between the Captain of an American Ship and one of his Sailors, which ought only to have been judg’d by our Consul; and moreover in arresting the said Ship just on the Point of Departing for Virginia. I make no doubt but your Excellency will see the Reasonableness of my earnest Request, that an Order of Government may immediately issue for the Discharge of the said arrest, and Permission of Departure for the Ship, as her Detention must occasion great Charges, and Loss to the Owners. I am with great and sincere Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant