In Council of Safety

Annapolis Febry 8th 1777. —

Sir,

An unhappy Affair has lately happened in Martinico by the Imprudence of Captn [William] Patterson in a Small Privateer from this State; — he, contrary to the Law of Nations, having taken an English Vessel, under a Flag of Truce, within a Small distance of that Island; to Make Satisfaction for which outrage, the Continental, and our Agent there, have been obliged to give their Bond for the Payment of the Vessel and Cargo So Seised, within three Months, from the Date thereof. —

We therefore desire you'll remit to those Agents the Sum of fifteen hundred Pounds continental Currency; if iri your Power, or take other necessary Steps to enable them to pay that Sum within the Time limited, and charge the Same to this State. We are Sir [&c.]