Gent.

Inclosed I send you a Copy of my last respects informing you of my resolution to remain in this Island.

I have now to acknowledge the rect of your favr of the 8th of February which was delivered me a few days ago by Capt [John] Young of Philada and agreeable thereto I send you a Copy of the declaration of Messrs Nibbs, respecting the Capture of their Schooner by Capt Pattison [William Patterson] with their Accot subjoined, which is the only Document I am able to furnish & which the General deemed sufficient to make Mr. [William] Bingham and myself responsible for the damages.

It is very true that I did not object to Capt Pattisons design of pursuing this Vessell at the time he took leave of me, because he told me he had well informed himself that she was not a Flag of Truce ー But a day or two before, when he first broached his Project to me, observing that she had a white Flag in her Shrouds, I told him that she had the Appearance of such a Vessell, & strictly charged him not to meddle with her or any other that he might find under similar Circumstances, or that were in any manner under the protection or within the Jurisdiction of the French Government ー This Gentlemen, I aver on my sacred Word & Honour and I would send you my Deposition to the same Effect was there any person here to take it. ー As to his taking the Vessell near Dominique, Circumstances plainly contradict him. For the people, whom he put ashore on the Island, were here with a Complaint to the General within Six hours after he left the Bay.

I am happy in informing you that this affair has proved of no bad Consequence to any other American: and had not the Circumstance of her being a Flag of Truce nearly concerned the Honour of the General, & Pattisons gross imprudence provoked him, I am well convinced that he would never have taken any Notice of it, for you may rest assured that he is heartily disposed to serve us and our Cause to the utmost of his power. I am very sincerely Sirs [&c.]

(Duplicate)