(Copy)

Sir

I received your Excellency's Letter of date the 26t Instant, acquainting me of a Complaint being made to you, that I detained & examined a Vessel & fired several Shot at her, and that some of the Officers on board His Britannic Majesty's Ship under my Command, asked the Master some improper Questions; about 8 OClock in the Evening of the 21st instant, I fired one Swivel at a Sloop to bring her too, and sent an Officer on board to examine her, and by his report found she had 8 Carriage Guns with Powder, besides English, Spanish and French Colours, which put me under the necessity of detaining her till I was fully satisfied that she was not fitted out as a Privatier for the Assistance of His Britannic Majesty's Rebellious Subjects in America. And as to the Master being ask'd any improper Questions, I give you my word & Honour there was not a Gentleman to my knowledge asked any thing unbecoming the Character of an Officer,

I likewise detained a Brig 34 hours on suspicion of being one of the Rebels property especially as she had on board an English Master named Patk Barry,² and a French Master named Duplicie, likewise had information that she belonged to one of His Britannic Majesty's Subjects residing at New Orleans, who Jhave undoubted proofs of his having given great Assistance to the Rebels I have Authentick Accounts, that an American Ship arrived off New Orleans, and saluted the Garrison with an American Jack at her Mizen Top Masthead, and since have been informed that she has been fitted for a Privatier by the abovementioned Gentleman, mounting 12 Carriage Guns with Swivels and Musquetoons, and left the River about 3 Weeks ago ー On my arriving in this River to my great surprize I heard that you had seized the Vessels belonging to His Majesty's [subjects] and put the Masters with their Crews in Confinement. I must beg that you will give me your reasons for this unexpected proceeding, as it is my duty (having the honor to command one of His Britannic Majesty's Ships of vVar) to enquire into the Particulars that His Majesty's Subjects may get redress. I hope when I have the pleasure of seeing your Excellency, we shall be able to settle this Affair to the satisfaction of both Crowns. I am Sr [&c.]

To His Excellency Don Bernard Galvez
Colonel & Governor of New Orleans.