Pointe à Pitre Guadalupe
9th October 1775
Copy/.
Sir M. de Choiseul Commandant at Martinque in my absence has just given me an account of the improper and throughtless behavior engaged in by Mr. Grant Gordon commanding the English frigate Argo at anchor in St. Pierre road. This conduct compels me to make a formal protest and it places me in the position of requesting your Excellency for an explanation in order to know whether that Officer has been authorized to examine several ships anchored under the Cannon of the road, among them one flying the French Flag which he has caused to be lowered in order to substitute that of Great Britain.
This violent act can not have your approval, and I hope that Your Excellency will give Orders to the Officers commanding men of war, that in the future they will conduct themselves in such manner as to give no offense to the good understanding which ought to be maintained between our two nations, and that he will let me know his intentions in this regard, in order that I can give an account to my Court, I am unable to conceal from Your Excellency, that a repetition of this nature will compel me to close our Ports to English men of war, and to repel with force those who would undertake any enterprise contrary to the law and the honor of the Nation.
The event of Mr. Grant Gordon's irregular conduct occasioned a disturbance among the populace of St. Pierre, which without the presence of M. de Choiseul could have been difficult for the Officers, and for the English Sailors who found themselves ashore: It is of the utmost importance not to tolerate similar imprudences, and I flatter myself that Your Excellency will feel, like me, the extreme importance of it, and that he will cooperate with me toward the most secure means to continue the union and friendship which has reigned until now between the respective governments of these Colonies
I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem and the highest consideration, Sir [&c.]
S. Ex. Mr Young, Admiral &ca &ca &ca