Charlestown So: Carolina, 18th: June 1778
Sir;
Having receiv'd information that the Schooner Lewis the property of the United States of America was in the Month of February last carried into New Providence as a Prize of the Subjects of His Brittanick Majesty.1 I transmitted this intelligence to the Honble. Continenl: Board of Trade, informing them also of such circumstances of her Capture as came to my Knowledge, in consequence of this Communication I have it in Command immediately to write to the Governor of the Bahamas to demand restitution the Vessell and Cargo, or the Neat proceeds if Sold. From the pacific disposition and friendly conduct of the good people of these States, towards the Inhabitants of your Islands (Altho Subjects of a Prince with whom we are at open War) I persuade myself that this demand will be chearfully granted.—Since I cannot doubt that a Contrary Conduct will involve the Inhabitants of the Bahamas in a predicament we wish to Avoid, I rest assured your Excellency will endeavour to prevent it.—I am [&c.]
Abrm Livingston—
P:S, An Answer to this requistion is expected within three months from the date, the want of it will be deemed a Refusal of the demand—2
Copy, MiU-C, Sir Henry Clinton Papers. Addressed at bottom: "His Excellency Governor Gambier.” Enclosed in Gambier to Clinton, 31 July 1778. Livingston was writing as the Continental Agent for South Carolina.
1. Schooner Lewis was seized by part of its crew and taken into New Providence I. on 17 Feb. 1778. NDAR 11:519.
2. In his letter of 31 July to Gen. Henry Clinton enclosing this Livingston letter, Gambier wrote: “Two Days ago I received a Letter from the Principal Officer of the Congress Board of Trade, a Copy of which Letter you have enclosed. The Vessel therein demanded was brought in here by part of the Crew, who rose on the other Part, the Vessel was here libelled and condemned to the King. The Congress Board of Trade must be convinced, it is not in my Power to make Restitution of such a Vessel. I am therefore apprehensive they make this Demand as a Pretext for putting an End to the Neutrality they have hitherto permitted to these Islands.” MiU-C, Sir Henry Clinton Papers.
