a Versailles le 20 juin 1778.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, une Lettre de Nantes qui m’été ecritte par le Sr. J. W. Schweighausér, agent d’Etats unis de L’amérique septentrionale, qui comme chargé de la Direction des prises faites et conduites à Brest par les fregates Le Ranger et La Providence, me demande les formalités à observer pour la vente des d. prises. je lui réponds qu’elle peut être faite soit à Bord soit à terre, à l’amiable; mais qu’il ne doit être question d’aucune des formalités qui s’observent en général pour des prises. je préviens les officiers de l’amirauté de Brest de ce que je lui marque à ce sujet; et je vous en fait part, étant à propos que vous en ay connoissance. j’ai l’honneur d’être [&c.]
de sartine
[Translation]
I have received, Sir, a letter from Nantes written to me by Mr. J. W. Schweighauser,1 agent of the United States of North America, who, being entrusted with the disposition of the prizes taken and brought into Brest by the frigates Ranger and Providence, asks me the formalities to be observed for the sale of the prizes. I am answering him that the sale can be done on board or on shore, by private contract; but that it should only be a matter of the formalities that are observed in general for prizes. I am alerting the officers of the admiralty of Brest of what I am telling him on this subject; and I am informing you of it, it being appropriate that you have knowledge of it. I have the honor to be [&c.]
L, MH-H, Arthur Lee Papers (MS Am 811.3), ser. IV, no. 151. Addressed at the foot: “M. Franklin Député des Etats unis de L’amérique septentrionale”; translation: “Mr. Franklin, Deputy of the United States of North America.”
1. That is, Jean-Daniel Schweighauser. On 5 June 1778, the American Commissioners in France wrote him: “You request Directions relative to the part you are to act, on such Occasions towards the Custom House. All that We can say at present is, that the American Men of War must comply with the Laws: but We will endeavor to obtain explicit Directions from his Majesty, concerning this Subject.” DNA, PCC, item 84, vol. 1, p. 143 (M247, roll 111).