[Extract]
To the Honb^le. B. Franklin, S. Deane & A. Lee esq^rs.
Honble Gentlemen.·

... It is with concern we find that British property has lately been covered by conveyance in french bottoms; which practise pursued, and American Search dis­liked by France, it is obvious that the most vulnerable part of Great Britain her com­merce, will be secured against us, and that, by the intervention of our professed friends. We desire therefore, gentlemen, that you will confer with the ministers of France on this subject, & satisfy them of the propriety and even necessity which there is that either this commerce should be prohibited or that the United States be at lib­erty to seach into and make distinctions between the bottom and the enemies prop­erty conveyed in that bottom....

Copy, DNA, PCC, item 79, vol. 1, pp. 113-15 (M247, roll 105).