[Extract]

Sir

(Translation)

I received the two Letters, which your Excellency did me the Honour to write me, the one dated the 10^th. Instant, the other the 17^th.1...

As to the Subject of the Letter of the 17^th., concerning two Vessels taken by the Americans, and brought into Martinico. It is true enough that one of them, laden with Negroes, came to Anchor at Saint Pierres. I put a Guard on Board to prevent the Sale of them, and, at the Expiration of Twenty four Hours, she weighed Anchor. I know not whether the Cargo of Negroes was sold in the Island; those who may have sold, & those who may have purchased them, having every Reason to keep me ig­norant of it; and having no Means of stopping the Sale in the distant Parts of the Is­land, or even of being informed of it.

As to what respects the Vessel, which your Excellency mentions to be at Trinity, a place far from that of my Residence, and the Officers of Administration. I this Moment write to have an Account of it given to me, and to give Orders for her Depar­ture, if she be there or in the Environs.

I should be sorry that your Excellency thought, that I was not as active and care­ful as possible, in preventing the Sale of Prizes, taken from the English Nation by the Americans as well as the arming of Privateers by the French It is but a few Days since I had a Privateer of that sort disarmed, caused the Captain to be put in Prison, and all the Crew; and confiscated the Vessel. I have already made eight or ten Examples of this Kind. But I must advertise your Excellency, that false Commissions from the Congress,  to arm as Privateers, are printed at Dominica, and sold at Martinico; and I have now some of them in my Hands which I caused to be seized. It is for your Excellency's Wisdom to prevent such Abuses which are injurious to the Trade of the English Nation; and which I cannot entirely hinder, if you are not equally careful to put a Stop to them; provided it be not contrary to the Freedom of the Press.

I send your Excellency one of these Commissions, which was found in a priva­teer, which I caused to be disarmed. You may perhaps, by Means of it, discover the Fabricator of such Papers, and the Place where they are manufactured.

I have not yet had the Honour to see Mr. Jones, whom your Excellency recom­mended to me. I will show him when I see him, all the Civilities, he is intitled to, and which are due to your Excellency's Recommendation to me in his Favour. I have the Honour to be with great Esteem & perfect Consideration [&c.]

I certify that the above is a true Translation of the Marquis de Boüillé's Letter of the 19^th. Octo^r. 1777 to Governor Shirley. Roseau Nov^r. 7. 1777

Jn^o Gillon
Sworn Interpreter & Translator