on board His Britannic Majesty's Sloop
of War the Sylph in the River
Mississippi 14th. March 1778
Sir
Having the honor to command one of His Britannic Majesty's Ships in this River, and having information, that your Excellency has received into your Government, a Body of Armed Men, Enemies to my Sovereign, and that you have suffered them, from the Spanish Territory, to commit depradations on this River, by forcibly seizing upon the Vessels, Property, and Persons of British Subjects, in violation of the Treaties of Peace, the Law of Nations, and the Rights of Men. I cannot help looking on such conduct on your part, as a tacit, if not an open declaration of war, against the King, my Master. I have therefore thought it necessary, to send an officer (with a Flag of Truce) to wait upon your Excellency, to know your sentiments on this subject. and at the same time to be informed what reception I may expect, if I approach the Town of New-Orleans. As I am fully determined not to suffer any affront to be offered to the British Flag. I have the honor to be [&c.]