Sir

I have had the honor of receiving by the officer, whom you was pleased to send me, two Letters, the one from yourself and the other from the Governor of Pensacola.¹ I omit for the present to answer the latter, and confine myself to yours of this day's date

I do not know, how you can take my mode of proceeding as a declaration of war, Violation of the Treaties of Peace, Law of Nations and Rights of Men; when at the same time I do not think, that I have taken a single step, which does not indicate a religious observation of the same Rights, which you accuse me of having violated. The Assistance and protection, which I have given to the Subjects of His Britannic Majesty are in too great a Number to be mentioned in this Letter, if you enquire after them of the very people, who received them.

If I have received the Americans upon the Territories, which I command, it was out of regard of the same rights of Men, which you say, I do not observe, and because in the present circumstances, I follow the example of the European Courts, in whose Sea-Ports, the Loyal Englishmen & the Americans are received indiscriminately, without it being looked upon by the Court of Great Britain, as a declaration of war.

You are at liberty to put what construction you please upon my way of proceeding: my ideas are certainly no others, than to remain neutral in the present war, according to the commands of the King, my Master: and should you (persisting in your opinion of my way of acting) pretend to commit the least hostility from Manchac to Balise, towards the Subjects of my Sovereign, or any one under his Protection in this Colony, you will find me as resolute to repress you by force of Arms, as I am willing to preserve the friendship & good understanding of the two Nations, as long as you will contain yourself in the proper limits, and observe the consideration due to a Mediation upon the Territories of his Catholic Majesty.

In hopes of your being equitable enough in consequence of my answer, to acknowledge the justice of my conduct, and my pacific intentions, and that the Peace, which we enjoy, will not be disturbed on your side, I offer you the assistance or provisions, which you may want yourself, as well as for your Ship, which you may safely bring near the Town, and come on shore, whenever it is agreable to you. &c &c &c—

New Orleans 14^th March 1778