Sir

I did not answer your first Letter the same day, that I received it, because it was wrote in English, and that it was Necessary to get it correctly translated, before it was answered, I hope you will accept of this reason and excuse the delay; and as for the repitition which you make, in your second Letter;¹ of your doubts, concerning my intentions towards your Nation, I think, you might have imagined, that they were peaceable ones, from the English Flag, which you see hoisted in the harbour of this Town, and which undoubtedly enjoys the Spanish Protection. Tho' the complaint, which you make to me of the American Officer, is a just one, it would be still more so, if one had not replied with harsh and offensive words to his simply hailing the Ship, which were the Motives of his insulting answer, for which however I will oblige him to make his excuses as well to me for the threatnings which he made upon the Spanish Territories as to yourself for his impudence, for which purpose, I hope you will send one of your officers, that the American in my presence may make a suitable Reparation as well to you, as to the Flag of His Britannic Majesty.

It is very requisite, that you should know, that it is Justice, which prompts me to take this Step and not the expression, which carries along with it a kind of menace, of your writing immediately to London. I know the respect due to a King's Flag, and I do not want any other motive to pay due honor to the same, but the respect which I profess for it. I am obliged to you for the just consideration you have had for the Territories of my Sovereign in containing yourself, within bounds, and beg, you would hinder any of the individuals of your ship to use the terms of Rebels and Banditti against the American Englishmen, who are now under the Protection of the King, my Master, because, without entering into the reasons of this War, I know, that, during the time which both parties are in this Colony, they ought to forget, that they are enemies, and that it is an immediate consequence, that where actions are prohibited, words should be the same.

I do not think that the Americans have any Idea of surprising your Ship, and in case they should attempt it, they are to know, that I will take your part, and will use all my power to chastize them; notwithstanding that, I send you a Corporal and six Granadiers, who if you choose are to remain along side of the Ship, and watch day and night, for the safety without. You are at liberty to receive the Boat, and to make use of all the assistance & provisions which I have already offered to you. &c &c &c

New Orleans 15th. March 1778—