Dear Sir

I am extremely sorry to give you fresh trouble but I think the Admiral's Answer of yesterday requires an explanation. the haughty English return Gun for Gun to foreign Officers of equal Rank and two less only to Captains by flag Officers.

It is true my Command at present is not important Yet as the Senior American Officer at present in Europe it is my duty to claim an equal return of respect to the Flag of the United States that would be shewn to any other Flag whatever.

I therefore take the liberty of inclosing an appointment perhaps as respectable as any which the French Admiral can produce besides which I have others in my possession. If however he persists in refusing to return an equal Salute I will Accept of two Guns less as I have not the Rank of Admiral.

it is my Opinion that he would return four less to a privateer or a Merchant Ship therefore as I have been honored oftener than once with a Chief Command of Ships of War—I cannot in honor Accept of the Same terms of Respect.

You will Singularly oblige me by waiting upon the Admiral—and I ardently hope You will Succeed in the Application—else I shall be under a necessity of departing without comming into the Bay. I have the honor to be [&c.]

NB. the thirteen Guns your greatest Salute America yet if the French Admiral should prefer a greater number he has his choice on condition.