(No 2)

Sir  I have just received a Letter dated on board his Britannic Majesty's Ship the Seaford with the Honour of your Signature.

The demand, or if it may be so qualified, request therein made is of so Extraordinary, so unprecedented a kind, that its author must Certainly rather have supposed me totally unacquainted with the just rights and franchises of my Masters; or wicked enough to betray the trust by them in me reposed.

I have every kind of respect for his Britannic Majesty's flag; but as my duty dictates, do hereby forfid [sic forbid] the Commander of his Ship the Seaford, to visit, arrest, or by any other means whatsoever molest any Vessel under the protection of this friendly port, on pain of his being answerable for any disagreeable Consequences that may Casually ensue. I am with due Consideration Sir [&c.]