[Extract]
4 May 1777
Approved by the
King's hand.

. . . Following the representations you made to me, Sir, I have received the King's orders On the Course of action to be taken by the Captains of His Ships on patrol in the event that an English Ship should Chase a Vessel within their sight. lt is His Majesty's intention that, in this case, His Ships hoist their Flag, and engage him with a cannon shot. If the Vessel being Chased shows a French Flag, His Majesty's Ship will head for him and will take him under its protection; and the Captain will declare, as much as is needed, to the Captain of the English Ship, that, since His Majesty's Ship is on patrol in these waters in order to protect His Nation's Trade and to guarantee peace, he can not allow a french vessel to be searched in his sight, and would be opposed to. the search.

But if the vessel being chased shows foreign colors, the Captains of His Majesty's Ships will not alter course, regardless of what Nation the colors may be, and will not meddle in any manner in what might take place between the Ship Chasing and the Vessel being Chased, unless the latter places himself within range to seek the shelter and protection of the King's Flag, in which case the Captains will follow that which is prescribed for them in this respect in their instructions.

In the prohibition of becoming involved in matters which concern Foreign Vessels, one must however make an Exception in the case where the Vessels might be found at a distance of one or two Leagues off the coasts of France. Only in this case must the Captains of His Majesty's Ships steer towards the Vessel Chasing and declare that they can not Permit that there be any violence or insult committed on the Coasts of the Kingdom, and that the freedom of trade which His Majesty wishes to Maintain On His Coasts, for all Nations, requires that they accord protection to the weakest, no matter who it may be: And in case of obstinacy on the part of the English Ship, they will follow that which is set out in their instructions.

Moreover, you are aware, Sir, that in all cases the commanders of His Majesty's Ships ought not to resort to any measures until they are sure that their forces are Sufficient to impose them, and that under no Circumstances are they to compromise the honor of the Flag.

You will have the kindness, Sir, to communicate to the Captains of the Ships that you detach from the King's Fleet, that which His Majesty has ordered me to set forth to you on this topic, and you will continue to recommend to them, furthermore, not to deviate from the literal interpretation of their instructions.

I am having an Extract of this letter sent to Mons. de la Motte-Picquet by way of L'Orient. . . .