Versaille 7 February 1776
[Extract]
It is fortunate that the incident concerning the two Danish vessels which were taken to English ports has enlightened the English Ministers as to the necessity of restraining their sea officers with the proper instructions. They would extend their jurisdiction quite far if, because war is being waged in North America, they claimed the right to suppress in Europe the freedom of trade relative to goods which are known as contraband only when they are exported to a nation at war with another.
1. AMAE,Correspon<lance Politique, Anglcterre, vol. 514, LC Photocopy.
2. See journal of the Speedwell, November 8 and December 11, 1775, in Volume 3, 355, 422.