My Lord

The two Ships which Mess Horneca, Fiseaux & Co, are building for Congress Account, but ostensibly for Messrs Le ray de Chaumont, Grand & Co at Paris — are of a peculiar construction, under the direction of a Chevr de St Louis, M. Bouck [Jacques Boux], formerly in the French Navy. They are to carry 30 Guns each; of 24 & 18 pounds Calibre on one Deck, & yet to be able to Load 1000 — or 1200 Tons of Merchandize: & are to be compleated by the 1st August.

I think I had the honor to mention to Your Lordship that the States Genl, had received from M. de Graaf, about the time they delivered their Answer, what He calls pieces justificatives— the defense turns upon theGeneral Instructions to Governors —: To respect the Flag of every Nation first saluting the States Flag — & then to return an equal Number of Guns to those received, except to Merchants ships, which are to receive one Gun less. The Privateer saluted under Congress Colours, which the Govr Considered as belonging to no Nation, & therefore returned the Salute as to a Merchants ship²

I have the Honor to be most respectfully [&c.]

Poland Street [London] 10 June 1777.