[Extract]

Dear sir

Yours of the 4^th. to Mess^rs. F. D. & L is before me & I now inclose you a Copy of mine of the 19^th. of August last since which I have had none of yours¹ M^r. I.² is in the Country for a few days, in the meantime the measures you have taken as well with respect to the Vessels detained as the Prize³ are undoubtedly the most proper & I hope you will yet succeed so as to get Liberty for the Prize to go to Bilboa, where our Correspondence is with the house of Mess^rs. Gardoqui, fils & C^o. & if it be practicable I wish you would engage the Pilots to deliver to the Commanders of Prize Vessels arriving in future directions how to conduct on their entering the River or being examined, which will be singly to shew American Colours, keep their Prisoners (if any) out of sight & report the Vessel from Boston. But as two Prizes are now detained at Nantes which were reported from S^t. Eustatia & as you have many busy person in Bourdeaux as well as Nantes the safest way may be to advise them for Bilboa & to apply there to Mess^rs. Gardoqui &c. These Prizes are made by Privateers on private acc^t. consequently are not at our Controul & all we can do is to advise.... &c.