Monsieur
Il y a differentes Matiéres sur les quelles je dois avois l'honneur d'entretenir Votre Excellence des que j'aurai celui de la voir. en attendantje crois Monsieur le comte qu'il est de mon Devoir indispensable de vous communiquer le Papier ci jointe que je viens de recevoir dans l'instant Je me borne a reclamer le Vaisseau anglais et sa Cargaison dont je ne doute nullement que vous n'ordonniez La Restitution immediate. Je ne ferais aucune Reflexion sur la Conduite du Pirate Arnericain. Je suis bien persuadé que cette Cour est trop fidelle a ses Engagemens, trop èclairée sur ses Intérêts, trop Jalouze de sa Dignité pour ne pas punir severement de pareils Attentats.1 J'ai I'honneur d'Être [&c.]
à Paris ce 20. 9bre. 1777
[Translation]
Sir
There are various matters about which I am to have the honor of speaking to your Excellency as soon as I have the honor to see you. While waiting, I believe M. Le Comte, that it is my bounden duty to forward to you the enclosed paper that I just received a moment ago.
I am limiting myself to laying claim to the English vessel and its cargo of which I have no doubt whatsoever that you will order its immediate return. I shall make no comment on the conduct of the American pirate. I am indeed convinced that this court is too faithful to its commitments, too clear as to its interest, too jealous of its dignity not to punish severely such attacks.1 I have the honor to be [&c.]
Paris, 20 November 1777
Stormont
[Enclosure]
Particulars of Captain Hawkin's Protest
Robert Hawkins Master of the Brig Emperor of Germany parted from Cork the 27th Octr. and on the 11 Novr. got in sight of the Tower of Corduan; at 2 oclock same Day got a Pilot on board who told him that two Vessels then in Sight were American Privateers who at that time were about two Leagues from him on which he immediately made Sail and was chased about one League within the Tower of Cordouan when he was boarded by the Schooner SwallowJohn Martin Master who had on board part of the Crew belonging to the PortsmouthCaptain John Hart who's long-Boat full of Armed Men also came on board in a few Minutes After She being Ordered to row round by the Tower, in order to intercept said Hawkins in the River in case he had taken the North Channel having taken possession of his Vessel they made sail towards the Portsmouth on board of which they put Capt. Hawkins and all his Crew &c
Captain Hawkins remonstrated with Capt. Hart on the Illegality of taking Him in the River of Bordeaux to which He made no vindication but on the contrary said that his People in the Boat had orders to take Him even tho' He should reach Blaye before they overtook Him &c &c.
Early next Morning He ordered Capt. Hawkins and his crew excepting one he retained into the Pilot Boat having plundered them of most of their Cloaths about eight oclock they landed at Ryan
