Paris Novr. 21. 1777—
Mr Williams Sir
You are desired to get from Capt. Adams a particular Accot. of his being taken,1 in which he must ascertain as exact as is in his Power, at what distance he was from the Coast of France when he was first Chased and when he was actually taken, he must make oath to his narration and send it up to us by the first Courier—if you have knowledge of other Vessels taken by English Ships of War near the Coast of France I wish you to enquire into the particulars of their Capture, & at what distance it may have happened & send up the Account to the Commissioners—I am &c
SD—
LB, CtHi, Silas Deane Papers.
1. John Adams, of the Massachusetts schooner packet Lynch, was captured by H.M.S. Foudroyant off the coast of Belle Isle on 9 May. NDAR 9: 390-91. He later escaped and by late October was in Nantes. Silas Deane to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 Oct. 1777, Deane Papers 2: 199-200.
