Abstract. John Ross answer to the foregoing1 dated Nantes 3d. Decr. 1777
"Respecting the Cutter2 mentioned to you by Mr Deane Mr Hodge part owner, was the first who spoke to me of her from some Causes of discontent on acct of the unsuccessfull expensive Cruizes of that vessel, when he intimated to me his beliefs, that Mr Deane wished to get ride of her, & was willing to dispose of the part owned by the public.—At same time pressing me to become purchaser I concluded in Consequence thereof to speak to Mr Deane, & know his Sentiments, who confirmed it but from the impossibility of adopting any regular conclusive mode of Settlement, he told me that the Vessel could not be considered equal to the first Cost, nor practicable to ascertain her value, but proposed to give directions to the Captain & to Mr Hodge to have the hull & materials examined, & the Vallue or Condition of them Mentioned in an Inventory, & if approved of by me to take the public part of her on my own Acct. I shoud only be charged what the Committee of Congress & I agreed on in America for the Interest they had in the Cutter, which he doubted not woud be agreeable to all parties—Upon those Conditions, I accepted of the proposial, merely to oblige Mr Hodge, as the Vessel might be employed more to his Interest under private Instructions than that of the present, & left it interely to Mr Deane & Mr Hodge to settle it in this Manner, assigning me the orders—This business not being final, the Commissioners may approve or disapprove as I want no favor or Interference to the prejudice of the public—but is3 disposed to be relieved of this vessel, leaving the Settlement on Mr Deanes plans Mr Hodge being at Paris will receive the Instructions necessary to give the private owners possession of her—I have lengthened this epistle to give you the particulars. In the mean time I have &c &c."
Copy, DNA, PCC, item 83, vol. 2, pp. 511-12 (M247, roll 110).
1. Arthur Lee to John Ross, 26 Nov. 1777, above.
2. Continental Navy cutter Revenge.
3. Another copy has "if'. ViU, Lee Family Papers.