We have the honor of enclosing to your Excellency an account of Duties paid by the Agent for necessary Supplies to the Ship of War the Boston, in the Port of Bordeaux.¹ As these Duties are very heavy, & the payment of any duties on mere Supplies to Ships of War, as on merchandizes exported appears to us uncommon; we beg the favor of your Excellency to give such orders relative to it, in all his Majesty’s ports, as may regulate this for the future.

The Captain of the Ship of war the Ranger,² belonging to the United States, has we understand, put his prizes into the hands of the Intendant or Commandant at Brest;³ & no account has been renderd of them to the public Agent or to us. We are also given to understand, that in consequence of this proceeding very heavy fees are to be paid upon the sale of them. As the transaction is altogether improper, we must trouble your Excellency for an Order to the Commandant to deliver them, without delay or extraordinary charges, to the public Agent M^r. Schweighauser⁴ at Nantes, or to his order.

It woud give us satisfaction to annoy our Enemies, by giving a Letter of marque which is desird for a vessel fitted out at Dunkerque, & as it is represented to us, containing a mixd Crew of french Americans & English.⁵ But if this shoud seem to your Excellency improper; we will not do it. We have the honour to be [&c.]

Duties paid on the above Articles 790^lt.