I had the honor, Sir, to receive the letter which you wrote me on the 26th of this month, as well as all the enclosed documents.

I agree with you, Sir, that our merchant ships should not excuse themselves from answering the call of English warships, and it appears to me that if these have had to use force so as to oblige the former to comply with this rule, it was only after encountering resistance on their part, in view of which we have no grounds for complaint in this matter.

However the establishment of English cruises near our coasts and roads not only causes prejudice to the trade in which the inhabitants of New England engage with our Colonies, but in my opinion, it is also prejudicial to the dignity of the King and contrary to common usage.

Indeed, it is against all rules to establish cruises within range of the guns of a fort, and the King could not tolerate the English cruises without making sacrifice of the rights of his Sovereignty. I will instruct M. Garnier to make confidential representations to the Court of London in this matter and especially to present to them the facts reported by M. d'Argout² and suggest to them that they recommend more consideration and caution to the persons in charge of carrying out their orders.³ However, I believe that the most effective manner to move the English ships away from our coasts and ports is to establish our own cruises in such manner that they will keep off the English ships and compel them to keep a good offing. Thus American vessels and our own will be able to sail more freely and will find means to escape inspection by the English. Furthermore, if the English are so bold as to pass our ships and sail too close to our coasts, it will be possible to chase them with gunfire without hesitation or evasion: a few examples of this kind will inspire their respect far better than the orders and threats from the Court of London.