Sir:

You will receive herewith a copy of our letter of the 16th instant, whereby you are appointed our agent to superintend all our business in Europe. This goes by the Continental ship-of-war called the Reprisal, Lambert Weeks [Wickes], commander.

The value of this indigo is particularly intended to be lodged with your banker in Paris, for the use and subject to the order of Dr. Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee, &c.

The Reprisal, Captain Weeks, will make but a short stay at Nantes, as she will immediately proceed on a cruise, and if fortunate, some of the prizes may probably be sent into some of the ports of France. The Commissioners will apply at Court for the liberty and protection of their ports. If this should be granted, it's probable that they may also permit the sale of prizes there, and in such case, the prizes, or such parts of their cargoes as are to be sold in France, will be put under your direction. You must take care that every thing is disposed of to the best advantage, apply the proceeds to the payments we have ordered you to make on account of the publick, and render us very exact accounts of what you credit us in this way, and a particular account of sales of each prize. Should Captain Weeks take any specie, he will pay it to you or the Commissioner, or to their or your order for the same purpose, and you must grant him receipts for the same, expressing that you receive it for the use of the United States of America, and that he is to be repaid by Congress.