To the Commanders of Ships of War or other armed Vessells belonging to the United States of North America, or to any of the Subjects of sd States,
This Certifies, that the Ship Harriott, Isaac All at present Commander or whoever may Command her for the time being is owned by Matthew Mease Esqr of Philadelphia, and having been detained in England since the commencement of the War, has obtained Clearance from thence, as if English property, but in reality, with the sole purpose of carrying a Cargo of Salt and other Goods — not the manufactory of Great Britain, or Ireland, to some of the united States, which by means of said papers may be effected with little risque —
It is therefore requested of the said Commanders, that they permit the said Ship, to pass for the purpose, and on the Voyage aforsd without detention, and that they would Afford her any assistance or protection she may be in want of, in the same way and manner as is usual to other Vessells of their Countrymen —
Given under our hands at Paris this 14 Sepr 1777
(Copy)
(Sign'd) B: Franklin Silas Deane Arthur Lee
