fears of the merchants of Bordeaux and
Nantes, who have hitherto transacted business with America, and by
the request of the Commissioners, with regard to the protection of
that commerce. For nearly a month, the French coast along the Bay of
Biscay, and a part of that on the channel, have been guarded by twenty
frigates and corvettes distributed in the open sea, as well as along
the entrances of harbors and rivers. Those stationed at the latter
places, take under their protection the French and American ships
which sail from those points, and convoy them beyond the Capes. If
they meet any vessels inward bound, they convoy them to the entrance
of the harbors.

The frigates stationed further out at sea, are employed in chasing
away the Guernsey and Jersey privateers, which are a great
interruption to commerce. The same orders have been issued in the
Colonies, where the frigates there stationed convoy the French and
American vessels from the coasts. The reports made to me assure me,
that these orders are promptly executed, and that the protection is
extended as fully to American as to French vessels. You will agree
with me, that this kind of protection is for the present the only one,
which it is possible to give to commerce; and that convoys to America
would be impracticable under present circumstances, and are always
insecure, and subject to great inconveniences. To protect the coasts,
to assure a free access to the harbors, to remove the privateers, and
afford a convoy beyond the Capes; these aids commerce requires, and
has a right to expect, and they have long since been provided by the
orders of his Majesty. The Commissioners cannot reasonably complain
when in this respect the American vessels are on an equal footing with
those of his Majesty's subjects.

I have the honor to be, &c.

DE SARTINE.

* * * * *

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO WILLIAM BINGHAM.

York, 26th April, 1778.

Sir,

Herewith you have in triplicate and copy of my former letters. I now
send you the proceedings of Congress upon an appearance of the
draughts of two bills, said to have been read to the British
Parliament. Since Congress took notice of them, Governor Tryon has
sent out from New York copies of them, with greater marks of
authenticity than those bore which first came to hand. H