d as commercial agents. If we should
find it expedient to give appointments to any other persons, before we
hear from Congress, we will send information of it by the first
opportunity. If Congress should think proper to appoint consuls, we
are humbly of opinion, that the choice will fall most justly as well
as naturally on Americans, who are, in our opinion, better qualified
for this business than any others, and the reputation of such an
office, together with a moderate commission on the business they may
transact, and the advantages to be derived from trade, will be a
sufficient inducement to undertake it, and a sufficient reward for
discharging the duties of it.

We have the honor to be, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[51] Private Agent for American Affairs in Holland.

* * * * *

_The Functions of Consuls_,

Are to maintain in their department the privileges of their nation
according to treaties.

To have inspection and jurisdiction, as well civil as criminal, over
all the subjects of their States who happen to be in their department,
and particularly over commerce and merchants.

This sort of commission is not given, but to persons above thirty
years of age.

Those appointed should cause their powers to be registered in the
nearest Court of Admiralty, and in the Chamber of Commerce, if there
is one, near the place of their residence.

On his arrival there, the Consul should publish his powers in the
assembly of merchants of his country happening to be there at the
time, and put them on the records of the Consulate.

When there is any question that affects the general affairs of the
commerce of his nation, he ought to convoke all the merchants and
masters of vessels of his nation then in the place, who are obliged to
attend, under penalty, according to the resolutions taken in these
assemblies; the Consul issues orders which ought to be executed, and
of which he should send copies every three months to the Lieutenant
General of the nearest Admiralty and Chamber of Commerce.

The jurisdiction of Consuls extends to several objects, for he not
only supplies the place of a Court of Admiralty, but also of a common
court of justice.

In civil matters the j