E SARTINE TO THE COMMISSIONERS.

Translation.

Versailles, 29th July, 1778.

Gentlemen,

I have received the letter, which you did me the honor to transmit on
the 16th instant. His Majesty relies greatly on the succors of
provisions, which the government of Massachusetts Bay may furnish the
islands of St Pierre and Miquelon.

The difficulties which the privateers of the United States have
experienced till now in the ports of France, either as to the sale of
their prizes, or to secure their prisoners, must cease, from the
change of circumstances. I make no doubt on the other hand, but that
the United States will grant the same facilities to French privateers.
To accomplish this double object, I have drafted a plan of
regulations, which I earnestly request you to examine, and to note
what you think of it; or even to point out such other means as may
answer the same purpose, so that I may receive his Majesty's orders. I
have the honor to be, &c.

DE SARTINE.

* * * * *

TO M. DE SARTINE.

Passy, August 13th, 1778.

Sir,

Your Excellency's letter of the 29th of July, enclosing a plan for a
system of regulations for prizes and prisoners, we had the honor of
receiving in due time, and are very sorry it has remained so long
unanswered.

In general, we are of opinion, that the regulations are very good; but
we beg leave to lay before your Excellency the following observations.

Upon the 2d article we observe, that the extensive jurisdiction of the
Judges of Admiralty in America, which, considering the local and other
circumstances of that country, cannot easily be contracted, will
probably render this regulation impracticable in America. In France it
will, as far as we are able to judge of it, be very practicable, and
consequently beneficial. But we submit to your Excellency's
consideration, whether it would not be better in America after the
words "_les dites Juges_" to add,--or the Register of the Court of
Admiralty, or some other person authorized by the Judge. The
jurisdiction of the Court of Admiralty in America extending for some
hundred miles, this regulation would be subject to great delays, and
other inconveniences, if it was confined to the Judge. The 4th article
seems