obtained permission of this government
to put all British prisoners, whether taken by continental frigates or
by privateers, into the King's prisons, and we are determined to treat
such prisoners precisely as our countrymen are treated in England, to
give them the same allowance of provisions and accommodations and no
other. We, therefore, request you to inform us with exactness what
your allowance is from the government, that we may govern ourselves
accordingly.

We have the honor to be, with much respect and affection, your
countrymen and humble servants,

B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

M. DE SARTINE TO THE COMMISSIONERS.

Translation.

Versailles, September 21st, 1778.

Gentlemen,

I have had the honor of receiving your note of the 17th instant. I
have no doubt that my observations on the necessity of a perfect
reciprocity between the two nations, in regard to recaptures at sea,
appear to you just. I am sorry that you have not at hand a copy of the
laws of the United States relative to this subject. Many difficulties,
which the distance of the two countries may render very frequent,
might thus have been prevented. The laws of Massachusetts Bay,
referred to by Captain M'Neil, are different from those of England,
and somewhat resemble the French. The English regulations seem to be
more favorable to the interests of commerce, (which should never be
lost sight of even in war,) by allowing half of the vessel in all
cases to the original owner. But it is particularly important, that
the different States should adopt some uniform and permanent system in
regard to this subject, so that there may not be different regulations
for each State, which the ignorance of the commanders of privateers
will prevent them from applying to different circumstances, thus
giving rise to difficulties, which might be avoided by uniform
legislation.

With regard to the recapture of the Isabella by Captain M'Neil, I have
merely indicated to you the grounds on which the owners rested their
claims in their letter to me. It is not the province of the government
to examine them; that matter comes under the jurisdiction of the
courts; i