er to know the legality of the papers which it is
customary to present in ports, to gain free admission.

I have the honor to be, &c.

THE AMBASSADOR OF NAPLES.

* * * * *

TO THE AMBASSADOR OF NAPLES.

Passy, 9th October, 1778.

Sir,

We are this moment honored with your Excellency's letter of the 8th of
this month, and we thank your Excellency for the information, that his
Majesty the king of the Two Sicilies, has ordered the ports of his
dominions to be open to the flag of the United States of America. We
should be glad to have a copy of his Majesty's edict for that purpose,
in order to communicate it to Congress, who we are confident will be
much pleased with this mark of his Majesty's benevolence.

It is with pleasure that we acquaint your Excellency, that the flag of
the United States of America consists of thirteen stripes, alternately
red, white, and blue; a small square in the upper angle, next the
flag-staff, is a blue field with thirteen white stars, denoting a new
constellation.

Some of the States have vessels of war distinct from those of the
United States; for example, the vessels of war of the State of
Massachusetts Bay have sometimes a pine tree, and those of South
Carolina, a rattlesnake, in the middle of the thirteen stripes.
Merchant ships have often only thirteen stripes, but the flag of the
United States ordained by Congress, is the thirteen stripes and
thirteen stars above described.

The commissions of ships of war belonging to the United States, as
well as those of privateers, are all signed by the President of
Congress, and countersigned by the Secretary. Each State may have a
different method of clearing vessels, outward bound, and a different
form in the papers given, therefore we are not able to give your
Excellency certain information respecting all of them. The
Massachusetts Bay has only a naval officer in each port, who
subscribes a register, a clearance, and a pass for the Castle in
Boston harbor.

We have the honor to be, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

TO M. DE SARTINE.

Passy, 12th October, 1778.