at no convoy was appointed or did go with
that fleet, either last year or this.

For the captivity of a fishery so entirely defenceless, (for not one
of the vessels has any arms) a single frigate or privateer of
twentyfour or even twenty guns would be quite sufficient. The
beginning of December would be the best time to proceed from hence,
because they would then find the whale vessels nearly loaded. The
cargoes of these vessels, consisting of bone and oil, will be very
valuable, and at least 450 of the best kind of seamen would be taken
out of the hands of the English, and might be gained into the American
service to act against the enemy. Most of the officers and men wish
well to their country, and would gladly be in its service if they
could be delivered from that they are engaged in. But whenever the
English men of war or privateers have taken an American vessel, they
have given to the whalemen among their crews their choice, either to
go on board a man of war and fight against their country, or to go
into the whale fishery. So many have chosen the latter, as to make up
most of the crews of seventeen vessels.

We thought it proper to communicate this intelligence to your
Excellency, that if you found it compatible with his Majesty's service
to order a frigate from hence, or from the West Indies, to take from
the English at once so profitable a branch of commerce, and so
valuable a nursery of seamen, you may have an opportunity of doing it;
if not, no inconvenience will ensue.

We have the honor to be, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
JOHN ADAMS.

[Mr Lee did not sign, but objected to the acknowledgment of giving up
the American subjects, captured in the enemy's vessels, as being a
favor.]

* * * * *

COUNT DE VERGENNES TO THE COMMISSIONERS.

Translation.

Versailles, October 31st, 1778.

Gentlemen,

You request that a day be fixed for the interchange of declarations
relative to the omission of the eleventh and twelfth articles of the
treaty of commerce. If next Monday, November 2d, is convenient to you,
I should be glad to have the honor to receive you, and I flatter
myself you will do me the honor to dine with me on that day.

I have the honor to be, &c.