o had conducted it into port,
after deducting the expenses of the proceeding.

I have the honor to be, &c.

LUZERNE.

* * * * *

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.

Office of Foreign Affairs, December 21st, 1781.

Sir,

I do myself the honor to enclose an extract of my letter to Dr
Franklin, on the subject of the late ordinance of Congress, relative
to captures. Though in it I suggest a mode, by which the identity of
goods captured and shipped may be authenticated, yet I have not
thought it prudent to give it the preference to any other, which Dr
Franklin, upon communicating with the Minister, may think more proper.
I have only to request, that you will by your representations second
his, and urge the Court of France to adopt the regulation above
suggested, or any other that will best guard against this illicit
commerce on the one hand, or the injury of innocent dealers on the
other.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

* * * * *

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.

Office of Foreign Affairs, January 19th, 1782.

Sir,

I do myself the honor to enclose two letters from Mr Deane, which were
delivered with his own hand to a Mr Marshal, who has sworn to their
identity. These add so much weight to the suspicions already
entertained against him, that they may probably be of use to your
Court in justifying any measure, which they may deem it proper to
adopt, to prevent the ill effects of the principles he endeavors to
disseminate, and to invalidate the ill-founded assertions he makes.

I beg to be informed whether you think it probable that the Hermione
has sailed yet, and if not, whether you have any express going down to
her.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Translation.

Philadelphia, January 20th, 1782.

Sir,

I thank you for communicating to me Mr Deane's two letters. I shall
transmit them to my Court. I am not at present, sending any express to
the Chesapeake, but I shall probably send one a