he river opposite to Staten
Island. The undersigned Minister cannot enter into the details of this
proceeding, which he knows only by reports, though by reports upon
which he has the strongest reasons for believing that he can depend.
This trade is, moreover, carried on in the most open manner, and he is
convinced, that by inquiries, instituted with promptness and secrecy,
he shall be able to obtain proofs of it, and to procure the means of
putting a stop to it. Cattle of all kinds have served to furnish with
provisions the enemy's fleet, which has just sailed down to the Hook.
It is asserted, that the quantities sent from the Jerseys are immense,
but the Chevalier de la Luzerne thinks it unnecessary to attempt at
present, to determine them exactly, and contents himself with
observing, that the nineteen vessels thus supplied, will not, perhaps,
depart immediately, and that it will be necessary to shut up the
channels by which these provisions have reached them.

There are, besides, eight other ships of the line at New York, which
they intend to supply with provisions in the same way. Congress are
aware how important it is to prevent the enemy from obtaining from the
United States the means of putting to sea, and even of supplying the
garrison. The undersigned also knows what efforts have been made by
that body, on different occasions, to put a stop to those illegal
operations, and how desirous it is effectually to guard against them.
He also knows, that all the good citizens of the Jerseys grieve to see
the enemy obtaining from their own State, supplies, which are employed
against the allies of the United States, and he is convinced, that it
is only necessary to point out the evil, in order that all may
cordially unite in providing a remedy for it.

LUZERNE.

* * * * *

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.

Office of Foreign Affairs, October 30th, 1782.

Sir,

The Secretary of the United States for the Department of Foreign
Affairs has the honor to inform the Minister Plenipotentiary of his
Most Christian Majesty, that a petition has been presented in behalf
of the owners and officers of the brig Laetitia, commanded by Robert
Collins, and commissioned by the United States. That the said brig,
while at anchor in the road of Basseterre, on the 3d day of May last,
near the Island