(the fourth being out of the question)
than to assist them in the mode of authenticating the evidence of
their being entitled thereto, and to forward it with powers of
attorney to the Consul of the United States in France. This I will
readily do for them, and write to Mr Barclay on the subject, without
any express direction from Congress, when the petitioners shall call
at this office.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT SMITH, COMMERCIAL AGENT AT HAVANA.

Philadelphia, February 26th, 1782.

Sir,

Your letter to the Superintendent of Finance was received, and
referred by Congress to this office, when upon mature deliberation it
was determined for various political reasons, not to recommend the
issuing of any commissions for letters of marque, or reprisals from
any of the Spanish Islands. Congress having considered these reasons,
came into this view, and passed the resolution, which I enclose in
pursuance of their orders.

It is expected, that the several Consuls and agents of Congress,
wherever settled, will keep up a regular and constant correspondence
with me, in order that the United States, in Congress, may have the
fullest information of every transaction in which they may be
materially concerned. This task I dare say you will readily impose
upon yourself, when you reflect on the advantages that may result from
it. The points on which I shall chiefly trouble you for information,
are the naval and military strength of the Island at the time you
write, not merely as to the number of ships and men, but their actual
state of preparation for defensive or offensive operations, their
stations, their prospects and designs, as far as you can learn them.
At your leisure, I wish to have an account of the population, militia,
commerce, husbandry, and revenue of the Island, the sentiments of the
people with respect to this war, and everything else you may deem
curious or interesting.

If a paper is printed at the Havana, you will be pleased to send it to
me by every opportunity. I need not suggest to you the necessity of
preparing your letters, so that they may be sunk in case of danger,
when they contain anything which may be of use to the enemy.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.