TO M. SCHWEIGHAUSER.
Passy, February 10th, 1779.
Sir,
Captain Jones has represented to us his desire and intention of returning to the Countess of Selkirk some plate, which his people took from her house.
We apprehend that Congress would not disapprove of this measure, as far as it should depend upon them, and we therefore consent on the part of the United States, that this plate should be returned. This consent is to be understood to extend no further than to the share, to which the United States may be supposed to have a claim. The claim of the officers and men, Captain Jones must be responsible to them for. This plate in the whole is represented to be worth about one hundred guineas.
We are, Sir, &c.
B. FRANKLIN,
JOHN ADAMS.