We are, gentlemen, &c.
R. H. LEE,
JAMES LOVELL.
P. S. You will see what we have written to M. Dumas, and you will point out what will be our line of honor to him and justice to these States.
TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.
Passy, May 16th, 1778.
Sir,
We had this morning the honor of receiving your Excellency's letter of the 13th instant, relative to the Boston frigate. We beg leave to assure your Excellency, that the frigate, called the Boston, now at Bordeaux, is a ship of war belonging to the thirteen United States of North America, built and maintained at their expense by the honorable Congress. We, therefore, humbly presume, that his Majesty's royal determination, on the representation of the Farmers-General, will be according to the usage of nations in such cases, and your Excellency may be assured that Captain Tucker will conform to that determination with the utmost respect.
We have the honor to be, &c.
B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.