[23] The question here referred to is as follows; "In case that Spain succeeds in conquering East Florida, what will be the pretensions of Congress in regard to the Southern boundaries of Georgia?"
TO JOHN PAUL JONES.
Philadelphia, April 17th, 1782.
Sir,
I enclose an extract from a protest made by Captain A. de Neef, commanding the brigantine Berkenbosch, which has been transmitted to Congress, and by them to me, in order that I might inquire into the facts therein alleged. I must beg the favor of you to state them to me as far as they come within your knowledge, that measures may be taken to vindicate your reputation, and that of the American flag, if, as I presume, the charges are ill founded, or to repair any injury, which you may undesignedly have occasioned him.
Complaints have been made to Congress by officers and men, who formerly belonged to the crew of the Bon Homme Richard, and the Alliance frigate, of their not having yet been able to obtain the share of prize money due to them; in consequence of which Congress have directed me to draw a memorial to the Court of France, praying its interposition, in obtaining justice for them. As this whole business, as far as I can collect from the Concordat entered into by you and the gentlemen commanding the other vessels under your command, appears to have been a private transaction, I am at a loss upon what to ground an application to the Court, more particularly as neither of the parties have as yet called upon this office with proof of their having applied to M. Chaumont, or been denied justice by him. You will oblige me by giving me all the light in your power upon this subject, if possible, by the next post.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
THOMAS S. LEE TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Annapolis, in Council, April 19th, 1782.