I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Office of Foreign Affairs, December 21st, 1781.
Sir,
I do myself the honor to enclose an extract of my letter to Dr Franklin, on the subject of the late ordinance of Congress, relative to captures. Though in it I suggest a mode, by which the identity of goods captured and shipped may be authenticated, yet I have not thought it prudent to give it the preference to any other, which Dr Franklin, upon communicating with the Minister, may think more proper. I have only to request, that you will by your representations second his, and urge the Court of France to adopt the regulation above suggested, or any other that will best guard against this illicit commerce on the one hand, or the injury of innocent dealers on the other.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.