Passy, 23 June 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography , 4:140–141. The Commissioners, noting Schweighauser's letter of 18 June (not found) and their instructions to John Paul Jones and Abraham Whipple of 16 and 23 June respectively (for both, see instructions to Jones, 16 June, calendared above), enclosed resolutions of the congress on the disposition of prizes (probably those of 23 March and 30 Oct. 1776, JCC , 4:229–232; 6:913) for Schweighauser's use in disposing of prizes of the Ranger and Providence and informed him of the possibility of a 232prisoner exchange. Finally, he was ordered not to send the Commissioners' circular letter of 10 June announcing the recall of Byron's fleet because it had since sailed.

For a possible postscript to this letter, see the Commissioners to Schweighauser, 10 June (calendared above).

We are without any object Interesting other than the Eclat with which Le Marquis D'Almadova1 is receiv'd by the Governor Intendant and other Cheif officers of this City. He appears much a Man of the World.

He will leave this to Morrow for Paris where he proposes to stay Six Days. His Retinue which is Numerous creates delay by what I learn of them who have had opportunity to introduce themselves into his Family. They do not expect their residence in London will be of long durrée. I hear nothing further of the Boston. No vessels arrived on this Coast since my last. Nine American Seamen arrived here yesterday from St. Sebastians part of a Crew, taken by a Jersey privateer, from Edenton landed on the Biscay Coast. I am with great Respect Your honors Most Obedient Servant

I, Peter Amiel, do acknowledge the thirteen United States of America, namely New Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticutt, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, to be free independant, and Sovereign States, and declare, that the People thereof owe no Allegiance or Obedience to George the Third King of Great Britain; and I renounce refuse and abjure any Allegiance, or Obedience to him. And I do 233Swear, that I will, to the Utmost of my Power Support, maintain and defend, the Said united States against the Said King and his Heirs and Successors and his and their Abettors, Assistants and Adherents, and will Serve the Said United States, in the office of Commander of the armed sloop the Alliance which I now hold, and in any other Office which I may hereafter hold, by their Appointment, or under their Authority, with Fidelity and Honour, and according to the best of my Skill and Understanding. So help me God.