Papers of John Adams, volume 7
1778-09-10
Captain Daniel McNeill of Boston in the State of Massachusetts Bay Commander of the American Privateer, which has been so successfull against the Common Enemy in the North seas and White seas had the Fortune to retake a French Vessell1 from a Guernsey Privateer,2 after she had been in the Enemy's Possession more than three days, which Prize he has brought into Port Louis.
He represents to Us that he has met with some Difficulties in disposing of her and her Cargo, which cannot be removed untill your Excellencys Sentiments shall be known upon the Matter.3
We have the Honour to recommend his Case to your Excellencys Consideration, and to request that such Relief may be afforded him, as may consist with the Laws of the State,4
his Majestys Interest, and the Treatys in Force between the two Nations. We have the Honour to be,
The Isabelle. For McNeill's voyage and the developing controversy over the Isabelle, see letters to the Commissioners from James Moylan and Puchelberg & Co. of 26 Aug. (vol. 6:398–400).
Benjamin Franklin interlined the following twelve words for insertion at this point and may originally have intended the passage to read “in the Enemy's Possession more than 80 hours,” James Moylan's words in his letter of 26 Aug. In this sentence Franklin also interlined the words “French” and “Prize.”
McNeill was apparently in Paris at this time, thus his representations to the Commissioners were probably made orally, but see his letter of 15 Sept. (below).
Benjamin Franklin interlined the preceding five words, probably for insertion at this point. He may also have underlined the following three words at the same time, possibly to indicate that his interlineation should be substituted for them in the recipient's copy.