gard and esteem,

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

FOOTNOTES:

[22] A Spanish gentleman residing in Philadelphia, and apparently
intrusted with some kind of agency by the Spanish government.

[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.

Sir,

We have been duly honored with your several letters of the 12th of
November, 1781, and the 18th and 19th of February, 1782,