s, and Commissioners of Search in the harbors and other
places to execute and cause to be executed the present order; to
proceed and cause proceedings to be had against offenders, without any
connivance, favor, dissimulation or agreement; for we have thus judged
necessary for the service of the State.

"Done and concluded at the Assembly of their High Highnesses the
States-General at the Hague, the third of November, one thousand seven
hundred and fiftysix."

* * * * *

FROM THE COLLEGE OF ADMIRALTY OF AMSTERDAM TO THE STATES-GENERAL.

Amsterdam, October 12th, 1779.

High and Mighty Lords,

To satisfy the orders of their High Mightinesses and their resolution
of the 8th of this month, wherein it has pleased them to demand our
opinion and our consideration of the annexed Memorial of Sir Joseph
Yorke, Ambassador Extraordinary from his Majesty the King of Great
Britain near the Republic, we take the liberty to answer respectfully
their High Mightinesses, that we had the honor to inform them by our
letter of the 8th of this month of the entry of five ships; and at the
same time of the answer we had given to Captain Riemersma, commanding
at that time in the Roads of the Texel, on the request that had been
made to him by Captain Paul Jones, the said answer containing in
substance that in the belief that these ships would depart on the
first opportunity, we should not grant the debarkation and the stay on
shore which was asked for, of two English Captains, nor permit the
hiring of a house to transport the sick and wounded; and that moreover
we charged the said Captain to keep watch there; that to provide that
these ships should be in security and safe from storms and other
accidents, would not contravene the placard of your High Mightinesses
of November 3d, 1756, which we regard as the rule according to which
all foreign ships of war whatever they be, and from whatever port
they come, which enter into the harbors or roadsteads of the Republic
ought to be treated, and as having been given with the view that the
said foreign ships should put to sea with their prizes, without
discharging them in whole or in part and without selling them or
disposing of them in any manner; that for these reasons, it has
appeared to us that the seizure of the said ships and officers and
sailors would be a contravention of the said placard; that besides,
humanity requi