George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee

I have received your Excellency's Letter of the 11 instant.

When the British Vice-Consul at Baltimore exhibits all his proofs respecting the capture of the Brigantine Coningham, a better judgment can be formed than at present, whether this act is an infraction of neutrality. In doing this he ought to make no delay; because there can be no decision before the evidence on both sides is heard.

Three miles will, if I recollect rightly, bring the Coningham within the rule of some decisions; but the extent of Territorial jurisdiction at Sea, has not yet been fixed, on account of some difficulties which occur in not being able to ascertain with precision what the general practice of Nations in this case has been.

With very great esteem etc.¹