Philada. Feby 11th. 1777
Gentn.
In complyance with your letter of the 3d Inst I dispatched that express to Boston with the Sundry letters for France Marked No. 1 and with them I sent the News Papers down to the day the Express set out. The Packets No. 2 I detained here & shall send them by the first Vessell. My reason for doing this was because I think they will leave this long before the others can get to Boston.
A Ship is just arrived from Nantes with Salt, the latest letters by her are dated the 16 Novr., at least those are the latest I have seen or heard of, there is none from Mr Deane, and Doctr Franklin cou'd not possibly be arrived at that date. The Sloop Independance is nearly loaden. I thought of sending her for Nantes but reflecting that Supplys must certainly have been sent out to Martinico I begin to think it may Answer better to Send her thither as she will sooner be back. Of this I will Consider & Act for the best, but if in the mean time I receive any orders they shall be punctually obeyed. You had best send up dispatches to go by her both for Mr Bingham & for Paris. By a Brigt from Martinico Mr Bingham sent the enclosed papers but no letter for the Committee.
The Captn of the Brigt a French Man told me that in Consequence of the Admiral at Jam[aic]a refusing to deliver up some French Vessells they had seized, the Genl at Martinico sent out a Frigate which took an English Brigt of 14 Guns & brought her in, but before I give entire Credit to this I must see it under Mr Binghams hand.
1 Mr Bradford of Boston writes me that a Gentn there has recd. Answers to letters he wrote by our Packet the Success, Capt Cleveland, in which Mr Merkle went passenger so that Vessell must be arrived. I am very respectfully, Gentn, Your Obedt Servt,
Robt Morris
Receiver's copy, Papers of Continental Congress, item 137, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
1 This is probably an exaggerated account of the seizure and condemnation of the French brigantine Le Guillaume. In reply to strong French protests, British Admiral James Young replied that he could not order the return of the vessel, but he subsequently issued orders and public notices prohibiting the cruising of English privateers without royal commissions. see Morgan, Naval Documents, 7:1088 - 92, 1138 - 41, 1182 - 84, and 1270 - 71.