I have endeavored to obviate these inconveniences by writing to the Ministers and their Secretaries, informing them of this arrangement, and requesting them to appoint agents, who shall manage their business here. In the meanwhile, I must request, for my justification, some resolutions of Congress, authorising me to act as their agent till they shall make such appointments. I have thought it reasonable to charge them the usual commission upon the purchase of bills, and shall continue to do so, till they appoint other agents.
TO WILLIAM MOORE, PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Office of Foreign Affairs, September 8th, 1782.
The State of Pennsylvania not having as yet passed laws conformably to the eleventh Article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between his Most Christian Majesty and these United States, agreeably to the requisition of Congress to the several States, passed the 14th day of January, 1780, a copy of which is enclosed, I find myself called upon by the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian Majesty, in behalf of such of the subjects of France, as in confidence thereof have purchased real property in this State, to solicit for them the security they are entitled to by this article.
I have the honor, therefore, to request your Excellency to take measures for calling the attention of the Legislature to this stipulation in the Treaty, when at their earliest leisure from such business as they conceive requires more immediate despatch. I beg also to be informed, whether any, and what steps, have been taken to carry into effect the several resolutions of the United States in Congress assembled, contained in the letters I did myself the honor to write to your Excellency, of the following dates, 18th and 19th of February, and 2d of May, 1782.
Office of Foreign Affairs, September 9th, 1782.
I have the honor to enclose copies of letters, which have been received from the Governor of the Island of Granada, in consequence of letters written, on my application, by the Minister of France, and the state of Mr Mc Clintock's case, transmitted by me.
From this answer, I think the justice of Mr Mc Clintock's claim is put out of doubt; but, at the same time, redress will be rendered more difficult, by our being now obliged to seek it in another channel. I shall, however, direct a memorial to be presented on the subject to the Court of France, and send over authentic copies of the documents in my possession. It would greatly facilitate this business, if Mr Mc Clintock had an agent in France, who would prosecute his claim, and to whom I would afford all the facilities in my power. I mention this matter to your Excellency, because the Legislature of New Hampshire, having interested themselves therein, I presumed that it would be agreeable to them to know that it was not neglected.