American Commissioners to Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine, January 7, 1779

Passy Jany 7. 1779

Sir

We have the Honour to inclose your Excellency two Memorials concerning a French Vessell retaken from an English Privateer by An American Privateer the Hampden commanded by Captain Pickering. 8

As there is nothing in either of the Treaties between his Majesty and the united States, respecting such Rescues & Recaptures the Laws of each State must govern the Cases of the Vessells carried into it, untill Some new Regulation Shall take Place. The Sale was made before the new Regulations took place & we apprehend that no Law or Ordinance can justly be made to have a Retrospect or a Retroactive Effect.

We beg the favor of your Excellency to order what appears to you just in this particular Case.

M. De Sartine