War Department August 7. 1792 I am directed by the President of the United States to inform your Excellency that it has been agreed between the general Government and the consulate of France & had in case any of the vessels of France shall seize any prize & into any ports against which action allegations shall be made or citation in action within the limits of the jurisdiction of the United States, that such prize shall remain in the possession of the Consul of France until the Executive of the United States shall have decided thereon — And if no French Consul should reside at the port into which such prize shall be carried, or if the Admiralty Court should not take cognition of such prize, then your Excellency will chase to have recourse to the means pointed out in my letter of the 28 of May last, and to communicate the case with the evidence in writing, for the consideration and decision of the President of the United States thereon — I have the honor to be, with great respect Your Excellency's obedient humble Serv^t H Knox Sec^t of War His Excellency The Governor of Connecticut