War Department August 7. 1793 Sir 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 Minister of France That in case any of the vessels of France shall send any prizes into our ports, against which proper allegations shall be made, as having been taken within the limits of the protection 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. But if no French Consul should reside at the port into which such prize shall arrive, and if the Admiralty Court should not take possession of such prize; then your Excellency will please to have recourse to the means pointed out in my letter of the 25^th of may last, and to communicate the case with the evidences 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 [signature] His Excellency The Governor of Virginia [Secretary of War 7^th August 1793.]