War Department August 20^th 1793 Sir I had the honor of transmitting to your Excellency on the 16 th instant, the determination of the President of the United States to restore all the captures made after the 5^th day of August instant, from any of the belligerent parties by certain French privateers fitted out in the United States. This interposition of the Executive was rendered necessary by our Courts having hitherto declined to take cognizance of such cases; But as in the instance of American citizens and other neutrals there has as yet appeared no objection in the Courts to interpose, I am instructed by the President to inform your Excellency, that in order to prevent any misconstruction of what has been already communicated to your Excellency, that he wishes their cases to be brought before the judicial tribunals. He will afterwards take into consideration any representation which may be made to him. I have the honor to be with great respect, Your Excellency's most obed^t Servant [signature] H. Knox Sec^y of War His Excellency Governor Hancock. [Sec^y at War— 20 Aug 1793 rec'd at Concord 26 Aug 1793 138]