Navy Depart. Dec. 30, 1800. Benjamin Stoddert Navy Depart. 30. Dec. 1800. Sir A Treaty has been negotiated between the United States, & the French Republic, which is now before the Senate. Whether it will, or will not be ratified, I cannot determine. One article of the Treaty is, that captures on either side, made after the [undecipherable] of Oct last, shall be restored — In the present State of things, it will be proper that you treat the armed Vessels of France (Publick & private), exactly as you find they bear on Trading Vessels; — if they continue their depredations, you will continue to capture them — if they cease to molest our Trade, you will so conduct yourself, as to convince them that we can return to a state of amity with the French Nation, not only without reluctance — but with pleasure. The French Prisoners at St[undecipherable] are maintained at the expence to the United States, beyond the reason — I have urged their being sent to the States, while I am tired of repeating [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] [undecipherable] dispersed. I request that you will immediately [undecipherable] — [undecipherable] that may occur when you receive this, to be sent to Guadaloupe, & proceed[undecipherable] for the delivery of [all?] them, for them they would give up American Prisoners in exchange. If Lord [undecipherable] take a Prisoner, suffer him to be released to the [undecipherable] go where he pleases, on parole. You will of course direct all the Vessels under your command to govern themselves by the rules you prescribe for your own conduct — but for further advice from me, it will be best for you to employ them almost entirely in convoying our Trade where ever necessary about the Islands — unless indeed you clearly ascertain, that the French Vessels continue to capture ours. In that case you will employ the Vessels under your command in cruising after them. I have the honor to be with much respect Sir Y^r Most Obed^t Serv^t Ben Stoddert . [Address:] Commodore Barry — Or the Officer Commanding the American Squadron at St Kitts