Sir:
We have delayed answering that part of your Excellency’s letter of the 26th of March respecting the Seizure of Captain Spicer’s Flag-Vessel until we should receive an answer from the British General, and Admiral at New York to the Letter with its enclosures from the Secretary for foreign affairs on the subject as ordered by Congress.
This day we received the answer which tho’ not so satisfactory as we could wish, is such a one as we might expect. The reasons for delaying the demand of satisfaction, til this late hour, are unknown to us; but the impropriety of it is obvious. Our Memorial No. 1, the order of Congress No. 2, and Sir Guy Carlton’s letter No. 3 are all herewith enclosed, and we hope that the part which has fallen to us, has been executed in a manner, agreeably to the desire of your Excellency. Whenever it may be necessary to do any thing further, we shall be particularly attentive thereto.