Sir:

A French vessel having been some time since driven on shore near Roanoke Inlet, a dispute has arisen respecting the goods saved, and some complaints made that part of them have been embezzled. Both parties applied to me on the occasion, but it being out of my power to do anything for them officially, I have advised the Captain to apply to your Excellency, the bearer Monsier Lafout being a friend to the Captain and has been down to the Bank and can give you some information of the matter. I think it is a great pity the Legislature has not taken some notice of these matters, and made some provision to relieve such unfortunate persons as may be driven on our Coasts so as to afford them assistance in saving what little property the enemy and the sea leaves them.