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Sir:

I am favoured with your letter of the 23rd May addressed to my predecessor, Gov. Burke, together with a Resolution of Congress passed the 21st authorizing the Executives of the several States in certain cases to suspend the Commissions of Captains of private armed vessels, &c.

The Resolution of the 10th of November, 1780, respecting commissions

of private vessels and Letters of Marque and reprisal; and of May 21st, 1782, I received also enclosure, which I shall pay particular attention to.

Your Letter of the 17th of November, 1781, with the 12 sets of Commissions, &c., I have not received, but presume my predecessor has deposited them with the Naval Officers of the ports, of whom I shall enquire and make such order respecting the Bonds, &c., you request.

Twenty sets of commissions came also enclosed in the above, which I have distributed to the Naval Officers with the Instructions, Bonds, &c., which will be granted only to persons complying with the requisitions accompanying the same.

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