They were the
property of a sovereign body, they were seized by an individual, taken
cognizance of by a court of justice, and refused, or at least not
restored by the sovereign, within whose State they had been arrested.
These are circumstances which have been mentioned to me. Doctor
Franklin, however, will be able to inform Congress, with precision, as
to what passed on this subject. If the information I have received be
any thing like the truth, the discussion of this matter can only be with
the court of Versailles. It would be very delicate, and could have but
one of two objects; either to recover the arms, which are not worth
receiving, or to satisfy us on the point of honor. Congress will judge
how far the latter may be worth pursuing against a particular ally, and
under actual circumstances. An instance, too, of acquiescence on our
part under a wrong, rather than disturb our friendship by altercations,
may have its value in some future case. However, I shall be ready to do
in this what Congress shall be pleased to direct.
I enclose the despatches relative to the Barbary negotiation, received
since my last.
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