The rumor that the American Congress has or in contemplating issuing letters of marque against Portuguese ships has greatly alarmed Spanish merchants, for many of them have acted in good faith and never imagined that such a step would be taken. At present many Spanish merchants have entrusted their goods and effects to ships flying the Portuguese flag. The King has therefore ordered Aranda to find out from Franklin if this rumor is true. If it is, Aranda is to request Franklin to return to Spaniards any Spanish goods found on captured Portuguese vessels. This request seems just and necessary until the news of letters of marque against Portugal is known to all Spaniards who have hitherto used Portuguese ships. Floridablanca has taken the liberty of informing Don Juan Jay of these events in the hope that Jay will do what he can to safeguard the goods of Spaniards by whatever means dictated by prudence.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829