Title
[Document, 1781 November 06]
Library Location
Name
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Author)
Floridablanca, José Moñino y Redondo, conde de, 1728-1808 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
November 06, 1781
Language
English
Physical Description
3 pages
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
John Jay is concerned to hear that Floridablanca has received information about Captain Hill of the Cicero of such a nature as to have him detained in Bilbao. The version and which he has good reason to believe John Jay heard is as follows. When Captain Hill was leading a prize he had taken to Bilbao, he met another ship he took to be an enemy and fired a broadside at it which claimed to be in distress. Because its men spoke only English after this happened did he discover it to be a Spanish vessel. Floridablanca will not think Hill's conduct unjustifiable under the circumstances. No American vessel can have the least temptation to violate the rights of Spain, but instead, in line with their interest, wish to cultivate friendship with Spain. Ask Floridablanca to allow the vessel to depart, upon Captain Hill's giving security for payment of such damages as he may be charged with after an inquiry into the matter.
Identifier
columbia.jay.12120