Carolina

I believe it to be my duty to lay before you an extract of the letter from Captain Pelletier, in command of the freebooter, "Le Hussard", fitted out by our Bayonne yards. Citizen Director, it will come to your notice, that, far from finding allies and friends among the Americans, our French vessels encounter nothing but unprovoked hostility and enemy action.

I do not presume to submit to your judgment any particular measures. Rest assured, under your leadership, in such a situation, each Frenchman is duty bound to ensure the honour of France is up-held.


	Letter from Citizen Basterreche, shipowner, to the Executive Directory:



		Citizen Director I believe it to be my duty to lay before you an extract of the letter from Captain Pelletier, in command of the freebooter, "Le Hussard", fitted out by our Bayonne yards. Citizen Director, it will come to your notice, that, far from finding allies and friends among the Americans, our French vessels encounter nothing but unprovoked hostility and enemy action. I do not presume to submit to your judgment any particular measures. Rest assured, under your leadership, in such a situation, each Frenchman is duty bound to ensure the honour of France is up-held. Yours respectfully L. Basterreche Paris 6 ventôse an 7 of the French Republic

		Translated by Judith-Ann MORRIS.