58. FRENCH PRIVATEERS HIDE OUT IN BOSTON A very unusual pair of A.L.S.'s by Adjutant General WILLIAM DOMMION, 1p. legal folio each, Boston, Aug. 25 and 26th, 1793, from the office of Governor John Hancock to the French Consul about French privateers attempting to take haven in Boston. The Aug. 25th letter reads, in part: "...Having [been] made acquainted by a Letter from the Supreme Executive of the United States 'That no Armed Rebel which has been or shall be originally fitted from any Port of the United States as a Cruiser or Privateer by either of the parties at War, is to have Asylum in any of the Ports of the United States'. And His Excellency the Governour having been requested by the said Supreme Executive, 'That in case any such Vessell shall have sent or brought judgement on the fifth Instant, or should hereafter send or bring any Prize or Prizes into any Port or Harbour of this Commonwealth, that he would cause such Prize or Prizes to be immediately secured by the Militia for the purpose of being restored to the former owners'". He continues, on Aug. 26: "...I am directed by his Excellency the Governour to inform you that 'The President of the United States after mature deliberation, has decided that no Armed Vessell which has been, or shall be originally fitted in any Port...as a Cruiser or Privateer by either of the Parties at War, is to have Asylum in any of the Ports of the United States...'". Folds, marginal chips, overall very good. Two pieces. $500-700