I have to acknowlege your Favor of the 30th of May.

It has ever been my Wish to mitigate in every respect as far as is my power the disagreeable Circumstances attendg a State of War—this general Disposition, as well as a Desire to oblige you, would operate strongly in favor of a Compliance with your Request in behalf of your Friend; but unhappily some Dispute between the Contendg Parties, at present prevents all Exchange; but on principles inadmissible on our part. The Case of Capt. Austine has been committed to the Comy of Prisoners, who, I am informed has written to Govr Trumbull on the Subject.

I have no advice of the french fleet mentioned by you, but what is contained in your Letter—no Notice of their Arrival in the Chesapeak has reached me. I am Sir Your &c.