As in the event of the war with England, which appears to be almost inevitable it is probable that the Privateers of the U States may cruise in these Seas & occasionally bring Prizes into the Ports of Holland, it will be necessary that our Govt. should pass a Law regulating the process of trial & condemnation & prescribing the Powers & Duties of our Consuls in this regard or in such oth⟨er⟩ manner as Govt may in its wisdom judge to be meet & proper.

I shall in the present interesting Crisis anxiously wait for your advices on this & other points affecting my Situation here which will necessarily arise out of a State of Warr & I have the honor to be With great Respect Yr Ob Serv