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2185. DENMARK, Prize Claims against.—[continued].

I am instructed * * * to bring again under the consideration of
* * * the King of Denmark the case of the
three prizes taken from the English during the
late war, by an American squadron under the
command of Commodore Paul Jones, put into
Bergen in distress, there rescued from our possession
by orders from the court of Denmark,
and delivered back to the English. * * * The United States continue to be very sensibly
affected by this delivery of their prizes to Great
Britain, and the more so, as no part of their
conduct had forfeited their claim to those rights
of hospitality which civilized nations extend to
each other. [140]
To Le Comte Bernstorff. Washington ed. ii, 347.
(P. Jan. 1788)

 
[140]

Congress directed Jefferson to appoint a special
agent to Copenhagen to present the claim. He selected
Paul Jones. The claims were paid.—Editor.