by John Marshall

“ Hill, consul of the United States of America, on the subject of a challenge, stated to have been offered through Mr. Hill, by Captain Lawrence, of the U.S. sloop of war the He met, to myself, as commander of H.B.M. ship the Bonne Citoyenne, anchored in this port, pledging his honor, as well as that of Commodore Bainbridge, that no advantage shall be taken by the Constitution, or any other American vessel whatever on the occasion. ”

“ Salvador; the former commanded by Commodore Bainbridge, and the latter by Captain Lawrence, both of whom, and Mr. Hill, the American consul, laid their heads together, to contrive something that, without any personal risk to either, should contribute to the renown of their common country: after various consultations, the following letter was written by Captain Lawrence and addressed to his consul:–
“When I last saw you, I stated to you my wish to meet the Bonne Citoyenne, and authorised you to make my wishes known to Captain Greene. ”