6. It is impossible for the United States to use means to prevent an illicit commerce with the Spanish Colonies, without interfering in their internal regulations. All they can do, is, to consider the regulations made for that purpose as binding upon their subjects, and not to demand satisfaction if they suffer by the penalties, which the laws attempted to be infringed, may impose. To this they will not object, while the punishment is reasonable, and not confined to crimes committed within the jurisdiction of the power imposing it. If it is extended further, such further extension must depend upon treaties between the United States and Spain, and will be the subject of discussion whenever such treaty shall be set on foot. 7. Spain will be allowed, without the least difficulty, either to purchase vessels built in America, or to appoint agents of her own for building vessels of any kind, as well as for arming them, if she thinks proper, from the iron founderies, which are lately erected here, and which will continue to increase in proportion to the encouragement which shall be given them. The last question must be referred to a general treaty, and is of such a nature as not to be properly answered here.[23] I am, with great regard and esteem, ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. FOOTNOTES: [22] A Spanish gentleman residing in Philadelphia, and apparently intrusted with some kind of agency by the Spanish government. [23] The question here referred to is as follows; "In case that Spain succeeds in conquering East Florida, what will be the pretensions of Congress in regard to the Southern boundaries of Georgia?" * * * * * TO JOHN PAUL JONES. Philadelphia, April 17th, 1782. Sir, I enclose an extract from a protest made by Captain A. de Neef, commanding the brigantine Berkenbosch, which has been transmitted to Congress, and by them to me, in order that I might inquire into the facts therein alleged. I must beg the favor of you to state them to me as far as they come within your knowledge, that measures may be taken to vindicate your reputation, and that of the American flag, if, as I presume, the charges are ill founded, or to repair any injury, which you may undesignedly have occasioned him.