“From documents exhibited to me, it is clear, beyond a possibility of doubt, that Captain Landais commands the Alliance, under the full, direct, and express order of Congress; and that no such authority appears to dismiss him from the command. In this situation Captain Landais must answer at his peril for the frigate intrusted to him, till he receives an order of Congress to deliver her to another. If such order exists, those who have it do infinite wrong to the service, in not producing it. If there is no such order, the subjects of the United States, who attempt to divest Captain Landais of the command he holds from the sovereign power, or to disturb him by violence in the exercise of it, commit a high crime against the laws and sovereignity of the United States, and subject themselves to a proportionable punishment.” Mr. Lee knew full well the views of Dr. Franklin upon this all-important subject. Rather defiantly he wrote: “This is my opinion, founded on a cool and candid consideration of the authorities on both sides. You are at liberty to show this letter to whom you please, or to send it to Dr. Franklin.” Landais had abandoned the Alliance at the Texel, and had run away, to avoid arrest for challenging his superior officer to a duel. For seven months he had not stepped on board the ship, during which time Jones had been in undisputed command. He was now virtually under arrest, to be sent back to America to be tried for one of the most atrocious crimes which could be committed. Dr. Franklin, learning that Landais was still at L’Orient, and that he had written to some one, “I am waiting for Franklin’s orders to take command of the Alliance,” addressed a letter to him, expressing his astonishment that he was not long before on his way to America for trial, for which voyage Franklin had provided him with funds. And he added, “I waive any further dispute with you. But I charge you not to meddle with the command of the Alliance, or to create any disturbance on board her, as you will answer to the contrary at your peril.” Landais succeeded in having a paper drawn up, and signed by one hundred and sixteen of the more than four hundred sailors of the Alliance, which was addressed to Dr. Franklin, and which stated that they would not raise the anchor, to leave L’Orient, until they had received six months’ wages, the utmost farthing of the prize money due, including the ships sent to Norway, and _until their legal captain, Pierre Landais, was restored to them_.