1800  17 Nov  Halifax  

673. Foreman, Grassie & Co. to Messrs. Gracie & Cox, in receipt of letter and order. ''We are happy in having it in our power to inform you, that Mr. Uniacke has this day been able to effect such a settlement, as to secure the owners of the Nelson, from any action or actions for damages on account of detaining the American Brig Sally the said owners of the Nelson has however to pay all expenses incurred, and after that is done, they may think themselves well off to get out of such a Scrape so easy - there never was so imprudent a thing done, as to seize a Vessel on such frivolous pretences, and never, we believe till now, was the Master of a Neutral Vessel taken out of his ship, when she was sent in for adjudication - had the Master been permitted to remain on board, as he ought to have been, the Atty General wou'd come to a settlement on the rect. of the Vessels papers & permitted her to proceed immediately, but unfortunately no person was left to appear for the Vessel & cargo, and the only thing to prevent heavy damages, and to forward a settlement...was to libel the property, and it has produced a more favourable issue than cou'd well have been expected...  Holograph.

White Family Nova Scotia Archives MG 1 Vol. 951 No. 673