of the french King living at Bayoun in the kingdome of fFrance, which was taken by Captn william Masson & Captn fifrancia Goderis on or about the first day of August last (novastile) rideing before the Isle of persia in the province of Canada in the sd french kings dominions. The which sd ship is now within this horbour of newyork, in whom wee were brought hither as prisoners not knowing the contents of their loading, nather have observed that any part of the sd loading have been unloaden since their departure from the sd Isle of persia to this time, & further saith not --

As their depositiones taken before the Governor the fifteenth day of September instant more fully proport, The which depositiones originally taken in french now translated & examined by Mr pieter Reberdi.e one of the members of the sd Court was found to be true, & also attested by Captn William Masson & Captn John Cornelis tuo of the Commanders of the sd vessells in open Court, whereupon after mature & serious deliberation of the sd Court, It is their unanimous opinion & Judgment That the aforesd vessell the ffrancis & Thomas Togither with her furniture apparrell & loading &c according to the sd lybell exhibited ag* her & the witnesses depcseing to that effect, is a lawfuU prize and so to be disposed of in behalfe of our Sovr Lord the King, according as the Law in such cases provides & allows of, --