i82 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From [Frederick William, Baron de] Woedtke. 

 1776, July 4. Crown Point. 



Their difficult situation; need of experienced soldiers. Criticizes 

 Generals Arnold and Sullivan; considers the latter ignorant of his pro- 

 fession. Does all in his power for the well-being of his troops. Heard 

 at Chamblj^ that the English had offered 500 guineas for his capture; 

 naturally much flattered. Begs him to give the position of aide-de-camp 

 general to an experienced man; recommends Col. St. Clair(?). The 

 four vessels of war on the lake in very bad condition. A. L. S. 3 p. 

 (In French.) IV, 94. 



From J. M. Lawrence and William Smith. 

 1776. July 19. Burlington. 



Informing him that Mrs. Mecom's husband is at times very dan- 

 gerous, being often deprived of his reason ; asks Franklin's help in 

 placing him in the hospital at Philadelphia, or in confining him in some 

 other way. A. L. S. 2 p. IV, 95. 



From William Alexander. 1776. July 20. Dijon. 



Introducing M. de Converez, a great traveler who has seen and 

 knows a country at present the object of so much attention in Europe; 

 asks Franklin's assistance in procuring for M. de Converez a proper 

 settlement. A. L. S. i p. IV, 96. 



From Ch[e]v[alier] de Kermorvan. 1776. July 26. 



Works hard to render himself worthy of Franklin's recommendation 

 and esteem. Advice he gave Gen. IVIercer about the necessity of guard- 

 ing the Jersey coast. Concerning a plan for defending the coast of 

 America which he has submitted to Mr. Hancock. Account of small 

 engagements between their batteries and the enemy's boats; fine be- 

 havior of the soldiers. Begs Franklin to plead with Congress for slow- 

 ness in counsel and swiftness in action. A. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) 



IV, 97. 



From Ant[hon]y Wayne. 1776. July 31. Ticonderoga. 



So far removed from the seat of government that verj^ little intelli- 

 gence reaches them. Informed that Lord Howe has joined the General 

 before New York; expresses certain fears for the brave and generous 

 sons of America. In high expectation of shortly seeing Burgoyne; he 



