1 90 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Abbe Desprades. [1776?] December 10. Paris. 



Requesting a letter of recommendation for a young surgeon who is 

 going to offer his services to the allied armies in the United States. A. 

 L. I p. (In French.) LX, 100. 



From Mottin de la Balme. 1776. December 14. Bordeaux. 



Was just about to send him two letters of recommendation co 

 Philadelphia when he was informed of Franklin's arrival at Nantes; 

 sends them now and begs him to repair the loss by substituting some 

 other protector. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) IV, 121. 



From C[harles Frederic] Bedaulx. 

 1776. December 16. Havre-de-Grace. 



Takes the liberty of sending the enclosed letter, which was given 

 him by Mr. Barker at Rotterdam, three months before. Embarked at 

 that time for America, but having been taken by the English, found an 

 opportunity to return to France. Is about to set out again to use his 

 sword in the cause of liberty against oppression. A. L. S. I p. IV, 123. 



From C [hades Frederic] Bedaulx. 1776. December 16. Paris. 



Devoted to the cause of America but wishes to do more than make 

 useless avowals. Hesitated at first to go to America, fearing to be 

 taken for one of the numerous adventurers; after his first attempt, has 

 still enough money left to cross the ocean, but desires Franklin's advice 

 as to ways and means; anxious to arrive before the opening of the 

 next campaign in order to take part in the operations. A. L. S. 3 p. 

 (In French.) IV, 122. 



From Phil[ip] Thicknesse. 1776. December 16. Calais. 



Being an indirect sufferer in the cause of American liberty, ventures 

 to write to Franklin. His misfortunes due to his having spoken and 

 sometimes written his honest sentiments relative to Franklin's public 

 ones. By the defeat of Lord Camden in the House of Lords he lost 

 £10,000, as Franklin will see by the enclosed papers. Is now pub- 

 lishing by subscription " A Journey Through France," and entreats the 

 honor of his name as well as those of the Continental Congress as sub- 

 scribers. His motives not mercenary; they spring from a desire to have 

 those names associated with his for future generations to see. A. L. S. 

 I p. IV, 124. 



