Letters to Benjamin Franklin 191 



From Jane Mecom. 



1776. December 16. Goshen, Chester Co., Pa. 



Distressed at his leaving the country. Retired for safety to the above 



place on hearing that the enemy were advancing towards them. Return 



of her son-in-law, Collas, who has obtained command of a Continental 



ship and expects to go to France. A. L. S. i p. IV, 125. 



Fro?n J. Gruel. 1776. December 16. Nantes. 



Enclosing a letter from Mr. Roslin, Farmer General, in charge of all 

 the details which concern the affairs of America. Asks Franklin's in- 

 fluence with Mr. Roslin in the matter of reducing the tax on spermaceti 

 oil from Rhode Island. Account of the arrival in port and the unload- 

 ing of the Success; dispositions to be made of the cargo. Arrival of the 

 Reprisal; account of the sale of her cargo. A. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) 



IV, 126. 

 From C[harles] G[uillauine] F[rederic] Dumas. 

 1776. December 17. Leyden. 



Overjoyed at his arrival in Paris. The minimum expenses of a young 

 man studying law at Leyden would be fifty guineas per annum. A. 

 L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XXXIX, 3. 



From C[harles] G[uillaume] F[rederic] Dumas. 

 1776. December 17. Leyden. 



Sketches the great work ahead of Franklin ; certain that it will be 

 consummated with honor; when it is completed will expect a long visit 

 from both him and Mr. Deane. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



XXXIX, 4. 



From J. Gruel. 1776, December 18, Nantes. 



Announcing the arrival of the ship Concord, Capt. Harris. Recom- 

 mending M. de Basmurieu, brother of his nephew to Franklin's kind 

 attention. Just informed of the arrival of the Mary Elizabeth, Capt. 

 Young. A. L. S. I p. (In French.) IV, 127. 



From Berard, Freres & Co. 1776. December 20. L'Orient. 



Making proposals for the purchase of a parcel of tobacco, which they 

 hear he has the disposal of; can offer him the best of terms and will 

 engage to take any quantity he may import in the future. Have it in 



