210 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



Congress should publish an authentic contradiction, that such an in- 

 famous imputation shall not go down to posterity. Badness of the 

 roads; does not expect to reach his destination till March. A. L. S. 

 4 P- V, 42. 



From J. Ingen Housz. 1777. January 29. Vienna. 



Entrusted by the Emperor with the erection of conductors upon the 

 gunpowder magazines and some other buildings; Venice has applied to 

 the Emperor for aid in a like matter, and he has been asked to under- 

 take the work. Thinks Father Beccaria is against the use of con- 

 ductors; would like to prove him wrong. Will journey to Ratisbon 

 about the 12th of April to inoculate the two sons of the reigning Prince 

 of Tour and Taxis, after which would be glad to take a trip to Paris 

 and enjoy Franklin's society. A. L. S. 2 p. V, 43. 



From W[illiam] Dodd. 1777. January 29. 



Requesting Franklin to convey the enclosed letter to a worthy young 

 woman in America. Concerning the present struggle ; chances of recon- 

 ciliation. A. L. S. I p. V, 44. 



Printed in Works (Sparks, VIII, 199). 



From J. Gruel. 1777. January 30. Nantes. 



Discusses various business matters. Franklin's nephew, Mr. Wil- 

 liams, gave him a little book containing the Articles of Confederation 

 of the thirteen United States of America; read it with great satisfaction. 

 Exchange of civilities. Invitation to visit them at Barberie. A. L. S. 

 3 p. (In French.) V, 45. 



Fro77i [Barbeu] Dubourg. 1777. February i. Paris. 



MM. Dubourg, Debout & Co. announce their intention of furnishing 

 the Farmers-General with tobacco in exchange for various articles 

 wanted, and implore the favor of Messrs. Franklin, Deane and Lee and 

 the protection of Congress to facilitate their venture. A. L. S. i p. 

 (In French.) V, 46. 



From Thomas Walpole. 1777. February i. London. 



Concerning the Erie enterprise. Franklin's testimony of Lord 

 Chatham's conduct. States the position of the friends of America in 

 England ; their attitude towards the Declaration of Independence. A. 

 L. S. 4 p. V, 47. 



Printed in Hale's Franklin in France, I, 94. 



