Letters to Benjamin Franklin 217 



From Du Breuil fils. 1777. February 24. Calais. 



Having become useless to his Government by the reform of the 

 provincial regiments, is very desirous of taking service in America; de- 

 sires to know the necessary means to effect this end. L. S. i p. 

 (In French.) V, 68. 



From Guirant. 1777. February 25. Bordeaux. 



A vessel containing three casks of vinegar belonging to him was taken 

 by an American corsair and conducted to the port of L'Orient, where it is 

 held as a prize; being a Frenchman, believes he has the right to reclaim 

 his goods and applies to Franklin to this end. A. L. S. 2 p. (In 

 French.) V, 69. 



From J[ohn] Bradford. 1777. February 25. Boston. 



Concerning the purchase of a set of ballast for the schooner. Goods 

 sent to France. Agreeable news of Franklin's arrival at the Court of 

 France diffused a joy throughout the continent. Ever since December 

 25th they have been gaining advantages over the enemy, who are in a 

 miserable plight. Gen. Howe has irrevocably stained and blasted his 

 character by cruelly treating his prisoners; the Americans too generous 

 to retaliate. A. L. S. 2 p. V, 70. 



From A[melia] Barry. 1777. February 25. Tunis. 



Greatest affection for Franklin. Her pleasure at hearing of his 

 arrival in France. Mr. Barry and herself are considering the advisa- 

 bility of putting their little daughter Amelia in a French convent for a 

 few j^ears; chance of seeing him then; news of her other children. A. 

 L. S. 4 p. V, 74. 



From St. Jean [Charles Guillaume Frederic Dumas] to 

 The American Commissioners. 1777. February 25. 



Urges certain precautions in orer that his correspondence with them 

 may remain a secret; advises that the Congress send cargoes of tobacco 

 and rice to Rotterdam. A. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) XXXIX, 6. 



From Arthur Lee. 1777. February 26. Victoria. 

 Concerning the Committee's [of Correspondence] letter to him of 

 October 23d; asks if there is any particular plan relative to Spain. 

 A. L. S. I p. V, 71. 



Printed in R. H. Lee's Life of Arthur Lee, I, 74, also in Diplom. Corres., 

 Wharton, II, 275. 



