222 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From L[anibert] W[ickes]. 1777. March 5. L'Orient. 



Reasons against cruising in the Sound for the Baltic ships; prefers 

 to cruise on the coast of Guinea; difficulties in the way concerning the 

 purchase of the Maurepas. Plan of stationing a swift cutter at Dunkirk ; 

 recommends Capt. Hinson for that service. Captain Nicholson deserv- 

 ing of confidence. Officers on parole. A. L. 3 p. V, 93. 



From Nathan Rumsey. 1777. March 6. Nantes. 



Obliged to him for the agreeable news contained in his favor of the 

 2d inst. Concerning the disposal of the prizes. A. L. S. 2 p. V, 94. 



From Jona[than] Williams, Jr. 1777. March 6. Nantes. 



Arrival of Major Lutterloh ; his expectation of a free passage ; desires 

 advice on this point. Assistance rendered the Messrs. Duportail, etc., 

 who sail next day. Begs to know what officers are to go on The Count 

 de Vergennes. A. L. S. i p. XXXVII, 65. 



From Charles Frederic Bedaulx. 1777. March 6. Paris. 



Expects to set out for America on the 8th inst. by order of Mr. Deane. 

 Begs Franklin to recommend him to some of his friends in America; 

 with such an aid cannot fail to be emploj'ed w^th distinction in the ser- 

 vice of a country for which he is ready to give up blood and life ; his 

 fear of being confounded with officers who have been forced to leave 

 their country. A. L. S. 2 p. V, 95. 



From Rob[er]t Morris to The American Commissioners. 

 1777. March 7. Philadelphia. 



Congress has adjourned from Baltimore to Philadelphia; judges the 

 time improper, as Gen. Howe is forming another expedition against 

 Philadelphia. Militia lacks clothing; hopes they will negotiate the loan 

 and send out the articles wanted ; the produce of America, if it could 

 only be exported freely, would soon discharge the debt. A. L. S. 2 p. 



V, 96. 



From W[illiam] Alexander. 1777. March 7. Dijon. 



Concerning the contract between M. Dubourg and the Farmers 

 General. The risk of the voyage to and from America. Recommends 

 Franklin's friend from South Carolina to Messrs. John Black & Co., 



