Letters to Benjamin Franklin 223 



Bordeaux. Increase in the circulation of bank paper. The opinion of 

 the Privy Councillor of the Empress of Russia that England will not 

 get a man from that Empire; recruiting goes on heavily in Germany. 

 Sends first volume of M. de Morveaux's Elements of Chemistry. A. 

 L. S. 3 p. V, 97. 



From Lamb[er]t Wickes. 1777. March 7. L'Orient. 



Would be glad of a line from Franklin concerning his further desti- 

 nation ; all ready to heave down and only waiting for good weather. If 

 Capt. Nicholson can be spared, the sooner he comes the better. Informed 

 that the Admiralty of Vannes will clear all their prizes out under the 

 French colors. L, S. i p. V, 98. 



From Elie de Beaumont. 1777. March 8. Paris, 



Introducing his friend M. de Villiers, one of the most honored mem- 

 bers of the " Societe d'Emulation," who does not think it possible to 

 put his talents to a more noble or patriotic use than in making a bust of 

 Franklin. Begs him to accord his friend this favor, and for himself de- 

 sires Franklin's portrait to hang in his library among the friends of 

 their country and humanity. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) V, 99. 



From Nathan Rumsey. 1777. March 8. Nantes. 



Just received confirmation of the affair at Trenton and the particulars 

 of Gen. Lee's being taken, as he will find by the enclosed Gazettes. 

 Numbers of killed and wounded and prisoners. Movements of Con- 

 gress. Gen. Lee's capture has greatly enraged the populace ; Gen. 

 Washington informed the enemy that if Gen. Lee was sent to England 

 he would hereafter give no quarter. Order of Congress for lOO bat- 

 talions to be enlisted for three years. A. L. S. 3 p. V, 100. 



Fro?n J[onathan] Williams, Jr., to The American Commissioners. 

 1777. March 8. Nantes. 



Concerning the purchase of M. Montieu's muskets. Sale of Capt. 

 Soakly's brig recommended by Mr. Schweighauser. A. L. S. i p. 



XXXVII, 66. 



Frotn J[onathan] Williams, [Jr.]. 1777. March 8. Nantes. 



Eagerness of many persons to fit out privateers; if Franklin can give 

 cruising commissions, could soon have several at sea ; if it is necessary to 



