Letters to Benjamin Franklin 227 



From The Farmers-General to [The American Commissioners]. 



1777. March 15. 



Are now ready to make and sign the contract with the Commissioners 

 from Congress on the basis of the latter's offer to deliver to the Farmers- 

 General, in France, 4,000 bales of tobacco at a net price of 8 francs per 

 pound. The Farmers-General will advance 2,000,000 francs as pay- 

 ment. Cite the articles of agreement. L. 3 p. (In French.) 



LIII, 36. 

 From Paulze. 1777. March 15. Paris. 



Sending Franklin a draft of the contract proposed by M. Grand. 

 If Franklin and his colleague approve the provisions thereof, they are 

 requested to notify M. Paulze. A. L. in 3d P. (In French.) 



XLV, 113b. 



From Arthur Lee. 1777. March 16. Vittoria. 



In receipt of an answer through the Duke of Grimaldi ; the reasons 

 for wishing him not to come to Madrid are insuperable ; amount of aid 

 Spain is willing to render the Colonies. Arranging with the house of 

 Gardoqui for three vessels of supplies to be despatched as soon as pos- 

 sible. Reports of Gen. Washington's offer to exchange three Hessian 

 officers for Gen. Lee ; Gen. Howe's refusal ; disgust among the Hessian 

 officers. The Duke of Grimaldi's opinion relative to the Americans' 

 right to demand vessels betrayed to England, and to Holland's right 

 to give the German mercenaries a passage through their country. A. 

 L. S. 2 p. V, 113. 



From [Baron] La Neuville. 1777. March 16. Paris. 



Emboldened by a desire of glory and a wish to be serviceable to a 

 nation fighting for her liberty, he and his brother have decided to go to 

 Boston and offer their services. His rank as major, his youth, good-will, 

 health and enthusiasm, all the recommendations he has; if he cannot 

 get the rank of colonel he will take the field as a volunteer. A. L. S. 

 2 p. V, 114. 



From Gastebois. 1777. March 17. Lauzun. 



In receipt of a letter from the Due de Duras, who informs him that 

 he asked Franklin for two companies for his (Gastebois') two sons, 

 and that Franklin inquired if they spoke English; at this precise mo- 

 ment they do not, but promises that they shall speak it in three months, 

 if that is the only obstacle; his sons worthy of Franklin's protection. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) V, 115. 



