230 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From J[onathan] Williams, Jr., to The American Commissioners. 

 1777. March 27. Nantes. 



Concerning the increase in the cargo of The Comte de Vergennes. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. XXXVII, 76. 



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

 1777. March 28. Philadelphia. 



Gen. Howe's army in the Jerseys inactive and greatly distressed for 

 want of forage and fresh provisions ; thinks they will not be content 

 vi^ith their situation much longer; desertions frequent. The summing 

 up of what General Washington has done with an army half the size 

 of the enemy's and consisting chiefly of raw militia. The bad results 

 attending short enlistments; Congress busy reforming their systems re- 

 specting the army; this being done, has great hopes for the summer, es- 

 pecially if Franklin effects a European war to employ the British navy. 

 Possibility of Gen. Howe attacking Philadelphia ; if he does get it, 

 prophesies that it will prove his ruin. L. 4 p. (Copy.) V, 124. 



From Col. Tissot Grenus. 1777. March 28. Geneva. 



Expressing his sincere appreciation of the conversation he had with 

 Franklin ; if Franklin's sons should visit the country where he is at 

 present, he would like to show his appreciation of their relationship to 

 such a great man. A. L. S. i p. (In French. ) V, 125. 



From de Jousserant. 1777. March 28. Route de Bordeaux. 



Offering his services to the colonies ; his experience as assistant major 

 of grenadiers. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) V, 126. 



From Will[iam] Alexander. 1777. March 29. Dijon, 



A story is current that the British ministry have applied to France 

 to have Mr. Deane delivered up, on the pretext that he was concerned 

 in the burning of Portsmouth ; proves, by quoting a precedent, that they 

 do not need to comply with this request. A. L. S. 2 p. V, 127. 



jPro;n J [onathan] Williams, Jr. 1777. March 29. Nantes. 



Application for a passage to America by Capt. Paddack who will also 

 serve as a pilot. A. L. S. i p. XXXVII, 77. 



