Letters to Benjamin Franklin 231 



Fro 7« Jona [than] Williams, Sr. 1777. March 29. Boston. 



All well and in good spirits in spite of the war. His son John anxious 

 to go to France and see his brother, who might help him to some em- 

 ploy. A. L. S. I p. XXXVII, 78. 



From [Mrs.] Patience Wright. 1777. March 29. London. 



Mr. Piatt's marriage to her daughter and their return to America 

 have already been laid before Franklin. A dream she had several years 

 ago about Dr. Franklin, which so far is only half fulfilled, but she 

 believes it will be completed. Intends coming to France to make a bust 

 of Franklin in wax; also one of the Queen, and any others he may ap- 

 prove of. A. L. S. 3 p. V, 128. 



From S[ilas] Deane. 1777. March 30. 



Enclosing a letter from Mr. Williams which appears to have been 

 opened. Reminds him of the letter and deposition for Lord Stormont 

 and the memorial for the Portugal Ambassador. A. L. S. i p. V, 129. 



From Samuel Cooper. 1777. March 30. Boston. 



Anxious to hear from Franklin. Welcome arrival of arms, powder, 

 woolens, etc., from France. Burning of some stores left at Peekskill 

 by the enemy. Account of skirmish not far from Amboy, the enemy re- 

 treating with a loss of 500 killed, wounded and taken. Gen. Washing- 

 ton thinks it probable that Philadelphia will be attacked and a consider- 

 able part of the army in Canada will come down the St. Lawrence river 

 to join him. Expects Washington will soon be able to take the field with 

 an adequate force. Price of everything greatly advanced. Lottery tickets 

 have a surprisingly rapid sale. Cruelties perpetrated by the enemy have 

 increased the numbers and zeal on their side. France cannot long 

 avoid a war with Britain ; she never had a fairer opportunity for taking 

 a decisive part. Sends this by Mr. Cushing, a young man much es- 

 teemed at home, who goes to France on business. A. L. 4 p. V, 130. 



From Reinier Arrenberg. 1777. March 31. Rotterdam. 



In his quality of 2d Secretary of the Physical Society at Rotterdam he 

 has long wanted to send Franklin the two volumes of the "Actes de la So- 

 ciete." In his character of journalist is anxious to know some one who can 

 give him some news of America. Holland's interest in and sympathy 



