Letters to Benjamin Franklin 247 



From Montant. 1777. May 23. He de Noirmoutier. 



Offers his services as surgeon; if he can be useful, is ready to leave at 

 once for Bordeaux or whatever port Franklin may indicate ; w^ill accom- 

 pany M. Tardeville who leaves for Paris to join Franklin. A. L. S. 

 2 p. (In French.) VI, 25. 



Froju L. Bicker (Secretary de la Societe de la Philosophie Experi- 

 mentale a Rotterdam). 1777. May 23. Rotterdam. 



The bearer, his brother-in-law, Mr. Caarten, is going to France and 

 Italy ; he desires to pay his respects to Franklin and to present him with 

 the first two volumes of their " Collections Academiques." A. L. S. 

 2 p. (In French.) VI, 26. 



From E. de Baussay. 1777. May 23. La Haie. 



A native of Amsterdam ; has been thirty-four years in the service of 

 La Cour de Treves, and has a perfect knowledge of the government of 

 Holland ; aware of everything which has passed between Franklin and 

 the Ambassador of Holland. A visit from Franklin or Mr. Deane 

 would be greeted with enthusiasm, but does not think it would result in 

 any real advantages, the Ambassador of England's influence being too 

 strong. Suggests the advisability of Franklin having a secret agent in 

 Holland; offers his services. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) VI, 265/2. 



From W[illiain] Alexander. 1777. May 24. Dijon. 



Not surprised that M. Dubourg thought his terms too high ; doubts 

 not that he will get many cheaper undertakers. Sees his old friend Lee 

 has been made Minister at Madrid; thinks he has much the air and 

 manners of a Spaniard, when he is not angry; does Franklin know of his 

 friend, the Comte de Rostaing, an officer of artillery? He claims to 

 know a method of destroying ships in any river or roadstead, where there 

 is no tide nor current. A. L. S. 2 p. VI, 27. 



From Ledoigt. 1777- May 24. Louviers. 



Hears that America is in need of carpenters, especially for the con- 

 struction of mills; offers his services. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



VI, 28. 



