Letters to Benjamin Franklin 285 



Fro7n Chevalier Francois de Rabier de La Baume. 



1777. August 18. Portsmouth, on board "La Princesse Amelie." 



Received a commission in the service of Congress and set sail with 

 letters of recommendation ; taken prisoner near Philadelphia ; detained 

 two months in New York and then sent to England ; begs Franklin to 

 interest himself in his sad state and to make known his intentions through 

 the channel of his sister and brother, who will call on him, A. L. S. 

 2 p. (In French.) VI, 197. 



From [J. H. Bernardin] de St. Pierre. 1777. August 19. Paris. 



Has known Franklin a long time by reputation; desires exceedingly 

 to have the pleasure of an interview; thinks he could interest Franklin 

 in favor of his brother, who has gone to share the glory of the American 

 cause, A. L. S. i p. (In French.) 



[Note in English on back of letter.] — An autograph letter of the 

 famous J. H. Bernardin de St. Pierre, author of Paul et Virginie, etc. 

 The brother, called Dutailly de St. Pierre, entered the American army 

 and after some disgraceful adventures was sent a prisoner to France and 

 locked up in the Bastille; his release obtained by Franklin; soon after 

 this lost his reason and ended his days in a mad-house. L. i p. VI, 198. 



Fro7n Fayenberg (?). 1777. August 19. Aubague. 



Has read in the papers of the wretched food distributed to the army 

 in America, — worm-eaten biscuit and tainted water. Sends him a 

 history of these worms and if this proves of service to the Colonies will 

 forward him a pamphlet concerning weevils and one on the ways of 

 keeping water pure. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) VI, 199. 



From Comte de St. Lambert. 1777. August 22. Termonde. 



Recommending a friend of his to Franklin who desires a position in 

 the service; his former services and his knowledge of the American 

 coast. Recommends also a young lieutenant now in the Emperor's ser- 

 vice. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) VI, 200. 



From Lamb[er]t Wickes. 1777. August 22. St. Malo. 



Desires to know his future destination and how he is to act in regard 

 to the proceedings of the Admiralty officers at this Port; if he is not 

 despatched soon, it will be necessary to clean his hull again. Recom- 

 mends Capt. Green, of Philadelphia, if Franklin has any employment 



