Letters to Benjamin Franklin 309 



From W[illia]m Bingham. 



1777. November 14. St. Pierre, Martinique. 



Enclosing a copy of a letter from St. Eustatius with news from 

 America of the taking of Philadelphia by Howe; this account founded 

 merely on reports. Should Washington have been again repulsed, thinks 

 his army could not have behaved with that bravery which should have 

 distinguished troops in such an important situation; what this event, if 

 true, will mean to the English. Gen. Gates's operations in Canada. A. 

 L. S. 4 p. [Letter enclosed.] 



1777. November 7. Saint Eustache. 



Announcing the taking of Philadelphia by Howe; the position of 

 Washington at Germantown ; Gen. Gates's movements against Burgoyne. 

 L. 2 p. (In French.) VII, 105. 



From [Barbeu] Dubourg. 1777. November 14. 



Begging Franklin to accord a moment's audience to M. Henri du Bois, 

 a merchant of Amsterdam, who has affairs of interest to communicate. 

 Sends Franklin an ode and introduces the author of it, M. Courtney 

 Melmoth. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) VII, 107. 



From Rolandeau. 1777. November 15. Bordeaux. 



Desires to go back to New England; begs him to endorse his com- 

 missions, which have doubtless been presented by M. le Comte d'Ossun. 

 Delay in setting out due to his father's death ; begs Franklin to give 

 him letters for his superior officers that he may justify his lengthened 

 absence. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) VII, 108. 



From O'Douin. 1777. November 15. Versailles. 



His promise of letters of recommendation on behalf of a young gentle- 

 man, who has been too ill to avail himself of them; begs them for 

 two brothers, the Messrs. Poullain ; the elder an advocate in the Parlia- 

 ment of Paris, who desires to become a planter; the younger an officer 

 in the King's service, who desires a position in the Light Troops. Re- 

 members Franklin's kindness to him when detained a prisoner of war in 

 Philadelphia; reasons for granting his request. A. L. S. 3 p. VII, 109. 



