Letters to Benjamin Franklin 319 



From J[oseph] Priestley. 1777. December 13. Calne, 



Franklin is never long out of his thoughts; hopes to see him once 

 more. Sympathy for America; thinks the war cannot be continued 

 without disgrace and ruin. Sends two volumes of his on metaphysics; 

 hopes he has received his third volume on air. A. L. S. i p. 



VII, 145. 



From James Babson. 1777. December 14. St. Antoine. 



Sailed from Bilboa, with his poor naked crew, by favor of M. 

 Gardoqui who trusted him with £100 Sterling. Account of the cap- 

 ture of six fishing vessels from Newfoundland. A. L. S. i p. 



VII, 147. 



From C. S. Peuch. 1777. December 15. Utrecht. 



His position as editor of the Utrecht Gazette; his sympathies with the 

 Americans; desires to publish prompt and authentic news; difficulty 

 of obtaining accurate reports; applies to Franklin to procure him a cor- 

 respondent for his paper who can furnish news from America. Con- 

 gratulates him on their victory over Burgoyne. A. L. S. 3 p. (In 

 French.) VII, 148. 



From Comte O'Donell. 1777. December 15. Leopol. 



His military career; asks for the conditions for entering the American 

 service. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) LXII, 90. 



From Boudet. 1777. December 15. Lyons. 



Begs Franklin to help him to procure a free passage to the United 

 States and employment there. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) 



LX, 97. 



From Jno. Young. 1777. December 16. Nantes. 



Acknowledging Franklin's favor of the 2d inst. along with the dis- 

 patches for Congress, which he will secure ready for sinking in case of 

 danger. Information received of seven sail of English cruisers off 

 Belle Isle; will remain in port until further tidings. A. L. S. 2 p. 



VII, 149. 



