322 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Gasp[ard] Morel. 1777. December 19. Dunkerque. 



Enclosing list of wines for which he begs Franklin's orders. Con- 

 gratulating him on the victories of the Americans. L. S. 2 p. (In 

 French.) VII, 161. 



From Jona[than] Williams, Jr., to The American Commissioners. 



1777. December 20. Nantes. 



Has just returned from Paimboeuf where he saw as fine a ship as 

 any in the navy. Expects to see Captain Nicholson and if the obstacles 

 are removed, will soon finish the expedition. A. L. S. i p. 



XXXVII, 126. 



From Tho[ma]s Thompson. 1777. December 20. L'Orient. 



Describes the ship, Duras, a great bargain but old and in sad need of 

 repairs; discusses the advisability of purchasing her. A. L. S. 2 p. 



VII, 162. 



From B. Girandeau. 1777. December 20. La Rochelle. 



His ship destined for Maryland or Virginia; begs Franklin to accord 

 his captain letters of recommendation as he knows no one in that part 

 of America. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) VII, 163. 



From Geo[rge] Walton. 1777. December 20. Savannah. 



Has lately returned from Congress. Sums up the successes of the 

 American arms; general opinion that Howe's safety depends on his 

 flight; strictness of blockade around Philadelphia where horses are being 

 killed for food. News just received of the capture, by the Americans, of 

 the Syren and two transports ofiE Rhode Island. Georgia in a tolerable 

 state of defense; plundering war carried on by their neighbors in 

 Florida. A. L. S. 3 P- VII, 164. 



From Jean Guillaume Jaeger. 



1777. December 20. Frankfort-on-the-Main. 



Concerning a powder mill which he desires to erect according to a 

 new plan of construction, a sketch of which he encloses; applies to 

 Franklin, as one of the greatest philosophers and mechanics, for his ad- 

 vice; would offer his services to Congress were he not old and fatigued 

 with many campaigns. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) VII, 165. 



