348 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From James Moylan. 1778. January 7, L'Orient. 



The ship, Duras, for sale at L'Orient, would be a cheap purchase; 

 suggestions in case she is bought. News of Captain Butler of the priva- 

 teer ship Molly who left Boston November 15th; took four prizes and 

 is headed for some port in Spain. A. L. S. 3 p. VIII, 22. 



From De Pere Meilhan. 1778. January 8. Mezin. 



A friend of America; has a strong desire to adopt that country for 

 his own ; law is his profession ; desires Franklin's advice as to how he 

 could best invest his monej^ A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) VIII, 23. 



From Jacobus Oberleithner. 1778. January 9. Vienna. 



Offering his services to the Americans as a physician, provided some 

 fixed salary be assured him. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) VIII, 24. 



From W. Blakey. 1778. January 9. Liege, 



Congratulating him on the capture of Burgoyne; angry with the 

 American Council for not scalping him. Hurt at M. Morand's men- 

 tion of him in the former's stuff about pit-coal ; encloses letters on the 

 subject. Will soon have his "Art of Watch and Clock Making " in 

 print; will send it when finished. Rails against the tyranny of England 

 and enthuses over the defenders of liberty. A. L. S. 2 p. VIII, 25. 



Fro7n I. MacMahon. 1778. January 9. The Military School. 



Sends another paper of American news; the sea fight between the 

 privateers seems true; very different accounts given by the English frig- 

 ate. Expects to dine with him at the Duchesse de Mortemart's. A. L. S. 

 I p. VIII, 26. 



From John S. Harmanson to The American Commissioners. 



1778. January 9. Bordeaux. 



Requesting to know if any resolve of Congress has been passed in the 

 state of Virginia, which would require a person who has property there 

 to return after a certain time or forfeit his rights to it. Reasons why he 

 has been detained in Europe; his devotion to the American cause; only 

 came over to serve his country. A. L. S. 3 p. VIII, 27. 



