Letters to Benjamin Franklin 365 



From Gentzkow. 1778. February 15. Paris. 



An officer of the English army, forced to leave England for killing 

 another officer, requests service in the American army. A. L. S. i p. 

 (In French.) LXII, 47. 



From Arthur Lee to Franklin and Deane. 



1778. February 15. Chaillot. 



Complains of a w^ant of consideration for him relative to the sending 

 away of the public despatches; has not been consulted about this matter 

 at all ; desires to know why he should be placed in the light of an in- 

 capable or suspected person ; his close attention to ail public business ; 

 desires to wait on them with several proposals of importance concerning 

 the public despatches. A. L. S. 3 p. VIII, 113. 



From Rawleigh Colston. 1778. February 15. Cape Frangois. 



Is the agent for the Commonwealth of Virginia in the island of Mar- 

 tinique; has been denied the privilege of buying and selling in his own 

 name and compelled to connect himself with a French merchant at the 

 expense of half his commissions; applies to Franklin to have these restric- 

 tions suspended in the case of American agents ; mentions another French 

 law, the Droit d'Aubaine, which is sufficient to destroy the credit of any 

 foreigners. A. L. S. 3 p. VIII, 114. 



From Col. Jacques Roberdeau. 1778. February 15. Haguenau. 



Begging Franklin to forward the enclosed letter to General Rober- 

 deau whom he is persuaded is related to him. L. S. i p. VIII, 115. 



From Chevalier de Franval. 1778. February 16. Orbec. 



Surprised that Franklin has paid no attention to his or his brother's 

 repeated requests ; trusts that only a pressure of affairs causes this neglect 

 and begs that the desired papers may be returned. A. L. S. 2 p. (In 

 French.) VIII, 116. 



Fro?n Prince Mostouski. 1778. February 16. Pres de Paris. 



Having read Franklin's interrogation and having examined the beauti- 

 ful Constitutions, has entirely changed his sentiments; desires an inter- 

 view with Franklin. L. in 3d P. i p. (In French.) VIII, 117. 



