388 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From [C. G. F.] D[uinas] to The American Commissioners. 



1778. April 3. The Hague. 



Extracts from foreign letters; war with Austria inevitable; France 

 endeavoring indirectly to keep peace between Russia and the Porte. 

 Rumored withdrawal of Lord Stormont from the French Court. 

 General opinion in Rotterdam that England will be forced to recog- 

 nize the independence of the Colonies. Desirability of a commercial 

 treaty between Holland and America. Recent agitation in Holland 

 over the augmenting of their land forces; attitude of M. de Berken- 

 ro[o]de, Dutch Minister to France. Conversation held with M. Van 

 Berkel; assurances of Holland's perfect neutrality; urges the wisdom of 

 profiting by the friendship and commerce of the United States. Advises 

 their writing an official letter to the Grand Pensionnaire announcing the 

 treaty of the United States with France and stating America's friendly 

 attitude towards Holland. A, L. S. 5 p. (In French.) 



XXXIX, 27. 



From Matt [he] w Ridley to The American Commissioners. 

 1778. April 3. 



Introducing Mr. Ebenezer Piatt, whose sufferings in the cause of 

 America are known to Franklin; lately released from prison and mar- 

 ried to a daughter of Mrs. Wright; their only mode of returning to 

 America is through France. A. L. S. i p. IX, 8. 



From [Gov.] Th[omas] Johnson. 1778. April 3. Annapolis. 



Notifying him of the appointment of Joshua Johnson as agent for 

 Maryland in soliciting military stores. L. S. i p. LXI, 24. 



From John Bondfield to The American Commissioners. 

 1778. April 4. Bordeaux. 



Arrival at Bordeaux of John Adams, Esq., who sets off at once for 

 Paris. News of various vessels. Desirability of France announcing a 

 fixed time when a convoy will attend the ships destined for North Amer- 

 ica. A. L. S. 2 p. IX, 9. 



From Ra[lph] Izard. 1778. April 4. Paris. 



Compelled again to request the explanation so often promised him; 

 also the reasons in writing why the alterations in the treaty of com- 

 merce were not to be communicated to him. A. L. S. 2 p. IX, lO. 



