Letters to Benjamin Franklin 427 



From [James Hutton]. 1778. May 19. 



Reasons for England sending the Commissioners to America; the 

 delegates in France would not speak any other language than that of 

 independence; England's fear of French influence; threatening atti- 

 tude of France towards England ; the Toulon squadron ; the effect 

 of M. de Noaille's papers, delivered on March 13th; shed tears over 

 it; prophesies that the French connection with America will be a 

 ruinous one. A. L. S. " Cassander." 3 p. IX, 185. 



From Mesny. 1778. May 20. Paris. 



Enclosing a hundred copies of a work by M. de la Faye, on the 

 Roman method for preparing lime; begs Franklin to add a recommen- 

 dation to them and forward them to America; leaves him to fix the 

 price. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) IX, 186. 



From Ferrand Dupuy. 1778. May 20. Paris. 



Surprised at the reply that was made to the young man in question. 

 Renews his appeal in behalf of the latter who seeks assistance to go 

 to Boston having lost all his eflEects when he was taken prisoner during 

 the previous voyage. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) LX, 36. 



From Caille. 1778. May 20. Paris. 



Asking for particulars concerning the remedy for dropsy, published 

 by Franklin in the Paris newspapers; such kindness on his part will win 

 the eternal gratitude of a sufferer from the disease at Frankfort. A. 

 L. S. I p. (In French.) IX, 187. 



From J[am]es Leveux. 1778. May 20. Calais. 



Acknowledging Franklin's letter of the 15th inst. authorizing him 

 to help all the subjects of the United States who stand in need of 

 assistance. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) IX, 188. 



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

 1778. May 22. The Hague. 



Difficulty experienced by the Grand Pensionnaire in responding to 

 their letter; his wish to send a verbal reply. Desires information as 

 to the reception given by the United States to the British Commis- 

 sioners. Refusal of Holland to increase the number of their troops. 



