Letters to Benjamin Franklin 431 



Frojn Ralph Harding. 1778. May 30. Calais. 



Request to enter the American army, A. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) 



LXII, 50. 



From Jon [a] th [an] Trumbull. 1778. May 30. Hartford. 



Asking Franklin's advice and assistance for the bearer, who is com- 

 missioned to buy a small font of letters for the use of printers in Con- 

 necticut. A. L. S. I p. IX, 202. 



From J. de Sparre. 1778. May 30. Strasbourg. 



Wrote Franklin some time before, enclosing letters from M. de 

 Sartine and M. de Villevault, in the hope that Franklin would em- 

 ploy him in the affairs of America; having received no answer, begs 

 for the return of the letters of introduction. A. L. S. i p. (In 

 French.) IX, 203. 



From Comtesse de Choiseul. 

 1778. May 30, L'Abbaye St. Antoine. 



Asking for a letter of recommendation for an officer who desires 

 to enter the service of America. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) 



IX, 204. 

 From Richard Peters. 1778. May 31. York. 



Writes again for news of his father; hopes he is still alive; wishes 

 him to be informed of the state of American affairs and also of various 

 family matters; wishes his father to come and spend his last days with 

 them ; desires Franklin to advance him a supply of cash which he will 

 repay. British tyranny departing at a rapid rate; the English covered 

 with disgrace, are preparing to leave Philadelphia; brilliant prospects 

 for America. News of the Bache family. A. L. S. 2 p. IX, 205. 



From Josh[ua] Babcock. 1778. May 31. Westerly [R. I.]. 



Means taken for the defense of Rhode Island against the enemy; 

 slaves emancipated to serve in battalions. General Spenser's abortive 

 attempts against the enemy. Exorbitant prices charged for the neces- 

 saries of life. Does Franklin know any better expedient for mending the 

 currency than severe taxation? Congratulates him on the negotiation 

 of the treaties with France. The King and Queen of France and his 

 Excellency daily toasted in the political circles of America. Concern- 

 ing Franklin's address to Lord North on behalf of his captive country- 

 men. Pays him many compliments. A. L. S. 4 p. IX, 206. 



