Letters to Benjamin Franklin 433 



From Sam[ue]l Cooper. 1778. June i. Boston. 



The treaty between France and America; Britain dare not engage 

 in a war with both France and the United States. Reception given 

 to the conciliatory bills. Prospect of the English leaving Philadelphia. 

 Difficulty of recruiting the American army. Anecdote showing the 

 cowardice of Lord Percy at Dorchester Heights. Enclosing the pro- 

 ceedings of the court martial in which Colonel Henley was tried and 

 General Burgoyne showed himself in the most contemptible light; 

 justification of Colonel Henley. Encloses a printed copy of the pro- 

 posed Constitution. Desires any news of public significance. A. L. S. 

 4 p. X, I. 



From Jno. P[aul] Jones. 1778. June i. Brest. 



Encloses papers to prove that his roses are not without thorns. 

 Plans for keeping his present crew; should their home-sickness continue, 

 suggests the advisability of certain exchanges. Willingness of the Due 

 de Chartres to aid him in obtaining the ship built at Amsterdam; dis- 

 advantages of the Ranger. Splendid results which might be obtained 

 with the aid of two or three fast-sailing ships. Repairs needed on the 

 Ranger and Drake. The people murmuring at not receiving their 

 prize-money. A. L. S. 4 p. X, 2. 



From [Benjamin] Sowden. 1778. June i. Rotterdam. 



Concerning the proposals of Mr. Arrenberg on the question of print- 

 ing the bibles for America. Franklin's splendid work; hopes it will 

 bring the besotted, pur-blind Ministry of England to their senses. 

 Concerning the proposition in the States-General of the Netherlands to 

 declare America independent. A. L. 3 p. X, 3. 



From Sam[ue]l Wharton. 1778. June 2. London. 



Sends various papers, by Mr. Pringle, also copies of letters which 

 have passed between Mr. Williams and himself on the subject of an 

 aspersion of his (Wharton's) character; denies these accusations. The 

 arrival of the Andromeda man-of-war at New York, carrying a copy 

 of the proposed Bill of Concession; the treaty with France ratified eight 

 days before her arrival. General Clinton assumed the command of the 

 army April 24th; Sir William Howe, the Guards, and Burgoyne's 

 regiment of dragoons expected to embark for England, May 7th. 



