Letters to Benjamin Franklin 445 



From Veuve Lalanne et fils. 1778. June 23. Bayonne. 



Concerning one of their vessels, L'Esperance, which was captured in 

 a manifestly illegal manner by the Captain of the Nottingham and whose 

 cargo they hope to be able to recover with Franklin's assistance. A. L. 

 S. 3 p. (In French.) X, 54. 



From John Boylston. 1778. June 24. London. 



Pictures Franklin at the helm in these stormy times, the thunder 

 rattling round his head and securely shrouded under his own intel- 

 lectual rod of fortitude and truth. Hopes the enclosed will be of some 

 service to their unhappy townsfolk. A. L. S. i p. X, 55. 



From Samuel Mather. 1778. June 24. Boston. 



Congratulating Franklin on the success of his prudent and faithful 

 negotiation. Promising aspect of things in the New World; the suc- 

 cess of General Gates against " the pompous, histrionical Burgoyne " 

 has communicated no small terror to the enemy. His experiences in 

 Boston during the siege. Is seventy-two years old; hopes before his 

 death to see his country peacefully established in the happy state of 

 liberty and independence. A. L S. 2 p. X, 56. 



Frotn Gaulay. 1778. June 24. Strasbourg. 



Desires to enter the service of America in the capacity of surgeon; 

 his past experience. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) 



A. E. by Franklin. Has no orders to send surgeons to America and 

 can therefore give him no encouragement. X, 57* 



From Hez[ekiah] Ford to The American Commissioners. 

 1778. June 25. Nantes. 



Reasons why he has decided to take passage on board Mr. Ross's 

 schooner bound to Virginia. Thanking him for the letter of recom- 

 mendation. His indignation at the cruelty which has lately marked 

 General Howe's conduct in wantonly destroying the property of in- 

 dividuals up the Delaware. Anathematizes George III. A. L. S. 4 p. 



X, 59- 



