Letters to Benjamin Franklin 451 



From Abraham Whipple to The American Commissioners. 



1778. July 2. Nantes. 



Acknowledging his favor of the 23d ult. with the agreeable contents. 

 Nearly ready for sea; desires that the necessary merchandise might be 

 put on board as soon as possible. Encloses an exact return of prisoners. 

 L, S. 3 p. X, 82. 



Fro OT Henricus Godet. 1778. July 2. Amsterdam. 



Has been applied to for assistance by one David Welsh, who says 

 he was second lieutenant on board the Lexington, was subsequently 

 taken prisoner, and carried to Plymouth ; desires Franklin's orders be- 

 fore he takes any steps in the matter. A. L. S. i p. X, 83. 



From Thorn [as] Simpson to The American Commissioners. 

 1778. July 3. Brest. 



Acknowledging the receipt of their favor of the 3d ult. and thank- 

 ing them for their interposition on his behalf. Has been released 

 from prison by Captain Jones on his signing the enclosed parole. Dis- 

 cusses the question of his passage home; his lack of funds, having 

 received no money since the winter before. A. L. S. 3 p. X, 84. 



From James Moylan to The American Commissioners. 

 1778. July 3. L'Orient. 



Arrival of the frigate Boston, Captain Tucker, having taken four 

 prizes; Mr. Livingston has set out for Paris to inform them of the 

 disagreeable cause of this vessel's quick return ; has undertaken to supply 

 his wants, as Mr. Schweighauser has not had time. A. L. S. i p. 



X, 85. 

 From Benjamin Vaughan. 1778. July 3. 



Thinks it right to keep up the characters of the men in power, though 

 their conduct has in general seemed unintelligible and to have no bottom 

 but courtiership and pride. Believes America will feel with England 

 in her distress and not let France and Spain push her to the wall; 

 acknowledges England's weakness and believes it probable that the 

 French will land and even stay for a season. Lord Bute's desire to come 

 into power with Lord Chatham and the latter's repudiation of him. 

 Franklin's opinion of Lord Chatham erroneous. Private business 

 matters. Messages to Mr. Williams. A. L. 4 p. X, 86. 



