454 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From [Jean Baptiste] Le Roy. 1778. July 6. 



Asking for letters to people of consequence in the Carolinas, on be- 

 half of an honest merchant. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) X, 97. 



From John Bondfield to The American Commissioners. 

 1778. July 7. Bordeaux. 



Arrival of news from Edenton in sloop, Sally; capture of the 

 entire fourth regiment. Advantages America would reap from hav- 

 ing consuls or agents established at different places, to transmit monthly 

 returns of the imports and exports. A. L. S. 3 p. X, 98. 



From Fran[ci]s Coffyn to The American Commissioners. 



1778. July 7. Dunkirk. 



Extraordinary conduct of Poreau, MacKenzie & Co. who have en- 

 deavored to wrong him in Franklin's estimation [see X, 65] ; wants 

 nothing better than a chance to justify himself; returns the commission, 

 instructions and bond. News of the capture of several French vessels ; 

 their crews conducted to prison at Plymouth. Admiral Keppel's squad- 

 ron ready to proceed to sea to meet the French squadron. Disposition 

 to be made of American seamen. A. L. S. 3 p. X, 99. 



From Poreau, MacKenzie & Co. to The American Commissioners. 



1778. July 7. Dunkirk. 



Certain Americans held back in their desire to distinguish them- 

 selves, from lack of opportunity and funds; Franklin's willingness to 

 grant them a commission, provided their captain should be a man whom 

 he could trust; Captain Amiel answers this description, but he wants 

 a larger vessel than they are willing to provide. Mortified at discov- 

 ering that their letter to the Commissioners was shown to Coffyn. 

 Begs that the commission may be sent in spite of Captain Amiel's 

 withdrawal. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) X, 100. 



From Peirce Powers. 1778. July 7. Brest. 



Begs that Franklin will not forget him; recalls the fact that he was 

 midshipman on board the Ranger, where he lost his arm in the engage- 

 ment with the Drake; desires to return home as he is not fit for sea- 

 service. A. L. S. I p. X, loi. 



