Letters to Benjamin Franklin 457 



From Lallement. 1778. July 11. Paris. 



If jealousy could enter into the hearts of Free Masons, all the Lodges 

 in Paris would envy " Des Neuf Soeurs " who enjoy the honor of pos- 

 sessing Franklin as a member. Invites him to a fete given by the head of 

 his Lodge on the i8th at three o'clock in the Bois de Boulogne. A. L. S. 

 2 p. (In French.) X, iii. 



From Benjamin Reed and Benjamin Bates, Officers on Ship Boston, 

 /o The American Commissioners. 1778. July 11. PortLouis. 



Complaining of the desertion of French sailors and their falsehoods 

 concerning the conduct of the officers of the Boston. L. S. 2 p. 



LXI, 94. 



From [Comtesse] D. B. [de] Conway. 1778. July 12. Auxerre. 



Sending Franklin a letter for her husband [General Thomas Con- 

 way], which she begs him to forward. A. L. S. i p. X, 112. 



From D. E. Reine. 1778. July 12. Versailles. 



Concerning various specimens of rice and beans cultivated by him. 

 Advising the use of coffee on board the vessels instead of intoxicating 

 drinks; encloses a receipt for orange wine. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



X, 113. 



From Samuel Tucker. 1778. July 12. Port Lewis. 



Detailing the quarrel between the French part of his crew and the 

 other sailors; unjustifiable attitude of the Frenchmen; General La 

 Touche's conduct in interfering in the matter and ordering the French- 

 men on shore ; justifies the behaviour of his officers. Waiting for Frank- 

 lin's orders to put to sea in hopes of joining Captain Whipple. A. L. 

 S. 3 p. X, 114. 



From de Baer. 1778. July 13. Paris. 



Asking Franklin's good offices on behalf of the bearer, Mr. Meyer, 

 who served with distinction on board the Ranger; he is anxious to 

 return to Brest but does not possess one sou; begs Franklin to obtain 

 from Captain Jones an advance of ten louis d'or as part of the debt 

 due Mr. Meyer from the sale of prizes. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) 



X, 115. 



