49^ Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From [Pahin de Champlain] de la Blancherie. 



1778. September 14. Compiegne. 



Offering his services to be employed in the United States. A. L. 

 S. 3 P- LX, 79. 



From Dom Bernard. 1778. September 14. Chalon-sur-Saone. 



Is a Benedictine monk and has been prior for five years at the 

 Abbey of St. Pierre de Chalon; towards the end of his term he lost 

 a considerable sum at play which he is unable to repay. Begs Frank- 

 lin to assist him and save his reputation, that being his only treasure, 

 and above all, to keep his secret. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) 



A. E. by Franklin. " Wants me to pay his gaming debts and he 

 will pray for success to our cause." XI, 139. 



FroTii John Bondfield to The American Commissioners. 

 1778. September 15. Bordeaux. 



Arrival from Virginia of the cutter Tartar which left York River 

 the 29th of July, bringing a report that Comte d'Estaing had taken 

 five English frigates, that New York was closely blockaded and the 

 ultimate surrender of the English forces expected. Attended the last 

 earthly services of Captain Ayres. A. L. S. i p. XI, 140. 



From [de] Kerguelen. 1778. September 15. Saumur. 



Requests the command of one of the frigates being built in Holland. 

 A. L. S. I p. (In French.) LXII, 60. 



From Silas Deane. 1778. September 15. Philadelphia. 



General Sullivan made a good retreat from Rhode Island ; General 

 Clinton's arrival with a strong force the morning after he left. Lord 

 Byron's fleet reported at Newport. Comte d'Estaing repairing dam- 

 ages at Boston. The enemy's superiority at sea; damage they did 

 at Bedford ; their evacuation of New York hourly expected ; con- 

 jectures as to their destination. Congress, the day before, made choice 

 of Franklin as the Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of France; 

 unanimity with which it was carried. The foolish game the Commis- 

 sioners are playing. For many reasons is impatient to rejoin Franklin; 

 has received no letters from him since leaving France. A. L. S. 3 p. 



XI, 141. 



