542 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From John Bondfield to The American Commissioners. 



1778. December 5. Bordeaux. 



News of Count d'Estaing's fleet ; report prevails that Admiral Byron's 

 fleet left New York, November 2d with 5,000 troops on board. The 

 Boston, Providence and Ranger arrived at Boston with many prizes. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. XII, 177. 



From William Vernon. 1778. December 7. Boston. 



Informs him that his son, who is just out of the University and 

 whose talent is scarcely known, took passage for France with Mr. 

 John Adams, under whose care he placed him, with a view to accom- 

 plish him for business either as a merchant or in any other way, that 

 he might be most useful in the future to his country. Hopes he may 

 regard him as one of his friends and that he will, from time to time, 

 receive such advice and instructions from his friends as will stimulate 

 him to virtue, honor and knowledge. A. L. S. 2 p. XLV, 204c. 



From [C. G. F.] Dumas to The American Commissioners. 

 1778. December 8. The Hague. 



Another blow to the English party in the shape of the enclosed 

 memoir (i p.) from the French Ambassador, asking an explanation 

 of Holland's future conduct and demanding the most perfect neutrality. 

 A. L. S. I p. (In French.) XXXIX, 68. 



From James Lovell. 1778. December 8. Philadelphia. 



Reasons for holding back his last letter to Franklin. The only im- 

 portant struggle is with the currency ; the aid of skilful financiers and 

 monied men needed to bring about any considerable appreciation. A. L. 

 S. 2 p. (In triplicate.) XII, 181. 



From W[illiam] Lee to The American Commissioners. 



1778. December 9. Frankfort. 

 Conformable to the enclosed Resolution of Congress, has drawn upon 

 them for a certain sum. Report of a Congress to be held between the 

 Ministers from the Courts of Versailles and St. Petersburg, to arrange 

 a reconciliation between the Emperor and the King of Prussia; also 

 reported that Great Britain has prevailed on Russia to take advantage 

 of this opportunity to negotiate an accommodation between France and 

 Great Britain. A. L. S. 3 p. XII, 182. 



