Letters to Benjamin Franklin 553 



From Le Begue de Presle. 1778. December 29. Paris. 



Sending a letter for his brother, Duportail. Requests Franklin to 

 have his brother's and his fellow-engineer's furlough renewed by the 

 French Ministry to enable them to serve in the United States. A. N. 

 in 3d P. I p. (In French.) LXXI, 21. 



From Espivent Villeboisnes. 1778. December 29. Paris. 



Concerning the recapture of La Constance, of Bordeaux, by Cap- 

 tain Pickerin ; begs Franklin to take the matter into consideration, and 

 obtain a prompt withdrawal of the arrest put upon this vessel and 

 her cargo. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XII, 233. 



From Jos[iah] Quincy. 1778. December 30. Braintree, 

 By order of Congress, a general tribute of prayer and thanksgiving 

 is offered up that day throughout the land. Thinks England must 

 be convinced, by this time, that the Western Hemisphere is not to be 

 conquered like slaves of the East. Two public addresses in the news- 

 paper, one by General Lee, in which General W[ashingto]n's character 

 is indirectly attacked ; the other, by Silas Deane containing certain reve- 

 lations of an alarming nature. The high breeding and politeness of 

 Count d'Estaing and the French officers, contrasts strikingly with 

 English naval civility. Introducing Mr. Samuel Bradford to Frank- 

 lin's friendly notice. A. L. S. 2 p. XII, 234. 



From Pierre Payes. 1778. December 30. Montauban. 



Concerning a young relative who embarked for America two years 

 before, without friends or letters ; his success and speedy promotion ; 

 begs Franklin to mention him favorably in his letters to Congress. 

 Recommends his wines to Franklin's notice. A. L. S. 3 p. (In 

 French.) XII, 178. 



From [Capt.] Tho[ina]s Pickerin. 1778. December 30. Brest. 



Asking for redress for the refusal of the French authorities at Brest 

 to allow him to come into the harbor for repairs. A. L. S. 3 p. 



LXI, 91. 



