Letters to Benjamin Franklin 419 



From T[hoinas] D[igges]. 1779. February 7. B[risto]l. 



News from England ; a fleet ready to sail from the West Indies. A 

 regiment to be sent to Quebec to keep patriotic Canadians quiet. The 

 British Ministry steering between peace and war; rumored changes in 

 the Ministry, Stocks affected by reports of disunion in America; 

 Americans expected to propose terms short of independence. No indi- 

 cation that [Arthur] Lee now has improper communications with Lord 

 Shelburne. Exorbitant prices in America; suggestions for relief. A. 

 L. S. 3 p. Ill, 5. 



From S[ilas] Deane. 1779. February 7. Philadelphia. 



Introducing Major Montford, who served with distinction in Amer- 

 ica under Count Pulaski. A. L. S. i p. Ill, 6. 



From Stephen Hills and six other Officers of the "Alliance." 



1779. February 7. Brest. 



Desiring the money promised them for their necessary expenses when 

 they should reach France. L. S. i p. XII, 10. 



From P[ierre] Landais. 1779. February 8. 



Asking that the French authorities may have everything ready in the 

 harbor for repairing the ship. A. L. S. i p. Ill, 7. 



From Aquila Johns. 1779. February 10. On board the "Buckskin." 



Certifying to his capture of the English privateer "Spy"; gives the 

 parole of the "Spy's" officers and crew. A. L. S. XII, ii. 



From N[athan] Blodget, Purser of the "Alliance." 

 1779. February 27. Brest. 



A list of articles ordered for transportation to America on board the 

 "Alliance." A. L. S. 2 p. XII, 12. 



From [Ferdinand] Grand. 1779. March 2. Passy. 



The return of bills from Congress would be more of a blow to the 

 United States than the loss of Georgia. Question of the American 

 Commissioners being allowed to draw upon French banks. A. L. 2 p. 

 (In French.) Ill, 8. 



