Letters to Benjamin Franklin ii 



urges the wisdom of having a correspondent devoted to the interests 

 of France and America, to whom authentic reports might be forwarded. 

 Favorable impression created by Governor Trumbull's letter. Appre- 

 ciates the honor done him by the Ministers at Passy, in their generous 

 commendation of his conduct with regard to the Scottish Brigade ; thanks 

 them for their very kind offer, which at present he is unable to ac- 

 cept. Excellent choice France has made in the person of the Due de 

 la Vauguyon. A. L. S. 4 p. ( In French. ) XIII, 48. 



From John Lloyd, et al., American Merchants at Nantes to The 

 American Commissioners. 1779. January 21. Nantes. 



Concerning a convoy to guard merchant ships to America. Severity 

 of weather hinders sailing of ships. Acknowledge receipt of a copy 

 of the Treaty of Commerce, and ask w^hat ports are to be free, pur- 

 suant to the 30th Article. Refer to danger from Barbary corsairs, 

 and ask advice as to protection from them. Pray for more knowledge 

 as to the impost duties levied by each of the United States. Patience 

 and perseverance will win the present contest. A. L. S. 4 p. LIV, 5. 



From de Parny. 1779. January 21. Paris. 



Writes for information concerning a sum of money deposited in 

 the public treasury, at Charleston, and redeemable at a certain date. 

 A. L. S. I p. (In French.) XIII, 49. 



From Jno. Gilbank to The American Commissioners. 

 1779- January 21. Nantes. 



The mortification of their refusal to accept his bill; there is one 

 method still left by which he may raise the desired sum; that is, for 

 them to endorse a bill drawn by him on the President of Congress; 

 if this suggestion is also refused, is afraid it will be attributed to their 

 indifference to the fate of an American officer. Complains bitterly 

 of the treatment he has received ; exonerates Congress from being 

 privy to it; hints at a time coming when he may be able to resent 

 this treatment in another way than by words. A. L. S. 2 p. 



XIII, 50. 



