12 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Geo[rge] Hakins, John Tomling, James Horel, John Redaway 

 and John Sheay. 1779. January 21. Quimper. 



Their escape from a British privateer and their present imprison- 

 ment among a parcel of French thieves, with only six sous a day to 

 live upon, to lie on dirt at night, and to gaze through iron bars all 

 day; beg Franklin to take pity on his poor countrymen. L. S. i p. 



XIII, 51. 



From John Thompson. 1779. January 22. Brest. 



Was appointed gunner on the brig " Lexington." Lost a leg while 

 on that vessel. Has been in the Royal Marine Hospital at Brest. Is 

 now cured from the effects of an operation. Wishes to proceed to Amer- 

 ica and requests a passage. L. S. 4 p. LX, 43. 



Frojn Adamoli. 1779. Januar>' 22. Paris. 



Sending Franklin a poem which he trusts will meet with his appro- 

 bation. Desires to know if the " Societe d'Emulation," of London, 

 rewards discoveries presented by any but Englishmen ; the discovery 

 in question will considerably shorten long and difficult calculations in 

 weights, measures, monies, etc. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) 



XIII, 52. 



From Mme. Brillon. [1779.] January 22. 



Criticised for her informal relations with Franklin; necessary to sub- 

 mit to what is called propriety. State of her nerves; begs him to drink 

 tea with her every day. A. L. i p. (In French.) XLIII, 13. 



Printed in Putnam's Monthly, Nov., 1906, 168. 



From Rob[er]t Niles to The American Commissioners. 

 1779- January 22. Nantes. 



Was captured by a Jersey privateer whose captain accidentally let 

 fall that Mr. Dobree, of Guernsey, was one of his owners; his son, 

 Mr. Dobree of Nantes, anxious to have in writing the particulars of 

 this conversation, but as it is a matter which concerns the country, 

 thought it best to leave the decision with them. A. L. S. i p. 



XIII, 53. 



