Letters to Benjamin Franklin 37 



his possession; the pains he took not to involve Franklin in this af- 

 fair; has had an exceeding rough time of it, but the tide of public 

 sentiment has turned in his favor. Sent in his resignation of Secretary 

 to the Committee of Foreign affairs. A. L. S. 4 p. 



[Note on MS. by unknown hand. An unfair letter! Paine dismissed 

 from his office as Secretary for using his position to publish the sub- 

 stance of secret despatches.] XIII, 164. 



From Baronne de Mon's. 1779. March 5. Altona. 



Asking Franklin's influence with Congress that she may obtain posses- 

 sion of her property. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) XIII, 165. 



From Pierre Bon de Corcelles. 1779. March 5. Moudon. 



His admiration for America; desires to settle there, preferably in 

 Pennsylvania, with several farmers who will go over under his di- 

 rection; wishes information as to the price of land or whether it is 

 granted gratis. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) 



A. Dr. of answer by Benjamin Franklin. That the lands in Pennsyl- 

 vania not yet granted all belong to the Proprietary, Mr. Penn. That 

 he sells them for £5, sterling, the lOO acres. A price so low that 

 probably the gentlemen would chuse rather to purchase than to accept 

 them as a gift. That no lands are given to encourage strangers to 

 settle in that province. A good climate, good air, good soil, good govern- 

 ment, good laws and liberty have been sufficient encouragements without 

 hiring inhabitants by other gifts; and all these he will meet with, be- 

 sides an honest, virtuous people, who receive strangers with a sincere 

 welcome and will respect his talents, i p. XIII, 166. 



From The Treasurer of Loans to The American Commissioners. 



1779. March 5. Philadelphia. 



Notification of bills of exchange furnished the States of New Hamp- 

 shire, New Jersey and Virginia. A. L. S. Fra[nci]s Hopkinson. i p. 

 (In triplicate.) LIV, 15. 



From Chr. Baldwin. 1779. March 5. London. 



Their ardent desire to see him again ; his liturgy is Mrs. Baldwin's 

 regular Sunday entertainment. Hopes his son has received the letters 

 of recommendation sent by Franklin. The profile he alluded to is 

 23^2 inches long, of the Royal Manufactory of Sauve; Miss Watkins 

 promises to kiss it the moment it comes to hand. A. L. S. 2 p. 



XIII, 168. 



