Letters to Benjamin Franklin 47 



kind of boat, a few of which will insure the utter ruin of the British 

 navy; the necessity of adopting his plan immediately; offers to come 

 to Paris to consult with Franklin, and only asks that his expenses 

 be paid. Has been cruelly sacrificed to the enemies of America and 

 has hitherto found little countenance from her friends. Trusts that 

 the ruin of a certain family will perhaps afiford him opportunities for 

 obtaining justice. Begs for a letter to the Governor of Dominica where 

 he owns an estate; desires to know if it is true that the French have 

 abandoned Dominica, and if they would put it under the protection 

 of Sweden. A. L. S. 7 p. XIII, 212. 



From Chevalier de Keralio. 

 1779. March 21. A L'Ecole Royale M[ilitai]re. 

 Desired by Madame la Comtesse de Forbach to send him the en- 

 closed copy of a letter she received from the Marquis de la Fayette; 

 delivered to her Franklin's affectionate message which she desires 

 to see in his own handwriting, like Madame Helvetius who pre- 

 tends that one only loves people when one sees them. Believes that 

 Spain's declaration is not far distant. Has heard no details as yet of 

 M. de Vaudreuil's expedition. Reminds Franklin of his promised 

 answer to Prince de Gallitzin. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



XIII, 214. 



From William Gardner. 1779. March 21. Bayonne. 



Born upon the Island of Nantucket; sailed from there to Bordeaux, 

 but was taken prisoner by an English vessel; his subsequent misfor- 

 tunes up to his present incarceration in a French prison ; he and two 

 other Americans desire to be released and to go on board a Continental 

 vessel or merchant ship bound for America. A. L. S. 2 p. XIII, 215. 



From [Gen.] Th[oma]s Conway. 1779. March 22. 



The enclosed is from their mutual friend Mr. Richard Peters. The 

 little tribulations he has met are of a private nature, and did not 

 alter his principles or opinions concerning the important cause which 

 he wished to preserve to the best of his ability. A. L. S. i p. 



XIII, 216. 

 From Veuve Leleu. 1779. March 22. 



Enclosing a letter for Franklin from London. L. in 3d P. i p. 

 (In French.) XIII, 217. 



