Letters to Benjamin Franklin 57 



Frorji I. Wanklyn. 1779. April 6. Paris. 



Is a dissenting minister, a native of America; persecution he under- 

 went in England for defending the American cause from the pulpit; 

 his imprisonment on board an English frigate and his subsequent es- 

 cape; his arrival in Paris in a destitute condition. Desires Franklin's 

 assistance to enable him to go to America, where he wishes to serve 

 his country either in the pulpit or army. A. L. S. 2 p. XIV, 13. 



From David Wilkin. 1779. April 6, La Rochelle. 



Desires to be released from his imprisonment and enabled to re- 

 turn to Philadelphia where he has a wife and family; Thomas 

 Campbell, also a Philadelphian, desires his freedom. A. L. S. i p. 



XIV, 14. 



From P[ierre] Landais. 1779. April 6. Brest. 



Would rather have all Americans in his crew than a part French, 

 as that mixture always causes trouble. Has landed all the mutineers. 

 Concerning the arrival of the cartel vessel at Nantes with ninety- 

 seven Americans; his orders to take with him, for exchange, ninety- 

 three prisoners out of the guard-ship; danger of carrying so many, 

 even in irons. Asks Franklin's advice in the case of a deserter from his 

 ship, who has enlisted in Colonel Dillon's regiment and is at present 

 on board a man-of-war, where they refuse to give him up. A. L. S. 

 3 p. XIV, 15. 



From Tho[nia]s Potter. 1779. April 7. Havre-de-Grace. 



Applies as an American for his release from prison, that he may 

 be enabled once more to serve his country. A. L. S. 2 p. XIV, 16. 



From Jona[than] Williams, Jr. 1779. April 7. Nantes. 



Arrival in the " Flagg " of ninety-five American prisoners, twelve of 

 whom are officers; proposals made them by the agent; given only 20 

 sols per day for board ; begs for better treatment for the officers ; if 

 a subscription is opened for the subsistence of prisoners, will give 

 20 louis; enclosing a list of men who have engaged in the British 

 service and a list of those who remain in prison ; hopes Franklin will 

 not be offended at his taking the part of the prisoners. A. L. S. 4 p. 



XXXVIII, 24. 



