8o Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From B[enjaniiii] Duffield. 1779. May 16. Bordeaux. 



Aware that he has disgraced Franklin's introduction. Expressing 

 great penitence for his past follies and indiscretions; has purchased his 

 experience dearly; has been shut out from his parents and all that he 

 holds dear; desires to enter the army of his countr>^men; kindness of 

 Mr. Conyngham, who has promised to procure him a passage to America; 

 would rather get employment on board a privateer; his funds very low; 

 desires Franklin to mark out a line of conduct for him which he prom- 

 ises to follow. A. L. S. 3 p. XIV, 118. 



From Stephen Sayre. 1779. May 17. Amsterdam, 



Requesting letters of recommendation to the Governors of Mar- 

 tinique and Dominica, as he expects to set sail shortly for those islands. 

 A. L. S. I p. XIV, 119. 



From Morel. 1779. May 17. Versailles. 



At the suggestion of the Marquis de la Fayette, sends Franklin his 

 work, " Le tableau des forces actuelles de la France." A. L. S. 2 p. 

 (In French.) XIV, 120. 



From [Marc] Le Fort. 1779. May 17. Marseilles. 



Acknowledging the part Franklin took in helping them to recover 

 damages for the ship " L'Elegante " and her cargo; desire him to recom- 

 mend their agent, M. Antoine Gautier, to the Magistrates at Williams- 

 burg, that they may help him recover certain funds detained by Capt. 

 Collinson of Bordeaux. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French. In duplicate.) 



XIV, 121. 



From John Adams. 1779. May 17. L'Orient. 



Glad to hear that the Chevalier is making diligent preparations for 

 his departure; will be happy to show him and his secretary the town of 

 Boston, before they go to Philadelphia. Thinks he will not go to 

 Congress very soon, unless ordered. Hopes the resolves of the States- 

 General will bring the English to reason; the late exchange of prison- 

 ers is the sole instance they have given of justice and humanity since 

 the repeal of the Stamp Act; private letters from England say that the 

 last proposals of Spain have been rejected with ill humor. The " Poor 

 Richard " about ready to sail. A. L. S. 2 p. XIV, 122. 



