134 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From God. de Gigglong (?). 1779. August 27. Versailles. 



Astonished at receiving no answer to his former letters. A. L. S. 

 2 p. (In French.) XV, 149. 



From W[illia]m Bingham. 



1779. August 28. St. Pierre, Martinique. 



The troops intended for Georgia have been retained for the defence 

 of St. Christopher and Antigua. Concerning the probable movements 

 of Count d'Estaing's fleet; reasons for thinking that he is engaged on an 

 expedition to Georgia; should he once get possession of Port Royal he 

 could bid defiance to the whole British navy. The enemy repulsed in 

 their attack on Charleston. Hopes America \\\\\ be encouraged by the 

 attitude of certain of the European powers; the internal divisions in the 

 Colonies give the enemy more courage than all their military achieve- 

 ments. The depreciation of the currency another circumstance of a 

 most alarming nature. Has no doubt of the favorable issue of the war, 

 but regrets that America will have to struggle against various difficulties 

 that might have been obviated. Rumors of the English fleet having 

 been seen near Antigua. A. L. S. 5 p. XV, 151. 



From [Marquis de] la Fayette. 1779. August 29. Havre. 



Thanking Franklin, as a private individual, for the flattering tributes 

 which he added to the noble present just received from Congress; im- 

 mense effect such a gift has had upon the army. Concerning [William] 

 Temple Franklin's ardent desire to join their expedition to England; 

 points out a way of procuring him for his aide-de-camp. His earnest 

 wish to see more service in America. A. L. S. 2 p. XV, 153. 



From [Marquis de] la Fayette. 1779. August 29. Havre. 



Acknowledging the presentation of the sword, a gift from Congress. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. XV, 154. 



Printed in Works (Sparks, VIII, 381). 



From John Bondfield. 1779. August 29. Bordeaux. 



Advised of the capture of one of the ships under the escort of La 

 Motte Picquet; the fate of the other two not yet known; bewails the 

 chain of misfortunes which has attended him. Prevost's defeat con- 

 firmed. A. L. S. 2 p. XV, 155. 



