142 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Rob[er]t Morris. 1779. September 18. Philadelphia. 



The Chevalier de la Luzerne not yet arrived; hopes he may compen- 

 sate them for the loss of M. [Conrad Alexandre] Gerard [de Rayneval] 

 who enjoyed the esteem of all men, unbiassed by party views. His own 

 opposition to the Constitution of Pennsylvania as well as to parties in 

 Congress, has procured him much unmerited abuse ; armed with conscious 

 innocence and unshaken integrity, has never failed to route his enemies. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. (In triplicate.) XV, 199. 



From Fran[ci]s Coffyn. 1779. September 18. Dunkirk. 



Enclosing copy of a French regulation concerning the formalities to 

 be observed in the condemnation of prizes; advisability of avoiding these 

 difficulties in future by taking French commissions for the " Black 

 Prince" and "Princess"; reasons against such a step; unparalleled 

 success of the " Black Prince " in capturing upwards of thirty vessels 

 in the course of three months; suggests that these two privateers should 

 cruise together in order that the large number of prisoners they will take 

 may be exchanged for Americans in English prisons. The approaching 

 arrival at Dunkirk of the " Black Prince"; desires instructions as to the 

 maintenance of any English prisoners who may be on board. A. L. S. 

 4 p. XV, 200. 



From Caty Greene. 1779. September 19. Warwick. 



Family news ; poor health of Mrs. Mecom ; loves to hear of Franklin's 

 health and of his releasing them from the British yoke. A. L. S. 2 p. 



XV, 201. 



From Baron de Heimenthal. 1779. September 20. Valence du Minho. 



Wishes to serve in the American army; desires to form artillery 

 corps, to choose his own officers and to have no one placed over him. 

 Encloses anonymous letter of reference which recommends him to 

 Franklin's notice in the highest tenns and mentions various other foreign 

 officers whose services would be invaluable to America, especially those 

 in Portugal. A. L. S. 7 p. (In French.) XV, 202. 



Fro?n J, Rocquette, A. Elserier & Brothers Rocquette. 

 1779. September 20. Rotterdam. 



Enclosing a parcel for Franklin, and one for A. Lee to be forwarded 

 to his present address. A. L. S. i p. XV, 203. 



