152 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



the new cutter being built for him at Boulogne; great things to be 

 expected from such a ship and captain. The new commander of the 

 " Black Prince," Mr. Patrick Dowlin ; his strong recommendations for 

 the prisoners; question of his commission. Exchange of prisoners. The 

 retaking of the " Hopewell," Capt. Bell, by the brilliant privateer of 

 Jersey. A. L. S. 4 P- XVI, 16. 



From Jno. P[aul] Jones. 1779. October 8. Amsterdam. 



His reception at Amsterdam. Anything consonant with the good 

 of the common cause will always meet with his full attention, but 

 he can accept of no honor that could call in question his ardent 

 attachment to the American cause. Difficulties in the way of a court- 

 martial for Capt. Landais; will await Franklin's orders before taking 

 any measures in regard to the trial; discusses who is to take the place 

 of Landais as Captain of the " Alliance." Needs more officers. The 

 refitting of the " Serapis," " Countess of Scarborough " and " Ven- 

 geance." Far from desiring a quarrel with M. [Paul] de Chamillard, 

 wishes to know him long as a friend but not as a master. A. L. S. 

 2 p. XVI, 17. 



From Arthur Lee. 1779. October 8. Paris. 



Informed by Franklin on the 17th ult. that the Count de Vergennes 

 has charged himself with inquiries regarding the attitude of the Court 

 of Spain in respect to the conclusion of the treaty; begs to be informed 

 what answer, if any, has been received. A. L. S. i p. XVI, 18. 



Frojn J. Meyer. 1779. October 8. Dunkirk. 



Claims a share of the prizes taken by the " Ranger," Capt. Jones, 

 when he served as a volunteer; cannot proceed in the matter without 

 Franklin's authorization. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) XVI, 19. 



From Fran[ci]s Coffyn. 1779. October 9. Dunkirk. 



Resignation of Stephen Marchant as Captain of the " Black Prince " ; 

 question of making out his commission in favor of Patrick Dowlin. 

 Movements of the " Edgar," " Dromedary " and " Diamond." The 

 " Black Prince " and " Princess " almost ready for sea. A. L. S. 2 p. 



XVI, 20. 



