Letters to Benjamin Franklin 155 



concerning the other proposition of exchanging by written agreement. 

 Description of Mr. John Stephenson, in whose favor he applied to 

 Franklin in a previous letter; urges his release. A. L. S. 2 p. 



XVI, 32. 



From Jno. P[aul] Jones. 1779. October 11. Amsterdam. 



Has determined to retain the Captain of the " Serapis " as a hostage 

 for Conyngham's release as a prisoner of war; is willing to set all his 

 other prisoners at liberty if the English Ambassador will give security in 

 his public character that an equal number of Americans shall be sent 

 at once to France. Unseemly conduct of Landais; his extraordinary 

 demand for supplies of every kind ; has ventured to reduce these requests 

 to one tenth the amount; anxious to form a court-martial. Thinks his 

 prisoners will number four hundred ; will forward list of killed and 

 wounded, a loss far exceeded by the enemy's. A. L. S. 2 p. XVI, 33. 



From John de Neufville & Son. 1779. October 11. Amsterdam. 



Sir Joseph Yorke's private application to have the wounded prisoners 

 landed and taken care of; if this is done, believes they would be claimed 

 forthwith as English subjects; importance of forwarding an exchange of 

 prisoners. A. L. S. 2 p. XVI, 34. 



From M. E. Stevens. 1779. October 12. London. 



Begs Franklin's interest on behalf of Mr. Currie, Captain of an Eng- 

 lish privateer, now a prisoner at Tours, who desires to be exchanged, 

 or, if that is impossible, to have leave of absence to return to England. 

 A. L S. 2 p. XVI, 35. 



From Peter Collas. 1779. October 12. Boston. 



This goes with the Captain of the " Sensible," together with a case 

 of twenty-four cakes of Crown Soap, which Franklin's sister [Mecom] 

 made at Governor Green's. Question of undertaking the business of 

 soap-making; the expense at present too great. Their market scarcely 

 sufficient to supply three quarters of the inhabitants. Messages from 

 Mrs. Mecom, Gov. Greene and Mrs. Collas. A. L. S. 2 p. XVI, 36. 



From H. I. Greelaud. 1779. October 12. Nantes. 



Sending him six bills of exchange received from St. Domingo for ac- 

 ceptance. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XVI, 37. 



