Letters to Benjamin Franklin 167 



From Wahrendorff & Son. 1779. November 8. Wismar. 



Writes in praise of the peas produced around Wismar. The English 

 purchase great quantities for their marine service and hopes that Frank- 

 lin will give them commissions for America. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) 



XVI, 96. 



From Jonat[ha]n Nesbitt. 1779. November 8. L'Orient. 



Encloses bond for the purpose of obtaining a commission and letters 

 of marque for Arthur Kirk, of the schooner " Independence," arrived 

 at Nantes from Baltimore. A. L. S. I p. XVI, 97. 



From [Marquis de] la Fayette. 1779. November 9. Havre. 



Wishes Franklin's opinion on the sudden change of orders; was just 

 prepared to go into winter quarters with his troops, when to his great 

 surprise, a special courier arrived with orders to be ready to march at a 

 moment's warning; meaning of all this entirely unknown to anyone at 

 Havre; various conjectures as to the project on hand; no orders arrived 

 for the navy. Delicate treatment of Irish affairs necessary. A. L. S. 

 4 p. XVI, 98. 



From Mme. Brillon. [1779. November] 9. Tuesday. La Thuillerie. 



Is displeased at not having heard from Franklin. Hopes he will 

 see his error and repent. Her brother invites Franklin's son to spend 

 a few days with them in the country and to go hunting. A. L. 2 p. 

 (In French.) XLIII, 38. 



From [Marquis de] la Fayette. 1779. November 10. Havre. 



Introducing Mr. Smith and Mr. Watts of Virginia, who desire let- 

 ters to the American agent at Bordeaux. Is still mystified as to the 

 change of orders and awaits with impatience any messenger from Ver- 

 sailles. A. L. S. 2 p. XVI, 99. 



From John Dalton et al. 1779. November 11. Coutances. 



Six American seamen tell of their escape from Mill Prison in England. 

 Crossed the Channel to France in an open boat. On arrival were ar- 

 rested and imprisoned, suspected of being Englishmen. Appeal to 

 Franklin to secure their release. L. S. 2 p. LX, 32. 



