Letters to Benjamin Franklin 177 



From [Claude Henri] Watelet. 1779. December 3. Paris. 



Desiring to know if Franklin will receive the Commander of the 

 King's frigate " I'Oiseau " ; he is anxious to consult with him on a 

 matter of some interest. A. L. in 3d P. i p. (In French.) 



XVI, 144. 



From John Bondfield. 1779. December 3. Bordeaux. 



News received of the arrival at Savannah of a detachment from Comte 

 d'Estaing's fleet, who took and destroyed the British armed vessels on 

 the coast and made prisoners of eight hundred soldiers at Beaufort. 

 A. L. S. I p. XVI, 145. 



From [C. G. F.] Dumas. 

 1779. December 4. "Alliance," Texel Road. 



Copy of a certificate by Harmen Fleus, pilot, stating that on Novem- 

 ber 28th Vice Admiral Reynst ordered the ship " Alliance " to go to 

 sea when wind and weather rendered it both dangerous and impossible 

 then and since November 23d ; orders from Admiral Reynst have ex- 

 ceeded both the intention and terms of the last Resolution. A. L. S. 

 I p. XXXIX, 135. 



From Santerre de Beaumont. 1779. December 5. Magny. 



Franklin reported to have claimed his descent from a notary of Pon- 

 toise named Dagneaux; is in a position to procure the genealogy of this 

 family. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) XVI, 146. 



From Ch[arles] Carroll of Carrollton. 1779. Decembers. Annapolis. 



Introducing Mr. Thomas Ridout. Acknowledges his favor of June 

 20th by the Chevalier de la Luzerne. Reasons why he resigned his 

 seat in Congress. Deplorable state of the public credit; heavy taxation 

 recommended by Congress. Exorbitant price of all provisions ; measures 

 suggested by Congress to check this evil. Describes the army as con- 

 sisting of 20,000 fine, hardy fellows, well disciplined, well armed, and 

 pretty tolerably clothed, but not strong enough to drive the English out 

 of New York. Sketches a plan of operation which he believes would 

 result in bringing the war to a speedy issue. A. L. S. 8 p. XVI, 147. 

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