Letters to Benjamin Franklin 183 



From J. F. Frin & Co. 1779. December 22. Paris. 



Enclosing a letter (2 p.) from their friends, Mr. Daniel Crommelin 

 & Son, relative to the payment of certain bills of exchange, with a 

 plan for facilitating such intercourse with Holland in future. A. L. S. 

 I p. (In French.) XVI, 168. 



From John Hartwell. 1779. December 24. Boulogne Prison. 



Born in Boston; was in the English service, but escaped, only to be 

 taken prisoner by the French; begs for his freedom and a pass to en- 

 able him to go on board a cutter now at Calais; willing and anxious 

 to fight for his country. A. L. S. 2 p. XVI, 169. 



From Anth[on]y Merry. 

 1779. December 24. Queen Square, Westminster. 

 Reminding Franklin of the many convivial hours they spent together 

 in Cornhill and Queen Square. Begs that the enclosed, unsealed letter 

 may be forwarded to Capt. Hawker, a worthy oflficer of His Majesty's 

 62d regiment of foot, who has been a prisoner in America ever since 

 the convention of Saratoga; desires Franklin's influence to obtain his 

 exchange, as well as that of Major Harnage, as these two are such 

 friends that one will never accept of a release, unless it extends to the 

 other; their miserable and destitute situation. All their old friends 

 at the George and Vulture are alive and well. L. S. 2 p. XVI, 170. 



From Naghel. 1779. December 24. Paris. 



Is engaged in fitting out two armed frigates with supplies for Amer- 

 ica; desires to know what objects the Colonists particularly need, and 

 what are the best ports for the sale of his cargo and the purchase of 

 a fresh one. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) XVI, 171. 



From de Mayz. 1779. December 24. Paris. 



W^ishes a position in the American army; his father a well-known 

 Prussian general. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) XVI, 171^. 



From [Marquis de] la Fayette. 1779. December 24. Paris. 



Announcing the birth of his son, who is to be named George, after 

 his dear friend. General Washington; begs Franklin to inform Mr. 

 William Franklin and Dr. Bancroft of the event. A. L. S. 2 p. 



XVI, 172. 



