Letters to Benjamin Franklin 203 



From Fraii[ci]s Coffyn. 1780. January 2. Dunkirk. 



Arrival of the " Serapis," " Pallas," and " Countess of Scarborough," 

 with the brigantine, "Vengeance"; no mention made of Capt. Jones; 

 imagines he proceeded through the Channel with the " Alliance." A. 

 L. S. 2 p. XVII, 5. 



From George Leopold Besson. 1780. January 3. Montbeillard. 



None of his former requests for assistance have been answered. A. 

 L. S. 4 p. (In French.) XVII, 6. 



From G. B. [David Hartley]. 1780. January 3. London. 



Thinks the propositions for peace in May and June did some good, 

 although opposed by the Ministry. Is strongly in favor of proposing 

 a ten years' truce to America; part France would play in such an offer; 

 objects to demanding the removal of troops as a preliminary measure; 

 difficulties which confront the peace-maker; would take a bare-foot 

 pilgrimage to Mecca to be assured of safe grounds to act upon ; peace 

 negotiations reported to be the object of Mr. Adams's mission; urges 

 Franklin to be ever watchful for this great result. A. L. S. 4 p. 



XVII, 7. 

 From Coder. 1780, January 3. Paris. 



Has promised that Franklin would write to M. le Comte de Broglie, 

 recommending M. Lair De Lamotte, M. Dubourg's nephew, for the 

 position of Secretary. [Enclosed is a letter of introduction (i p.), 

 unsigned.] A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XVII, 8. 



From Jonat[lia]n Nesbitt. 1780. January 3. L'Orient. 



Col. [Patrick] Ferguson's defeat has frustrated, in a great measure, 

 the enemy's designs against Virginia, but it is feared they will winter 

 in Portsmouth. A. L. S. 2 p. XVII, 9. 



From W[illia]ni Smith. 1780. January 4. St. Malo. 



Born in Baltimore ; shipped as officer in the first cruise of the " Bon 

 Homme Richard " ; was wounded and left, at his own expense, at 

 rOrient; desires a sufficient sum to enable him to redeem his trunk 

 and clothes. A. L. S. 2 p. XVII, 10. 



From Veuve Dque. Morel & fils. 1780. January 4. Dunkirk. 



Arrival of a portion of Commodore Jones's fleet. L. S. 2 p. 



XVII, II. 



