212 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Pat [rick] Dowlin. 1780. January 27. "Black Prince," Brest. 



Has taken three valuable prizes, four ransoms, and put forty-three 

 captives into the prison at I'Orient; his consort, the "Black Princess," 

 boasts four prizes; will send copy of journal and the names of the 

 prisoners; hopes shortly to be ready to join the "Black Princess" 

 at the He of Ross. A. L. S. i p. XVII, 51. 



From William Hodgson. 1780. January 28. London. 



Having received no answer to his letter of Nov. 23d, presumes it 

 miscarried ; miserable condition of the American prisoners, who number 

 1,100; does not understand why nothing has been done to forward the 

 exchange as the English Board of Sick and Hurt are most anxious to do 

 their part; another passport needed, as two vessels will not be suffi- 

 cient. A. L. S. 3 p. XVII, 52. 



From Luke Ryan. 1780. January 29. Dunkirk. 



His health perfectly restored ; waits with impatience the commission 

 for his ship the " Fearnot " ; his refusal of offers made by the French; 

 will only serve under the American flag; refuses to expose himself to 

 the insults of French officers. His scheme for the Bristol fair of March, 

 will, he hopes, deprive the fair of some linen and other cargoes. A. 

 L. S. 2 p. XVII, 53. 



From John Bondfield. 1780. Januar>^ 29. Bordeaux. 



Departure of Mr. Adams from Bayonne. His reasons for thinking 

 the " Confederacy " has foundered ; bewails the difficulty and uncertainty 

 of correspondence with the United States ; suggests the benefits of having 

 monthly packet boats; in daily expectation of valuable arrivals from 

 America. A. L. S. i p. XVII, 54. 



From John Diot & Co. 1780. January 31. Morlaix. 



Referring Franklin to their letter of the 12th inst. ; enclosing a 

 copy of the journal of the " Black Prince " ; their anxiety lest two of the 

 prizes taken by the " Princess " have been retaken or lost ; think both 

 privateers will be ready for sea again in a few days; need of the prizes 

 being speedily judged and condemned, on account of the great demand 

 for provisions in the French navy. A. L. S. 2 p. XVII, 55. 



