232 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Charles Collins. 1780. March 29. Cherbourg. 



Taken prisoner in 1778 on the Continental brig "Resistance," while 

 serving as midshipman; his barbarous treatment by the English; his 

 refusal to enter their service; his subsequent escape from Pembroke 

 Prison and his arrival in France; begs for a little money; is ready to 

 go on board any Continental vessel. A. L. S. i p. XVII, 155. 



From Juliana Ritchie. 1780. March 29. Cambray. 



Fears that Franklin's continued silence means that something has 

 happened to her husband which he does not choose to tell her. A. 

 L. S. 2 p. XVII, 156. 



From Baron de Gaisberg and Ferdinand de Stahel. 

 1780. March 29. Babocsa, Hungary. 



Their ardent wish is to enter the American army ; only waiting for the 

 promise of Franklin's protection to start at once for Paris. A. L. S. 

 4 p. (In French.) XVII, 157. 



From Peter Blackit. 1780. March 30. Dinan prison. 



Was lately boatswain on board the "Princess" privateer; accused 

 of conspiring w^ith certain English prisoners on board to take possession 

 of the ship; has been sent from prison to prison, and is now in daily 

 fear of being sent to England ; declares the charge against him false, and 

 begs Franklin to let him have a lawful trial; amount of prize money 

 due him. A. L. S. i p. XVII, 158. 



From [Pierre] Roussille. 1780. March 30. Paris. 



Prevented from going to Bordeaux by severe illness. Applies once 

 more for a small loan. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XVII, 159. 



From J[ohn] Torris. 1780. March 31. Dunkirk. 



Urgent need of despatching the judgments for certain prizes as 

 quickly as possible. A. L. S. 2 p. XVII, 160. 



From Rob[er]t Morris. 1780. March 31. Philadelphia. 



Acknowledging Franklin's favor of October 22d, recommending to 

 his notice the affairs of M. De Lafrete with Mr. Roulhac, of Edenton ; 

 promises to do everything in his power. A. L. S. i p. (In dupli- 

 cate.) XVII, 161 and 162. 



