248 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From William Hodgson. 1780. May 12. London. 



Acknowledging Franklin's favor of the nth ult., which he at once 

 communicated to the Board of Sick and Hurt; their opinion that it 

 would be better to wait for the letter from M. de Sartine and lay the 

 whole thing before the Admiralty at the same time; the Board's re- 

 luctance to accept French captured prisoners in exchange for Amer- 

 ican ones; the reasons urged by him on this head. Particulars concern- 

 ing Mr, [David] Williams's libellous article in the " Morning Post." 

 Mr. [John] Whitehurst desires to know if his book arrived safely. A. 

 L. S. 4 p. XVIII, 78. 



From Geo[rge] Scott. 1780. May 13. Naples. 



Begs Franklin to write a few lines to the Messrs. Crommelin, de- 

 siring them to sell his goods to the best possible advantage. A. L. S. 

 2 p. XVIII, 79. 



From [Baron H. H. de] Poellnitz. 1780. May 13. Bordeaux. 



Since his arrival at Bordeaux, has been unable to conceal his desire 

 of being counted among the free men of America; has therefore sent 

 in his resignation to the King of Prussia and only awaits peace to 

 embark for Maryland or North Carolina; begs Franklin to continue 

 his favorable disposition towards himself and his wife. A, L. S. I p. 

 (In French.) XVIII, 80. 



Frotn Baron de Arendt. 1780. May 13. Paris. 



Enclosing a letter from the Comte de Vergennes. Takes this op- 

 portunity to repeat his request for a few moments' private interview. 

 L. in 3d P. I p. (In French.) XVIII, 81. 



From J[ohn] Torris. 1780. May 13. Dunkirk. 



Has paid Mr. Coffyn the sum Franklin was so good as to give 

 the bold d'Estaing; begs that no more advances shall be made to 

 the people of the privateers, as they are mostly paid beforehand for 

 their cruize and are very extravagant. Concerning the capture of the 

 " Flora " by the " Black Prince," and the dispute about the cargo. 

 Begs him to order the Admiralty at Morlaix to sell certain prizes, as 

 the cargoes are spoiling, and the condemnations not yet ready. A. 

 L. S. 3 p. XVIII, 82. 



