Letters to Benjamin Franklin 259 



From Depotot and Desgrange. 



1780. June 13. Versailles. 



Asking for a commission in the United States army; desire merely 

 the rank of Lieutenant, which they have held in France for five years, 

 and to have their traveling expenses paid. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) 



XVIII, 134. 



From Joshua Johnson. 1780. June 13. Nantes. 



Encloses letters just arrived from New London. A. L. S. i p. 



XVIII, 135. 



From James Russell. 1780. June 13. London. 



Acknowledging Franklin's favor of the 20th ult. directed to Messrs. 

 Stanbury, Grove & Russell; Mr. Stanbury is at Bath but expects to 

 be in London in a month, at which time the letter shall receive an 

 answer. A. L. S. i p. XVIII, 136. 



From Jonat[ha]n Nesbitt. 1780. June 13. L'Orient. 



The disturbances on board the " Alliance " in consequence of Capt. 

 Landais's assuming the command of that frigate; the Captain's probable 

 motives in taking this step; his own private sentiments on the matter. 

 A. L. S. 3 p. XVIII, 137. 



From Jno. P[aul] Jones. 1780. June 13. L'Orient. 



On his arrival found that Capt. Landais, encouraged by Mr. Lee 

 and Mr. Gillon, had raised a party spirit on board the "Alliance"; 

 steps he took to meet such a move; this very day during his absence, 

 Capt. Landais went on board the " Alliance " and declared his in- 

 tention of keeping the command by force, if necessary; no steps can 

 be taken without written orders from Franklin; encloses letter from 

 the Secretary of the Admiralty, upon which Captain Landais bases his 

 pretentions. The armament of the "Ariel" rapidly advancing; ex- 

 pects the two ships to carry to America the articles immediately 

 wanted; clothes more important than muskets. L. S. 2 p. 



XVIII, 138. 



Printed in part in Hale's Franiclin in France, I, 335. 



From Arthur Lee. 1780. June 13. L'Orient. 



The passport given him by Franklin has expired and is now useless; 

 will be obliged for another one. A, L. S. i p. XVIII, 139. 



