Letters to Benjamin Franklin 281 



i-'rom Thomas Mehaney. 1780. August 13. Fortune [Forton] Prison. 



Was formerly with Capt. Jones; begs for clothes and a trifle of 

 money; has been almost twelve months in prison and is very weak. A. 

 L. S. 2 p. XIX, 65. 



From John Manley. 1780. August 14. Mill Prison. 



Has been informed by some officers of rank that they, with some seventy 

 soldiers, were taken by the " Black Prince," robbed and then landed 

 in their own country; always understood that one of the chief reasons 

 for sending out privateers was to take prisoners for exchange; the 

 French and Spanish prisoners are both to be exchanged but the Amer- 

 icans are utterly forsaken. L. S. i p. XIX, 66. 



From Jacob Tucker. 1780. August 15. Forton Prison. . 



Served on the frigate " Boston," Capt. Samuel Tucker. Is a relative 

 of the latter. Was taken prisoner while on a prize-ship on his return 

 to Boston, by a British frigate. Appeals for assistance. A. L. S. i p. 



LX, 23. 

 From Fournier le jeune. 1780. August 15. Paris. 



Very grateful for the portrait of Franklin ; both his wife and himself 

 feel more than honored. A, L. S. i p. (In French.) XIX, 67. 



From The Continental Congress, Committee of Foreign Affairs. 



1780. August 15th. September 7th. 



Resolves of Congress, respecting bills to be drawn upon Franklin 

 for one hundred thousand dollars; the possessions held by the enemy 

 in the south have necessitated this disagreeable step; thinks he can 

 guarantee that not a single draught more will be made upon him. Con- 

 gress has called for three millions more. Nothing but the weight of 

 the taxes will put an end to the levity with which the currency is treated. 

 Other vigorous measures likely to be adopted. A. L. S. James Lovell. 

 2 p. XIX, 68. 



From J[oh]n Diot & Co. 1780. August 16. Morlaix. 



Forwarding the proces-verbaux and the examinations relative to the 

 " Enterprise," taken by the Admiralty Board of Brest. Another prize, 

 the " St. Joseph," captured by the " Black Princess " as well as six 

 ransoms; the eighteen prisoners taken are to be sent off at once on the 

 cartel ship " The Indian Prince." A. L. S. 2 p. XIX, 69. 



