282 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Le Brigant. 1780, August 16. Treguier. 



The language of the Colonies merely an offshoot from that of ancient 

 Gaul and Britain, with whose descendants the United States will have 

 no difficulty in forming the closest ties ; depends on Franklin to spread 

 this discovery abroad. A. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) XIX, 70. 



From [Jean Baptiste] Le Roy. 1780. August 17. Paris. 



Asking Franklin to use his influence with M. de Sartine in the case 

 of M[ajor] de Boy, which he believes to be a perfectly just one; M. 

 de Boy served in America and was present when Burgoyne was made 

 prisoner. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XIX, 71. 



From John Adams. 1780. August 17. Amsterdam. 



Hopes his countrymen will give up delusive dreams of peace and will 

 devote themselves to augmenting their navy, finding out their own 

 resources and depending on themselves. A. L. S. 2 p. XIX, 72. 



Printed in Works (Sparks, VIII, 494). 



From [Mme.] De Poliange. 1780. August 18. Paris. 



Forwarded Franklin a little memoir concerning her parent, M. 

 Vigeral, who was captured by the English on an American corsair, 

 March 5, 1778; since then, nothing has been heard of him; begs Frank- 

 lin to make some inquiries. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XIX, 73. 



From David [I'Aine] (Secretary of the Legation at the 



Palatinate). 1780. August 18. Paris. 

 Has the honor of forwarding Franklin a package from the Academy 

 of Mannheim. L. in 3d P. 3 p. (In French.) XIX, 74. 



From [Jules,] Comte de Montfort. 1780. August 19. Paris. 



Account of his persecution by Madame de Villeneuve merely be- 

 cause he wished to marry her daughter; admits he has a few debts 

 but declares himself in all other respects worthy of Franklin's regard 

 and assistance; his innocent assumption of the name of Montfort has 

 been twisted into evidence against him; his well-known services in the 

 American army; appeals to Franklin to certify to his character as a 

 good officer and citizen and a perfectly honest man. L. S. 4 p. (In 

 French.) XIX, 75- 



