300 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Braner. 1780. October 7. Brou. 



The decree respecting the " Queen of Portugal " ; will pay his re- 

 spects to Franklin as soon as he receives the papers concerning the 

 prize by the American corsair. A, L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



XX, 14. 



From Douillemond. 1780. October 7. Menin. 



Offers the services of an officer who has served in the police force; 

 his travelling expenses and his passage to America are all he asks for. A. 

 L. S. I p. (In French.) XX, 15. 



From [Marquis de] la Fayette. 



1780. October 9. Camp, Passaic River. 

 Naval superiority of the enemy all along the coast; arrival of French 

 fleet has served as a check on Sir Harry Clinton and has raised the 

 States to spirited, though temporary, measures, which have enabled the 

 army to offer battle upon equal terms; American naval superiority 

 of the greatest importance; with that, they could accomplish something. 

 No intelligence about the clothing ; shocking situation the army is in ; the 

 men almost naked ; no arms or powder ; begs for fifteen or twenty 

 thousand complete suits exclusive of those expected. Gen. Gates's ac- 

 count of the battle of Camden incorrect; the militia ran but the Con- 

 tinental troops behaved to perfection. Patriotic plan to be adopted 

 by the Eastern States which will insure independence. Franklin will 

 hear of Arnold's trickerj'^ and Andre's execution. A. L. S. 4 p. 



XX, 16. 



From F[rancis] M. Dana. 1780. October 9. Antwerp. 



The enclosed bills are the property of Mr. Jonathan L. Austin; 

 will commit them to the care of Mr. Samuel Bradford who will pre- 

 sent them for acceptance. A. L. S. i p. XX, 17. 



From Le Ray de Chaumont. 1780. October 9. Passy. 



Begs that Franklin will order the vessel, the " Marquis de la Fayette," 

 to be loaded with all the ammunition she can carry, for the United 

 States. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) XX, 18. 



From Joseph Conkling. 1780. October 9. He de Re. 



The bearer is an officer with him on the brig "Whim "; begs Frank- 

 lin to assist him in obtaining an order from the Admiralty to deliver 

 his cargo, guns and effects. A. L. S. i p. XX, 19. 



