Letters to Benjamin Franklin 353 



From Epidorge. 1781. February 12. Dunkirk. 



Wishes to know if the request concerning the twenty volunteers of 

 Capt. Conyngham's crew came to hand; they live in his house and 

 will give him no peace until he writes again; Mr. Coffyn refuses to 

 do anything for them, as he has received no instructions ; they demand 

 their wages and a lawful share of the prize-money. A. L. S. 3 p. 

 (In French.) XXI, 61. 



From Benj[amin] Putnam. 

 1 78 1. February 12. Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe. 



Concerning the capture of an English privateer schooner by seven 

 Americans, held as prisoners on board; in the subsequent trial, the 

 privateer was adjudged the property of the captors; this judgment has 

 been appealed to France for a second hearing; has purchased the pre- 

 tentions of the seven Americans and begs Franklin's interposition on 

 his behalf, should the appeal come before the Court of France. A. 

 L. S. 3 p. XXI, 62. 



From William Howard. 



1 781. February 14. On board a prison ship, " Security," off Chatham. 

 Six Americans on board the ship in a most miserable situation, without 

 clothes or money; they had all relied upon being exchanged with the 

 Frenchmen; they are treated badly and are short of rations. A. L. 

 S. I p. XXI, 63. 



From Mme. Brillon. [1781.] February 15. 



Reproaches him for not coming to see her on her usual day; promises 

 to return all his visits when she is stronger; begs him to bring her 

 little story with him so that she may make a correction. A. L. i p. 

 (In French.) XLIII, 16. 



Printed in Putnam's Monthly, Nov. 1906, 169. 



From Lars Falck. 1781. February 16. Stockholm. 



Being the proprietor of a large tannery, and hearing that the United 

 Provinces are in need of a quantity of shoes, offers to supply two 

 thousand pair a month, at six shillings a pair. L. S. 3 p. XXI, 65. 



From [Marquis de] Castries. 1781. February 16. Versailles. 



M. de Sartine wrote Franklin in October, 1779, in regard to the 

 sailors of the " Revenge," Capt. Conyngham; Franklin's belief that many 



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