Letters to Benjamin Franklin 391 



From [C. W. F.] D[uinas]. 1781. August 24. The Hague. 



Holland's attitude towards America; fair prospect of obtaining a 

 loan for the United States. M. De Linden's famous letter. A. L. S. 

 3 p. (In French.) XXXIX, 214. 



From John Adams. 1781, August 25. Amsterdam. 



Gives dates of his letters to the Comte de Vergennes concerning the 

 Peace Commission ; thinks the new one will be as useless as the old, 

 and that Britain will never think of peace till every British soldier 

 is killed or captured ; quotes from the Empress of Russia's proclamation 

 regarding the Peace Commission to be held at Vienna. Weary of round- 

 about and endless negotiations; thinks the Dutch have at last discovered 

 the only effective method : — fighting the British ships until the signal of 

 distress is raised; if he ever did any good since he was born, it was in 

 setting in motion the old Batavian spirit of the Dutch. Has no belief 

 in the Peace Commission. L. S. 4 p. XXII, 120. 



From William Nixon. 1781. August 25. Cologne. 



Congratulates Franklin on his great qualities; America's noble ex- 

 ertions to be seen in the free trade granted to Ireland ; prophesies success 

 to America. Is an Irish Catholic priest, taken prisoner on his passage 

 home from England ; is now on parole ; if he can obtain his liberty 

 desires to go to America. Sends Franklin a little book as a part of 

 his small endeavors to be of use to his fellow creatures. A. L. S. 3 p. 



XXII, 12014. 



Fro7n Chanson. 1781. August 26. Kehl. 



Offering his services as printer. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) 



XXII, 121. 



From St. John [de Crevecoeur]. 1781. August 27. Caen. 



Has befriended five Americans, who escaped from English prisons; 

 thinks that an agent should be appointed for such purpose; will gladly 

 perform this office without fee, if Franklin believes him capable; refers 

 him to the Comte d'Houdetot and others. A. L. S. 4 p. XXII, 123. 



From Cosse de Rayssac. 1781. August 28. Bordeaux. 



Desires to enter the American service. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



XXII, 124. 



