392 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Edw[ar]d Bancroft. 1781. August 28. Chaillot. 



Wishes to borrow 1,500 livres; only extreme necessity forces him to 

 ask such a favor; has ample security. A. L. S. i p. XXII, 125. 



From J. Ingen Housz. 1781. August 29. Vienna. 



Much worried at the silence of Mr. Wharton, of Phila., with whom 

 Mr. Coffyn, Dr. Bancroft and himself had engaged in a mercantile 

 speculation. Delighted that the Americans beat a superior English force; 

 thinks it shameful that the King of England should bestow a ribbon 

 upon Admiral [Peter] Parker, who was obliged to retreat before the 

 Dutch. Has published a new treatise in Holland on the manner of 

 respirating and purifying air. A. L. S. 2 p. XXII, 126. 



From John Thaxter, [Jr.]. 1781. August 30. Amsterdam. 



Mr. [John] Adams has been ill with fever for three w^eeks and is 

 confined to his bed and unable to write; desires him to acquaint Frank- 

 lin with the British Government's attempts to make secret contracts 

 with the Americans for masts, yards and bowsprits; for these they offer 

 great prices; thinks the French Court should be asked whether they 

 would have any objection to Congress laying an embargo on the ex- 

 portation of these articles. L. S. 2 p. (Copy.) XXII, 127. 



From John de Neufville & Son. 1781. August 30. Amsterdam. 



Difficulties encountered in procuring Commodore Gillon's signature, 

 in order that the goods purchased by Col. Laurens might be shipped 

 to America; desires his advice and directions as to future proceedings. 

 L. S. 3 p. XXII, 128. 



From [Madame John Lewis] Dumesnil de St. Pierre. 

 1 781. August 31. Chateau de St. Pierre. 

 Trouble taken by Franklin in ascertaining the circumstances of M. 

 [John Lewis Dumesnil] de St. Pierre's death; has just received from 

 Charleston all the necessary papers. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) 



XXII, 129. 



From [Deacon] M. Auer. 1781. September i. Ebingen. 



Received with joy Franklin's response in regard to the poor widow, 

 Mme. Hocklerin and her children ; has followed his advice, and written 

 to Mr. Richard Bache of Philadelphia. Begs that the enclosed letters 

 may be forwarded. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) XXII, 130. 



