Letters to Benjamin Franklin 415 



From [Capt.] John Landers, and [Lieut.] Robert Willcocks. 

 1 78 1. December I. Havre-de-Grace. 



Account of their imprisonment in England, their exchange, and ar- 

 rival in France; lies told about them by the French officers; their 

 present miserable confinement; ignorant of their crime; beg Franklin to 

 release them, A. L. S. 3 p. XXIII, 89. 



Fro7n M. and Mme. Lafrete. 1781. December i. Paris. 



Congratulations on the successes of the American arms; desire him 

 to celebrate the event by dining with them on the 3d, in company w^ith 

 Mesdames des Deux Fonts and M. le Comte Guillaume. L. in 3d P. 

 I p. (In French.) XXIII, 90. 



From John Adams. 1781. December i. Amsterdam. 



Discusses the disposition of the Continental goods detained at Amster- 

 dam. Much pleased with Franklin's reflections on the glorious news; 

 few military plans ever better laid or executed ; believes in a land war 

 America could defend herself against the world. Asks whereabouts 

 of the Comte de Grasse. Concerning the distressing situation of Mr. 

 Laurens; has ventured to promise £100 for him; pathetic letter re- 

 ceived from his daughter; referred her to Franklin. A. L. S. 4 p. 



XXIII, 91. 



From W. A. von Steuben. 1781. December i. Custrin. 



Encloses a letter for his son. General von Steuben; report is current 

 that both feet of the General have been shot off. Is this true? L. S. 

 I p. LIX, 79. 



From [Mme.] Jeanne Dubois. 1781. December i. Saint Brieuc. 



Applies again to Franklin to obtain the money due her from the ship 

 "Le Capitaine Jaune." A. L. S. i p. (In French.) XXIII, 92. 



/^row Benjamin Golden. 1781. December 2. Forton Prison, Portsmouth. 



Five years' service in the American cause; is in the direst need of 

 every necessity; begs for assistance. A. L. S. 2 p. XXIII, 94. 



From Dubosc. 1781. December 4. Ostend. 



Embarked as ship's doctor on a vessel bound for St. Domingo ; cap- 

 tured by the English; imprisoned at Liverpool; finally released on con- 

 dition of leaving the country; desires Franklin to assist him to America. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. (In Latin.) XXIII, 95. 



