Letters to Benjamin Franklin 421 



mission to the Russian Ministry; his opinion of Dutch policy not raised 

 by his journey to the North; great respect for the Dutch Minister at 

 Petersburg; speaks prudently of the Prince de Potemkin, the Comte de 

 Panin and the Comte d'Ostermann. Considers the last speech of the 

 King of England rather inflammatory; his admiration for the art 

 and address with which England manages Holland and some of the 

 Northern powers ; Lord Stormont's acceptance of Russia's mediation 

 between England and Holland, a masterpiece of its matchless effrontery. 

 A. L. S. 4 p. XXIII, 123. 



From de Vernier. 1781. December 16. Versailles. 



Concerning le Sieur Vernie who entered the service of the United 

 States in 1777 and has lately been reported killed. A. L. S. 3 p. 

 (In French.) XXIII, 123;^. 



From Eleazer Dorlay. 1781. December 17. Mill Prison. 



Was gunner on the Continental ship, " Confederacy " when she was 

 captured; his present cruel confinement; begs Franklin to procure his 

 exchange. A. L. S. 2 p. XXIII, 124. 



From Suavelier. 1781. December 17. Caen. 



Assistance he has rendered Americans escaped from English prisons. 

 Desires the position of Consul-General for the United States in Basse 

 Normandie; sure that M. St. John de Crevecoeur would endorse this 

 appointment. A. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) XXIII, 125. 



From Baronne de Seckendorff (nee Comtesse de Gronsfeld). 



1 78 1. December 18. Obernzenn. 



Her son a lieutenant in the regiment of Anhault ; desires to serve 

 m the American Army. A. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) XXIII, 126. 



From Jona[than] Williams, Jr. 1781. December 18. Nantes. 



Concerning his appointment as Deputy-Consul of his district which 

 Mr. Barclay is willing to authorize; reasons why he would like it. A. 

 L. S. 2 p. XXXVIII, 87. 



