Letters to Benjamin Franklin 469 



From Comtesse d'Houdetot. 1782. April 9, 



Begs that Franklin will write to M. de Castries his willingness that 

 the prisoners at St. Malo be liberated ; there are three of them ; Capt. 

 Agnew and his father and Mr. Parker, a merchant; all from Virginia. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XXV, 15. 



From William Hodgson. 1782. April 9. London. 



Sends copy of memorial [2 p.] he delivered to the Lords of the 

 Admiralty, and note just received from Lord Shelburne [2 p.]. Frank- 

 lin may conclude the business done as soon as the official forms are 

 got through with. Desires advice as to the transportation and victual- 

 ling of the prisoners ; situation of the prisoners in Ireland ; can easily 

 send them any remittance Franklin may be able to procure. Lord 

 Shelburne's promises on behalf of the prisoners. A. L. S. 2 p. 



XXV, 16. 



From William Hodgson. 1782. April 9. London. 



Believes the new Ministers will co-operate in any measures that may 

 lead to peace. Plan to send him as a Peace Commissioner to Franklin; 

 this idea given up ; thinks Franklin will see a person of the first rank 

 and of great consideration upon the same errand. The bearer of this 

 letter will await Franklin's reply in regard to the exchange of prisoners ; 

 at the same time desires an answer to this private and confidential com- 

 munication. A. L. S. 3 p. XXV, 17. 



From Prince de Broglie. 1782. April 9. Paris. 



Sends for the packets Franklin mentioned and feels honored with 

 the trust confided to him; is confident of being well received in a 

 country where every one honors one of the greatest men in the world. 

 L. in 3d P. I p. XXV, 18. 



From de Wesselow Cramer. 1782. April 9. Geneva. 



The representatives and the natives rose in arms so suddenly that 

 he had not time to put Franklin's child and his own in a place of 

 safety ; nothing however has happened to the boy, and he hopes to obtain 

 permission for him to leave the town very shortly; strangers have really 

 nothing to fear. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XXV, 19. 



