49^ Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Henry Laurens. 1782. September 3. Nantes. 



Acknowledging his kindness. Waiting for permission to reenter 

 England and embark for New York; desires the necessary passport 

 for leaving France with his son, two daughters and a domestic. A. 

 L. S. I p. XXVI, 3. 



From [C. W. F.] Dumas. 1782. September 4. The Hague. 



Departure for France of Mr. [Gerard van de] Brantsen, Minister 

 Plenipotentiary of Holland to treat with M. de Berkenrode concerning 

 the preliminaries of a general peace. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) 



XXXIX, 221. 



From Samuel Cooper. 1782. September 6. Boston. 



His kinsman [William Cooper], whom he feared was a prisoner, has 

 arrived here with many others of his countrymen. Fears the defeat 

 of Count de Grasse in the West Indies will encourage the Court of 

 London to continue the war. Current reports and disposition of the 

 British forces. The Marquis de Vaudreuil, with thirteen ships of the 

 line and several frigates, arrived from the West Indies to repair; every 

 courtesy extended to the Marquis. The " Magnifique " of 74 guns 

 went aground and it is feared is lost. It is proposed with general 

 unanimity that Congress give the 74-gun ship at Portsmouth to the 

 King to supply the place of the " Magnifique." An English fleet of 

 25 sails of the line arrived near the Chesapeake. Never approved of 

 Mr. [John] Temple's going to England and to Lord North to oppose 

 the representations of Galloway. Mr. Temple claims great merit for 

 procuring and sending to this country the Hutchinson letters. To this 

 Judge [James] Sullivan opposes j'our advertisement in a London paper 

 and a letter of Mr. Temple in which he declares he had nothing to 

 do with them. Recommends Mr. Jonathan Amory of Boston to his 

 attention. Is now residing in Brussels. He took the oath of allegiance 

 to the King but now desires to return to this country. A. L. 5 p. 



XLIV, 52. 



From [Palteau de] Veimerange. 1782. September 6. Paris. 



Account of the detention at Rochefort of the vessels, " Achilles," 

 " Maurice " and " Maria Theresa," loaded with merchandise for the 

 United States ; Captain of the " Maria Theresa " wishes that part of 

 his cargo be removed, as he fears damage; such an operation sure to 

 be expensive; begs Franklin to take some action in the matter. L. S. 

 2 p. (In French.) XXVI, 4. 



