Letters to Benjamin Franklin 175 



From La Sabliere de La Condamine. 



1784. March 8. Saint Roman de Beauvoir, 



Sends Franklin an epigram of his and some reflections on balloons 

 [3 p.] as a pretext for writing to him. Desires his sentiments on the 

 cures of Comus [Nicolas Philippe Ledru] and Mesmer; if genuine 

 he would come to Paris to be initiated into their mysteries, with a 

 view of aiding the poor inhabitants of the country to whom his ser- 

 vices have been dedicated for fifteen years. A. L. S. 3 p. (In 

 French.) XXXI, 107a. 



From Truffe. 1784. March 9. Troyes. 



Writes on behalf of Mme. Rebecca Allere, a countryman of Frank- 

 lin's, aged about twenty, who is in the sorest straits. Her husband sailed 

 for America in May 1783, leaving her and their infant child in a con- 

 vent, and promising to send her remittances on his arrival ; no word has 

 come from him, and his wife has been driven through despair to con- 

 template suicide; moved by her story, he has rendered her some slight 

 assistance; obliged to leave Paris, so begs Franklin to befriend her; 

 her unblemished character. A. L. S. 5 p. (In French.) 



XXXI, 108. 



From Comtesse d'Houdetot. 1784. March 10. Paris. 



Account of M. de Breget's cure which can be ascribed only to 

 magnetism ; difficult to believe that which one does not understand ; 

 Versailles resounds with the miracle; desires Franklin's opinion; re- 

 ceived her account of the cure from a young man who believes as little 

 in magnetism as she does. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) XXXI, 109. 



From Carrel. 1784. March 10. Paris. 



Enclosing a copy of a memoir (i p.) sent Franklin on Sept. 17th, 

 1783; this concerns M. Jean Larrouy's request for the position of 

 Vice-Consul at the port of Andaye; begs Franklin's influence with 

 Congress on his behalf. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



A. E. by Dr. Franklin. Will communicate his memoir to the Consul- 

 General, Mr. [Thomas] Barclay, who alone has the power of making 

 the desired appointment. XXXI, iio. 



