Letters to Benjamin Franklin 209 



From W[illia]m Carmichael. 1784. August 13. Saint Ildefonso. 



Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson's account of the silence of Congress to its 

 servants perfectly satisfactory, but that towards the Court of Spain is 

 another question ; intends writing to the Commission of the necessity 

 of speaking openly, generously, as well as firmly and respectfully to 

 Spain; thinks he is the proper channel for all such communications. 

 His willingness to live and die with Franklin's family. A. L. S. 2 p. 



XXXII, 82. 



From Horatio Gates. 1784. August 16. New York. 



His acknowledgment of a very handsome silver medal, handed him by 

 the Marquis de la Fayette. The spirit of peace not yet established; 

 avarice and ambition poisons every benefit expected from the Revolution. 

 Arrival of Mr. Lawrence; no opportunity as yet to converse with him. 

 Account of an hour's talk with Mr. [John] Jay; thinks their friend's head 

 is so stuffed with flattery and so crammed with vanity as to greatly im- 

 pair his usefulness. Expects much from the Marquis de la Fayette, if 

 he steers clear of paltry parties. Introducing Capt. Williamos, who will 

 tell much Indian and Canadian history; thinks France might employ him 

 to good purpose. Trusts Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson and Dr. Franklin 

 are on the most confidential footing; thinks the former merits Dr. 

 Franklin's friendship. Col. [David] Humphr[e]y[s] authorized by 

 Mr. Robert Morris to provide the medals so long ordered by Congress 

 for certain officers; begs Franklin to remind the Colonel of his (Gates's), 

 in order that Saratoga may not be so soon forgot. Threatened with 

 blindness. His good wishes for Franklin and for the success of the 

 Republic. A. L. S. 4 p. XXXII, 83. 



From kntlome] Fran[gois] Salucci&Son. 1784. August 20. Leghorn. 



Their desire to encourage a flourishing commerce between Tuscany 

 and America; since their first venture, have sent out three ships loaded 

 with Tuscan produce; the advantages of such a trade; the only disad- 

 vantage, the danger to the ships from the Barbary States; strongly rec- 

 ommends to Congress the desirability of removing this drawback. L. S. 

 3 p. XXXII, 84. 



From Perregaux. 1784. August 20. Paris. 



Encloses a bill from M. Le Veux; begs its acceptance and return 

 as soon as possible. L. in 3d P. i p. (In French.) XXXII, 85. 



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