Letters to Benjamin Franklin 241 



war between France and the Emperor breaks out and puts an end to 

 their correspondence; laments the fate of his country and of mankind. 

 His book, Melanges de Physique et de Medecine, dedicated to Franklin, 

 not yet published ; the German translation is in its second edition ; 

 finds this very provoking. A. L. S. 2 p. XXXIII, 10. 



From . 1785. January 14. 



The first year's interest on the contracts given to French officers 

 who had served in the United States during the recent war has been paid 

 by the American Government. Although the debt was a most sacred 

 one, thinks this punctuality in meeting its obligations reflects great 

 credit on the new Republic and is a good augury for the future. 

 L. I p. (In French.) LV, 98. 



From Armand, M[ar]q[u]is de la Rouarie. 1785. January 15. Paris. 



Their desire to publish the enclosed papers in order to impress upon 

 their countrymen the gratitude and respect due America for her punc- 

 tilious observance of her engagement with France. A. L. S. i p. 



XXXIII, 12. 



Fro?n The Author of the Development [of Reason]. 

 1785. January 15. [Postmarked " Pontablier."] 



Has received a little volume containing the observations of Abbe 

 de Mably on the different Constitutions of the United States. Thinks 

 he is not critical enough and glosses over the defects and errors in these 

 constitutions. Has embodied his own remarks on Abbe de Mably's 

 work and on the principal constitutions in a volume which he will 

 send to a friend at The Hague. Franklin can get a copy of it from 

 there. Is obliged to conceal his identity for the time being. Has 

 been engaged for a number of years on another work, " The Develop- 

 ment of Reason," which is about to be published at The Hague or Paris. 

 A. L. 3 p. (In French.) XLIV, 67. 



From James Erwin. 1785. January 17. Mogador, Morocco. 



Capture of his vessel [brig "Betsy"] by one of the cruisers of the 

 Emperor of Morocco, who refuses to grant their release until the 

 appearance of an Ambassador from the United States; begs Franklin 

 to interfere on their behalf. L. S. 2 p. XXXIII, 13. 



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