244 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Comte de Windisch-Gratz. 1785. February 9. Brussels. 



Sent him copies in German and in Latin of a solution of a problem 

 which he hopes will interest him ; begs him to distribute them in Amer- 

 ica; though the book is published anonymously, will not conceal his 

 real name from Franklin. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



XXXIII, 26. 



From Pierre Vernier. 1785. February 10. Lyons. 



Asking his advice relative to Pennsylvania bonds, for which pay- 

 ment, with interest, was due in 1783; his letters to Philadelphia on 

 the subject have received no reply. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



XXXIII, 27. 



From Fournier le jeune. 1785. February 10. Paris. 



Wishes to know how he can prevent Franklin's new kind of fire- 

 place from smoking. A. L. S. i p. (In French.) XXXIII, 28. 



From Marquis de Pongins. 1785. February 12. Paris. 



Refers to the offer made by his relative, le Chevalier de Montorcier, 

 to raise a body of troops and workmen for the United States ; offers his 

 own services; proposes to form a company, with the consent of Con- 

 gress, to survey all the lands in the United States and render a complete 

 report of their location and soil, and their commercial and financial 

 possibilities; this will attract a great quantity of settlers; sends Franklin 

 his book on agriculture. A. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) 



A. E. by Franklin. Chevalier de Montorcier's offer came too late, 

 peace having been declared and the troops disbanded ; appreciates both 

 offers; highly commends his book, which he will place in the public 

 Library [Company] of Philadelphia; thinks his scheme is impracticable 

 at present, owing to the vast extent of America and the jealousy of the 

 savages. XXXIII, 29. 



From [de] Laumoy. 1785. February 13. Paris. 



Letters received by Messrs. Duportail, Gouvion and himself, from 

 M. [Pierre Frangois Barbe] de Marbois, French Consul at Philadel- 

 phia, stating that the new certificates of the sums owing them by Con- 

 gress have been sent to France where the interest will be paid in future 

 by M. [Ferdinand] Grand ; desires any information on this subject 

 which Franklin may possess. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) 



XXXIII, 30. 



