352 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Due de la Rochefoucauld. 1787. August 20. Baqueres-Luchon. 



Regrets being absent from Paris during Mr. [Thomas] Paine's visit; 

 the interest the Academy will take in his model for a bridge. Im- 

 patient to hear the result of the Convention called together to revise 

 the Constitution; high hopes for an Assembly which numbers Franklin 

 and Washington among its members. Agrees with him on the instability 

 of popular favor; believes Franklin's case will prove the exception. 

 French affairs; result of the Assemble des Notables; the formation of 

 Provincial Assemblies; the Marquis [de la Fayette] and himself both 

 elected members from different Provinces. A. L. S. 4 p. (In French.) 



XXXV, 109. 



From Francis Childs. 1787. August 21. New York. 



Humble apology for again postponing certain payments due Frank- 

 lin; proposes to come to Philadelphia and draw up a new agreement. 

 Business of the printing office. A. L. S. i p. XXXV, no. 



From John Smith. 1787. August 24. Philadelphia. 



Concerning the estate of the late Robert Smith, carpenter, of which 

 he is administrator; has settled all the accounts except the one with 

 Franklin ; suggests a method by which the money can be paid. A. 

 L. S. 2 p. XXXV, III. 



From [Sir] Edw[ar]d Newenham. 1787. August 25. Roxborough. 



Account of successful experiments in agriculture tried by Mr. 

 Kirwan; slothfulness and apathy of the Irish peasantry; has endeavored 

 in vain to convert them to these new methods of raising crops. Promis- 

 ing to send the car by the first opportunity. Completion of their city 

 canal. Meeting of volunteer regiments; threats to disperse them; ex- 

 pects to visit the encampment incognito and drink the health of American 

 patriots, with success to the Convention; rails against Rhode Island 

 for not sending delegates. Affairs in Holland. Advice to America, 

 should a European war break out in consequence of Dutch or Brabant 

 politics; disapproves of England's attitude in taking the Stadtholder's 

 part. Enormous addition of taxes and pensions. His trip to America 

 delayed by a tiresome law-suit. A. L. S. 7 p. XXXV, 112. 



