Letters to Benjamin Franklin 365 



From Picque. 1788. January 12. Pittsburgh. 



Everything frozen including the river; obliged to postpone their de- 

 parture until the spring. At present they are settled about three miles 

 from Pittsburgh; their dissipation consists in felling trees and trapping 

 game. A. L. S. 2 p. (In French.) XXXVI, 9. 



From W[illia]m Davis. 1788. January 21. Boston. 



His repeated losses, amounting to six thousand pounds; two promising 

 sons killed in the vi^ar; can no longer provide for his family; when he 

 was able, gave his services gratis to the public; begs Franklin to obtain 

 some relief for his family without mentioning his name; would be 

 grateful for some position which a man of his advanced years could fill ; 

 desires this letter burnt. A. L. S. 2 p. XXXVI, 10. 



From Cha[rle]s Thomson. 1788. January 23. 



Notice of the assembly of Congress and of the election of Cyrus 

 Griffin as its President. A. L. S. i p. LV, 108. 



Fro7n And [re] w Limozin. 1788. January 26. Havre-de-Grace. 



Forwarding to Congress an Act passed in the King's Council for 

 sundry favors granted to the American trade. Reminds him of the num- 

 ber of American prisoners who came from England to the above port 

 in a destitute state, and of the assistance rendered them there; men- 

 tions his own part in relieving this distress; reminds Franklin of his 

 promise to recommend him to Congress, if not for reimbursement — then 

 for a reward; since then has performed the duties of Agent for the 

 United States; desires to be legally appointed their Agent with power 

 for his son to act as such in his absence. A. L. S. 4 p. XXXVI, 11. 



From Marquis de Chartier de Lotbiniere. 

 1788. January 27. New York. 



The vigorous reply of the King of France to the deceitful and im- 

 pudent message of the English Minister, has checked for a time Eng- 

 land's fury against France for having aided the Americans. A. L. S. 

 I p. (In French.) XXXVI, 12. 



