Letters from Benjamin Franklin 529 



To John Adams. 1781. December 14. Passy. 



Acquaints him that Messrs. Neufville and Son are willing to deliver 

 the goods, but they cannot control the owners of the ship, who have a 

 right to detain the goods for damages done by Capt. [Alexander] 

 Gillon's refusing to sign the charter parties. His sentiments on the 

 affair. Scheme of a loan proposed by John de Neufville and his opinion 

 of it. A. Dr. of L. 5 p. XLV, 158. 



Printed in Works (Sparks, IX, io6; Bigelow, VII, 328; Smyth, VIII, 341). 



To Mme. Brillon. 1781. December 25. Passy. 



Fully appreciates the extent of the victory gained and the possible 

 consequences thereof. Does not exult however over it, as war is so 

 uncertain. Is always careful not to appear presumptuous or over- 

 confident lest fortune might change. Kind inquiries about Mme. 

 Brillon from nearly every person he meets. No longer covets his 

 neighbor's (M. Brillon's) house, but still covets his neighbor's wife. 

 Dined at Chaillot this Christmas day. Weather was mild and balmy, 

 could not be finer at Nice. A. Dr. of L. 3 p. (In French.) 



XLIII, 441/^. 



Printed in Proc. Am. Philos. Soc, XL, 107, and in Works (Sm^'h, VIII, 350). 



From The Plenipotentiaries of the United States to the Ambassador 

 from the German Emperor. 1781. Passy. 



Accepting the proffered mediation of the Emperor of Germany and 

 the Empress of Russia to bring hostilities with Great Britain to an end 

 and requesting that the mediation be extended to the final Treaty of 

 Peace. L. 2 p. (In French.) LVI(i), 27. 



Memorandum. 1781. Nantes. 



In reference to a bill drawn by Congress on Mr. [John] Jay for the 

 purpose of supplying ship chandlery. A. Dr. of Mem. i p. L(ii), 40. 



To . [1781.] 



Battle between Generals [Nathanael] Greene and [Earl] Cornwallis 



and naval engagement between Admirals [Charles Rene Dominique 



Sochet] Des Touches and [Marriot] Arbuthnot. Neither side had 



much to boast of in the victory. Does not see how he can do anything 



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