Paris. Writes on behalf of a friend, who desires to get his son in the American Army and who is willing to equip him and send him to whatever port Franklin may name. In French. See also: VI, 43
General physical description: A.L.S. 3p.
Baltimore. Illness of herself and her children; death of her little daughter born in Baltimore; daily expecting the return of their ship from the Indies, when she will quit America. Enclosing a letter for Mme. Le Roy in Paris. (In French.)
[London]. In relation to silk culture in America and the waste of silk in dyeing. Peculiar customs in the silk trade. (First part missing.)
General physical description: A. Dr. of L.S. 2p.
Requests him to insert the accompanying note in his next paper. The note is a letter to a friend, giving some distinguishing characteristics of a certain species of Gospel-preachers, who would have brought more credit to themselves and good to their fellow-men if they had continued in a secular employment.
Baltimore. Rumor of the massacre of her husband together with his entire crew by the natives of Madagascar; promised to await his return in America; can do nothing until the report is confirmed or denied; begs Franklin to write to Europe for trustworthy information. (In French.)
Hatherlow. Acknowledging his kindness toward him as a representative of the company; expressing surprise at not receiving the necessary passports. Reasons why he thinks they are entitled to indulgence from any country where manufactures are wanted; desires him to recommend Congress to advance them a small sum, if their affairs require it; repayment guaranteed. Concerning a plan of two gentlemen in Derby to start a silk manufactory in Virginia, if they could be certain of being well received; desires Franklin's opinion.
General physical description: A.L.S. 2p.
Saint Roman de Beauvoir. Sends Franklin an epigram of his and some reflections on balloons [3p.] as a pretext for writing to him. Desires his sentiments on the cures of Comus [Nicolas Philippe Ledru] and Mesmer; if genuine he would come to Paris to be initiated into their mysteries, with a view of aiding the poor inhabitants of the country to whom his services have been dedicated for fifteen years. (In French.)
Protest against the conduct and behavior of Chevalier de Quémy, Commander of the Emeraude, frigate, a French vessel of 36 guns. Complains of the Commander for detaining and obliging him to wait with his ship and sail under a convoy, contrary to his desire and repeated remonstrances. An account of the Commodore's conduct while on the voyage, and his cowardly behavior in running away and leaving the ships Matilda, Jolly Tar, and others, to the mercy of the British frigate. An account of the Matilda's capture.
