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berton. Enclosed is one I have just received under cover from that gentleman. You will take care to convey it by some safe opportunity to London. With hearty wishes for your prosperity and success in your profession, and that you may be a good copy of your deceased relation, I am your friend and humble servant, B. FRANKLIN.

TO CHARLES W. F. DUMAS.

DEAR SIR,

Passy, 18 January, 1781.

Since my last I have been favored by yours of December 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, 25th, and January 1st, by which you have kept me constantly well informed of the state of affairs. Accept my thanks. You may depend on my mentioning your diligence and services to Congress in the manner they merit.

Though I have been some weeks free from the gout, my feet are still tender, and my knees feeble; so that going up and down stairs is exceedingly difficult and inconvenient to me. This has prevented my going much out, so that I had of waiting on the ambassador when he was here, and paying the respects I owe him; and he returned suddenly.

not the honor I wished,

I much approve of the step you took the 16th of December, before Messrs. Adams and Searle. I received a copy. I wondered to find that you had not in Holland, on the 28th, received the declaration of war, but have since learnt how it happened. Surely there never was a more unjust war; it is manifestly such from their own manifesto. The spirit of rapine dictated it; and, in my opinion, every man in England who fits out a privateer to take advantage of it, has

the same spirit, and would rob on the highway in his own country, if he was not restrained by fear of the gallows. They have qualified poor Captain Jones with the title of pirate, who was only at war with England; but, if it be a good definition of a pirate, that he is hostis humani generis, they are much more pirates than he, having already made great progress towards being at war with all the world. If God governs, as I firmly believe, it is impossible such wickedness should long prosper.

You will receive this by Mr. Deane, who has a great regard for you, and whom I recommend to your civilities, though the gentleman at present with you may be prejudiced against him; prejudices that time will cause to vanish, by showing they were groundless. I enclose a packet for Leyden, which I shall be glad to hear is delivered safe, and therefore desire your care of it. I am, &c. B. FRANKLIN.

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P. S. January 20th. Since writing the above, I have received yours of the 12th instant. I am glad to hear that the affairs of the republic have taken so good a turn in Russia. With this you will receive three letters for Mr. Laurens, which I request you would forward to Mr. Adams. Be of good courage, and keep up your spirits. Your last letter has a mel ancholy turn. Do you take sufficient bodily exercise? Walking is an excellent thing for those whose employment is chiefly sedentary.

DEAR SIR,

TO DAVID BARCLAY.

Death of Dr. Fothergill.

Passy, 12 February, 1781.

I condole with you most sincerely on the loss of our dear friend, Dr. Fothergill. I hope that some one, that knew him well, will do justice to his memory, by an account of his life and character. He was a great doer of good. How much might have been done, and how much mischief prevented, if his, your, and my joint endeavours, in a certain melancholy affair, had been attended to.* With great respect and esteem, I am, &c. B. FRANKLIN.

TO SIR EDWARD NEWENHAM.

Passport for Provisions and Clothing sent to the West Indies.

SIR,

Passy, 12 February, 1781.

I have received the letter you of writing to me the 12th ultimo.

did me the honor Enclosed with this,

• The allusion here is to the negotiation, which was attempted between Dr. Franklin, Dr. Fothergill, Mr. Barclay, and Lord Howe, a short time before Dr. Franklin left England. See Vol. V. p. 1. In a letter to Dr. Lettsom, respecting Dr. Fothergill, dated March 17th, 1783, he wrote as follows. "Our late excellent friend was always proposing something for the good of mankind. You will find instances of this kind in one of his letters, which I enclose, the only one I can at present lay my hand on. I have some very valuable ones in America, if they are not lost in the late confusions. Just before I left England, he, in conjunction with Mr. Barclay and myself, labored hard to prevent the coming war; but our endeavours were fruitless. This transaction is alluded to in the first page. If we may estimate the goodness of a man by his disposition to do good, and his constant endeavours and success in doing it, I can hardly conceive that a better man has ever existed."LETTSOM'S Life of Dr. Fothergill, p. 177.

I send you the passport desired, which I hope will

be respected and effectual. the honor to be, Sir, &c.

With great esteem, I have

PASSPORT.

B. FRANKLIN.

"To all Captains and Commanders of Vessels of War belonging to the Thirteen United States of America, or either of them, or to any of the Citizens of the said States, or to any of the Allies thereof.

“GENTLEMEN,

"It being authentically represented to me, that the worthy citizens of Dublin, touched with the general calamities with which Divine Providence has thought fit lately to visit the West India Islands, have charitably resolved to contribute to their relief, by sending them some provisions and clothing; and, as the principies of common humanity require of us to assist our fellow creatures, though enemies, when distressed by the hand of God, and by no means to impede the benevolence of those, who commiserate their distresses, and would alleviate them; I do hereby earnestly recom mend it to you, that, if the ship or vessel, in which the said charitable supplies will be sent to the said Islands, should by the fortune of war fall into any of your hands, and it shall appear to you by her authentic papers, that the cargo is bonâ fide composed of such beneficent donations only, and not of merchandise, intended to be sold for the profit of the shippers, you would kindly and generously permit the said vessel to pass to the place of her destination; in doing of which you will not only have the present and lasting satisfaction of having gratified your own humane and pious feelings as men and as Christians, but will undoubtedly recommend yourselves to the

favor of God, of the Congress, of your employers, and

of your country.

"Wishing you success in your cruises, I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, &c.

“B. FRANKLIN,

"Minister Plenipotentiary from the

United States at the Court of France."

TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.

Transmitting Letters of Congress to the King. — Instructions of Congress. -Critical Situation of AmerNecessity of immediate Aid.

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SIR,

Passy, 13 February, 1781.

I have just received from Congress their letter for the King, which I have the honor of putting herewith into the hands of your Excellency. I am charged, at the same time, to "represent, in the strongest terms, the unalterable resolution of the United States to maintain their liberties and independence; and inviolably to adhere to the alliance at every hazard, and in every event; and that the misfortunes of the last campaign, instead of repressing, have redoubled their ardor; that Congress are resolved to employ every resource in their power to expel the enemy from every part of the United States, by the most vigorous and decisive cooperation with marine and other forces of their illustrious ally; that they have accordingly called on the several States for a powerful army and ample supplies of provisions; and that the States are disposed effectually to comply with their requisitions. That if, in aid of their own exertions, the court of France can be prevailed on to assume a naval su

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