1778 - Benjamin Franklin et al.

Passy, July 16, 1778.

May it please your honors, we have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter just received from M. de Sartine, the minister of state for the marine of this kingdom, in answer to which we have had the honor to assure his excellency that we would embrace the first opportunity of communicating it to your honors. We have not the smallest doubts of the good inclinations of the people in America to supply the necessities of their friends in St. Pierre and Miquelon, nor of the abilities of those in the Northern States to do it effectually, provided the British men-of-war are withdrawn from the Halifax and Newfoundland stations, and perhaps it may be done, notwithstanding the dangers of men-of-war. We hope, however, it will be attempted. There is no doubt but a good price may be obtained, at the same time that an acceptable act of friendship and of humanity will be performed.

We have the honor to request that this letter and its enclosure may be laid before the general court, and that such measures may he taken as their wisdom shall dictate to the accomplishment of so desirable a purpose.

We have the honor to be, etc.,

*    B. Franklin,
*    Arthur Lee,
•    John Adams.