Shubael Gardner to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<London, December 22, 1778: I am not used to making addresses
of this kind; please excuse my errors and accept my
simple offering. Many Americans who have been brought here
have entered the British whale fishery to save themselves from
having to serve on men of war. None would have done so if
there had been an alternative; I believe they would all return
to America with their men if given the liberty. I must also
inform you that a youth, John Blyth, who was taken with Benjamin
Clark in the brig Falkland, is in Dinan prison. His father,
John Blyth, is a sincere friend to all Americans, having hidden
as many as forty escapees in his house at his own expense.
Please, Gentlemen, intercede for this lad, as sending him
home may pave the way for clearing others, both French and
American. Our resources are almost exhausted, but I can think
of no better use for what I have left than applying it to the
relief of my countrymen. [p.s.] Capt. Barnard is almost ready
to sail. Captains Joseph Chase, James McCobb, and John
McCarty are on the way to France. From them you can learn
more details than I can write.>
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