From — Réal
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Calais, August 9, in French: My attachment to the continent
in which I lived made me help two unfortunate sailors from
Boston, Joseph Peach and William Smith. They were detached
from a privateer to take a prize into port; it was captured, and
they spent ten months in Forton Prison. Then they escaped,
and arrived here on July 28 in a shallop from Ré. Admiralty
officers made them abandon their boat, and only your intervention
with the Minister can get it back. I have their power
of attorney to sell it if the government permits, and will send
the proceeds to Dunkirk, where they have gone in hope of
meeting fellow countrymen. Our port, one of the nearest to
England, will undoubtedly be a refuge for escaping Americans;
if I can help you with them I will gladly do so. During
the summer I live within gunshot of Calais. Should chance
bring the American General here some day, I offer him refuge.>
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