From Thomas Gleed et al. (unpublished)

Mr. Benjamin Franklin

Combourg December 1, 1778

Sir we whose names are undermentioned have made bold to trouble you to Inform you that on the 11 June we Left Plymouth under Convoy of Admiral Montique in the Europe and the Martin Sloop of war bound for Newfound Land we Left the Admiral off the Isles of Scilly and proceeded our Voyage under Convoy of the Martin. On the 3d Day of July was parted from the Convoy by a Gale of wind and on th5 of July was taken by the General Putnam of new London Thos. Allen Commander who gave us a small brig with a Coppy of his Commission to protect us and our Crew to any Part of England on the 16 July we was taken by the French fleet and Carried into Brest as we are Inform’d that their has been an Exchange of English prisoners for french am in daily expectation of another Exchange desire the favour of your Intirest with the Court of france that we may be included in the number that is next sent to England Your answer so soon as possible will greatly Oblidge Sir your humble Servant’s

Thos. Gleed Merchd. a Passenger in the Despatch
James Rodur Masr. of the Princess Royal
John JacksonMasr of the Surprize
John Harvay merchd passinger in the Suprise
Richd. Fruse Master Despatch
Joseph Pain Master of the Thomas
Addressed: Mr Benjamin Franklin Secretary to the United Colonies of America at Passey Near a Paris
Endorsed: Prisoners in Combourg Dec 1 78 Prissonares
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