From B. Giraudeau
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<La Rochelle, December 20, 1777, in French: Our merchants’
desire to expand their commerce in conjunction with yours is
resulting in shipments to New England from all our ports. I
want to send my ship, the François of 350 tons, Jean de La
Fontaine master, to Virginia or Maryland, but have no connections
in that part of New England. He would have a warm
welcome, I am convinced, if you would give him letters of
recommendation. He will be ready to sail between the 8th and
12th of next month.>
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