From James Longwell et al. (unpublished)
Calais Prison April. 7th. 1779
Hond. [Honoured] Sir

These few Lines I trouble you with Letting you to know that I have wrote Several letters to you but never have receivd any answer which makes me to think that they have not come to hand which I Hope this will Letting you to know that I am an American and my name is James Longwell. Was born in the Upper Part of merriland Joining Chester and newcastle County and did belong to the Oliver Cromwell Privateer and was took by the bever Sloop in the west Indias and made prisioner and went to England but being Ill was sent to St. thomas’s Hospital from which I made my Escape and hearing that there was a fleet of ships a Going to america in the Victualing trade I Enterd on board of the amphitrite but was Unfortunately Cast away at Calais Janury. 1st 1779 and have Ever since been made a Prisioner. Sir as it is in you Power alone to Procure me my Liberty I Hope you will take it into Consideration as I Did it with no Other View than getting Home to my Own Country. There are two more besides me in this Prison Americans their names are Jacob Good and Willm. Griffiths. Sir I hope you will take it into Consideration and send an answer as soon as possible and your poor Petitioners will Ever pray

James Longwell
Jacob Good
Willm. Griffiths
Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin American / Agent at Paris / France
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