From Claude-Valentin Millin de la Brosse
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Paris, August 19, 1778, in French: As you certainly remember,
I tried to join the American forces two years ago under
Mr. Deane’s sponsorship. I failed and was subsequently
treated by Mr. Deane and yourself with a severity I am now
disposed to forget. My wish at present is to cross to America,
a country I love, not as an officer but as an eager citizen. I am
not a nobody. I might convince Florida and Canada to revolt.
I ask you for some land in Pennsylvania or Maryland, the kind
of help the British government used to grant colonists, free
passage for myself and a servant, and some letters of recommendation.
All this is in keeping with the rank of lieutenant-colonel
I would have received, had I been able to join your
army.>
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