John Gilbank to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Nantes, January 21, 1778: I am mortified to learn from Mr.
Dobrée that you have refused my bill. Since I have received
no letter from you, I can only assume that your correspondence
is not adequately protected. There is one final recourse,
namely, for you to endorse a bill drawn by me on the President
of Congress. Certainly Congress would consider such a
step within your duty. They recognize their obligations to
protect their subjects, nor would they treat legitimate requests
with contempt; at the very least they would politely answer
every respectful letter, a practice I cannot avoid observing you
have neglected.>
631389 = 028-405a.html