Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Dunkirk, July 7, 1778: I refer you to my letter of the 5th. Mr.
Amiel has given the people here time to carry out the plan
they put before you, but they failed; he then gave me your
letter of June 26. I might explain the conduct of those who
tried to impose on you and wrong me, but the outcome vindicates
me; I leave the explanation to Capt. Amiel. If any
doubt remains I can show that those who tried to hurt me in
the dark are afraid to justify themselves in the light.
I enclose the commission, instructions, and bond, which to
my regret are now useless, and will do my best to settle with
the surgeon. As you seem to approve the intelligence I send
you, I shall transmit it to America; should it go to your correspondents
in the ports or directly to Congress?
A Dutch merchant captain who arrived yesterday from
Portsmouth says that he saw the crews of the Licorne and
Pallas and two other vessels being taken to prison there on
the 3rd, and that Admiral Keppel’s squadron had been reinforced
and was ready for sea. I shall send the American seamen
who are here, according to your instructions, by the first
vessel for Nantes. But, as the English are expected to start
taking French ships, I am afraid those poor people, who have
already seen enough of English jails, will soon be captured
again. Privateers will probably be fitting out as soon as hostilities
start; might it not be better to keep the men here until the
situation clarifies?
If Poreau’s perfidious insinuations have prejudiced you
against me, for God’s sake allow me to convince you of their
falsehood.>
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