John Langdon to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Portsmouth, N.H., October 21, 1778: Since the Courier de
l’Europe, Captain Raffin, is ready to sail for Europe, I take the
liberty of mentioning a matter advantageous to our allies and
profitable to me. The British Navy was mostly furnished with
masts from this port; lately I have sent to Boston all the masts
for d’Estaing’s squadron. Please mention to the naval minister
or any appropriate person that I will furnish the French navy
with masts if someone in France will contract. My commission
is 5% for the cargo and disbursements and 5% on the sale of
articles sent for payment.>
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