From Geo. Hakins et al. (unpublished)

Worthy Sir/

January 21, 1779

We beg Leave to Acquaint your honour of our Misfortune and how we are Detained in this Country by the French In An Inhuman Place Among a Parcel of Thieves &c and has Nothing to Live Upon but Six Sous a day which we Never was used to Such usage and to Lie Among the Dirt all Night and to Look thro’ Iron barr’s all day this is Not the usage they Receive from us In Our Country we Use them Like Gentlemen and wee receive but to the Contrary the Way that we Came Into their hands was in an Unfortunate Sloop belonging to Baltimore bound to One of their Own Ports Unfortunately a Privateer belonging to the English Came up to Us and Seeing we Could Not Get away from her we Cast But a Small Boat and made our Escape into this Dismal Place Little did we think off being Used So Whilst you Lived in this Country but being Such a Distance from you they May do What they think fit—but On Sight we your Poor Countrymen beg’s you Will See Some Justice Done for us and Send us to Our Own Country your Compliance to this Will be an addition to the Duty of your Loyal and True Subjects till Death.

Geo. Hakins
John Tomling
James Horel
John Redaway
John Sheay
Addressed: To The Honourable B. Franklyn Esqr Paris
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