Charles-Julien de Longchamp(s) [de la Blutière?] to
the American Commissioners
AL: American Philosophical Society
<[Versailles, March?, 1778,] in French: In 1774 I was a second
lieutenant in Guadeloupe, with no prospect of quick advancement.
An Englishman persuaded me and my family that I
should go to America, and provided letters of introduction; I
went gladly because I had long wanted to learn English and to
advance in my profession. On arrival I was well received by
Dr. Warren, stayed with him and his family in Salem and was
introduced to Gen. Putnam and Mr. Ward, under whose protection
Dr. Warren left me when he moved to the country near
Cambridge. Billets were so scarce that churches were being
used, and Putnam and I shared a bed. After a few days we
moved to Prospect Hill for three months, but dined regularly
in Cambridge. The British attacked, and during the engagement
I became separated and blundered into their advance
guard; I was captured, barbarously treated, and threatened
with the noose. Months of imprisonment followed in Boston,
until Howe succeeded Gage and sent me to England. There I
was discharged, and with the help of the French Ambassador
found my way home. The maréchal de Mouchy, Lafayette’s
uncle, befriended me and gave me an introduction to the marquis
in Philadelphia. In October, 1777, I set out for Bordeaux
by way of London, but was captured at sea and imprisoned in
England until the following February. I still want to get back
to America as soon as possible, and ask the commissioners’
help with the Prince de Montbarey. Franklin endorsed the letter,
“Memoire de Monsieur de Longchamp Officier ses Avantures.”>
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