From — David, l’aîné (unpublished)
Morlaix 7ber the 27th 1780
Mylord

At the Last visit I had the honour to pay to your Excellency few Months ago, you was so Kind to promise me that as Soon as you Shou’d have receiv’d from the Lords of the Congress the proper Powers, and instructions for chusing Agents, or Consuls in the Different sea Ports of France, you wou’d favour me with that Commission in this Port, Wherein another Gentleman, and I are the only two Person that Can write and speak the English Language (the only Generally Known by the American Captain)

I hope that your Excellency hath not forgotten that my worthy friend M. Montaudouin of Nantes wrote her a Letter in my behalf, about this affair about a year and half ago; if then to it’s recommendation you’re pleased to favour me, with this Post, I’ll Keep your Excellency informed of Ev’ry sea News, that will reach to our Port as well as of the Prizes that may be sent to it.

Expecting the favour of your Answer, I remain with the utmost respect Your Exellency’s The Most humble and obedient Servant,

David l’aine

To his Excellency The Doctor Franklin Plenipotentiary Minister of the United States, at the Court of France at Passy
[Postscript:] Since my Letter written I am Inform’d that two Prizes are Anchoring in our harbour one is Loaded with Coals Call’d Colum, of 150th belonging to the hawk Privateer of this Port the second is a 120 tun Vessel Coming from the isle of ste Lucie Loaded with sugar Coffee, Cotton, and Coccoa Nut taken by an American Privateer 20 Guns of some Port Near Boston, if I co[’ud] Know his Name before the hour of the Post [I will]mention it here after. The Battery of 28 English Guns 24 Pounders was sold here Monday Last at the small Price of 940 l.t. Each Gun; the Metal is very fine, and should have been fit for the United States, and might yet be had: by the Minister’s means, on the same footing of 940 l.t. if you had mind to have ’em. I might Provide you with, and Good sailing vessel to Carry them to Boston, in Case you shou’d have them; and the said Vessel Cou’d sail under the [next] Convoy that will sail from Brest in the End of October. My respects to your Grand Child, and to M. Henry Gr[and] If you Please.
635116 = 033-337a001.html