To Benjamin Franklin from John Channing, 24 August 1778
From John Channing3
ALS: American Philosophical Society
London August. 24. 1778
Honorable Sir
The Bearer of this is one of our Particular friends, Capt. Tristram Barnard4 An American, who has distinguishd himself by his Generossity towards the unhappy Prisoners who have fellen this way. I therefore Recomend him as one Worthy your honors Notice. I am with due Respect, Your honors Most humble Servant
John Channing
Addressed: To / The Honbl. Benm. Franklyn Esqr. / Paris / favd. per / Capt. Barnard
Notation: Jno. Channing London. Aug. 24. 78.
3. An escaped prisoner, not to be confused with the South Carolinian living in London and mentioned by Hezekiah Ford on July 21, above. This man identified himself as a lieutenant in the continental navy in his petition to BF below, under [Sept. 4]. He may have been the Channing appointed second lieut. for Whipple’s Providence by the marine committee on July 8, 1776; but his captivity proves he could not have actually sailed on her. Naval Docs., V, 856 n; Alphabetical List of Escaped Prisoners.
4. A whaling captain from Nantucket, anxious to leave England and rejoin the American cause, he did not cross the Channel until the first days of October. He then presented himself to the commissioners: below, Oct. 9 and 13.