To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collas, 11 November 1778
From Peter Collas
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Nantes November 11th. 1778.
Honored Sir
I have the pleasure to imform you, that Mr. John Johnson & Mr. Ridley &c. has geaven me the Command of a brigg in thiers Service, to preceed from this place (under Convoy) for Verginy, therefore in my Small Capacity if I can be of any Service to you in the Convoyance of any thing. either letter of Pack’s. pray Comand me7 Geave me leave to Remains you of few Articles of mine Stoped at Calais at the Beureau which you promisse me, to wright to mr. leveaux at Calais & have them forwarded to mr. willms. at Nants8 this will add to the Repeeted favours shewed me, Subcribing myself your most humble & Obedient Servant—
Peter. Collas
Addressed: Honorable / Benjamen Franklin / Passy
Notation: Peter Colas Nantes 11. 9bre. 1778.
7. Joshua Johnson, Matthew Ridley, and JW all had a share in the “little Brig” on which Collas eventually sailed the following spring: JW to BF, March 2, 1779. Collas did carry BF’s letter, now missing, to Jonathan Williams, Sr., who acknowledged it on July 29. Both letters are at the APS.
8. Collas’ detained goods are discussed in XXVII, 519, 526, 548.