To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 4 December 1784
From Vergennes
LS: American Philosophical Society; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères
à Versailles Le 4. Xbre. 1784.
J’ai L’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer un mémoire par Lequel le Sr. Jean Jacques delvard expose qu’il n’a rien reçu ni de Ses gages ni de Sa part des prises qui ont été faites pendant Six mois qu’il a fait partie de L’équipage du Cutter Corsaire la Revanche, Capitaine Gustave Cunnigham armé en Course en 1777. par le Sieur d’hodge.8 Je vous prie, Monsieur, de prendre en considération les representations de ce Sujet du Roi, et de vouloir bien lui procurer la justice9 qui lui est d’autant plus légitimement due, qu’il est resté estropié des blessures qu’il a reçues pendant qu’il Servoit sur le Corsaire la Revanche.
J’ai L’honneur d’être très Sincérement, Monsieur, Vôtre très humble et très obéissant serviteur.
De Vergennes
M. franklin.
8. The two-page enclosure, marked “Copie,” is an undated petition to Castries. Delvard explains that he is a native of Eecke currently residing in Dunkirk, and served for six months as a volunteer on the Revenge, Capt. Conyngham, which was outfitted in July, 1777, by William Hodge. His wages were 72 l.t. a month. Captured by the British, he sustained crippling injuries and was imprisoned for 32 months, first at Grenada and then at London, Forton prison (Portsmouth), and Rochester. His previous attempts to obtain his wages and share of prize money from Conyngham and Hodge were unsuccessful, and he asks that Castries intercede on his behalf with the United States and the king.
9. BF had for years disclaimed responsibility in this affair; see his reply to Pilloust, Oct. 18.