Benjamin Franklin Papers

Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 12 July 1777

Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners

ALS: American Philosophical Society

St. Mallo 12th. July 1777.

Gentlemen,

This will be handed you by Mr. Joseph Fichet Armeture De Le Scarboucle of 22 Guns 6 pounders, which is now at this port and is thought to be one of the fastest Sailing Ships belonging to France, she is now out of repair or would answer our purpose very well. She is very Old and will want a very heavy repair. As the Gentlemen intends rebuilding said Ship Soon I thought proper to Mention it, as she is well known to be a very fast Sailor and will answer either as a Merchantman or a Ship of War, when repaired. If it should Suit you to employ her and not purchase, the Captain who Commands her is a Very Cleaver Man and bears an Exceeding good Charactor, his Name is Claude Rouxel.9 This Gentlemen has been very obliging and ready to do us every Service in his power, he proposes joining you in Shiping a Cargo of Goods to America in the fall if it should be agreeable. From Gentlemen Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Lambt. Wickes

Addressed: To / The Honble. Dr. Benja. Franklin / at / Paris per favr. Mr. Josh. Fichet

Notation: Capt Wicks 12 July 1777.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

9Fichet was the outfitter of the Escarboucle; Rouxel was his nephew, who at one time or another commanded various ships for him. See Fichet to BF, May 4, 1778 (enclosing Rouxel’s letter of March 8); Dec. 8, 1784. APS.

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