1Shubael Gardner to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <London, December 22, 1778: I am not used to making addresses of this kind; please excuse my errors and accept my simple offering. Many Americans who have been brought here have entered the British whale fishery to save themselves from having to serve on men of war. None would have done so if there had been an alternative; I believe they would all return to...
2Shubael Gardner to the Commissioners, 22 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
Gentlemen you will Excuse all in these From one that is not used to adress in Such undertaking as the present. But Being prompt By your known Com’ and abilatys I hope you will Accept my offering as Simple as it may appear. There has Sundry men Belonging to the united States of North America Ben Brought in here that knowd Not what to Do Being in a friendless place they Being monyless have...