1From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Destouches, 25 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me the 20th. Instant. I had regularly communicated to Capt. Courter your preceding Propositions, but having never received any Answer from him, I think his Compliance is not to be depended on. As the Vessel he Commanded was a Private Ship of War, & not belonging to the Government of America, I have no Authority...