Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-35-02-0268

From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, [12] August 1781

To Dumas

LS,2 AL (draft), and copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives

Passy, Augt. [12] 1781.3

Dear Sir,

Inclos’d I send you a late Paper rec’d from Rhodeisland. You will see in it the advantages our Troops have gain’d in South Carolina. Later Advices directly from Philadelphia, say, that the Enemy have now nothing left in Georgia, but Savannah; in South Carolina, but Charlestown; nor in North Carolina but Wilmington. They are however in Force in Virginia, where M. de la Fayette has not sufficient Strength to oppose them till the arrival of the Reinforcements which were in March to join him from Maryland and Pensilvania.

In looking over my last to you,4 I apprehend I may have express’d myself perhaps a little too hardly of your Country: I foresee you will tell me that we have many Friends there, I once thought So too. But I was a little out of humour when I wrote, on understanding that no Loan could be obtained there for our Use, tho’ the Credit of this Kingdom was offered to be engaged for assuring the Payment, & so much is lent freely to our Enemies. You can best tell the Reason it will be well not to let my Letter be seen.

I am, ever, Dear Sir, Your faithful Friend, and humble Servant

B Franklin

M. Dumas

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

2In L’Air de Lamotte’s hand except for the words “be well” in the final sentence and the last three words of the complimentary close, which BF added above the line.

3The draft and copy are dated Aug. 12. Above the dateline of the LS is written “10 à 14”, which is repeated in the transcript.

4Above, Aug. 6.

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