The American Commissioners to Jean-Joseph Carié de Montieu, 25 November 1778
The American Commissioners to Jean-Joseph Carié de Montieu
AL (draft):3 Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives
Passy Novr 25. 1778
Sir
We had the Honour last Night of your Letter of the 22d, and should be glad to oblige you with the four Ancres you mention, but large Anchors are So Scarce in America and our Countrymen are So distressed for Want of them, that We hope you will excuse Us upon this occasion, as We are about Shipping them home imediately.4 We are,
Mr M. Monthieu.
[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]
3. In JA’s hand.
4. The commissioners had earlier noted the need for anchors (XXVI, 295), and JW had procured 30 tons from Spain (ibid., p. 364). Montieu’s letter of the 22nd is missing.