1Extract from Two Purported Letters by Franklin, 27 July [i.e., after 11 August] 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Samuel Hazard, ed., Hazard’s Register of Pennsylvania ... (16 vols., Philadelphia, [1828–35]), VI , 37. We are extremely skeptical about both these extracts. The date of the first is certainly wrong, because Hodge was not arrested until August 11. Although Hayfield Conyngham, Gustavus’ cousin, may have received advice from Franklin, we have no other evidence of contact between...
2From Benjamin Franklin to [Lecoq], 11 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library The Equipping of armed Vessels in the Ports of France to act under Commissions from the Congress of America against the English, being contrary to Treaties, and therefore disagreable to Government here, your Friend’s Request cannot possibly be comply’d with. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant In reply to his inquiry above, July 28....