From Benjamin Franklin to Landais, 16 June 1780
To Landais
Copies:2 Library of Congress, Harvard University Library, National Archives (two)
Versailles, June 16. 1780.
Sir,
I am much surprised to learn that you have contrary to the express Orders contain’d in mine of the 7th. Instant taken upon your self the Command of the frigate. I do hereby repeat those Orders, and charge you to quit the ship immediately.3 I am, Sir, your &c.
Captain Landais.
2. The copy at the Library of Congress is in L’Air de Lamotte’s hand. The one at the Harvard University Library is attested by James Warren, Jr., and Fitch Pool to be a true copy. One of the copies at the National Archives is in Landais’ hand.
3. Landais received this letter a week later; on the same day he moved the Alliance to an anchorage off the Ile de Groix to prevent Jones’s regaining control of the ship: Landais, Memorial, pp. 102–3.