1From Benjamin Franklin to Edmund Burke, Matthew Ridley, and Vergennes: Three Unsent Letters, [before 26 December 1781] (Franklin Papers)
(I), (II), and (III) AL (draft): Library of Congress On December 13, Franklin learned that Matthew Ridley was planning a trip to England to visit his wife. He proposed furnishing Ridley with powers to exchange Henry Laurens for John Burgoyne, and giving him instructions for the relief of American prisoners. Eight days later he promised Ridley a commission and instructions. Ridley was...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Caroline Edes, 13 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Library of Congress I return enclos’d the Letter from my Friend Mr Bridgen, which I receiv’d from you last Night. You will be so good as to acquaint him in answer to his first Question, If any Fund was establish’d for the Support of Mr Laurens? that being informed about the Middle of last Month by a Friend in London of Mr L’s being in want of Money, I wrote on the 19th. to...