1From Benjamin Franklin to Herman Esser, 29 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I cannot give you the last Encouragement to go to America in Expectation of Service in the armies of the United States. There are already more officers in the Country than they can find Employment for, and many are returned to Europe, because they could not be placed. I have not authority to promise Commissions, nor has M. de Wolffen. I never received any letter from...