To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Meschinet de Richemond fils, 23 August 1778
From ——— Meschinet de Richemond fils1
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Rochell, August 23d. 1778
Sir,
In expectation of Your honored answer to my last, I have the honour to inform You that the Privateer of Boston named General Mifling, MacKnill Master has taken and Sent into this harbour the Ship the hunter of two hundred tuns loaded with 19 hogsheads Sugar and 5 tuns of Steels, going from Yarmouth to Archangel with a Crew of 11 Men.2 The Leftenant told us that it is their 11 Prize.
As the Post Sets off I have but the Time to subscribe myself respectfully Sir, Your most humble and most obedient Servant
Meschinet De Richemond FILS
Addressed: A Monsieur Monsieur Le Docteur / Franklin / A Passy près / Paris
Endorsed: Meschinet de Richmond fils Rochelle Augt 23. 78
1. An outfitter in La Rochelle: John G. Clark, La Rochelle and the Atlantic Economy during the Eighteenth Century (Baltimore and London, 1981), p. 52. His only previous letter extant is in XXIII, 186; to the best of our knowledge, this is his last.
2. The General Mifflin, Capt. Daniel McNeill, arrived at Lorient on Aug. 25 after a four-month cruise in which she captured 13 prizes. See Bondfield’s and Moylan’s letters below, Aug. 26, and for McNeill’s distinguished career, the DAB.