From Benjamin Franklin to John Torris, 2 October 1779
To John Torris
Copy: Library of Congress
Passy, Oct. 2. 1779.
Sir
Enclosed I Send you the Judgment I have made on the eight Ransomers, the Proces Verbaux being come to hand since my last.9
I have also received the Proces verbal relating to taken by the black Prince of Salem Captain.1 I suppose this to be another Vessel. Please to let me know if you have any Concern in it.
Mr. Torris.
9. BF drafted, in language almost identical to the one of Sept. 18, above, a certificate condemning the Reward, Diligence, Friends Adventure, New Blessing, Matthew & Sally, Resolution, Betty, and Salton, giving in each case the captain of the ship, the ransomer, and the amount of the ransom. Hist. Soc. of Del. The vessels were actually taken on the Black Prince’s third cruise between August 17 and 20; see Marchant’s letter of Aug. 23.
1. Possibly a 14-gun brigantine: Allen, Mass. Privateers, p. 84. The preceding day’s issue of the Courier de l’Europe, VI (1779), 215, reported the capture and ransom of the Almond of Liverpool by the Black Prince, undoubtedly the same ship.