Messrs Gardoqui, at Bilboa, have sent several cargoes of naval stores, cordage, sailcloth, anchors, &c. for the public use, consigned to Elbridge Gerry. They complain, that they have no acknowledgment from that gentleman of the goods being received, though they know that the vessels arrived. We have excused it to them, on the supposition of his being absent at Congress. We wish such acknowledgments may be made, accompanied with some expressions of gratitude towards those from whom the supplies come, without mentioning who they are supposed to be. You mention the arrival of the Amphitrite and Mercury, but say nothing of the cargoes.
Mr Hodge is discharged from his imprisonment, on our solicitation, and his papers restored to him; he was well treated while in the Bastile. The charge against him was, deceiving the government in fitting out Cunningham from Dunkirk, who was represented as going on some trading voyage; but, as soon as he was out, began a cruise on the British coast, and took six sail. He is got safe into Ferrol.
We have received and delivered the commissions to Mr William Lee, and Mr Izard. No letters came with them for these gentlemen, with information how they are to be supported on their stations. We suppose they write to you, and will acquaint you with their intentions.
Some propositions are privately communicated to us, said to be on the part of Russia, for forming a commercial company at Emden. We shall put them into the hands of Mr Lee.
We do not see a probability of our obtaining a loan of two millions sterling, from any of the money holders in Europe, till our affairs are, in their opinion, more firmly established. What may be obtained from the two crowns, either as loan or subsidy, we shall probably know on the return of the couriers, and we hope we shall be able to write more satisfactory on those heads by Captain Young, who will, by that time, be ready to return.
With the greatest respect, we have the honor to be, &c.
B. FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE,
ARTHUR LEE.
FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
Yorktown, 18th October, 1777.
Gentlemen,