B. Franklin to M. Dumas. Philadelphia, December 19th, 1775,
Acknowledges the reception of certain works of M. Dumas.—Requests him to sound the Ministers to discover if America can expect countenance from any of the European powers in declaring independence.—State of the country.—Desires that skilful engineers may be sent out.
B. Franklin to C. W. F. Dumas. Philadelphia, March 22d, 1776,
Introducing Mr Deane.
To B. Franklin, Chairman of the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Utrecht, April 30th, 1776,
Conversation with the French Minister relative to rendering assistance to the Colonies.—Writings of M. Dumas.—Receives a letter without signature, desiring a meeting at the Hague.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Utrecht, May 14th, 1776,
Interview with the writer of the letter from the Hague.—Letter from Mr A. Lee recommending Hortalez.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. August 10th, 1776,
Extract of a letter from Mr Lee, recommending Hortalez to his confidence.—Correspondence with the person with whom he had the interview at the Hague.—Interview with the same person and with the Spanish Ambassador.—Mr Ellis requests him to write to America that there is a strong American party in England.