Benjamin Franklin to Francis Lewis, August 10, 1780

Passy, Aug. 10. 1780.

Sir,

I received the Honour of your’s written by Order of the Board march 28th. 1 We were at the time preparing to send back the alliance laden with Several kinds of the military stores.

An unfortunate Quarrel between Capt. Jones & Landais and a mutinous Spirit among the men, encouraged by the latter as appears by his Correcting with his own hand & transmitting to me the Declaration of 125 of them, not to weigh anchor till they were paid wages and Prize money &c. threw every thing into confusion and occasioned a long and expensive Delay of her Sailing. 2 The Particulars you will hear from Capt. Jones. She departed at last, without taking near the quantity She ought to have done.— I formerly sent Drafts to the best frigates, which I believe were received. 3 But I shall endeavour to get more as you desire. You have not mentioned the Rates, but I suppose you do not mean Ships of the line. I shall do what I can to obtain Satisfaction for the Daphne. 4 Be Pleased to present my Respects to the Board and be assured that I am, with great Esteem. Sir.

Honble. Francis Lewis Esqe. of the Board of Admiralty at Philadelphia.