Benjamin Franklin to Gardoqui & fils, October 9, 1780

Passy, Oct. 9. 1780.

Gentlemen,

I have long been made sensible by many Instances, of your Friendship for America, & of the kindness you have Shewn to many of my Countrymen; 4 I beg you to accept my thankful acknowledgements.

We have an Exchange of Prisoners here with England, which gives us Americans for all the English taken by American armed Vessels. I have heard from time to time of English Prisoners carried unto the Ports of Spain by our Privateers, but I never knew or heard what became of Such Prisoners. 5

If any now remain there I shall be glad of Information, what Number there may be, & whether they could not be sent to England on American Acct. to deliver so many Countrymen confined in Prisons there. 6 If it be not too troublesome for you to obtain and send me such information, it will very much oblige me.

I have the honour to be &c.

Messrs. Guardoqui & sons.