Benjamin Franklin to Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine, September 26, 1780

Passy, Sept. 26. 1780.

Sir,

As soon as I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of Writing to me relative to the Exchange of Capt. John Bell & his Son, I wrote to the Owner of the Black Prince to know if they were not Hostages for the Ransom of their Vessel. 2 I have now received an Answer, that they are not Ransomers, but merely Prisoners, their Brigantine Hopewell having been taken by the Black Prince and afterwards retaken by the Enemy. 3 There is therefore no Objection to their being exchanged for Americans by the first Opportunity.— With great Respect I am, Sir, &c.

M. De Sartine