Benjamin Franklin to Silas Deane, July 11, 1777

Friday morng. June 10 [ i.e. , July 11? 6 ]. 77

Dear Sir

M. Chaumont advises to equip Capt. Wickes at St. Malo, where he can be furnish’d with Cannon, Cordage, Sailcloth, Salt, Anchors, and other things proper to carry to America; and may go directly from thence without the double Risque of a Coasting Voyage to take in such things at another Port. He has obtain’d a Letter of Recommendation to M. Beaugeard, a Merchant of Importance there, who can supply those things, and who being well with the Commissary, is desired to procure for our Vessels the necessary time to load and equip. 7 If you approve of this, the Express can carry the necessary Orders. I am ever Yours affectionately

BF.