Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to Benjamin Franklin, March 2, 1780

the Hague March 2d. 1780.

Honoured & dear Sir,

The Letter I send you a Copy herewith 3 I have just received. The Autor of it having always professed himself a friend to the American cause, though not a more powerfull one than many others, deserves to be managed; & therefore I shall write to him very politely, & offer him, If he has some good ouvertures to make for the credit of America, to convey them, by my correspondence, to you, Sir, & to Congress. His circumstances are now very good, having not long ago got a considerable succession from a relation of his.

Be pleased, dear Sir, after having read my Letter, here inclosed, for Capt. Jones, to close it with a piece of wafer, & send or give it him when you will see or know of him. 4

I think him too much exasperated against 784 & 166, & not enough aware of the fair promises 64 has made him. I am sure the latter is but an indifferent friend to the two former, to 338 & to 65. 5

I am ever with a most respectfull attachment Honoured & dear Sir yr. Very humble & obedient servant

Dumas

Passy, his Exc. B. Franklin