David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, February 3, 1778

Golden Square February 3 1778

Dear Sir,

The enclosed letters will explain themselves. Mr. Wren 8 is a very worthy man (I believe a dissenting Minister) at Portmouth who has devoted his attention in the most charitable manner towards the relief of the prisoners at Forton. When Mr. Thornton went to Forton I advanced him £50 according to your desire. If you approve the Continuance of his plan I can easily transact it here, in concurrence with Mr. Wren. I suppose by Mr. Wren’s letters that the whole of the dinners may come to 4 or 5 Guineas a week. If therefore you will transmit £100 to me by any banker or Merchant we shall have 8 or 10 weeks in hand, and when that is expended I will transmit to you the account. Mr. Thorntons visit and donation to the poor prisoners was most acceptable for it was before the Subscription. 9 He was very popular amongst them and gave them I believe about £40 or 50 in Tobacco tea Sugar &c. &c. They are very comfortably appointed now. I will write again soon. I have not time to write more by this packet, but I cannot quit this paper without Subjoining one earnest caution and request. Let nothing ever persuade America to throw themselves into the Arms of France. Times may mend. I hope they will. An American must allways be a Stranger in france. Great Britain may for ages to come be their home. 1 Yours most affectionately

DH.