Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to Benjamin Franklin, December 17, 1779

at the Hague 17th. Dec. 1779

Honoured & dear Sir,

After having received & taken for myself copies of the inclosed Letters, 8 which were sent me under a cachet volant, I have no more time left than is necessary for closing & sending this away.

This only I must add, that I can’t help thinking the Commodore as perfectly in the right, as others in the wrong by certain arrangements which, between ourselves, I cannot like, & still less the last proposal, which appears to me an Insult offered not only to the Commodore but also to the U.S.

I am with great respect, Honoured & dear Sir your most humble & obedient servant

Dumas

His Exc. B. Franklin.

At the request of Capt. Jones I join a Copy of his Certificate &c in behalf of Mr. Jackson an English Pilot. 9