Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to Benjamin Franklin, November 30, 1779

Texel-road 30 Nov.[–December 3] 1779

Dear & honoured Sir

We are still here waiting for a fair wind, which must enable the Alliance to sail from hence according to a resolution of this government, wherein, after a compleat refusal to complay with Sir J. Y. second memorial, there is only one strong expression against us, viz. to force us away with the first good wind if necessary . Vice Admiral Reynst, who has succeded brave Captn. Riemersma in commanding this road, does his possible to act as if it was necessary to force us away. 1 But don’t be uneasy, Sir, on our account. We are ready to obey the command of the wind. The Cities of Dordrecht, Amsterdam, Harlem, Rotterdam, Schiedam & Brielle, have strongly protested against those words. As soon as I will be returned to the Hague, you will have a translation of both Resolution & Protest. The first of which is by no means as severe as the Vice Admiral would have it thought.

The great factor 2 having judged my presence here absolutely necessary for preventing several mischiefs, & for being as useful as I can, I obey, & sacrify my own pleasure & commodity to those purposes.

This I write on board the Alliance, where I am since several days & nights, without communication with the Shore, because of the Storms. I close it on the 3d. of December to be send on Shore to the post-Office. In a 4 days we will have niew Moon. If then the wind becomes not fair, I will intreat the Commodore to spare me if possible, & let me return to Amsterdam & the Hague. The Commodore has charged me to lay before you the following Letters. 3 On my return to Amsterdam I will do my best to get more particular intelligences about this affair, as well as to speak with Mr. Sayre about his Ship; it having been impossible hitherto for me to see him. I am with very great respect, ever Dear & honoured Sir yr. Most humble & obedient Servant

Dumas

Passy to his Exc. Franklin