John Torris to Benjamin Franklin, August 11, 1780

Dunkerque 11th. Augt. 1780.

Honnd. Sir

The Judgement your Excellency sends me for the five first Ransoms of the Black Princess I have Recd. & am thankfull for the Same. 7

I had already been Told the Intentions of our Councill for Prises, relative to the Flora; the Same I cannot conceive, & I think the Judgment Issued by your Excellency, Conformable to the King’s Réglement 28th. June 1778, must have it’s exécution or be appeald to Congress.

I have no Answer yet relative to the Commission of the Princess who is Sailed the 2d. Instt., But am not uneasy on the Subject, & your Excellency will wait till the Cruise is out. The Poor Capt. John Bell with his Boy, 8 are Still at St. Omers I think— They are meer Prisonners, His Brig Hopewell havg. been Taken by the Black Prince & afterwd. retaken by the Ennemy. ‘Tis really a great misfortune for John Bell to have Sufferd so long a Time, & I have often wished for his Exchange, & in doing the Same, ‘Tis granting an act of Humanity.

I respectfully am Honnd. Sir Your Excellency’s Most Humble & most obedient Servant

J. Torris

His Excellency Dr. Franklin./.