Pierre Landais to Benjamin Franklin, May 1, 1779

Nantes May 1st 1779

Please Your Excellency

I Received Your Favour of the 24 ult. and went directly down the River to the Ship to aquaint the Honnble John Adam with the order you geve me. 4 The wind is So high that no loaded buts can go aboard, I’ll do my utmost to fullfil your order as Soon as possible— I have recruted already fourty three fore mast men among the american Prisonners besides the Captains that are willings to enter as volontiers. I which I Should find your futur orders at my arrival at Port L’Orient, and know wheither I am to have the Ship Careen or to go directly on a Cruse for to loose no time in putting them in execution.

I am with the Greateast Respect Your Excellency Most Obeidient Most humble Servant.

P. Landais

To his Excellency Bn Franklin Minister Plenipotentary of the united States of America