From Benjamin Franklin to John Torris, 19 September 1779
To John Torris
Copy: Library of Congress
Passy, Sept. 19. 1779.
Sir
I received yours of the 12th. Instant. I have all along expected the Courts of Admiralty in france would judge of the Prizes without any Intervention of mine. But Since I find it otherwise I have written to Mr. De Sartine on the Subject,7 and hope your affair will soon be ended to your Satisfaction. I send you here with my judgment of the Prizes and ransoms,8 to be of use to you as far as it Shall be found valid. I desired Mr. Coffin to acqnt. me why our Commissions were desired by your Cruizers rather than the french?9 but have not yet his Answer: If any Circumstances make it absolutely necessary for you, I will endeavour to oblige you, being much pleased with the Activity of Capt. Merchant. As long Nights are coming on, and a Night Glass may be very useful to a Cruiser, in order to keep sight of his Chase, I would present him with an Excellent one I have if I knew to send it to him.1 I have the honour to be, Sir
M. Torris Dunkirqe.
7. Above, Sept. 18.
8. BF enclosed his condemnation of prizes, printed above, Sept. 18.
9. See his letter of Sept. 8.
1. On Aug. 2 BF had purchased two telescopes at a cost of 240 l.t.: Cash Book (Account XVI, XXVI, 3). The Cash Book states that one of the telescopes was given to Marchant and the other to Luke Ryan.