John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1778
John Gilbank to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Nantes 28. Nov. 1778
Honourable Gentlemen.
I had the honour of writing to you the 17th. inst. but having reced no Answer take the Liberty to inform You that the Ship I expect to go in to America is expected here hourly—Mr. Livingstone7 being arrived by Land to day.
Without your compliance with my former request I cannot go with him in which Case I can’t think any blame can fall on me.
Capt. Joiner8 is now in Paris of whom may be inquired what Rank I bear & what Regiment I belong to.
Mr. Livingstone sails in 6 days at farthest after his Ships arrival here, which only wait for a Wind.
I shall hope, Gentlemen, not be treated with so much Contempt, as not to be favoured with an Answer Which I think my Station entitles me at least to expect.
I am Honourable Gentlemen Your most obedt. hble Servt
Jno. Gilbank
1st. Lieut. &c.
Addressed: Aux Honorables / Les Honbles. B. Franklin, A. Lee, et J. Adams, Esqrs. / Plenipotentaires deputès / des treize Etats unìs / de l’Amerique / a Paissy / près de Paris
Notations in different hands: Gillbank 28 Nov. 78 / Mr gilbank
7. Musco Livingston. Bondfield had expected that Livingston would be ready to sail by Nov. 1: XXVII, 532.
8. John Joyner came to France as part of Alexander Gillon’s mission: XXVII, 67, and 119n. D. E. Huger Smith, “Commodore Alexander Gillon and the Frigate South Carolina,” S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., IX (1908), 194, traces Joyner’s early exploits against the British in Georgia.