Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Félix Wuybert, Joseph Lunt and Edward MacKellar, 2 October 1778

From Antoine-Félix Wuybert, Joseph Lunt and Edward MacKellar5

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Forton Prison (Gosport) Octor. 2d. 1778.

Sir,

Having been Buoyed up with the hopes of an Exchange for Six, or seven Months, we began to surmise the Reason why it was so long delayed was owing to a Nonconformity on the part of the British Ministry. Yet they disclaimd the charge; Alledging that they have complyed with every requisite on their part, and that the Completion of it rests wholly with you; yet as we put no great Confidence in them, we wish to hear the truth from yourself, which will give us infinite Satisfaction. The remembrance of our sufferings last Winter not being yet erased from our Minds, raises great Anxieties in us, as the ensuing Winter Approaches. We wish not to be continued another Winter if Terms for our relief can be accomodated. We the Subscribers are therefore Commissioned by the rest of our Brother Prisoners (Officers and Men) in the name and behalf of the whole to address you on this (to us) very Interesting Subject humbly begging a speedy, and official answer, as also your speedy Interposition, if any thing can be done to relieve us from our most disagreable Situation. In the greatest Confidence of your favour we have the Honour to Subscribe our selves your Most Obedient Humble Servants

Lt Col Wuibert
Joseph Lunt
Edward MacKellar

Addressed: To The Honble. Benjn. Franklin / Ambassador Plenipotentiary / From the Thirteen United States / of North America, at the / Court of France

Endorsed: Prisoners to be answer’d directly

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

5Wuybert’s case had already been presented to BF the previous year; he had been chief engineer at Fort Washington until its capture by the British in August, 1776: XXV, 216, 268. Lunt was either a lieutenant or seaman on the Rising States: Kaminkow, Mariners. MacKellar had been captain of the privateer Guest, taken Oct. 14, 1777 in the West Indies after a fierce battle: above, L. Laffitte et al. to BF, Oct. 2.

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