man, as well as to that of the ocean.

Finding that our residence here together, is nearly as expensive as if
we were separate, and _having reason to believe, that one of us might
be useful at Madrid, and another in Holland, and some Courts further
northward_, we have agreed that Mr Lee go to Spain, and either Mr
Deane or myself (Dr Franklin) to the Hague. Mr Lee sets out tomorrow,
having obtained passports, and a letter from the Spanish Ambassador
here, to the Minister there. The journey to Holland will not take
place so soon. The particular purposes of these journeys we cannot
prudently now explain.

It is proper we should acquaint you with the behavior of one Nicholas
Davis, who came to us here, pretending to have served as in officer in
India, to be originally from Boston, and desirous of returning, to act
in defence of his country, but through the loss of some effects coming
to him from Jamaica, and taken by our privateers, unable to defray the
expense of his passage. We furnished him with thirty louis, which was
fully sufficient; but at Havre, just before he sailed, he took the
liberty of drawing on us, for near forty more, which we have been
obliged to pay. As in order to obtain that credit, he was guilty of
several falsities, we now doubt his ever having been an officer at
all. We send his note and draft, and hope you will take proper care of
him. He says, his father was a clergyman in Jamaica. He went in the
Seine, and took charge of two blankets for Mr Morris.

We hope your union continues firm, and the courage of our countrymen
unabated. England begins to be very jealous of this Court, and we
think, with some reason.

We have the honor to be, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE,
ARTHUR LEE.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Paris, 6th February, 1777.

Sir,

This will be delivered to you by M. de Coudray, an officer of great
reputation here, for his talents in general, and particularly for
skill and abilities in his profession. Some accidental circumstance,
we understand, prevented his going in the Amphitrite; but his zeal for
our cause, and earnest desire of promoting it, have engaged him to
overcome all obstacles, and rende