h of
expense. We have no orders to advance money in these cases, yet we
have ventured to advance considerable sums; but the demands that are
coming upon us from all quarters are likely to exceed so vastly all
our resources, that we must request positive directions whether we are
to advance money to any prisoners whatever. If to any, whether to
merchants, and seamen of private vessels, and to officers and crews of
privateers, as well as to officers and men in the Continental service.
We have taken unwearied pains, and have put the United States to very
considerable expense, in order to give satisfaction to these people,
but all we have done has not the effect; we are perpetually told of
discontented speeches, and we often receive peevish letters from these
persons in one place and another, that they are not treated with so
much respect as they expected, nor furnished with so much money as
they wanted. We should not regard these reflections if we had the
orders of Congress.

We have the honor to be, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[52] It is thus in the original, but it will have been seen, that
there are three short letters to Congress between July 20th and
September 17th.

* * * * *

M. NECKER TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.

Translation.

Paris, September 18th, 1778.

Sir,

I conclude from your note of the 5th instant, that the Commissioners
of the North American Congress have informed you, that there are many
Americans in England, and other parts of Europe, who, desirous of
returning to their country, have requested permission to transport
their effects through France, without being subjected to the payment
of duties.

Such an exemption would be contrary to all rule, and could only be
granted by means of passports, which would indemnify the public chest;
you will doubtless see that such is not the case here.

This favor, however, can be shown them. The transit regularly gives
occasion for a duty on the importation, and a second on the
exportation; only one of these shall be imposed; it shall be paid at
the office of entry; the effects shall be estimated at a very moderate
rate if they are not