BellesIsle a 17 Julliet 1778-
Sir
The Beror wil in forme you that I have Bin at BeleIle wethe the general1 that was at Loriant and that I Saw al the Englshe prisniers that wheor thear aMong Whom I found 9 that wear to Be trostet in your Coas2 I could have found 30 Bot I Dowtetem3 thos far I hop Sir youl faind Me Still your whell wisher and a troo frend to your Coas Plias Sir to geave My youmble Respects to Captne palmes4 and to thos that Cals themSelves My frends if thear is any Sr. your Most yumble Sevant
J. Cazeneuve
L, MH-H, Samuel Tucker Papers. Addressed: “To Samuel Tucker Esqr./Captne. on Bord the Boston/Shiep of war at port Louis/Near Loriant.” Docketed: “J. Cazenaugh/Letter April/1778.—.”
1. Chef d’escadre La Touche de Tréville.
2. That is, “trusted in your cause.”
3. That is, “doubted them”?
4. Capt. Richard Palmes, who commanded the marine detachment aboard Boston.