York [Pa.] February 23d. 1778
Commercial Committee John Langdon Esqr Sir
We have agreed with Mr. Francey1 that the Flamand shall go to South Carolina and there take in A load of Rice for France.
The Ship will be upon our risque to Carolina and the Captain of her2 being unacquainted with the Coast, and there being a possibillity of her taking a Prize on her Passage, we have agreed with Mr Francey to send in her a Continental Navy Captain and two or three officers and Eight or Ten Seamen if to be had,
We write to the Navy Board in the Eastern Department for that purpose, if they should not be able to furnish them in season you must put on board a proper Person who is acquainted with that Coast.You will give the Flamand all the dispatch in your power We are [&c.]
Fra: Lewis William Ellery James Forbes
L, Private Collection, Capt. J. G. M. Stone, Annapolis, Md., 1959. Addressed at foot: "John Langdon Esqr." Docketed: "Commerical Comme./Letter Feby 23d./1778. Answd."
1. Jean-Baptiste-Lazare Théveneau de Francy, Beaumarchais' secretary. For more on the committee's arrangement with de Francy, see de Francy to John Langdon, 3 Mar., below.
2. M. de Fassy.
