Paris, Feb. 23. 1777.
My Lord
Captain Wickes of the Reprisal Frigate, belonging to the United States of America, has now in his Hands near 100 British Seamen, Prisoners. He . desires to know whether an Exchange may be made with him for an equal' Number of American Seamen now Prisoners in England? We take the Liberty of proposing this Matter to your Lordship & of requesting your opinion, if there be no Impropriety in your giving it, Whether such an exchange will probably be agreed to by your Court. If your People cannot be soon exchanged here, they will be sent to America. We have the Honour to be [&c.]
1. Franklin Papers, Series 2, vol. 18, 340, LC. Printed in the Public Advertiser, London, November 7, 1777.
