Copy, PPAmP, Benjamin Franklin Papers, vol. 47, fol. 127. Addressed: “To Cap Thos- Simpson Commander of the/Continenta frigate the Ranger.—” Docketed: “Copy of a Letter from a prisoner/to Lieut. Simpson/ Brest July 30./1778.” This was the third time Straughan had petitioned the commissioners for his release. There is no evidence that the commissioners acted on Straughan’s petition. The first petition, and discussion of the second, are at Christian Stenger and William Straughan to the Commissioners, 18 May 1778, in Adams Papers 6: 134–35 and 135n.