Our cartel for the exchange of American prisoners has been some time at a stand. When our little squadron brought near five hundred into Holland, England would not at first exchange Americans for them there, expecting to take them in their passage to France. But at length an agreement was made between the English and French ambassadors, and I was persuaded to give them up, on a promise of having an equal number of English delivered to my order at Morlaix. So those were exchanged for Frenchmen. But the English now refuse to take any English in exchange for Americans, that have not been taken by American cruisers. They also refuse to send me any Americans in exchange for their prisoners released, and sent home by the two flags of truce from Boston. Thus they give up all pretensions to equity and honor, and govern themselves by caprice, passion, and transient views of present interest. Be pleased to present my duty to Congress, and believe me to be with great respect, your Excellency's, &c. B. FRANKLIN * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS Passy, June 1st, 1780 Sir, Commodore Jones, who by his bravery and conduct has done great honor to the American flag, desires to have that also of presenting a line to the hands of your Excellency. I cheerfully comply with his request, in recommending, him to the notice of Congress, and to your Excellency's protection, though his actions are a more effectual recommendation, and render any from me unnecessary. It gives me, however, an opportunity of showing my readiness to do justice to merit, and of professing the esteem and respect with which I am Your Excellency's, &c. B. FRANKLIN * * * * * TO C. W. F. DUMAS. Passy June 5th, 1780 Dear Sir, The gentleman whose name you wished to know, in one of your late letters, is _M. Westhuysen, Echevin et Conseiller de la Ville de Harlem_. I shall probably send an order to that place for some of the types, of which you have sent me the prices, _before I leave Europe_. I think them very good and not dear.