If I continue not to sign my name,[24] it is not from fear, but because I think your service requires that I remain yet some time unknown, at least until Mr Deane arrives here, for then I shall be known everywhere for the most zealous American in all the Republic, and it will be my pride. All that can come of it will be the loss of my present post; but in this case I am sure that Congress will indemnify me by a subsistence suitable for me and mine, seeing that I shall be able to continue useful to them as much and even more than in time past, because I shall not be encumbered with other duties, and all my faculties will be employed in the service of America. I have been much mortified in not being at liberty, as I have expressed to Mr Deane. I should have flown to Paris to assist him, at least by the knowledge I have of many European languages. I have the honor to be, &c. DUMAS. FOOTNOTES: [24] M. Dumas usually signed his despatches with a fictitious name. * * * * * B. FRANKLIN TO C. W. F. DUMAS. Philadelphia, October 1st, 1776. Sir, I have just time to acknowledge the receipt of your two packets, with the pamphlets enclosed, the contents of which are very satisfactory. You will hear from me more fully in a little time. With great esteem, I am, Sir, &c. B. FRANKLIN. _P. S._ We have a great force brought against us here, but continue firm. * * * * * SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS. Paris, October 3d, 1776. Dear Sir, Since my last, in which I mentioned the King of Prussia, I have obtained a method of sounding that monarch's sentiments more directly through another channel, which voluntarily offering, I have accepted, and therefore waive writing on the subject for the present anything, save that you may undoubtedly serve the United States of America most essentially in this affair in a few weeks from this. The attention to my business here, which is not merely political, but partly commercial, the critical situation of affairs at this Court, and the anxious suspense for the events at New York and Canada have actually fixed me here, and the having received no intelligence for some time past has well nigh distracted me. I have, however, favorable prospects, and the most confirmed hopes of effecting my views in Europe. I am too much engaged to say more in this, and will be more particular in my next. I am, &c. SILAS DEANE. * * * * * SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS. Paris, October 6th, 1776. Sir,