ning,
both indifferently furnished, and a few books on his table; no pen and
ink or newspaper has been yet allowed him, but he has a pencil and a
memorandum book, in which he occasionally notes things. The warden of
the Tower, and a yeoman of the guard are constantly at his elbow,
though they never attempt to stop his conversation. Mr Manning and
his child being the first visitors he has had, perhaps Mr Laurens was
led to say everything he could of the severity of his treatment, in
order that it might be known abroad, and contradict the general report
of his being exceedingly well treated. He has hitherto declined any
physical advice, or the visits of any of those creatures near him, who
may be put in with a view to pump. Mr Penn is making application and
will probably see him. It is doubtful if the son will again get leave.
His harsh treatment being now pretty generally known, every one is
crying out shame against it, and they accuse a great personage, known
by the name of White Eyes, as the immediate author of it.[39]

FOOTNOTES:

[39] For other particulars on this subject, see _Franklin's
Correspondence_, Vol. III. pp. 174, 176, 305. Also, _Henry Laurens's
Correspondence_, Vol. II. p. 463.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Amsterdam, December 19th, 1780.

Sir,

Since my last, they have advised in the States of Holland, not to
answer at all to the Memorial of Sir Joseph Yorke. This I think is the
best they can do in these circumstances. But Sir Joseph Yorke has
presented a new Memorial, as offensive at least as the preceding one,
and the several provinces are now deliberating on its contents.[40]
But their resolution, I am assured, will not please the British
Court.

I had the honor some days ago of presenting Mr Searle to the French
Ambassador, and of serving them both as an interpreter in an
interesting conversation, as to the best method of expelling the enemy
out of the United States, and of putting a speedy end to the war in
America. The intention of a majority of fifteen out of the eighteen
cities of Holland, by disavowing the conduct of Amsterdam concerning
the projected treaty, is visibly to leave no pretext at all to Great
Britain for attacking this Republic on other grounds than that of
resentment for her accession to the armed neutrality.

_December 26th._ The States of this Province have taken u