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Respected Friend Phila. 14th Feby. 1778
Thy several favours of 31 Decr. 3d 4d the Jany came Duly to hand, with the several parsells of flower, I recd. By D. Clymor twelve Cattle, by John Chalmer twelve, & Lately lend in by Bradford twenty, that there is a supply for the prisoners for some time to come- the kings allowance |which I believe has been faithfully lend to them since Fargueson Esqr. was appointed Commissary| is for each private 8 ounces of pork & two thirds of a pound of biscute, for the officers each 12 ounces pork & one pound of biscute pr Day
I have not heard any complaint of his treatment but on the contrary have often heard both officers & privates speek of a happy change from the former to this appointment that they experienced, a great advantage both in the provisions & treatment—since I Recd. The supply I have endeavored to lend just as much as to fully satisfy them have generally sent them half a pound of Meat & half a pound of loaf bread, which they all say is fully sufficient--- I have by provisions purchaised & delivered two hundred & twenty six Ruggs & Blankets some shirts & some woolin trousers that they are much more comfortable than they was for Clothing some time past their greatest want now is liberty to take the due & exercise freely being confined I believe is the cause of so much mischief—Many of the officers are unwell at private lodgings many of them out are nearly so of fewell, & have a prospect of being much destroyed for that article. There are not teams to be hined sufficient to hall for the inhabitance that if a quantity of wood was to be sent in for the officers on parole it wd. be of great servis--- the doctors appointed to attend the sick in jail strongly recommend , the prisoners being fed |if possibly| more of vegetables, if a quantity of Turnips, Cabbage &c could be sent in |they are not to be purchased here| I believe it wd. be greatly for the good of the poor unfortunate men.—with sincere wishes for a supply of wood & vegetables. I Remain my aforesaid friend
Thos Franklin