Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 6

Joy Castle to the Commissioners

The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser
Pierce Powers to the Commissioners, 22 June 1778 Powers, Pierce First Joint Commission at Paris JA

1778-06-22

 Pierce Powers to the Commissioners, 22 June 1778 Powers, Pierce First Joint Commission at Paris Adams, John
Pierce Powers to the Commissioners
Gentlemen Brest Hospl. June 22nd. 1778

I would beg leave to inform You that in the Action with the Drake Sloop of War on the 24th of April last, I had the misfortune to lose My right Arm, and at the same time receiv'd a bad wound in My left Hand; but am now so far recover'd that it is no longer necessary for Me to remain in the Hospital. As I am render'd unable to serve My Country as heretofore should esteem it a singular Favour if Your Honours would provide a Passage for Me to America as soon as is convenient and the Indulgence shall be gratefully acknowledg'd by Gentn., Your most obedt. & very humbl. Servant

Pierce Powers1

I had the Honour of Acting in the Capacity of Midshipman.2

RC (PPAmP: Franklin Papers); addressed: “To the Honble. John Adams Esqr. one of the Commissioners for the American united States à Passy prés Paris, to be comunicated”; docketed: “Petition of Pierce Powers to return to America, wounded in the Ranger”; in another hand: “June 22. 78.”

1.

It is not known what action the Commissioners took in regard to this letter, but on 7 July, Powers renewed his plea for a passage home in a letter to Benjamin Franklin ( Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S. , 1:454).

 2.

Written in the left margin.