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 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.