To Benjamin Franklin from John James Doerner, 8 October 1777
From John James Doerner1
AL: American Philosophical Society
Paris 8th. Octr. 1777.
Mr. Doerner just arrived from London tho’ unknown to Doctor Franklin begs leave to present his Respects to Him, and takes the liberty to trouble the Doctor with the enclosed for Sir James Jae2 (an acquaintance of Doerner’s) that he may be pleased to forward it to Him to Spa in Germany where he understands Sir James at present is, if the Doctor is in correspondance with Him and proposes to write to Him shortly, if not to direct only the letter if He knows his adress and return it by the Bearer or send it as soon as convenient to Mr. Doerner’s Brothers house here Messieurs Lavabre Doerner & Co. Banquiers Rue du Maille; Doerner flatters himself the Doctor will excuse the liberty of the trouble which he would not have given Him could he have discovered any other means to obtain Sir James’ direction.
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur francklin / à Passy.
Notation: Doerner 8 Oct. 77.
1. Or Jean-Jacques le jeune. His brother, Jean-André Doerner, was as he says here a partner in the Parisian house of Lavabre, Doerner & Cie., for which see Lüthy, Banque protestante, II, 442–6. Later in the year the firm and others formed a consortium for a mercantile venture in America, and sent John James and a companion as its representatives. BF furnished them with recommendations; see the letters to him below from Doerner, Dec. 17, 18, Jan. 6, and from his brother’s firm, Dec. 26.
2. For Sir James Jay, the physician and elder brother of John, see the DAB. BF promptly returned the enclosure with the note that follows.