From Benjamin Franklin to Gourlade & Moylan, 21 May 1781
To Gourlade & Moylan
AL (draft) and incomplete copy: Library of Congress
Passy, May 21. 1781
Gentlemen,
I receiv’d the Letter you honour’d me with of the 2d Instant.2 Mr Williams having seen & approved of the Acct. for the Ballance of which, (6942.13.3) you drew on me in favour of Messrs Pothonnier & Co. I have this Day accepted that Bill, and it will be duly paid.—3
I have also just received Mr Gourlade’s Letter of the 16th. relating to the Expences on the Alliance.4 Mr Laurens being gone to Brest5 who made some Objections to the Acct of those Expences, and as I had no Concern in ordering them, I must request you would obtain his Draft upon me for the Sum he allows, which Draft I shall accept and pay without Hesitation.
I have the honour to be, with great Esteem, Gentlemen
Messrs Gourlade & Moylan
2. Missing.
3. See XXXIV, 570. The account with Pothonnier was settled on June 16: Account XXVII (XXXII, 4).
4. This letter is missing. On May 16 (above), John Laurens forwarded Gourlade & Moylan’s account of their disbursements for the Alliance; BF received the letter on May 23.
5. Laurens arrived in Brest on May 21; see his letter of May 22, below.