From Benjamin Franklin to John Barry, 24 January 1782
To John Barry
LS:2 American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, New-York Historical Society
Passy, Jan. 24. 1782.
Sir,
I received your Letter of the 17th. with Pleasure; as it inform’d me of your safe Arrival at Fort Louis. I shall see the Marquis de la Fayette to day, & we will try what can be done towards getting you some French Sailors; but I doubt they are too much wanted to be spared to us.3 You will find however a Number of Americans at L’Orient who have lately escaped or been exchanged from the Prisons of England. Your Desire of redeeming more of them is noble, and I hartily wish you Success in it. Mr. Barclay, the Consul, to whom you should apply in case of wanting any thing for your Ship, is now in Holland; but I expect him in a few Days. Let me know if, when you return to America, you can take any of the Congress Goods which he will have to send. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Capt. Barry
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Capitaine Barry / au fort Louis / à L’Orient
Endorsed: His Excellency Benja. Franklin Esqr. Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versails Pre Pare
Notations in different hands: His Excelly. Benjn. Franklin Esqr. Pleni. at the Court of Verseles / From Benja. Franklin Esqr. 24 Jany— 1782
2. In L’Air de Lamotte’s hand except for the last seven words of the complimentary close, which are in BF’s hand.
3. French squadrons were preparing to sail for Martinique, Cadiz, and India: Dull, French Navy, p. 263.