Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 8 May 1777

From Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg

ALS: American Philosophical Society

jeudi 8e. may [1777] pour l’assemblée du 9e.

Dear Sir

They say that the Count of falkenstein is to be present tomorrow at five aclock at the Assembly of the Society of Emulation for encouragement of the arts, that shall be held at the General of the Premontrés house, Hautefeuille street.4 If you please assist at the same assembly as well as unknown as he himself, I will expect your coming in the vicinity at the litterary Magazine Christine street, in a low hall from four half past, to five half past aclock and accompany you thence to the said Assembly, in which you are desired and shall be friendly admitted. I am with the utmost devotedness Dear Sir Your most obedient humble and dutifull servant

Dubourg

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Dr. franklin / maison de Mr. de Chaumont / A Passy

Notation: Dubourg

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

4In Dubourg’s correspondence with BF this is, to the best of our knowledge, his first venture into English. The Count of Falkenstein was the alias of Joseph II on his visit to France. For the Société libre d’émulation, XXIII, 451 n; the Premonstratensians were an Augustinian order of canons dating from the 12th century. For another attempt to arrange a meeting with the Emperor see BF’s note on Niccoli’s invitation below, May 26.

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