Benjamin Franklin Papers

From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 2 March 1778

To George Washington

ALS: Bodleian Library, Oxford; copy: Library of Congress

Passy, near Paris, March 2. 1778.

Dear Sir,

M. de Fontevieux, who hopes to have the honour of delivering this into your hands, is a young Gentleman of a considerable Family, and of excellent Character, who goes over with Views of improving himself in the military Art under your Auspices.9 He is willing to serve as Volunteer, in any Capacity for which your Exclly. shall find him qualified. He is warmly recommended to me by Persons of great Distinction here, who are zealous Friends to the American Cause: And I beg leave to recommend him earnestly to your Excellency’s Protection, being confident that he will endeavour to merit it. With the greatest Esteem and Respect, I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

B Franklin

His Excellency General Washington

Addressed: To his Excellency / George Washington, Esqr / General & Commander in chief / of the American Armies / Philadelphia

Notation: Dr: Franklin recomn of Monsr Fontevieux March 2. 1778.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

9For Fontevieux, see above, XXV, 314 n.

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