Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from John Channing, 24 August 1778

From John Channing3

ALS: American Philosophical Society

London August. 24. 1778

Honorable Sir

The Bearer of this is one of our Particular friends, Capt. Tristram Barnard4 An American, who has distinguishd himself by his Generossity towards the unhappy Prisoners who have fellen this way. I therefore Recomend him as one Worthy your honors Notice. I am with due Respect, Your honors Most humble Servant

John Channing

Addressed: To / The Honbl. Benm. Franklyn Esqr. / Paris / favd. per / Capt. Barnard

Notation: Jno. Channing London. Aug. 24. 78.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

3An escaped prisoner, not to be confused with the South Carolinian living in London and mentioned by Hezekiah Ford on July 21, above. This man identified himself as a lieutenant in the continental navy in his petition to BF below, under [Sept. 4]. He may have been the Channing appointed second lieut. for Whipple’s Providence by the marine committee on July 8, 1776; but his captivity proves he could not have actually sailed on her. Naval Docs., V, 856 n; Alphabetical List of Escaped Prisoners.

4A whaling captain from Nantucket, anxious to leave England and rejoin the American cause, he did not cross the Channel until the first days of October. He then presented himself to the commissioners: below, Oct. 9 and 13.

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