Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bell, 4 November 1778

From Thomas Bell2

ALS: American Philosophical Society

LOrient, Novr. 4th. 1778

Sir

I Expect to Sail for Phila’ in 12 or 15 days if You have Any Letters to Send You may depend on my Care of them. I had the pleashur of Living, in Manheim at Mr. Morris for 5 or 6 Weeks Whare Mr. Beach & family Was Thay Ware All Will in July Last When I left them Mrs. Beach Wold not Go to Philad till Octobr. on Account of hir daughter for fear of hir Health as She was Cutting hir teeth Mr. Beach Was up at manheim When I left Philad. or I should have had Letters for You pray Maek Mrs. Beachs Son Right to hir as I know it Will Give hir Pleashur to hear from him3 pleass to Give my Best Compliments to Mr. Franklin & All freands from Sir your Most Obedt Servt.

Thos. Bell

His Excelency Benjamin Franklin

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / à Passy

Endorsed: Capt4 Bell

Nov. 4. 1778.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

2The Philadelphian and associate of Robert Morris who had arrived at Lorient with dispatches in October: XXVII, 408, 582.

3Richard and Sally Bache’s daughter, Elizabeth (Eliza), is described in Sally’s letter of Oct. 22, XXVII, 602–3. Their eldest son, Benjamin Franklin Bache, had accompanied his grandfather to France.

4“Capt” has been deleted by a later hand.

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