From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis du Chilleau, 9 November 1779
To the Marquis du Chilleau2
Copy: Library of Congress
Passy, Nov. 9. 1779.
Sir,
The Person who proposes to have the honour of presenting this to your Excellency, is Mr. Langford Lovel, a Gentleman of Excellent Character and much respected by all that know him,3 and as he has some Property in the Island under your Governement, I beg leave to recommend him to your Excellency’s favourable Notice & Protection. With great Respect I am Sir, Your Excellency’s &c
his Excelly. M. Le Marquis du Milleau Governeur of Dominique.
mutatis mutandis. The Same to the Governor of Grenada Mr. Le Comte de Durat in favour of Richard Oliver Esqe. the Same to Govr. of St. Vincents in favr. of Do.4
2. Marie-Charles, marquis du Chilleau et d’Airvault, was governor of the island of Dominica, which had been captured by the French in 1778. BF may have dined with his wife: XXVIII, 247n.
3. Benjamin Vaughan, who had forwarded Lovell’s request for a letter of recommendation to Chilleau, praised the Quaker merchant’s family and friends: XXX, 383–4.
4. Vaughan had also requested these letters of introduction from BF: XXX, 503. An explanation of the request was provided BF by Oliver’s brother Thomas: XXX, 498–9.