Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas Fouquet, 2 August 1780

From Nicolas Fouquet1

AL: National Archives

2 aout 1780.

Le Sieur fouquet a lhonneur de remettre à Son Excellence Monsieur francklin un memoire quil le Suplie dadresser aux Etats unis de l’amerique. Il a pour objet de demander une gratîffication de 1500 l.t. pour indemnité les depenses que le S. fouquet a été obligé de faire pour repasser En france ayant été forcé de quitter la fregate la Consideration lors de relache à la martinique et n’ayant pû obtenir Son passage Sur la fregate l’aurore Suivant les certifficats qu’ils joint a son memoire.2

Le S. fouquet Espere que Monsieur francklin qui a pris Connoissance des temoignages authentiques de satisfaction qui lui ont été donnés par les Etats voudra bien appuyer Son mémoire aupres d’Eux de sa recommandation et faire part à mm. les Regisseurs généraux des poudres de france de la reponse quil recevera.3

Endorsed: M. Fouquet’s Memoire

1For the gunpowder-maker see Lavoisier’s letter of July 26.

2Fouquet’s memorial to Congress, dated Aug. 2, explains that the unexpected death of his wife required him to return to France to tend to his affairs and to care for his children. In support of his claim for expenses at Martinique he attached certificates from Gérard and from Parsons, Alston, & Co., American agents at St. Pierre. National Archives.

3BF forwarded Fouquet’s letter, memorial, and certificates with his letter to Huntington, Aug. 9, below. It was read in Congress on Feb. 22, 1781, and referred to the Board of War: JCC, XIX, 185. For a summary of testimonials given by the various states for which the Fouquets had worked see the report submitted by the Board of War on Oct. 12, 1779, recommending a payment beyond the sum mentioned in their contract: JCC, XV, 1164–5.

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