Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Rhoads, 14 July 1781

From Samuel Rhoads

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Philada: July the 14th 1781

Dear Friend

The Bearer hereof Samuel Griffitts (Son of our late fellow Citizen William Griffitts decd.) is a virtuous youth in pursuit of Medical, & Chirurgical Knowledge to Attain which, he hath serv’d an Apprenticeship with an eminent professor in this City,6 And now intends to visit the proper places in Europe in order to Acquire such further Knowledge, & Improvements in Physick, & Surgery, as may Quallify him for the Service of his Country in those usefull Branches of Science—

He is in high Esteem amongst his Acquaintance here & he is my Kinsman—7 As he is an utter Stranger in Europe, thy friendly Notice, & advice will be very Obliging—& any Service done for him will be deemd as done to thy affectionate, & Constant Friend

Saml Rhoads

Doctr: Franklin

Addressed: To / Doctr: Franklin / American Minister / at the Court / of / Versailles

Notation: S. Rhoads July 14 1781

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

6Dr. Adam Kuhn: Joseph Morris to BF, July 10, above.

7Rhoads was a cousin of Mary Morris Powel, Samuel Powel Griffitts’ grandmother: Robert C. Moon, The Morris Family of Philadelphia (3 vols., Philadelphia, 1898), I, 274; Joseph Morris to BF, July 10, above.

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