Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 21 July 1781

From Jonathan Loring Austin

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Nantes 21 July 1781 —

Sir.

I expect in ten, or fifteen days at fartherst to embark for Philadelphia,7 if your Excellency has any Letters for America & will forward them by Return of Post to Mr Williams, I will take charge of them, & deliver them (if possible) as directed—

I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Servt.

Jon. Loring Austin

If Mr Adams is in Paris, please to inform him that I shall be happy to take his Letters—

Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / à / Passi / près / Paris

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

7Austin had been in Europe for the last year in an unsuccessful attempt to procure a loan for Massachusetts: XXXII, 250–1n; XXXIII, 124n. Austin, however, did help procure military supplies in the Netherlands. He returned to America in the autumn and soon became involved in Boston civic and business affairs: Sibley’s Harvard Graduates, XVI, 306–7.

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