Benjamin Franklin Papers

William Robeson to William Temple Franklin, 11 September 1781

William Robeson to William Temple Franklin

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Nantes Septr 11th. 1781

Dear sir

I am Honored with your kind favour of the 3 Instant informing me of the Arrival of Mr. Montague. I can but Express my Surprize at his Extraordinary Request from a Master Who has been to a fault both Bountiful and kind, I cannot think of Troubling you with a Business of this Nature have therefore Written to Mr. Mason who has much less to do and on the spott of the Diligence for this place, and who will furnish him with Money & for his transportation here.7 I Will thank you Exceedingly to Use Your Influence with him that I mean as I have always told him to set him up in America in his Profession as a Barber and When he Accumulates the sum I have advanced for him I Woud not Wish to Retain him longer as a Slave. Mr. Mason Will Consult you upon the Accassion. Mr. Williams will be shortly With you Who Will Reimburse the Money you Whar so Politely Obligeing as to Assist me with—your Ussing What Influence you have with this Young African Will be Adding to the Civilities Already Confirdd—on Dear sir Your Obliged Humbe Servt

Wm Robeson

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Fils / Chèz Son Excellence mr Franklin / en son hotel /à Passy / Près Paris

Endorsed: Ansd Do 27th Do

Notation: Capt. Robeson Sept. 11. 1781

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

7George Mason, Jr. (XXXII, 62n), staying at the Hôtel de l’Empereur on the rue de Grenelle, wrote to WTF on Sept. 4 requesting a letter of his that Robeson had left with BF “some days since.” APS.

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