Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Three Letters, 27 November 1782

From Richard Bache: Three Letters

(I), (II), and (III) ALS: American Philosophical Society

I.

Philadelphia Novr. 27th. 1782.

Dear & Hond: Sir

Give me leave to introduce to you Mr. Stuart, Brother to my particular Friend Colonel Walter Stuart;2 this young Gentleman has resided some time in America, and has gained the esteem of all his Acquaintanc; as a Person deserving your Notice & Civilities, I therefore recommend him to you.

I am Dear Sir Your affectionate Son

Rich Bache

Dr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipoy: from the United / States of No: America / at / Passy / Favored by Mr. Stuart

Notation: Richd. Bache Nov. 27. 1782.

II.

Philadelphia Novr. 27h. 1782

Dear & Hond: Sir

Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance, Mr. Moses Miers who having resided for some time here, is now going to join his establishment at Amsterdam—3 He is generally esteemed here as a Gentleman of Probity & Honor; as such I recommend him to your Notice & Civilities. I am Dear Sir Your affectionate Son

Rich Bache

Dr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipoy: from the United / States of No. America / at / Passy / Favored by Mr. Miers

Notation: Richd. Bache Nov. 27. 1782.

III.

Philadelphia Novr. 27th. 1782.

Dear & Hond: Sir

I have lately wrote you by a variety of opportunities,—since my last, I have the pleasure to inform you a small part of the three Hhhds [hogsheads] of Claret, you were so kind to order me, came safe to hand, and proves of excellent Quality; Mr. Bonfield has done ample justice to his Commission— I wish I may be fortunate enough to get the remaining twenty Boxes; ten of which were sent to L’Orient & ten to Rochfort—4 Sally has packed up in the Box that contains Squirrel Skins for Temple,5 all the Newspapers, except a few of yesterday & this day’s date, which you will receive herewith— We are all in good Health, & join in Love & Duty to you.

I am, Dear sir, ever Yours affecly.

Rich Bache

Dr. Franklin

Addressed: Dr. Franklin

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

2Col. Stewart (c. 1756–1796), born in Londonderry, Ireland, began serving in the American army in 1776. Appointed inspector for the northern army in early 1782, Stewart was breveted brigadier general the following year and after retirement became a prominent Philadelphia merchant: John H. Campbell, History of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick … (Philadelphia, 1892), pp. 134–5; W. W. Abbot et al., eds., The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series (14 vols. to date, Charlottesville, Va., and London, 1985– ), IV, 448n.

3Moses Myers (XXXIV, 238n) and his brother Samuel were partners in a merchant firm which had recently agreed to ship some of the supplies left in Holland by Alexander Gillon; the ship, however, was lost: XXXVII, 643–4, 663. Their New York partner was Isaac Moses: Morris Papers, II, 110n; VI, 215n.

4BF had ordered the wine from John Bondfield a year earlier: XXXVII, 715n.

5John Vaughan reported to WTF on Nov. 12 and 15 that SB had packed ten dozen squirrel skins. On Dec. 3, SB wrote WTF that she was sending three skins (plus nine dog pelts) by way of Moses Myers. APS.

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