To Benjamin Franklin from William Jackson, 3 December 1783
From William Jackson1
AL: American Philosophical Society
On board the Washington2 Decemr. 3rd. 1783
Major Jackson begs leave to present his most respectful compliments to Doctor Franklin— He regrets that particular business obliges him to debark in England, as it will delay the happiness which he hopes to enjoy in the honor of renewing his acquaintance with his Excellency.
Major Jackson presents himself with respect and affection to Mr. W. T. Franklin.
Mr. Bache and his family were in perfect health when Major J. left Philadelphia on the 10th. of November.
1. After returning to Philadelphia in February, 1782 (XXXVI, 48n), Jackson was made assistant secretary of war. He resigned that post at the end of October, 1783, and sailed to England, intending to pursue a business venture for which Robert Morris and John Vaughan provided him credit: Charles W. Littell, “Major William Jackson, Secretary of the Federal Convention,” PMHB, II (1878), 361–2; Morris Papers, VIII, 736–7. GW gave him a letter of recommendation to BF dated Nov. 1, 1783, but—as Jackson noted on that ALS—he did not deliver it, as he did not go to France: Hist. Soc. of Pa.
2. The General Washington landed in England before continuing to France, to accommodate the mission of John Paul Jones; see JA to BF, Dec. 5.