To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 March 1783
From Jonathan Williams, Jr.
ALS: American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library
Nantes March 23. 1783.
Dear & Hond Sir.
I recd your Favour of the 9 Inst9 some days since, and beg your Pardon for the delay of my Answer which the hurry of Business has occasioned. I thank you for espousing my Cause with Mr de Fleury, but I find the minister will not grant the Exception requested.1
The packet2 was sent by our admiralty without my knowledge, they never consult me on these occasions, but it is not just you should pay the Postage I will therefore give you credit for it & charge the prizes.— The two Cheezes advised from Orleans are not from me unless sent a long time ago as I do not remember sending any lately. I sent to Orleans in January a variety of Articles as follow.3
| J Jay | a pipe Madeira. | for Mr Jay. | |
| MW | an Anchor do. | for Mrs Williams | |
| BF | N 1. | a do of old jamaica Rum | for yourself. |
| do. | 2 | a Bl of Sugar | do. |
| do. | 3 | a Case of 80 Bottles of Porter. | do. |
| MM | a do. | Mrs Montgommery | |
| MR | a do. | Mr Ridley | |
| J Jay | a do. | Mr Jay. |
It may be that two Cheezes were added & a note omitted to be taken, but I cannot at present tell. If you find them good the better way is to eat them & leave the matter to be settled when the Owner appears, as they may otherwise in the mean time be spoiled.
I thank you for your kind Attention to my Father & Mrs Williams and am as ever most dutifully & Affectionately Yours.
Jona Williams J
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.
Addressed: A Son Excellence / Mr Franklin / en son Hotel / a / Passy / pres Paris
Notation: Jona. Williams March 23. 1783.
9. Missing. It was in response to JW’s letter of March 5, and evidently informed JW that his letter to Joly de Fleury was being forwarded.
1. Joly de Fleury explained as much to BF in his letter of March 15, above.
2. Perhaps the proceedings of the admiralty forwarded by Perret on Feb. 14, above.
3. WTF had given JW this order in December. It was sent care of Fleury & Demadières in Orléans, who forwarded the items to Passy on Feb. 14: Gurdon Mumford to WTF, Dec. 17, 1782; JW to WTF, Jan. 21, 1783; Fleury & Demadières to WTF, Feb. 17, 1783 (all at the APS).