Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-29-02-0517

To Benjamin Franklin from William Bingham, 8 June 1779

From William Bingham

ALS: American Philosophical Society

St Pierre Mque June 8th 1779

Dear sir,

I flatter myself that you will excuse the Liberty I take in recommending to your Notice & Protection during his Stay at Paris the Bearer Richard Harrison Esqr—a Gentleman who was employed in this Place in the public Character of Agent for the States of Virginia & Maryland & who has rendered his Country some essential services by his Exertions in that Line—2 After discharging the Duties of his Station with honor to himself & Satisfaction to his Constituents, he returned to his native Country, & has now left it with an Intention of entering into a commercial Establishment at Cadiz or some other Port of Europe—You cannot procure more full & candid Information of the Situation of Affairs in America than what the Gentleman can furnish you with—

I shall make no Apology for introducing him to your Acquaintance, as I am sensible that your own Feelings must be gratified by conferring your Favor on Men of Mr Harrison’s Merit, so truly deserving of them—

I have the honor to be with unfeigned Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble Servant

Wm Bingham

Notation: Bingham June 8. 1779.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

2As a member of the committee of secret correspondence BF had corresponded several years before with Richard Harrison, the Baltimore merchant who represented Maryland and Virginia in Martinique: XXII, 447–9. While there he and Bingham were in partnership in various privateering ventures: Robert C. Alberts, The Golden Voyage: the Life and Times of William Bingham 1752–1804 (Boston, 1969), p. 50.

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