From John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 26 September 1779
To Benjamin Franklin
Pha. 26 Sep 1779
Dear Sir
I have had the Pleasure of recg your Favor of the 2d. June last.1 The Act of Congress respecting Col. Diricks alluded to in it; committed no ^mentioned no public^ Business to him ^having been^ com[mitte]d.^ to his Care, but in Compliance with his Request ^supported by Govr. Trumbul^ recommended ^simply directed me to recommended^ him to your Notice—2
As this will be delivered to you by Monsr. Gerard It will be unnecessary to enlarge on american Politics or Intelligence. Congress has gi This Gentleman has done essential Service to the Alliance, and by the Wisdom of his Conduct done much towards ^binding^ the two Nations to each other by Affection whose union originated in Court mo ^at first resulted from motives of^ Interest— I am happy to assure you that the similar Ideas of You prevail ^& extend^ in this Country as well as the one you are in—
The Chevalier De LaLuzerne has brought with him many recommendatory Letters— Few will be more useful to him to ^than^ yours— If hope he will treads in the Steps of his Predecessor, if he does, they will lead him to the Hearts of the Americans— My Endeavours shall not be wanting to render this Country agreable to him and to.
The [arms?] of New York is a Rock in the midst of the ocean. You will oblige me by continuing this Correspondence and by believing that I am ^with^ great esteem & attachment. Regard your most obt. Servt. & hbl Servt
Doctr Franklin
1. Printed above.
2. Diriks was granted a leave of absence in December 1778 but denied any official capacity to represent America in Holland, for Congress was “not yet prepared to adopt the scheme of a negotiation for the loan proposed.” Diriks wrote from Amsterdam in July 1779 asking Congress to reconsider its position on obtaining a loan from Holland because he was confident that the mood of the country was very favorable for one. As a result, Congress committed Diriks’s letter to a committee that recommended Congress “authorize and instruct a proper person to negotiate that business.” On 18 Oct., John Adams, Henry Laurens, and Woodbury Langdon (1738–1805) of New Hampshire were nominated. Congress elected Laurens on 21 Oct. , 12: 1106; 15: 1167, 1180, 1186, 1198; DNA: PCC, item 78, 8: 327–30.