Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Compagnoni, 30 November 1777: résumé

From Joseph Compagnoni2

ALS: American Philosophical Society

<Lugo in the Romagna, November 30, 1777, in French: I wrote you on September 21 to the following effect: Your literary merit and your patriotism move me to dedicate to you a small rhymed work on a war that has brought Europe the good fortune of having you back. The poem, entitled “Il Washington,” will not offend reason or virtue and, though most favorable to the colonies, will not hurt English sensitivities. If you will accept, I shall embrace the opportunity to testify to your talents and love for your country; these are qualities that tie men together in the knot of virtue and community. I confidently expect your response. Thus far my letter, which I résumé on the chance that it did not reach you or that your answer has been lost. The work is already in print; I wait only on word from you.>

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

2. Giuseppe Compagnoni (1754–1833) subsequently achieved some distinction in literature and politics; his Veglie del Tasso (1799) was thought for a time to be Tasso’s own work. Compagnoni became secretary general of the Cisalpine Republic, and after the Restoration returned to his writing. Dizionario enciclopedico italiano (Rome, 1956).

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    Franklin Papers
    Title
    To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Compagnoni, 30 November 1777: résumé
    Author
    Compagnoni, Joseph
    Recipient
    Franklin, Benjamin
    Date
    30 November 1777

    Reference

    Cite as
    “To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Compagnoni, 30 November 1777: résumé,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-25-02-0155. [Original source: The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, vol. 25, October 1, 1777, through February 28, 1778, ed. William B. Willcox. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1986, p. 219.]