To Benjamin Franklin from James Hunter, Jr., 29 July 1782
From James Hunter, Jr.2
ALS: University of Pennsylvania Library
Richmond (Virginia) 29th July 1782
Nothing but your promised Favour to Mrs Strange, would induce my so often giving you Trouble;3 She flatters me of her being in Paris about the Time this reaches, and I can value on no one so proper to apologize with you on this Score, with such Prospect of Pardon as herself.
I am with every Sentiment of Esteem Sir Your most Obedient Servant4
James Hunter
Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin / Paris.
Notation: James Hunter 29. July 1782
2. This letter was forwarded from Philadelphia by Theodorick Bland, who represented Virginia in Congress from 1780 to 1783 (DAB). In his Aug. 11 cover letter to BF, Bland indicates that he is also enclosing a letter from Hunter’s wife (Marianna Spence) to her cousin (Isabella Strange): University of Pa. Library. See R. Walter Coakley, “The Two James Hunters of Fredericksburg …,” Va. Mag. of History and Biography, LVI (1948), 9, 15; Isabella Strange to BF, April 23, 1783 (APS).
3. BF served as a conduit for their correspondence; see XXXV, 394.
4. Hunter wrote BF a second letter dated July 29, a one-sentence request that he forward an enclosure to Mr. Strange. APS.