To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1780
From Jonathan Williams, Jr.
ALS: American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library
Nantes Octor 10. 1780.
Dear & hond Sir
The present serves only to hand you a small Dft which Messrs De Segray & Co sent me for a little Balance due to him on the Dolphin Capt Nicholson in Decr 1777, being for some Charges after the Accots were closed, As it is a trifle I paid it & have charged it to the public please therefore to return me the note with your Signature to serve as a Voucher to my accots.9
I send you also inclosed a Letter which I have lately received from Capt Manly in Mill Prison,1 I wish it were possible to get all these poor Fellows exchanged before the Marquis de la Fayette sails as they might then go home in that Ship.
I am ever with the greatest Respect Dear & hond Sir Yours most dutifully & affectionately
Jona Williams J
Hon: Doctor Franklin
Notation: J Williams Octo. 10 80
9. BF did not; it is among his papers at the APS. The undated draft, signed by the firm, asks that BF pay to JW the sum of 29 l.t. 12 s. for expenses of the Dolphin, Capt. Samuel Nicholson, at St. Malo, Dec. 10, 1777 (for which see XXV, 160n, 194, 426–7). JW noted at the bottom: “Mr Williams / Pay the above & charge it to the Public of America Passy Octor 1780.”
1. This one is missing, but JW had forwarded a previous letter on July 25.