To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 9 January 1782
From Richard Bache
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Philadelphia Jany. 9th 1782
Dear & Hond. Sir
Hearing that the Hermione Frigate will shortly leave the Cheasapeake for France2 I embrace a short moment to let you know that we are all well— Little Debby has been innoculated for the small Pox, & has got happily through them— I shall have an opportunity of writing to you in a few days, by a Vessel from this port, for L’Orient, On board of which I have put Temple’s Seeds3 the Owner being a Stranger to me, I could not prevail with him to take two Barrels of Apples— I have to request of you to forward the inclosed Letter;— and wishing you to accept our Love & Duty I remain Dear Sir Your affectionate son
Rich Bache
Dr. Franklin
Addressed: His Excellency / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipoy. from the United States / at / Passy / Honored by / Chevar. Latouche4
Notation: Richd. Bache Philada. Jany. 9. 1782.
2. The Hermione sailed for France at the beginning of February, arriving at Rochefort on Feb. 27. The ship carried a live possum which Chastellux was sending to the naturalist Buffon: Rice and Brown, eds., Rochambeau’s Army, I, 68n, 158.
3. He sent seeds aboard the ships Nonsuch, owned by Robert Morris and others, and St. Helena, owned by a James Oellers: RB to WTF, Jan. 5, 1782 (Musée de Blerancourt, APS); Charles Henry Lincoln, comp., Naval Records of the American Revolution, 1775–1788 (Washington, D.C., 1906), pp. 407, 463.
4. Captain La Touche of the Hermione.