To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 12 November 1779
From Jonathan Loring Austin
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Boston 12th Novr. 1779
Sir
I had the Honor of addressing your Excellency by two different Opportunities,7 which hope have reached your Hands; I am very sensible that your Excellency’s Attention is engrossed with important Concerns for your Country, yet permit me to express my Remembrance for Civilities received, by wishing you a long Continuation of Health & Happiness.—
My late Arrival from St Eustatia viz the 6th Inst., & my short Notice of this Opportunity for France, prevent my informing you of Occurrencies here; I beg leave to refer your Excellency to the Honble. Mr Adams who takes passage in this Vessel8 & with Compliments to Mr Franklin. I am very respectfully Your Excellencys most Obedient & very humble Servant
Jon Loring Austin
His Excellency Dr. Franklin
Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiare de l’Ame / rique a la Cour de France / Passy / pres Paris
Endorsed: Mr. Austin Boston
Notations: Austin Boston 12 Nov. 1779. / [by John Adams:] forwarded by, yr most obedient Sert. J. Adams
7. Capt. James Thompson carried his letter of June 10 (XXIX, 656–7), William Knox those of July 12 and 27 (XXX, 96–7, 147–8).
8. JA had been chosen by Congress to return to Europe as minister for conducting future peace negotiations with Britain: XXX, 542. He sailed for France aboard the French frigate Sensible on the morning of Nov. 15: Butterfield, John Adams Diary, II, 402n.