To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Coffyn, 6 January 1786
From Francis Coffyn
Dunkerque, 6 Jan. 1786. Received TJ’s invitation to dine just before he left Paris and sent a note by a servant explaining that he could not postpone his departure because his mother-in-law was ill; arrived home the day before her death. Had called on TJ, with Mr. Barclay, to express his gratitude for the civilities shown him; will strive to merit TJ’s protection by his zeal in attending to all matters concerning the welfare of the United States.
RC (MHi); 2 p.; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 10 Jan. 1786.
Francis Coffyn was an American who had been appointed by Benjamin Franklin to serve as consul at Dunkerque (TJ to John Jay, 14 Nov. 1788). TJ’s invitation and Coffyn’s note have not been found.