1From Benjamin Franklin to John Beckwith, 17 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. F.R.S. &c … (2nd ed.; 2 vols., London, 1817), I , 36–7. Having assured you verbally that I had no authority to treat or agree with any military person, of any rank whatever to go to America, I understand your expressions, that “ you will take your chance if I think you may be useful ,” to mean that...