Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-26-02-0636

From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 30 June 1778

To Benjamin Rush

Reprinted from Parke-Bernet sale catalogue, February 27–28, 1974, item 265.

Passy, June 30. 1778

Dear Sir,

The Bearer M. Tessier, is well recommended to me as a Person of good Character and an excellent Surgeon, who purposes to go to America and offer his Services in our Armies.5 Having no Orders to send Surgeons thither, I could give him no kind of Encouragement by Promises of Employment or otherways. He therefore goes of his own Motion and at his own Expence. But as his Profession is an Useful One in any Country, in Peace as well as in War, I make no doubt he will be received among our Countrymen with their accustomed Civilities to Strangers of Merit, and I beg leave to request in his Behalf your Countenance and Protection, and your good Counsels on Occasion. I am ever, Dear Sir, Your affectionate humble Servant

B Franklin

Dr Rush

Endorsed: June 30 1778 Benj. Franklin6

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

5See Teissier’s letter above, June 27.

6We cannot be sure, because Rush’s hand is not distinctive enough, that this is an endorsement rather than a notation; but it appears to be. If so, it is our only evidence that Teissier did in fact cross the Atlantic and deliver the introduction.

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