To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mifflin, 5 February 1784
From Thomas Mifflin
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Annapolis 5 Februy 1784
Sir
Lt Colonel Murnan has requested me to give him a Letter of Introduction to your Excellency; which he supposes will assist him in his military Pursuits—6 I have seen many Certificates from General Washington7 General Howe & other Officers under whom he has served; & have made a particular Enquiry into his Conduct, during the late War: And it with much Pleasure I now recommend him to you as a very deserving Officer.
I am with the greatest Respect & Attachment Your Excellencys Obedient & humble Serv
Thomas Mifflin
Addressed: The Honorable / Benjamin Franklin / Passy
Endorsed: Thos Mifflin Esq 5 Feby. 84 Recomn. of Col Harmar
6. Jean-Bernard-Bourg Gauthier de Murnan (1748–1797), an engineer in the Continental Army who had been promoted to lieutenant colonel the previous September and who had just resigned his commission. He was initially unsuccessful in obtaining a post in the French army, but during the French Revolution became général de brigade provisoire: JCC, XXVI, 63–4; Bodinier, Dictionnaire, under Gauthier.
7. GW’s certificate, lauding Murnan’s services, was dated May 24, 1783: Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington, XXVI, 452–3.