To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 6 November 1784
From Sir Edward Newenham
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Belcamp— 6 Novr. 1784
Dear Sir
I request leave to Introduce to your Presence the Bearer of this Letter, Mr: Canier Major of the Independant Dublin Volunteers; he has always been a Steady & active friend to the Rights & Liberties of his Country, and by his public Conduct has obtained the Confidence of his fellow-Citizens—1 His Character in Private life is just2 & amiable—
Should my respected & worthy Friend, the Marquiss Le Fayette be arrived at Paris, I request you will have Major Canier introduced to him, as recommended by me—
Some posts agoe, I had the Honor, of transmitting to yr: Excellency all the news of this Kingdom; nothing material has since occurred, but I Suppose, matters of some on the part of administration, will shortly transpire—
I have the Honor to be with Every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem your Excellencys most obt & Very Hbe Sert
E Newenham
the major is just—
Addressed: For / His Excellency B: Franklin / Minister Plenipotentary / Passy near / Paris
1. Samuel Canier, born in Ireland of French parents, had served in the Independent Dublin Volunteers since 1780. In February, 1785, Ireland’s attorney general would denounce him in Parliament as an example of “those sons of sedition” who were not above colluding with the French to achieve their goal of Irish independence. Canier would settle in France by the end of that year: Georges Six, ed., Dictionnaire biographique des généraux & amiraux français de la révolution et de l’empire … (2 vols., Paris, 1934), I, p. 188; The Parliamentary Register: or, History of the Proceedings and Debates of the House of Commons of Ireland … (17 vols., Dublin, 1784–1801), IV, p. 227.
2. Newenham’s use of the word “just” here and below his signature signaled that he wanted BF to take particular notice of Canier. Newenham had alerted BF to this code word at the end of his [Oct. 9] letter (above).