Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-27-02-0422

The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 22 September 1778

The American Commissioners to the President of Congress

LS: National Archives; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Massachusetts Archives, National Archives (two); two transcripts: National Archives

Passy Septr. 22. 1778.

Sir,

This will be delivered to you by Mr. Jonathan Loring Austin, who was sent the last Year express to France with the News of the Convention of Saratoga. He has resided chiefly in this Kingdom from that time, and has been employed, in the Service of the Publick, a part of the Time; and his Behavior from first to last has given entire Satisfaction to us. We think it our Duty therefore to recommend him to Congress as a Gentleman of Merit, of Ability and Diligence in Business, zealously attached to the Cause of his Country, and of exemplary Prudence and Decency. We have the Honour to be6 with great Respect, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servants

B Franklin
Arthur Lee
John Adams

The Hon. President Laurens.

Notation: Letter from B Franklin Ar. Lee John Adams Sept 22. 1778 respecting Jona. Loring Austin Read May 10 1779. Referred with Mr Austin’s memorial7

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

6In WTF’s hand up to this point; the complimentary close is in BF’s.

7See JCC, XIV, 567–8. Austin’s undated memoir (National Archives) asked that he not be required to return the money advanced for his personal expenses since his return voyage had proved longer and more expensive than he had anticipated.

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