Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-41-02-0141

To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 19 November 1783

From John Shaffer

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Paris ce 19 9bre 83

Sir

My Avocat has informed me that it is Nessesary that your Son Wm Temple, Should Right a line to the Letn Creminel, to Convince him that he has Not Said that I am a bad Subject &&&,9

If he Realy has Not Said what I am acused of he Canot Refuse me my Request,

My trial Comes On to morrow without fail. Thierefore you Canot Consistant with Reason Refuse me what I ask you.

Mr Temple has Refused me and Sais he will Not medle with my affairs, wich is a Proof that he has indeavored to ingure me as much as Posible but hope in the Course of life will meat for an Explanation wich will be a Sattisfaction,

I am without a farthing of Money if you will be Kind Enough to make me a Small advance belive me Sir it will be Returned with gratitude,1

One line from Mr Temple your Son will be Of Great Servise to me.

I have the honour to be with Respect Sir your most Obedent and Very humble Servent

J. Schaffer

Addressed: A Son Exelance / Monsieur le Docteuer / franklin En Son Lhotel / A Passy

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

9Shaffer had written to WTF twice in October to convince him to retract this statement; see the annotation of Shaffer’s letter to BF of [Oct. 9]. He sent a new appeal to WTF along with the present letter; it is in French, in the hand of Menier de Saint Yver, and is dated Nov. 19 (APS).

1Five days earlier BF had received an appeal from an angry creditor who had just heard that BF was taking an interest in Shaffer’s affairs out of consideration for the prisoner’s father (and in spite of his “mauvaise conduite”). M. Pecoul had lent Shaffer 960 l.t. to cover his linens and the fees required for his release from prison. He asks BF’s help in obtaining payment: Pecoul to BF, Nov. 14, 1783, APS.

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