From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 October 1780
To Jonathan Williams, Jr.
Copy: Library of Congress
Passy Oct 7. 1780.
Dear Jonathan,
Enclosed is the passport for the Saltpetre. I found no Difficulty is obtaining it from the Farmers General.6 They would have made the Exchange if ours had been at Bordeaux or Marseilles; but at St. Maloes they have no Refinery.
I have received yours of the 26th. & 30th.
I enclose Letters also for M. Schweighauser & Messrs. Desegray & Co.
If it Should come too late for your Ship, you can Ship it in the Jay.7
I am, Your affectionate Uncle.
M. Williams.
[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]
6. That passport proved to be ineffective; see BF to Lavoisier, Oct. 22.
7. JW does not seem to have seriously considered using the Jay. In any case, the vessel, lying at Lorient, was lost on Oct. 10: from Harmon Courter, Oct. 30, below.