To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 8 August 1779
From Samuel Wharton
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Hotel de Rome August 8 1779.
Dear Sir
Messrs. Neave desire me to acquaint your Excellency, That They return to Diepe on Tuesday Morning early, and That They intend to wait upon you To Morrow Morning, In Order to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. They would be particularly obliged to Mr. William Franklin, if He would be so kind, as to prepare two sets of the usual Deposition.8
I am your Excellency’s most obt. & most humble Servant
Saml. Wharton
His Excellency Mr. Franklin Minister Plenepotentiary &c &c &c—
Addressed: A’ Son Excellence / Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin /&c &c &c/ Paris.
Notation: Jam. Wharton Paris—
8. The merchants Richard Neave and his son Richard, Jr., were in Dieppe, waiting for Wharton to make good his promise of a passage to America for them: XXIX, 574–6. They signed oaths of allegiance at Passy on Aug. 9, pledging to abjure allegiance to George III and to support, maintain, and defend the U.S. The father’s oath is in WTF’s hand, and the son’s is in Gellée’s. BF attested both documents. APS.