To Benjamin Franklin from François Bowens, 8 April 1783
From François Bowens
LS: American Philosophical Society
Ostend 8th April 1783./.
I have in Course received the honour of your Excellencies favour of the 24th. Ulto.4 in Consequence of which I transmitted the necessary directions to London, on the 2d Currt. to prevent your Newspapers from being sent me in future5 which I have no doubt will be paid proper attention to.
I am very sensible to the acknowledgements, Your Excellency, makes me on this Subject, which I must confess are highly agreeable to me, tho’ I feel they are unmerited, as the little trouble I had, was amply recompensed by the pleasure I found, in the Idea that I was of use to your Excellency— I shall be happy to find opportunities of being more so than hitherto, & of meeting frequent opportunities by which I may convince you of the perfect respect with which I have the honour to be Your Excellencies Most obedt. & devoted servant
Pr. F. Bowens
Schoet6
His Excellency Dr. Franklin.
Addressed: Son Excellence Le Docteur Franklin / en son hotel / Passy / prés / Paris
4. Not found.
5. Since 1780, Bowens had been receiving on BF’s behalf various items sent from England. Most recently BF had asked him to procure and forward London newspapers: XXXII, 24–5, 422, 437, 500; XXXVI, 637. He must have contacted Samuel Potts, whose letter of May 9 addresses the same issue.
6. Schout, the Dutch term for bailiff.