To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 30 October 1783
From John Shaffer
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Paris ce 30 8bre 83
Sir
My avocat informed me that you have the Goodness for me, to imploy Mr Barclay to do what will be Nessesary to Render me justis. When I was arrested the inspecter of the Polize9 Put a gardien in to my house to garde my goods and gard de Robe, two days ago I was informed that the Person Stole all that was left in to his Care but Very fortunate we have got him arrested and is in the Same Prison hear.
My Avocat will Explain to you the unjust maner in wich I am Treated the Robe me of What I have got and do Not Know what maner to Recover my Property—if your Exelency will Not interrest your Self for me to Procure my liberty I hope you will Not Refuse to Render me Justis in order to Prosecute the Villen who has Stole my Cloths and goods or Pay me for them if you will be So Kind as to Right a few lines to the Lt Creminel in order that he may Render me Justis it will be an adition upon the many obligations Confered upon your Exelencys Most Obedent and Very humble Servant1
J. Schaffer
His Exelency Docter Frankline
9. M. Quidor was inspecteur de police in charge of Shaffer’s department: Almanach royal for 1783, p. 431.
1. The following day, Oct. 31, Shaffer wrote again, promising to repay BF’S advance and begging for another 2 louis “to make the nessary Pursuit a gainst the Person who has taken my Goods and Clothes.” APS.