From Benjamin Franklin to the Comtesse de Lameth, [before 12 July 1778]
To the Comtesse de Lameth2
ALS (draft): Library of Congress
[before July 12, 17783]
It is with Pleasure I inform you, Madame, that a Cartel being settled in America for the Exchange of Prisoners, there is reason to hope the Chevalier de Bazantin, who has the Honour of being esteemed by you, is before this time at Liberty. I have upon your Recommendation which has great Weight with me written particularly to America concerning that Gentleman, and shall be happy if it may be of Service to him.4 I am, with great Respect, Madam, Your most &c.
BF
Madame la Comtesse de la Methe.
To Madame la Contsse De la Methe 1778
2. In answer to hers of May 10: above, XXVI, 430–1.
3. When De Bout, the banker who was the countess’s intermediary with BF, wrote him that he had received the letter and would forward it; he also thanked BF for returning a letter that he had asked on July 4 to have back: XXVI, 430–1 n. We assume that that letter was enclosed with this one, which was therefore written, in all likelihood, between the 4th and the 12th.
4. BF here made two attempts at a more courtly tone and then deleted them both: “I am very sensible of the Honour done me by your very amiable and elegant Letter / Your very sensible and elegant Letter gave me such an Impression of your.”