To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Ceronio, 2 October 1780
From Joseph Ceronio
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Genoa the 2d. 8ber 1780
Sir
Please to accept of my sincere acknowledgements for the trouble you have had some time ago of forwarding a Letter to my Son at St. Domingo,9 which got safely to his hands, and upon the encouragement I have had from him, have sent my Second Son to Philadelphia under the Care of Mr. Morris;1 I have two Left, which I intend likewise to dedicate to America, for I hope in time it will [be] the greatest Empire in the World; I shall take it as a particular favor, if you will be so kind to forward the inclosed, and if attended with any expence please to inform me of it, that I may reimburse you with many thanks besides for your kindness. Honour me with your Commands, and believe me with the greatest regard— Sir Your most Obedient & very humble Sert.
Joseph Ceronio
Addressed: A Monsieur / Mr: Le Docteur B. Franklin / Paris
9. Stephen Ceronio was at Cap Français serving as an agent for the Philadelphia firm of Willing and Morris and for Congress. His father had asked BF to forward letters to him: XXII, 633, 664–5; XXIV, 340–1; XXV, 42, 640–1.
1. This son was probably Ange Ceronio, who came to Philadelphia in 1780 under Robert Morris’ sponsorship: Morris Papers, I, 170–2.