Benjamin Franklin Papers
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To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mumford, 1 April 1782

From Thomas Mumford9

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Norwich 1st. April 1782

Sir

The Conduct of our Late intimate freind Silas Deane Esqr. respecting these States & our worthy allies, Convinces me he must have Left France some time since, this Leaves my agreeable nephew Mr. Gurdon S. Mumford destitute of the advice & assistance his father1 (my only Brother) & friends depended on to fix & Continue him in business during his Minority, I am among the number of mr. Deans Old freinds to whom he has wrote Largely on Politicks, his Last to me was 24th. Septemr. 17812 in which he informs me he had some months before sent his Son to the netherlands, & shou’d then go to him in a few days, he further informs me he advised my kinsman’s remaining with you untill he had inteligence from his father & me (the reason why I am Consulted respecting my nephew who has a father is I am fond of him & have pleasure in giving him aid,) as youth always needs advice, at Least I shall Consider my Self under particular Obligation to you while you Continue to extend yours to him, who will need it more now Mr. Deane his former patern has withdrawn himself than before, he shall have remittance as often as are necessary, have wrote my nephew if he inclines to spend a Year or Two at Amsterdam in a good Compting House to perfect him in the method of doing Large business I will introduce him to my friends Messrs. John De Neufville & Son,3 your advice & assistance to my nephew as before requested (to whom please deliver the inclos’d) will Lay the greatest Obligation on him who is with perfect esteem Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedt. & very Huml servt.

Thos. Mumford

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire / at / Passa / near / Paris

Notation: Tho: Mumford 1st. April 1782.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

9The Conn. merchant and shipowner who was supervising his nephew’s education: XXII, 277n; XXXIV, 449–50.

1David Mumford (1731–1807): XXXIV, 449, 452–3; James G. Mumford, Mumford Memoirs … (Boston, 1900), pp. 129, 178.

2Livingston had forwarded BF a copy of this letter in January: XXXVI, 468n.

3In fact, Neufville & fils had already informed Deane that they would take Gurdon, but the youth preferred a position with JW. He left BF’s household in January or February: XXXVI, 331n; WTF to JW, Dec. 19, 1781 (Library of Congress).

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