From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 8 April 1782
To Samuel Cooper
Copy: Library of Congress
Passy, April 8. 1782.
Dear Sir,
The Prince de Broglie, Son of the Marechal Duc de Broglie has desired of me a few Letters of Introduction. With regard to Boston I cannot do better than to present him to you, who have a Pleasure in showing Civilities to Strangers of Merit, & who can introduce him to the principal Persons civil & military of your State.9 You already love with reason the French Nation; you will find more Reason for loving them, the more Opportunities you have of conversing with their Nobless who have had a good Education, and know the World. This Gentleman has a most amiable Character, loves America & the Cause of Liberty, & is happy in the Thought of going to fight in defence of it. I have no Doubt that his Reception in New-England will be such as to increase rather than diminish the Esteem & affection he bears towards us. With great and sincere Respect. I am ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant.
Your fine Boy is well & goes on well at Geneva.
Dr. Cooper.
9. De Broglie recorded his impressions of his American visit, including a character sketch of Cooper, in E. W. Balch, trans., “Narrative of the Prince de Broglie,” Mag. of American History, I (1877), 181–6, 231–5, 306–9, 374–80.