Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-39-02-0156

To Benjamin Franklin from St. Clair, 5 March 1783

From St. Clair

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Paris March 5th. 1783

I had the honour to write to your Excellency two days ago by the post but as I have not been honoured with an answer I take the liberty once more to importunate you but not being possesed of three sols to pay the postage I find myself obliged to be the carrier of it. I have now no other party or choice left if your Excellency does not furnish me with the means of returning to America than to enlist as a private Soldier in the French service however humiliteting and degrading this must be to our service I cannot help if your Excellency will honour me with a few Lines I shall esteem it a particular favr.6 I remain with the most sincer attachment your Exellency’s most humble and most obedient Servant

St Clair

Addressed: To / His Excellency B. Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States / At / Passy

Notation: St. Clair, Paris March 5. 1783.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

6Through the intervention of JW and Thomas Barclay, St. Clair found lodging in Nantes and a passage “to Carolina”: JW to Thomas Barclay, July 12, 1783 (Yale University Library); Account XXVII (XXXII, 4).

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