From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Castries, 3 December 1780
To the Marquis de Castries5
LS:6 Archives de la Marine; copy: Library of Congress
Passy Decr. 3. 1780.
Sir
The Arms for the Exportation of which Mr Williams has requested Permission, do really, belong to the Congress, being Part of a Quantity of old Arms purchased by us near three Years since, and repaired at Nantes. Your Excellency will much oblige me by granting the Passport required.
With great Respect, I am, Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servt.
B Franklin
His Exy M. le Marqs de Castries.—
[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]
5. Written after the naval minister had questioned BF about the arms assembled by JW, either orally or in a now-missing letter; see BF to JW, Dec. 4, below.
6. In WTF’s hand. There is also a French translation at the Archives de la Marine.