Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-23-02-0135

To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [21?] January 1777

From Jonathan Williams, Jr.

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Nantes Jan [21?,11] 1777

Dear and honored Sir

The inclosed is for the Deputies.12

I propose to expedite Monsieur Le Chevalier de mauduit du plessis in the mercury, for I know of no better way and the warmth of his Reccommendation requires the best.

Altho’ I can say nothing in alteration of what I have written to the Deputies about Mr. P,1 yet I confess it creates an uneasy Reflection, for I hope it is no part of my Disposition to speak ill of another with pleasure; but I beg it may be understood as the Opinion others and not mine, for in that I shall be justified by all I have heard speak of him at Nantes, of myself I have no right to Judge. I am dear Sir most dutifully yours

J Williams

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin LLD. / a l’Hotel d’Hambourg / Rue Jacob / a / Paris.

Notation: J. Williams Jan. 77.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

11JW’s heading is in another ink, which suggests that it was added later. The suggestion is strengthened by the way he wrote the date: it was originally “Jan 27. 1778,” and he then substituted for the digits “1777.” Nantes on the 27th is impossible; he left for Paimboeuf the day before. The earliest possible date is the 21st, when Mauduit du Plessis arrived.

12His letter to the commissioners above of Jan. 21 or, if he was writing a few days later, that of the 23rd.

1About Penet in his letter above of Jan. 18.

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