Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-40-02-0299

To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 August 1783

From Jonathan Williams, Jr.

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Nantes Augt. 19. 1783.

Dear & hond Sir.

The Situation of the american Merchants in France is not the Effect of the ill Conduct of any one but a general Consequence of the Peace, and I believe there is no Exception. Mr Grubb1 is one of us, and with a full Intention as well as Capacity to pay all, intends to apply for Letters of Surseance to prevent any little Creditor arresting his Property as it may arrive, to the prejudice of the others. In case any Reference should be made to you as to Mr Grubbs Character, I have pleasure in assuring you I think him an honest honourable Man, & I believe his Representations perfectly true.

Mr Harrison2 who will present you this, has been some time with Mr Grubb with a View to improve himself in Commercial Knowledge. I reccommend him to you as a very worthy discreet & Sensible young man.

I am as ever most dutifully & affectionately Yours

Jona Williams J

His Excellency Dr Franklin.

Notation: Jona. Williams 19 Augt. 1783.

1James Grubb, a Nantes merchant whom JW introduced to BF in 1782: XXXVI, 553.

2Most likely George Harrison of Philadelphia, who came to France in 1781 with enthusiastic recommendations. After several months in Holland, he traveled to Nantes, where in April, 1782, he was welcomed into the American mercantile community: XXXV, 183–4, 417; Adams Papers, XII, 400.

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