To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 13 June 1781
From Samuel Wharton
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Philadelphia June 13 1781
Dear Sir
Referring you to my private Letter,3 written to you by this Vessel, I beg leave to introduce the Bearer Mr. Cornelius Ray to your Notice, and protection. He is the son of a Gentleman of amiable Character, who formerly resided in the City of New York.4 Any Civilities which your Excellency may be pleased to show Mr Ray,— will be esteemed, as immediately conferred On Dear Sir Your affectionate and very hble Servant
Saml. Wharton
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. &c &c
Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenapotentiary from / the United States of North / America at the Court of / Versailes. / Passy near / Paris / per favr. of Mr. Ray
3. Missing.
4. Cornelius Ray (1755–1827) was a New York merchant who spent the Revolutionary War years in Albany and later became president of the New York branch of the Bank of the United States: The National Cyclopædia of American Biography … (75 vols. to date, New York and Clifton, N.J., 1898–), I, 498. On June 18, RB also wrote on Ray’s behalf, mentioning that he had known his family in New York some years earlier (APS); Ray’s father was named Richard. See also RB to BF, June 22, below. We have found no direct evidence about Ray’s voyage to France, but it is likely he traveled on the Anne, for which see Isaac All’s Aug. 5 letter.