To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 November 1782
From Jonathan Williams, Jr.
ALS: American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library
Nantes November 27—1782
Dear & Hond Sir
The Bearer is Capt George Meggs of the 71st Regiment taken in his Passage from N york to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, arrived here to my Address. As this Gentleman has some pressing Business in London & wishes to return thither as soon as possible, I have taken the Liberty of giving him his Parole as far as Paris, & then he will be considered still a Prisoner unless you consent to grant his Parole & permission to go to England. He has a Lady under his escorte who accompanys him—5
I am as ever Your most Dutiful & affectionate Nephew.
Jona Williams J
Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States / Passy
Notation: Jona. Williams Nantes Novr. 27th. 1782
5. JW had written to BF on Nov. 21, above, about Meggs and four of his fellow passengers now in custody. All five were granted parole at Passy; see our annotation of the parole granted Lawrence Robert Campbell, Dec. 7.