From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Smith, 8 September 1779
To Samuel Smith
Copy: Library of Congress
Passy, 8 sept. 1779
Sir
I received yours of the 2d. Instant, and am very sorry for your Misfortune: the Loan office Bills you destroyed to prevent their falling into the hands of the Enemy, you do not sufficiently describe; it is necessary for me to know before I can find out whether they have not been already presented the following particulars of each Bill, viz Number, Quantity of Dollars, Date, In whose favour drawn, and by whom Countersigned.3 If they Should be presented hereafter some of these Particulars may enable me to Stop them. As soon as you favour me with this Description I Shall take the earliest Opportunity of complying with your Request. I have the honour to be, Sir &c. &c.
M. Saml. Smith. Nantes.
3. Smith replied on Sept. 23 that he had destroyed the paper containing the information, but that happily a second set of bills had now arrived at Lorient. This set was endorsed to Penet, d’Acosta frères, and Smith asked BF to honor the bills. APS.