To Benjamin Franklin from Hilliard d’Auberteuil, 11 May 1782
From Hilliard d’Auberteuil
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Paris ce 11. Mai 1782.
Monsieur
J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer à votre excellence quatre nouvelles épreuves.4 J’espere que cette 3e. partie pourra être achevée d’imprimer la semaine prochaine.
Je suis avec respect de votre excellence Le très humble & très obéist. servr.
Hilliard D’auberteuil
4. These may have included the fourth signature (feuille D), which contained an extensive passage about BF: his early career, his arrival in France, his appearance and reputation. He never went to Paris except when accompanied by an entourage of people, some of them brilliant; his simple attire and noble bearing excited curiosity and respect; he attended meetings of the Académie des sciences and the Académie française, hearings at the Parlement, exhibitions at the Salon, and events at the Société libre d’émulation and the lodge of the Nine Sisters. Essais historiques et politiques …, II, 60–5.