From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 22 September 1781
To Vergennes
LS:8 Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress
Passy, Sept. 22. 1781.
Sir,
Mr. de Veimerange acquaints me that a Part of the Supplies sent to America in the Rusée, have been taken by the Enemy, and that if it is thought proper to replace them, Orders should be speedily given for that Purpose.9 I therefore beg leave to mention to your Excellency that the Replacing those Supplies appears to me absolutely necessary, and that I hope from his Majesty’s Goodness such Orders will be soon obtained, thro’ your usual kind Application in our Favour, to which we have already so many Obligations.
With the greatest Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. Count De Vergennes
Notation: pas de reponse
8. In L’Air de Lamotte’s hand except for the last eight words of the complimentary close, which are in BF’s.
9. Veimerange’s letter is missing, but see BF’s response of Sept. 20.