To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth: Two Notes, [1 February? 1778]
From Courtney Melmoth: Two Notes
Two ALS: American Philosophical Society
I.
Rue Jacob: Sunday Noon [February 1?,7 1778] .
Sir
Having an opportunity, without expence, of seeing the Procession of the Cordon Bleau to morrow Morning at Versailles, we are tempted to comply with an Invitation, and are just setting off for that Place; but it is impossible anything should, on our part, prevent our happy addition at the Teatable to morrow afternoon. I am, with the warmest Sensibility, Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
Courtney Melmoth
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy
II.
Rue Jacob: 1 febry. [1778]
The Bearer waits on the honourable Dr. Franklin.8 From his much obliged and most obedient Servant
Courtney Melmoth
Mrs. Melmoth sends her most respectful Compliments to the Doctor.
7. The letter must be before Feb. 19, by which time the Melmoths had moved to the Hôtel d’Orléans. It refers to the procession the next day of the cordon bleu, in other words the chevaliers du St.-Esprit. The annual ceremony of the order was on Whit Sunday; we assume, however, that there were lesser processions when new members were installed, and one such installation was on Feb. 2: Almanach royal for 1779, p. 149.
8. Melmoth would be trembling, he said in the postscript to his letter above, Jan. 29, to see whether the bearer would return with cash. None was forthcoming, apparently, but negotiations were opened; see Melmoth to BF below, Feb. 4.