From Benjamin Franklin to Landais, 25 April 1779
To Landais
Copy: University of Virginia Library
Passy April 25. 1779
Sir
The Bearer Mr. Hezekiah Ford who has for some time been in the service of the United States, & always a zealous friend to the cause of Liberty, being about to return to America, if you can conveniently receive him in your Ship as a Passenger when you return thither you will oblige Sir Your most Obedient & most Humble Servant
(Signd) B Franklin
To the Honble. P. Landais Esqr.
I Certify that the above Letter is a true copy from the original signed B. Franklin. L’Orient 23d April 1780.
JOSEPH BROWN JUNR of South Carolina
Notations in different hands:3 April 25. 1779 Doctr Franklin recommends Mr. Hezh. Ford to Capt P Landais for a Passage to America after he had countermanded her going thither4 / B. Franklin’s Recommends Hezka. Ford to Cap: Lanndois for a passage to America after having countermanded his going thither (25 Apl. 1778.) (1779)
3. The first of which is by Arthur Lee, who on April 23 gave his secretary money for his expenses to America: Lee Family Papers, reel 6, frame 57.
4. Ford, however, did find passage on another ship, arriving in Virginia in August to answer charges before the Va. Council: Jefferson Papers, III, 65; Butterfield, John Adams Diary, II, 364–5n.