To Benjamin Franklin from Tristram Dalton, 11 October 1779
From Tristram Dalton
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Newburyport October 11th. 1779
Sir
Although triplicates of the enclosed have been forwarded to France,4 yet, dubious if either Set have reached your Hands, I beg Leave, by so good an Opportunity as the French Frigate,5 to trouble you with opening these—and, if nothing respecting the withinmentioned Loss is already done, to renew my Request in Behalf of the Owners—again asking your Excuse for this Interruption I remain with the utmost Deference and Respect, Sir Your most huml Servant
Tristram Dalton
Honbe. Benjamin Franklin Esqre
Addressed: Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqe / Minister Plenipotentiary of / the United States of North America / At / Versailles
Endorsed: Papers relating to the Fairplay Capt. Giddins Tristram Dalton Esq
4. Documents relating to the loss of this wealthy Newburyport merchant’s brigantine, the Fair Play, Capt. Andrew Giddings, which had been mistakenly sunk by a French shore battery on Guadeloupe: XXIX, 486n.
5. The Sensible, which was returning JA to Europe; see Huntington’s Oct. 16 letter; Butterfield, John Adams Diary, IV, 173–6.