From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 10 December 1781
To Richard Bache
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress
Passy, Nov. [i.e., December]4 10. 1781
Dear Son,
The Bearer Count Beniousky, a Hungarian Gentleman of Distinction, goes to America with some Intention of settling there, if he shall find the Country agreable.5 He is much esteemed by Persons of Consideration here, and I earnestly recommend him to your Civilities. I have ordered Claret to you by various Opportunities, and hope some of it will be arriv’d before you receive this. I have heard lately from Benny, who was well.6 I am ever, Your
Mr Bache
4. Benyowzky requested this recommendation on Dec. 9, above. BF also wrote Robert Morris this day (below) on the Count’s behalf.
5. In fact, Benyowzky was to present a proposal to George Washington and to Congress to form a foreign legion of German soldiers under his command in the service of the United States. For an account of these efforts see Eufrosina Dvoichenko-Markov, “Benjamin Franklin and Count M. A. Benyowski,” APS Proc., XCIX (1955), 408, 410–11. See also JCC, XXII, 261, 296–8, 308–9; William T. Hutchinson, et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (17 vols., Chicago and London, 1962–91), IV, 295–7, 300–2, 309–11, 349, 366.
6. BFB wrote on Nov. 20, above.