Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Henricus Godet, 2 July 1778

From Henricus Godet8

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Amsterdam July 2d. 1778

Sir

Upon my arrival in town I was applyed to by one David Welch,9 Who Says he was Second Lieutenant on board the Lexington Capt. Henry Johnson, and which was taken by a Kings Cutter the Lurt [Alert] Capt. Bazely and Carryed to Plymouth and putt into Mill prison, and Fortunately made his Escape out of Goal; and is now as you may reasonably Suppose, be in Want of Necessarys for Support. I pray you would take Such Steps as you may Judge Necessary; Should you think Necessary and prudent, I will Supply him and procure him a passage to any part of france that you may think most Convenient or will please to order; I am in Short Loath to Act in any Such Cases Without your agreeable orders; if Necessary I pray you would adress to Messrs. Reinhold Lappenberg & Schmieman, Merchants in Amsterdam Who are Wellwishers to your Cause; and in my Absence will do the Needfull. In Expectation of your Speedy answer, I have the Honour to be Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Henrs. Godet

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsr. B. Franklin / a / Passi

Endorsed: Henry Godet abt Lieut Welsh

Notations in different hands: Amsterdam 2. juillet 1778. / A Mr. LeNeutre Ngt [Négotiant] rue du petit Lyön

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

8The St. Eustatius merchant who was now living in Amsterdam: XXV, 137.

9Welsh’s letter below of the same date was enclosed with this one.

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