To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 1 October 1782
From Richard Bache
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Philadelphia October 1st. 1782.
Dear & Hond: Sir
We were happy in hearing from you by the Eagle Frigate;4 you honored me likewise by her with an Introduction to the Prince De Broglii & Count De Segur; these Gentlemen set off immediately for Camp, but as probably they will spend the Winter here, I hope to have an opportunity of shewing them every Civility in my Power—the latter strikes me, as a very amiable young Gentleman.5
You request to know Ben’s age, he was thirteen last 12th. August— I am afraid the disturbances at Geneva will prevent for some time his progress in his Studies, I find by his Letters, he is quite the Frenchman, but I flatter myself he will soon recover his English.6
In looking over some of your papers I find a Note from William Pritchard, who went to Canada with you, for ten Guineas, he is now married & settled here, upon my applying to him, he did not at first recollect that he had given any such Note, but afterwards said he did recollect it, & that he had paid you the Money, but that he had no receipt to shew— I should be glad to know whither you remember its being paid.7
I am informed your Friends I-z—d & L—8 continue their old game of trumping up charges & insinuations against you, they never can forgive your being such a Favorite at the Court of France—they may grin—but I trust they cannot bite.
Sally and the Children are perfectly well, Debby, a sweet little Girl, is a year old this day, her Mother has just weaned her—You have our joint Love & Duty, we beg also to be remembered to Ben.
I am ever Dear Sir Your affectionate son
Rich: Bache
Dr. Franklin
Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / Passy.
4. BF’s letter was dated June 26, 1782: XXXVII, 550.
5. For de Broglie and Ségur, and BF’s letters of introduction, see XXXVII, 88n, 109–10.
6. The armed unrest of the preceding spring had interrupted BFB’s schooling for several months, but classes resumed in early August: XXXVII, 123, 139, 682. BF forwarded letters from BFB on June 26. SB worried that if BFB did not recover his English, he would be unable to converse with her: SB to BFB, Oct. 1, 1782 (Musée de Blérancourt).
7. For this printer, who had sought assistance from BF in 1776, see XXII, 472–3; XXVII, 605.
8. Ralph Izard and Arthur Lee.