Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Gourlade & Moylan, 27 October 1779

From Gourlade & Moylan

ALS:8 American Philosophical Society

L’Orient 27th. Octr. 1779

Hond. Sir

Mr. Louis Le Grand,9 a principal Merchant of Havre de Grace and our very perticular friend, writes us, that he is very anxious to be of the number of those who have the honor of your personal acquaintance. This gentleman has invariably shewn a particular attachment to the cause of the United States of America, and has been of great utility to us, in procuring seamen for the late Bonhomme Richard. From those motives, and our request, of your civilitys in his favor, we flatter ourselves he will be indulged on the like or any other occasion you will find us sincerely Honord sir Your most obe. & most humble Servts.

Gourlade & Moylan

The Honorable Benj: Franklin at Passy

Addressed: The Honorable / Doctor Benj: Franklin / Plenipotentiary Minister / from the United States of / America at the Court of / Versailles, at his Hotel / In Passy./.

Notation: Gourlade et Moylan 27. Oct. 1779.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

8In Moylan’s hand.

9Louis Legrand & Cie. was one of the Le Havre outfitters most active in trans-Atlantic trade: Pierre Dardel, Navires et marchandises dans les ports de Rouen et du Havre au XVIIIe siècle (Paris, 1963), p. 409n.

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