To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Hopkins, 23 October 1778
From Daniel Hopkins5
ALS: University of Pennsylvania Library
Boston Octr. 23d 1778.
Sir,
I take the Liberty to inform you that I have a Brother in Law among the American Prisoners in England, his Name is John Palmer; he was captured about 18 months since.6
I can think of no way to effect his Liberation, except thro’ your Influence. I sincerely wish your Interposition in the affair. Confiding in your Disposition to use the best means to effect so desirable an Event, am with great Respect, Your most obedient Servant,
Danl. Hopkins.
Member of the Council.
Honle. Benjamin Franklin Esqr
Addressed: (On Public Service) / Honble Benja. Franklin Esqr. / France
5. Born in Waterbury, Conn., and a 1758 graduate of Yale, this pastor and patriot (1734–1814) spent most of his adult life as a preacher in Salem. A member of the Governor’s Council from 1776 to 1778, he served as a delegate to the Third Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in the spring of 1778 and to the successor body, the General Court: Franklin B. Dexter, Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College (6 vols., New York, New Haven, 1885–1912), II, 533–4. Hopkins wrote again to BF on the subject of prisoner release, April 13, 1782 (APS), indicating that he had an “agreable” response to this one; BF’s answer has not been found.
6. Presumably the John Palmer who was captured on the prize of the Warren and committed to Forton prison on June 26, 1777: Kaminkow, Mariners.