From Benjamin Franklin to John Hancock, 20 January 1777
To John Hancock
ALS and copy: National Archives; copy: British Library
Paris, Jan. 20. 1777
Dear Sir,
The Bearer Capt. Balm9 is strongly recommended to me, as a very able Officer of Horse, and capable of being extreamly useful to us, in forming a Body of Men for that Service. As he has otherwise an excellent Character, I take the Liberty of recommending him to my Friends as a Stranger, of Merit, worthy of their Civilities, and to the Congress as an Officer who if employ’d may greatly serve a Cause which he has sincerely at heart. With great Respect I have the Honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble John Hancock Esqr
Notation: Jany 20. 1777 Letter from Doctr Franklin to the Presidt. of Congress recommendg. Lt. Col de la Balme
9. The Captain was at the time a lieutenant colonel, presumably by brevet; see La Balme to BF above, Dec. 14. He was given the same rank in the American army, after serving briefly as a volunteer, and was then promoted to colonel and made inspector general of cavalry. He resigned his post in October, 1777, fought thereafter on the frontier, and was killed by Indians near Detroit. Freeman, Washington, IV, 539; Lasseray, Les Français, II, 329–35.