To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Goudar, 1 January 1778: résumé
From ——— Goudar7
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Aubenas, January 1, 1778, in French: A select company in the Vivarais has instructed me to express its admiration for the virtues of the incomparable Washington, which combine so well with your own talents. If anything made in Languedoc is of use to you or your countrymen, we will carry out your orders without charge. Please send me a print of the great General; such a present coming from you will be infinitely precious.8>
7. He signs himself “chevalier de l’ordre du Roi,” meaning St.-Michel, and is described as “directeur des manufactures d’Aubenas”: Almanach royal for 1777, p. 154.
8. On Feb. 2 he writes again, humiliated at having had no reply. He will explain who he is, in case BF does not answer unknown people: Louis XV rewarded him for fifty years’ service with a pension, the order of St.-Michel, and a sword inscribed amoris patriae praemium. Will BF, even if he does not correspond with individuals, please send him the engraving? In return he will supply some excellent truffles, which are rare in Paris. No answer. On March 30 he sends his last plea. Why is he alone denied BF’s well known kindness? Send him the engraving, if need be, with no word to accompany it. APS.