Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 23 March 1778

From Samuel Wharton

AL:2 American Philosophical Society

London March 23 1778

Dear Sir

I find a Disposition among several of my Friends to lend Money to the United States, And I am desired by One of Them, to request the Favor of you to furnish Me with the Manner, in Which the Loans must be made, and inform Me, What Interest The United States give.

Mr. Thornton waits,3 so that I have not Time to add More, Than my hearty Congratulations On the Recognition of American Independence. I am Ever with the truest Esteem Dear Friend Your’s most Affectionately.

I have sent you the News Papers by Mr. Austin4 and Bearer.

Addressed: A / Monsr. / Monsr. François5 / Chez Monsr. Chaumont / Passy.

Notations in different hands: S. W———n March 23. 78 / S. Wharton

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

2We omit the signature, penciled in by some one else.

3John Thornton was returning from his second mission to England: above, XXV, 692 n.

4For Jonathan Loring Austin’s visit to England see above, XXV, 235 n. It must have ended after March 18, when he dined with Shelburne and others: Edward E. Hale and Edward E. Hale, Jr., Franklin in France . . . (2 vols., Boston, 1887–88), I, 163–4.

5BF, at Wharton’s suggestion, had selected this alias more than a year before: XXIII, 151 n.

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