Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Temple, 30 July 1779

From Elizabeth Temple6

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Boston July the 30th. 1779

Sir

Not having heard from Mr. Temple since he left this place, I am at a loss how to direct to him; and have therefore taken the Liberty to inclose a letter7 for him to you, and shall esteem myself greatly obliged, if you will add a farther direction and forward it to him.

My Father desires me to present his best Compts. to you. And I am with great respect, Sir Your very humble Sert.

E. Temple.

Addressed: To / The honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Ambassador for the United States / of America to the Court of / France / favor of / Mr. Knox.

Notation: E. Temple July 30. 79

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

6Elizabeth Bowdoin Temple, daughter of BF’s old friend James Bowdoin, and her husband John left England in May, 1778, when he was sent to America to assist the Carlisle peace commission: XXVI, 466n. A year later he returned to Europe, without his family, determined to convince British ministers of the impracticality of continuing the war: Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 6th Ser., IX (1897), 432–3.

7The MS is torn and we have supplied the first three characters of “letter” and “greatly”.

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