From Benjamin Franklin to Catherine de Wesselow Cramer, 5 November 1781
To Catherine de Wesselow Cramer
Copy:3 Library of Congress
Passy Nov. 5. 1781.
Madame,
The Person who will have the honour of presenting you this Letter, is Made. [Madame] Montgomery a Lady of Philadelphia, who has brought over with her an only Son for the purpose of giving him an European Education.4 I have recommended to her the placing him at Geneva;5 and as she purposes residing there herself while he shall continue at School, I beg leave to request for her your Counsels, which she, being quite a Stranger will have need of, and which cannot but be very useful to her. She wishes to be lodged in some respectable family; and as she is a Gentlewoman of Good Fortune and Character, such a family will risque Nothing in receiving her. Your Kindness to me and mine has emboldened me to make this Request of your Civilities;6 and your Compliance will be a great Addition to former favours. With best Wishes of Health and happiness to you and yours, I have the honour to be, Madam, &ca.
Made. Cramer
3. From the letterbook generally kept by BF’s secretary Jean L’Air de Lamotte.
4. Mrs. Montgomery and her son Robert had arrived in France in September: XXXV, 481–2, 601n.
5. BF had recommended the young man to the care of Marignac, whose charges included Mme Cramer’s son, Gabriel: XXIX, 342n; XXXV, 674.
6. Mme Cramer had reported on BFB’s character and situation in May: XXXV, 72–4.