To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Gerhard Dircks, 15 May 1782
From Jacob Gerhard Dircks2
AL: American Philosophical Society
Paris 15 may [1782]3 Hotel dù Parc Royal
rùe de Tournon fb: St: germain
Colonel Diriks Respectfull Compliments to the Minister of America and shall be oblig’d to his Excellency to inform him if there is an oportunity for Boston to send Some letters by, the Colonel would have given him self the honor to pay his respects to his Excell: in person, but an severe cold has prevented him from going out, and begs to accept his warmest Congratulation of that happy Event so glorieus finish’d between his Country and the american States.
His Excellency B: Franklin Esqr
Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin Ecuyer / Ministre Plénipotentiaire des Etats- / Unis de L’Amérique, prês sa Majesté / Três-chrêtienne / A Passy
Notation: Dircks
2. Dircks, or Diriks, was a former officer in the American army who had tried without success to raise a loan for the United States in the Netherlands. He recently had returned to Paris: XXVIII, 223, 334n; XXIX, 605, 729, 782; XXX, 402; XXXVI, 271. This is his only extant letter to BF.
3. The year is based on Dircks’ congratulations, which must refer to recognition of JA by the States General of the Netherlands.