Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 November 1782

From Jonathan Williams, Jr.

ALS: American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library

Nantes November 27—1782

Dear & Hond Sir

The Bearer is Capt George Meggs of the 71st Regiment taken in his Passage from N york to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, arrived here to my Address. As this Gentleman has some pressing Business in London & wishes to return thither as soon as possible, I have taken the Liberty of giving him his Parole as far as Paris, & then he will be considered still a Prisoner unless you consent to grant his Parole & permission to go to England. He has a Lady under his escorte who accompanys him—5

I am as ever Your most Dutiful & affectionate Nephew.

Jona Williams J

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States / Passy

Notation: Jona. Williams Nantes Novr. 27th. 1782

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

5JW had written to BF on Nov. 21, above, about Meggs and four of his fellow passengers now in custody. All five were granted parole at Passy; see our annotation of the parole granted Lawrence Robert Campbell, Dec. 7.

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