From — Fortin de Melleville
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Quai des Gesvres, Paris, September 9, 1777, in French: He
lauds Franklin at enormous length, for laying the foundations
of freedom in the ruins of tyranny, for sustaining his countrymen
by his courage and wisdom, for showing, at an age when
most men are declining, the fire of youth and the prudence of
maturity, for being a Nestor, a law-giver, turning a people of
slaves into a people of kings. He offers him his person and his
life; he will fly into his arms, pour out his soul, and be content.
Tell him when he may pay his respects.>
628453 = 024-524b.html