James Smith to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Paris, August 24, 1778: When I reached Calais on May 4 the
customs officers detained part of my luggage, consisting of
household linen and plate, as contraband. Soon after arriving
in Paris I mentioned the matter to Mr. [Arthur] Lee, who told
me that I had no remedy; his brother, though a public minister,
had had to pay fifteen guineas. Public officials may have to
live in a splendor unsuited to new republics groaning under
financial burdens; private individuals fleeing from the tyranny
of old governments are in a different position, however.
I spoke to M. Grand, who promised to use his good offices.
When I did not hear from him I told Dr. Franklin on July 4.
He said he would make the necessary application, but some
time later he had forgotten the whole business and asked for a
memorandum. Aware that memory fades in the evening of
life, I sent the memorandum by young Mr. Franklin so that he
might compensate for the imbecility of old age. He answered
with expressions unfit for any one who serves constituents.>
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