Henry Smeathman, the bearer of this is an ingenious person, who was patronized by Dr. Fothergill and under the Doctor’s patronage he visited the coast of Africa, and in consequence of the knowledge he acquired, he seems capable of giving ample information respecting the present trade of Africa, and wishes I believe, to suggest, new sources of extending it into that continent: As I thought such a person might be acceptable to Dr. Franklin, I have taken the liberty of putting this letter of introduction into his hands and am very respectfully &c.