From Franklin Read (unpublished)
Ship Canton at Cape Henlopen. Jany 14. 1786
Honored Sir

I make Bold to trouble with this few lines depending on your Goodness to take some Notice on my litle Famely as my Circumstance at present makes me take that Freedom and as I am Bound on a Voige to the East Indies, think it will be in my power to Repay at my return any small kindness you may do for Mrs. Read. I hope you will excuse me for my Intruding upon you but nothing but the thought of the well fair of my Famely makes me take that Fredom, your former kindness I acknoledge with Gratitud and pray God that you may Enjoy your health and be Happy in this World as I am sure it the prayers of every well wisher of his Country. We have a Farewind and are proceding on our Voige and hope in Eighteen Month to Return with Some thing Considerable. The pilot is just now leaving us and I must Conclude, as Your most afectionate Nephew

Franklin Read

Addressed: His Excellency Benjn Franklin Philadelphia
Endorsed: Franklin Read
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