From John Fottrell with Benjamin Franklin’s Draft of a Reply (unpublished)
Ostend the 21 february 1783
Sir

I had the honour of writing you About Sixteen Months ago per Mr. De Clerck; the Subject whereof was for advice of a Draft on your Excellency for a Trifling Sum advancd to one Mr. Robeton; I only mention this Circumstance to facilitate your recalling me to mind, and you was So Kind Sir at that time to give him a List of Such articles as were then most In Demand in the united States of America. Having last year sent several Cutters Loaded to those parts, and having at present one ready to sail in Ten Days, I should be under the greatest obligation, were your Excellency pleased to honour me with a few Lines of advice, whether I may or not, venture yet to send any goods of English manufactory for the peace be Concluded, I am apprehensive Notwithstanding that the act of Congress prohibiting the Entry of Such goods may not be yet repeald at the time of her arrival, and such goods be Still Liable to Confiscation as She is a remarkable fast Sailer. I Expect She’ll Gett there in a Short time; having been Intended to perform the voyage During the war, when men and Every thing in General were very Dear, her fitting out has been very Expensive. If it was possible and your Excellency pleased to honour me with a pass of Safety in respect to the act. Should it not be releald at the vessell’s arrival, for the Speculation of these articles would help for the great Charges I have Been at, and I shall Ever acknowledge with real Sentiments of Gratitude the favor Conferred on me.

Should your Excellency be inclind to Send any thing by this opportunity to America, I Shall in the Strongest manner recommend Same to the particular Care and attention of the person who goes in the Cutter, and to whom I Entrust the whole manndgment of Vessell and Cargoe.

She is Called De Stadt Weenen John Standbank Jun Commander under Imperial Colours, and in about two hundred and twenty Tuns Burthen destind for Philadelphia.

The Chief Magistrates of this Town in Consequence of orders from Government have desird me (Knowing the Connection I have with America) that I would acquaint all my friends there, that Every Encouragement and facility that Can be desird will be granted to the American trade here, ardently wishing to see it flourish, its with pleasure I Do my self the honour of Informing your Excellency thereof, and of Subscribing my self with the Greatest Respect. Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

John Fottrell

Endorsed: Fottrell Mr. John, Ostend 21 Feby. 1783.
[in BF’s hand:] I cannot advise Mr. Fottrel to send any British Goods to America till he hears that the Trade is open. No Passport of mine will be sufficient to secure them from Seizure. Thanks for his Offer of Service. Glad to hear of the good Disposition of the Magistrates.
639228 = 039-u032.html