To Richard Henry Lee (unpublished)
Passy, April 12th. 1785.
Sir,

M. de Chaumont, who will have the Honor of presenting this Line to your Excellency, is a young Gentleman of excellent Character, whose Father was one of our most early Friends in this Country, which he manifested by crediting us with a thousand Barrels of Gun powder, and other military Stores in 1776 before we had provided any apparent Means of Payment. He has, as I understand, some Demands to make on Congress, the Nature of which I am unacquainted with, but my Regard for the Family makes me wish that they may obtain a speedy Consideration, and such favorable Issue as they may appear to merit. To this End I beg Leave to recommend him to your Countenance and Protection, and am with great Respect, &c.

(signed) B. Franklin

To the President of Congress
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