From Henri van Laaschet
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Crefeld in Cleves, near Meurs, July 2, 1777, in French: I ask
your help in a matter that cannot succeed without you, and on
which my peace of mind depends. My three brothers and a
sister are settled in Pennsylvania: I can no longer write them
via England, and ask you to forward the enclosed packet or
tell me how I can get it into their hands. My brother Christian
received a legacy here, and agreed to take it in America in
goods. I bought all sorts of merchandise and sent them to
Rotterdam in 1774; but they were not sent on, and in November,
1775, were almost ruined in a flood. I am old, and before
I die I want to let my brother know the state of his affairs. Will
you send me a word in reply?>
628107 = 024-255a.html