To Charles-Henri, Comte d’Estaing (unpublished)
Philadelphia April 15. 1787
Dear Sir,

When I receiv’d the two Letters you did me the honour of writing to me last Year, I was made to hope for the great Pleasure of soon seeing you here, in your Way to Georgia. That Event would have made me very happy. I should have had an Opportunity of showing some Marks of the Respect I bear and always shall for the generous Warrior, who fought and bled in the Cause of Liberty of my Country. The Assembly of this State has granted me 3000 Acres of their Land to be located when I can find any Vacant. I wish much that it might be near yours: for you continu’d to make your Neighbourhood so agreable to me in Passy, that I could wish to be your Neighbour every where.

M. du Plessis staid here but a few Days. I should have been glad of any Occasion of being serviceable to him on your Account.

The Bearer of this is Mr. Paine Author of the celebrated Pamphlet Common Sense, by which the Revolution was greatly forwarded. He must be known to you by Reputation. Will you permit me to recommend him as a Friend of mine to those Civilities you have so much Pleasure in showing to Strangers of Merit.

With sincere and great Esteem and Respect, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant

B. Franklin

M. le Comte d’Estaing
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