An Irishman who wished to obtain a commission as an officer in the Continental army.

He and his wife (who also wrote to Franklin) moved to Paris, ostensibly to make arrangements relating to Parson’s desire to go to America. Finding his services unwanted by the Continental army, Parsons ran up a considerable debt in France and defrauded Franklin of 15 guineas.

Leaving his wife in dire circumstances in Paris, Parsons departed for London in an attempt to obtain financial assistance.