J. Grubb to William Temple Franklin (unpublished)
Nantes 29th July 1784
Dear Sir,

I am honor’d with your esteemed Letter of 23nd Inst. in regard to your having made application to Mr. Le Comte de Vergennes to grant me a permission to marry with a Young Lady of this Country, and observed his opinion that it could not be so arranged as to engage the Curate of my Parish to perform the Ceremony. Could it have been so settled, it would have saved the expence of going to Paris for that purpose. However, rather than be disappointed, should be happy if you will obtain for me one of those permissions that are in general granted for Protestants to marry with Catholicks, and should it not prove sufficiently powerful on the Mind of the Curate here, it will be of Service to me in getting the Ceremony performed in Paris, where I purpose going as soon as I receive advice of your success which I don’t entertain a doubt of, as such requests have been granted to Merchants of this City under similar Circumstances, and as I am persuaded your endeavors will not be wanting, besides the high esteem in which Mr. De Vergennes golds your Character will insure me success. I must beg the favor of you to obtain me such as are generally granted to Protestants and I shall endeavor to prevail on the Curate to marry us here, if not, shall set out for Paris, and have the pleasure to return you thanks for your obliging interposition in this Affair. I am, with must esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and obliged hble Servant

J. Grubb

You have without doubt, heard the Trade between this Country and America is reviving, there are four American Vessels at present in L’Orient, and 3 others on their way. It is pity that Town as well as the Port, had not been left to enjoy its freedom, at Present ’tis neither one thing or the other.
Grubb 29 July 1784.
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