Richard Bache to William Temple Franklin (unpublished)
Philadelphia October 1st. 1782
Dear Temple

I am favored with yours of the 25th: June by the Eagle Frigate, acknowledging receipt of several of my Letters & the Boxes of Seeds, which I am happy to hear proved satisfactory to you and your Friend—The Fall is the only Season that Squirrel Skins can be collected. Mrs. Bache, is now collecting them for you, thro’ the Hands of her Country acquaintance; they shall be sent, as soon as a sufficient number is obtained—

I condole with you on the loss of the Eagle Frigate, unfortunately run on shore by a superior force of the Enemy, & the want of a Pilot; this Stroke will be severely felt by the Trade of America, as Monsr. La Touche was to have had the command of a cruising Squadron on our Coast, by which our Trade would have been in a great measure protected—The Treasure on board the Frigate was mostly saved, and the Officers that were Passengers had time to get on shore, but La Touche’s plan of protecting us I am afraid is totally defeated—

Your Letter seems to discourage the Idea of a speedy Peace, and the death of the Marquis of Rockingham will probably put it still farther at a distance—Peace would be very acceptable to America, but she is determined to go hand in hand with her Allies, ’till they can accomplish it upon honorable Grounds—

I shall at all times & by every opportunity be happy in hearing from you; I should be glad too in having now & then some of your political Sentiments, they may probably be of service to me as a Man of Business—

You have given me a hint about applying for a certain Consulship, I am obliged to you for the hint, but, after the treatment I have received, I should think it the greatest meanness to apply for, or even to accept of any Office under the Public—No—I hope to make my way through Life as a trading independent Man, with Credit & Reputation to myself & Family—

Mrs. Bache & the Children join me in Love to you. I am ever Dear Temple Your affectionate Kinsman & Hble servant

Rich Bache

Inclosed is a Letter from my Friend Shee, thanking you for your care of his Business.
Addressed: William T: Franklin Esqr. / Passy.
Notation: R. Bache Philada. Oct. 1st. 1782—
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