Thomas Barclay to William Temple Franklin (unpublished)
L’orient 9 Decr. 1782
My dear Sir,

I am much obliged to you for your letters of the 24th. and 27th of last month, and I must beg you will add to the obligation by writing me a few lines by return of post, and telling me what your opinion is respecting the supplies that are to be sent out, whether you think I had better wait the Event of matters or push them out under a war risk—I do not mean to ask you anything Improper, nor to make any Use of what you will say, but for my own private government, and I shall make no farther appology for the Trouble I give you I sent an Agent to Brest who is now shipping round the goods from thence, and I shou’d have been at Rochfort my self before this time, but I Cou’d not well leave Captain Barry here, as he was obliged to put six of his principal officers under Arrest, and I sent an Express to Bordeaux to procure others, but he returned on friday without any success, and on Sunday Captain Barry proceeded to sea, with what little assistance he Cou’d get here—The ships St. James, Washington and America, all new Constructed Arm’d Vessels lye here, we Expected they wou’d have been able to have proceeded about the first of January for Philadelphia, but the Change in public affairs will probably detain them.

I shall procure such of the things as are to be got here for your Grandfather.

I remain with sincere regard, Dear Sir Your Affect. Huml. Serv.

Thos. Barclay

I write in much hurry—
Wm. Temple Franklin Esqre. Passy
Addressed: William Temple Franklin Esqre. / at Passy / near / Paris
Notation: Barclay, L’orient 9. Dec. 1782
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