Richard Neave & Son to William Temple Franklin (unpublished)
Bornier 31st: October 1781.
sir

We should before this time have return’d you our best thanks for your oblig’g. favor of the 17th: April last, & the Trouble you took with Mr: Chaumont & others: on our behalf.—

It is a most Unfortunate circumstce: for us, that you cannot give us any hopes of Obtaining a little Money in this Country, as the want of it puts: us in the Worst of all situations:, & prevents. our doing what we ought to have done long ago. If we had not great property in America, such as would fully Secure any Person for what they might advance us, we should think nothing of being thus Disappointed.—The Letter you Inclos’d us, was from Mr. Carson our Attorney at Philada:, which we hope may in due time relieve us from the miserable State Mr: Wharton’s ingratitude has brought us to.—Our Attorney mentions. an Offer that had been made him of £1200 Stg for a House &c we have in Baltimore Town, it is now lett for £100 per Anm. We have wrote him to make a Bargain for it, provided the Gentn: will send the money to any Banquier at Paris or Rouen to whome we can make a Title.—

When we were at Paris two year ago, we gave Mr Wharton a Bill on Mr: Carson for 2408 Livres to pay a Taylor for Cloths for him and ourselves. This Bill Mr: C. says: he could not pay, haveing recd but very few of our Debts, owing to the great & Rapid Depreciation of the Currency, but that he had offer’d himself Security for the Payment, knowing we had sufficient property in the Country. The Bill pass’d thro’ the hands of Monsieur Grand Banquier at Paris. Before Mr: Wharton saild he gave us a very differt: reason for the Bill not being paid, which if true, would give us great Cause to be Jealouse of our Attorneys: Conduct. As it is a matter of some Consequence for us, to know the Truth, may we sir without takeg: too great a Liberty, beg the favor of you to ask Mr: Grande the true answer he had from America about this Bill.—

We inclose you an Answer to Mr. Carson with two Copy’s, which you will be so good as to send by such Opportunity’s as you may think certain of Arriving safe.

We should have sent some others but did not choose to give you too much trouble at once. We shall therefore take the Liberty some time hence of sending you some more to be forwarded. If any Letters should come for us please to Address them to Monsieur Monsieur Neave Chez Monsr: Le Chevalier de Green Gentilhomme Anglais au Bornier pres de Toste en Normandie pas Rouen.—We are Respectfully— Sir Your Most Obedt: & Obt. Hble Servts:

Richd Neave & Son

W: T: Franklin Esqr:—
Addressed: W. T: Franklin Esqr: / Passy
Notation: Richd Neave & Son Bornier 31. Oct. 1781.
Endorsed: Ansd 28 Augt 82
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