From Francis Coffyn
als: American Philosophical Society
Dunkerque 15. Decr. 1780

Your Excellency has given me too many proofs of his goodness towards me, to allow me to hesitate troubling him on a matter which occasions me Some uneasiness, and on which I now take the liberty to ask his candid oppinion. Your Excellencys kindness towards M. Saml Wharton of which I was a wittness during my last stay at Paris, inspired me with So much confidence, that I readily gave way to a proposal this Gentm. made me, for the purchase of a parcill of Flanders Linnen to be Sent to America, in which he was to be concerned for one third, Dr. Ingen-housz for an other third, and Dr. Bancroft & myself for the remainder. Accordingly the goods were bought, and forwarded to L'orient, about nine months ago, part of which arrived safe by the ship Luzerne, Some were taken, & the remainder are now on their way to America. M. Wharton promised then to write to his house at Philadelphia, to send me immediately a remittance for his share, which amounts to about £13000. Tours. but till this day I have nether received the bills, nor any letters from him. As I had not the advantage of knowing M. Wharton before I met him at Paris, and having nobody to apply to, of whom I may expect to know the circomstances of this Gentleman, I make bold to request your Excellencys oppinion respecting his solid-ity & punctuality in business; I look'd upon him as a man of too much honnor to enter into an engagement which he should not be able to fullfill, yet the unexpected delay in his remittances cre-ates some uneasiness in me, which nothing but your Excellencys candid answer is able to dissipate: I therefor hope your Excellency will excuse the freedom I take, and be persuaded that whatever your Excellency shall be pleased to mention will remain secret. I have the honnor to Subscribe myself with profound respect Your Excellencys most obedient & most humble Servant

F. Coffyn

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, / En particulier.
Notation: F. Coffyn. Dunkerque Dec 15. 1780
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