Benjamin Putnam to William Temple Franklin (unpublished)
Portsmh. in Virga. Nov. 25. 1783
My dear Friend,

This is the 2. or 3. Letter I have addressed you with, since your favor, which came to hand in Bordeaux. You was unable then to say what Mr. Ridley had done for me. I fear, from his absenting himself so soon after my Departure, but very little. Altho’ you had been polite eno: to furnish him with my Papers & Recomendations at this time I fancy he is in England where he will tarry. I am greatly distress’d concerning my Business at Paris. Do, Sir, for heavens Sake, do something for me, in it. Tis in your Power with your Support to do everything. Shall I know by the first opporty whether any Appeal has been enter’d at the Admy. of Versialles; I greatly suspect, not. In that Case by the Laws of france have I anything to do but to call on the Treasurer of Gaudeloupe for the Money arising from the sale of the Prise? the Privateer the Terrible? Can in this Case the Elapse of time opperate against me for not demanding it earlier?

Will his Excellency by the Resolutions of Congress before the French Court respecting the other Vessel I cut out of Antigua? without which, I never can have Justice done me. Tis of so much Consequence to me & carries with it so little trouble; I am sure He will; especially as it can come before no other Person with Propriety. All are this Momt. Alarm’d with the Report of being denyed the British & french Ports. I am Dear Sir, Your Friend sincerely

Benj. Putnam

Write me duplie. If via Charlestown: address to Henry Putnam Mercht. If via Baltimore: to Ridley & Pringle & Brown Merchants— n.b. the Terrible sold for 75,000 Livres. the other was with 13. slaves computed at 11,000 Loes [Louis?].

Putnam

W.T.Franklin Esq.
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur W.T. Franklin / Secratare a Son Excellence / Doct. B. Franklin, Ministe. / Plenipe. a la court de France / a Passy pres paris
Notation: B Putnan Portsmouth 25 9bre 1783
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