David Salisbury Franks to William Temple Franklin (unpublished)
Nantes 17th. Novr. 1781
Dear Sir

I should have done myself the Pleasure of writing to you last post but a Cut on my thumb entirely put that out of my Power. On my way to the Place I call’d on Monsr. Carthier with His Excelleny’s Letters and saw him. He then told me that he had not for the moment an embarcation for America but that as soon as there was one he would let Mr. Franklin know of it—There appears not the most distant prospect of a Vessel to sail from this or from L Orient & I may perhaps wait untill Spring before any one turns up, it is also generally thought that the fleet or part of the fleet at Brest is destined for our Coast. I could wish that I might be informed if I may go to Brest there & wait ’till His Excelleny hears from the Minister on the Subject—I shall write to day to L’orient to Mr Cumins & inquire about Vessells, but it will be fruitless as Mr Williams informs there are none at that Place—Permit me to return my sincerely grateful acknowledgements to His Excelleny & yourself for the many obligations I am under & I hope he will believe me when I say they have left such impressions as can never be effaced from my Heart.

Please present my Compliments to Monsr. Chaumont & family & believe me very Sincerely D Sir Your very humble Srt.

Davd. S. Franks

I wish to hear from you soon on the affair of going to Brest &c—My departure at this time may be acceptable to Congress & be of Service, if I am delay’d the contrary may happen— If you see any of Madame De Deux Ponts’ family pray be kind enough to remember me with a term of the warmest friendship to them the Box committed to my charge got safe down without rain as it was and in cover all the way— I had orders to procure a Receipt from His Excelleny for the dispatches I brought him I shall be obliged to you if you will forward it—It had slip’d my memory—My arm pains me so much I can scarcely write—
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsr. W. T. Franklin / a / Passy
Notation: D. S. Franks. Nov: 17. 1781
Endorsed: Ansd 25. Nov 1781
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