From John Hancock (unpublished)
Boston June 30. 1783
Dear Sir

I beg leave to introduce to Your Excellency Mr. De Valnais the bearer, late Consul of France, here; who is going home with his lady. I take the Freedom to refer your Excellency, to this Gentleman, for the particulars relative to the present Seituation of Affairs in America after so advantagious a Settlement of Peace, with which, I with most cordial manner take this opportunity to Congratulate you.

Mrs. DeValnais is nearly connected with my family, and Mr. DeValnais his Conduct, during his residence among us, and in the Office of Consul, as far as I have had any knowledge of the Same, entitles him, I think, justly to the favor of the court and ministry of France.

As I rely much upon the honor of my former acquaintance with your Excellency, permit to to ask an interest in your Friendship, influence and credit, in behalf of Mr. DeValnais, in order to his more effectually accomplishing the business he is going up with the Court and Ministry of France. I have the honor to be with peculiar esteem and regard (tho. at present much afflicted with the gout) Dear Sir Your most Obedient and very Humble Servant

John Hancock

His Excellcy Doctr Franklin
Addressed: His Excellcy / Doctr. Franklin / Minister plenipotentiary From the U. States / of No. Amorica to the Court of / France / at Versailles / Per Favor of / Mr. DeValnais DD
639902 = 039-u706.html