From — Boudet
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Lyons, December 15, 1777, in French: An unfortunate
Frenchman, whom cruel losses over the years have overwhelmed,
addresses a virtuous Englishman and asks for refuge
among his countrymen. I came here in 1759, the youngest
son of a large Montpellier family, to work in a textile firm and
then in a house trading with Spain, and lost the fruit of my
labor. In 1770 my partner deceived me and I had to pay for his
stupidity. Since then my misfortunes have been irreparable. I
am intelligent and thrifty but, like many others, have not the
luck to succeed in business; I must look elsewhere. Could you
get me work in the New World, or with you in any capacity? I
am not a soldier, and soldiers may be what Congress needs in
its service; but I have some small talents to offer any sensitive
and honest patron to whom you may recommend me.>
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