Benjamin Franklin Papers - To Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand (unpublished)

I arrived here Yesterday Afternoon, not in the least fatigued by the Journey. Our Goods with those of Mr. Houdon are also arrived; and we purpose setting out to-morrow morning for Havre. I received on my arrival here your kind Letter of the 14th, enclosing one from London, by which it appears that my Bargain is made for my self and Mr. Houdon; and we are to be taken in with our Baggage and Servants at Cowes, where we must be by the first of August at farthest. I hope Mr. Houdon will be at Havre before the 23d instant, as on that Day we purpose sailing for Cowes.

I hereby request you will remit on my Account to Messieurs Wallace, Johnson and Muir, Merchants of London the Sum of Three Hundred Pounds Sterling, which is to pay for our Passage according to Agreement, and answer some other Occasions of mine. I send you a Copy of the Agreement that Mr. H. may judge nearly what his Spare will be; for which he may reimburse me in your Hands when we know the exact Amount. We all join in affectionate Respects to you and Mrs. Grand, and desire to be kindly remembered to your Children. I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most sincerely

T. s. v. p. Extract of Letter from Messrs. Wallace, Johnson and Muir, dated London July 8. 1785 Sir, We are this day favour’d with yours of the 4th . We have since seen Capt. Truxton, and have agreed with him as follows. To take you, the rest of the Passengers, Servants and Baggage from Cowes, where every thing must be by the first of August at farthest. For yourself, 5 other Passengers, three Servants, and 20 reasonable Packages as Baggage, the Captain is to receive here two hundred and eighty Guineas. The common Passage money is thirty-five Quineas for a Passenger in the Cabbin, and Fifteen Guineas for Servants. Calculating at this rate you will have the whole use of the Cabin (except the Captain’s State Room) for about 25 Guineas. For whatever Goods you may have on board Capt. Truxton is to receive at the Rate of Three Pounds per Ton; payable in Philadelphia.