Benjamin Franklin Papers - John Jay to William Temple Franklin (unpublished)

Altho I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with you, yet your being the Grandson of a good Friend, forbids my considering you as a Stranger. This Reflection must be my Apology for requesting the Favor of you to execute a few little Commissions for me, and by continuing the correspondence, leave open the way for our greater Intimacy.

This Letter will go by a Courier, whom I shall send in the Morning to Paris, & who on recieving your Grandfathers Orders will return directly here. Be pleased to send by him

1 Yard of fine plain Muslin for Ruffles

1 Yard of Do with small sprigs or Stars for Do

28 Yards of fine fringe Edging for mourning Ruffles

2 Embroidered patterns of shoes for Mr. Jay—one White. the

others pink

2 Gauze Handkerchiefs with Borders suitable to the shoes—

2 pair of Gents. Lace Ruffles at about 2 Guineas a pair

2 Setts of DuSimitiers Prints

put up these articles in the form of a Packet directed to me. Be so obliging as to have a decent repeating Watch made for Mrs Jay, and send it with a fashionable tho not very expensive Chain by the first good opportunity. In these as in most other things we must be guided by the Rules if Propriety which one’s Situation and Circumstances dictate. Neatness and Utility is all I ought or wish to aim at in Dress or Equipage, and perhaps every Citizen of a Republic would do well to forbear going further.

I shall request the favor of Doctr Franklin to furnish you with the Money necessary for these purposes— I am Sir Your most obedt. & hble Servt