To Jonathan Williams, Jr. (unpublished)
Passy, Jan. 15, 1783.

Copy of an Original Note in Benjamin Franklin’s handwriting on the case of his nephew Jonathan Williams respecting the Brig Trio in the Collection at Bowood Park, Wiltshire. Mariners are the hired Servants of Merchante, entrusted with their Property.

The corrupting of Servants, & hiring them to betray the Trust reposed in them, and rob their Masters of the Property confided to them, by sharing the Plunder among them, was one of the infamous Modes of making War against America adopted by the late Administration, which ought to render them for ever detestable among good Men, who wish to see the Mischiefs of War diminished, and not augmented.

B.F.

639022 = 038-u610.html