From Ezra Stiles (unpublished)
Yale College June 22 1784.
Sir

Colo. Humphrys needs not as some others Letters of Recommendation, being himself his own Epistle to every one who would take Knowledge of real Worth and singular Merit. He was educated in this College, of which he was formerly elected a Tutor or Professor. He has distinguished himself in our Army through the War, and Gen. Washington has taken him into his particular Friendship and Family as one of his Aids de Camp.

Congress has finally honored him with particular Respect, by appointing him Secretary to the illustrious Triumvirate of Ambassadors or Ministers plenipotentiary for negotiating Commercial Treaties with foreign Powers. I doubt not the Colonel will avail himself of the high Advantage and opportunity this will give him of entering into the Views and perhaps the Cabinet Councils of the several Courts in Europe, which may qualify him for still higher Service to his Country and Mankind. Your Sagacity and Discernment will instantly shew you to what a share in your Communications whether Literary or Political your Benevolence shall admit him. You take Pleasure in forming and patronizing younger Merit for mature Usefulness and Glory. I could wish that henceforth it might be among your other Honors said, This Gentleman, as perhaps a future Plenipotentiary was formed by the Councils and hoary Wisdom of Dr. Franklin. I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient very humble servant

Ezra Stiles

Dr Franklin
Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esq LL.D. / Ministre plenipotentiary from the / United States to the Court of / Versailles / Honourd by / Mr Secry Humphrys
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