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Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) to nephew Jonathan Williams re: belief in ultimate success of American cause

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04430 Author/Creator: Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) Place Written: Paris Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1777/05/27 Pagination: 1 p. + FF 23.1 x 36.8 cm Order a Copy

Franklin states that "You and your Country are engag'd in a good Cause, which God will finally crown with Success. Let nothing discourage." Franklin also mentions Williams' son John in Nantes. Franklin concludes: "I continue amazing well and hearty for my Age, and hope to live to see the End of these Troubles, and our Country establish'd in Freedom, when it will soon become great and glorious, by being the Asylum of all the Oppress'd of Europe, and the Resort of the Wealthy who love Liberty...." (Stored as open folio)

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Paris, May 27, 1777

Dear Nephew,

I was glad to understand by yours of March 29. that you and your Family continued in good Health and Spirits. You and your Country are engag'd [sic] in a good Cause, which God will finally crown with Success. Let nothing discourage you.
Your Son John remains at Nantes. His Brother will probably find some Business there for him. I suppose he writes to you. I shall be glad to promote his Welfare as Opportunity offers.
I continue amazingly well & hearty for my Age, and hope to live to See the End of these Troubles, and our Country establish'd [sic] in Freedom, when it will Soon become great & glorious, by being the Asylum of all the Oppress'd [sic] in Europe, & the Resort of the Wealthy who love Liberty from all Parts of this Continent, to establish themselves & Families among us.
My Love to Cousin Grace &c. and believe me ever
Your affectionate Uncle
B Franklin
[docket]
To
Jonathan Williams Esqr
Merchant
Boston
B Free Franklin

Doct Franklin
May 27. 1777

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

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