To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 7 September 1781
From Jonathan Nesbitt
ALS: American Philosophical Society
L’Orient Septr. 7th: 1781
Sir!
I have the honor to forward herewith sundry Letters which I receiv’d under cover from Robert Morris Esqr. with orders to send them by a special Messanger, for which you would pay the expence.—6 The person whom I charge with these dispatches may be depended on,— therefore if your Excellency has occasion to forward any dispatches of Consequence by the Delaware7 or Anne,8 both bound to Philada. I think you had best intrust them to his care.
I have the honor to remain wth. great respect.— Sir Your most hble Servt:
Jonatn: Nesbitt
Addressed: His Excellency / Benjn: Franklin Esqr / a / Passy
Notation: Jona Nesbitt sept 7. 1781
6. Morris to BF, July 21, above. On the same day Morris wrote a covering letter to Jonathan Nesbitt and Company: Morris Papers, I, 366–7.
7. There were several vessels of that name in service during 1781: Charles H. Lincoln, comp., Naval Records of the American Revolution 1775–1788 (Washington, D.C., 1906), p. 265.
8. The ship on which Isaac All had sailed; see his Aug. 5 letter.