To Benjamin Franklin from William Robeson, 9 August 1781
From William Robeson
ALS: Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Ostend Augt 9h 1781
Sir
Having at lenght arrived here after a Most distressd and Naked Condition Since our Capture in the Marquis DLa Fayette.7
Imediately on my landing here without a Suffient Sum to bring Me on—I made application to a Mr. John Fottrell Who Was so Politely Obliging as to Advance me the Sum of three Gineuas Which I am to Request the favour of your Excellency to pay on demand,8 I am this Instant preping to set off and Shall loose no time in paying my Respects to you at Passy—9 I have the Honor to be With the highest Respect your Excellency— Most Ob. H Sert
Wm Robeson
7. The captured ship, with Robeson and his slave Jean Montague (XXXIII, 96–7, 121–2) aboard, was taken into Leith Roads on June 23: BF to William Hodgson of July 8, above. Robeson’s efforts to return to America had been repeatedly frustrated: XXXIV, 298–9, 318.
8. Fottrell forwarded this request on Oct. 29, below.
9. Robeson was in Passy by Aug. 24 when WTF told JW he had just lent the captain 11 louis (Library of Congress), but had left when WTF notified him on Sept. 3, below, of Montague’s arrival at Passy.