From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 6 December 1783
To Vergennes
LS:4 Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères
Passy Decr. 6th. 1783
Sir
Being now disabled by the Stone, which in the easiest Carriage gives me Pain, wounds my Bladder & occasions me to make bloody Urine, I find I can no longer pay my Devoirs personally at Versailles, which I hope will be excused. I have yet received from Congress no Answer to my Request of being recalled. In the mean time I must beg your Excellency to receive my Respects by my Grandson, with such Matters as I may occasionally have to communicate, he being Secretary of the Legation. I am, with great and sincere Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excellency Count de Vergennes
4. In BFB’s hand. BF added the complimentary close before signing.
5. Rayneval. Joseph-Mathias Gérard de Rayneval was the premier commis responsible for handling Vergennes’ American correspondence.
6. Vergennes’ reply has not been located.