To Benjamin Franklin from William Bell, [16 August 1782]
From William Bell9
AL: Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Friday evening 3 oClock [August 16, 1782]1
Mr. Bells best respects waits on His Excellency Docr. Franklin and begs the Docr. to favour him with a passport to Ostend—Mr. Bell did not set off As he yeasterday intended, but will undoubtedly set off early tomorrow morning—therefore will be thankfull to have the pasport this evening.
Should His Excellency have any commands Mr. Bell will be happy in rendering his Excellency any service in his power.
Docr. Franklin will please to Include Miss Beckwiths name in the pass2
Endorsed: Mr Bell & Mademoiselle Beckwith Citoyens de l’Amerique avec leur Domestiques
9. A Philadelphia merchant whom Sally Beckwith had met earlier in the summer: XXXVII, 644n.
1. The day (a Friday) when BF granted the passport requested here: XXXVI, 380.
2. Sally Beckwith (XXXVII, 425–6) was en route to America to establish herself as a teacher or milliner. BF gave her a warm letter of recommendation to the Baches (now missing): SB to BF, Jan. 24, 1783 (two letters, APS).