From Benjamin Franklin to James Jay, 28 November 1782
To James Jay
ALS: John Carter Brown Library
Passy, Nov. 28. 1782.
Sir,
I received the Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me the 27th past. I have no direct Powers from Congress to transact Exchanges, but have taken the Liberty in your Case, to absolve the Parole of Captain Francis Dundas, of the first Regiment, now a Prisoner on Parole in London, on Condition that yours be also fully discharged.1 You will know whether this Condition is comply’d with by applying to the Lord Advocate of Scotland, who is his Uncle. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant2
B Franklin
Sir James Jay.
Addressed: To / Sir James Jay / London
Endorsed: from Doctr: Franklin Novr: 28. 1782
1. BF’s order releasing Dundas from his parole is above, Nov. 27.
2. Acting on the assumption that he had been exchanged, Jay came to Paris in early December. He called on BF to express his appreciation and, not finding him at home, wrote a letter (dated “Friday Evening”) thanking him for his intervention. Library of Congress. For Jay’s activities in Paris see Morris, Jay: Peace, pp. 498–506.