Passy, July 22, 1783.
To the Honourable
Robert R. Livingston,
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
Sir: I made the Grand Master of Malta a present of one of our medals in silver, writing to him a letter of which I enclose a copy, and I believe our people will be kindly received in his port.
With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant.
B. Franklin
Benjamin Franklin to the Grand Master of Malta.
Passy, 6 April, 1783.
To His Eminent Highness
The Grand Master of Malta.
My Lord: I have the honour to address to Your Eminent Highness the medal which I have lately had struck. It is an Homage of gratitude, my Lord, which is due to the interest you have taken in our cause and we no less owe it to your virtues and to Your Eminent Highnesses wise Administration of Government.
Permit me, my Lord, to demand your protection for such of our citizens as circumstances may lead to your ports. I hope that Your Eminent Highness will be pleased to grant it to them and kindly receive the assurances of the profound respect with which I am, my Lord,
Your Eminent Highnesses most humble and most obedient servant,