Sir,
If I continue well, and nothing extraordinary happens to prevent it, you shall have the letter you so earnestly desire some time next week.
I am, Sir, &c.
B. FRANKLIN.
TO HENRY LAURENS.
Paris, April 11th, 1778.
Dear Sir,
I send copies of my letters whenever I hear of an opportunity, in hopes of some of them getting safe to your hands.
Mr Adams arrived in Paris two days ago, and it is no small disappointment to me, that he has brought me no letters from you. I was at first afraid that my despatches by the Benjamin, which Mr Folger had the charge of, had been stolen, as well as Mr Lee’s, but am very glad to find, by a letter from Mr Lovell to Dr Franklin, that all my letters got safe. What a very extraordinary piece of villany this must have been. I have the strongest suspicion who the person is that was at the bottom of it, but will not take upon me to mention his name. I most sincerely hope, whoever he is, that he may be discovered and brought to light. It is much to be feared, that this will prove a difficult matter, as the person, who could be capable of it, must be sensible how dangerous it must be for him to be discovered, and, therefore, without doubt, the utmost cunning and precaution have been employed to conceal himself.