Paris the 8, April 1778—
Gentlemen
My business here, was to offer My Services to My Country, in the line of My profession (the Sea). & as I cannot be Employd here, am desirous to get to America as Soon as possible, where I have the promise of Some of the principal Members of Congress, that I should be provided for in that line. & as I have been inform’d, that Capt. Johnston, and Capt. Nicholson, of the American Navy, and Capt. All late of the Mercht Servise,1 are going out Immediately, will be particularly oblig’d to you, if you would get leave for Me, to have a passage by the Same Opportunity; & if it is Necessary, that the destination of the Ship, or the place of her departure Should be kept Secret, I give you My Honour it Shall be particularly Observed by Me & will do my Self the Honour to Wait on you tomorow Morning for your Answr. I am [&c.]
M Livingston
L, PHi, Benjamin Franklin Papers, vol. 2, no. 42. Livingston, whose family and property were in Jamaica, had recently arrived in Paris from London. Benjamin Franklin Papers 26: 256.
1. Silas Deane had engaged Continental Navy Captains Henry Johnson and John Nicholson and Philadelphia merchant Capt. Isaac All, as well as Massachusetts privateer Capt. Eleazar Johnson, Jr., as pilots for d’Estaing’s squadron. Deane Papers 3: 184, 407.
