Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Reed, November 1, 1779
Passy, Nov. 1. 1779
Sir,
A Gentleman from Holland, one of the Senators of Ziricsee, M. Van Noemer, 4 being desirous of settling in our State, with his Family, and being well recommended to me, as a Person of Character, for Learning & Virtue, & likely to make a good & useful Citizen, 5 I beg leave to present him to your Excellency, and to request for him those Civilities & that Protection which you have a Pleasure in affording to Strangers of Merit.— The Lovers of Liberty in all Parts of Europe, begin to cast their Eyes on our State, whose Constitution they admire, and meditate a Removal thither as soon as Peace shall render a Passage more safe for themselves & Families, & the Conveyance of their Substance more secure. I am persuaded, by the Number of Letters I have received on this Subject, 6 that we shall have a great Number of wealthy People, 7 with their Circles of Acquaintance, & Relations. The Hospitality & Friendly Reception reputable Settlers from any Country 8 meet with among us, will have its usual Effect in encouraging others to follow: 9 And I therefore, as well as upon his own Account, hope that our Country will be made agreeable to this Gentleman. 1 With great Esteem, I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedt & c
His Excelly Joseph Read Esq President of the State of Pennsylvania