George Scott to Benjamin Franklin, May 13, 1780

Naples the 13th. May 1780

Honourable Sir

I did myself the pleasure to write you a few lines from hence on the 20th. Ultimo under cover to a friend of mine in Paris, in which I enclosed you, copy of a letter I had received from our mutual & very worthy friend Dr. Priestley to whom I wrote lately. The Same I hope has come regularly to your hands.

I am in a very hopefull way of succeeding in my business here, but I find I shall be detained much longer than I expected; & I cannot say now with any degree of certainty when I shall be able to leave this place, as proceedings here are so very dillatory.— As this is the case, I find it will be impossible that I can accompany my Goods as I proposed, so I have given directions to Messrs. Crommelins 1 to send the whole, or such part of them as they think proper, immediately to Statia, to their friends there, to sell for my account.— Now as I am disappointed in this respect, I fear a prejudice will arrise to me, from the want of my personal attendance; & as my future welfare & that of my family much depends upon a prudent & advantageous disposal of these effects, because if the sales be managed with that proper care & attention wch. is requisite, my circumstances will be so restored, that I shall be as well, not to say better, in this respect than I have been; & will put me in such a sittuation that, I shall be able to assist friends that I am very desirous of assisting if need should require it.— In this sittuation I am of opinion a very little of your kind assistance would be of essential service to me, if you will be so obliging as to do it for me. What I require is only this, that you will please write messrs. Crommelins a few lines in my favour, to desire they will exert themselves in causing my Goods under their direction to be sold to the very best advantages. I know that such a reccommendation from you will have great weight & influence them much in my favour. Your ready compliance in this will infinitely oblige me.

I have the honour to be with great respect & esteem Honourable Sir Your mo: Obedt. & very humble Servant 2

Geo: Scott

Honble. Benj: Franklin Esqr.

I beg the favour of my [ torn: best sen]timents to Mr. Franklin Junr.