Gurdon Saltonstall Mumford to Benjamin Franklin, December 3, 1782

Nantes Dec 3 1782

Respected Sir,

Inclosed is a letter recd. by the Ship Nonsuch in 22 days from Philadelphia, it would have been sent on by the Express but by some unaccountabe means it was left behind & Mr. Williams now desires me to forward it to your Excellency— 9 I ask a thousand pardons for having thus long delayed acknowledging the many kindnesses your Excellency was pleased to shew me at Passy & I beg you will accept my hearty thanks for the same. I should certainly not have delayed doing this long before had I not known your excellency’s time was taken up in more important matters. Thefore I have only to hope you will be pleased to excuse this & believe me to be with the highest Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys most Obliged humble Servt

G. S. Mumford

My most respectfull Compliments wait on your Grandson & to Mr. de la Motte His Exy. Dr. Franklin