Jonathan Williams to Benjamin Franklin, January 31, 1779

Nantes Jan. 31 1779

Honourable Gentlemen

I am well informed that two Indorsements have been made on the Accounts 1 I have had the Honour to present to the Commissioners, one of which contains Accusations as injurious to my Reputation as they are false and malignant. The first of these Indorsements is on my Account dated Sept. 10 1778 and is written in the following Words.—

“N B The Order from B Franklin and John Adams Esqrs. to the public Banker for the Payment of all Mr. Williams’s Demands is dated the 10th July, 2 yet he charges a Louis d’or a Day from that Time to the 11th of August, besides the whole Charge being such as was never heard of before.”

A Lee

The Charge here mentioned appears to me reasonable, and is by no Means unprecedented. I left Nantes by Order of the Commissioners to lay my Accounts before them—I was a long Time in Paris for the sole Purpose of having them settled, and I returned as soon as I thought myself justifiable in so doing. Five Louis Per Day is certainly not an Object for a Merchants Absence from his Business.

The second Indorsement contains Accusations of a most criminal and atrocious Nature, and which if true would deservedly brand me with the Name of Villain; but I trust in God my Character (hitherto unimpeached) will stand the piercing Eye of Justice, and this Appelation be elsewhere more effectualy applied.

On the Back of my Accounts settled May 30. 1778 is thus written.—