Joshua Johnson to Benjamin Franklin, March 27, 1779

Nantes 27 Mar. 1779

Honble. Sir

I rece’d the Honour of your favour of the 17 Instant. I am particularly obliged to you for the trouble you have taken with Mr. D:Arlincourt about the Duties on my Furniture & for getting it exempted from the Payment of them, I would not have given you any trouble on this Account had I not been perswaided that it might fix a Precedent on those Americans that hereafter Settles in France, but Sr. depend on it I feel the favour in the strongest manner and you may rely on a gratefull remembrance of it.

I will do every thing in my Power to obtain the Duties charged on all Goods Imported & Exported at this Port tho I fear much of being able to succeed to your wishes. Inclosed I foward you a Letter from the Govenor of Maryland, a Resolution of the House of Delegates dated 28 November 1777 and an Order of Council dated 3d April 1778 5 by which you will observe they have directed me to procure Sundry Cloathing &ca. or a loan of Money sufficient to purchase this amo. all which I should long ere this lain before you had I not been two well convinced that it would have met with opposition from one of your late Colleagues, 6 but as that object is now happily removed I hope through your Interest and known goodness to your Country to be able to satisfy our States request, I shall be greatly obliged to you for your opinion & directions on this Business and if you think my attendance at Paris will by any means promote their desire I will immediately set out on my Journey, but in the meantime I have taken the liberty to request Dr. Bancroft and Mr. Jenings 7 to wait on you & to take of your hands any trouble they possibly can which may attend this Business. Hoping that you will honour me with an Answer I remain with the most sincere attachment and regard Sir. Your most Obedt. & most Hble St

Joshua Johnson

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.