D’Acosta frères & Cie Penet to Benjamin Franklin, February 8, 1780

Nantes Feby. the 8th. 1780

Sir,

May it please your Excellency, as we are ready to expedite to North America a vessel call’d the Kensington, to accept our services you may commit your dispatches to the Care of Samuel Smith Commander of sd. vessel: 2 And at the same time, We beg, you would forward us immediately a Commission for war; you will find here annex’d the usual obligation with its Clause. 3

We have the Honour to be with true Esteem & profound respect Sir, Your most obedient & very humble servants

PENET D’acosta FRERES & CO

His Excellency Doctor Franklin