William Alexander to Benjamin Franklin, July 30, 1783

Paris 30 July 1783

Dear Sir

Our friend W ——, 4 has taken his measures
& has Already agreed wt most of his people at 6, 12, 18 Months & 2 Years by
equal payments— He hopes he will meet no difficulty with the others but thinks that the
Extension of his protection to a year (it Expires the 6 septr) woud secure his Object by
preventing any troublesome Man from laying by to Catch undue Advantage to the prejudice
of his more liberal minded neighbours— I beg You will think of this, And If You
approve—suggest it to the Minister—Explaing to Him that Nothing less than full payment
is proposed to every body—that W——Expects to pay much sooner than the time he takes—but
as this depends on American remittances, he Chuses Not to run the hazard of Another
Stop. I have been in town only Since last night, so that I coud not pay You my respects
at Passy, being obliged to Return home to day— I beg my best wishes to Your Son & am
wt the warmest Attachment Dear Sir Your most obt hble Sr

W Alexander