William Barton to Benjamin Franklin, May 31, 1783

Philada. May 31st. 1783

Sir,

Altho’ I am, personally, an entire Stranger to your Excellency, you may perhaps
recollect the late Revd. Mr. Barton, 2 a
Clergyman of Lancaster in this State, whose Son I am.

Permit me, Sir, to introduce to your Notice as an American, the Bearer of this, my
Brother Matthias Barton; who has resided some Time at L’Orient, as a Merchant, in
Copartnership with a Nephew of Mr. Macarty of the House of Cuming and Macarty. 3

I beg your Excelly. will pardon this Liberty, which I should not take, if my Brother’s
Character would not bear the strictest Scrutiny: My own Name is, I beleive, not unknown
to some Americans at Paris.

I have the Honor to be, With the highest Respect, sir, Your Excelly’s. most obedt.
hble. servt.

W. Barton

Dr. Franklin.