William Carmichael to Benjamin Franklin, November 16, 1782

Madrid 16 Novr. 1782

Sir

Mr Jays acquaintance with the Ct. de Rechteren 7 who does me the honor to ask an Introduction to your Excy might preclude the necessity of the present Address, If I had not a strong desire of convincing the Count of my sense of his Civilities and of my connection with you— I might from your Long Silence conclude that he will owe much more to his own merit than to my Introduction, if the Strong desire that I have always Manifested to be regarded Amongst the Number of your Friends & the proofs that I have heretofore recd of your Indulgence did not flatter me, that in this Instance your Reception of the Person whom I have the honor to present to you, will not fail to Convince him that you regard me still Among the number of Your Excys. Obliged Friends & Humble Serts

Wm. Carmichael

His Excy Benjm. Franklin