Franklin, Benjamin

Autograph letter, signed ("B. Franklin"), 1 page (9 1/4 x 7 in.; 235 x 178 mm, sight), Philadelphia, 26 December 1785, to General [Philip] Schuyler (1733-1804) presenting his grandson William T[emple] Franklin, "Your counsels may be of great Use to him, and I beg leave to reccomend him to your civilities." Matted, glazed and framed with a portrait and metal plaque.

Franklin's letter of introduction for his grandson to General Schuyler.

Franklin had recently returned from his long sojourn in Paris as ambassador to France (1776-1785), securing the military alliance with France for the newly formed country, and negotiating the Treaty of Paris (1783). Temple, as he was known, accompanied his grandfather to France and worked as secretary to the American diplomatic mission during the American Revolution. Temple received his highest public appointment as Secretary to the American delegation at the Treaty of Paris in 1782-1783, largely through the influence of his grandfather, but never again attained a significant post.