Vaughan, John

Autograph letter in French, signed ("John Vaughan"), 1 page plus integral address leaf (9 x 7 1/4 in.; 228 x 184 mm), Bordeaux, France, 19 May 1778, to Monsieur [Ferdinand] Grand, "banquier à Paris", with manuscript newsletter in French, 2 pages (9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.; 240 x 190 mm); formerly folded, slight marginal soiling. Black half-morocco clamshell box.

formerly folded, slight marginal soiling
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Stirring news of the war sent to Ben Franklin.

John Vaughan (1756-1841) was an English wine merchant, scion of a prominent family sympathetic with the American cause, who met Franklin in Paris, and in 1782 migrated to the United States where he became treasurer and librarian for the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia. His letter presents his thanks to Ferdinand Grand, who acted as the banking representative of the United States in Paris, was Franklin's personal banker (mentioned in his will), and whose son married into the Labarde family, who are also mentioned in the letter (in trans.): " ... if circumstances were in agreement with my inclinations, I would forever enjoy the pleasure of being with you and Madame Grand and Madame Labarde, in fact, with all those who make up your delightful family, to whom I beg you to pass on my most gracious sentiments. Do I dare to ask you to pass on the enclosed to Monsieur le Docteur Franklin."

The enclosure is news of the course of the American war including General Howe's attempt to turn American prisoners of war to the British side after the capture of Fort Washington (16 November 1776): "... Lord Stirling replied on behalf of them all 'Sir, we are engaged in defending our country, and the freedom given us by God, which is consequently our natural right; whatever our fate may be we will submit to it without protest ...'", the capture of General Charles Lee who had to prove that he had retired honorably from the British Army, General Washington's complaint to Howe on the treatment of prisoners, the defense of Philadelphia (1777-1778), Washington's appointment as Commander-in Chief (June 1775), and other local news: "... There is no very interesting news as you can see ... I can still assure you that American affiars could not be in a better state."