To Benjamin Franklin from William Jackson, 21 March 1782.
You come across all sorts of random, and fascinating bits of information when trawling through research, both physical archives and online. In one search for information about Rev. William F. Jackson I stumbled across a letter he had written to Benjamin Franklin of all people. It is addressed from Calais in March 1782, which leads me to believe he was visiting France to see his old patron, Elizabeth Chudleigh. Existing scholarship tells us that Jackson coasted along from 1778-82, without employment and living off a final large payment from Chudleigh once she went into exile on the European continent.
Considering the fact that Chudleigh, forever seeking the limelight was in Paris from as early as 1776, on and off until the late 1780s, and Benjamin Franklin was serving as United States Ambassador to France from 1776-1785, it is likely that the two met, and were familiar with one another. This possible connection allows us to understand the intent behind Jackson letter that bit more. What we also learn, is perhaps a willingness, or rather eagerness to be involved in some level of intelligence gathering or communication, a foreshadowing for his future endeavours?
Calais 21st. March 82.
Sir,
Although I cannot boast the happiness of being personally known to you, yet I flatter myself that my name as formerly conductor of the Public Ledger, and the literary efforts I made in favor of America, must be familiarized to your mind.
I was at Paris in the month of May 1777, and, a fortunate concurrence of circumstances enabled me to communicate to Mr. Carmichael, some very important intelligence relative to the secret correspondence carried on, between Maurepas and Lord Mansfield. I afterwards accompanied Mr. Carmichael to Dunkirk, where I dictated a series of such facts as he deemed worthy of record, and, for which, I received from him letters expressive of gratitude on my return to England.
I am now, Sir, at Calais, on a visit to the Duchess of Kingston. It is possible I may accompany her to Petersburgh, and, if there be a service which could be rendered America at the Court of Russia, I should be singularly happy to be employed and empowered on the occasion. The Connection of the Duchess with the Empress, might surely be improved to advantage; and the sphere in which she moves, must afford opportunity for elevated observation.
To a Man of your experience and penetration it would be impertinent to say more. I will only beg leave to add, that I have suffered inconveniences even to the being deprived of an income by my attachment to the cause of America; but, I think myself amply honoured by the privilege I now assume, of professing my sincere veneration for the character, conduct, and abilities, of Doctor Franklin.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Most Devoted, And obedient Hble Servt.
Wm. Jackson.
A Letter will come safe addressed to Me at The Duchesses House.
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.
Source:
“To Benjamin Franklin from William Jackson, 21 March 1782,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-37-02-0013.
[Original source: The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, vol. 37, March 16 through August 15, 1782, ed. Ellen R. Cohn. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2003, pp. 20–21.]
Great find, Ruairí!
I love when fascinating stuff like this is discovered! Thanks for sharing it!