Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Fairholme & Luther, 5 June 1778
From: Fairholme & Luther
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourable Sir
St. Martin Isle de Rhè 5th. June 1778
We took the liberty of writing you sometime ago in regard of some French officers that were going to America with Captn. De La Plainne and who wanted us to answer for their passage to the master of the Ship which I wou’d not do without having your orders on that account since which time have not been favour’d with your answer.
The Congress Friggat the Providence of Rhode Island Captn. Abraham Whipple has sent an English Brigg (call’d the Lord Grosvenor of Chester bound from Porte a Porte to England loaden with wine) into this place, with orders to address himself to the Agent for the Congress. And as we inform’d him that both you and Mr. Deane had given us a Verbal order to act for them, we accordingly assisted this Prize-Master Mr. Gardner as far as was in our power. His orders from Captn. Whipple are that in case he cou’d not make Nantes with the Prize, to write to him from whatever Port he shou’d come to and direct to him at Nantes where the Friggat expects to put in.
As in all probability there will other Prizes come into this place during this War, and certainly they will have occasion for assistance, If you think proper to honour us with a line wherein you empower us to act as far as in our power for them you may depend We shall exert ourselves to the utmost to render them all the services possible as it is absolutely necessary some one shou’d have an order from you for that purpose and as the proximity from this to Rochelle is such that we can easily attend both places, tho’ few prizes I believe will go to Rochelle on account of the great charges that must consequently follow, whereas being in this road, which is half way between Bordeaux and Nantes, they can wait for further orders from either places where to proceed to without being at any expence. In expectation of being favour’d with your answer We have the honour to remain with the utmost respect Honourable Sir Your most obedient and very humble Servants
Fairholme & Luther
Shou’d you think a security or Caution necessary on our side in giving us a power to act for the Congress, we can give you to almost any extent in Paris.

Addressed: Messrs Sellonf & Perrouteau / A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / Francklin / A Passi / pres Paris
Notation: Fairholme & Luther 5 June. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 5 June 1778
From: Genet, Edme-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honour’d Sir
Versailles june 5th. 1778
I find, you guess easily how that you have just receiv’d a bundle of gazettes from America. You won’t be surpris’d at my offer for the translation of any article or Essay you may want to be publish’d and at my readiness to print them in the Pamphlet of affaires de l’angleterre et de l’amerique. As soon as you can spare them, Such as you’ll be pleas’d to send me by the post will be soon returned. I am with the truest respect Sir Your most humble and obedient Servant
Genetchef du bureau des interpretes des affaires étrangeres

Addressed: M. le Dr. Franklin
Notation: Genet.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 5 June 1778
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Golden Square June 5 1778
I hope we shall at length get forward with the Exchange of the poor prisoners which has been for so many months in negotiation. I am authorized by the administration and the board of admiralty to make the following proposition, That you should send to me the number and rank of the prisoners which you have on your side to deliver, upon the receipt of which an equal number shall be prepared on this side for the Exchange. It is proposed that each party shall send their prisoners to Calais and that the Exchange be made there. The port of Calais is chosen as the most unexceptionable for the admission of an English Ship upon such an occasion. Be so good as to send me your answer upon this proposition, which I will lay before the Board of Admiralty and will contribute all that is in my power to facilitate the Exchange. I am Dear Sir Your most affectionate friend
D Hartley
To Dr Franklin.

Endorsed: Mr. Hartley June 5. 78 answer’d
Notation: Hartley June 5. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Lord North, [6?] June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: North, Lord Frederick

<Paris, June [6?], 1778: Because of a number of British seamen are now American prisoners, we renew our request for an immediate exchange in Europe. To send men three thousand miles to be exchanged would be an unnecessary addition to their calamities. We have authentic information that a number of Americans have been sent to hard labor in Senegal; this will provoke retaliation unless we can assure Congress that they will be brought back and exchanged. Do not sacrifice the interests of humanity to a claim of sovereignty that you know cannot be maintained.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 6 June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

<Passy, June 6, 1778: We have directed Captain Whipple to apply to you for himself and his prize; please furnish the Providence with whatever she needs, but exercise the frugality that our distressed circumstances require. You ask how you should act toward the customs. In general our warships must comply with the law; we will try to get the King’s more explicit instructions.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 6 June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Whipple, Abraham

<Passy, June 6, 1778: We congratulate you on your gallant encounter with the enemy, and on your safe passage and arrival. Address yourself and your prize to Mr. Schweighauser at Nantes; he will help you repair and supply your ship, but you should exercise the frugality that our distressed circumstances require.>


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 6 June 1778: résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, June 6, 1778: Since Captain Tucker left I have had to settle additional charges, of which I enclose details. The conspiracy has been diligently investigated by the intendant, but nothing can be proved.>


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 6 June 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

A Marly le 6. Juin 1778.
Je suis informé, Messieurs, que le Sr. Bersolle après avoir fait des avances assez considerables au Capitaine Jones commandant la fregate des Etats unis de l’Amerique le Ranger, s’est fait donner par ce Capitaine une lettre de Change dont vous avez refusé de faire acquitter le montant. Comme le Sr. Bersolle se trouve par là dans l’embarras et que vous sentirez sans doute qu’il est interessant pour la conservation de notre Credit qu’il en soit tiré promptement, je suis persuadé que vous ne differerez pas de faire payer non seulement la lettre de change dont il s’agit, mais encore ce qui est du par le Capitaine Jones à la Caisse de la marine à Brest, tant pour les effets qui lui ont été delivrés des Magazins du Roi que pour sa Subsistance personelle et celle de son équipage.
Sur ce qu’il a representé que les gens de son équipage avoient pillé du navire le Chatam, beaucoup d’effets dont une partie consistant en argenterie, avoit été vendue à un Juif, il a été pris des Informations au moyen desquelles l’argenterie et d’autres Effets ont été retrouvés, mais le tout a été mis en depôt pour y rester, jusqu’a ce que le Capitaine soit en état de rembourser ce qui a été payé pour ces effets.
Je pense au surplus qu’il est a propos que vous soyez informés que Ce Capitaine qui s’est brouillé avec son état Major et avec tout son Equipage, a fait mettre en Prison le S. Simpton son second. Vous jugerez peutêtre à propos de vous procurer les éclaircissements necessaires pour savoir si ce principal officier s’est mis dans le Cas de subir une pareille Punition. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la plus parfaite consideration, Monsieur, Votre très humble et tres obeissant serviteur
(signé) De Sartine


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 6 June 1778
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir
Drake, Brest June 6th. 1778.
Your much esteemed favor of the 1st. Current, which I received last Night lays me under a most singular Obligation: I cannot but be deeply sensible of the Honor which is confered upon me by the Proposition; and I really think it affords a very fair prospect of Success.
In a few days the return of a letter from Mr. Schweighauser will I hope enable me to leave Affairs here so as to Attend you at Paris. I shall be happy in opportunities to prove by my Conduct, how much I wish to merit the continuance of your Confidence and that of the Prince.
It gives me pleasure to hear of the Arrival of the Providence Frigate at Nantes; and as I believe the Boston is not yet departed from Bourdeaux, if you approve it, they can Rendezvous here, which may enable us to regulate any disorders that may exist; and perhaps it may be more expedient that the Force should be United than kept seperate. I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of great Esteem and Respect Sir Your very Obliged, very Obedient and very humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: P. Jones Brest 18. may 1778.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Rutledge, 7 June 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rutledge, John

Sir
Passy, near Paris June 7. 1778
The Bearer of this M. Roulhac being about to establish a House of Commerce at Charlestown, his Friends here who are Persons of Distinction request me to recommend him to some Persons of Note in your Province, for their Protection and Counsel on Occasion. The Character he bears here is extreamly good; I beg leave therefore to introduce him to your Excellency, and to recommend him warmly to all those Civilities which you have a Pleasure in showing to Strangers of Merit. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Esteem and Respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Govr. Rutledge


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from G. Anquetil Brutiere, 7 June 1778: résumé
From: Brutiere, G. Anquetil
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Granville in Normandy, June 7, 1778, in French: Last year I sent a ship to fish for cod on the Newfoundland Banks. On Sept. 17 she was boarded from the privateer Bellona out of Marblehead, Capt. Thomas Stevens, and forced to accept seven English prisoners who had no food or other necessities. These extra mouths forced her to return to France after less than three months on the Banks; otherwise she would have had more than four, and in that time would have taken 4–5000 cod, worth in France 4–5000 l.t. A young merchant weighed down by misfortunes, responsible for a large family, with his ships—or rather those that friends have put in his charge—lying idle, has a just complaint to put before you. I am confident that you will repair my loss.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Hupsch, 7 June 1778
From: Hüpsch, Johann Wilhelm Karl Adolph, Baron von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Cologne le 7. juin 1778.
Comme j’ai l’honneur d’etre en correspondence avec Mgr. le Duc de Charost, Pair de France, j’ai prié Mgr. le Duc de vouloir daigner à vous faire remettre celle-ci, ne sachant pas votre adresse.
Vous serés, Monsieur, peut-étre fort étonne de la liberté, que je prens, mais voici le bût de ma franchise.
J’ai été toujours un Defenseur zelé des Republiquains et d’une liberté que les hommes dévroient jouir. Il paroit ici une Gazette universelle en Langue allemande sous ma protection. Toutes les fois, qu’il s’agissoit d’une affaire remarquable concernant les Americains, je l’ai fait inserer dans notre Gazette tant pour defendre la Gloire, les justes Droits, etc. des Americains, que pour contredire certains Gazetiers protestans de l’allemagne, car j’ai l’honneur de vous assurer en confidence, que la pluspart des Gazettiers protestans ont été gaigné par les Emissaires anglois, etc. etc. et qui ont tenté uniquement à decrediter les Americains en allemagne, à cacher leurs progrès etc. etc.
Comme les Nouvelles interessantes concernant les Americains me manquent, vous obligerés beaucoup un homme zélé pour les Americains, si vous eussiés la bonté de me communiquer par intervalle des Nouvelles particulieres touchant les Provinces unies de l’Amerique septen[trionale]. Je ne demande point des Nouvelles secretes, mais telles que le Public de l’allemagne doit savoir, c’est à dire, que je souhaite particulierement des nouvelles qui concernent les nouvelles Loix, ordonnances, statuts, etc. du Congrés, les Progrés sur le commerce, les Sçiences la Navigation, etc. les Etablissemens, les Bienfaits et grandes actions des Americains et tout ce qui tend à la Gloire et au credit des Americains. Je fera le tout inserer dans notre Gazette, laquelle a un Debit particulier parmi toute l’Allemagne. Vous pouvés sûrement compter sur ma Discretion et sur ma parolle d’honneur et sur mon zele desinteressé.
Comme j’ai enrichi l’histoire naturelle, l’Economie, la Mineralogie, etc. etc. avec plusieurs nouvelles Découvertes, je me flatte, que je pourrois rendre des services essentiels et desinteressés au Congrés et au Gouvernement des provinces unies americaines, soit pour le Commerce, les Manufactures, Fabriques, etc. de l’Allemagne ou pour tout autre objet, car j’ai non seulement une correspondence très étendue mais je suis, sans vanité, toujours occupé à faire des Recherches qui peuvent être utile aux hommes.
Si vous eussiés l’attention de m’honnorer d’une Reponse, jevous prie d’avoir la bonté de m’indiquer votre adresse exactement. Comme la Langue francoise ne m’est pas si familiere, que quelques autres, je vous prie d’excuser mon mauvais stile. Entretems j’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la plus respectueuse consideration Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Baron DE Hupschà son hotel, Rue St. Jean à Cologne sur le Rhin

Endorsed: Baron de Hupsch Author of Gazette


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 9 June 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, June 9, 1778, in French: The enclosed will show that war in Germany may be expected any day. An anti-British pamphlet has recently appeared, dedicated to Mr. Franklin; it is badly done but has attracted many important readers. I and the Grand Facteur and the Grand Pensionary are all waiting for what I requested; do not be too long about sending it. What has been done already has strengthened our friends and discouraged our enemies; the latter, a few months ago, would not have allowed me to act with impunity. Let us continue as we have begun, and all will be well; Britain is losing its grip on the Netherlands.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 9 [June?] 1778
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce mardi 9 [June, 1778?] a franconville
Je vous ai promis mon chér papa de vous écrire. Jamais je ne manquai a mes promésses; jugés si je commencerés par celle qui est si fort selon mon coeur.
Je vais vous rendre compte de la vie que je ménne ici: j’habitte une supérbe térre située au milieu d’un beau pays; le pays seroit guaye [gai] pour toute autre que moi, mais tout m’y rappélle une amie que j’aimai tendrement, la première que mon coeur aima, et que j’ai pérduë! J’adoucis cétte peine en songeant a mes amis, a vous mon chér papa dont l’amitié m’honore et m’est bien chére; je dis, le soleil ne se levera pas huit fois que je n’aye revû, embrassé, le législateur de l’amérique; je dis, il est encore un bonheur pour moi puisque le papa franklin m’aime, et que je le lui rends de toutes les forces de mon coeur.
Nous avons pour promenade une forést supérbe, qui laisse aux ames sensibles la faculté si douce de resvér [rêver]—et pour objét intéréssant, une grande férme, bien tenue, qui porte a refléchir sur les douceurs et le calme de la vie champestre; óh mon papa avéc vous, vos enfants, ma famille, celle de mes bons voisins, quélques amis particuliérs, de l’occupation, de la liberté, ne serions-nous pas plus heureux qu’au milieu de ce tourbillon de paris, ou chacun par curiosité, par désoeuvrement, vous mange un tems qu’on pourroit bien mieux employér? Ou l’on vous rechérche, souvent par le besoin de se tirér de soi mesme; (on y est si bien avéc soi mesme quand on aime la vértu, qu’on chérche a la pratiquér). J’avouë que je fais ici des châteaux en éspagne. Ce n’ai pas l’ambition, la cupidité, l’amour des plaisirs qui en est l’objét; c’est le bonheur! Nous naissons en le désirant, nous vivons en le chérchant, et nous mourrons sans en avoir joui; il me semble que le mien seroit complét, si le sort me déstinoit a vivre toujours avéc vous; mon imagination s’occupe de ce qui feroit vraiment mon bonheur, elle ne m’égarera jamais quand elle m’occupe de vous. Adieu mon chér papa quand votre ame voudra se délassér en pensant a quélqu’un qui l’aime bien tendrement, songés a moi: j’ai l’honneur d’estre pour la vie mon chér papa avéc autant de réspéct que d’amitié, Votre trés humble et trés obeissante sérvante
D’hardancourt Brillon
Perméttes que je vous présente les hommages de mes enfants, et que je dise quélques choses a mr. votre fils.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: The American Commissioners to Any Captain Bound to America, 10 June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To:

<Passy, June 10, 1778: Advices from London on the 5th are that Byron’s squadron is still at Plymouth, and is ordered not to sail at present for America.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 10 June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

<Passy, June 10, 1778: We approve your refusal to pay William Morris 1,200 l.t.; pay no one without our orders. Give the captains goods, for repairing their ships or feeding their men, and a suit of clothes for each to be charged against his pay. Dispose of Captain Whipple’s prize, if she arrives, as you and he think best. Let us know what we should pay for freighting the Flamand with the merchandise we have on hand, so that we may know whether the ship is worth hiring.>


Title: John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1778: résumé
From: Jones, John Paul
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Ranger, Brest, June 10, 1778: One of the Ranger’s prizes was, I understand, sold in Bordeaux by Messrs. Delap. I wrote to request that the captors’ share be sent to Mr. Williams at Nantes, so that it might be divided before the Ranger left, but my letter was not answered. Please give orders for the money to be remitted forthwith.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rawleigh Colston, 10 June 1778
From: Colston, Rawleigh
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honorable Sir,
Cape François June 10th 1778.
The bearer Major Du Bouchett, who has acquired the most honourable testimony of his services in America, being unfortunately taken prisoner on his passage home and sent from New-York to this Island, where he had no acquaintance, informed me he had a sett of exchange for nine hundred livers Tournois, drawn by the Honble. the Congress and given him to defray the expenses of his passage, which he would gladly dispose of. Altho I had no occasion for money in Europe, I was very happy in an opportunity of obliging a Gentleman of merit who had distinguished himself in the service of my country and of giving all possible Credit to drafts of this kind. I therefore advanced the money and have since endorsed them to Messieurs Lory Plombard & Co. of this place, who will take the earliest opportunity of remitting them to their corrispondents for payment. I have the honour to be, with the highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant
Rawleigh Colston


Title: James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 12 June 1778
From: Moylan, James
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
L’Orient 12 June 1778
The Frigate Boston Captain Tucker arrived yesterday at Groix from Bordeaux. She is now watering and will sail tomorrow in company with the Frigate L’Oiseau. She did not meet with any Vessels in her passage. I am with respect Honorable Gentlemen Your assurd humble Servant
James Moylan

Addressed: To / The Honorable Plenepotentiary / Ministers from the United States / of America
Endorsed by John Adams: Mr Moylan 12 June 1778


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 13 June 1778: Letter and résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

I.
<Bordeaux, June 13, 1778: I drew on you as the best way to assure my letters’ reaching you. I am obliged to you for promptly honoring my drafts, and apologize for not having explained the high price of beef. Fresh provisions were furnished during Lent, when one butcher monopolizes the beef supply and charges customers for his privilege. I got everything as cheaply as possible by paying cash. The frigate [the Boston] left for home on the 7th with a number of merchantmen and two French frigates.>

II.
Honorable Sirs
Bordeaux, 13th June 1778
I am this instant Honord with your favor of the 25th May which I presume was omitted being put into the Post Office in course and thereby prevented from coming regularly to hand. And not having received any from your Honors in answer to many I had wrote made me apprehend and intimate a doubt of mine getting regularly to hand. In obedience to your request I shall transmit monthly whatever disburstments may come within my departments and whatever occurences merriting your attention shall duly communicate. I am respectfully Honorable Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield

Addressed: Honble. Benj Franklin / Arthur Lee John Adams Esq / Commissioner from Congress / at / Paris
Notation by John Adams: Mr Bondfield 13 June 78


Title: Henry Waldegrave Archer to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1778: résumé
From: Archer, Henry Waldegrave
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Paris, June 14, 1778: I want to join the American Army and become a citizen. Although I am an Englishman I did not enter the King’s army, because it would have meant fighting my conscience; that army will probably become the instrument of despotism. In the United States, on the contrary, the disciplined soldier and the free citizen are compatible. I want to get to America as soon as possible, at my own expense, to be a volunteer in the cavalry. My reasons for troubling you are first that passing through Paris without seeing you might rouse suspicion, and second that I should appreciate your advice and assistance. I shall call next Tuesday.>


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Sirs
Bordeaux 14 June 1778
I am strongly importuned by Captain Cassels the Bearer for a Letter of Introductions to your honors in his favor.
Mrs. Cassels his Wife who is come over in order to proceed as they assure me to America, is from Philadelphia. The purport of Mr. Cassels Errand to Paris is to exert his endeavours to obtain the restitution of a Ship belonging to him and his Brother who was the Master and stopt at this place by Gouverment as English property. He solicites your honors protection and declares his intentions are that if he can recover his ship to make her imediately American Property and proceed with his family to America.
The apparent friendly intentions of Mr. Cassels and his family plead my excuse in taking the liberty to write your honors on his Account. With great respect I am Your honors Most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield

Addressed: The Honble. Benj Franklin / Arthur Lee & John Adams Esqre. / Commissioners from Congress / at Passy
Endorsed by John Adams: Mr Bondfield 14 June 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 14 June 1778
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Manheim June 14, 1778
Some time ago I received from you a memorandum to inquire after a Richard Cooke, a native of Rotterdam, who had been settled some years in America. In consequence of an advertisement I put in the papers, I am applied to by the Son of the said Richard Cooke, (who has resided laterly and is now living in No. Carolina) for a Letter to you, he intending shortly to go to Europe to look after the Legacy that is said to be left him; he will carry such Letters and papers with him as to leave no doubt of his Identity. I have advised him to write to Europe first, to know whether the Legacy is worth the trouble and expence of a Voyage thither. But he has conceived that it is some thing considerable, and is therefore bent upon the Voyage. I have had the pleasure of hearing repeatedly from you lately, and have done myself the pleasure of writing you often. I hope those lately wrote will have better luck than many others that went before them, which I find by your late Letters never got to hand. Sally and the Children are well, we join in Love and Duty to yourself Temple and Benny. I am Dear Sir Your affectionate Son
Rich. Bache
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: The Honble. / Docr. Benjn. Franklin / Ambassador from the United States of / No. America at the Court of / France / Favored by Mr. Richd. Cooke


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mesny, 14 June 1778
From: Mesny, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Roquancourt le 14 Juin 1778.
N’ayant pas eu l’honneur de vous trouver chez vous, je vous ay adressé par la poste une lettre de Madame de Pontenet de Besançon, relativement aux objets dont elle vous a parlé chez Mr. de la faye. Comme j’ay fort a coeur d’obliger cette Dame a laquelle M. de la faye s’interresse particulierement, j’ose vous prier Monsieur, de vouloir bien me mettre a même de luy prouver que j’ay rempli sa commission en luy faisant une reponse que Mr. de la faye et moy irons prendre mercredy soir en venant a Paris. Nous n’oserions esperer de vous voir sachant très bien que vous êtes rarement chez vous les apres diner. J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec un tres profond respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Mesny

Notation: Mesny 24. Juin 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Ferdinand Grand, 15 June 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand

Monsieur
A Passy le 15 Juin 1778
Nous approuvons toutes les Dispositions que Monsr. Jona. Williams a fait sur vous jusqu’a ce Jour conformement a son Compte. Nous avons l’honneur d’etre vos trés humbles Serviteurs
Monsieur Grand


Title: The Warrant and Petty Officers of the Ranger: Petition to the American Commissioners, 15 June 1778
From: Warrant and Petty Officers of the “Ranger”
To:

Ranger Road of Brest June 15th: 1778
To the honorable the Commissioners from the united States of America.
The Petition and Remonstrance of the warrant and petit Officers on Board the Continental Ship of War Ranger humbly sheweth:
That your Petitioners with a view of maintaining their Families and serving their distressed and injured Country, entred chearfully to serve on board the Ranger under the Command of Capt. Jones, some for a Cruize others for twelve Months. After our signing in the entry Book against our Names by Capt. Jones’s Orders is put, and while absent from the Eastern States, which words were not in the Roll we first sign’d, to the Rendez-vous (which can now be produced). None of Us may it please your honours, apprehended that we were to be deluded and deceiv’d in the manner we have been, and are like to be; We were inform’d that Capt. Jones was a Man of Honour which to Our Sorrow we are obliged to declare from Our Own Experience, is quite the reverse, his Government arbitrary his Temper and Treatment insufferable, for the most trivial matters threatening to Shoot the Person or Persons whom he in sallies of Passion chooses to call Ignorant or Disobedient, not to recount many Instances of His Behaviour which to us and every of the Ship’s Company has been and still is Disagreable, we humbly request that Your Honours would please to take our unhappy situation into consideration, and give Orders that We may return to America: that We may have the pleasure of providing for Our Families and serving our Country with Chearfulness; which it may please your Honours we are sorry to inform You we never can do under the Command of Capt. Jones. And Your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray

James Falls Gunner
Richard Wilson Boatswain
Thomas Walden Carpenter
John Seaward Masters Mate
William Farrant Dito
Thomas Palmer James gunners mate
Williams Evers Boatswains mate
James Gooch Captns. Clk.
Joseph Green Prize Master
Jacob Walden Steward
Edward Gale Carpenters Mate
Joel Hutchings Cooper
John Ricker Sargen
John Arney Bostswane youman
Samuel Knap CookJonathan Yong Armerer

Jacob Muchmore
}
Quartermasters

John Jackson

John Shapley Cockswain
John Bettenham Captains Steward
Edward Myer Boatswains Mate
Thomas Mead Gunners youman
Thomas Low Captain forcastle
Petter marcom Ditto
Thomas Becke [?]
John Caverly Serjant
John Wheeler Quarter Master
Joseph Racklyeft

Addressed: Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Commissioner / for the united States of America / at / Paris / To be communicated
Endorsed by John Adams: Petition from the Rangers Men


Title: Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 15 June 1778: résumé
From: Whipple, Abraham
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Paimboeuf, June 15, 1778: I should be glad of orders about my prisoners. The old masts are being repaired; new ones are very expensive, and I shall be as frugal as possible. I could carry home clothing and arms if I knew the quantity and size of bales; the ship will be graved and ready in twelve days. My midshipmen have arrived after escaping to St. Malo, and my prize is at the Isle de Ré; I have ordered her here to assign to Mr. Schweighauser.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rudolphe Ernest Hartmann, 15 June 1778: résumé
From: Hartmann, Rudolphe Ernest
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Amsterdam, June 15, 1778, in French: Please write for me to General Washington about Baron Hermann von Zedwitz. What has become of him? Is there hope of recovering any part of what he owes me? He took from me in London some cut diamonds in a setting, to sell because I was a stranger there, and disappeared. The loss put me and my wife and children in a sad situation, and forced me to leave my business in Germany in order to bring Zedwitz to justice. A merchant here passed on the matter to his brother-in-law in New York, a well known merchant named James Le Ray. The latter wrote me last May that the Baron had become a lieutenant colonel under Schuyler, had distinguished himself at Quebec, and had been given command of a fort that he tried to sell to the English for £41,000. The letter containing his offer was intercepted; he was arrested and condemned to be hanged, but the sentence was commuted to imprisonment. I have had no further news, and beg your Excellency’s help.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 15 June 1778
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend.
London Juin 15. 1778
I recieved your kind lettre dated juin 8 and thank you hartely for it. Our friend was very happy to hear from you and to be informed you are happy.
I will bring over a propre quantity of the ingredients necessary for the preparation of the prescription and desire much to meet you again in your actual residence.
I will not be able to set of before july, as I want to see the end of the dispute about pointed and nobbed conductors. It is a pity that some darkheaded men meddld in the affair. The R. Society however acted manly on the occasion, as Mr. Magellan can tell you, who is now in France. I am very respectfully your obedient humble servant
J. Ingen Housz
Be so good as to forward the inclosed to your Nefew.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / a Passy / Mr. Tourton
Endorsed: Mr Ingenhauss
Notation: Ingen Houze. London 15. Juin 1778


Title: The American Commissioners to David Hartley, 16 June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Hartley, David

<Passy, June 16, 1778: I received yours of the 5th, informing us that the government has agreed to an exchange of prisoners, and we have written Captain Jones for the list; it contains, I understand, at least two hundred men. We expect ours to be taken from those longest confined in Forton and Plymouth, in proportion to the numbers in each; this will allay all suspicion that you pick our worst and weakest in return for your good ones. If you think proper to empty your prisons, we will solemnly promise to make up the extra number from your sailors captured in America. We shall distinguish in our list those in the navy and merchant seamen, so that you may do the same; our navy men would be uneasy if civilians were taken first.
To avoid marching your men to Calais we shall try to get permission for your ship to enter Brest, and otherwise shall ask your Admiralty for safe passage to carry them by sea to Calais. Please tranfer any men confined on warships to your prisons, so that they may take their chances with the rest.>


Title: The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 16 June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Jones, John Paul

<Passy, June 16, 1778: You will return to America as soon as possible, meanwhile keeping your destination secret. Embrace any opportunity to take prizes or harass the enemy, even if it means going out of your way; the Newfoundland fisheries are one objective, and another is transports on the coast or returning to England. If the French government or we send dispatches, keep them from falling into the wrong hands; but do not wait for them. Tell Mr. Schweighauser whether your ship has room to load arms and clothes without obstructing her capacity to sail and fight.>


Title: William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 16 June 1778: résumé
From: Bingham, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<St. Pierre, Martinique, June 16, 1778: The General has been informed of the Franco-American treaty of alliance and commerce. If it changes the political or commercial system or relations with foreign powers, or binds the contracting parties to act in concert, I should know its terms so that in my small way I can co-operate as the American agent in the West Indies.>


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 16 June 1778: résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, June 16, 1778: Mr. Emery has heard from Capt. Conyngham that he arrived at Coruña from Cadiz after taking four prizes. The Boston reportedly fell in with two privateers and took one; the other escaped. Jersey privateers have taken two ships off the Spanish coast. A vessel reached Lisbon that had passed d’Estaing’s squadron off Terceira on May 23. Capt. Siau has come down; a suitable ship and a tender will be equipped and at sea by July 20.>


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16 June 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, June 16, 1778, in French: The enclosures were written yesterday and today, and a partial copy has gone to Mr. Lee in Vienna. The Grand Facteur has not returned the treaty, and may not until permission comes to send it on. He has written to his firm about the enclosed article.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Salvator, 16 June 1778: résumé
From: Salvator, Antoine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Cadiz, June 16, 1778, in French: The fleet that left Havana on February 8 has not yet arrived, and such a delay is unheard of. No one knows where the ships are, though we are assured without proof that we shall see them before the end of the month. If they had encountered a storm they would not all have been lost, and survivors would have spread the news. A letter from Havana raises suspicion and fear; it tells of a brigantine that sailed with the fleet as far as the Bahama channel and, two days after parting company, saw eight English ships of the line. One of them gave her chase, but she escaped to Curaçao and sent the news to Havana. She was chased as an American, it was thought at the time; but ships arriving from Havana report no storm, and worry grows. An English squadron would scarcely have been on the same course as the fleet without designs on it. Our ships, it will soon be thought, are either at Jamaica or at the bottom of the sea.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 17 June 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Friend,
Passy June 17. 1778
This will be delivered to you by Mr. Archer, a young Gentleman of excellent Character, whose Zeal for the Cause of Liberty, and strong Desire of being serviceable to it and to our Country, with those Qualities of Mind and Acquirements that lay the best Foundation for his really becoming so, will I am persuaded recommend him to your kind Attention and Friendship. If the mere being born in our Country, tho’ an Accident, gives a Man some Title to our Regard, the voluntary Choice of it in preference to every other, and of its Cause on Account of its Justice, merit a particular Regard, which I am confident he will meet with among us, as he shall have Occasions to make himself known. He proposes to serve as a Volunteer in our Cavalry. He goes over at his own Expence, and without any Promises or Expectations of Employment given him by us, as indeed we are not impower’d to give any, but hopes to be able to recommend himself by his Conduct. In the mean time I beg leave to request your good Offices in his Behalf, as your Counsels and Countenance cannot but be of Use to a young Stranger. With the greatest Esteem, I am ever, my dear Friend Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Dr Rush.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard, 17 June 1778
From: Izard, Ralph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Paris June 17th. 1778
Mr. Pringle, who was the bearer of my last Letter, has given me an account of his conversation with you on the subject of it. It would have been much more satisfactory to me, if instead of speaking to him about the contents of it, you had done me the honour of writing an answer to it. Words which pass in conversation are sometimes forgotten, and sometimes misunderstood. Misrepresentations are frequently the consequence, which though produced by mistake, to a mind affected by ill-treatment, of which neither the occasion can be learnt, nor the progress stopt, may pass for effects proceeding from other causes. I enclose you a copy of Mr. Pringle’s Letter. You will be so good as to correct any mistakes that may be found in it. Some there probably are; I do not for instance think it likely you could have said, that you did not know what I complained of, at the same time that my complaints appeared so numerous that it would require a pamphlet to answer them. It is impossible that both these assertions can be true; and tho’ I cannot agree with you in either, I shall not dispute about them, but refer you to the several Letters which I have written you, since the receipt of your favour of 29th. January. I have requested to be informed of your reasons for withholding from me all communications respecting the Treaty of Commerce during the negociation, contrary to an express instruction of Congress. You have constantly, in spite of every endeavour on my part, to get your reasons in writing, wrapped yourself up with caution and notwithstanding the repeated breach of your engagement with me, have not been ashamed to make promises of the same kind, and break them again, to amuse me till Mr. Deane had an opportunity of going privately away. I shall not examine your inducements for so carefully avoiding to commit yourself to paper on this subject, but only observe that this determination compels me to mention the reasons given by Dr. Bancroft, and your Grandson; which would have been more agreeable to me to have had, under your own hand. Those Gentlemen have informed me that some proposals which Mr. Lee had made to you, and Mr. Deane, respecting his Brother and me, made you apprehensive that it was intended to have us admitted into all consultations, and that every question should be carried by a plurality of voices. That this had determined your conduct respecting communications to me; but that if you had been never so well inclined to communicate any thing relative to the Treaty, you lay under such strong injunctions of secrecy from the French Ministry, that it was out of your power to do it. With respect to the first of these reasons, I shall observe, that if Mr. Lee ever made any such proposal, it was entirely unknown to me. I have spoke to him on the subject, and he declares that he never said any thing that could in the least justify such an apprehension. There does not indeed seem the least probability that such a proposal could have been made. The unfortunate dispute in which he was engaged with you and Mr. Deane, and the decided majority of which you were possessed, would have made such an attempt on his part too weak for a man of common understanding. Whatever may be the causes of your enmity to him I know not; but I believe you will hardly assert that it proceeds from his want of abilities. I very well remember, and you ought not to forget, when they were powerfully exerted in your defence, in the day of your tribulation. When the indecent, and barbarous tongue of a calumniating Scotch Lawyer had surrounded you with a host of enemies; when every thing wicked, and false was said against you, and your name scarcely ever mentioned in London without the most opprobious epithets being annexed to it; in that day of danger, and distress did Mr. Lee stand forth your friend; he refuted, and exposed the arguments of your assailant, who seemed to aim at nothing less than your total destruction, and perhaps to these circumstances may your present situation be owing, which puts it in your power to make such a return to him as he has experienced from you. To those who are perfectly acquainted, as I am, with what has just been mentioned, your conduct towards him; your connexions with those who wish him ill, and your endeavours to place him in an odious, and contemptible point of view, will exhibit a very unpleasing picture of the human heart. He is however very capable of defending himself, and if no more accidents happen to his dispatches, and no more opportunities of writing to Congress are concealed from him, I doubt not but he will do it with success. With regard to the injunctions of secrecy which the French Ministry are said to have laid you under; I answer, that you had no right to lay yourself under any such injunctions. Before you can avail yourself of that excuse, you should shew that you had reminded the French Plenipotentiary of there being at that time in Paris two other Commissioners of Congress, to whom your duty required you to communicate, not only a Copy of the Treaty originally proposed by Congress, but also whatever subsequent alterations might be proposed on either side. Had this been done, and he had expressed a desire that those Commissioners also should be unacquainted with the transaction, rather than the smallest obstruction should have been thrown in the way of the negotiation I should have been contented to have had it kept from me as long as you thought proper. I believe it will be no difficult matter to shew the probability of this injunction of secrecy being obtained to answer your own private purposes. Very certain it is, that you did not think yourself bound to keep the secret any longer than it suited you, nor from any person, when you thought it convenient for you to divulge it. If it was of such importance that the negotiation of the Treaty should be kept so secret, that even those Gentlemen whom Congress had thought proper to honour with Commissions equal to your own could not with propriety be trusted with it, by what authority was it communicated to your Grandson, and to Dr. Bancroft? It will surely not be alledged, that there was a necessity of having it copied by somebody, and therefore who so proper as those Gentlemen? I cannot think that there was any absolute necessity for their assistance in this case; and they will I am sure both excuse me for saying that under such circumstances, the Commissioners themselves should have copied the Treaties; especially as one of those Gentlemen offered to do it in a Letter to you. Some little light will be thrown on this business, when it is known that your Grandson had sometime previous to this, been making interest for the office of Secretary to the Commission, to which Congress had annexed a salary of a thousand Pounds sterling a year, and had actually applied to Mr. Deane for his assistance in obtaining it. One of the Commissioners proposed, that the Copies of the Treaties which were transmitted to Congress, should be examined and attested by themselves. This proposal, I understand was rejected, as you had determined that your Grandson should not only copy, but attest them. They were accordingly sent over to Congress in that manner, that Congress might see how worthy he was of confidence, and of course of the office in question. It is with the utmost reluctance that I find myself compelled to mention this young Gentleman, whom I believe to be extremely worthy of any confidence that has, or may be placed in him. Having examined these reasons, and I hope at least shown the probability of their being only pretended ones, I shall proceed to state what appears to me the true cause of your conduct; and as it will be necessary to trouble you with a dull narrative, you will I hope excuse it, on account of the importance of it. I received a Letter in October last from Mr. William Lee, one of the joint Commercial Agents for conducting the affairs of the Congress in this Kingdom, desiring my attendance at your house at Passy, and informing me that he had something of importance to lay before the Commissioners; I accordingly attended, and heard an account of some very extraordinary abuses and embarassments in the Commercial department, owing to the misconduct of Mr. Thomas Morris, late one of the joint Commercial Agents, and to the claim which certain persons made to the management of the affairs of the Congress at Nantes. Mr. Lee complained of great obstructions which he had met with from these circumstances; that so far from receiving any assistance from the Commissioners, they seemed to have encouraged the persons who had opposed him in the discharge of his duty, and that he had repeatedly written to the Commissioners for their support, without ever having been able to obtain the favour of an answer. He expressed his desire of returning to Nantes, and using his endeavours to prevent the repetition of such abuses as had been stated; and did not doubt but with the support of the Commissioners, he should be able to render this material service to the public. The support which he required was, a Letter from the Commissioners addressed to all such Captains of Ships as were in the service of the Congress, informing them that he was an Agent, properly authorized by Congress to manage their Commercial concerns in this Country, and that it would be proper for them to follow his instructions. This request which appeared to me extremely reasonable, was to my astonishment rejected, both by you and Mr. Deane. This appeared the more extraordinary to me, as you both acknowledged that you were perfectly convinced of the truth of what Mr. Lee had stated to you, and said that you had laid those abuses before Congress, and complained in the strongest terms against Mr. Thomas Morris, whose misconduct had occasioned some of them. That Congress had given you a tacit reproof by taking no notice of the complaints you had made; and that Mr. Robert Morris a Member of the Committee for foreign affairs had given you a rap over the knuckles for having made them. I begged you to consider that the silence of Congress which you had construed into a reproof, might have been occasioned by the multiplicity of business they had to transact; or they might have attended to them, and their Letter on the subject have miscarried. This you said could not have been the case, as the complaints to Congress against Mr. Morris made but part of your Letter. There were several other matters contained in it, which were all answered, and as the complaint against Mr. Morris was the only part unnoticed, you considered it as a reproof to you for having written to Congress about it. You had attempted once to correct the abuses, which every body knew were practising at Nantes to a very scandalous degree. Mr. Robert Morris had misrepresented your good intentions, and had insinuated, in his Letter to Mr. Deane of 29th. June, that your complaints against his Brother were made from interested motives; and that you wished him removed to make way for your Nephew. As your conduct had in one instance relative to the abuses at Nantes been thus misrepresented, you were determined it should in no other, by adhering to your resolution of not meddling with them. Your reasons did not appear at all satisfactory to me, and I took the liberty of telling you so, which gave you very great offence. I was extremely sorry for it, but did not at that time, nor have I upon the most mature deliberation since been able to conceive how it could have been avoided, consistent with my duty. I requested you to consider how unreasonable it was to allow your resentment against the Committee, for a supposed tacit reproof, and against Mr. Robert Morris, for what you called a rap over the knuckles, to operate to the prejudice, perhaps to the destruction of the Commercial concerns of your Country. Your answer was direct and positive; “If these consequences should happen, Mr. Robert Morris and the Committee must be answerable for them, but you were determined not to meddle with the matter.” In this determination Mr. Deane cooperated; and we parted without Mr. Lee’s having been able to obtain any satisfaction on the subject of his complaints, except a promise on your part to countermand an order which you had given relative to the sale of one of the prizes at Nantes. This promise however I understand was not fulfilled. I most solemnly protest that I believe this interview to have been the cause of your excluding me from all communications. An ear poisoned with flattery, listens with reluctance to the voice of truth. Conscious, as you must have been, of having at least given your countenance in more instances than one, to proceedings which were injurious to the interests of your Country, that voice could not have been very pleasing to you. You had just received very substantial proof that no other language but that of truth was to be expected from me; and therefore concluded that I should prove a very troublesome Monitor. This determined you to exclude me from all communications whatever; and even proper opportunities of writing to Congress have been frequently concealed from me. You are mistaken in saying that this of Mr. Deane’s and Mr. Gerard’s is the only one I ever complained of. Without attempting to enumerate them, I shall only desire you to recollect that in company with your Grandson I complained to you on this subject some time ago, and mentioned particularly the French Frigate called the Belle-Poulle having sailed from Bourdeaux the 1st. January charged with your dispatches without my having the least intimation given me of it till she was gone. In this instance also you availed yourself of that dangerous state engine necessity, and of the strict injunction of secrecy from the French Court. I could if necessary remind you of many other matters of the same kind. Perhaps it may be said that you were not required by Congress to make those communications. This may be considered in the nature of those injuries, against which no positive Law can be produced, but which are notwithstanding known to be injuries by all the World. Had the directions of Congress, however, in these points been as explicit as words could make them, I doubt not but you would have found the means of evading them, as you have in others, if it suited your purpose, and have drawn arguments for your justification from every source. I shall trouble you with my reasons for thinking so. I requested of you at Chaillot to let me know why you had disregarded the Instructions of Congress respecting the Treaty; you expressed your doubts whether Congress intended to have any thing communicated to me, except the Treaty after it was concluded. I referred you to the words of the Instruction itself, which I had quoted to you in my Letter, and asked you if you thought it possible that the Gentlemen who had written them, could have been so ignorant as not to know the distinction between a proposition and a conclusion. Other doubts arose. If I had been at Florence, the department which was assigned me by Congress, it might have been inconvenient to have followed the strict Letter of the instructions, by sending every alteration in the Treaty that might be proposed on either side on account of the danger of their being intercepted. In this I agreed with you perfectly, and told you that if I had been at Florence, you would have had an excuse, which at that time was of no service to you. I am sorry to be obliged to refer to words spoken in conversation. I have wished to avoid it; but you have put it out of my power. Had you written down what I have just related, which you promis’d me to do, it might have been of service to you in one instance. You would have recollected having already given it as your opinion that if I had been at Florence, it would have been improper to have sent me the alterations proposed in the Treaty, and would probably not have mentioned to Mr. Pringle a reason in your justification, totally the reverse of this. As you have however done it, it will be necessary to remind you that my not having gone to Florence has been entirely owing to reasons given me by the Tuscan Minister at this Court, which I have informed Congress of. Those reasons were also communicated to you, and the other Commissioners, and you thought they ought to be complied with. Had my own inclinations alone been consulted, I should not long have remained in this place, to be a witness of such parts of your conduct, as I cannot think will reflect any honour upon you, when they are examined into. You observed to Mr. Pringle, that I had written you an angry Letter. When you reflect upon your proceedings towards me, that ought not to surprize you. Having conceived myself injured by you, I make a complaint to you in writing. You deny that it is well founded and promise me an explanation of your conduct. Relying upon your word, I suffer myself to be amused from time, to time, by promises and excuses, till Mr. Deane, who has supported you in all your measures, sails for America. Would it not have been fair and honourable to have given me your reasons in justification of your conduct before that Gentleman’s departure, that I might have had an opportunity either of being convinced by them, or of refuting them; and that his verbal representations in America might not be made, without having anything from me to oppose to them? I am very gravely told that as a proof of your not having thought it a good opportunity, you had not yourself written by Mr. Deane. Is there a man of common sense in the world who will not see, that as Mr. Deane is a party concerned in the contest which has unhappily subsisted between us, and of course will be interested in your justification, there was no absolute necessity for your writing, but that the very reverse was the case with me? Having thus blown up a flame about me you are unreasonable enough to be surprized at my being warmed by it. Does not this resemble the conduct of the Tyrant Kouli Kan, who having cut the tendons of a man’s legs with his sword, would afterwards have compelled him to dance? I must be very plain in telling you, that I envy not the feelings of that man, be his reputation ever so highly exalted, who can with coldness either offer, or receive an injury. You have acknowledged yourself in my debt, and in the language of scripture desire me to have patience and you will pay me all. Whether the quotation was made ironically or not, I cannot tell. I have however turned to the 18th chapter of St. Matthew, from which it was taken, and I do not find that your case is at all applicable to the one referrred to. The Debtor there is represented verse 25 and 26 as an object of compassion, and penitence. Had he been detected in contrivances to put off the day of payment for the purpose of injuring his Creditor, the mercy recommended by the divine Author of our religion would not have been extended to him; and he would probably in the first instance have been “delivered to the tormentors.” Verse 34. I shall take the liberty of recommending the perusal of the other parts of this chapter to you, and if the instruction which it contains is attended to, your quotation, though inapplicable, may not prove entirely useless. It is proper you should now be acquainted with a piece of information that I have received from Mr. Lee. I repeat that it is with reluctance I find myself compelled to have recourse to verbal information. Your choosing to make use of insinuations, and cautiously avoiding to commit yourself to paper, has left me no alternative. Mr. Lee tells me, that he applied to you to have the Treaties sent to me above a month after they were signed; that you said you had heard a friend of mine had made some insurances respecting a war; that the knowledge of the treaties having been signed, might affect those insurances. It might be supposed, however falsely, that I had communicated them to my friend, and therefore you thought it best, for my sake, that I should sometime longer be contented to remain without them. I shall beg leave to trouble you with an observation or two on this matter. An injury has been offered through me, to the public. In spite of every effort on my part to prevent the continuance and increase of it, you have shewn a fixed determination to persist, and have availed yourself of every artifice to evade giving any written explanation. Verbal insinuations have however, been carefully propagated, which may, or may not be denied; and now the mask of friendship is put on. You must be conscious that no such effect as you have insinuated could possibly have been produced. Long before the time of your giving that reason to Mr. Lee, it was publicly known both in Paris and in London, that a Treaty had been actually signed, with the Court of France. Mr. Fox on the 17th. of February, in the House of Commons confidently asserted it; mentioned accurately the time of its being signed, and gave you as the author of the intelligence. The following is an extract of his speech, printed in the Courier de l’Europe of 24th. February; “J’ai vu une Lettre du Docteur Franklin, dans laquelle ce Commissaire de l’Amerique dit expressement a son Correspondent a Londres, il y a dix jours que les Deputés du Congrés ont signé avec le Ministere Francois un Traité de Commerce.” I acquainted you myself of this accusation which had been made against you in Parliament. You told me that you had been falsely accused by Mr. Fox; and that you had never written any such Letter as he pretended to have seen. It is not my purpose to examine whether Mr. Fox’s assertions were true or false. All I wish to shew is, that the communicating the Treaty to me in the month of March, could not have produced the effect you pretended to be afraid of, as the secret was known in February, both in France and in England, and from the accuracy of Mr. Fox’s intelligence, it must have been received from very good authority. A friend of mine you say has been speculating in insurances on a war, and therefore for my sake you thought it best that I should not desire to see the Treaties. This was intended to be thought extremely friendly. I do not know which of my friends you hint at, whose speculations have come under your observation; and I should be obliged to you if you would inform me. Whoever he may be, I will assert that no secret, which might have been intrusted to me, should have been divulged to answer any private purposes whatever. How extraordinary will it appear to the Public, if it can be proved, that notwithstanding your great kindness, and attention to me, speculations of various kinds to a very considerable amount have been constantly carried on by persons residing under your own roof; that one of the Gentlemen engaged in these speculations was himself a Commissioner; that you were informed of Lord North’s having boasted of his lenity in not apprehending a friend of yours who was in London speculating in the funds for the benefit of the Commissioners; and that after having been informed of this, you yourself communicated the Treaty to that Gentleman, at the very time when you refused to make such communication to Mr. William Lee and myself, in defiance of the express instructions of Congress. It will appear still more extraordinary if it can be proved, that a friend of your’s was in the month of January made acquainted with the very day the Treaty was to be signed; that this information was transmitted to London, and in consequence of it, that insurances to a great amount were made; for whose benefit I will not take upon me to say. If these things can be proved the world will judge by what motives you have been actuated. I have been confidently assured that they can be proved; and I beg that you will let me know if my information is true or false. I have but one thing more to trouble you with at present. Since the greatest part of this Letter has been written, I have been told by a Gentleman that the French Ministry had desired that Mr. Arthur Lee and myself, expressly mentioned by name, might have certain matters concealed from us. I cannot take a step in this business without having some insinuations to encounter. My informant was not so explicit as I wished him to be. He did not acquaint me with the points intended to be concealed; whether they related to the Treaties or to the departure of Mr. Deane. I must beg the favour of you therefore to let me know if you were desired by the French Ministry to conceal either, or both of these matters from me by name, or whether as I believe to be the case, you had no such injunctions at all. There are reasons to believe that the insinuation is injurious both to the French Ministry and to us. I have never by any part of my proceedings subjected myself to be refused admittance into their presence. I have never been compelled to have recourse to any person to sooth and deprecate their resentment, excited by transactions which they thought obliged them to make use of expressions highly reflecting on the honour of my Country, at the very time when perhaps the interests and even the safety of America might have been affected by that resentment. Will you undertake to make the same declaration? If you do, it shall appear that I do not deal in insinuations; and if the Ministry were inclined to shew any more of their disatisfaction, the world will judge who were the persons most likely to experience them. If after having been made acquainted with the instructions of Congress relative to the Treaty, the Ministry desired to have the proposed alterations concealed from me; and there was any danger of an obstruction to your negociation if the directions of Congress were insisted on, I shall endeavour to learn what could have induced them to such a conduct. The mischievous tendency of some parts of the Treaties might have been pointed out, had they been communicated to me before it was too late; and a troublesome and ineffectual application to the Court of Spain for relief, might have been render’d unnecessary. I am Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
Ra. Izard
The Honble Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from La Blancherie, 17 June 1778
From: La Blancherie, Claude-Mammès Pahin de Champlain de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur le Docteur,
Le 17. Juin 1778
Si je n’ai pas eu l’honneur de vous écrire depuis que la décision de l’Académie a été conforme à mes desirs, c’est que j’ai remis de jour en jour selon mes affaires le moment d’aller mettre mon coeur et mon établissement à vos pieds. J’espere que mes occupations me permettront de le trouver par la suite.Je me proposois d’aller avec un de nos Artistes soumettre à votre jugement le modele d’un monument de sculpture concernant l’Amérique septentrionale qu’on se propose d’exécuter en marbre; mais il se trouve par le fait qu’il est impossible de le transporter. Il fut apporté jeudi à l’assemblée. Comme il a fait une grande sensation, et qu’il a été jugé digne de la curiosité des Amateurs, il restera encore exposé Vendredi prochain à l’assemblée qui a été remise à ce jour à cause de la fête Dieu. Je me joins aux voeux unanimes de l’Artiste et des personnes qui vinrent à la derniere assemblée, pour vous prier, Monsieur le Docteur, si vos occupations vous le permettent, de venir après demain vers les cinq heures du soir, voir et juger ce monument si intéressant. L’Artiste, en vous entendant, croira jouir de la gloire que procurent les chefs d’oeuvres, et son génie enflammé sera de niveau avec la magnificence et la sublimité de son sujet. Je suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur le Docteur, Votre tres humble et très obéissant serviteur
La Blancherieancien college de Bayeux rue de la Harpe
m. franklin.

Notation: La Blancherie 17 Juin 1778.


Title: Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, 18 June 1778: résumé
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Paris, June 18, 1778, in French: If I did not respect your wisdom I should be astonished at your refusal to enlist all who want to fight the British. Precautions would have to be taken to ensure obedience, and this would require official cooperation in the ports in which the ships outfit and to which most of them return. The goal is worth the effort. The first attempt would doubtless bring considerable gain, and would force the British either to take extraordinary and costly defensive measures or to cut down their lucrative trade with the Levant. The chief promoter of the plan is an old associate of a certain marquis Roux de Corse; the captain of the first xebec is intrepid, determined, and the best possible man to inspire a crew.>


Title: Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 18 June 1778: résumé
From: Coffyn, Francis
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Dunkirk, June 18, 1778: I received your letter of the 10th to all captains bound for America, and am communicating it to two such captains here; they will sail in late June and early July. You may wish to send further intelligence by them, and I will, if you approve, send any that I get from England.
Forty-five sail westward bound, some large men of war, were reported off Portland last Monday.
One of the seamen mentioned in my last is anxious to join an American warship or privateer. Three other Americans have arrived from a whaling voyage in the South Seas, and want your protection. If they are not taken care of I fear they will be welcomed in England, where the government is trying to encourage whaling. Tell me what to do about these four; one has no money, and the others barely enough to live till I hear from you.
James Beams has nearly recovered from his wound received on the Lexington, and I am paying his passage to Brest. When I have your authorization I will also pay the surgeons.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Mary Hewson], 18 June 1778
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London, June 18. 1778
I called this morning upon Dr. Ingenhousz who told me he had a letter from you lately, and that you were well; this gave me pleasure and will enable me to communicate pleasure to my mother when I return to her tomorrow. We are mortified that we so seldom get a line from you, and cannot help suspecting that our letters are intercepted. I received notice from Collinson about a fortnight since that you had ordered £55 to be paid to me. I suppose it is meant to discharge Jonathan’s debt to my mother, for I am sure you owe me no money, on the contrary I found in my pocket-book a memorandum of my being indebted to you four guineas and a half. Whenever you please to draw upon me you shall have it.
I had a letter from Jonathan of the 6th May. He says nothing of his affairs, but I judge from the general air of his letter that they are prosperous. I was told his uncle said he was making a fortune rapidly. I very much suspect him. He has been lately very solicitous to have letters from my mother and me to you; I do not see his purpose, but I think he has one to answer. The first time he offered to convey a letter to you, I wrote a very short one which I sent to him. It is very conceited in me to offer a hint to you, but he boasts so much of intimacy with you when he was in France, and is such an attendant here upon others that I suppose he means and pretends to dive into your sentiments and observe your motions. I know you are too deep for him to fathom, yet perhaps you may not think his honesty so little as I do.
When I wrote last I believe I told you my mother was out of health and out of spirits, I have now the pleasure to say she is perfectly recovered. My little ones are all well, and often talk of Doctor Papa, every one gives you that title.
I hope I shall very soon have my affairs settled with M. I said you wrote in the spirit of prophecy to me some years ago, that my affairs might be settled by the time yours were, therefore whenever either one or the other has appeared drawing to a conclusion I have had hopes that all would be well, they have gone on in similar perplexity and uncertainty. May they be soon concluded to our mutual satisfaction! If I should have money at command I shall be almost tempted to pay you a visit in France, but I must have a numerous retinue. I am sure my mother will be of the party, and I wish to take my sister, as I think she is young enough to learn the language which may be of use to her. One tongue I acknowledge is enough for a wife, but a single woman in England without a fortune requires two. If I could get her well qualified in French and talk a little myself I have in contemplation the setting up a school, which seems to be the most advantageous employment a woman can enter into here. I have a sort of name in the world that would give some eclat to such a scheme. I know you will pardon my intruding my little concerns, nor regret that I for a few minutes take off your thoughts from more important ones.
How does Temple? and little Benjamin? This is the fourth letter I have written to you since I saw one line from you. I sent you a long letter by the post, another by means of Dr. I. and a third by Mr. W. I should be glad to know if you have received any of them.
Dr. I. promises to convey this.
  Adieu!

Endorsed: Polly Hewson


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Welsh, 18 June 1778
From: Welsh, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam June 18th. 1778
I have to Enform your Honour that I maid my Escape on the 20th. of last month from Mill Prison and got Secreted at Mr. Philip Hancock’s Plymouth Dock till the 5th of this Month and on the 7 got to London whear I remained till the 12th and on the 13th. got to Harriage [Harwich] and on the 14th. Embarked in the packet for Helford Sluce [Hellevoetsluis] whear I arived the 16th. and got hear last night whear as I maid application to Mr. Hope for some assistiance but Could not get non with out your Aprobation as their is know agiant [no agent] hear. Mr. Hope Encloses this to his frind in Parris whear as he will deliver it to Your Honour Whear as I shall be obliged to stay hear till I Receive Your Honour’s assistiance and Instructions. Mr. Hancock has come Along with me and is ancious to see Your Honour. He has boar my Expences to hear and we have not cash enouf to Carrey us to Paris. I left my Brother officers all well when I left Prison. One of the Peopple Died since Capt. Johnson left us and their was two of thim Dangierousley ill when I left them. Sir I remain Your Honours most obedient Humble Servant
David WelshFormerly Secd. Leout. ofthe Lexington Belonging to the United States ofAmerica
Warmoor Straat laste Bible Ann Maugrah Wheir I loge.

Addressed: To / The Right Honorable / Bengiman Franklin / Esqr. Paris
Notations in different hands: David Welsh June 18. 1778 / Monsieur franklin est príe d’envoyer la reponse chez M. Vandenyver freres & C banquiers rue royale butte S. Roch a Paris.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Barbeu-Dubourg, 19 June 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques

Dear Sir
Passy, June 19. 1778
The great Point is to obtain the Consent of this Government to the making such an Equipment as is proposed. We apply’d yesterday for that Consent, and hope to have an Answer today. If favourable, your friend shall be gratified with a Commission immediately, on giving the necessary Security to observe our naval Regulations, and not to commit hostilities against any Nation but the English. I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Mr Dubourg
Notations in different hands: To M. Dubourg 19 June 78. from B. Franklin / M. Franklin est bien faché de le malheureux Evenement qu’empeche


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 19 June 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles 19 Juin 1778
J’ai appris aujourdhui, Monsieur, l’Arrivée de la fregate La Nymphe venant de Boston ou M. de Senneville est arrivé Le 5 May avec les deux Passagers. Je vous prie de me mander si vous avez reçû quelques Nouvelles. J’ai l’honneur d’etre, Monsieur avec une parfaite Consideration, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
De Sartine
To Doctor franklin


Title: William Moore to the American Commissioners: a Petition, 20 June 1778: résumé
From: Moore, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Paris, June 20, 1778, in the third person: He is a native of New Jersey who has just returned from the East Indies, where he and his brother have property. They were about to move it to Great Britain; now that he knows the situation there, however, he wants to transfer his own to the United States and to persuade his brother and several friends to do likewise. May he have a passport to return to the East Indies, and leave to go from there directly to America with a ship and cargo?>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 20 June 1778
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
York Town June 20th 1778
By a most unlucky Mistake I did not forward the Resolve of May 5th. with the Ratifications of the Treaties sent in that Month in the Packets A.B.C.; but I have sent them in D.E. via Martinique; and now forward them in F.G. via Boston, not allowing myself to wait for the Concurrence of the Committee in a joint Letter.
Our Troops were in the City of Philadelphia the morning of the 18th. The Intentions of the Enemy in evacuating it cannot yet be explained. Our Army is in Motion and will press them. The Gazettes contain every Thing material. By the Arrival of Mr. Sim: Deane May 2d Capt. Courter May 18th. Mr. Stevenson June 10th and Messrs. Holker and Carmichael June 18th. we have the Favours of yourself and other Friends in Continuance. Commissioners will be particularly nominated to transact our Affairs at Lisbon and the Hague, if those Courts are well disposed towards us.
We are now growing anxious about our worthy Friend Adams. I am affectionately Your most humble Servant
James Lovell.
Honble Doctor Franklin

Endorsed: Mr Lovel’s Letter with Resolve of Congress
Notation by John Adams: Mr Lovels Letter June 20 [in another hand: 1778] inabling Power to withdraw the 11. & 12. Articles.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Hyacinthe Magellan, 20 June 1778
From: Magellan, Jean-Hyacinthe de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My very dear and most respected friend
Paris this 20th. June 1778
I cannot help writting these Lines as a heartly farewell, loaded with all faithfull wishes and deep concern for your wellfare and of every one who has the happiness of being personally engaged in your glorious Cause, that of your own mother country. I am extremely sorry, that my Little position in the world allows me but dry wishes to offer, and still more that the too early date of my age does not permit any personal service on my part towards so noble an undertaking. But I hope that I shall never see the time of saying, victrix causa diis placuit, sed victa Catoni and will return home to our once agreable, but now ungratefull Land, well pleased after observing the good prospect and favourable appearances on your side.
I have not yet received any Letter from you to your phil[osphic]al Friends, who are as anxious as possible to see them: but I hope you’ll not forget, if possible, to send them this evening.
Please to honour me with some place amongst your most sincere heartly friends, and ever depend on the truest regard and esteem my dear Sir of your most obedient devoted servant
Magellan
My directions are at the Count d’Herouville’s rue du Fauxbourg St. Honoré no. 6 à paris and no. 12 Nevils court Fetter Lane London.
Please not to forget, that the President de Saron and all his family and relations are of the most sincere and honorable caracter. He is one of the most ingenious Philosophers I know, very good Mathematician, and very clearly headed man. I know him these many years: and every one who is acquainted with him, cannot fail of doing him this justice.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsr. Benjamin Franklin / à Passy / pres de Paris
Notation: Magellan


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 20 June 1778: résumé
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Versailles, June 20, in French: I have received a letter from M. Schweighauser asking about the disposition of the prizes taken by the Ranger and Providence. I am answering that the usual formalities, although handled amicably, should be observed, and am forwarding this information to you and the admiralty officers at Brest.>


Title: John Paul Jones: Questions for the American Commissioners, [after 20 June 1778]
From: Jones, John Paul
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

[After June 20, 1778]
I ask the Commissioners
Whither they do or do not mean that the Ranger should depart before her Prizes are Realized?
Whither the advances paid to the seamen must be deducted from their Prize Money, and at what Rate?
And whither it is not inexpedient for a ship that is Crank, that sails slow, and that is of a triffling force, to pursue a tract where there is almost a Certainty of Meeting with the Enemies fast sailing ships of superiour Force?

Endorsed by Franklin: Capt Jones’s Questions


Title: The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 21 June 1778: résumé
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<York, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1778: The British commissioners have arrived, sent their credentials to Congress, and received the answer printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette of the 20th. General Clinton, now commanding the British army, evacuated Philadelphia on the 18th and crossed into Jersey; General Washington followed with his army. A Mr. Holker has arrived from France and presented a paper to Congress, couched as if he represented the court and asking to present a verbal message about our negotiating with Great Britain; but he had no credentials for his mission. Please tell us as definitely as possible whether he is an authorized emissary.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 21 June 1778
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A L’Ecole Royale militaire le 21e. juin 1778.
Le tendre attachement que je vous ai voué, Monsieur, et la profonde vénération que je conserverai toute ma vie pour vous ne me permettent pas de différer à vous envoyer copie d’une lettre que je reçois de La haie. Pourquoi tout le monde ne voit-il pas votre cause comme moi? Elle seroit celle de l’Univers entier: si Mr. Le comte de Saint-germain l’eut voulu, j’eusse combattu et je combattrois aujourd’hui pour vous: privé de ce glorieux avantage disposés de moi dans toutes les occasions ou je pourrai vous servir et vous éprouverés qu’il n’est rien au-dessus de l’admiration que vous m’inspirés et du tendre respect avec lequel je suis Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Le CHR. De Keralio

A la premiere vue je vous nommerai la personne qui m’écrit. Elle mérite votre confiance.

Notre Bonne amie dans toutes ses Lettres me charge de vous présenter son hommage et de faire mille amitiés à Mr. votre fils: veuillés L’assurer de mon sincere attachement.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to All Commanders of Armed Vessels Belonging to the United States, 22 June 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: All Commanders of Armed Vessels Belonging to the United States

Gentlemen,
Paris, June 22. 1778
Whereas the Religious Society commonly called the Moravian Brethren, have established a Mission on the Northern Part of the Labradore Coast, for the good purpose of civilising and converting to Christianity the Barbarians who live there, and by that means put an End to their Custom of plundering and murdering the People of our Fishing Vessels and others passing in those Seas. And whereas those Missionaries and their Families depend for Subsistance in that unfertile Country, on the Supplies annually sent them, and on the Friendship of the Natives, which is maintain’d by little Presents of Iron Ware, all furnished by charitable Subscriptions in England; the Interruption of which Supplies might hazard the Loss of those pious Missionaries, and ruin an Enterprize beneficial to Humanity. I do therefore hereby certify, that the Sloop Good Intent, burthen about 75 Tons, Capt. Francis Mugford, carrying in the present Voyage about 5000 Bricks for building Chimneys with Provisions and Necessaries for the Missionaries and their Assistants, and some Ironmongery and Tin Ware for the Indians; The Crew consisting of the Captain, Mate, three Men and a Boy; and the Passengers One Man and three Women; is the Vessel employ’d in the above Service for the present Year. And I request if the said Vessel should be met with by any of you, that you would not consider her as a Merchant man, proper to be made a Prize of, but rather concur benevolently in promoting so good a Design, by permitting her to pass freely, and affording her any Assistance which the Casualties of the Sea may have rendered necessary, in which I am persuaded your Conduct will be approved not only in your own Breasts, but by the Congress, by your Owners, and by all Mankind. Wishing you all Success and Prosperity, I have the Honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servant
B FranklinOne of the Plenipotentiary Ministers ofthe United States at the Court of France.
  To all Commanders of armed Vessels belonging to the United States of America.

Notation: 22 June 1778


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 22 June 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir,
Passy, June 22. 1778
On considering the Affair of presenting the Copy of the Treaty, it is thought best to postpone it till the Arrival of the Ratification, which is now daily expected, as we have Advice of the Arrival of the Treaty at the Congress, and that the News of it had been received with Universal Joy.
We have also the News, that our little Fleet, which was convoyed out of the Channel by M. de la Mothe Piquet was safely arrived, with great Quantities of Stores, Clothing, Arms, &c. &c. I am ever, Your affectionate Friend
B Franklin
M. Dumas

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Dumas / à la Haye
Notation: Passy 22e. Juin 1778 Mr. B. Franklin


Title: William Castle: Petition to the American Commissioners, 22 June 1778: résumé
From: Castle, William
To:

<[Bordeaux, before June 22, 1778:] Your petitioner came from Ireland to Bordeaux, to obtain American papers for his voyage home with a cargo. The French authorities seized my ship because it was under British colors, and will probably confiscate it unless the government intervenes. The vessel belongs to me and my brother; we bought it to go to America. Many Philadelphia gentlemen know us, including John Ross at Nantes. If you do not help us we shall be ruined by losing everything “that we have bin Long plowing the Oacen for”; God knows what will happen to our family.>


Title: Pierce Powers to the American Commissioners, 22 June 1778: résumé
From: Powers, Pierce
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brest hospital, June 22, 1778: I was wounded in the engagement with the Drake, and am recovered enough to go home. Now that I can no longer serve my country, please get me passage as soon as possible.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 22 June 1778
From: Melmoth, Courtney
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
London June 22. 1778
A friend of mine going into Holland promises to put this into the Posthouse at the Hague for me. It is to inform you that all my hopes here with regard to fortune are in such Confusion and my Embarrassments so multiplied, it is impossible for me to answer my Wishes in regard to the Money I owe either you or others so soon as I could desire. To say the truth I am at present destitute of all prospect of being as I had a right to expect; owing to a thousand concurrent cross Circumstances. Mrs. Melmoth shares this Anxiety in the keenest degree, more especially because it retards the justice I owe Dr. Franklin. What Course we shall yet take to extricate us from such cruel difficulties is uncertain, but be assur’d Sir the first moment of fair fortune shall be made use of (whether it happens sooner or later) to assure you how much I think myself bound to return you the Sum you entrusted to my Integrity at a time when it was of so essential a Service. In the mean While I hope you will receive the affecting Circumstances of my fortune as an apology for delay, and hold me in your Esteem as heretofore. I am thinking of going into Ireland to deliver some Lectures on Oratory to the young People there, in the hope of its being a little profitable. Adieu Sir, I am, with the greatest truth, and with the best compliments of Mrs. M. Your most obedient Servant
C: Melmoth.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy. / Pres de Paris / En France.
Notation: Melmoth London June 22. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 23 June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, June 23, 1778: Mr. Joy Castle of Philadelphia informs us that his bark Jane, William Castle master, and her cargo have been seized at Bordeaux on the King’s order as British property. He is an American citizen, abroad because of sickness in the family, and now wants to return home, where he has an estate. His ship was loaded with provisions in Ireland and put in at Bordeaux to reload for the United States. He has taken the oath of allegiance. We believe his statement and ask to have his property restored and his vessel cleared.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 23 June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

<Passy, June 23, 1778: Thank you for your letter of the 18th and its information about freight. We have ordered Captains Whipple and Jones to return home, carrying as many arms and stores as possible. Enclosed are Congressional resolutions to govern you in distributing the prizes of the Providence and Ranger, the Drake belongs wholly to the captors. We have a prospect of exchanging prisoners.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 23 June 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Whipple, Abraham

<Passy, June 23, 1778: We have a prospect of exchanging prisoners, and want from you a list of all those you have; we will let you know where to send them for exchange. Load as many arms and goods as you safely can; Mr. Schweighauser will provide them. If he has a ship ready for America, convoy her. Take as many prizes as possible; feel free to go out of your way to annoy the enemy and, if feasible, to harass their Newfoundland fishery; do your best also to intercept transports off the coast. Cover with lead any dispatches you may have from us or the government, and sink them if necessary.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Hutton, 23 June 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hutton, James

Passy. June 23. 1778.
My dear old Friend has here the Paper he desir’d. We have had a marble Monument made at Paris for the brave General Montgomery, which is gone to America. If it should fall into the Hands of any of your Cruizers I expect you will exert yourself to get it restor’d to us, because I know the generosity of your Temper, which likes to do handsome Things, as well as to make Returns. You see we are unwilling to rob the Hospital, we hope your People will be found as averse to pillaging the Dead. Adieu. Yours


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Baron de Sainneville, 23 June 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sainneville, ——, baron de

Sir
Passy, June 23. 1778
I have just received safe the several Letters and Packets you did me the Honour of forwarding to me. Please to accept my thankful Acknowledgements for your kind Care of them. They speak of you with great Regard, and express some Concern that our People had it not more in their Power to manifest their Respect for your Person and Affection for your Nation. With great Esteem I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
BF.
Capt Sainneville

Notation: Letter to Capt Sainneville


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 23 June 1778: résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, June 23, 1778: Our only news is the official reception of the Marquis d’Almadovar. He leaves tomorrow for six days in Paris, and is not expected to reside long in London. No word of the Boston.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Montresor, 23 June 1778
From: Montresor, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourable Sir:
Bordeaux june the 23th 1778:
Since my departure from paris I Have Been very Busy in fitting out for Mister Basmorin and Mr. Chaumont, the frigate vengeance, mounted with 24 nine pounders Thirty swivels, 24 oars, 220 good men, must part foreigners the tender rangler mount’d with six three pounders, 20 swivels, 36 oars, and 50 men. Commanded By Lieutenant Barned one americain, having part of her Crew of the same nation. All will Be ready in twenty days for the farthest. I am in great hops of finding somme good ocasion of giving the strongest prouve of my good will for the wellfare of Liberty and our attachement for the united states. Your honour will Be so kind to send me his orders as soon as posible and if in Case there is some particulars that my Be of sarvice in anoying the Ennemies I should Be very proud to Be of some sarvice in this ocasions. Let the things Be as it please I shal allwais Be your honour most humble and most obedient servant Sir
Francis Montresorat Mr Basmorin in Bordeaux
My humble respects to the honourables deputys of the Congress

Notation by John Adams: Mr Montresors Letter from Bourdeaux 23d June 1778


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Antoine Borel], 24 June 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Borel, Antoine

Sir
Passy, June 24. 1778
On reading again the Prospectus and Explanation of your Intended Print, I find the whole Merit of giving Freedom to America, continues to be ascrib’d to me, which, as I told you in our first Conversation, I could by no means approve of, as it would be unjust to the Numbers of wise and brave Men who by their Arms and Counsels have shared in the Enterprize and contributed to its Success, (as far as it has yet succeeded) at the Hazard of their Lives and Fortunes. My Proposition to you was, and continues to be, that instead of naming me in particular, in the Explanation of the Print, it should be said, The Congress, represented by a Senator in Roman Dress, &c. As it stands, I cannot consent to accept the Honour you propose to do me by dedicating the Print to me, which I understand is in this Country considered, as an Approbation. And in my own Country, it would hurt my Character and Usefulness if I were to give the least Countenance to such a Pretention, by recommending or promoting the Sale of a Print so explain’d. Upon these Considerations I must request that if you are determin’d to proceed in the Engraving, you would in a new Prospectus change the Explanation, as above propos’d; and dedicate the Print not to me but to the Congress. I have the Honour to be Sir, &c.
Rejection of Dedication


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Boylston, 24 June 1778
From: Boylston, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London June 24th. 1778.
It is [with] much pleasure I embrace this Opportunity of inquiring how you do on this Stormy and Tempestuous Ocean of existence where I think I see you continually at the helm, the Thunder ever rattling around your head, while you sit securely shrouded under your own intellectual rod of Fortitude and Truth and equally defy its impotence and rage.
As the inclos’d may be of some little service to our unhappy Townsfolk I know it will be my apology for the trouble of your transmitting it being with most ardent wishes for your Prosperity, Sir Your Most Obedient Servant
John Boylston

PS Pray my Compliments to Mr. Adams.
Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Notation: John Boylston Londres 24 juin 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 24 June 1778
From: Genet, Edme-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Versailles ce 24. juin 1778
J’ai l’honneur de vous remettre les six [dix?] lettres que vous avés bien voulu me confier. J’en ai fait des Extraits, que vous reconnoitrés par les marques à l’encre sur la marge. Et je viens de les envoyer à Mr. le Comte de Vergennes. Vous aurés pû voir aussi que j’en ai rapporté quelques passages dans le No. 46 des affaires de l’angleterre où je crois qu’on les lira avec le plus grand interêt. Le No. 47 est tout prêt à paroitre; mais j’attendrai qu’il vous soit arrivé quelque nouvelle, pour qu’il l’annonce à tout Paris dans les vingt quatre heures, et j’aurai toujours ainsi un numero prêt à sortir, des que vous voudrés bien m’en donner le signal. Cet ouvrage périodique est entierement a vous. Je recevrai toujours vos ordres par la poste. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble et tres obéissant serviteur
Genetpremier commis des affaires étrangères

Notation: Genet 24. Juin 1778.