Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 28 January 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
28 Jany 1780
I wrote you under dates the 11. 12. & 14th by a friend Mr. B——r, whom I am now under dayly expectation of seeing. The Bearer of this is an honest Captain of a Ship from my own neighbourhood, & one of a respectable & numerous family. He has a ship & means to push homewards with Her, & from my recommendation is inducd to be a supplicant to you for such aid as you lately gave to Mr. Sterry & Mr Smith. The Vessel is the Brigantine Brighton, 100 Tonns, British Built, 8 Guns, & mannd with 10 or 11 Seamen: The Bearer is owner & Capt of Her, but as others of our Countrymen are concernd it would be well for the ——— to run thus Capt. Walter Belt, Captain Aron Sheffield, & others Citizens & subjects of ——— &ca. This vessell will certainly take out above ten thousd pounds worth of useful & necessary articles; This is my motive for helping the matter forward, & for the serving & putting in the right situation six or eight good friends. It will be a great obligation to me Sir if you can be servicable in the matter to the Bearer Capt. Belt—
We are yet in a state of uncertainty about the American Cartel— The seeing a regular one Establishd between France & Engld. & the having been so often put off with hopes, makes the Prisoners very turbulent, often to break Goal & come distressd to the Capital, & to induce several to enter on board the navy. The subscription is quite expended, but I got a few days ago a supply from the overplus of M Wilkes’s subscription to his Election for Chamberlain of fifty pounds; this I fear will be soon gone, & there have been 20 added to the number since I last wrote.— Those at Millford to the amot. of 32, liberated themselves last week, made off with a vessel loaded with flour & goods & got safe away. No steps are yet taken or likely to be taken for liberating an equal number of Americans to those permitted to come from Boston in the Ship Bob Capt. Dukin to Falmo. wth 95, and the Polly Capt Mitchel to Bristol with 35. Nor are those releasd by Rects at Sea the least attended to. The constant Answr. of the board of sick & hurt when enquird of about the detention of the Cartel, is, that she is detaind for the want of specification of numbers from your side— however the real reason is, the fear of these Prisoners getting quickly on board Paul Jones’s Squadron. Capt Manley formerly of the Hancock & since Commr of a continental Ship is now a prisoner at Plymo. & very poor & distressd; I would help him but I am really so distressd on accot of what I have already advancd those unhappy people that it is out of my power to give him aids of money. The Bearer will give you 8 or 10 News papers by wch you will learn the currt. news of the day— 12,000 Ton of shipping is engagd to carry 5,000 of Faucits cattle to Ama. in the spring, & we talk big of carrying every thing before us in that quarter.
The loss of the Posts on the Mississippi, & of Pensacola, are thought lightly of here, all is lost in the grand naval success’s agt. the french victuallers in the West Indies, & of the capture of six Spanish men of war & 18 Transports near the Bay Biscay this month, & we are quite sure Rodney will raise the seige of Gibr & do mischief to Cadiz.
I understand that Mr I——d [Izard] has lost his passage from Amm [Amsterdam] to the Wt Indies, & is at a loss at present what to do towards getting out. The Bearer will take care of any thing you may have to send here. I am wth. very gt. regard Sir Yr obt Ser
J.V. Drouillard
D.H. is so much out of Town & out of the way of personal application to the board of sick & hurt, that I have pressd him by letter to get Mr Hodgson (who some time ago wrote to you but has yet had no Ansr.) to act as a go-between wch will give Mr Hodgson an oppery of now & then speaking to some good purpose towards the expediting the Cartel.
Since writing the foregoing relative to the arrivl from N York, a friend of mine has it at second hand from the Capn. arrivd that the fleet for the Southern Expedition was certainly to sail the day after the homewd bound fleet wch. saild upwds of 100 in number the 23d Dcr.
5,000 men are the numbers sent to the soward & six men of war. 3 days after the sailing the homeward bound fleet was dispersd totally by a severe storm, wch the arrivd Captain, thinks must have dispersd or driven off the Coast the men of war & transports carrying the Troops. It was generally given out that Chas Town was their destination.

 Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur B— Franklin / Passy
Notations in different hands: Digges Jan 20. 1780 / January 28 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 28 January 1780
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London 28 Jany 1780
I did myself the pleasure to write you on the 23d of Novem under Cover to mons Grande, which I fear much did not come to your hands, otherwise I presume you wou’d have done me the favor of a Reply— I have subjoined a Copy of that Letter, & nothing att all having been done nor a Syllable passed betwixt Mr Hartley & the board of Sick & Hurt from that Time to this I am induced to trouble you again on the Subject & beg you woud favor me with an Answer— The Weather is now very severe & your Countrymen here from that alone are suffering exceedingly, as our Subscription is exhausted can only reserve a little for Fire— They grow quite disheartened by their long Confinement & by the delusive hopes that have been so often held out to them of an Exchange— I have been this day again with the board of Sick & Hurt in order to inform myself fully upon what Circumstances the Cartel was delayed, they protest to me, that they are as desirous of an Exchange as I can be & seemed to wonder the Affair Slept in the Manner it did— There are now about 400 Americans here which they declare themselves ready to send of immediately upon your Assurance that you have in France a Number equal thereto & that you will upon Arrival of the Vessell cause an equal Number to be returned & they wish you to Name a person at Morlaix to whom the Ship is to be consigned to take Cognizance of the Prisoners delivered &c in the Same manner as was practised by the other Cartels which went to Nantze. Mr Hartley is out of Town & the Affair in my Mind from Principles of Humanity only, requiring dispatch I am induced to write you once more in hope by your Answer of being able to bring the Matter to a point, if you have an equal Number of Prisoners in France the board of Sick wish for another passport for a Vessell to take prisoners as they cannot all go in one nor even two Vessells—
I am informed that the Crews of the Ships taken by P. Jones are exchanged as being taken by the French, under an Agreement betwixt the English & French Ambassaders at the Hague, so they are now out of the Question. Having in this Correspondence no other View but that of Relieving the Distresses of the Prisoners on both sides I apprehend no consequences from the Correspondence & therefore subscribe myself Dr Sr Your most obed Hbl Sev
William Hodgson
 Addressed: Dr. Franklin / à Passy / pres de / Paris
Notation: William Hodgton London 28 Janvier 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Scott, [28 January? 1780]
From: Scott, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris, Friday evening [January 28, 1780?]
I did myself the pleasure to give you a call yesterday but was not luckey enough to find you at home. I purpose to depart for Lyons &c in 2 or 3 Days & have been today with Mr. Frin to consult about a pass; he says it is necessary but may be attended with a delay of a Week or 10 Days, unless I had good friends to assist me— In Short he advised me to ask the favour of your assistance, saying that by your interference it would be granted immediately.
May I beg the favour of you to do me this pleasure, tomorrow if it be possible & you’l infinitely oblige Sir, Your mo: Obedt Servt.
Geo: Scott
N.B. I have wrote our friend, & told him what you desired me to say. The pass must be from Marseilles for Naples.

 Addressed: The Honourable / Benj: Franklin Esqr. / Passey
Notation: Geo: Scott


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, [before 29 January 1780]
From: Fleury, François-Louis Teissèdre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
[before January 29, 1780]
The king has dezired me to send to him my medaille; I did answer, you had Received order to have it struck; & that as soon it would be done, I should present it to him.

If it was possible it Could be struck next week, I would be much obliged to you. Or if you have too much business, give me that Care; tell me the price you intend to put to it, & I shall Carrefully follow your directions.
I Could wish in one side the fort of Stonypoint, with this motto.
aggeres, paludes, hostes victi.
On the other side. A crown of Laurels, with a flag Struck. & this motto— Corona muralis.
Round it, the united States to L. C. Fleury.
I beg you would answer to Me as soon as possible, & believe me very Respectfully your Most obedient humble servant
FLEURYhotel de picardie Ruë de seine à paris.
 Notation: Fleury.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Pierre de Chaumont, 29 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Chaumont, Jean-Pierre de

Sir
Passy, Jan. 29. 1780.
I beg pardon that I have not sooner written to you on the subject of the Propositions you left with my Grandson. I have been indispos’d; and I imagin’d you might possibly call on me, as mentioned in your note.
We are much obliged to the Prince for his Goodwill to our Cause and Country, and for his friendly offer. But as I do not find considering my Instructions, that I am sufficiently authorized to enter into a Treaty of the kind proposed, all I can do is to transmit the propositions to the Congress, and request their orders. The great Distance will make this an affair of Time, and it is possible, considering the Interruption of Correspondence occasion’d by the War, that an Answer may not be obtained in less than six months. How far it may be convenient to his serene Highness to wait the Result must be left with him, and I will either send the Propositions over, or return them to you, as you shall direct. Be pleased to present my Respects to the Prince, and believe me, with great regard, sir, &c.
A Monsr. Chaumont secretre. General des Hussards et de Meur. Le Duc De Chartres au Palais Royal.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Fleury, 29 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Fleury, François-Louis Teissèdre de

Sir,
Passy, Jan. 29. 1780.
Having as yet had no Medal struck here, I am not acquainted with any Artist of that sort. If you can find one, and bring him to me, I will endeavour to agree with him to get it done as soon as may be; but I cannot imagine it possible in so short a time as you mention. I cannot state any certain Sum till I have talked with the artist. I thought to enquire of Mr. Tillet hotel des Monnoyes who must be acquainted with such Artists. He is your Neighbour, and I wish you would request him as from me, to recommend one.
With the greatest Esteem, I have the honour to be &c.
M. Le Colonel fleury hotel de Picardy Rue de Seine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 29 January 1780
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 29th Jany 1780
Mr. Adams left Bayonne the 25th he makes only short Stages and will not arrive here before to morrow. The Confederacy is certainly foundered we should otherways have had some inteligence had she been Captured or put back it is upwards of ninty Days since she left the Capes of Delaware.
Our Correspondence with the United States is cruely obstructed the private ships sailing in Convoys whose departures are unfixt Letters for months remain unforwd. Monthly Packet Boats in the Plan formerly from Falmouth would be of infinite benifit the Expence if prudently conducted would not be very heavy. We have had no arrivals from America many months at this port we are as if disunited. We Expect some valuable Arrivals Dayly. With due respect I have the Honor to be Sir your most Obedient Servant
John BondfieldHis Excellency Ben Franklin Esq Paris
 Addressed: His Excelly Benj Franklin / Esq / Paris
Notation: Bondfield John 29. Jany. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Luke Ryan, 29 January 1780
From: Ryan, Luke
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hounoured Sir
Dunkirk the 29th. of January 1780
I am happy in Informing your Excellency that my heath being perfectly restablished, my Good friend Mr. John Torris has fulfilled his promise, in purchasing for me the fine and Large Cutter of 150 tuns Lately commanded By Captain royer which I have Named the fearnot, mounting 18 Carriage Guns 6 pounders and 20 swivels and about 90 of the Ablest men Crew, Nothing in the world Gives me more pleasure than to find a fresh oppertunity to Distinguish Myself in the Cause I have embrassed and to render further services to the Nation I have sworn Allegeance to, and especially to exert my abbilities for Deserving new Commandations from your Excellency, I have been offered a french Commission, but I thanked the offerers, and I will not Serve otherwise but under American Colours, and I persuade myself Your Excellency will approve of my refusal and Inclinations and Will grant me fortwith the Commission from Congress, I Do sollicit for the Cutter privatteer the fearnot under my Command, Mr. John Torris has wrote for it to your Excellency, as early as the 15th. Instt. under Cover of Mr Coffin then and now at paris but this Gentleman for his or his friends private views, Did not hand the Letter and Differed 7 Days to Answer and to propose my Owner A scheme which can never Do for us and Mr royer. Be what he will in the mind of his friends, he is not Calculated to have me under his Command, and I am bold to ensure your Excellency that my Cutter manned as she is, may Do as much harm to the Enemy as one of Double her force, and I will not Expose myself to the Insults of french Officers.
My Cutter shall Cruise by herself and our schemes for the Bristol fair of March, will I trust Deprive the fair of some Linen and other valuable Ships, the Delay of 14 Days Mr: Coffin Occasioned me is very prejudiciable and Expensive Indeed, the Cutter is ready and the Provisions all Prepared. I besceech your Excellency, to send me the Commission with out Loss of time, we are Impatiently waiting for it, and wasting away the most Precious moments.
I am with Gratitude and respect Hounered Sir Your most humble and most Obedient Servt.—
Luke Ryan
P.S. I have Desired Mr. Torris to pettion your Excellency to Grant me on board the fearnot, 8. good prisoners, I have brought into this town, september Last, and I hope your Excellency will bestow or make a present of thier Delivery to me, and I hope In return of your kindness I shall reimplace them with ten time the Number.
 Addressed: To / His Excellency Benjm. Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary from the / united States of North america / at the Court of france, / Passy / Via Paris
Notation: Capt Ryan Jan 29. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Allaire, 31 January 1780
From: Allaire, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

31 Janr: [1780] Hotel de Saxe Rue Colombier
Mr. Allaires respectfull Compl: to Dr. Franklin has sent him Edens Letters to Carlile.

Begs his Acceptance of a Bottle of Old Madeira, wishes he had more, it should be his Service.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Diot & Co., 31 January 1780
From: Diot, John, & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Morlaix 31st. January 1780.
We did our Selves the honnour to Write to your Excellency, The 12th. Instant, to the contents whereof we beg Leave to Refferr.
This Serves Chiefly to forward to your Excellency a Coppy of the Journal of the Black Prince privateer, captn. Pattrick Dowlin Commander, come into the road of Brest the 16th. Instant, to Repair. We wou’d have Sent it Sooner to your Excellency, had it not been for the Ship Camden Stranded at Perros, which Requiered our attendance there, as well as the brig Betzy, which oversatt in the harbour of Brest, haveing been detained a considerable while in the Road, for want of a permission to enter in the harbour, and which was granted after great many difficulties.
Your Excellency was undoubtedly informed ’ere now, of the Safe arrivall in Audierne, of the prize, Brig Owner’s Adventure, from London to Cork With Flour, Peas and Iron, and of the Sloop Providence in Cherburg from London to Barmouth, loaded with Wool.
There is Two of the Black Princess’s prizes out yet and We are greatly afraid of their being Retaken or lost. Both privateers will be ready for Sea in a few days.
We must Renew our Entreaties for your Excellency’s Speedy Judgment and Condamnation of Their prizes, the cargoes whereof wou’d Sell Vastly better now, on account of the great demand there is at present for provisions of all Sorts for the french Navy.
We hope, Sir, you will take them Reasons in Consideration.

We are most Respectfully Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most humble Servants
Jn. Diot & Co
His Excelly. B. Franklin Passy.
 Notation: Diot Jan 31. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Scott, 1 February 1780
From: Scott, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris the 1st. February 1780
My Servant went yesterday to Versailles about a passport. The Count de Vergennes received him very politely, said he could not get ready to return by him, but would give it you today, so I now take the liberty to send my Servant for it.
It will be Friday before I can depart. I wait for some letters from Messrs. Crommelins which I expect by Thursdays post; I thought they would have come by last nights post, but, I am disappointed.
I have thought a good deal about writing our very worthy friend Dr. P——. If you have not yet wrote him, I would beg leave to reccommend you to do it soon as you can conveniently, because I am persuaded your answer will give him much sattisfaction— And I would also reccommend, if you think proper, for one of the Franks I gave you to put it in a cover directed to Mr. Johnson the Doctors Bookseller in St. Pauls Churchyard, & put that under another cover to Messrs. Crommelins of Amsterdam desiring them to forward it regularly. I think this will be a better way than sending a letter naked, because, I fear the office keepers in England will open it, & altho it may contain nothing but private Friendship, yet I think it would be more agreeable to the Doctor to have it under cover, for various reasons. The Ministerial writers are very ready to abuse the Doctor already; & it hurts me to hear him reflected on, because, I am authorized to say, from my own knowledge, he is an honest man, a benevolent friend to liberty, & to mankind.
I am with true Esteem & regard Sir Your mo: Obedt. Servant
Geo: Scott
If could favour me with 2 or 3 news papers to peruse, would oblige me much, & shall return them carefully.
The Negro I sent with my last message has said he is to wait upon you again. From this circumstance I suppose he has offered his service to you. If this is the case I think it my Duty to inform you he is not a Freeman & in other respects I believe, he would not suit. For further particulars I beg leave to refer you to my Servant.

 Addressed: The Honourable / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Passey
Notation: Geo Scot Paris 1st. feby. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 February 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & honoured Sir.
Nantes Feb 1. 1780.
The last Post from Bordeaux brought me my Letters from america brought by Mr Adams and among them I recvd one for you which you have inclosed. I likewise inclose you a Letter from Capt Manly who is now in Mill Prison, it is addressed to Mr William Bradford but that Gentleman being now in america & having desired me at his Departure to open all Letters to his address, I opened this from Capt Manly; I shall in answer assure him that the Exchange is not neglected & that he will have his Turn. He is a brave Officer & deserves attention.
M de Chaumont has directed me to draw on him for Funds which I suppose you know and approve. Among the Furniture I found no mention of Buckles which I suppose to be an Omission & am therefore laying out for 15000 Pair conformable to the Congress Order.
I hope Mr Adams will soon be with you, when he arrives please to present my Respects to him. I am ever most dutifully and affectionately Yours
J Williams J
 Notation: J Williams Feb 1 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 2 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Digges, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Passy, Feb. 2. 1780.
I received duly your favours of Jany. 9. 10. & 11. I gave Orders immediately for the Acceptance and Payment of the Bill you drew on Mr. G, and you may rely on its being done.
Mr. Carmichael is not yet arrived, nor is there any News of the ship in which he sail’d. Mr. Adams is not yet arrived in Paris but daily expected. The story of his bringing propositions of Peace from the Congress is not probable.

I have written a little of my mind about the Cartel and the Parole Prisoners to Mr. Hodgson. I wish to know what is done with those sent from Boston.
Capt Cunningham is gone with Come. Jones, on a Cruise. I procured the Discharge of Mr. Hartleys Captain Stephenson.
But as such Acts of Benevolence are totally disregarded in England, and no one American has ever been set at liberty on account of the Numbers of English we have liberated, I am asham’d to ask more such favours.
With great Esteem, I am, Dear sir, &c.
M. Digges.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Taylor, 2 February 1780
From: Taylor, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Circus Bath 2nd. Febry. 1780
I find myself under very great difficulty how to address you on a matter of private concern, when your time is so much taken up with public business but presuming on the many former instances of kindness you have shewn me, I hope to meet your forgiveness, if I act improperly by requesting your opinion on an affair of great moment to myself & large family.

You may possibly recollect the Warrant I have for a very considerable tract of Land in Pensilvania in Right of Ralph Fretwell, which my Father declin’d prosecuting least the proprietary influence shoud have forced him to an imprudent expence. The Opinions however of the American Lawyers on the matter were clear that no length of time cou’d invalidate an equitable claim— Of this you are a more competent Judge—
The original Warrant from Wm. Penn to Fretwell is for a specific tract in Chester County, which Thomas Holmes neglected to survey, and during the disputes necessarily arising from his neglect Fretwell died, and the land was afterwards parcell’d out by the Proprietors to other Purchasers. The Lawyers think it might possibly have prov’d difficult to recover the precise Land mention’d in the Warrant but were clear that the Proprietaries might have been compel’d to confirm the like quantity whereever it cou’d be found unlocated in the Province— The original Warrant now in Chas. Brockdens office (under the Province Seal & hand of Wm. Penn), is for twelve miles square.
The late law passed in Pensilvania for vesting the Proprietaries Estates in that Commonwealth has a clause that appears favorable to my claim, but how I shou’d proceed in the matter I shall be totally at a loss unless You will be so obliging to consider the case, and favor me with some advice on the subject— Some of my friends seem to think I shou’d prosecute my Claim at Law, others that I shou’d endeavor to obtain a review & confirmation of it by Petition to Congress, & among all I am totally at a loss what step to take— Whether the interesting any Gentleman or Company on America in the Property who wou’d attend to the business on the Spot, or what other method wou’d be best to pursue I know not; it is a matter of importance & deserves no doubt a speedy prosecution— But I will take up no more of your time, except to assure you Sir, how much I rejoice at your health & happiness (which a friend lately return’d from France (Mr. D——s) gave me an account of )— I pray God for a long continuance of it for your own sake, and for the satisfaction of all who are so peculiarly happy to know you, & the advantage & improvement of mankind in general.
My wife & mother desire their most respectfull Compliments to You & I am Dear Sir with great Respect Your much obliged & Obedient humble Servant
John Taylor
 Addressed: Monsieur Monsieur / Benj: Franklin. / Passy
Notation: Tailor Mr. John, Bath 2. Fevr. 1780.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bennett Lloyd, 3 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lloyd, Richard Bennett

Dear Sir
Passy, Feb. 3. 1780.
I received The Letter you did me the honour of Writing to me The 8th. past. This is the first good Opportunity I have had of answering it. All the Circumstances you mention considered, if you think you can have leave to pass by New York I see nothing amiss in your attempting it and I heartily wish you a prosperous Voyage. As to Conveyances from hence, they are very uncertain or too hazardous for your family to risque, and from Holland they will not be so frequent to Eustatia as here to fore; their ships now going, only under Convoys; and you have afterwards the Risque of being taken between that Island and the Continent. Mr. Izard after waiting long there for a Passage, is returned to Paris having given over that project.
What you desire to communicate to me, may be written and will come safely to my hands, if you put your Letter for me under a Cover to Mr de La frété en son hotel Chaussee d’Antin, a Paris.
Make my Respects acceptable to Mrs Lloyd and believe me to be with sincere Esteem, Dear sir Y. m. o. & m. h. S.
M. LLoyd.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Two Hundred Eighty American Prisoners, 3 February 1780
From:
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your Excellency
Febry. 3d. 1780 Forton prison
Wee the American prisoners Residing at forton Prison Take the Liberty of Informing you by a Couple of Gentleman from this place the Situation Of the prisoners on this side the Atlantic and the Bad Consequences that attends the Neglect of them. We have Wrote to you on the Subject by the Conveyance Of Mr. Newsham but for fear of its Miscarrying we Beg Leave to Send you duplicates we are in a great Measure destitutute of Cloathing, in want of a great Many Articles for which we suffer, such as shoes Stockings fuel and articles etc— The Season being Cold and blusterring our donation has been of great Service to us but it is now almost Exhausted being For this Some months past only a three pence per week. We are Very discontented amongst us being Informd By Mr. Newsham that it is intirely owing to your Neglect that we have not gone for Long ago there Being two Cartels taken up for that purpose and Waiting allready, for your Acount of the number & Place where you would have them sent. But we cannot Have faith Enough to Credit his story’s on that Subject tho daily and hourly Repeated to us. We Are kept in prisons situated in the midst of their Marine Hospitals where Rages all kinds of Distempers their Corpse is brought through the Midst of us sometimes nine or ten of a day quite Contrary to all Humanity. We are a growing Very Sickly amongst us Scare [scarce] a day but more Or Less is taken down with the fever. We are Very disconted indeed being told as we said before Itt is intirely owing to you that we have not Been Exchanged. Some Numbers have Lately Entered on Board his Britanic Majestys Ships having but Little hopes of being Exchangd Being daily told it was all your fault and we Had no body else to blame and finnally they Did not think our people Cared any thing About it or they were not fitt for that place For Certainly we should have gone Long ago Had it not been for their Neglect and they Further add that his Excellency Dr. franklin’s Age has Rendered him Incapable of that Office and we are Sorry to Inform you that if A Cartel should not come shortly there will Be But Little need of one as a great many More will of Consequence Enter their Circumstances Is Such. We Earnestly hope therefore your Excellency will Condescend to Answer this and Lett us know what is the Reason of our being Kept here so Long when Britain would Exchange Us as we Cannot think it is owing to our own people from your Excellencys Respectfull obedient humble Servants & Countryman
280 American prisoners

Should your Excellencys Condescend to Answer it Please to direct your Letter to Mr. Wren The Reverend
 Addressed: His / Excellency the American / Embassador att the / Court of france / Paris
Notation: Prisoners in Fortune Prison 3. Feb 80.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 3 February 1780
From: Hare-Naylor, Georgiana Shipley
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bolton Street Febry 3d. 1780
How shall I sufficiently express my raptures on recieving your dear delightfull letter & most valuable present. The pleasure I felt was encreased if possible at the sight of the beloved little lock of Hair, I kissed both that & the picture a 1000 times: the miniature is admirably painted, the Artist (whose name I wish to learn) appears inferior to none we have in England: as for the resemblance, it is my very own dear Doctor Franklin himself, I can almost fancy you are present, nay I even think I see you smile at the excess of my happiness, while I am writing it lies on the table before me, it will ever be my constant & favorite companion, & not only make me happier but better as long as I live, “fingar et ad mores, te recolendo, tuos.”
The whole family are as much delighted with the picture as myself, my father says, he perfectly recollects the serious yet cheerfull countenance & the superior mind, that used to convince & charm him, he often considers his banishment from your society & correspondence as the loss of the most solid pleasure of his life, & sometimes cannot help flattering himself that we may still outlive the unfortunate circumstances, that part us.
We spent all the last summer in Hampshire, the greatest part of it at Twyford, a place endeared to me by the recollection of former happy times, I believe it is a peculiar blessing that we are not permitted to look far forward into futurity, since how greatly would the pleasure we once indulged in your society have been imbittered, could we have forseen this long & melancholy separation. As I had much leisure in the Country, I employed it in teaching myself Latin; I send you two odes translated from Horace, that you may judge of the progress I have made, & I do this the more willingly as I know your affection for your pupil will incline you to be a partial Critic.
I have lately been reading in Peck’s desiderata curiosa the account of Lord Burghley, & imagined I discover’d in every page many traits of my dear Dr Franklin, indeed there is a strong resemblance between the characters of great & good Men in all ages.
The love & respect I feel for my much-valued friend are sentiments so habitual to my heart that no time nor circumstance can lessen the affection, with which I subscribe myself Your ever gratefull & ever obliged
Georgiana Shipley


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 4 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bondfield, John

Sir
Passy, feb. 4. 1780.
I received your favour of the 27th. past. I begin to be apprehensive with you for the Fate of the Confederacy. The only hope we have is founded on the Report of some Persons who Left philadelphia 10. Days after she Sail’d, that it was understood there, that she was to call at Charlestown before she quitted the Continent. If that was the Case, she may yet be safe, which God grants. There is some Talk here of establishing Packets, but nothing yet resolv’d on. Mr. Adams is not arriv’d, and from your Letter, I shall not expect him till the middle of next Week. I wish to know what became of the Cannon you procured for us; as I do not remember to have heard whether they are shipt for America or in what manner dispos’d of— I thank you for your kind Intention of sending me a Turkay but it never arriv’d, with great Esteem, I have the honour of being, sir, &c.
M. Bondfield. Bourdeaux.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Torris, 4 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Torris, John

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 4. 1780.
I received but a few days since your favours of January 17. and 18. I send here with the Commission desired for Capt. Ryan & The fearnot. I heartily wish you and him all the success you desire and deserve. The Bond is to be executed and Left at Mr. Coffin’s, where you will find the Commission, as the English have paid no Regard to the written paroles taken by the black Prince in his former Cruizes, and have not return’d us a Single Man for all the Prisoners she releas’d nor for 220. others released upon like solemn Paroles by the General Mifflin, and Hancock Privateers last Year, I think it right, and it is now my Instructions to all your Captains who act under Commissions from Congress in these seas, to Trust no more to such Paroles, but secure their Prisoners in the best manner, they can and bring them into france. By this means an equal Number of our Country men will be delivered in Exchange from the long Captivity they have suffered in England, and an Essential service rendered to The United States, of which I shall take care to inform the Congress.— I consent to the request made by you and the brave Captain Ryan, of giving Liberty to The 8 Irish Prisoners he desires to take with him and I shall request the Officer in whose Care they may at present be, to deliver them to Capt. Ryan accordingly. With best Wishes for your success and Prosperity, I have the honour to be. Sir &c.
M. Torris. Dunkerque.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Ray de Chaumont, 4 February 1780
From: Chaumont, Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Passi ce 4. fevrer. 1780—
Chaumont a L’honneur de prevenir M. franklin que M. Villiam a tiré sur luy Chaumont pour 250 mils Livres de Lettres de Change a valoir sur L’habillement des troupes americains qu’ils font executer par œconomie pourquoy M. franklin doit se Munir d’un Bon de M. D’harvelay de 250/m l.t. qui Serviront a acquitter Les traites de M. William que M de Chaumont acceptera avec L’autorisation de M. franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 4 February 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
London 4th Feby. 1780
I wrote you a few lines by Capn. B—— [Belt] the 28th ultio, & hope to have it in my power in a few days to forward the Contents of this by another friend for fear it may be lost by the common conveyance of Post.
The Royal Society at their last meeting, came to a resolution to have a certain number of Gold, Silver & Copper medals struck of Captain Cooke; & that those of the Gold ones should be presented to the Societys abroad, to the King, to the Empress of Russia, King of France &ca &ca.— These last, in testimony of the humane and liberal orders those potentates gave to their navy officers and Cruizers for the protection & safety of Captain Cooke. At the time such orders were issued in France, we were informd here, that they were procurd thro your solicitation or recommendation; and that similar Orders were given by Congress, thro’ you, to the Ships of War of the United States of America, or at least to some of them in distant stations from America. My particular friends Mr. Jones & Mr Paradise (two Gentn well known among the literati & who were with you in Paris last summer or spring) were present when this Resolve passd in the Royal Society, and they spoke in favor of a medal being given to the Congress & to yourself in consequence of the attention shewn from that quarter to the welfare of Captain Cooke: The proposition was well receivd by the Society, & the President declard the medal or medals should be so given provided proofs could be obtaind within a month that such orders were ever given by the Congress or you to any Ship or Cruizer belonging to America. As I am given to beleive such orders were given, I do not let a post pass over without informing you of the Resolution & declaration of the Society in order that the proofs may be obtaind for the right to ask the medal. My friends before mentiond, as well as many others of that society particularly known to you will give their aid towards getting it, & I should be made very happy by your Commands as to forwarding the proofs or any other assistance in my power. I wish you every happiness and am with the highest esteem Dr Sir Yr. obligd & Obt. Servt
W: S: Church
 Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin / Passy
Notations in different hands: Digges Feby. 4. 1780 / Feb 4 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [——— d’Anglemont], 5 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Anglemont, —— d’

Sir
Passy, feb. 5. 1780.
Mr. Torris informs me that eight of the Prisoners formerly brought in to Dunkirque by the Black prince an american Privateer are desirous of serving under Capt. Ryan in the fearnot, and that the said Captain knowing them, and placing Confidence in them, is desirous of having them in his service; I do hereby request that you would be pleased to deliver the said Eight Prisoners to Capt. Ryan where in you will much oblige me, who have the honour to be. Sir, y. m. o. & most h. S.

M. Le Commissaire des Ports et Arsenaux de la Marine pour le departement de Dunkerque.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Luke Ryan, 5 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ryan, Luke

Sir,
Passy, feb. 5. 1780.
I received yours of the 29th. past, am glad to hear that your Health is re-established, and that you have got a Vessel that you like. I send by this post the Commission you desire, to which I make no doubt you will do honour by your Bravery and good Conduct: I send also to The Commissary, my Request that he will deliver to you the eight Men you ask for. No regard being paid in England to the written Paroles of discharged Prisoners taken in your former voyages nor a man returned in Exchange for them, & 220 more taken by other American Privateers, you are henceforth to secure all your Prisoners as well as you can, and bring them all in to france.
I wish you a prosperous Cruise, and safe return with much Profit and Honour, being, with great Regard, sir, &c.
Capt. Luke Ryan of the fearnot American Privateer at Dunkerque.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 6 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Price, Richard

Dear Sir,
Passy, Feb. 6. 1780
I received but very lately your kind Favour of Oct. 14 Dr Ingenhausz who brought it having staid long in Holland, I sent the enclos’d directly to Mr L. It gave me great Pleasure to understand that you continue well. Take care of yourself. Your Life is a valuable one. Your Writings, after all the Abuse you & they have met with, begin to make serious Impressions on those who at first rejected the Counsels you gave; and they will acquire new Weight every Day, & be in high Esteem when the Cavils against them are dead & forgotten.— Please to Present my affectionate Respects to that honest, sensible & intelligent Society who did me so long the Honour of admitting me to share in their instructive Conversations. I never think of the Hours I so happily spent in that Company without regretting that they are never to be repeated. For I see no Prospect of an End to this unhappy War in my Time. Dr Priestly you tell me continues his Experiments with Success. We make daily great Improvements in Nature— There is one I wish to see in Moral Philosophy; the Discovery of a Plan; that would induce & oblige Nations to settle their Disputes without first Cutting one anothers Throats. When will human Reason be sufficiently improv’d to see the Advantage of this! When will Men be convinc’d that even successful Wars do at length become Misfortunes to those who unjustly commenc’d them, & who triumph’d blindly in their Success, not seeing all its Consequences. Your great Comfort & mine in this War is, that we honestly & faithfully did every thing in our Power to prevent it. Adieu, & believe me ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
BF
Dr Price


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Scott, 7 February 1780
From: Scott, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Paris the 7th. February 1780
I return you my best thanks for the trouble you took for me in the procuring me my passport— I find I cannot depart until Wednesday— I purposed to have gone this evening, but, on application at the Bureau, my servant found all the places taken.
A thought has occurred to me, which has induced me to take the liberty (before my departure) to ask you a question, which question I shall state upon a seperate paper & enclose in this. I shall send my Servant with it down to Passey to morrow morning, & if you can return me answer by him, I shall esteem it a particular favour.
I am with very great regard Sir Your most obliged & most Obedient Servt.
Geo: Scott
Benj: Franklin Esqr.
 Addressed: The Honourable / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Passey
Notation: Geo Scott. Paris 7. fr. 1780.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Priestley, 8 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Priestley, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Passy, Feb. 8. 1780
Your kind Letter of Sept. 27. came to hand but very lately, the Bearer having staid long in Holland.
I always rejoice to hear of your being still employ’d in Experimental Researches into Nature, and of the Success you meet with. The rapid Progress true Science now makes, occasions my Regretting sometimes that I was born so soon. It is impossible to imagine the Height to which may be carried in a 1000 Years the Power of Man over Matter. We may perhaps learn to deprive large Masses of their Gravity & give them absolute Levity, for the sake of easy Transport. Agriculture may diminish its Labour & double its Produce. All Diseases may by sure means be prevented or cured, not excepting even that of Old Age, and our Lives lengthened at pleasure even beyond the antediluvian Standard. O that moral Science were in as fair a Way of Improvement, that Men would cease to be Wolves to one another, and that human Beings would at length learn what they now improperly call Humanity.—
I am glad my little Paper on the Aurora Borealis pleas’d. If it should occasion farther Enquiry, & so produce a better Hypothesis, it will not be wholly useless—
I am ever, with the greatest & most sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Yours very affectionately
BF.
Dr Priestley

Separate Paper
I have considered the Situation of that Person very attentively; I think that with a little help from the Moral Algebra, he might form a better Judgment than any other Person can form for him. But since my Opinion seems to be desired, I give it for continuing to the End of the Term under all the present Disagreeable Circumstances. The Connection will then die a natural Death. No Reason will be expected to be given for the Separation, and of course no Offence taken at Reasons given. The Friendship may still subsist, and in some other way be useful.— The Time diminishes daily, and is usefully employ’d. All human Situations have their Inconveniencies. We feel those that we find in the present, and we neither feel nor see those that exist in another. Hence we make frequent & troublesome Changes without Amendment, and often for the Worse. In my Youth I was Passenger in a little Sloop, descending the River Delaware. There being no Wind, we were obliged, when the Ebb was spent, to cast anchor, and wait for the next. The Heat of the Sun on the Vessel was excessive, the Company Strangers to me & not very agreeable. Near the River Side I saw what I took to be a pleasant green Meadow, in the Middle of which was a large shady Tree, where it strook my Fancy, I could sit & read, having a Book in my Pocket, and pass the Time agreably till the Tide turned. I therefore prevail’d with the Captain to put me ashore. Being landed I found the greatest Part of my Meadow was really a Marsh, in crossing which to come at my Tree, I was up to the Knees in Mire: And I had not plac’d my self under its Shade five Minutes before the Muskitoes in Swarms found me out, attack’d my Legs, Hands & Face, and made my Reading & my Rest impossible: So that I return’d to the Beach, & call’d for the Boat to come and take me aboard again, where I was oblig’d to bear the Heat I had strove to quit, and also the Laugh of the Company.— Similar Cases in the Affairs of Life have since frequently fallen under my Observation.—
I have had Thoughts of a College for him in America. I know no one who might be more useful to the Publick in the Institution of Youth. But there are possible Unpleasantnesses in that Situation, it cannot be obtain’d but by a too hazardous Voyage at this time for a Family: And the Time for Experiments would be all otherwise engaged.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Baron de Servières, 8 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Servières, ——, baron de

Sir
Passy, Feb. 8. 1780.
I never say or heard of the Book you mention. If such a Work has been published in England, undoubtedly you may obtain it by sending thither for it. Having never lived in that Part of america where Tobacco grows, I know nothing of its Cultivation. If I could give you any material Information on the subject, I should do it readily and chearfully. I have the honour to be sir, &c.
Mr. Servrere a Hesdin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 8 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vaughan, Benjamin

Dear friend
Passy, feb. 8. 1780.
I received your favour of Nov. 2. in which I see you have started a good deal of philosophical Game; let me know from time to time your success and send me some of the Venison.
Mr. fabrony call’d to see me, but express’d no desire of altering his Voyage, and proceeded immediately to Italy.
I received also yours of Jan. 4. with the Sheets of the appendix but I have not yet received a Compleat Volume, if you have sent it.
When the 5the. Edition of my Philosophical papers was printed, I was to have had 100. Copies. I think I had but about 50. I wish to have a Dozen more to give to friends on this side the Water. Can you transact this for me, and add to them a Dozen of the 4to. Edition you have made. They may be sent by Way of Ostend; with a few, if you please of the octavos.
Should I live to see America, I could furnish you with Materials for 2. or 3. Volumes more.
Remember me affectionately to the good family, and believe me ever, my dear friend. Y. m. sincerly &c.
M. B. Vaughan.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William R. Boyd et al., 8 February 1780
From: Boyd, William R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Nantes febry 8 1780
The Humble Petition of the Mariners formerly belonging to the Patriote Captain Green.
To his Excellency the Right Honorable Benjamin Franklin Prime Minister of the 13 United States of America.
Sheweth
That Your honours humble Petitioners as met with the Misfortune to be Cast Away and has lost the best Part of our Apparel Owing to the Vessel sinking so sudden which was in about fifteen Minutes;
Your humble Petitioners hopes Your Honour will take our Case into Consideration as we are all Subjects to America to Supply us with Nourishment as here is no Possibility of Shipping our Selves till next Month on the Account of no Vessels fitting out. Your honours Petitioners have Apply’d to Messrs. Schweighauser & Doubery for Assistance, which they did for Nine Days & they mention to us it is not in their Power to assist us any longer untill they here from Your honour. Your Petitioners as tryd all means to Ship, but their is no Possibility for the Americans that is here is all man’d. Your Honours humble Petitioners hopes you will take our Case into Consideration and your Petitioners will ever Pray
Wm R BoydJesse HardingRichd. RylandThos. QuinnMathew HagginTho. McKinneyMathew SylvesterWm. RobertsJoseph BrownJohn JohnsonRichard SweetingEbenezer Newcomb
  Notation: Petition of several men that was cast away. Nantes Feb. 8. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 8 February 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured & dear Sir
the Hague febr. 8th. 1780
Herewith I send you the remedy I promised in my last.
Somebody writes to me what follows “Un Capitaine arrivé depuis peu en Zélande m’a assuré avoir vu le Cape. Jones a plus de 50 lieues à l’Ouest de l’Irlande, tenant route opposée avec une prise.”
873. 337. 64. 833. 879. 470 419., 30 & 16 would 168. But 2. 879. 470. 601. 419. till 8. 48. 935. 395. 757.
This is but to try our cypher. Somebody tells me, that the Baron de La H—— of whom I wrote you formerly, is no more to be trusted than 10. 12. & their 373. 339.
I still am anxious for our poor confederacy, & the friends she carries. Perhaps she has been obliged, by a storm, to put back in some American harbour.

I am with great respect Honoured & dear Sir your most humble & obedient servant.
Dumas
Passy His Exc. Franklin
 Notation: Dumas, la haie Feb. 8. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Penet, D’Acosta frères & Cie., 8 February 1780
From: Penet, D’Acosta frères & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Nantes Feby. the 8th. 1780
May it please your Excellency, as we are ready to expedite to North America a vessel call’d the Kensington, to accept our services you may commit your dispatches to the Care of Samuel Smith Commander of sd. vessel: And at the same time, We beg, you would forward us immediately a Commission for war; you will find here annex’d the usual obligation with its Clause.
We have the Honour to be with true Esteem & profound respect Sir, Your most obedient & very humble servants
PENET D’acosta FRERES & CO
His Excellency Doctor Franklin


Title: Certificate Condemning Prizes, [before 9 February 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[before February 9, 1780]
I the underwritten, Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to the Court of France, have perused the Procés Verbaux, or Examinations taken before the Judges of the Admiralty of the Eveché de Vannes, and by them transmitted to me, relating to the following Captures and Ransoms made by the Black Prince Privateer, Capt. Patrick Dowlin on the 26th. 27th. and 28th of December last, viz
The Brigantine Betsey, Capt. Abraham Button, ransomed for 210 £ Sterling, William Button Hostage.
The Sloop Hereford, Capt. William Jones, ransomed for 110 £ Sterling, Nathaniel Bowen, Hostage.
The Brigantine Polly, Capt. Thomas Corving, ransomed for 1050 £ Sterling, John Causfield, Hostage.
The Brigantine Nomey, Capt. Paul Tremeam, ransomed for £262.10.0. Sterling, John Husband, Hostage.
All which Captures, &c


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 9 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Digges, Thomas

Dear Sir
Passy, feb. 9. 1780.
I have just received yours by Capt. Belt I shall Comply with his request as he is recommended by you. I have written largely to Mr Hartley by Mr. Barber and before to Mr. Hodgson about the American Prisoners and the Cartel.— I am concern’d for Capt. Manley, who is a brave and useful Officer, and desire you to supply him with Necessaries to the amount of 25. Guineas. Inclos’d I send you a Bill for 100£; out of which I request you to pay Messrs. Brown, Collinson and Triton the Sum of which I owe them, and take their Receipt in full, and keep the Rest in your hands to assist poor Prisoners. I hope they will all be now soon off your hands and at liberty. A Lady here has seen a kind of Irish Stuff which she understands is called Independance. She desires a Piece of it to make a suit, she has given me the enclos’d Sample. I must beg the favour of you to procure it for me and send it by some good Opportunity as soon as you can.— P.J. is put into Corunna. But will soon be out again.— I am—Dear Sir, y. m. ob. &
Mr. Digges.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Patrick Dowlin, 9 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dowlin, Patrick

Sir,
Passy, feb. 9. 1780.
I received yours of the 27th. past, I congratulate you on the success you have had against our Enemies of which I had the pleasure of hearing before, by the Copy of your Journal sent me by Mr. Diot. The Prisoners you have brought in will soon procure us the Liberty of as many of our Countrymen, Who have long been confin’d in the Goals of Great Britain. It is there fore an Essential Piece of service to the United states; and as the English pay no regard to the written Paroles formerly taken from the men who were Prisoners to the Black Prince and set at Liberty, I think it right that you should Trust no more to The honour of that Nation, which has refus’d to return us a single Man on Account of those Paroles and of others taken by the general Mifflin and The Hancock Privateers to The amount of 220 Men; and for the future, I desire that you would secure your Prisoners as well as you can, and lodge them in french or Spanish Goals, by which means you will have the satisfaction of relieving many poor Captives and recommending yourself to the favour of Congress. I wish you a properous Cruise, and have the honour to be sir y. m. o. and m. h.
Capt. Patrick Dowlin of the Black Prince at Mr. Chancey’s mercht. in Roscow.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Rinquin, 9 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rinquin, ——

Sir
Passy, feb. 9. 1780.
I received the Letters you did me the honour of writing to me the 21st. of January and The 2d. of this Instant; with The Proces Verbaux relating to The ships the Jacques Thomas, and The Camden, both of which I judge from the Said Procés to be good Prizes; as also those which were ransomed and for which William Hillier and Robert Story were Hostages. At the Request of Mr. Torris of Dunkerque, I have sent these judgements with others to him. With great Regard I have the honour to be sir, &c.
M. Rinquin, Greffier de L’amiraute à Morlaix.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Torris, 9 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Torris, John

Sir,
Passy. feb. 9. 1780.
I send you herewith the Judgments of the Sloop Providence, the Brig. James and Thomas and The Ship Camden also that of the Two Ransomers for the Brigt. success and The Brig. Samuel.— The Proces verbaux relating to The Brig. Owners adventure, and the Brig. Betsey which you mention are not yet come to my hands. As soon as I have receiv’d and perus’d them, I shall send you the judgments. I have the honour to be. Sir &c.
M. Torris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Chantereyne, 9 February 1780
From: Chantereyne, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Cherbourg le 9. fev 1780
Jai lhonneur de prier votre excellence de voulloir bien me faire passer le jugement de Confiscation de la Prise La Providence, faite par le Corsaire Americain Le Black Prince, dont la Procedure vous a eté adressée par notre Amirauté de Cherbourg par la voye de M. Du Coudrey.

Jenvoye à la bourse de Paris les affiches pour la vente que jai eté autorisé à faire le 6 Mars, en voici un exemplaire.
Je Suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur, Votre tres humble & tres obeissant serviteur
De Chantereyne
M. le docteur francklin.
 Notation: Chantereyne Feb 9. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Churchill Houston, 9 February 1780
From: Houston, William Churchill
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Philada. 9 February 1780
I take the Liberty of troubling you with the enclosed Letters to put them in the Way of reaching the several Persons to whom they are addressed, being assurred you will excuse it.
A Plan at this Time lies before Congress for establishing regular Packets to France which bids fairer to be attended with Success and Execution than any hitherto attempted or projected. It is to be hoped when this is carried into Effect, the Court of France will adopt a similar Measure. The Connection and Intercourse between the two Nations require such an Establishment, and will also be greatly promoted by it. Should this take Place, the Committee of Foreign Affairs will not find it so difficult to communicate constantly with the Gentlemen who manage the Interests of the Union abroad. It is to be lamented that so great a Slackness has prevailed in this respect hitherto, it being indeed difficult to find Conveyances every way suitable, but the proper Improvement has not been made in many Cases even of such as offered.
I have no Wish to increase Your Excellency’s Labour of Correspondence, but beg Leave to mention that I would willingly endeavour to make your Intelligence more frequent, if agreeable to you, being satisfied that the publick Interest may derive Advantage from the regular Communication of Facts though unattended with reflections.
By Dispatches dated 22 December last from General Lincoln at Charlestown in South Carolina we are informed that the Enemy are quiet in the Town of Savanna and it’s Environs, and have not made any Irruptions into the Country as was apprehended. From this I am led to beleive that they suffered more deeply than we supposed when the Town was attempted by the allied Forces under the Command of Count D’Estaing and General Lincoln. It is also mentioned that the Spaniards have attacked the English Settlements on the Mississippi, and made nine Hundred Prisoners, and that an Expedition from the Havanna was shortly expected to proceed against Pensacola or St Augustine. A large Detachment is ordered from the main Army in New Jersey into the Southern Country, so that in all Probability Things will go well there. Vigorous Preparations are making on our Part for the ensuing Campaign. The Enemy since the Evacuation of Rhode-Island possess only York-Island and the two adjacent, and have about the End of last Year embarked six or eight Thousand Men for the Southward or the West-Indies, perhaps both.
I beg Leave to request, Sir, you will be so good as to procure me the Nautical Almanack for 1780 and 81 published in London under the Direction of the Comissioners of Longitude and which, I suppose, can be had in Paris. It is not to be bo’t here, and I had rather give any Price than be without it. I will answer your Bill to any Person in this City, and acknowledge the Kindness by any Services in my Power.
I am, Sir Your Excellency’s most obedt Servant
William Ch Houston
His Excelly Benj Franklin Esqr
 Endorsed: Mr Houston


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 10 February 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Peckam Feby. 10. 1780
I wrote you on a matter of business by Capn. B——t [Belt] the 28th. ulo. & hope as the interest of himself & five or six other Countrymen is nearly concernd, the prayer of his petition has been complyd with. I have many applications of a similar nature; & I rather encourage them, from seeing the advantages that must arrise to the Country for which they are meant, as well as the getting home the effects & property of some useful citizens who might be lost from remaining too long here. Whenever there is an appearance of discouraging such adventure from the other side, I am to hope you will give me an item thereof; in order that I may save the expences of some who may hereafter risque a trip to P——s for such a help— It is most likely there will be one or two others very shortley.
This will be given you by a friend whom I have a particular regard & esteem for; I need not mention his name or worth to you, & his whole story will be best explaind by himself; I am sure your aid will not be wanting to Him, & my trouble, if any there has been, in helping him away, will be amply repaid in the thoughts of the future services He may do where He is bound.
I am sorry that nothing is yet done further abot. the Cartel— The office of Sick & Hurt, parrys every application for the vessels sailing, with a reply that she is only detaind for want of the necessary specification of numbers from you. Many have enterd into the navy, & I am seldom without half a dozn. on my hands here; for no sooner does one set get away, but another arrives. Mr Hodgson has wrote to you twice on this head partly by solicitation from me to do so: I think more might be done thro Him than by D H, (at least at the Office on Tower Hill), for, with the best intentions & wishes to do good, that Gentn. is so much out of Town & employd in other Party matters, that the necessary business for the Prisoners cannot be duly attended to by Him.
The passengers on parole (particularly some of those by the Ship to Bristol the Polly Cap Mitchell, for the others have been rather idle or negligent towards getting the terms of their release complyd with) have been active in their applications to the Admiralty, but they are not likely to succeed. They are told that the terms cannot be complied with; that they should not have made such an agreemt with Rebels; and that they are not on a footing with the Rebel prisoners here who can only be releasd by a form of act of Pardon &ca.; nay, they have gone so far as to deny from under Mr. Stephens’s own hand, that a Cartel ever existed between this Country & the Amn. Agents in France for the Exch. of American Prisoners here against those carryd into France by American Cruisers. They have behavd so shamefully on the whole that the suffering parties have concluded on bringing the matter before the House of Commons, & most likely it will be movd next week by Burke & Hartley in one house & Lord R——m in the other.

Mitchells ship is seizd as a Scotch prize, & lost to Him intirely; it has however been intimated to Him at the Admiralty that the worth of Her shall be paid to Him; this is most likely meant to stop his mouth & get him out of the way.— The Partys are to meet Mr. H—— & Mr. B at my rooms tomorrow in order to fix how the matter is to be stated.
I have sent some news papers by the Bearer as well as Burgoynes narrative & the plans of his different movements & maneauvres prior to his saratoga convention— The Book may be of service in Ama altho there is no likelyhood of another British army ever getting to that spot again. I hope the box via Amsterm. has got safe. I drew a bill for the ballance of that & Capt. C——s accot. some time ago, but have not heard about it, as I have not seen the person in the City who negotiated it for many days— I wish you health & happiness and am with the greatest regard Dr Sir Your obligd & obt. Ser
W. S. C——
our friend D H—— is apprehensive that some letters between you & Him have fallen into philistine hands
Since writing the above I am informd by a note from Mr Hodgson that He has recd a line from you & wishes to see me in the morning.

 Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur B. F. / Passy
Endorsed: Feb. 10. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Th.M. Laënnec, 10 February 1780
From: Laënnec, Th. M.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur,
10. fevrier 1780.
Le corsaire des états unis le prince noir a conduit au port d’audierne sous le département de l’amirauté de quimper un Brigantin anglais dont il S’etait emparé. M. Diot Dèpositaire du corsaire a du prevenir Votre excellence de cet èvenement. Mais les officiers de nôtre Siege qui ont Scellé la prise et interrogé les prisoniers aïant omis de vous adresser une expédition de leur procédure, Je remplis ce devoir, monseigneur. M. Diot n’attendra que vôtre décision pour requerir la vente De cette prise dont l’inventaire est achevé.
J’ai l’honneur D’etre avec le plus profond Respect, Monseigneur, De votre excellence, Le Tres humble Et Très obeïssant Serviteur
Th M LaënnecLieutenant particulier de l’amirauté de quimper.
 Notation: Th M Laenna 10. fr. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 10 February 1780
From: Landais, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Please your Excellency
Paris february 10th 1780.
I have been ever Since, January 15th, waiting for the favour of your answer, to the letter I had the Honour to Send you the Same day; and for the Copy of the letter from Monsieur de Sartine to you, in Consequence of which, you Ordered me to come to Paris, which you was so obliging to tell me you would Sent me, as I do want it for to write my justification to that Minister, I beg you would Sent it with your order to Stay in Paris till the time you’ll procure me a proper passage to go to America while the frigate Alliance will be there, for to be tryed by a court Martial, being the only judges that I can have on such Occasion.
I have been detained here for nothing, I find, these Three months past. When I came from Holand I expected Some justice Should be done, and then I Should be Sent back (with the deserved Glory of having by my Conduct in the engagement of the 23d. Sep. last, not only prevented the Bon homme Richard of being taken by the Serapis; but also reduced and made Strike the last Ship, &ca.) to take the Command again of the Alliance and that the malignant Should be punished for his having Calomniated me, but it has been quite the contrary! To what is it owed to; the Command of the frigate has been took from me &a. When I parted from Texel for Paris according to your order, I brought with me only the necessary papers for my justification, and few clothes; and left on board the frigate four trunks, Containings my Clothes, linnen, Bed, books, Sea charts, maps, Mathematicks, Opticks, astronomicks instruments, all the Ship’s papers, my own private papers and great many plans, as I must go as Soon as possible for to Crave justice, and Since I cannot go there without the most necessary of those things: I hop you will procure me with the money necessary to buy them, having been deprived of those I had in following your order, beside, I want some money as I told you the last time for my dayly Expenses.
I Beg as a favour you would Send me the answer by the Bearer.
I am with Respect Your Excellency Most Obedient and Most humble Servant
P. Landais
His Excelly Benjn Franklin Minister-plenipotentiary of the united States at Passy
 Notation: P. Landais Feb 10. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams and Francis Dana, [on or after 11 February 1780]
From: Adams, John,Dana, Francis M.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Friday Morning [on or after February 11, 1780]
Mr. Adams & Mr. Dana present their most respectful Complaments to his Excellency Dr. Franklin and wou’d acquaint him that as Mr. Adams had invited Company to dine with him on Sunday next, previous to his Excellency’s invitation, to dine with him on that Day, they cannot do themselves the honor of waiting upon him.
 Addressed: His Excellency Dr: Franklin / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cradock Taylor, 11 February 1780
From: Taylor, Cradock
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir/
Aix in Provence Febry. 11th 1780
I beg leave to inform your Excellency of my unhappy situation; the Vessel I expected a passage in to Martinico is now Stop’d as they are inform’d of the English fleet being at Gibraltar & for me to go to Bordeaux without money is a thing impossable. I hope your Excellency will be so kind as to take my case into consideration & afford me some small assistance that I may get to my own Country & depend on my gratitude if ever it may be in my power to shew it.
I am Sir with the greatest respect your Excellencies most Obblig’d & most Obbedt. Humbl. Servt.
Cradock Taylor
  Addressed: His Excellency Benjn. Franklin / Esqr. Plenopitentiary to the / United States of America / Parris
Notation: C. Taylor Feb 7. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Wilhelm Augustine von Steuben: résumé, 11 February 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Cüstrin, February 11, 1780, in German: I have received and thank you for your letter of November 21. I am sad to announce that my dear wife has been taken by God at age 73. Please forward the enclosed letter to my son.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 12 February 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Done at LOrient this 12th day of February 1780
On the 23d. day of September 1779 in Sight of Flamborough Head on the East Coast of England I discovered a Fleet under British Colours and made the Signal for Chase with the necessary preparation for Battle.— The Bon Homme Richard of 40 Guns which I then commanded in Person came up with and Hailed the largest Ship of the fleet. The action between them began at Seven o Clock in the evening Within Pistol Shot and ended at ¾ after Ten when the Enemy Struck to the Flag of America having lost his Main & Mizen Masts both Ships being on Fire and dammaged beyond description.— This Prize proved to be the British Ship of War the Serapis of two Battries, having Ports for Fifty two and mounting 44 Guns, Commanded By Commodore Richard Pearson of the British Navy.— In the time of this Action the Countess of Scarborough of the British Navy mounting 20 Guns was also taken By the Pallas under my Command.— These Prizes were conducted to the Texel and after being refitted there they proceeded to Dunkirk where the Countess of Scarborough still remains.— The Serapis is now Arrived at Lorient and there awaits a Sentence of Condemnation as a Prize to the Flag of the United States.—
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary from America at the Court of France.
 Notation: To His Excellency Doctor Franklin No 21— Feb 12 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lewis Littlepage, 12 February 1780
From: Littlepage, Lewis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Nants February 12th. 1780
You will (I doubt not) be surpris’d at an address of this kind from a person unknown; but my situation will I hope be a sufficient apology. I arriv’d yesterday in this City from Virginia in pursuit of Mr. Jay, who generously offer’d me his patronage in America, but an ill state of health not permitting me to go to him at Philadelphia I prevail’d on my Guardian to let me follow him to Europe. I have Letters of recommendation from Mr. de Francy to Mr. Beaumarchais [torn: in Paris, a] Gentleman in this Port, and one in Bourdeaux. I expected to have found Mr. Jay at Paris, but am inform’d he is at Cadiz; and as the distance from hence is very great and myself unaquainted with the languague of either France or Spain I fear the journey will be disagreeable. I am encourag’d to apply to you, Sir, not only from your general character, but from a supposition that you may be acquainted with Mr. Jay, and hope you will not refuse me your advice: I shall remain in this place ’till I hear from you, and then proceed according to your directions: an answer from you will confer an eternal obligation. Sir your most Obedient humble Servant
Lewis Littlepage
P.S. Be pleasd to direct to me at madame M’Cartys at the Fosce of Nants.
 Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin / a Passy
Notation: Lewis Littlepage 12 Feb 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 12 February 1780
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles le 12. fevr. 1780.
J’ai l’honneur, de vous prevenir que le Paquebot Anglois l’heureux armé en Parlementaire vient d’arriver au Port de l’Orient, et comme le nombre des Prisonniers qui sera remis en Echange au Capitaine de ce Batiment ne sera pas égal à celui qu’il a apporté en France, J’ai pensé que vous pourriez profiter de cette occasion pour renvoyer en Angleterre les Prisonniers faits par des Bâtimens du Prince noir qui sont détenus à l’Orient, et je vous prie pour cet effet de donner les ordres que vous croirez convenables à l’Agent du Congrès dans ce Port./.

J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la Consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
(signé) De Sartine.
M. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Puchelberg & Co., 13 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Puchelberg & Cie.

Gentlemen,
Passy. 13. feb. 1780
This is to request that you would cause to be delivered to the king’s Officer in your Port, who has the Charge of sending over English Prisoners in Exchange for french, all the English Prisoners now confined there, who have been brought in by American Vessels, and particularly those brought in by the Black Prince.
I have the honour to be. Gentlemen.
Messrs. Puchelberg & Co Agents for the American Congress at L’Orient.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 13 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir
Passy Feby. 13. 1780.
Enclosed is the Order Your Excellency required of me in the Letter you yesterday did me the honour of writing to me, relating to the English Prisoners brought into L’Orient by the Black Prince, & other american Privateers.

I beg leave to mention to your Excelly. that there are still remaining in the English Prisons 410 Americans, some of whom have languish’d there near three years. They had great hopes of obtaining their liberty in Exchange for those taken by the squadron under Commodore Jones, a great Part of which were taken by the alliance and deliverd to Mr. Le Duc de La Vauguyon under a kind of Promise made by him to M. Jones, that they should be exchanged for Americans. I have not heard that any thing has been done in that Respect, and I fear they will be in Despair if not speedily releas’d. I there fore intreat your Excellency to take that Matter into Consideration, and favour me with as many English Prisoners as may serve to exchange those poor People, when they shall be brought over in the Cartels expected at Morlaix.
The Black Prince, the Black Princess and the Fearnot American Privateers are I suppose now on a new Cruise, and will I hope bring in more English Prisoners; I hope the same also from the Alliance now at Corunna. If we once had our Prisoners from England several other privateers would immediately be mann’d with them, and probably give as much Trouble to The English as those above mention’d.
There were 38. English and Irishmen said to be concern’d in the Conspiracy on Board the Alliance when the Marquis de La fayette came over. They were left in Prison at Brest. I do not see any probability of there being ever brought to a Trial, and perhaps the best thing that can be done with them, is to exchange them for honester Men. If your Excellency approves of it, I will give the same Orders relating to Them, when you send any Prisoners from that port.
With greatest Respect, I am Your Excellency’s &c.
Mr. de Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 13 February 1780
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 13 feb 1780
The arrival of Mr Jay Messrs. Girard and other gentlemen passengers on board the Frigate L’Aurore from Martinico at Cadiz releives the suspence we were under for the fate of the Confederacy you will undoubtedly have Letters by this days post from Cadiz. Don Gaston & Cordova would be united the 20th the active Barcelo sooner than fly run his vessels under the Island of Alaciro where he dismasted one, took of the rudder of a second, Landed his Cannon on the Island to protect his Ships and Stores and will there defend in Front of Gibralter & the British Navy his little Fortress. There are various reports of the Operations in the West Indies where it is apprahend the English with the reinforcemts they have received from New York will be Active either in attempting to recover their ground or put the Island, in a State to resist the Next Campaign. It dont appear any expedition is on Foot against Charles Town as mention is made of arburthnots being arrived at Antiga With respect I have the Honor to be Sir your most Obed Hum Serv
John Bondfield
His Excellency Benj Franklin Esq
 Addressed: His Excellce B. Franklin / Esq / Passi pres / Paris
Notation: Bondfield John. 13. Feby. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 13 February 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored & dar Sir,
L’orient Feby. 13th. 1780
I had the pleasure of writing to your Excellency on my arrival at Corogne.— Having refreshed my people and shunned a Gale of Wind in that Port I Sailed again the 28th. Ulto.— I took a turn to the Westward of Cape Finistre in hopes of intercepting some of the Enemies Ships, but without Success, and meeting with Mr. Haywood in the Livingston on his return from Virginia I thought it my Duty to take him under Convoy.
On the passage from Boston for Brest the Alliance was Broached too and very near being lost.— In that situation the Sea struck with such Violence against the Head that the Cutwater was wrenched considerably out of its place.— When the Ship was hove Down here it would have been an easy matter to have secured the Head. I did not however then know the circumstances nor did my health permit me to attend, and as I understand Capt. Landais only Ordered the part of the Cutwater that projected on one side of the Stern to be Dubbed off.— When he parted from me off the West of Ireland and again in the North Sea the Alliance was steered in the trough of the Swell so that the Ship was greatly fateagued in every part but particularly in the Cutwater which was much loosened.— At the Texel we did all that was possible in such a Road to secure the Head, but notwithstanding it became necessary to Lash it with an Hauser after we got clear of the Channel. This was of course an inducement for me to Steer sooner for this Port than I had Otherwise intended; tho I had yet other reasons. Among these I may mention that I have found it impossible to regain the Trim of the Ship without altering the arrangement of the Ballast, which I understand Capt. Landais has extended along the Ceiling from the Stern post to the Stem: an Idea that I believe he may without Vanity call his own.— Besides to my great surprise there is not a good Sail nor I may almost say a good Rope in the Alliance. Even the Cables were in so wretched a condition that had it not been for a timely Supply of three New ones that I ordered from Amsterdam I should infallibly have lost the Ship in the Severe Weather I found at the Texel.— In short the Situation in Which I found the Alliance appears to me to have been the effect of Slothfulness & Ignorance.
I procured a Second Anchor at Corogne, and we arrived at Groa the 10th. where the Ship still remains the Wind not permitting her to enter the Harbour. From my late fateagues my health is rather impaired; and being when we anchored almost Blind with Sore Eyes, I the next evening came up here at the desire of my Friends.— I have found some benifit from the change of Air otherwise I could not now have seen to Write.
As soon as the Ship can be brought into Port Louis we shall begin to refit without loss of time.— The Head in my Opinion cannot be Secured without heaving down; therefore I wish it could be afforded to Sheath the bottom with Copper, as the Ship would be doubly servicable afterwards.
I ordered some Canvas and Cordage from Amsterdam which did not appear before I left the Texel nor is yet arrived here. As I suppose M. De Neufville means to send these articles after me, perhaps you will now see fit to contradict the Order as I am assured they can be had on as easy terms here.— I wish to know if I am to apply here, as I do in the meantime, to Messrs. Gourlade & Moylan:— and as the Serapis is arrived here I wish she could be made the property of America.

I have the honor to be always with the heighest Respect & most affectionate Esteem Your Excellencies most Obliged and most humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency B. Franklin Esquire &c. &c.
 Notation: J P. Jones Feb 13. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 14 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bondfield, John

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 14. 1780.
I request that you would enquire into the facts represented in the enclos’d Petition, and if you find them true, that you would defray the reasonable Expences of the poor Man’s sickness, and make a Present to his friend of Two Guineas as a small Acknowledgment of his Hospitality and kindness. I have the honour to be, sir, &c.
Mr. Bondfield.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Landais: Certificate, 14 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Landais, Pierre

Passy, feb. 14. 1780.
I do hereby certify whom it may concern, that the stay of Capt. Landais till this Time in Paris, has been occasioned partly on account of the enquiry into his Conduct in the late Cruise and partly as there has been no good Opportunity to My knowledge for his going sooner to america.
B.F
CopyCertificate given to Capt. Landais.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Jonathan
Passy, Feb. 14. 1780
I desire you would explain to me the Reason or Utility of your Drawing on Mr Chaumont on Acct of the Cloathing, which I do not at present apprehend.— I send you herewith several Letters receiv’d from Boston, and am ever Your affectionate Uncle
BF.
M Williams
BF. to J. Williams Feb. 14. 1780 Desiring to know why the Bills were drawn on Mr de Chaumont.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gourlade & Moylan, 14 February 1780
From: Gourlade & Moylan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir
L’Orient 14 Feby. 1780
You will have received advice by the last post of Cap: Jones’s arrival in the Alliance the 10th. inst.— We woud have had the pleasure of giving you that agreeable intelligence sooner, had we not gon down to Groix, (where that Vessel yet remains wind bound) on the notice Cap: Jones gave us of his being much indisposed, but from wch we are happy to tell you, he is recovering fast, since he came on shore.— He applyd to us to supply that ship with the necessarys she was in want of, wch. we complyd with and shall continue therin untill the receipt of your orders.
Mr. Haywood in the Ship Governor Livingston arrived at the same time with Cap: Jones. This Vessel left York River In Virginia the 30th. Decr. last, when 4000 British Troops were expected on another of their charitable visits to Cheasapeake Bay, 4000 more, (for there were 8000 embarked at New York) were, it was said desind for Georgia and that a detachment from General Washingtons Army had marched to succor Virginia.— A ship of the line & a frigate of the Count DeGraces division were laying in Cheasapeake but himself and the other five ships, were obliged to bare away for Cape françois by a heavy gale of wind they met on the American coast and by the arrival in Virginia of a schooner from that Island they had reached that port, but one of his vessels had ran on shore and it was much feard she woud be lost. We have the honor to remain with the utmost respect Hond. Sir Your most obt. & most humble Sts
Gourlade & Moylan
The Honorable Doctor B. Franklin American Ambassador
 Notation: Gourlade & Moyland L’Orient Feb 14. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Stuart et al., 14 February 1780
From: Stuart, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it Please Your Excellency.Dunkerque The 14th. Feby: 1780.
We Humbly beg to Express to Your Excellency Our Gratitude for the Liberty granted us for to Serve with Capt. Ryan on Board of his Cutter the Fear not. We Solemny Promise to Your Excellency to be faithfull in Our Services to the Brave Capt. Ryan & To be ever true to Our Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America, which we Now make in the Hands of your Excellency, with our Warmest acknowledgments to have empowerded us to do The Same, & Therewith follow our Inclination.

We Are with due Respect May it Please Your Excellency Your Most Obedient & most Humble Servants
John StuartDaniel SweneyJames FarragherWalter RoachEdward Sweney his mark XGeorge Moor his mark XWilliam Ohasse(?) his mark XHis Excellency Doctr. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gustavus Conyngham, 16 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Conyngham, Gustavus

Sir
Passy. feb. 16. 1780.
I wrote a Letter to meet you at Dunkirk supposing you might have gone there. This Letter was sent back to me. The Uncertainty of your Stay at the Texel after I heard of your being gone thither prevented my writing to you while there. Inclos’d I send you a Letter from your good Wife. I will inquire for your old Commission, and endeavour to get it back for you. I had Lately a Complaint from spain, relating to you, which I suppose you heard of and settled when lately there. I paid Mr. Digges’s Account. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be sir, &c.
Capt. Conyngham on Board the Alliance, an American frigate, at L’orient.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 16 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Dear sir,
Passy, feb. 16. 1780.
I last Night heard of your arrival at Groa, But have no Letter yet from you. I write this line to acquaint you that I propose to send the alliance out again as soon as Possible that she may be prepared accordingly. As to sheathing her with Copper, I have not the Cash necessary. I have now only time to add, that I am with great Esteem Dear sir, &c.
Capt. Jones, at L’Orient.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lewis Littlepage, 16 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Littlepage, Lewis

Sir,
Passy, feb. 16. 1780.
I received yours of the 12th. Instant, requesting my advice, with regard to your going to Mr. Jay in spain. From the few Circumstances you mention, viz. that Mr. Jay had Once generously offered you his Patronage in America, that you have lately been in an ill state of health, and that you understand neither french nor spanish, I should think it most prudent for you to write first to that Gentleman who is probably before this time at madrid, and obtain his advice and Directions in the mean time you may learn some thing of the french language, and your health may possibly be reestablished and confirmed before you set out on so fatiguing a Journey, thro’ a Country which has not the Best Accommodation for Travelers. The Season too will by the time you receive an answer be more favourable for travelling.
If you have brought any late American Newspapers, I shall be obliged to you for a sight of them. I have the honour to be sir, &c.
Mr. Lewis Littlepage, at Madame Mc. Carthy’s at Nantes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 17 February 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes Feb. 17. 1780.
Mr de Chaumont informs me to day that the Furniture is to be reduced to 10.000 men & I shall conform accordingly.
I informed you some time since that he desired me to draw on him instead of you, and I accordingly sent Bills for his acceptance, he writes me now that he waits for your decision, I beg you will let me have these Bills returned as soon as possible as I shall want them much, I am already considerably in advance now. I do not desire to make a Bill payable before the Times you are to receive the Funds but I should have them to procure Cash, which I can now do with little disadvantage. Please to say also if I am to line the Breeches with Flannel & in general whether I am to observe the Directions of Congress only, because I find in some Instances Mr de C and the marquis de la Fayette differ from the Plan. I mean with regard to the Uniform &c.— I beg an Answer by return of Post & am ever with the greatest Respect ever yours affectionately
Jon Williams J
 Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis / en son Hotel a Passy / Paris.
Notation: Williams 17 Feb 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 18 February 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lahaie 18e. Fevr. 1780
J’ai à répondre à l’honorée vôtre du 27e. Janv. Nous ne savons encore au juste ce que les Etats-Genx. résoudront quant à l’affaire de leur convoi saisi. Pour un si grand affront, voilà bien de la lenteur.
J’apprends avec plaisir, de Mr. Jones lui-même, son arrivée à la Corogne le 16e. Janv. J’espere qu’il a fait quelque bonne prise, quoiqu’il ne m’en dise rien. J’espere aussi que la frégatte l’Aurore & Mr. Gerard vous ont donné des nouvelles consolantes de la Confederacy, &c.
Vous verrez, Monsieur, par les feuilles ci-jointes, que je n’ai point perdu de temps pour l’insertion de la Lettre du Congrès, dont vous ne m’avez pas envoyé l’original, comme vous le pensiez.
537 are 732, 27. long since between 873. 64. LXOWP. How sincerely? 491. him 854–388. 475. 470. 601. I.
Quant aux informations que l’on m’a souvent données contre certaines personnes à 68. il s’en faut beaucoup que je vous les aie toutes communiquées, précisément parceque je craignois (comme vous) qu’elles ne fussent apocryphes, quand je n’avois pour garant que la parole du délateur. Mais la livraison des armes, dont on m’a parlé, s’accordoit avec ce que celui que vous connoissez m’avoit dit lui-même il y a longtemps, d’avoir fait une telle Livraison. Il faut donc, puisque vous n’en savez rien, qu’ils l’aient faite indirectement, sous un autre nom, ou à d’autres Américains.
Je crois devoir, Monsieur, vous fournir copie ci-jointe du Compte du Commissaire de la Marine de France à Amsterdam, à la charge de l’Escadre de Mr. J—— montant à environ 4000 Livres de France.
876. is so much 884. 787. 618. 880. 41. that I 879. 470. 112. 884. 787. 602. 873. 612. alone 498. 884. 153. 463. 610. a 337. 697. 184. 830. here 909. 291. names 322. 573. 2000 Livres.
Je suis toujours avec le plus respectueux attachement, Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S. E. Mr. Franklin Esqr.
 Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plenipe. des Etats unis / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas, la haie Feb. 18. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Mullin: Promissory Note, 18 February 1780
From: Mullin, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

In mid-February, probably in anticipation of the expected prisoner exchange, Franklin printed on his Passy press a quantity of triplicate forms to replace the handwritten promissory notes that he had issued to escaped prisoners. These forms lasted him until June, 1781, when he reprinted them using different type. In March, 1782, he issued a third series, this time set entirely in italic, which kept him supplied until the end of his French mission. The last surviving note is dated May 23, 1785.
The three sections of the first printed form, while identical in wording and general appearance, were curiously inconsistent in a few typographical details. Franklin italicized “America” in the second section, but not in the first or third. He used an ampersand between “Tenor & Date” in the first section, but in no other. And in the dateline, he used a period after “Passy” in the second section, but a comma in the first and third. Although in the second printing he standardized the inconsistent punctuation, he retained the peculiar italicization of “America.” This suggests, at the very least, that the deviation was deliberate.
We publish below a section of one of the two earliest surviving notes. In this case, James Mullin retained the first section, leaving Franklin with the second and third.

	PASSY. [written in blank: 18. Feby.] 17 [written in blank: 80]
I PROMISE to pay to the honourable the President, for the time being, of the Congress of the United States of America, [written in blank: two] Louis d’ors, which I have received here from Benjamin Franklin, Esquire, Minister Plenipotentiary of the said States, and for which I have signed three Notes, all of this Tenor and Date, one of which being paid, the others are to be void.
  SECOND.
James Mullinfrom Philadelphia


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 19 February 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ross, John

Dear Sir,
Passy, feb. 19. 1780.
I am contented that as many of the Public Woollens go in the Alliance as Comme. Jones shall be willing to take on board, he being the best judge of the Quantity that may be carried, consistent with allowance of sufficient Room for the People, Provisions Water, &c. and shall write to him this Day accordingly; I shall also write to him to permit your taking your passage with him if that is your final Resolution. I shall trouble you with a few letters if you go in Capt. Bell.—
With great Esteem, I am sir. Y. m. ob. &c.
Mr. Ross.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 19 February 1780
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Madrid Feby 19. 1780
I cannot Let M. Girard leave this Without a Letter for you altho’ probably he can give you much better Information of the States of Affairs here than it is in my Power to give. I did myself the Honor of writing to you from Cadiz and Informed you of M. Jay intentions of Sending me to this City, a Letter from himself which M. Gerard will deliver, will inform you of the steps He hath taken with this Court & that of Versailles. I can only add that the manner in which I have been received gives me great hopes that we shall not negociate with this Court at such a Distance as we have hittherto done. I was presented on Thursday last to the Count de florida Blanca & don Joseph de Galvez and am to receive an Answer to Mr. Jays letter on monday next, In the mean time I am at liberty to assure him that the King had ordered the Count de florida Blanca to receive any overtures he had to make on the Part of the United States. Some news which I have received here of the continued favorable dispositions of the Court of france give me great Pleasure. I hope this Court will follow an Exemple by which we profit so much. I have pitied your Situation for some time past exposed as you have been to so many imprudent Demands & to so many malevolent attacks. The News which I heard from france make me Hopes that you will be as easy in that Country as you have been invulnerable in America. In consequence of a resolve of Congress I beg you to procure me a Credit here. I did not reflect that Congress could not by a fiat give a value to Paper in Europe, when the miracle became contested in America, if however it can be done, it will be very agreable because it is necessary, We have no other news here, than the Departure of Rodney from Gibraltar, some call it an Escape, you may give what since [sense] you please to the word. I intreat you to remember me to Dr. Bancroft to whom I have already written & to your Grandson and to believe me with great respect. Your obliged & humble Servant
(signed) Wm. Carmichael
Madrid 19th feby. 1780.
M. B. Franklin Esqe.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 21 February 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir
L’Orient Feby. 21st. 1780
I have received your Excellencies letter of the 16th.— I am exceedingly Sorry that the Alliance is not in the readiness that you Imagined.— I was in hopes to have sent for your Satisfaction the Certificate of the Master Builder here respecting the repairs that are indispensably necessary to render the Ship fit for Service; but the Kings affairs out of Town prevented his accompanying me on Board.— The Carpinter of the Ship Certifies that the Cutwater cannot be Secured without heaving Down— that the Ships Bottom wants to be Caulked as well as the Decks and Upper Works, that the Bowsprit being loose must be Shortened by the Hul & Secured, and that the Channel Bars and several knees being loosened must be New Bolted and Secured &c.— I will however send you by the next Post a positive and particular account with the Certificate of the Kings Master Builder as I hope to have him with me to Morrow to Survey the Ship.— If it is found possible to repair her in the Road I shall not think of heaving Down especially as the Copper Bottom cannot be had. The Ship however cannot go to Sea without Sails, and the Rigging must actually be repaired it never having been refitted Since the Ship was Launched.— If there should be found a necessity to bring the Ship into Port or for any assistance from the Port there must be an Order from M. de Sartine.— You may ask me why I did not write for permission Sooner? I answer because I did not know that an Order was necessary from the Minister.— She was detained at Groa till thursday Evening, and ’till that time I was told that the Repairs would be conveniently done at (Terenouvelle) Port Louis at a private Yard, which I thought was better.— Relay on it that I will strictly conform to your Limitations; and if you leave me to Exercise my Judgement I promise you to put the State to no Unnecessary expence.
I have the honor to be always with great and affectionate Respect Your Excellencies most Obliged most Obedient and most humble Servant
Jno P Jones
NB. Unless the Prize Money is paid I shall have my Throat Cut.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. &c &c.

 Endorsed: Commodore Jones
Notation: J.P. Jones. L’Orient Feby 21. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Necker, 21 February 1780
From: Necker, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

While Jonathan Williams, Jr., and Chaumont were trying to arrange the details of supplying the congressional order for army uniforms, and while Lafayette was working to procure the requested arms and ammunition, Franklin was experiencing frustrations of his own regarding the order for tools. There were no English-French dictionaries that included this kind of specialized technical vocabulary, and no English-speaker in Paris, it seems, was familiar enough with the implements to be able to describe them accurately to French toolmakers. The French translation of the Congressional invoice simply left blank spaces next to the problematic tool names, citing the English in parentheses. Evidence of the struggle to communicate can be seen in the margins of this translation, where crudely-drawn sketches served as illustrations. Unable, finally, to specify in words what Congress required, Franklin resorted to the following scheme: he would procure from England one of each kind of tool, to serve as models.
The purchasing agent was William Alexander, who made a brief trip to London in mid-December. With the help of London merchants Biggar & Hamilton, he arranged for the models to be shipped to the care of Mr. Bowens at Ostend, who forwarded them to Paris on January 24. Perhaps by February 5, the date of the missing letter to which Necker’s below is the reply, Franklin had gotten word that the packages were on their way. If so, that was the last he heard of them until he went to the customhouse on June 1, 1781, to investigate their disappearance.
Long after Franklin had returned to America, he impressed on his friend Pierre-Samuel Dupont de Nemours the need for a bi-lingual dictionary of “articles of manufacture,” using as his example the story of this hardware. They had cost him 25 guineas, he said, but were lost in transit, and the scheme was dropped. But after the peace was declared, he continued, American merchants resumed ordering their tools from England, because their invoices were easily understood and would be executed “precisely.”

Paris le 21. fer. 1780.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 5. de ce mois relativement a différents modèles d’ustensiles de fer que vous avéz fait venir d’angleterre par ostende et donc vous demandez la libre Introduction à la Douane de Paris. Je charge les fermiers Generaux de donner à leurs preposés les Ordres nécéssaires pour que les outils dont il s’agit, soient plombés au 1er. Bureau du Royaume et expediés par acquit à Caution pour Paris ou les droits seront aquittés. Quant au Choix que vous avez fait de M. desmarets pour examiner ces modéles et pour diriger la fabrication à laquelle ils doivent servir. Je ne doute pas que les connoissances de cet Academicien ne remplissent entierement vos Vues.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un très parfait attachement, Monsieur, votre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur,
(signe) Neker.
M Franklin.