Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Patrick Henry, 26 February 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Henry, Patrick

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 26. 1779
I had the Honour of receiving your Excellency’s Letter of March 3. 1778, by Capt. Lemaire, acquainting me that your State had desired Mr William Lee, your Agent, to procure a Quantity of Arms, & military Stores, and requesting me to assist him with my Influence in obtaining them on Credit. Being glad of any Opportunity of serving Virginia, & showing my Regard to the Request of a Person I so highly esteem; and Mr W. Lee being absent, I found immediately three different Merchants here, Men of Fortune, who were each of them willing to undertake furnishing the whole and giving the Credit desired. But Mr Arthur Lee, being understood to have taken the Managemt of the Affair into his own Hands, one of the three soon after refused in that Case to have any thing to do with it; a second, whose Letter to me I enclose, apprehending Difficulties from Mr Lee’s Temper, required my Name & Mr Adams’s to the Agreement; which he supposes Mr Lee did not like, as his Offer was not accepted. I know not why the Offer of the third was not taken. I was afterwards not at all consulted in the Business. Poor Lemaire was sent about Germany to find Goods & Credit where he could which consum’d a great deal of Time to little purpose. Several of the Manufacturers wrote to me, that they would furnish him on my Promise of Payment. I referr’d them to Mr Lee. On his Return Mr. Lee and he differ’d about his Expenses. He complain’d frequently to me, of Mr. Lee’s not supplying him with necessary Subsistence, & treating him with great Haughtiness & Insolence. I thought him really attentive to his Duty, and not well used; but I avoided medling with his Affairs, to avoid if possible being engag’d in Quarrels my self. Mr Lee in time contracted with Messrs Penet & Dacosta to supply great Part of the Goods. They too have differed, and I have several Letters of Complaints from those Gentlemen; but I cannot remedy them, for I cannot change Mr Lee’s Temper. They have offerd to send the Things you want, & which he has refusd, on my Account; but not knowing whether he has not provided them elsewhere, or in what light he may look upon my concerning my self with what he takes to be his Business, I dare not meddle, being charg’d by the Congress to endeavour at maintaining a good Understanding with their other Servants, which is indeed a hard Task with some of them. I hope however, that you will at length be provided with what you want: which I think you might have been long since, if the Affair had not been in Hands which Men of Honour & Candour here are generally averse to Dealing with, as not caring to hazard Quarrels & Abuses in the Settlement of their Accounts.
Our Public Affairs at this Court, continue to go on well. Peace is soon expected in Germany, and we hope Spain is now near declaring against our Enemies.—
I have the honour to be, with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servt.

Notation by Franklin: Letter to Govr Henry, of Virginia Lemaire


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Paulze, 26 February 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Paulze, Jacques

Sir
Passy Feb. 26. 1779
A french Ship the Bergere, Capt. Huas, is arriv’d at L’Orient, Laden with 300 Hogsheads of Tobacco from Maryland. Our Agent there was oblig’d to give one half for the Freight of the other. I have sent Orders to deliver our Part 150 Hogsheads to your Agents at L’Orient; and I enclose a Copy of the Letter we have receiv’d, that you may see the quality of the Tobacco. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Esteem &c.
M. Paulze farmer general


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1779
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin

à Versailles le 26. fev. 1779
J’ai reçu, Messieurs, avec la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 2. de ce mois, celle qui y étoit jointe et le mémoire du Sr. Darrel. Je suis surpris des Difficultés qu’il a éprouvées à l’Occasion de la Désertion de ses Matelôts; et je m’occuperai des Moyens d’y remedier a l’avenir. Il sera plus facile de le faire lorsqu’il y aura des Consuls des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale dans nos Principaux Ports; parcequ’ils veilleront à empecher l’Evasion de leurs Matelots; et que nous pourrons regler d’une maniere fixe les fonctions qu ils auront a remplir en pareil cas. Il n’est gueres possible de les suppléer; cependant si vous jugez devoir nommer un Agent à Nantes, en Attendant l’établissement des Consuls; pour suivre les affaires de vos Nationaux, et en solliciter la Decision auprès des Majistrats et des Administrateurs, je proposerois volontiers à Sa Mte. de se prêter à cet arrangement. Et si Sa Majesté l’agreoit, J’espedierois les ordres necessaires pour autoriser le Service dont cet Agent pourroit être chargé.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec Consideration Messieurs, Votre très humble et très Obeissant Serviteur
(signé) De Sartine.
Mrs. Les Deputés des Etats Unis


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise and Jean-Baptiste-Jacques Elie de Beaumont, 26 February 1779
From: Elie de Beaumont, Anne-Louise,Elie de Beaumont, Jean-Baptiste-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a paris ce 26. février 1779
Mr. et Mad. Elië de Beaumont ont l’honneur de presenter leurs hommages a Monsieur franklin. Mr. Elië de Beaumont n’a pu aller les luy rendre chez luy, parceque ses affaires ne luy en ont pas laissé le moment, il le supplië de l’excuser, et le prië de luy faire l’honneur ainsi que Monsieur son petit fils, de venir diner chez luy mardi prochain 2. mars. Mad. Elië de Beaumont joint son invitation a celle de son mari, l’un et l’autre renouvellent a ces méssieurs l’assurance des sentiments qu’ils leur ont voués.
reponse s’il leur plaît.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin, plénipotentiaire / des états unis, a sa maison / A Passi
Notation: [torn: several letters missing] de Beaumont Paris (?) 26 fr. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 26 February 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
La Haie 26e. Fevr. 1779.
Ma Lettre ci-jointe, du 23, étoit fermée, & alloit partir, lorsqu’on m’apporta vos deux Lettres des 11 & 19, & le feuillet ci-joint de la Gazette de Leide. Autant que la faveur des vôtres me fut agréable, autant celle que vous verrez dans ce feuillet, marquée d’une croix, me fit de peine. Elle fut pour moi un coup de foudre. Cela fait déjà, & fera encore, un très-mauvais effet ici & ailleurs. Je venois de Delft, & je me rendis le lendemain à Leide, pour d’autres affaires. J’ai vu chez le Gazettier de Leide la Lettre originale, qui est bien de la propre main de celui dont il y a la signature dans l’imprimé. Il a écrit dans le même goût au Courier du Bas-rhin. Je n’en dirai rien de plus. Mais tout cela m’interdit, & confond mon coeur & toutes mes idées.

Passons à un objet plus consolant. Je vous remercie, Monsieur, de l’avis qui m’apprend, que vous êtes le seul Ministre plénipotentiaire du Congrès à la Cour de France. Je vous en félicite; & je m’en félicite aussi.
Celui avec lequel vous n’avez pu tomber d’accord, à ce qu’il paroît, n’est pas plus mon Ami que celui qui est plus ancien en date; & ce n’est qu’à mon grand regret, & fort à contre-coeur, que je me suis vu dans le cas de devoir vous donner certains avis. J’ai dû me mêler de cette affaire pour bien des raisons, que je ne puis confier à ce papier, mais que je pourrai un jour vous dire de bouche. La raison générale, à laquelle toutes les autres aboutissent, est celle-ci: amici plures, sed magis arnica respublica.
Les insinuations qui m’ont été faites l’année passée, me sont venues de la part de fort braves gens, qui ne sont liés ni avec l’un ni avec l’autre; & j’ai eu depuis occasion de remarquer, par des discours non affectés échappés à d’autres, qui ignoraient mes relations politiques, qu’il existe, depuis déjà deux ans, une certaine défiance à ce sujet. Le plus sûr me paroît être, de liquider souvent, & d’être le moins qu’il sera possible en avance.
Un autre avertissement, qui me vient d’un autre côté, c’est qu’on assure, qu’il y a en France-même une clique d’Etrangers accrédités, qui n’aiment pas les Américains, qui traversent sourdement la nouvelle république, & qui sont informés, par de faux amis, de tout ce que font ses serviteurs. Tout cela, Monsieur, comme vous l’observez fort bien vous-même, est très-délicat et embarrassant.
Ceci étoit écrit, lorsqu’on m’a apporté deux Lettres de Mr. Sturler de l’Altemberg, dont le contenu me détermine, non seulement à suspendre encore mon jugement sur les termes où vous pouvez en être avec son compagnon, mais à faire passer cette Lettre ici par la même voie que celle du 25e Janvr.
Je suis, avec le plus respectueux dévouement, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obeissant serviteur
D.
Passy à S. Exc. Mr. Franklin Min. Plenipe. des Et. Un. de l’Am.

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, Ministre / Plénipotentiaire des Etats-Unis / de l’Amérique / à Passy
Notation: Dumas 26. Fev. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Landais: Two Letters, 26 February 1779
From: Landais, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
May it please your Excellency.
Brest 26th. February 1779
Having received a Letter of the 13 Inst. from my Surgeon Mr Windship, whom I sent Express to you, Intimating to me that my Crew is to be compleated with French Seamen, that I am to go from hence to Port L’Orient to be refitted & Careen’d, & from thence to America. Upon which, I beg leave to observe to your Excellency. In the first place, That Frenchmen and Americans being mix’d together, not understanding one another, having different discipline, manner of living &c. can never act well in concert, but will always disagree: and having nobody to speak french, but myself, can be of very little use. Nor would it [mend?] the matter to have french Officers. This, would create a Jealousy and two parties. It is nescessary this Ship should go into dock to be clean’d & to have her Iron work repair’d, as main & fore shroud chains; the knees under the gangway must be forged again, several of them being broken, others bent &c. She cannot go to Sea, or into harbour untill she is cleared of the Mutinous prisoners now on board. Before she could proceed to Port L’Orient to be careen’d she must be mended here, rigg’d and fitted out. Arriv’d at L’Orient she must unrig, have her Cabouse pull’d to pieces, which is built of bricks & very heavy, which must be afterwards rebuilt; besides much costly work nescessary to be done, & time required to heave-down a Ship like this, where there is no dry dock. It would, I conceive, be the most Advantageous, to Sheath the bottom of the Alliance with copper, at once, & thereby prevent a deal of future expence & trouble. No Frigate in the world can better deserve it, on every account; she is new, & that would last as long as the Ship. She sails extreemly well already, she would still sail better, and be stiffer under sail at sea, which is what she wants to be. As there are no dry docks in America, she will never have occasion to be grounded in the usual manner, which is so predjudicial, yet nescessary to Ships unsheath’d. In Boston, the Ships have always been obliged to tarry, after having their bottoms pay’d, five or Six months at least, to recruit their men. By which time their bottoms are again foul: & so they must proceed to Sea. This was particularly the case with the Raleigh, and the Cause of her being taken.
I have enquired of the Captain of this Harbour, who informs me, that there is plenty of Sheet Copper here, that the Vessell may be sheath’d in one of the dry docks in four days & will cost twenty eight thousand Livres. As a Ship is obliged to be repeatedly clean’d, to be of service, the time & expence of doing it, is of very great consequence, & worth notice. Many arguments, & more than nescessary perhaps, might be used to enforce the Sheathing the Alliance. She might be always at Sea, going, coming or cruizing; which would make her as good as two such Ships that remain six months in the year in harbour. Here a very great expence would also be saved, in keeping her better & longer man’d; for as soon as she arrives in Boston, her cruize is out & every man free to go where he pleases; & If the ship has not something exceedingly encouraging for the men to enter again, she may lay as usuall, upon very great expences a long time in that harbour. Her fast sailing & a copper bottom, might possibly induce a crew to enter in good season. The difficulties in recruiting are many; one half the men are generally lost by desertion, altho’ as many are kept on board as possible, at a great expence, & by being obliged to recruit double their complement, to have one crew, it is augmented surprizingly, above what it ought to be. The Oeconomy in these instances, besides the other advantages, that must nescessarily accrue, from her being always ready for Sea, without the trouble of unlading & altering the Stowage of her hold, and pushing out before the crew can have oppertunity to abscond, may be sufficient to offer to the consideration of your Excellency, & I think it my duty, with submission to your wise determination, to mention these nescessary matters, being immediately in a striking point of view so greatly advantageous, in my opinion.
After being sheath’d she might go to port L’orient & touch into several other ports in France, by which means she might very probably compleat her crew with Americans & being thus equipp’d, I sincerely believe there would be no Frigate in the world, her equall. The chief advantage the British cruzing ships have over us in the American seas, at present, is their Copper bottoms & if the first expence of adding one to this, was not a saving one in the end, which I think there can be no doubt of, it would be well bestow’d on a Ship that has arriv’d so near to perfection already, And if your Excellency should have any other Commission for her besides returning to America, she would be well prepared for it, & even for a long voyage.

We have been fortunate enough to recruit nine Americans here, & several on board different ships have wrote to me; but upon application I could not obtain them.
I am with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
P: Landais
B. Franklin

Endorsed: Capt. Landais Feb. 26. 79 Wants to sheath his Ship with Copper.— Refuses French Seamen Iron Work wanting ship must go into Dock. answd Mar. 6

II.
Brest febry 26th 1779
Give me leave to remind Your Excellency That before I Set out from Paris to go to Marseille to take the Command of the heureux after Call’d the Flamand loaded with brass guns and mortars, bumbs Shels, balls, Small arms and Powder, I told Silas Deane Esqr that I wanted to pay my respect to you and wanted Your acknowlegment on my Departure, accordingly when you Came to the City, he Shew’d you the Commission and the Sailing orders he gave me, and beside told you that Mr Monthieu having by Mr Deane orders offer’d me that command, I ask’d twelve thousand livers gratification beside the Monthly pay Expences &c, that Mr Monthieu advis’d me to See Mr Deane, who told me that my demand was but just and if I would Confide in the generosity of the Congress he doubted not but I Should be better rewarded than that came to if I succeeded: You approved of my Pretention and trust, I Set off Staid five month in Marseille, at last went away and arriv’d Safe at Portsmouth in Hamshire according to my instructions where I delivered the Ship and Cargo to Mr Defrancy as was agreed: I wrote to the Honourable Congress Sent them the letters I was instructed with and waited at Boston all the winter at my own expence without receiving any Answer; in the beginning of April I went to Congress where I Petitionned that Hounorable Body was heard, ask’d Several memoirs on differents subjects about the Navy: His Excellency Hry Laurens Esqr Sent me the following piece to be addapted to my Commission

In Congress May 9th. 1778
Resolved that a Sum of Money be paid to Captain Landais, and that the Marine Commetee be directed to report a Pecuniary Consideration adequate to his Services. Resolved that Capt. Landais be Continued as a Captain in the Navy of the united States.
Extract from the minuteChas Thomson Secy
Copy

  the Second piece I had was this

In Congress, 19th June 1778.
Resolved
That Capt Peter Landais be appointed to Command the new Frigate, Called the Alliance
Extract from the minute Cha Thomson Secy.
Copy

  The third was.

Marine Committee June 18th 1778.
Sir
Congress having appointed you to Command the Frigate alliance you are to repair to Boston and there to apply to the Honble the Continental Navy Board who will put that Vessel under your care. We doubt not your best exertions will be used in getting her Speedily fitted and manned for the Sea in which business you will be aided by the Navy Board whose orders in every respect you are to Obey.
You are to proceed as far as Portsmouth in new hamshire and there give your advice respecting the construction of the 56 guns Ship now on the Stocks in that Port.

We have directed the navy Board to pay you the ballance of your wages, and have agreed that the Consideration of a gratuity to be made you be deferred until we Shall be enabled by Consulting with Silas Deane Esqr to judge with propriety what Sum will be adequate to your Services.
We are sir, Your Obedient servants  Richard Henry Lee C. M.
Copie of the original

Your Excellency may See by the above pieces that it was Resolved that I Should be gratifyed but I have not, for Mr Deane has been long time in Congress but had done nothing yet with that Body before my departure. I expected allways that with my Sailing orders I Should receive a Credit upon france of the Sum they Should think proper to allow me but was fully disapointed; my monthly pay is due Since the 4th July last, I have Sold all my Clothes and spent the money I carried with me and had but 9 guineas leaft when I came here. This is my Present Condition. I am with the Greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obeidgent Humble Servant
P: Landais
Dr Bn franklin

Endorsed: Capt. Landais 2 Letters of Feb. 26. 79 answered, March 6. Repairs to his Ship Gratification. &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 26 February 1779
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Versailles le 26. Fevrier 1779
J’ai reçu, M., la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 25. de ce mois. Je profiterai avec plaisir du départ de la frégate l’Alliance pour faire passer des dépêches en Amérique; J’espère que vous voudrez bien m’informer d’avance de l’epoque fixe à laquelle elle devra partir.
Je crois devoir vous prevenir, M., que le Roy ne verra point les Ambassadeurs mardi prochain, ainsi la Remise de vos lettres de Créance ne pourra avoir lieu que le 9. du mois prochain.
Quelqu’Empressement que j’aye de vous voir, je vous prie, Monsieur, de ne vous occuper que de votre Santé.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François Bordot, 27 February 1779
From: Bordot, François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

honourable Sir,
Rochelle, february 27, 1779./.
The french frigate Courageuse is now off l’Isle-day, with an English Six and twenty gun Privateer, which she took few days ago about these Coasts. The fight is reported to have been desperate; but the particulars, and loss of People on each Side, are not yet known here.
I have the honour to be with great respect, honourable Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,
F. Bordot.
Dr. franklin

Notation: Bordod. La Rochelle 27. fr. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William MacCreery, 27 February 1779
From: MacCreery, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 27 February 1779
I lately took the liberty of writing to the Honorable Mr. Adams concerning the difficulty which the North-American Merchants have hitherto met with in shipping Salt at this Port; and their being considered as Strangers in fixing the Port Duties on their Goods and Merchandise; whereas by the treaty of Commerce they ought to be upon the same footing with the most favoured Trading Power in Amity with France. I wrote to Mr. Adams in a private line, expecting that he wou’d take the trouble of laying it before his Honorable Colleagues, & by that means have the complaints removed, by an application to the Minister.
Having not been Honored with an Answer, and having lately understood that the sole management of our affairs at the Court of Versailles hath lately devolved on you, I take the liberty of addressing you on this subject; to which I am at present prompted by the arrival of a large Ship in which I am interested, from Baltimore. As she is constructed for Cruizing, I can not think of sending her from Port to Port, amongst Rocks & sands to collect her Cargo, which will be very valuable; as she draws Eighteen feet of Water; and as I shou’d prefer Ballasting her with Salt, an article still very dear in America, I most earnestly request your Excellency to take the trouble of procuring Liberty for the American Merchants to load that Commodity at this Port, free of Duty.
With respect to our other complaint, namely, that the Farmers of the Customs put down our Ships Etrangeres, and oblige us to pay Duties & Customs accordingly. I submit the matter to your Excellency’s judgement, whether the present be, or be not a proper time for having the matter fix’d as it ought to be; only observing, that custom is apt to give such mistakes the sanction of a Law, which can not easily be repealed hereafter: but I beg leave to repeat my wish, that your Excellency wou’d as soon as may be, procure me the Liberty of Loading my Ship at this Port.—

I have the Honor to be with the utmost Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most Humble Servant
Will MacCreery
His Excellency B. Franklin.

Notation: Will MacCreery. . . .


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Paulze, 27 February 1779
From: Paulze, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris le 27. fevrier 1779
Je vous remercie de l’attention que vous avés eu de m’informer de l’arrivée à l’orient du navire francais la Bergere chargé de 300 B. de tabac du Maryland pour le compte du Congrès et des ordres que vous avés donnés à vos agens de nous faire delivrer moitié de ces tabacs. Je viens, Monsieur, d’ecrire au Directeur de l’orient de recevoir les Tabacs, qui nous sont destinés et de traiter avec le capitaine pour la partie qui lui est reservée pour le paiement du fret.
Je suis avec respect, Monsieur, Votre trés humble et trés obeissant serviteur
Paulze
M. francklin ministre des Etats unis de l’amerique septentrionale à Passy

Notation: Paulze Paris 27. fr. 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 28 February 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bondfield, John

Sir
Passy feby. 28 1779
I receiv’d yours of the 22d and thank you for the Information of the Arrival of the Tobacco Ship. If the Cargo belongs to the States, it is to be deliverd immediately to the Agents of the Farmers general residing in the Port. I am, Sir, &c.
M. Bondfield


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Taverne Demont Dhiver, 28 February 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Taverne Demont Dhiver, ——

Sir
Passy Feby. 28. 1779
I am honor’d with yours of the 22 Inst. applying for two Commissions. I should have a Pleasure in complying with your Request; But it is not in my Power, till I shall have receiv’d fresh Orders from Congress. I have the Honor to be, Sir &c.
M. Taverne de Mont d’Hiver. Dunkirk.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Johnson, 28 February 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Johnson, Joshua

Sir
Passy feby. 28 1779
I am honor’d by yours of the 23d inst & thank you for your kind Congratulations, which are very obliging.
If you have & can send me the Bill of the Duties Demanded expressing the kind of Goods &c, I will try if any thing can be done in the Affair; for besides Considerations of Duty, an opportunity of serving you would give me Pleasure.
With great Esteem I have the Honor to be &c.
M. Joshua Johnson Nantes


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville, 28 February 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Neufville, Jean de

On February 19 Franklin told Dumas he had begun discussions about a new American loan in the Netherlands. The present letter hints at their difficulty. Almost two years later Franklin described for John Adams what had transpired. Jean de Neufville had proposed that in exchange for a loan of 2,000,000 guilders the United States pledge all its territory and income as security and that it promise to send de Neufville annually for five years 400,000 guilders worth of produce to pay the principal and another 100,000 guilders in interest. He also proposed to take over, charging a heavy commission, the existing Dutch loan and asked that his banking firm of de Neufville & fils be given the title “Commissioners for Trade and Navigation and Treasurers of General Congress, and every private State of the Thirteen United States of North America, through the Seven United Provinces.” Franklin having rejected these “very gracious Terms,” de Neufville apparently prevailed upon Chaumont to draw up a more modest preliminary agreement, which Franklin here rejects. Negotiations continued, however, and Franklin eventually agreed to a plan whereby de Neufville would raise 1,500,000 florins.

Passi ce 28 fever. 1779.
Quelque desir que J’aye, Monsieur, de proffiter de la bonne volonté que vous temoignez pour vous charger de Negotier un emprunt de quinze cent mille florins; L’etat actuel des affaires ne permet pas de prendre aucun engagement avec vous a ce Sujet dans ce moment ci. L’emprunt que nous avons ouvert L’année derniere en hollande n’ayant pas été accueilli, J’ay lieu de craindre qu’un nouvel emprunt ne le soit pas mieux, et que cette Seconde tentative manquée ne porte un prejudice réel au Credit et a la dignité des etats unis de L’amerique que J’ai L’honneur de representer. Si Cependant par votre Credit et vos bons offices, vous parvenez a nous assurer d’un Nombre Suffisant de Souscripteurs, vous pouvez Compter, Monsieur, que Je vous envoyray aussitot les preliminaires Signés proposés par M. de Chaumont. J’ay L’honneur d’etre tres parfaittement Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
B Franklin
M. J. Neuville


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Prince de Conti, 28 February 1779
From: Conti, Louis-François-Joseph de Bourbon, prince de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Paris ce 28. fevrier 1779.
Je suis convenu, Monsieur, avec MM. de Vergennes et de Sartine qu’ils me feroient delivrer les Passeports necessaires pour envoyer en toute seureté le né [nommé] Riotto mon Piqueur qui va me chercher en angleterre des chevaux et des chiens avec un palfrenier. Je vous serois tres obligé de vouloir bien y joindre le votre pour le mettre a couvert de tous les Evenemens; et c’est avec bien du plaisir que je saisis cette occasion de vous donner des assurances de la sincérité de tous mes sentimens pour vous, dont Je vous prie, Monsieur de ne jamais Douter.
L F J DE Bourbon
M. franclin

Addressed: A Monsieur / monsieur franclin. / a passy
Endorsed: Prince de Conti Feb. 28. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 28 February 1779
From: Landais, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your Excellency—
Brest 28. Feb. 1779.
I but just now receiv’d the Extreem favour you honor’d me with the 16th. Instant, by which I learn that you have apply’d to the french Minister of the Navy, to concilliate his advice & yours upon the conspirators, for the mode of trying them, the sooner the better, being a great burthen & guarded between decks where they suffer much for want of air.
Your Excellency was told it was a standing rule, that no foreign ships should be admitted into the harbour of Brest.
All the Continental Ships that required it, came in, & the Randolph was put into a dry dock. I wrote Your Excellency a long letter the 26th. Instant to demonstrate the necessity of docking this Ship, which is foul; and the advantage she would have in all cases, by being sheathed with Copper. & what a deal of money would be saved for in Boston there is not even Caulkers enough for the Nescessary work. And I must add that I came out of Boston so incompleat in this respect, that by the leaky condition of my uper works, my crew were always wet, & when I arriv’d my spare sails in the hold were half rotten; tho’ a pump was kept playing. I made application to the Navy Board to have her recaulked, as she had not been since she was first launch’d which is near a Year; but the days work of a caulker being at six dollars, & having not eno’ in the place to do it in two Months time, I desisted.
Your Excellency says that the Ship is new & she must want but Little; but give me leave to tell you, it would be so if she had been well provided, at first, with good things, but it was not the case, for all the Iron work was brittle, & the other necessaries were either not to be had or done.
I will prevent this from being the case in future if Your Excellency will give leave to have the frigate sheathed with copper, caulked, her mast & rigging well secur’d &c. This will then be a good sailing strong frigate, ready for service if not at Sea, and will never want much refitting.
It is almost impossible for me to do my duty as Captain, be interpretter for every thing, & hold the several correspondences. And it would be more so to make an estimation of the Expence required for to put the ship to Sea. All I know is that we cannot but make great expence while we are in harbour. I beg leave to referr you to my letter of the 26th. in regard to recruiting me with french men.
I included in that letter an exact view of my present condition, which I beg your Excellency to Consider.
I have comply’d with your orders in presenting your Comps to my officers, & acquainted them that you will Consider the application they made & do what you can for them.
My Surgeon Mr. Winship is just arriv’d and brought your favour of the 22d. by which I learn with Sorrow that you have been lately harrass’d with the gout, & unable to go to Versailles. That the many difficulties & matters to be regulated in order to try the conspirators are so great that you think I had better exchange as many of them as do not deserve death, & carry three or four of the Wickedest home in Irons to be tryed there.
In the first place I dont know whom to exchange them with, or where to put them. In the second, I have forty two in my crew, unknown to me, as you may see by the copy of the court of enquiry, who may join with some others & not miss a second attempt.
If I would keep three or four of the most guilty, to carry them home with me, how can I know them from many others as guilty or more so than those appear to me? & if I send the rest away, then the witnesses will be gone. If I carry four of them in Irons I must keep a guard over them, & when arriv’d in America, they will not be judged for want of all the evidence.
I cannot repair well without going into dock, I [torn: cannot] go into dock without being clear’d of all the prisoners nor before you have had the Minister’s order for me [torn: to be?] admitted there. So I can do nothing before I have your positive orders.

I am far from being able to convoy the Ships you mention till I am repair’d, careen’d & recruited, for I have not men enough left to work the Ship.
I remain (with great Anxiety for your Answer,) With the greatest respect Sir Your most obedient humble Servt.
P: Landais
Doctor B. Franklin

Addressed: To / Doctor Benjamin Franklin / Minister plenipotentiary to the United States / at Passy / near Paris
Endorsed: Capt Landais March 6. 79 Objections & Difficulties


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Rousseaux with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 28 February 1779
From: Rousseaux, Jean,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur.
Dunkuerque le 28. fevrié 1779—
Je me suis fait Lhonneur de vous Ecrire trois lettre sans avoir eu aucune de vos reponce au sujet de ma part de Prisé et appointemant. Je crois monsieur que cest une chose qui a ette trop bien Gagnié pour que je les perdre non seuremant [seulement] ce que jay Gagnié mes [mais] ausy mes Effet que jay perdu etant a votre service et vous croy trop juste pour ne rien me faire perdre Mr. Quand Je signé sur les ordonnance du Congre il etoit dit que tous les efet seroit paye au dit officie du Corcere et meme les appointemant ont coureu etant en prison que jay reste six mois ou vous pouvez Panse que je nye [n’y ai] pas ette avec toute les Plaisir et ayant esuyé tout ce que lon puis de mauvais ainsy monsieur pansé Je vous prie a moy, Je viens de recevoir une lettre de ma merre qui me dit vous avoir fait presante un placet par les mains de Mr. de bellot (?) Genthiliome de mon Paye et vous luy avez dit que vous ne pouviez rien faire que vous neje [n’ai-je?] veu Monsieur henry Jonchon mon Capitaine ainsy Mr. vous lave veu puisque il est dejertte des prison et passe en france. Je vous envoie cy enclu une lettre de monsieur Cornic a qui Jay meme [menné] la prise et sert de Sertificat. Sy vous me faitte Lhonneur dune reponse vous aure la bonte Dadresse la lettre chez Mr. Pouraud Negt. a Dunkuerque. Jattant ce plaisir de vous. Jay Lhonneur dettre avec respect Monsieur Votre tres heumble et tres obt. serviteur
Jn. Rousseaux

Addressed: A— Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur De / franquelain Embassadeur des / Ameriquain en son authel / a Passy
Notation: Rousseaux. Dunkerque feby. 28. 1779
Endorsed: That the Business of selling Prizes, distributing the Shares and paying Wages, has never been in my Hands. That I know not how the Prizes of the Lexington have been disposed of, If he will write to Mr. Williams, Merchant, of Nantes, he may probably obtain from him some Information, who had the Management of those Affairs, and some Advice how to proceed in getting what may be due to him. I return him the Certificate he enclos’d to me.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 28 February 1779
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Versailles 28. fevr. 1779.
Les Commandans et Intendans à Brest aux quels J’avois donné ordre de faire emprisonner les Matelôts qui se sont revoltés abord de la Fregate des Etats Unis l’Alliance me marquent qu’ils présument que ces Matelots ne pouvant être regardés simplement comme Prisonniers de guerre, et qu’ils doivent être mis dans des Prisons particulieres, que celle de l’arsenal est insuffisante, et qu’on ne pourroit en les débarquant que les placer dans les Prisons où se trouvent detenus les Prisonniers Anglois, ce qui seroit dangereux, mais si vous ne pensez pas que les Mutins doivent être punis comme criminels, on pourroit les séparer et les faire transferer dans les differents dépots des Prisonniers.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la Consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et très obeissant serviteur
(signé) De Sartine
Mr. Franklin


Title: Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1779
From:
To:

One new account begins during the period covered by this volume:
XXIII. William Temple Franklin’s Accounts, March 15, 1779, to February 12, 1782: American Philosophical Society, 56 pp.
This is a running account in Temple’s hand and is titled by him “Account of Family Expences, begun March 15th 1779.” A variant copy, twenty-six pages in length, begins with the same entries but concludes on April 29, 1780. It is entitled “Account of Family Expences. 1779.” and is also at the APS. Temple was given money to cover various household expenses. His grandfather periodically reviewed and approved his expenditures; on two occasions (April 15 and June 11) during the months covered by this volume Franklin endorsed the document, “Examined the above Account & compared every Article with the Receipts, & found it right. B Franklin.”
The account affords a glimpse of the Franklin ménage, which consisted then of a maître d’hôtel, Fremont, who took care of family expenses, postage, and miscellaneous bills, and two menservants, François and Arbelot. Those two were not only paid their wages but reimbursed for the expense of buying their own dinner when Franklin or Temple dined out, the French custom being that each guest bring along a servant to serve at the dinner table. Madame St. Louis did the washing, and Cabaret furnished the stationery. Some outside help was used; the painter Roger is mentioned, as well as Le Clerc who papered the study, the mason F. Dupeux, an unnamed upholsterer whose furniture was rented for three months, and a blacksmith who installed and cleaned the stove in secretary Gellée’s room. Le Veillard was reimbursed on May 3 for his purchase of Peruvian bark (used for treating fevers) furnished to John Adams.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Leveux, 1 March 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Leveux, Jacques

Sir
Passy March 1 1779.
I have been uneasy that your Acct. of Disbursements for the Prisoners has been so long unpaid. As the whole Business here is now devolv’d on one Person, our Correspondence for the future may be more prompt & regular; and I should be glad to clear the past transactions immediately by paying off your Debt. Be pleas’d therefore to draw on me for the Amount, & your Bill shall be duely honor’d. We have no Money in London; if in drawing on Paris, the Exchange is to your Disadvantage, charge me in your Acct. with the Difference.
There is a M. Rousseaux who has written to me from Calais; and some Persons in your Prisons who say they are Americans & wish to return to our Service. I beg you would examine those Prisoners & obtain from them particular Accounts of the Province & Town they were born in, in what ships taken, by whom, where & how long Prisoners & by what means they came to be in the English Service? & of M. Rousseaux, I should be glad for such Particulars as you may have an Opportunity of Learning.

P.S. If any Letter should come to your Hands directed to M. Edward Bancroft, be pleas’d to send it directly to me.
M. Leveux. Calais.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Croÿ, [1 March 1779]
From: Croÿ, Anne-Emmanuel-Ferdinand-François, duc de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[March 1, 1779]
Le Duc de Croÿ a fait resouvenir que dans la notte quil avoit donné Lannée passée pour que les vaisseaux du Roy menage et ayent tous les egards pour M Coock on navoit pas parlé des corsaires.
Sur sa remarque M de Sartinne vient de faire ecrire la lettre la plus forte et circulaire pour que tous nos corsaires soient avertis davoir les plus grands egards pour M Coock &c.
Il seroit bon que les corsaires insurgents ayent le meme ordre M de Sarcefiel, a ma demende, doit deja en avoir parlé.

Notations in different hands: Le Duc de Croy / sans date


Title: Intelligence from Amsterdam and Other Places, 1 March 1779
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin

The man who seems to have coordinated Franklin’s receipt of maritime intelligence, the chevalier de Kéralio, was kept busy during the four months of this volume. Franklin received from him more than one hundred items of port news, generally arranged in chronological order by an unknown copyist; eventually Franklin forwarded this material to Congress. The flow of information, however, would soon slow and then temporarily cease. On June 5, Kéralio informed William Temple Franklin of his impending departure on a five-month inspection trip of French military schools. He promised to take measures for forwarding “les nouvelles maritimes,” but the number of entries would dwindle to about ten per month in July and August and then cease for more than two months.
As in previous volumes, we print the earliest of these reports below, as a sample, and briefly summarize the remainder, arranged by port.
As might be expected, the huge naval base at Brest provides the largest number of items for our period, twenty-four entries detailing the arrival and departure of warships and convoys, the naming of captains for various vessels, and repairs and constructions in the port. Since Kéralio and his correspondents are not privy to strategic decision-making, however, the news tends to be routine.
The second most frequent intelligence comes from St. Malo. The twenty-three reports (some of which are only a few sentences long) deal with a variety of subjects. Those of March 2 and 3, April 23, and May 21, discuss various privateers from nearby ports and other miscellaneous matters. The letters of April 3, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and May 1, 2, and 11, narrate an unsuccessful French attack on the nearby British island of Jersey. The British sent a squadron which then destroyed part of the French escort that had returned to the port of Cancale, as reported on May 15 and 20. The reports of May 18 and June 16, 19, and 22, are chiefly concerned with the chartering of ships and assembling of troops for an invasion attempt on England, for which St. Malo had been selected as one of the two embarkation points.
Little of significance transpires in the small Breton port of Morlaix, but fourteen days’ events are noted, including troop movements in Brittany, occurrences in other ports (chiefly Brest), and the activities of various privateers.
Dunkirk was a more important privateering center, as shown by items from there dated March 3, 6, and 9, and June 16. The visit of two navy cutters to the port provides material for entries of April 15, April 16, and May 1.
A March 26 entry from Lorient concerns a privateer from La Rochelle, while a June 21 entry discusses the arrival of prizes and the departure of a small squadron commanded by John Paul Jones.
Much of the news from Bayonne, near the border, deals with events in the Spanish ports or in Spanish waters. March 14 and May 1 entries report on various French privateers operating near Spain, while those of June 5 and June 8 relay news from the naval bases of Cadiz and Ferrol and from Madrid. On May 8 the correspondent recounts a battle between a French navy cargo ship (“gabarre du Roi”) and a British privateer.
Intelligence from Toulon (March 9 and 25, April 20, and May 20) details the activities of that great Mediterranean naval base in constructing or overhauling various warships. Somewhat more variety appears in the items about the base at Rochefort: one of April 28 describes work in the port, one of May 13 concerns itself chiefly with the bad weather that detained nearby Admiral La Motte-Picquet’s convoy (and wrecked two of its ships), and one of June 8 recounts the movement of the Rochefort squadron to Brest and details the success of the frigate Hermione in capturing British privateers.
A number of reports issue from commercial ports little used by the French Navy. April 10, April 26, and June 22 items from Bordeaux chiefly relay information from other ports (mostly about privateering), although one of June 12 passes on information received there from captains of incoming merchant ships. A March 11 report from Nantes tells about local privateering and warship construction, while one of May 5 recounts news of London and America (the latter from an incoming ship), and one of June 17 describes the assembling of ships at St. Malo.
On May 15 Kéralio’s Rouen correspondent relays news from Cadiz that the Spanish fleet has received sailing orders. On May 21 he notes ship construction, troop movements, and orders restraining British subjects presently in France and on June 23 and 26 he details preparations for the invasion of England; nearby Le Havre is one of the embarkation ports. The only direct news from Le Havre, however, is a brief item of May 8 about local merchants volunteering their ships for royal service.
From Marseilles come reports of May 13 and June 28, discussing the navy’s activities at nearby Toulon and at Marseilles itself, where it was gathering supplies and expecting a shipment of Prussian wood. The intelligence from Paris (March 20 and April 26) actually comes mostly from the West Indies or India. From Calvi, a Corsican port, comes May 7 news about the cruise of the recently arrived frigate Mignonne.
Kéralio’s most extensive foreign correspondence is from Spain. Five items (March 23 and 30, May 25 and 28, and June 25) report on the naval base at Cadiz and the huge Spanish fleet assembled there. Distant from such activities, the correspondent at the commercial port of Bilbao on March 3, 10, and 31, and May 15, discusses troop and ship movements elsewhere in Spain and speculates on their meaning. The person who writes from La Coruña apparently has his own network of correspondents; on June 2 he gives news from Toulon, Brest, Cadiz, and Calais and also from an incoming merchantman. Sometime after June 11 he has local news to report, as a squadron from the nearby naval base of Ferrol has arrived. Finally, a June 26 item from Barcelona deals with the impending Spanish operations against Gibraltar.
The remaining intelligence discusses a variety of foreign locations. Four items about Amsterdam chiefly relate Dutch politics; we publish the first. Attributed to the Dutch Caribbean colony of St. Eustatius are reports of March 6, June 18, and June 19, about the movements of the rival British and French fleets in the surrounding area. Two brief notes labeled London (March 30, April 22) do little more than complain of the shortage of news. A June 1 entry from Lisbon relays erroneous news of the capture of H.M.S. Chatham, 50. Our final report may have been unconnected with Kéralio, but is located with the others at the National Archives. Written from Ostend in the Austrian Netherlands on March 7 and unsigned, it is in English and addressed directly to BF. It reports that a British courier is en route from Constantinople to London with news that war between Russia and Turkey is inevitable. How the correspondent ascertained the contents of the courier’s dispatches is left unsaid.

Amsterdam le 1er. mars 1779.
Nous sommes bien instruits que les Etats Généraux accordent des Convois pour leurs navires. Cependant cela n’empéchera pas les Anglois de s’emparer de ceux qui auront des matures ou autres munitions de guerre et nous craignons qu’ils ne prennent aussi Ceux qui auront des marchandises pour compte Français, Surtout depuis la derniere ordonnance publiée en france qui permet d’arrêter nos Vaisseaux chargés pour compte Anglais. Nous nous trouvons dans une position bien critique. Il parait que les Etats Généraux veulent soutenir leurs droits et que dorénavant tous nos navires Seront Sous bon Convoi. Peut être que les Anglais reconnaitront leurs torts et qu’ils laisseront à notre pavillon la liberté que les traités lui accordent.
Il parait que la Cour de Versailles est parvenüe à faire la paix en Allemagne. Nous en avons eû la nouvelle hier, et Si elle se Confirme; Il n’y a pas a douter que la france ne pousse vigoureusement la guerre contre l’Angleterre.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Coffyn, 2 March 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Coffyn, Francis

Sir,
Passy March 2d. 1779.
I received yours of the 17. past and thank you for your kind Congratulations. It will undoubtedly be best to forward all the Prisoners as fast as they arrive, to some Port used by American Ships, and this if possible by Sea, their Land Journies to Paris and thence to Nantes being very expensive. You will settle Mr Fitzgeralds Account according to Justice and draw upon me when you please for your Ballance. If anything is afterwards recover’d from Samuel Woodberry you can give me Credit for it. Wishing heartily your Welfare, and being much obliged by your kind Care of our poor People, I have the honor to be &ca
Bn. Franklin
Mr Coffin—Dunkirk.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Pierre Landais, 2 March 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Landais, Pierre

Sir,
Passy March 2. 1779.
Your other Swedish Prize is retaken and carried into England, as we hear by the English News Papers. The other which is arrived, will I suppose be tried in the Court of Admiralty of the Port at which she is arrived, unless being unable to find Proofs that the Property of the Cargo is English, you should think fit to discharge her.
Mr Adams will take his Passage in you, and I suppose writes to desire you to make Provision of Sea Stores for himself & Son, which you will do well to comply with.

I shall be glad to hear how your Refit goes on when you think you shall be ready, and whence you propose to meet the Merchant Ships from Nantes.
I have the honor to be Sir &ca.—
B Franklin
Honble Capt. Landais.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine, 2 March 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir,
Passy March 2. 1779.
The Orders which your Excellency did me the honor to inform me (in your Letter of the 13. of January last) were sent to all the Ports, for receiving into his Majesty’s Prisons, the English Prisoners brought in by our Cruizers, have not it seems arriv’d at Brest. For I have just received a Letter from M. Schweighauser of Nantes, who has the Care of the Prisoners taken in the Drake by Capt. Jones, and which were put into the Brigt Patience lying in Brest Road, that the said Prisoners are still in the same suffering Situation of which he had the honor of informing your Excellency by his Letter of the 10. of Oct. last. I therefore beg your Excellency would favor me with a Renewal of your Orders to the proper Officers at Brest to receive those Prisoners and keep them on Shore ’till they shall be exchanged, allowing them the same Provisions as are allowed to other English Prisoners, the Expence of which will be paid by the Congress. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Sir, &ca —
B. Franklin
M. De Sartine.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Daniel Schweighauser, 2 March 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir,
Passy March 2. 1779.
The enclosed from Mr Adams I suppose acquaints you with his Intention of embarking at your Port for America. I am confident you will readily afford him all the Assistance in your Power, that he may be well accommodated at Nantes and in the Ship Alliance.
I have the honor to be Sir &
B Franklin
I write this Day to M. De Sartine about the Prisoners at BrestM. Schweighauser.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Walsh et al., 2 March 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Walsh, John

Gentlemen,
Passy March 2d. 1779.
I am sorry to understand by your Memorial of the 16. Past, which came to hand but Yesterday, that you are still in that uncomfortable Situation on board the Brigantine in Brest Road, having understood that Orders had been long since given for taking you on Shore. I write again this Day to the Minister of the Marine, to obtain a Renewal of those Orders; and I hope in consequence that you will soon be better accommodated. I imagine the Delay has been in Part occasioned by the constant Expectations given us from England, of sending over a Cartel Ship with a Number of Americans to exchange for you. The Passport for that Ship was sent from hence in September last: And we have been told from time to time these 3 Months past, that a Ship was actually taken up and victual’d for that Service; but as yet she has not appear’d.— I shall be glad to receive the Account you mention of the Provisions that have been afforded to you. It was always the Desire and Intention of the Commissioners here that you should be well treated.
I am, Gentlemen, Your very humble Sert.
B. Franklin
To Messrs. Walsh late Master of the DrakeCharles Artes GunnerJames Hay, Master at Arms,and others, Prisoners on boardthe Patience in Brest Road.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand: Memorandum, 2 March 1779
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Passy le deux Mars 1779
Le retour á protest des traittes du Congrés sur ses Comissionaires en france, seroit un malheur plus grand sans doutte, que la perte de la Georgie si elle est vraye, parceque cette province peut etre reconquise & quil n’en est pas de meme du Credit & de la Confiance, dont La perte inevitable par la, entrainera necessairement celle de Lamerique, puisquelle ne trouvera plus chez Elle, ny en Europe, les memes ressources qui lont fait parvenir ou elle est, & Cella par une Suitte de l’Idée avantageuse que lon avoit conçüe de sa bonne foy & de son Exactitude.
Si Le Gouvernement avoit Jugé á propos de faire une reponce formelle au Memoire qui lui fut presenté á ce sujet dans le mois de 9bre. dernier Les Comissionaires ne se seroyent pas Livrés á des Esperances que le Sillence de la Cour, L’Importance de Lobjet, & Linterret Commun rendoyent fondées & qui deviendroyent fatales aujourdhuy au Congrés envers Lequel ils se rendroyent responsables de L’Evenement sils ne faisoyent tout Ce qui est en eux pour L’Eviter. Cest en Consequence de Ce, que le soussigné ministre des Etats unis demande la permission de faire usage des promesses quil a fait Imprimer & de pouvoir proceder ainsy á L’Emprunt de deux million Sterling dont il est Chargé.

Mais comme les traittes du Congrés arrivent successivement & vont Echoir dememe, il desireroit que le Gouvernement voulu bien venir á son secour á mesure de ses besoins & lui permetre de déposer au tresor royal des promesses pour la Valleur des sommes quil en retireroit & ce, en nantissement jusques á ce que le produit de son Emprunt le mette á meme de les retirer en les rembourçant successivement. Ce Service, tres Important pour Les Etats, ne sera qu’un pret momentané dont la durée dependra du succès de L’Emprunt & L’objet au plus de Deux millions dans le courant de Lannée.

Endorsed: Mr. Grand’s Notes, about Money


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 2 March 1779
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Sir
London March 2 1779
Yours of 22d of february received. I have been as much discontented with the delay respecting the Exchange of prisoners as you can have been, and before the receipt of yours, I had made an heavy complaint and remonstrance upon the Subject. I have now the Satisfaction to tell you, that the first Cartel ship has actually left Spithead, and is now upon her Passage to Plymouth, to take on board the first hundred. I have received this positive assurance from the Admiralty. The Cartel ship was got as far as Torbay upon her Passage, and was blown back, but they now presume that she must probably be arrived at Plymouth, by this time. I have spoke to the Minister upon your proposal of sending Dr Bancroft to expedite the Exchange, as you state it. His answer to me was, that he thought it needless in so plain a business. He expressed surprize and displeasure at the delays, and assured me that he wd interfere to prevent any farther delays. I presume that Dr Bancroft will wait for your orders upon the Subject, however I shall apprize him by this Mail of the Ministers answer. I will write to you again soon. I am Dear Sir Most affectely yours &c
D Hartley
To Dr Franklin

Notation: D. hartley Londres 2. mars. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Hills et al., 2 [March] 1779
From: Hills, Stephen
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your Excellency,
Brest Harbour, Feby [i.e., March] 2d 1779
Such is our unlimited confidence in your candour and generosity that we again presume to trouble you with a few lines respecting our present situation, and the manner in which things have been conducted, Vizt,
In America we were called upon by the Gentlemen who have the honour to compose the Navy-Board (Eastern Department) to exert ourselves with all possible diligence and attention for the better getting the Ship to Sea, which we are conscious we did to the utmost of our power, (and that with singular pleasure for so laudible a purpose) forgetting the prospect of a Cruize, and the great advantages which would naturally arise.— We then represented to those Gentlemen the situation we should be in when in France and what we should expect while there.— For our better encouragement they promised us such supplies as would enable us to appear in the Character of Officers and Gentlemen from which we little suspected there was a necessity of a written Order for that purpose.—
We would inform your Excellency that all of us early took a part in the present Contest, and unfortunately have been captured, imprisoned for many months, on half allowance, one with the loss of a hand, and the others loss of property; add to this the insults of every mercenary Foot and private Soldier, as there was no distinction between Officers and Privates:—Our Families in want at home, and ourselves in distress abroad, naturally demanded the assistance of our friends and it has not been in our power to repay them again, our monthly Wages from the Continent (thirty Dollars) not being more than equal to a Guinea, the depreciation of Paper Currency being so great in America.—
We beg not to be understood as extravagant in our demands; all that is expected while here is sufficient to cloath ourselves as becomes the station of Officers, and this we are credibly informed has been granted to Captn Tucker of the Boston Frigate, his Officers and some of his Men, even the Ship Steward who is at present on board, assured us this day, that he was supplied with Money and Clothes to the amount of Four Hundred and fifty Livres, and the Officers to the amount of their Wages then due.— We trust your Excellency has no disposition to grant favours to one, and deny them to others under like circumstances; it is no longer a secret from the present reserved behaviour of Captn Landais to his Officers, that very little can be expected from him— be that as it may, we are determined to act the part becoming our stations, and render every service in our power, for the welfare of America, and as the Ship is to return home, Convoy to those Vessels laden with stores for the Continent, embrace your Orders with pleasure, preferring the good of our Country to our own private emolument;—whatever answer your Excellency shall please to grant beg that it may be directed to one of your Petitioners, as there is not that Harmony subsisting between Captain Landais and ourselves that we wish for sincerely.—
It is with pain that we inform your Excellency of the general uneasiness which prevails on board, as every Officer is put to the same allowance of Provision and Liquors as the foremast Men, and that not equal to the allowance made by Congress; but for the welfare of the Service hope the Observations made so justly upon the British, may not be applied to the American Navy, Vizt— “Where the Captain is more intimate with the Purser, and makes him a greater Confidant than his principal Officers, very little happiness can be found.—” This is the case on board the Alliance.—
We are with all due defference your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most humble Servants,
Stephen HillsJoseph AdamsJames DeggeJohn BuckleyThos ElwoodM. Parke
Benjamin Franklin Esqr Minister, Plenipotentiary, at Paris.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin, Esquire / Minister and Plenipotentiary at the / Court of Versailles / Paris
Endorsed: Officers of the Alliance  Cloathing  2d complaining of Capt Landais
Notation: Feb. 2. 1779—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bennett Lloyd, 2 March 1779
From: Lloyd, Richard Bennett
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London 2d. March—79—
The inclosed copy is from a letter which Mr. Hartley has received from the Office for sick & wounded seamen— I would have sent you it by the last Mail but was prevented by a violent cold and inflammation in my eyes— I make no doubt if these people have been in earnest, but that you have heard from them before this time—. Mr. Hartley received me with much politeness and mentioned that should he get further information concerning the Prisoners, he wd. give you the earliest intelligence—. Whenever you have leisure it will give me particular pleasure to hear of your health— Mrs. Lloyd unites with me in best complts—and I am, Dear Sir, with very great respect your obedient humble Servant
Richard Btt Lloyd

Our complts. to yr. Grandson I am anxiously waiting for a good conveyance to send him the books he desired—.
R. B. Lloyd in Great George Street Hanover Square London—

Addressed: The Honourable / Benjamin Franklin / &c: &c: &c: / Passy
Notation: Richard B. Lloyd. Londres 2 mars 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 March 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.—
Nantes March 2. 1779—
Capt Collas is now ready to sail in a little Brig which Mr Johnson has given him & in which I have a small Share.— At His request I gave him the Privateer Commission which was made out for his intended Cruize last Spring in the Mediterranean, and in order to put the matter on a regular Footing I inclose you a new Bond in proper Form.—
I am informed by Mr William Dennie that “in his Letters to Mr Moylan & Myself jointly of the 1 & 12 of Decemr he inclosed Bills on the Commrs for 2318 Dollars.” As I know one of the Vessells he wrote by is taken, and as I have never heard of these Bills, I shall be obliged to you if you will observe whether the Bills which may be presented to you endorsed by Wm Dennie to Mr Moylan or my order, are endorsed in turn by our genuine Signatures; I take this precaution because if the Letters were not Sunk, the Captor may, by counterfeiting Moylans or my Name, get the Bills paid.
I recvd the inclosed Letter from Doctor Cooper. I send it to you because if his Letters to you have miscarried you will see & be pleased at so good a mans remembrance of you.
I hear you have had the Gout I hope you are now better & will soon turn so troublesome a Companion out of Doors.— I have heard you intended to write to me about my accts which I anxiously wait for.—
The Bergere a french Ship from America is arrived at Port Louis with 300 hhds Tobacco on acct of Congress. The proprietor Messr Colpron & Co sent to me to know if I had any orders about it, as they did not know who to deliver it to, having had no application— I refered to Mr Schweighauser.
I am ever your most dutifully & affectionately
J Williams J
Dr Franklin

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis / a Passy / pres Paris
Notation: W. Dennie’s Bills


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 3[–9] March 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
LaHaie 3e.[–9] Mars 1779
Je viens ce soir de chez notre Ami. Le Committé, dont j’ai parlé dans ma précédente, n’a rien fait encore. Notre Ami va demain à Amsterdam, où les Bourguemaîtres l’ont mandé pour conférer avec lui. Ce matin Sir J. Y., après avoir quelque temps paradé dans l’antichambre, ayant à la main une Lettre du Roi d’Angleterre pour le St——, l’a remise à celui-ci, qui l’ayant lue, & Sir J. ayant ensuite conféré une demi-heure avec lui, a congédié incontinent tout le monde, s’est rétiré, trouvé mal, & n’a presque rien mangé à table, contre son ordinaire. Le Gd. Pre——, après que Sir J. avoit été chez lui aussi, s’étoit rendu ensuite chez le St——
4e.
  Le St—— a été vu ce matin bien portant, & de bonne humeur. Je n’ai pu savoir encore ce qui lui avoit causé du spleen.
  6e.
  Notre Ami est revenu. J’ai appris de lui, que le Spleen du 3e. a été occasionné par la déclaration que lui ont faite les Députés de Rottm., qu’il ne leur est plus possible de se refuser aux pressantes sollicitations de leur Ville, pour qu’elle se conforme à l’avis d’Amsterdam & de Harlem. L’avis de l’Amirauté est prêt: on le tient encore secret; mais je sais de très-bonne part, qu’il sera tel qu’Amstm. le desire, c’est-à-dire, de donner convoi aux vaisseaux de la Rep. selon toute l’étendue des Traités, sans exception des bois de construction.

Le jour de naissance du Prince, célébré hier, est cause qu’on n’a rien fait tous ces jours passés. Si j’apprends quelque chose dans la journée je l’ajouterai.
Les Etats d’Hollande ne recommenceront que demain leurs séances. Je suis avec un très-grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant serviteur
D
Passy à S.E.M. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin Esqr. / Ministre Plénipotentiaire / des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique / à Passy.
Notation: Dumas March 3 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Duverger and Other People with Goods to Offer, with Franklin’s Notes for Replies, 3 March 1779
From: Duverger, ——,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Goodwill toward America and its representative kept flowing—sometimes at a price—from various sources. Some correspondents wanted to help the war effort, others to make known whatever interesting discoveries they had made.
On March 3 came the offer, printed below, of the Liège arms manufacturer Duverger. Writing from Pennautier, near Carcassonne, on March 20, the firm of Tarbouriech & Cie. proposes high quality cloth for officers’ uniforms and for those civilians who can afford it. The desired goods will be delivered in a French port but not shipped overseas. Franklin’s note for a reply reads, “Thanks for his obliging Offers of Services to the U. States. It is now some time since their Ministers have made any Purchases of Goods for America; the Commerce being now open’d by Treaty between France & America, those Affairs are left to private Merchants.— I will communicate his Letter to one of them Mr Jonathan Williams, at Nantes, who possibly may have Orders from time to time for the Articles proposed.” The chevalier de Forstner offers on March 28 a system of his own device for the safe loading of cannons, particularly at sea. His asking price: one thousand louis, plus travel expenses.
The following day Jacques Faynard, writing from Paris but a resident of London, extols the virtues of the powder he has invented to stop both internal and external bleeding. Its efficacy is to be tested on April 3 by four commissioners of the Royal Academy of Surgery. Would Franklin honor that distinguished assembly with his presence? We do not know whether he obliged, but a report on the experiments carried out that day by Chenel, maître en chirurgie, is to be found among his papers. Dated May 21, it specifies that six dogs, submitted to various kinds of cuts, and treated with the powder, recovered well. Faynard also furnished Franklin with a printed list of the lords, diplomats, physicians, and other distinguished people who purchased his powder in England. King George, who graciously accepted the first box, after granting Faynard his patent in 1773, heads the list.
Another inventor, named Marche, describes, on April 27, the ingenious and very affordable machines he has designed in order to facilitate the various facets of agriculture and save labor, which must be in short supply in such a vast country as America. He has also planned convenient granaries and found a new, cheap way to produce saltpeter. All he asks in return is to be allowed to demonstrate his inventions and to eat at the servants’ table. He has been robbed of all he possesses and is waiting at the door for an answer.
On May 30, the chevalier de Cointeval (Cointeral?), a captain of dragoons, offers for sale six hundred fifty barrels of Irish salt beef captured by a French privateer in which he has an interest, the price not to exceed thirty-five l.t. per hundred, should the Americans be interested. He lives at the Place Louis XV.

Monsieur,
à Liége le 3. Mars 1779
Je suis françois, sujet fidele, et entiérement dévoué aux Etats unis de l’amérique et fort disposé à en donner des preuves dans toutes les occasions. On fait ici des fusils qui sont destinés pour la grande Bretagne sur lesquels sont les armes du Roi d’angleterre et le nom du s. Tower avec cette inscription (Georges Roy) Si vous desirez je vous en ferai passer un semblable. Le fusil avec sa Bayonnette pèse 13 Livres environ et est payé pris à Liége vingt deux livres dix sols argent de france. Si les Etats unis en avoient besoin et que vous voulussiez me charger de cette commission, je les ferai faire avec tout le soin et l’economie possible et je pourrai les fournir à 16 l.t. 10 s. argent de france sortant de Liége. Vous ne feriez payer ces armes que lorsqu’on vous les livreroit dans telle ville de france que vous jugeriez à propos ou bien en hollande. Ces fusils seront à l’épreuve et ceux que vous ne trouverez pas de bonne qualité resteront à ma charge ainsi qu’à celle de mes associés. Au reste comme je vous ferai passer un modele aussitôt vos ordres, vous serez à portée non seulement d’en juger, mais encore de le faire faire soit plus court soit plus leger de Canon. Trop heureux, Monsieur, si je puis mériter en cette occasion votre confiance et donner des preuves de mon zele tant à ma patrie qu’aux Etats unis de l’amérique. Il est inutile de vous observer que ma discretion en tout genre est à toute épreuve.
Je suis avec un très profond respect Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
DuvergerNégociant près la placeSt. Paulmaison de M de france.

Endorsed: That I am oblig’d to the Gentleman for his Offers to supply us with Arms, but have not at present any Orders of that kind to execute
Notation: Duverger. Liege March. 3. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 3 March 1779
From: Landais, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it Please your Excellency
Brest March 3d 1779
Mr Windship arrived So late the 28th of february that I had no Time to answer the last article of Yours of the 22d. I have no other orders or papers from the Hble Navy Board of Boston Promissing any one of the Ship Money but one of which herein is inclos’d a Copy; Mr Cottentin adgent Commrs. here had a translated one in french at my arrival here (of which I Suppose he Sent a Coppy to Mr Schweighausen adgent at Nantes) upon which order Mr Cottentin geve me the meney to pay the frenchmen but I have few more of the crew to whom the Same promisse was made.
I Shall be very glad to have the Hounble Adams a passanger beside the Honnour and Benefit of his company I Shall have an Eye Witness for to justify my futur cunduct as my former has had.
I Am waiting for Your Positive order and cannot Proceed to do any thing till I have receiv’d them.
I am with the Greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obeidient Most humble Servant
P: Landais
Doctor B. Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary to the united States

Addressed: To His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Passy / near Paris
Endorsed: Capt Landais March. 3. 1779 With Copy of a Letter from the Navy Board—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to All Commanders of Vessels of War, [4 March 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: All Commanders of Vessels of War

  [March 4, 1779]

  To all Commanders of Vessels of War commission’d by the Congress of the United States of North America,
These are to certify you, that the Bearer M. Riotto is a Subject of his most Christian Majesty the King of France, appertaining to his Highness the Prince of Conti, and that the Horses and the Dogs, or other Effects that may be in his Possession in crossing these seas are the Property of the said illustrious Prince. If therefore any English Vessel in which he may pass should by the Fortune of War fall into your Hands, you will afford, to the said M. Riotto, & the Person or Persons attending him your full Protection for them and the Property under their Care, that they may be set at Liberty and as far as in you lies forwarded to the Place of their Destination. And I earnestly recommend it to you to give them all the Assistance due to good Friends, & which they may stand in need of. Given at Passy, this 4th Day of March 1779
BF.—M.P.

Notations: Pass for the Prince de Conti / March. 4. 79


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Prince de Conti, 4 March 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Conti, Louis-François-Joseph de Bourbon, prince de

Monseigneur
Passy Le 4 Mars 1779
Je joins ici Le Passeport que votre Altesse serenissime ma demandé pour Le Sr. Riotto dans La Lettre qu’ill ma fait l’honneur de mécrire Le  du mois dernier.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec Le plus profond Respect, Monseigneur de votre altesse Serenissime Le tres h. & t. o. S.
BF
His Highn. the Prince de Conti.To all Commanders of Vessels of War


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Landais, 4 March 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Landais, Pierre

Sir
Passy, March 4 1779
I receiv’d yours of the 26 past, relating to the Refitting of your Ship.
Your Reasons for not mixing french seamen with the American seem to be good. On the Representations of Dr. Winship to the same Effect, who came from you and expressed your Mind to me, I laid aside the thought of applying to the Minister for a proper Number of them, to enable you to make a Cruize in these Seas; and the same Gentleman assuring me that the Ship had by this Voyage acquired such a Character for fast Sailing, & the Captain for good usage of his People that he was confident she would on her Return be immediately mann’d fully with Americans only, which I saw was impossible here, and that tho’ she would not have Men enough left for a Cruize, because she could spare none to mann Prizes, yet there were enough to fight her; I resolv’d therefore to send her directly back; the rather as he told me she may be ready in ten or twelve Days, and Mr. Adams my late Colleague wanted such an Opportunity of a Passage home. As to sheathing her with Copper, tho’ your Reasons for doing it may be good, it is quite out of the question, as I have neither Orders for doing it, nor Money to pay for it. If the Congress had approv’d of doing it, they might have done it in America, as Copper & Nails were sent over Lately, & are, I believe, arriv’d, more than sufficient for Such Purpose. I think there is more of the same still lying at Nantes in the Hands of M. schweighauser, which you may take over with you; and then perhaps you may prevail to have it done. But I am now surprised to understand from you that So much Work & time is necessary to fit her again for the Sea. I am afraid you will contrive to make such an Expence, that being unable to pay, I shall be oblig’d to sell her.
As to the Gratification you speak of for your Voyage in the Flamand, it is an Affair I know nothing of, having had no Concern in the Projecting of that Voyage. It is Pity you had not settled all such Demands when you were with M. Deane & the Congress in America. Nor have I anything to do with the Payment of the Wages you mention as due to you from this Ship.
These are things totally out of my Sphere. I have order’d such Repairs to be made as are absolutely necessary for your Return. You & M. Schweighauser must judge whether these are best done where she is or at L’Orient. I mentionn’d the Latter Place only because I know they often fit Large India Men there, and that you cou’d not be admitted into Brest, it being contrary to a standing Law to admit in time of War any foreign Vessels into that Harbour. Besides, their Docks & Workmen are so full of Employ & so hurried at that time that they cannot be spar’d for us. If these Repairs don’t cost too much, I may possibly be able to afford some small necessary Advance in Money to you & your Officers before you go: otherwise it will be out of my Power, whatever may be my Inclination to serve & oblige you and them.
I have discours’d with the Minister on the Subject of your Mutineers. The Result is that they cann’t be tryed here by the Laws of this Country; and as you can’t make up the Court Martial requir’d by those of the Congress; it is advis’d that you do what I before proposed, deliver to the Admiralty at Brest to be kept as English Prisoners of War such as are least guilty, and carry home with you for tryal a few of the Ringleaders. I shall endeavour to send you herewith an Order to receive those you Leave here. I have the Honor to be &c.
Capt. Landais


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Oliver, 4 March 1779
From: Oliver, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London March 4th 1779
I shall very shortly embark for the West Indies where my affairs require my presence, and I shall depart with three or four select friends. If with propriety your name can be given to them and myself, to assure good personal treatment should the fate of War make us Prisoners, I shall deem my Convoy most sufficient under its sanction.
I do not desire either for my friends or myself any favour respecting property; for in war that of individuals should depend on general Laws, & I never desire that mine either in war or peace, should be favoured by partial exemption, altho’ I shall always be happy to exercise & to receive the good offices of humanity.
Our friend Benjamin Vaughan thinks my request is not improper: I therefore desire to be obliged to you, and for no reason so much as because I am, with the most perfect esteem and all sincerity of respect, Dear Sir Your most Obedient and most Humble Servant
Richd Oliver

Notation: Richar Oliver Londres 4 March 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Paine, 4 March 1779
From: Paine, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia March 4th. 79
I wrote you twice from York Town in June 78, but have not received a line from you since yours of Octr. 7th 77 by Capt Folger.
I have lately met with a turn, which, sooner or later, happens to all Men in popular Life, that is, I fell, all at once, from high credit to disgrace, and the worst word was thought to good for me. But so sudden is the Revolution of public opinion, that the same Cause which produced the fall recovered me from it.
Mr. Deane is here. He is certainly not the Man you supposed him to be when you wrote your Recommendatory letters of him. He published a most Inflammatory address in the news-papers of the 5th of Decr. last, which, by the means of a party formed to support it, obtained such an ascendency over all Ranks of People, that the infatuation was surprising. He introduced it by saying that “the Ears of the Representatives were shut against him” This declaration, tho’ very unjustly made, gave pretence to the Publication. The Clamor against Congress was violent. And as I saw no prospect of its abating, I gave, after ten days an answer to it; hoping thereby to stay the rage of the Public till the matter could be calmly understood. I shared the same fate with Congress, and was set-down for a pensioned writer, and most furiously abused both in the news papers and every where else; and what may perhaps appear extraordinary, I was at the same time attacked by Congress, as if they, or a Majority of them wished the Imposition to pass. I had suspicions of Mr. Deane which others had not. I compared his single letters with the joint letters of the Commissr. and other letters and found such a disagreement as could not be honestly accounted for. To support Mr. Deane the affair of the Supplies, from Mr. B——s, was brought up and Mr Deane’s Merit in procuring them was represented equal to that of the Savior of a Country. I had at the same time my suspicions concerning the loss of the dispatches, and the purpose for which they were lost, as you will fully see by the enclosed, to which no answer has been given; and the Torrent has taken a direct contrary turn. The dispute has been a disagreeable one, but the Imposition had it passed would have been still worse. And it will serve to shew to the Enemy that the Congress are not the absolute leaders of America.
Mr. Deane and these who at first supported him, constantly endeavored to involve all his affairs with yours in such a Manner as to admit of no Separation. I, who have carefully read all the letters can best see where they meet and where they are distinct. His Agency before you arrived is one thing, and his joint Commission with you afterwards is quite another thing. Mr. Beache exceedingly surprised me one day, by telling me, that he supposed I intended to attack you after I had done with Mr. Deane. From what he could draw such an inference I cannot conceive as I have constantly studied to keep Mr D—— agency distinct from the joint Commission. I have always had my Eye to the issue, that turn out as it would, you might not be unjustly involved in it. Mr. Deane’s connections shelter him under you for support—and there may be others, not your friends, for every Man has his Enemies, who would likewise tack you to him, to share any discredit that might fall on him. I have endeavored to keep you Clear from both these dangers— When I say that there may be others not your friends &c. I have no particular Authority for saying it; but it being the natural Consequence of Parties, I have endeavored to guard against the probability of any such Injury. I have never heard a Syllable of disrespect towards you from either of the Col Lee’s, or any of Mr Izards connections. They know my attachment to you, and I have taken every Care to show by a Comparison of things dates and letters, that you were not privy to such parts of Mr. Deane’s Conduct as may be found Censureable. I really believe he has made mischief, between friends to screen himself. I can account for the difference between the Commissioners upon no other plan. I have had a most exceeding rough Time of it; But the Scale of Affairs is now entirely turned as to the Public Sentiment.
I am Dr. Sir Your Affectione Friend and humble Servt.
Tho Paine

P.S. I sent in my Resignation of Secretary to the Com foreign affair Janry. 8th.— My Compliments to your grandsons.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Matthew Ridley, 4 March 1779
From: Ridley, Matthew
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honorable Sir
Nantes March the 4th: 1779
Being much taken up with preparations for my departure to America has prevented me makeing you my congratulations, earlier, on your appointment as sole Commissioner from the United States of America, to the Court of Versailles— Tho’ late, I trust you will not think me less sincere.— My Wishes are, that you may long live to enjoy your appointment; that you may live to see Peace, restored, and our Independance acknowledged by all Nations; and that after accumulated Honors in the service of our Country, the Evening of your days, if your desire, may be closed in the Land of America, destined I hope to be the retreat of the Virtuous & Free— I am with respect Honorable Sir Your most Obedient and most humble Servant
Matt: Ridley

Addressed: His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esq. / Plenipotentiary from the United / of America to the Court of Versailles / at Passy / près de Paris
Notation: Math Ridley Nantes march the 4e. 1779.


Title: William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1779
From: Bingham, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin

Gentlemen,
March 5th, 1779.
By the eleventh Article of the Treaty of Commerce entered into betwixt His Most Christian Majesty & the United States of America, the Americans are exempted from the Payment of all Duties on the Article of Molasses, notwithstanding which the Duties have, until now, been constantly exacted & paid. This has occasioned great Clamours on the Part of the Americans, which induced me to apply to the Intendant, in order to procure the Exemption which the said Article of the Treaty stipulates in their favor. He informs me that he will repay me the Amount of all Duties that have already been received on this Account at the Custom House if an Order can be procured from the Minister for so doing.
If this can be obtained through your Interest, you will thereby render an essential Service to a Number of the Americans, who have been compelled to pay the said Duties, contrary to the Express Letter of the said Treaty.
I have the Honor to be, with due Respect, Gentlemen, your most obedient humble Servant
Wm Bingham


Title: Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1779
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin

Gentlemen,
Philada. March 5th. 1779
Since my last of Feby. 20th. there have issued from my office, the following Loan Office Bills of Exchange
To the State of New Hampshire

25 Setts
12 Dollars each
  No. 1045—
1069

25
 18
  1045 —
  1069

  25
   24
  1045 —
  1069

  13
   30
  1044 —
  1056

  13
   36
  1054 —
  1066

  13
   60
  523 —
  535

  13
  120
  774 —
  786

To the State of New Jersey

12 Setts
60 Dollr. each
  No. 536 —
  547

  10
  120
  787 —
  796

To the State of Virginia

10 Setts
12 Dollr. each
  No. 1070—
  1079

  10
  18
  1070 —
  1079

  10
  24
  1070 —
  1079

   5
  30
  1057 —
  1061

   5
  36
  1067 —
  1071

   5
  60
548 —
  552

I have the Honour to be Gentlemen, your very humble servt.
Fras. HopkinsonTreasr. of Loans
(No. 7)(Original)Commrs. at Paris

Addressed: To / The Commissioner or Commissioners / of the United States of America / at / Paris / (Original) / (On public Service) (No. 7)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gourlade and Moylan, 5 March 1779
From: Gourlade, Jacques-Alexandre,Moylan, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honord Sir
L’Orient 5 March 1779
The Captain of the Ship Bergere which arrived here about a fortnight since from Virginia, with three hundred Hhds of Tobacco for account of the United States of America, apply’d to us yesterday for an explination of the Bills of lading wch: he sign’d for their delivery and the method he shou’d take to have his vessel discharged of her cargo speedily. By those Bills of lading we perceiv’d that said Tobacco is to be deliverd to your order, we in consequence advised him to wait the receipt of it, and that we wou’d write you on the subject to prevent further delay & demurage. The Farmers General Agent likewise informd us, that he had their directions to receive this Tobacco from those you might apoint here to deliver it to him, we will therefore only add, that to prevent the expence of demurage, it will be necessary your instructions regarding this Tobacco shou’d be here as soon as possible and that they shou’d be accompany’d by the Bill of Lading indorsed by you. We have the Honor of remaining Honord Sir Your most obt hl St
Gourlade & Moylan
The Honorable Benj: Franklin Esqr—

Addressed: The Honorable / Benja: Franklin Esqr—
Notation: Gourlade et Moylan. L’orient 5 Mars 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Laneuville, [before 6 March 1779]
From: Laneuville, Louis-Pierre Penot Lombart, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
[before March 6, 1779]
Ayant eu l’honneur de servir Dans l’armee De la nation de la qu’elle vous êtes le Ministre plenipotentiaire, j’ai cru ne pouvoir et ne devoir pas me dispenser de mettre sous vos yeux les témoignages flatteurs que j’ai été assèz heureux pour mériter du Congres et de differents officiers généraux. Nous sommes partis mon frere et moi sans aucune convention pour les grades, et quoique jouissant d’une fortune médiocre nous n’avons jamais demandé le moindre dédomagement, trop flattés d’avoir pu montrer notre zele dezintéréssé.
J’ai L’honneur d’être avec respect. Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obéissant serviteur
LaneuvilleBrigadier gènéralau service des Etats unisde l’amèrique.
Aprês avoir lu les papiers cy joint jose vous prier de les remettre au porteur.

Notations in different hands: Laneuville / Laneuville … ..


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from S. & J.-H. Delap, 6 March 1779
From: Delap, Jean-Hans; Delap, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 6th March 1779
Messrs. La Veuve Mathurin Comic & Mn. fils of Morlaix advise us that our Privateer the Marchioness de la Fayette Commanded by P: Barry under American Colours had sent into their port a small Brig laden with Fish & Oil the Sale of which was stoped by the Judge of the Amiralty untill she was deemd a Legal Prize by you & the Conceil des Prizes; she is an English Vessell that was taken by a French Privateer, retaken by a Jersey Man & afterwards recaptur’d by Captn. Barry, therefore dont Immagine that we shall meet any difficulty in getting her Condemned, but as fish is a Perishable article & this the Season for placing same to advantage, we have to request your giving your decision on this affair as soon as will be convenient & with out Loss of time, as delay will not only prejudice the Sale of this Cargo but also make the greater part thereof prove a total Loss. We take this opportunity of Rendering you an offer of our best Services at this Port & are with the greatest respect—sir Your most obedt, & most devoted humle. Servants—
S & J H. Delap
The Honourable Benjamin Franklin

Addressed: To / The Honourable Benjamin Franklin / Plenipotentiary to the United States / of America. / at the Court of / Versails
Notation: Delap. Bordeaux 6. mars 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Johnson, 6 March 1779
From: Johnson, Joshua
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble. Sir
Nantes 6 Mar 79.
I have the honour to acknowledge the Receit of your polite and much esteemed favour of the 28 Ultimo for which and your readiness in interfearing to releave me from the duties imposed by the Farmers General on my Furniture I beg you to accept of my gratefull thanks, at your request I forward you a List of those Articles on which they have charged the duty and have hopes, that through your interposition, that I shall be discharged from the payment of it.—
As an Individual who is established here in Trade, I take this method to return you my thanks for your great attention to it in the early appointment of the Alliance Frigate to Convoy our Ships to America, and notwithstanding what may be insinuated to the contrary I have not a doubt but you will inforce your Orders so as to have her here at or near the time you originally fixed.— The La Bergere lately arrived from Mary’d at L.’Orient has three hundred Hhds Tobacco on board on Account of Congress, the Owner has made frequent applications to M. Williams & self to receive them, I have thought proper to mention thus much for fear you had not been informed of her arrival & that you may be pleased to give your Orders accordingly.— I remain on all occasions with the most sincere esteem & regard— Sir. Your most obliged & ready Hble Servant
Joshua Johnson
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Passy.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr: / Plenipotentiary / at the Court of / Versailles.
Notation: Joshua Johnson Nantes 6. Mars 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William MacCreery, 6 March 1779
From: MacCreery, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 6 March 1779
I had the honor to address your Excellency some short time ago on the subject of Port Duties here chargeable on sundry goods shipp’d by the Subjects of the United States of America. Since that time the Ship Buckskin is arrived at this Port, and will be ready in a very short time to take her Cargo on board; and least your Excellency shou’d not be able to procure the desired regulations on the Shipping of Salt &c. I wou’d beg of you to procure a permission from the Minister, for Saml. and John Hans Delap & William MacCreery, to load on the Ship Buckskin, Aquilla Johns Master, Three Thousand Six Hundred Bushels, or one Hundred & fifty Tons of Salt, free of Duties.
This Ship carrys 22 Nine Pounders, will be well Man’d. Shou’d there be any Goods belonging to the States to go on Freight to Maryland, think she wou’d be an exceeding good & safe conveyance, as any that has yet offerd; as she Sails remarkably fast, having been constructed for Cruizing. She will have nothing to detain her here above a Month, provided the order for loading the Salt, be had in due time. I have the Honor to be, with the utmost respect, Your Excellency most Obedient and most Humble Servant
Will MacCreery

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin / Plenipotentiary from the U. S. of A. / Versailles
Notation: Will MacCreery Bordeaux 6. mars 1779.


Title: Passport for John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Servant, [7 March 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[March 7, 1779]
Nous Benjamin Franklin Ministre Plenipotentiaire des treize Etats Unis de l’Amerique septentrionale
Prions touts ceux qui sont a prier de vouloir bien laisser surement et librement passer l’honorable John Adams sujet des dits Etats allant a Nantes avec son fils et un Domestique sans leur donner ni permettre qu’il leur soit donné aucun Empechement, mais au contraire de leur donner toute sorte d’Aide et d’Assistance, comme nous ferions en pareil Cas pour ceux qui nous seroient recommandés.
En foi de quoi nous leur avons delivré le present Passeport, valable pour trois mois, signé de notre Main, contresigné par l’un de nos Secretaires et au Bas duquel est le Cachet de nos Armes.
Donné a Passy en notre Hotel, ce septieme Jour du Mois de Mars, Mil sept cent soixante dix neuf
Par son Excellence
B FranklinN M Gellée
Gratis.

Endorsed by John Adams: Passport


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, [7 March 1779]
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Sunday morning [March 7, 1779]
Inclos’d I have the honor to send a letter which I beg leave to Reccommend to your excellency that (if possible) Mr Blodget Might obtain the leave of Coming to Paris— I am just Going to Versailles, and if you have any Commands for me they shall ever be well Come.
With the highest Regard and sincerest affection I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
Lafayette

Had you any interesting paper I’d thank you for ’em. I beg also you would let me know When you intend to write by the Alliance


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 7 March 1779
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Versailles ce 7. mars 1779.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire relativement aux Prisonniers des Etats Unis, detenus dans la rade de Brest. Je renouvelle les ordres que j’avois dejà donné pour faire transferer ces Prisonniers qui n’ont pu l’être plustôt parcequ’il regnoit des Maladies épidemiques à Dinan, mais il seront incessamment conduits au Chateau de Fougéres.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la Consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
(signé) De Sartine.
Mr. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 7 March 1779
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 7. Mars 1779.
J’ai l’honneur de vous prèvenir M. que le Roi ne recevra pas les Ambassadrs. et Ministres étrangers mardy prochain; au moyen de quoi votre presentation ne pourra avoir lieu que le mardy 16. de ce mois/.
M. franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 8 March 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir
Passy, March 8 1779
I am much oblig’d to yr. Excy. for the Notice you were so good as to send me yesterday.
I send my Grandson to M. de Sartine, to procure from him two Orders to the proper Officers at Brest. The one to receive the Prisoners brought in long since by Capt. Jones. The other to receive the Mutineers from on Board the Alliance. I beg you would be pleas’d to give a Line, if you think it proper, to Mr. de Sartine, that we may obtain more readily these Orders. I have the Honor to be &c
Ct. de Vergennes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [8 March 1779]
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Monday at five o’clock [March 8, 1779]
I Am very Sorry it was not in My power to wait on Your excellency this Morning but I was oblig’d to Ride with the Queen at a partie of pleasure in the Bois de Boulogne— I saw yesterday the first and other Ministers and Spoke to them about the Necessity of Giving you Monney for fulfilling the engagements taken in Bills of exchange—that they Became pretty Sensible of, and I hope they will do what they Can— I want to see your excellency on several points and shall have the honor to call on you to morrow evening or to accept any Rendés-vous in paris you will be pleas’d to give.
With all the Sentiments of affection and Regard I have the honor to be Your excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant
Lafayette


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 9 March 1779
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 9 Mar 1779
The vessel I advised you arrived at Rochelle proved to be a Ship belonging to some Merchants at Baltimore.
By Letters yesterday from Bilboa we are advised of the Arrival of two American Vessels at that Port from New England one of them a Brig from Salem took on her Passage a homeward bound Jamaica man estimated at Twenty five Thousand Pounds. The prize I understand is safe arrived at Bilboa.
The French privateers from these Parts have not been successful not any of them as yet having taken to cover the amount of their Outfits.
A French Martinico Ship took and brought into this Port a Dutch Ship from St Sabastians for Bristol we are anxious to learn the dessition of the Admiralty if the claimants dont prove the property Spanish the Cargo its expected will be Condemnd and the Ship restored as is practiced in England.
I have the honor to be with due respect Sr Your very hhb Servant
John Bondfield
The Honble Benj Franklin Esq

Addressed: To the Honble. Benj Franklin Esqr / Plenipotentiary from Congress / at / Paris
Notation: Jonh Bonfield Bordeaux 9 mars 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 March 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & honoured Sir.—
Nantes March 9. 1779
I received a Letter from Billy per last Post in which he tells me you desire to know the general run of the Orders I have recvd from America. Bohea Tea composes much more than half, and the remainder is assorted— The articles are too numerous to give an exact accot of them, but in general they run on what is called necessarys for Familys, and under this Head is ranged what relates to dress & appearance; I have Orders for some Boxes of Glass and some Copper for Stills.
Mr Lee being here, I thought it my Duty to demand of him a justification of his assertions (if they could be justified) and pointed out the means, I have not yet received any answer, when I do, I will transmit it to you with a Copy of my Letter to him, in which I inclosed a Copy of the one I wrote to You and Mr Adams.
I hope you have got rid of your troublesome Companion the Gout— The Captain of the Alliance has informed that he will not be able to sail these 3 Weeks for want of hands & many necessary Repairs—
I am ever with the greatest Respect Hond Sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams

Notation: Jona. Williams. Nantes 9 mars 1779.