Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 29 September 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam September 29. 1780
Mr Samuel Andrews, formely of Boston lately of Demarara, is going to Paris upon Business, respecting a Vessell taken by the French and carried into Martinico.
He will lay before you his Papers, and hopes for your Countenance, in the Prosecution of his Appeal, altho he claims as a Dutchman. I have the Honour to recommend him to your Excellencys Notice.
I have written to Mr Thaxter to ask the Favour of you to take into your Custody my Books and Trunks of Cloaths.— I dont know but I asked too much; perhaps you may not have Room, without Inconvenience.— If so, Mr Thaxter, will locke all up in Trunks and get, some store for them.
My Affairs will oblige me to stay here, if Mr Laurens dont Arrive: and if he does, it will be proper for me to stay untill I can communicate all that I know to him, at least.—
I have heard often mention of a Letter from your Excellency to the Grand Pensionary of Holland, near a Year ago. It is much esteemed here—but I cant get a sight of it.— I should be glad to support the sentiments in it, as far as I have learned them, but could do it to better Purpose if I Could obtain a Copy, which if there is no material objection to I request of your Excellency.
What this Republick will do in the Northern Confederation is a Question that divides all Parties.— Neither Stadhouderians nor Republicans. Neither Anglomanes nor Francomanes are agreed. Time will shew. I have the Honour to be, &c
John Adams
His Excellency Mr Franklin

Endorsed: Answer’d Oct. 8.
Notation: J. Adams. Sept 29. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, [29 September 1780]
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
[September 29, 1780]
You have intimated in a late letter to me, in answer to one wherein I attempted to describe the folly & infatuation of these people in their extraordinary exultations ever since the taking of Charles Town, “That the second ‘hour of their Insolence’ might be of as short duration as the first”. This has been strictly veryfyd, & the whole City is as much chap fallen & in the dumps as they were ever elated. The general cry for two days past is that “we are undone & ruind”—all is over—We always had hopes till now—our Army will be Burgoind &ca. &a. The affairs of New York were in such a state as to induce Genl Clinton to send away a packet out of time on the 28th. of last month wch is not yet arrivd; and in a very few days after the Virginia Frigate with other alarming intelligences & of the discovery of the approach of Washingtons army towards New York. She saild the 1st Int. and her arrival has thrown an unusual damp upon the Spirits of the Court, its creatures & their out runners & advocates. The heads of the news brought by this vessel, wch I have collected from the best quarter of information is, That Monsr Terney arrivd at Rhode Island the 10th. & landed His Army the 12th. This arrival or landing was not known to Clinton for nine days after— Admiral Greaves arrivd at nearly the same period at N York & his Fleet was cruising between Rhode Island & N York when the Virginia Frigate Saild. As soon as Clinton heard of the arrival he determind on an Expedition to attack the French army at Rhode Island, & embarkd a large force on board Transports at N York. Adml Arbuthnot (who Commands) did not think the measure prudent, for reasons that there was not provision enough to victual the Transports, (there being scarcely sufficient for 2 months at short allowance and no supplys soon expected) and that by such an Embarkation the Garrison might be so weakend that Genl Washington might attack & take the City. This last reason only founded in speculation was soon realizd into fact; for after the Troops had been many days embarkd Genl Washington passd the No [North] River & approachd by regular march towards N York with 16,000 men. The British Troops were in consequence all disembarkd, and on hearing it, Genl. W—— halted and retreated a few miles back. Dalrymple (who brings the dispatches) says that Washingtons Army is 20,000 Effective men, exclusive of French. The French Admiral had issued a proclamation in the name of the Congress & King of. France, assuring the People they should receive every support, & that the King his master had resolvd upon the Conquest of Canada & of ceeding that province to the United States, & that He was in dayly expectation of a considerable rienforcement. Before the Virga. Frigate Saild, Sir H Clinton had receivd advices of a late date from Lord Cornwallis, informing that his detachd partys had had several Skirmishes with Detatchments from Gates’s army, & had been repulsd in all of them; That the People of Carolina who had taken up arms in the Royal Cause, had revolted & joind Genl Gates, to whom they had given up all their officers. In consequence of these disasters, Lord Cornwallis had determind to abandon all the interior Country of So Carolina & retire within the lines of Charles Town, in which place during Lord Cornwallis absence, there had been an insurrection of the People agt. the Soldiery, which had been quelld at the Expence of 4 or five hundd Amns. killd & wounded and near Eighty Soldiers.
A Sloop from the West Indies wch arrivd at N York the 30 Augt. brought an accot of Monsr. Guichens Fleet being seen on the 28th July steering for Jamaica & not far from it— His fleet consisted of 32 Sail of the line several frigates & lesser Ships making in the whole 76 Sail & having 16,000 Troops on board. There are an hundred other accots of lesser note, among them, that Monsieur Rochambeau had strongly entrenchd himself on Rhode Island, & that the June & July packets from England had been both taken by Amn. Privateers very near to Sandy hook.
The Quebec Spring fleet wch saild in June from Spithead were met on & near the banks of Newfoundland by some American Privateers which took twenty two out of the 30 Sail. The list of 20 of them is on Loyds book as arrivd in N England brought by a passenger who was allowd to come immediately frm. Boston to N York & so home in the Virginia. This is a greater blow to Loyds that the late capture of the West India Ships near £400,000 having been Insurd on them at Coffee House. I am told most of these Ships are worth from £30 to 35,000 & some of them above forty. O Rare Yankee! Well done Yankee!
A Report is very prevalent & much Credited that seven homeward bound East India men are also Capturd.

I am with very high Esteem Dr Sir Yr. obligd & obt Servt
W. S. C

I wrote you on tuesday last by Mr B——f——d who will stop a day or two in Amsterdam. He can give you an accot of the Cartel to B——l [Bristol] &ca.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur B: F: / Passy
Notations: Sept 29 1780 / [in William Temple Franklin’s hand:] Extrait d’une lettre de Londres a M. Franklin datté 29 Sep. 80.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 29 September 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lahaie 29. 7bre 1780
Le Roi de Suede arriva ici le 26 au soir & repart ce soir. Il a soupé le 26 & le 27 chez Mr. l’Ambr. de France; & le 28 chez l’Ambr. d’Angle. qui s’est donné beaucoup de mouvement pour cela; & l’on a eu quelque peine a engager le Roi d’y aller. Comme le Spectacle est suspendu pendant ces 2 semaines, Mr. l’Ambr. de France a donné le 27 & le 28 ce Spectacle dans un hotel particulier où il a fait ériger un Théatre, & fait jouer les Comédiens, qui ont donné le premier jour la Ve. de Malabar, & le jour suivant la Fausse Agnès. Cette derniere Piece a beaucoup diverti le Roi, que j’ai vu à mon aise, & entendu rire fréquemment: car Mr. l’Ambr. a eu la bonté de me donner lui-même 6 billets, pour mon Epouse, ma Fille & moi.
Je verrai ce soir notre ami, quoique je sache d’avance qu’il ne s’y est rien passé d’intéressant.
Vous verrez sans doute avec plaisir les insertions dans la Gazette & supplément ci-joints de Leide.

Je suis avec un grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à Son Exc. M. B. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin / Mine. Plenipe. des E. U. / &c. / Passy./.
Notation: Mr Dumas la haie Sept 29. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Poliange, 29 September 1780
From: Poliange, Mademoiselle —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris rue des Sts. peres no. 59 Le 29 7bre. 1780/.
Vous n’avez Sans doute pas reçu la lettre que j’eus Lhonneur de vous adresser le 18 aout dernier dans laquelle je vous rapellais les promesses que vous eutes la bonté de me faire verballement au mois de juin a loccasion de mr. vigeral mon parent pris par les anglais le 5 mars 1778 sur un Corsaire americain, et duquel Sa famille desireroit avoir des nouvelles. La reputation que vous vous etes acquise, la place que vous occupez, tout me prouve que vous etes trop honnete pour differer plus longtems de minstruire du succes de vos recherches si Cette lettre vous parvient Comme je n’en doute pas. Dans le Cas ou elle resterait encore Sans réponce, je Concluerai que nos usages vous Sont inconnus, et que Ceux de votre nation sont tout à fait differends. Je Concluerai encore qu’on est bien malheureux dexposer Sa vie pour defendre la liberté d’autrui, si Ce Sacrifice doit etre paié par loubli Le plus affligeant pour une ame Sensible. Pardon Monsieur, Cest une femme qui parle et qui se Connait bien peu en matiere de guerre. Cest de plus une femme française, et mon Sexe dans ce païs Saccoutume tres difficilement a Ce qui peut blesser Son amour propre votre silence est dans Ce Cas par rapport a moy et jose esperer que Cette légere Considération jointe à tant dautres que je ne vous Suggere point, mais que vous ferez Sans doute, vous engagera enfin à m’honorer d’un mot de reponse. C’est dans Cet espoir que jai Lhonneur detre avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeïssante servante
DE Poliange./.

Notation: De Poliange, Paris 29. 7bre. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Ruston, 29 September 1780
From: Ruston, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
London Sept 29th 1780
The most profound secrecy is studied with respect to the dispatches brought by General Dalrymple. He left N York about the begining of Sept. All those who have calld upon him have been refused admittance. The friends of Ministry acknowlege the news he brings is very bad. The scraps that are to be picked up are, that they were in the utmost consternation at new York, in consequence of de Ternays arrival at Rhode Island. Troops were embarked in order to attack him, but Arbuthnot and Sr Harry Clinton disagreed about the expediency of it, as Washington was in great force ready to attack N York. in consequence of which they were disembarked. The loyalists are said to have laid down their arms. Lord Cornwallis is said to be Burgoyned in Carolina. Farther reinforcements were expected from France, in consequence of which the Americans were exerting themselves with the greatest spirit. The greatest part of the Quebec fleet which consisted of about 44 Sail have been taken and carried into new England. The Ministerialests here seem more heartily sick then ever they were upon any former occasion. Two opineons prevail here at present, the public one is that fifteen million will be wanted for the service of the next year. The more private one is that the K—g will open the Session of the new Parlt. with an inclination to accede to the Am——n Independence, which of them is the most likely to be true I shall not take upon me to determine.
I took the liberty of troubling you with a few thoughts the 9th instant on the subject of Am——n financ, if you think them worth your notice, or if you wish to have any farther communication on that Subject be so good as to direct to Dr Ruston at the Carolina Coffee house Birchin Lane for the Author. Pray what is the precise state of their debt. Who is at the head of their finance. I am Dr Sr with the most profound respect Yr obedt humble Servt
T. R.

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctr: Franklin / Paris
Notation: T R. London Sept. 29. 1780.


Title: Receipt Written for Thomas-François Stanley, 29 September 1780
From: Stanley, Thomas-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Passy, Sept. 29. 1780
Receiv’d of Benjamin Franklin Eight Guineas in full for a Pendule which I left with him in London seven years since, when the above mentioned Sum was borrowed of him, and which he now agrees to give me for the said Pendule. Witness my hand—a prouvé Lescriture cy Desus
Stanley


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Gregorie, 30 September 1780
From: Gregorie, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Dunkerque 30th Septemb. 1780
I am desired to lay before your Excellency the Subjoined vouchers to Establish a proof of the atrocious abuse made by Capt Edward Macatter Commander of the black Princess Privateer, of the Power vested in him by the United States of America.
The paper No 1 is a regular Protest taken by John McIsaac master of the Brig the John, at Dublin the 13 July last and by him & his Crew the next day affirmed upon Oath before the Lord Mayor of that City, Setting forth, That having been Captured by the abovenamed Privateer on the 8 July, one of the Officers compelled him by holding a Pistol to his breast to signe a Ransombill for £ 400 Sterling altho the Veshel burthen about 70 Tuns & her Cargo of Coals were not in his own estimation worth above half that Sume—. I having with this proof in hand ineffectually offred Mr John Torris who is Capt Macatters Agent in this Town to pay half the Ransom by way of Composition, McIsaac the master of the Brigg found a necessity to Sell the Ship & Cargo by Publick Auction for behoof of the Captors that they might touch to the utmost extent of what the Subject might be worth.
The paper marked No 2 leads a proof of this having been done in a regular manner & that both Ship & Cargo produced Net only about £193—Irish mony from which some expences on the Cargo are yet to be deducted, the Coals not being delivred when the Attestation was Sent away, but whatever may remain after all Charges are defrayed the Master offers to pay to the last Shilling, provided Capt Macatter or his Agent will accept of it as a full compensation for the Ransom, and further discharge all the expences of Duncan Flemings detention who was sent as hostage & furnish him besides a sume Sufficient to bear his charges home, Since no more mony can be drawn from the concerned, the Master himself and ev’n the owners of the Veshell being insolvent.

After this plain State of the Case permit me to represent to your Excy. that any deed executed by a Man when under the fear of his Life becomes Nul & of no avail— McIsaac however has done ev’rything in his power towards fulfilling the engagement he contracted under these circumstances, and he now further has recourse to the Justice & humanity of your Excellency to Request he may be pleased to interpose his Authority that Duncan Fleming the hostage be released upon the terms before Specify’d and sent home to his own Country—.
I have the honor to be—Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most faithfull Servant
David Gregorie—.Merchant at Dunkirk
Benjamin Franklin Esqr Minister Plenipotentiary from the United / States of America at his Seat at Passy

Endorsed: Answer’d Oct. 9.
Notation: David Gregorie Dunkirk Sept 30. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 September 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir
Nantes Sept. 30. 1780.
I have received a Letter from Mr DeSegray at St Malo of which I send inclosed a Copy. You will see by it the Difficulties that will attend the Transportation of the Saltpetre; That relative to Mr Schweighauser I have obviated by desiring him to write & relinquish his Pretentions, which he has promised in consequence of a Discharge from you which I have engaged he shall receive by return of Post; notwithstanding the Difficulties Mr DeSegray mentions the Salt Petre must come by Land to L’orient or we must renounce the Expectation of getting it out in the Breton, for it is almost certain Loss to send it by Sea, & it will not do to wait for it if the Winds should not be favourable for its coming round. The only Thing we can do will be to persuade the Farmers to dispence with the formalitys of leading the Bags & to grant a Permit to transport as if it belonged to the King, which would save, Time & Expence; but as I much Doubt the Success of the application & as I know you do not like to ask Favours of these People, I hardly think it worth the Pains; But if you could persuade Mr de Sartine to take the 100 Tons of Salt petre at St Malo & deliver the same Quantity from the Salt petre Works at L’orient, it would be an excellent arrangement, & I should think he would not refuse it, for as St Malo & L’orient are at nearly the same Distance from Brest, the Kings Salt Petre in either of this Ports is nearly the same thing as to convenience; If however this cannot be done immediately I think the best Way is to determine on having the Salt Petre transported to L’orient in spight of all Expence & Difficulty, and for this Purpose I request you to give immediate Orders as you may decide.
Capt Samson is returned without doing anything, & no Letters are yet come to hand from Holland about him so I do not know what he is to do: We sometimes laugh at the foolish & Extravagant Ideas of the French who go to america to make themselves, Generals or Senators & who expect to find Riches only for the Trouble of gathering them; but I think the laugh may be turned on our Borrowers of Money, for one would suppose they thought this Country paved with Gold & Silver and that they had only to send out a Ship to bring home a load of it.— The Portuguese Capitaine who was taken by Capt Samson is trying to get him into a Law Suit but I believe I shall prevent it by having the matter refered to the Portuguese Ambassador & you, who are in my Opinion the only Persons who have a Right to interfere.
Mr Schweighauser is getting the Arms ready to send round to L’orient agreeable to my Desire.
I am ever with the greatest Respect Dear & hond Sir Yours dutifully & affectionately
Jona Williams J

Notation: J Williams Sept 30 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Woulfe, 30 September 1780
From: Woulfe, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

sir.
saturday morn 30th. 7ber. [1780]
On my return home late yesterday Evening I found a letter from my Friend M. Petrie with the inclosed, wch. he desires I Shou’d get carefully delivered into your or your Grandson’s hands. I am sorry to have been detained so long yesterday where I dined, wch. prevented your receiving it yesterday Evening.
I am with the truest respect sir your most humble & most obedt. Servant
G: Woulfe

Notations in different hands: Ansd / G. Woulfe


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville & fils, 1 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Neufville, Jean de, & fils

Gentlemen,
Passy Oct. 1. 1780.
I have just received your respected Letter of the 25th. past, and take this first Opportunity of answering, that I approve of your making the Drafts upon me which you therein mention, and which I shall duly honour. But as Mr Lawrens, who was to sail three Days after Mr Searle, may now be expected in Holland every Day, I could wish that you would not proceed in farther Acceptances before his Arrival, unless in case of absolute Necessity to prevent a Protest; as by the Resolve of Congress, which you acquainted me with in a former Letter it is probable that he brings Effects with him. Therefore in Case other Bills are offer’d to you, before his Arrival, I desire you would acquaint me with the Amount before you accept them, unless as above. When that Gentleman arrives be pleased to present to him my Congratulations and Respects.
Your Guarrantee of the Bills you recd from John Leverer is sufficient in my Esteem, and they will be paid.
With great Regard, I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Mess. John De Neufville & Sons—

Addressed: A. Messieurs / Messrs. John De Neufville & Sons Negotiants / à Amsterdam
Notation: Oct 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 2 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy Oct. 2. 1780.
By all our late Advices from America the Hopes you expressed that our Countrymen, instead of amusing themselves any longer with delusive Dreams of Peace, would bend the whole force of their Minds to find out their own Strength & Resources, and to depend upon themselves, are actually accomplished. All the Accounts I have seen, agree, that the Spirit of our People was never higher than at present, nor their Exertions more vigorous.
Inclosed I send you Extracts of some Letters from two French Officers, a Colonel & Lieutenant Colonel in the Army of M. De Rochambeau, which are the more pleasing, as they not only give a good Character of our Troops, but show the good Understanding that subsists between them and those of our Allys. I hope we shall soon hear of something decisive performed by their joint Operations, for your Observation is just that Speculations & Disputations do us little Service. Our Credit & Weight in Europe depend more on what we do than on what we say: And I have long been humiliated with the Idea of our running about from Court to Court begging for Money and Friendship, which are the more withheld the more eagerly they are sollicited, and would perhaps have been offer’d if they had not been asked. The supposed Necessity is our only Excuse. The Proverb says God helps them that helps themselves, and the World too in this Sense is very Godly.
As the English Papers have pretended to Intelligence that our Troops disagree, perhaps it would not be amiss to get these Extracts inserted in the Amsterdam Gazette.
With great Respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy: John Adams Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 2 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir
Pasy, Oct. 2. 1780
I received duly your several Letters of the 12th. 15th. 17th. 19th and 21st of September. I am much pleas’d with the Intelligence you send me, and with the Papers you have had printed.
Mr Searle is a military Officer in the Pensilvania Troops, and a Member of Congress. He has some Commission to execute for that Province, but none that I know of from Congress. He has an open Letter for you from Mr. Lovel, which he has shewn me, It is full of Expressions of his Esteem; and I understand from Mr Searle, that you stand exceeding well with the Committee & with the Congress in general. I am sorry to see any Marks of Uneasiness & Apprehension in your Letters. Mr Chaumont tells me that you want some Assurance of being continued. The Congress itself is changeable at the Pleasure of their Electors, and none of their Servants have, or can have any such Assurance. If therefore any thing better for you, & more substantial should offer, no body can blame you for accepting it, however satisfied they may be with your Services. But as to the Continuance of what you now enjoy, or of something as valuable in the Service of the Congress, I think you may make your self easy, for that your Appointment seems more likely to be increased than diminish’d, tho’ it does not belong to me to promise any thing.
Mr. Laurens was to sail 3 Days after Mr Searle, who begins to fear he must be lost, as it was a small Vessel he intended to embark in.— He was bound directly to Holland.
I enclose some Extracts of Letters from two French Officers of Distinction in the Army of M. de Rochcambault, wich are pleasing, as they mark the good Intelligence that subsists between the Troops, contrary to the Reports circulated by the English. They will do perhaps for your Leiden Gazette.
With great Esteem & Affection I am ever Your faithful Friend & Servt.
B Franklin
Mr Dumas.

Notation: Passy 2e. Octobr. 1780 Mr. B. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 2 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,Passy Oct. 2. 1780.
I received duly and in good Order the several Letters you have written to me of Augt. 16. 19. Sept. 8. & 22. The Papers that accompanied them of your writing, gave me the Pleasure of seeing the Affairs of our Country in such good Hands, and the Prospect from your Youth of its having the Service of so able a Minister for a great Number of Years: But the little Success that has attended your late Applications for Money mortified me exceedingly; and the Storm of Bills which I found coming upon us both, has terrified and vexed me to such a Degree that I have been deprived of Sleep, and so much indisposed by continual Anxiety as to be render’d almost incapable of Writing.
At length I got over a Reluctance that was almost invincible, and made another Application to the Government here for more Money. I drew up and presented a State of Debts and newly expected Demands, and requested its Aid to extricate me. Judging from your Letters that you were not likely to obtain anything considerable from your Court, I put down in my Estimate the 25,000 Dollars drawn upon you with the same Sum drawn upon me, as what would probably come to me for Payment. I have now the Pleasure to acquaint you that my Memorial was received in the kindest & most friendly Manner; and tho’ the Court here is not without its Embarrasments, on Account of Money, I was told to make myself easy, for that I should be assisted with what was necessary. Mr Searle arriving about this Time, and assuring me there had been a plentiful Harvest, and great Crops of all Kinds; that the Congress had demanded of the several States, Contributions in Produce; which would be chearfully given; that they would therefore have Plenty of Provisions to dispose of; & I being much pleased with the generous Behavior just experienced, I presented another Paper, proposing in order to ease the Government here, which had been so willing to ease us, that the Congress might furnish their Army in America with Provisions in Part of Payment for the Sums lent us. This Proposition I was told was well taken: But it being consider’d that the States having the Enemy in their Country and obliged to make great Expences for the present Campaign, the furnishing so much Provisions as the French Army would need might straiten & be inconvenient to the Congress; his Majesty did not at this time think it right to accept the Offer.— You will not wonder at my loving this good Prince: He will win the Hearts of all America.
If you are not so fortunate in Spain, continue however the even good Temper you have hitherto manifested. Spain owes us nothing, therefore whatever Friendship she shows us in lending Money or furnishing Cloathing, &ca. tho’ not equal to our Wants and Wishes, is however tant de gagné; those who have begun to assist us are more likely to continue than to decline, and we are still so much oblig’d as their Aids amount to. But I hope and am confident that Court will be wiser than to take Advantage of our Distress and insist on our making Sacrifices by an Agreement, which the Circumstances of such Distress would hereafter weaken, and the very Proposition can only give Disgust at present. Poor as we are, yet as I know we shall be rich, I would rather agree with them to buy at a great Price the whole of their Right on the Missisipi than sell a Drop of its Waters.— A Neighbour might as well ask me to sell my Street Door.
I wish you could obtain an Account of what they have supplied us with already, in Money and Goods.
Mr. Grand informing me that one of the Bills drawn on you, having been sent from hence to Madrid, was come back unaccepted, I have directed him to pay it; and he has at my Request undertaken to write to the Marquis D’Yranda, to assist you with Money to answer such Bills as you are not otherwise enabled to pay, and to draw on him for the Amount, which Drafts I shall answer here, as far as twenty five thousand Dollars.— If you expect more acquaint me. But pray write to Congress as I do to forbear this Practice, which is so extreamly hazardous and may some time or other prove very mischevous to their Credit & Affairs. I have undertaken too for all the Bills drawn on Mr Lawrens that have yet appear’d. He was to have sailed 3 Days after Mr Searle, that is the 18th. of July. Mr Searle begins to be in pain for him, having no good Opinion of the little Vessel he was to embark in.
We have Letters from America to the 7th of August. The Spirit of our People was never higher. Vast Exertions making preparatory for some important Action. Great Harmony & Affection between the Troops of the two Nations. The New Money in good Credit &ca &ca.

I will write to you again shortly & to Mr Carmichael. I shall now be able to pay up your Salaries compleat for the Year. But as Demands unforeseen are continually coming upon me I still retain the Expectations you have given me of being reimbursed out of the first Remittances you receive.
If you find any Inclination to hug me for the good News of this Letter, I constitute and appoint Mrs. Jay my Attorney to receive in my Behalf your Embraces.
With great and sincere Esteem, I have the honour to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. John Jay Esqr.

Addressed: A son Excellence / Monsieur Jay, / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis de l’Amerique / à Madrid.
Endorsed: Dr. Franklin 2 Octr 1780 ansd. 30 Inst. / Recd 12 Octr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 2 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Monseigneur,
Passy, le 2. Oct. 1780.
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer cy joint la traduction d’une lettre que je viens de recevoir du Capitaine Conklin qui se plaint beaucoup de la Detention de sa Cargaison par l’Amirauté des Sables d’Olones. Votre Excellence a deja eu la bonté de me promettre la main levée de cette Cargaison, mais restant toujours dans la même Situation, je prie V. E. de vouloir bien reiterer ses Ordres à cet effet. Je suis avec Respect, Monseigneur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serv.
Monsieur De Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Ceronio, 2 October 1780
From: Ceronio, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Genoa the 2d. 8ber 1780
Please to accept of my sincere acknowledgements for the trouble you have had some time ago of forwarding a Letter to my Son at St. Domingo, which got safely to his hands, and upon the encouragement I have had from him, have sent my Second Son to Philadelphia under the Care of Mr. Morris; I have two Left, which I intend likewise to dedicate to America, for I hope in time it will [be] the greatest Empire in the World; I shall take it as a particular favor, if you will be so kind to forward the inclosed, and if attended with any expence please to inform me of it, that I may reimburse you with many thanks besides for your kindness. Honour me with your Commands, and believe me with the greatest regard— Sir Your most Obedient & very humble Sert.
Joseph Ceronio

Addressed: A Monsieur / Mr: Le Docteur B. Franklin / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Harmon Courter, 2 October 1780
From: Courter, Harmon
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient. Octr. 2. 1780
The dispatches you intrusted me with some time past, I had the pleasure of duly delivering to Congress— altho your Joint letter with Messrs. Deane & Lee, for which am much Oblidged, must say met with but a Cool reception, scarsely gave me money sufficient to bear my travelling expences from the place they set to a sea port after waiting three weeks for their answer, I consider the whole but a very insufficient compensation for my long Stay under my heavy expences at Paris.— but believe it would not have been the case had it not been for the influence the Messrs. Lee & their friends had in Congress which did not Intrust in my favour, but believe they prevented my having had the Command of the Alliance.—
I am now in L’Orient with the Ship Jay mounting Eighteen Nines burthen Abt. 400 Tuns Ninety men second Voyage, am under some expectations of seling, which should not do if I had a full freight back to America, if in your way to give me Any should be much Oblidged,— if I should sell & in your Power to serve me any Other way the favour should be ever acknowledg’d by your most Obedt. & Hble. Sarvt.
Harmon Courter
The Honourable Benjn. Franklin Passie

A few lines in answer should be much Oblidg’d for. Jes now A vessel Arived from Philadeliphia but Cold not Larn the Nuse

Addressed: The Honourable Benjn. Franklin. / Minister Plenipotentary at the Court of France; / at / Passie, / [in another hand:] pres Paris. / per post.
Notation: Harman Courter.— L’Orient Oct 2. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 2 October 1780
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourd Sir!
Amsterdam the 2d. October 1780.
My it please your Excellency, that on examination of those bills, which we shall have to pay in the Month of decemr: next, we found they were only amounting to Bk. Mey [Bank Money] f. 12316—instead of f. 12366—as we adviced wrong by our last of the 25th. September and that we have now taken the liberty to draw in consequence on Your Excellency our three Bills for.

écus
  2000
}
to our own order at three usance

3000

4295:5:8

écus 9295:5.8 amounting at 53 grooten to the mentiond Summ of Bk. Mey f. 12316. We beg leave to recomand them to your Excellency’s protection and Acceptance. The Charges of brokerage and postage which naturaly attends them, will be found in future, desiring we might be able to show your Excellency at all opportunities our most devoted regard, we have the honour to be respectfully Honourd Sir Your Excellencys Most obedient and Most humble Servants
John DE Neufville & Son

Endorsed: Answer’d Oct 5


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 3 October 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
London Octo. 3. 1780
I am very sorry to inform you that Capt. Keppel of the vestal frigate arrivd here on Saty Eveng with an accot. of his having taken abot: 28 days ago on the Banks of New foundland a Packet calld the Congress bound from Philaa to Holland on board wch. was Mr Heny Laurens, His Secy, and another American genn [gentleman]. It appears that the Man of Wars boat took up the mail before they boarded the prize, it being a pitchd leather bag & too boyannt for the weights fixd to it. The friends to ministry give out that Mr Laurens’s papers were also securd, but this I have no reason to beleive, and that they discover an intended Expedition agt. Hallifax wch was expected to arrive in that quarter between the 20th Sept & 1st Octor. also that a small fleet was going from France to Chesapeak bay.
Mr Laurens being much indisposd was put on shore at Dartmouth, where He yet is, but I learn He will soon be in London, probably put upon parole. There is not the least appearance of exultation on accot of this capture, tho it appeard to Adml Edwards of such consequence as to induce Him to dispatch a frigate immediately from N foundland. No particular news from that quarter, save that the number of Yankee privateers this summer out upon the banks & Coasts of that Island, as to have in a manner totally ruind the fishery for this Season. Another sloop of war arrivd Express from thence yesterday at Portsmouth, The news is not given to the publick, but must be of consequence from her being dispatchd so immediately upon the heels of the Vestal Frigate—report says this latter vessel was dispatchd with an accot of the discovery of a small french fleet in that quarter, supposd to have an intention to attack the Island.
The late news from N York & So Carolina, even garbled as it is [in] the last Gazettes is lookd upon as very bad & the cry still is “that we are all ruind in America.” Yet there is an appearance of four Ships of the line intended to go soon to rienforce Adml Graves, and eight are talkd of for the Leeward Island Station.
I am respectfully Dr Sir Yr Obligd & Ob Ser
Wm. S. C.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur B. F / Passy
Endorsed: Oct. 3. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 3 October 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
La haie 3e. Octobe. 1780.
J’eus Vendredi passé un Entretien avec notre Ami, qui sachant que je vois quelquefois 873. 64. 610. 783. me pria de m’informer là, S’il étoit vrai (comme l’avoit dit à plusieurs grands personnages 873. 30. sans date d’apres 958) que le Danemarc fût convenu avec l’Angleterre de renoncer à la Neutralité armée. Je fis mes diligences en conséquence: & j’écrivis Dimanche la Lettre ci-jointe à notre ami.
Rien de nouveau au reste, sinon qu’il est arrivé des Lettres de Petersbourg, portant que les plénipes. de la rep. ont commencé leurs conférences avec les Mines. [Ministres] russes.
Notre Ami croit que Mrs. d’hollde. resteront assemblés cette semaine & l’autre. Il me demande avec empressement des nouvelles d’Amérique. Puissiez-vous bientôt me mettre en état de lui en annoncer, à lui & d’autres, de victorieuses! Je suis, avec un grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas

Je reviens de parler à notre Ami. Il est effectivement arrivé un Courier de Petersbourg, avec la convention dressée de la part de l’Impe. [Imperatrice] L. H. P. ne peuvent plus reculer de la signer. Voilà qui est bien expéditif, & montre que la Cour de Petersbourg ne lambine pas, & traite cette affaire avec le dernier serieux. J’ai des choses bien curieuses à vous marquer sur ce sujet par la Poste d’après demain.
P.S. Cette Lettre ecrite Dimanche devoit partir hier de Rotterdam. Toute réflexion faite, je l’ai retenue; & vous verrez ciderriere les particularités dont je parle.
Nos amis sont très-contents des Plenipes. de la Rep. & de leur Dépêche, portant 1°. Une Convention, dressée de la part de Sa Maj. Impe. qui a pour base celle faite avec les Cours du Nord; & l’on y a ajouté deux articles, un 7e. & un 8e., dont le premier a pour objet la réclame & restitution des Vaisseaux saisis aux sujets de la rep.; le 8e. que si, en haine de cette convention & de ses suites, la Rep. se trouvoit attaquée, molestée, inquiétée, les autres feront cause commune pour cela avec elle, & la défendront. A cela est joint un article séparé, portant que le but de la neutralité armée est aussi, dès qu’elle aura toute sa consistance, de procurer la paix entre les Puissances belligérantes.— (J’ai demandé Si je pourrois avoir une copie de cette convention: mais notre ami m’a dit, que les Plenipes. avoient exigé que leur dépêche ne fût communiquée à aucun Mine. étranger, par conséquent pas à Mr. Y. Nous sommes persuadés pourtant que S. J. l’a déjà. Pour nous qui avons la conscience délicate, nous aimons mieux patienter, moi à demander, les autres à m’accorder la communication.)
2°. La Dépêche porte, que les Plenipes. tiennent du Mine. de Pe. [Prusse] que l’Envoyé d’Angle à Petersbourg a déclaré à S. M. Impe. que Sa Cour respectera la neutralité armée des Puissces. du Nord, POURVU QUE LA HOLLDE. EN SOIT EXCLUE.— Voilà qui est impayable. Si l’on ne sent pas vivement ici cette vraie hostilité des prétendus bons voisins & amis de la rep., il faut qu’on soit bien incurablement ladre.
J’ai laissé notre Ami d’extraordinairement bonne humeur. Il m’assure qu’on ne pourra plus reculer; & que la Convention devra se signer, quelque que soit l’embarras des temporiseurs, qui n’ont plus de prétexte; qui puisse servir de rémore sans les rendre absolument odieux & responsables.
Le Gd. Fr. a aussi reçu des Dépêches de son Confrere à Petersbourg.
Nre. ami ne doute pas que le R— de Pe. n’accede aussi à la Neutralité Armée. Il croit que l’Empr. en fera de même; puisque l’Impe. de Rie. [Russie] a été si contente de sa visite, qu’elle lui a fait présent d’un Vaisseau de guerre.— Enfin, il y a beaucoup à parier que le Portugal y a accedé aussi.
Enfin je tiens de la meilleure part, que l’Impe. ne démordra pas de son Plan, aussi simple que noble, de procurer à toutes les nations maritimes de l’Europe un Code maritime, fondé sur le Droit naturel des gens, également respecté à l’avenir de toutes, & également utile & salutair[e à] toutes. Deux autres circonstances d’ailleurs me le pro[torn: uvent?] 1. le concert visible des Mines. du Nord, & de ceux de [torn: word or words missing] de Pe. [Prusse?], avec le Cabinet à Petersb— 2°. les ordres donnés en Russie & en Suede, tout récemment, d’équiper & mettre incessamment en mer de quoi doubler les Escadres Russe & Suedoise.
La populace & valetaille Anglomane ici, crient contre le sage & aimable Monarque qui a passé ici, de ce qu’il ne leur a pas prodigué l’or à pleines mains; & ils l’appellent par dérision le Roi de Cuivre: d’autres d’un plus gros calibre enragent, aussi bas que la passion le leur permet, de ce que dans tout Son Voyage il a montré un éloignement marqué pour tout A——s [Anglais]. On a eu beaucoup de peine à le déterminer à accepter le souper chez
S. J.

Addition au Mémoire pour les Minres. de Russie & de Suede, remis en 7bre. 1780
Trois millions d’hommes, ayant derriere eux de vastes & fertiles contrées à défricher encore, ne s’appliqueront pas de longtemps aux Manufactures en grand. Il leur faudra celles de l’Europe pendant des siecles; & l’accroissement d’une telle consommation sera prodigieuse de génération en génération. Si l’Angleterre avoit su se conserver son empire sur eux, avec leur affection, elle devenoit réellement la reine du Commerce & des Mers du Globe entier; & par conséquent elle lui eût fait la Loi.
Passy à S. E. M. B. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin / Min. Plénipe. des Etats-Unis / d’Amerique &c. / Passy./.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah and Richard Bache, [4 October 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Sarah Franklin,Bache, Richard

Dear Son and Daughter,
[October 4, 1780]
I received yours of March 29 by the Nephew of Mr. Gerard; of April 29 by Mrs. Foulk and Fox; of May 2 & July 22. I continue in health, notwithstanding the omission of my yearly Journies, which I have never been able to take since my being in France; being confined necessarily by the Business; but I have a large Garden to walk in, and I take some advantage from that.
I enclose Ben’s last Letter to me, and a copy of mine to him, as you like to see our Correspondence. I gave you in a former letter the Account of his gaining a Prize by having made the best Translation from Latin into French. You will see in his Letter that he is— aiming at another.
I am glad to see the American Spirit rous’d again and I am much pleased with the Subscriptions of the Ladies and Merchants. They have confuted the assertion of the Scotch Writer, who says that Women have not the amor Patrie and that Merchants are attach’d to no Country.
Send me your German as well as English News-Papers. I want also for a Friend a little piece on the Delaware Indian Language, printed by Mr. Miller for the Moravians.
Temple is well and sends his Duty. He is my right hand. I am ever, with love to the Children Your affectionate Father
B. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 4 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir,
Passy, 4 Oct. 1780.
Your Excellency will perceive by the inclosed Passports the Grounds on which they were given. The Person to whom they were granted is apprehensive that they will not be a Sufficient Protection against French armed Vessels, & desires to have like passes from your Excellency, which if there is no impropriety, I beg may be granted to him.
With great Respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s &c.
M. De Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hartley and John(?) Batley, 4 October 1780
From: Hartley, Samuel,Hartley, —— (Mrs. Samuel Hartley),Batley, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel de Louis seize Wednesday 4th Octr 1780
Mr & Mrs Hartley & Mr Batley present their respectfull compliments to Dr Franklin—they will do themselves the honour of accepting his kind invitation on Fryday next.

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Dr Franklin / &c &c &c / Passy
Notation: Mr. & Mrs. Hartley. Paris 4 Oct. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Leempoel, 4 October 1780
From: Leempoel, Guillaume-Waléric de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris ce 4 8bre 1780.
Le Professeur de philosophie de Leempoel étant obligé de partir incessamment pour Louvain à cause de l’indisposition d’un de Ses confreres, il lui est impossible de venir en personne remercier Votre Excellence des bontes qu’elle a eû pour lui, Sur tout de l’admettre à Sa table dimanche dernier. Il en a le plus vif regret: il prie Votre Excellence, de vouloir disposer de lui, Si par hasard il pourroit lui être bon à quelque chose dans Son paÿs. Il finit par prier Votre Excellence d’être persuadée de Sa réconnoissance et de Son profond respect pour Elle.
Lotelle dartois Rue du [?]

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Le Docteur Franklin / Ambassadeur des Etats / Unis de l’Amérique / à / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 5 October 1780
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Madrid 5. Oct. 1780.
Altho’ you have not informed me that you had recd. my Letter from St. Ildefonso, yet I find it has not only come safe to your Hands, but that Mr. Grand (to whom I wrote a few Lines by last Post) is actually engaged in obtaining the Object of it. I thank you for this in both the Capacities of American & Friend. How far the Responsibility of the King of Spain may be a means of opening the Chests of your Money holders, I know not—but that nothing on my Part might be wanting, I applied lately to be furnished with some Evidence of it, and to be informed of the manner in which it should be given.— The Answer was that proper Instructions on this Head should be sent to the Spanish Ambassadors in France and Holland, and that they would on Application give this Responsibility in due Form to such Persons as might consent to lend Money on the Credit of it in those Countries and that the Ministry would do the Same there with respect to those in Spain.— By this Opportunity I ought to add nothing further, than that I am, Dear Sir, Your affect: Friend &c.
(signed) John Jay.

P.S. I have received Mr. Deane’s two last Letters & written him two others. If the Paper he sent by the Courier in August, be the Original, he has in my Opinion cut his Business short—for to this Day all my Inquiries about it have proved fruitless.
His Exy. Doctor Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 5 October 1780
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Off Groix October 5 1780
I have at last the Prospect of leaving this Country, as Commodore Jones has every Thing on Board, and a favorable Wind is springing up. The Brigantine Duke of Leinster, Capt. Souder, & the Brigantine Luke, Capt. Clark for Philadelphia, and a french Lougre for Maryland sail under Convoy of the Ariel. If at any Time I can be any ways useful to you in america, I beg the Favor of you freely to command Me, as, I hope, I need not assure you, I shall always be ambitious to prove the Sincerity of my Friendship and Attachment to you. We hear no News here, except Captain Landais is under an arrest by Order of Congress, and a glorious Spirit is prevailing through the United States. My affectionate Regards to Billy, and in much haste, The Boat waiting, I beg leave to subscribe myself, with the greatest Respect, and sincerity, My dear Friend, Your’s affectionately
S Wharton
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Notation: S. Wharton Oct 5. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 6 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir,
Passy, 6. Oct. 1780.
I have the honour of Sending your Excellency inclosed, an extract of a Letter I have lately recd. from London, desiring the release of certain Prisoners therein named, taken by American Privateers, & now confined at St. Omers. Being desirous of repaying as soon as possible the Prisoners I owe, for those I recd. from England some time past, & being promised that if these are set at liberty they will be carried to my Account. I request your Exy. would give immediate Orders for their Release.
With great Esteem & Respect, I am Sir, your Exy.
M. De Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 6 [October?] 1780
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon bon papa,
ce 6 au matin [October, 1780?]
Mon premier soin avant de rentrer chés moi a été d’aller demander a Mr le curé si les porteurs de Mr Terrasson étoient des doméstiques a lui et si cela le gésneroit [de] vous les préster, le curé m’a dit que les porteurs étoient deux ouvriérs du village qui appartenoient a tous ceux qui les payoient; j’en ai fait venir un qui vous reméttra cette léttre et prendra votre heure et vos ordres pour vous promener soit au jardin, soit au bois, soit chés vos amis, j’ai souffért souvent phisiquement et morallement ce qui est pir, la vuë et la jouissance de mes amis calmoit et adoucissoit mes meaux, l’air de ma térrasse est bon, et mon coeur est entier tout entier a vous: voyés mon ami si cétte nouvelle voiture vous fatiguera moins que le carrosse, éssayons d’éstre moins mal quand nous sommes mal pour tâcher d’attraper le bien, et si ce conseil ne vous paroist pas util n’en prisés que le motif et ne le suivés pas, songés que j’aime mon papa en fille bien tendre et que ma teste s’agitte pour le soulager en proportion de la chaleur de mon áme qui est pour lui au plus haut dégré.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin / Franklin / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 6 October 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London Octo 6. 1780 Fryday
Mr Laurens has been so ill as to retard his journy up to London very much. He arrivd in rather better health on Thursday night, & was this day examind at Lord G Germaines office & committed to the Tower— The first night he was kept at the Messengers House in Scotland Yard, & taken from thence to Lord Go Gs office about noon. He was watchd & kept very close, so that no one of His frds. could even offer him any assistance. As those folks are ever in extreems, perhaps this regour will be soon removd, & Mr L allowd to speak to his friends. They boast much of discoverys made from His papers all as they say being taken; but I beleive my share of this. Not a word of any other news.
I am with great Esteem Sir Your obedt Ser
Wm. C. C
One report is that He is not to be sent to the Tower till tomorrow but, I have good reason to think He went this afternoon.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Desegray, Beaugeard fils & Cie., 7 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Desegray, Beaugeard fils & Cie.

Gentlemen,
Passy, Oct. 7. 1780.
We formerly requested you to hold the Salpetre in your Hands at the Disposition of M. Schweighauser, having given him Directions to Ship it to America. As he has not had an Opportunity of doing it conveniently, and we have a Ship that can take it at l’Orient, I desire you would forward it thither by Land Cariage as soon as possible. In which you will much oblige.
Messrs. Desegray & Co.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 7 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir,
Passy, 7. Oct. 1780.
Your Excellency will perceive by the inclosed Extract of a Letter to me, from Messrs. Parsons Alston & Co. of Martinique, that certain Prisoners made by American Vessels, & carried in there were with others taken by French Vessels, sent to France via St. Domingo in order to be exchanged.
If the sd. Prisoners are arrived, or when they do arrive, I desire your Excellency would cause those captured by the Americans (of which inclosed is a List) to be deliver’d as such to the Capt. of the Cartel & a Rect. in Consequence taken for the same.
With great Respect & Esteem, I am Sir, Your Exy.
M. De Sartine.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 7 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 7. 1780.
This is to request you would write to Messrs. DeSegray & Company to forward the Saltpetre by land to L’Orient, where M. Williams will be ready to receive it & ship it with other Goods in his Hands for America. By doing this immediately you will much oblige me. With great Esteem I have the Honour to be,
M. Schweighauser.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Jonathan,
Passy Oct 7. 1780.
Enclosed is the passport for the Saltpetre. I found no Difficulty is obtaining it from the Farmers General. They would have made the Exchange if ours had been at Bordeaux or Marseilles; but at St. Maloes they have no Refinery.
I have received yours of the 26th. & 30th.
I enclose Letters also for M. Schweighauser & Messrs. Desegray & Co.
If it Should come too late for your Ship, you can Ship it in the Jay.
I am, Your affectionate Uncle.
M. Williams.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Branco, 7 October 1780
From: Branco, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
à Brou ce 7 Octobre 1780
Je n’ai reçu que hier le Decret de la Reyne de Portugal: Je serai charmé qu’il vous plaise: J’y ajoutai une traduction litteraire, que faira bien comprendre l’esprit, malgré le defaut de phrase.
J’aurai l’honneur de vous faire ma Cour lorsque je recevrai les pieces justificatives concernant la prise faite par le Corsaire de l’Amerique: Le Capitaine du Brigantin améne à Bosthon vient d’arriver à Paris.
Je suis avec la plus parfaite et respectueuse consideration, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
Branco

Notation: Braner, a Bruce ce 7 October 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 7 October 1780
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles le 7. 8bre. 1780.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 4. de ce mois les deux Passeports que vous avez jugé convenable d’accorder pour deux batimens anglois qui doivent transporter de Dublin dans l’un des ports des Etats unis et le Sr. Collins qui se propose de s’y établir avec sa Famille. J’ai rendu compte au Roi de la demande que vous m’avez faite de deux semblables passeports pour assurer plus particulierement la Navigation de ces Navires, et sa Majesté, pour entrer dans les vues qui vous ont determiné a Proteger, cet Irlandois devenu sujet des Etats unis ses Alliés, a bien voulu consentir à les accorder, J’ai l’honneur de vous les envoyer ci joints revetus de toutes les formalités necessaires. Je vous prie de vouloir bien recommander à cet officier de remplir avec la plus grande exactitude les Conditions qu’ils renferment.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la Consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Sartine.
M. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 October 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir
Nantes Octor. 7. 1780
I received your Favour of the 27 Sept too late to answer it by the last Post. The Accot of Bills and the other Cloathing Accounts are making out as fast as possible, they are very long so I cannot send them by this Post but you shall have them in a Day or two.
I am glad to hear you are likely to get a Pasport for the Salt Petre—that article should be the first shipped but I am afraid it will not be in Time.
The Admiralty here have lately sent you some Papers relative to a retaken Spanish Snow by the Hercules Capt Carey to my Address. I shall be obliged to you if you will return them as soon as you can as I want to finish the ships Business.
The Case you speak of Capt Samson tells me he sent by Mr Moore so I suppose you have before this received it.
I am with great Respect in which Mrs Williams Joins Your ever dutifull & affectionate kinsman
Jona Williams J

Please to tell Mr Deane that the post Departure does not permit me to write him but his Case of Papers is found & will go to him by the Messagerie, I will answer his Letter next Post.

Notation: J Williams Octo. 7 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 8 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 8. 1780
I received the letter you did me the Honour of writing to me by Mr. Andrews, and shall render him every Service I can in his Application.
Your Books & Trunks have been lodged here by Mr. Thaxter, and will be taken care of. They are of no Inconvenience to me.
We begin to be in pain for Mr. Laurens who was to have sailed 3 Days after M. Searle. If that took place, he has been out 10. or 11. Weeks. I hope he did not sail so soon, otherwise it would be probable that he is either lost or taken.
I do not just now recollect my having written, as from myself, any Letter to the Grand Pensionary. I drew indeed the Letter that was sent by the Commissioners acquainting him with the Treaty of Commerce, to which we had no Answer. But I will search, and If I can find such a one will send you a Copy, with a Copy of the other.
I shall be glad to hear if you are like to make any Progress in the Affair of a Loan, which I understand M. Laurens was charged with. I send you enclosed a Copy of a Vote of Congress, respecting your Salaries. I hope you will be able to do without my Assistance. If not, I must furnish you. But I have been obliged to accept Mr. Neufville’s Bills on Acct. of his Acceptances of those drawn on Mr. Laurens, and I shall, with some Difficulty, be able to pay them; tho’ these extra Demands often embarras me excedingly.
We hear that the Alliance is arriv’d at Boston.
I beg leave to recommend to your Civilities M. Searle a Member of Congress for Pensilvania, with whose conversation you will be pleased, as he can give you good Information of the State of our Affairs when he left America.
I ought to acquaint you, a governo, as the Merchants Say; that M. Le Comte de V. having taken much amiss some Passages in your Letters to him, sent the whole Correspondence to me, requesting that I would transmit it to Congress. I was myself sorry to see those Passages. If they were the Effects merely of Inadvertance, and you do not on Reflection approve of them, perhaps you may think it proper to write something for effacing the Impressions made by them. I do not presume to advise you; but mention it only for your Consideration.
The Vessel is not yet gone, which carries the Papers.
With great Regard, I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant.
B Franklin

[in Franklin’s hand:] Perhaps the Letter you desire is one I wrote to M. Dumas, who might show it to the G. P.
His Excy. John Adams Esqr.
Endorsed: His Excellency Dr. Franklin. 8. Oct. 1780 by Mr Searle.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 8 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir,
Passy, 8— Oct. 1780.
Messrs. delap Merchant at Bordeaux desires your Excellency’s Permission to expedite two american Vessels to the West indies without being obliged to pay the Duties. If this may be granted to them consistent with your established Laws of Commerce, I shall be much obliged to your Excellency to comply with their Request. They are satisfied to pay the Duties, if they do not return the necessary Acquits à Caution duly discharged in the time prescribed. The Vessels they wish the permission for are the Polly of Boston Capt. Eliphalet Ripley, and the Favorite of North Carolina. Capt. Jeremiah Morgan. With &c.
M. De Sartine.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Georgiana Shipley, 8 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hare-Naylor, Georgiana Shipley

Passy, Oct. 8. 1780
It is long, very long, my dear Friend, since I had the great Pleasure of hearing from you, and receiving any of your very pleasing Letters. But it is my fault. I have long omitted my Part of the Correspondence. Those who love to receive Letters should write Letters. I wish I could safely promise an Amendment of that Fault. But besides the Indolence attending Age, and growing upon us with it, my Time is engross’d by too much Business, and I have too many Inducements to postpone doing, what I feel I ought to do for my own Sake, & what I can never resolve to omit entirely.
Your Translations from Horace, as far as I can judge of Poetry & Translations, are very good. That of the Quò quò ruitis, is so suitable to the Times, that the Conclusion (in your Version) seems to threaten like a Prophecy, and methinks there is at least some Appearance of Danger that it may be fulfilled.— I am unhappily an Enemy, yet I think there has been enough of Blood spilt, and I wish what is left in the Veins of that once lov’d People, may be spared, by a Peace solid & everlasting.

It is a great while since I have heard any thing of the good Bishop. Strange that so simple a Character should sufficiently distinguish one of that sacred Body!— Donnez moi de ses Nouvelles.— I have been some time flatter’d with the Expectation of seeing the Countenance of that most honour’d & ever beloved Friend, delineated by your Pencil. The Portrait is said to have been long on the way, but is not yet arriv’d: Nor can I hear where it is.
Indolent as I have confess’d myself to be, I could not, you see, miss this good & safe Opportunity of sending you a few Lines, with my best Wishes for your Happiness and that of the whole dear & amiable Family in whose sweet Society I have spent so many happy Hours. Mr Jones tells me he shall have a Pleasure in being the Bearer of my Letter, of which I make no doubt; I learn from him, that to your Drawing, & Music, & Painting & Poetry, & Latin, you have added a Proficiency in Chess; so that you are, as the French say, tout plein de Talens. May they & you fall to the Lot of One that shall duly value them, and love you as much as I do.
Adieu.
Miss Georgiana Shipley


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [after 8 October 1780]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Jeudy matin [after October 8, 1780]
On m’a dit Mon Illustre Docteur que vous aviez de la goutte hier. J’espere qu’elle s’est contentée de vous tourmenter le Jour et qu’elle vous a laissé tranquile la nuit. Vous avez au moins la recette de M. Small. Voici les livres que Je vous ai promis. Vous les trouverez marqués à Larticle de LOrthographe. Les deux grammaires Sont précieuses et le traité du Mécanisme du langage un Ouvrage de génie. Si la goutte vous permet de vous en escrimer aux Echecs dans la Soirée Vous Savez mon Illustre Docteur que Je suis votre homme. En lisant hier L’article de M. Laurens dans Le Courier de LEurope la joie que j’ai eue à votre arivée de ce que vous êties echappé à tant de dangers s’est renouvellée de la manière la plus vive.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin
Notation: Le Roy


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

Dear Sir,
Passy, Oct. 9. 1780
I received the China portrait of Washington in good order, But no other you mention. Nor has the Picture of the good Bishop ever yet appeared, I begin to be in pain about it, having heard nothing of it from any Place on this Side of the Water, and I have more than one Reason for setting a high Value on it.
Your Favour of the 20th. & 29th. past came duly to hand, and are very pleasing. Inclos’d is my answer to a Letter from some Persons recommended by you.
I have already written to you about Goddard’s Bill, and I sent you Jones’s, which I hope you received.
I have been made happy by Visits from your two friends. I send this by them, & hope they will have a prosperous Journey. They are worthy & amiable Men.
There is no News here at present but what comes in your news papers.
I am, with great Regard. Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant.
M. Digges.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Gregorie, 9 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gregorie, David

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 9. 1780.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 30th. past. The king having by a late Ordinance directed the Council of Prizes to take Cognisance of Causes arising from the Conduct of Privateers fitted out in France by his Subjects, tho’ under American Commissions, I apprehend that your proper Application for Redress will be to that Council. As you may in the Course of Such Application have occasion for the papers you enclos’d to me, I shall hold them ready to be deliver’d to any Person you may appoint to call for them. I have the Honour to be, Sir,
M. David Gregorie, Mt. at Dunkirk.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Connolly McCausland et al., 9 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: McCausland, Connolly

Gentlemen,
Passy, Oct. 9. 1780.
I received yours dated the 10th. past, Tho’ the Commissioners of Sick and Hurt did not think fit to release any Actual Prisoners in Exchange for you, perhaps they may be willing to receive you in part Payment of a Debt I owe them of English in Exchange for Americans they have already delivered here. In that Case, on your sending me their Receipit as for four Persons, I will send you such Certificates as may secure you from Blame, as well as from Danger in case of being again taken. I am, Gentlemen, Your most obedt. h. Servant.
W. Connolly Mc. Causland, Wm. Stewart, James Campbell, Marms Mc.Causland.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 9 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Price, Richard

Dear Sir,
Passy, Oct. 9. 1780
Besides the Pleasure of their Company, I had the great Satisfaction of hearing by your two valuable Friends, & learning from your Letter, that you enjoy a good State of Health. May God continue it as well for the Good of Mankind as for your Comfort. I thank you much for the second Edition of your excellent Pamphlet. I forwarded that you sent to Mr. Dana, he being in Holland.— I wish also to see the Piece you have written as Mr Jones tells me, on Toleration.— I do not expect that your new Parliament will be either wiser or honester than the last. All Projects to procure an Honest one, by Place Bills, &c appear to me vain and Impracticable. The true Cure I imagine is to be found only in rendring all Places unprofitable, and the King too poor to give Bribes & Pensions. Till this is done, which can only be by a Revolution, and I think you have not Virtue enough left to procure one, your Nation will always be plundered; & obliged to pay by Taxes the Plunderers for Plundering & Ruining. Liberty & Virtue therefore join in the Call, Come out of her, my People! I am fully of your Opinion respecting Religious Tests; but tho’ the People of Massachusetts have not in their new Constitution kept quite clear of them; yet if we consider what that People were 100 Years ago, we must allow they have gone great Lengths in Liberality of Sentiment, on religious Subjects; and we may hope for greater Degrees of Perfection when their Constitution some years hence shall be revised. If Christian Preachers had continued to teach as Christ & his Apostles did, without Salaries, and as the Quakers now do, I imagine Tests would never have existed: For I think they were invented not so much to secure Religion itself, as the Emoluments of it.— When a Religion is good, I conceive that it will support itself; and when it cannot support itself, and God does not take care to support, so that its Professors are oblig’d to call for the help of the Civil Power, ’tis a Sign, I apprehend, of its being a bad one. But I shall be out of my Depth if I wade any deeper in Theology, & I will not trouble you with Politicks, nor with News which are almost as uncertain: But conclude with a heartfelt Wish, to embrace you once more, & enjoy your sweet Society in Peace, among our honest, worthy, ingenious Friends at the London.
Adieu
Dr Price


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Ruston, 9 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ruston, Thomas

Sir,
Passy Oct. 9. 1780.
I received and read with Pleasure your Thoughts on American Finance, and your Scheme of a Bank. I communicated them to the Abbé Morellet, who is a good Judge of the Subject, and he has translated them into French. He thinks them generally very just, and very clearly exprest. I shall forward them to a Friend in the Congress. That Body is, as you well suppose not well skilled in Financing. But their Deficiency in Knowledge has been amply supply’d by Good Luck. They issued an immence Quantity of Paper Bills, to pay, clothe, arm & feed their Troops, & fit out Ships, and with this Paper, without Taxes for the first three Years, they fought & baffled one of the most powerful Nations of Europe. They hoped notwithstanding its Quantity to have kept up the Value of their Paper. In this they were mistaken. It depreciated gradually. But this Depreciation, tho’ in some Circumstances inconvenient, has had the general good and great Effect, of operating as a Tax, and perhaps the most equal of all Taxes, since it depreciated in the Hands of the Holders of the Money, and thereby taxed them in proportion to the Sums they hold and the Time they held it, which is generally in proportion to Mens Wealth. Thus after having done its Business the Paper is reduced to about a sixtieth Part of its original Value. Having issued 200 Millions of Dollars, the Congress stopt, and supplyed themselves by borrowing. These Sums were borrowed at different Periods during the Progress of the Depreciation. Those who lent to the Publick, thereby fixed the Value of the Paper they lent, since it is to be repaid in silver according to its Value at the Time of the Loan. The rest went on Depreciating; and the Depreciation is at length only stopt by the vast nominal Sums called in easily by Taxes, and which will be by that means destroyed. Thus so much of the Publick Debt has been in this Manner insensibly paid that the Remainder, which you desire to know, does not exceed six Millions sterling. And now they are working with new Paper exprest to be equal in Value to silver, which they have made to bear Interest, and have provided such Funds to pay that Interest, that probably its original Value will be supported. In the meantime the Vigour of their Military Operations is again revived; and they are now as able, with respect to Money, to carry on the War, as they were at the Beginning, and much more so with regard to Troops Arms & Discipline. It is also an encreasing Nation, Sixty thousand Children having been born annually in the United States since the Beginning of the War; while their Enemies are said to be diminishing.
I am, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant B F.
Mr. T. R.

Addressed: To / Dr Ruston / Exeter
Notations in different hands: B. Franklin. To Dr Ruston Octr 19th 1780 / with Mr Digges’s Compliments


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Viel, 9 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Viel, ——

Monsieur,
Passy, 9 oct. 1780.
J’ai appris par une Lettre du ministre de la marine, que le bateau sur lequel six americains se sont echappés d’angleterre il y a quelque tems, avoit été vendu et que cette vente n’avoit produit que 34. Livres: que les frais relatifs à cette vente et autres depenses montoient à 139 livres que vous avez eu la bonté d’avancer. Comme vous n’avez reçu que le produit du dit bateau, je vous suis encore redevable de 105. et vous pouvez pour vous rembourser de cette somme tirer une Lettre de change sur moi et elle sera payée a vue,
J’ai l’honneur d’être, &c.
M. Viel, Grefier de l’amirauté de Coutances.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Conkling, 9 October 1780
From: Conkling, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
La float in Isle Deree 9th. Octobr 1780
The Gentelman that Waits on Your Excelency With this Letter is An Officer with me in the Brign. Whim the Season Being fair Relapts so that in A few weeks more shall Not be Able to Git my Cargo from La. France this fall thair fore have sent Mr. Pinkham to wait on Your Excelency And pray Your Excelency to Asist him in Obtaining An Order as soon as posable for the Admeralty of Sab Daloon [Les Sables d’Olonne] to Deliver my Cargo Guns And Efects to me.
I have the honour to Be Sr. Your Excelencys most Obideant And Most Humble Servent
Joseph Conkling
Doctr Franklin

Addressed: His Excelency Doctor Franklin / at / Perace / fvord pr Mr. Pinkham
Notation: Joseph Conkling. La Flott Oct 9 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 9 October 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
 light Camp Totawa Bridge Passaic Riveroctober the 9th 1780
I Wish it was in My power to Give you some Grand intelligence from this part of the world—But Considering the Naval Superiority which the Ennemy have hitherto kept on our Coasts, You will not wonder at our finding it Rather difficult to Cooperate against Maritime points, or such points as are at an immence distance from us.
The Arrival of the french Succour has however Been Attended With happy Circumstances—it has Serv’d as A check upon Sir harry clinton, and has forc’d him Both to leave off any offensive plan this way and to keep in Newyork Such troops as Should have Reinforc’d lord Cornwallis— From the Collection of the Ennemy’s Men of War, our trade, and privateering have deriv’d Great Benefits— The Expectation of the Succour has also Wakened the States into spirited (tho Momentary,) Measures Which have Enabled our Army to Cut a figure this Campaign in the Neighborod of Newyork and to offer the Battle to the Ennemy upon Equal terms and Equal ground.
A Naval Superiority is to us of an immence importance—let us But Gain that point and we May be able to do Some thing— No intelligence about the Cloathing— We are Nack’d, Schokingly Nack’d, and worse off on that Respect than we have ever been— For God’s Sake, my dear friend, let us have Any how fifteen or twenty thousand Compleat Suits (exclusive of what is expected) and let it be done in Such a way as will insure theyr timely departure from france— Cloathing for officers is Absolutely Necessary— No Cloth to be Got— No Monney to purchase— I hope the fifteen thousand stands of Arms will at lenght Arrive— We Shall also want a large Quantity of powder—how did it happen that Nothing is Yet Come to hand? Expectations were Rais’d—the disappointment is of Course attended with Bad Consequences— You have no idea of the shoking Situation the Army is in.

The Battle of Camden you will Certainly hear off— From General Gates’s first Accounts we thought it was Much Worse, But was afterwards happy to find there had been a strange Mistake of the General— The Militia Ran Shamefully— The Continental troops Behav’d to A Charm.
The french fleet and Army are at Rhode island. Rodney’s fleet Consists of 19 of the line, and many fifties, frigats &c our Army is Encamp’d Near this place and here I am with the light Camp— The Conduct of the Ennemy is alwaïs the same, base, insolent, and cruel.
The Eastern States talk of adopting a plan which if Agreed to will insure our independency— Newyork seems willing to fall in— Returning to Congress those powers which they Gave up, I don’t know why— Raising An Army for war—subsiting that Army are the three heads of this truly patriotic project.
You will fully hear of Arnold’s treachery—of Andre’s execution— What Miraculous escape we had—here are some papers which I have pick’d up for you— My Compliments wait on your Grand son, doctor Bancroft, monsieur de Chaumont, and My American Acquaintances on the other Side of the Great Water.
With the highest Regard and most sincere Attachment, My dear friend Yours
Lafayette
General Washington Requests that his Compliments be presented to Your excellency.his excellency Monsieur B. franklin [Esq]

Notation: La Fayette Octr 9. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 9 October 1780
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourd Sir!
Amsterdam the 9th. Oct 1780.
We begg leave to thank your Excellency for her most obliging favour of the 1st. instant, promising to honour our draufts in the manner we have mention’d, and which we will Continue in Consequence; when any other bills will appear, we propose to follow exactly your Excellencys orders in mentioning the summs, except when a protest should be enthreathend, in such a case we won’t hesitate to accept of such bills immediately; and we are the more satisfied and pleased with this arrangement as we learnd last saturday morning by an express from Londo. the misfortune of Mr Laurens being taken and carried in to Darthmouth, it was confirmd next day by the mail, and we doubt not butt your Excellency must have gott already the same intelligence by the way of Ostende. This we look upon to be a greater misfortune then the Tabacco which was send here on acct. of Congress and was likewise taken, The publicq news says that the papers of Mr Lawrence were thrown overboard butt seized Since little damaged; so they were afraid of it in London this to be true. My Son, who happens to be there will Certainly vizit this worthy Gentleman, if there is any possibility, and as we are favourd there with the acquaintance of many worthy frinds to the American Cause we doubt not butt he will be the most fitt to execute any Comissions thereto relating which I make bold to mention as your Excellency will find him disposed to execute any orders she might find proper to honour him with on the occasion, with any other commands she may think proper to favour him with his adress is to Mr. Van Boiset, under a Cover a Messieurs Jean Noël Famin & Co Negts. a Londres. And your Excellency will every way find us most Willing to serve her with Zeal and integrity; by first maill I intend to write to Mr. Laurens, and mentioning your Excellencys Civilities will be obeying her Comands as Circumstances will permitt, though it would Certainly have been the greatest satisfaction if we could have had the honour to congratulate in her name as well as in our own, on his Safe arrivell in Holland; This disappointment however, we hope, wont hurt the Cause, we expect to hear something more about it, and in which way we might be able to promote any good, our hearth and Soul will be in it.
We have again to thank your Excellency for paying the bills fr. Mr. John Leveret on our Guarantie and to assure her that with the highest Esteem & regard we wish for ever to be Honourd Sir Your Excellencys most devoted And most obedient humble servt.
John DE Neufville & Son


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 9 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Bergen County in the State of N: JerseyOct 9th. 1780.
I was very much obliged by the letter which you did me the honor to write me by our amiable young friend the Marquis De La Fayette, whose exertions to serve this Country in his own are additional proofs of his zealous attachment to our cause, and has endeared him to us still more.
He came out flushed with expectations of a decisive campaign and fired with hopes of acquiring fresh laurels, but in both he has been disappointed; for we have been condemned to an inactivity as inconsistent with the situation of our affairs as with the ardor of his temper.
I am sensible of all I owe you My Dear Sir for your sentiments of me, and while I am happy in your esteem, I cannot but wish for occasions of giving you marks of mine.
The idea of making a tour together, which you suggest after the war, would be one of the strongest motives I could have to postpone my plan of retirement and make a visit to Europe, if my domestic habits which seem to acquire strength from restraint did not tell me, I shall find it impossible to resist them longer than my duty to the public calls for the sacrafice of my inclinations.
I doubt not you are so fully informed by Congress of our political and military State that it would be superfluous to trouble you with any thing relating to either— If I were to speak on topics of the kind it would be to shew that our present situation makes one of two things essential to us—A Peace—or the most vigorous aid of our allies particularly in the article of money.— Of their disposition to serve us we cannot doubt; their generosity will do everything their means will permit.
With my best wishes for the preservation of your useful life and for every happiness that can attend you which a sincere attachment can dictate I am—My Dear Sir—Yr. Most Obedt. Hble. Servt
Go: Washington
His Excelly Doc B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gourlade & Moylan, 10 October 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gourlade & Moylan

Gentlemen,
Passy Oct. 10. 1780.
The foregoing is Copy of a Letter to which I have received no answer. In the mean time Sundry other Bills have been presented to me viz

For 672. 13s. in fav. of Parementier
}
dated 7 Sept. 80.

  For 5608. 2. fav. of Laurent Bené

  For 300. fav. of Maurice

dated 6. Do.

all which I have accepted. But am much dissatisfied with being so continually drawn upon without receiving any Advice or any Accounts, I have the Honour to be.
Messrs. Gourlade et Moylan.


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

Dr. Sir
London Octor 10. 1780
Since I wrote you the 6th. Int. no alteration has taken place with regard to Mr Laurens confinement & treatment. No person whatever has been permitted to speak to Him, but it is said any person may who will apply for a Secy of States order to do so.— I hear of none of his friends who have made any attempts to do so; I suppose from thinking any stir made to see Him may be disadvantageous to Mr L——.
A torey Cozen or two, & his Correspondent in trade, Mr Manning, have made unsuccessful attempts. It is thought this rigour will be relaxd in a few days, & most likely it will for these folks are ever acting in Extreems. Nothing can more strictly verify it than their behaviour at the present moment. Last week & indeed until last night the general cry was “we are undone—we can never do any thing in America—the War must be given up— our armys will be Burgoind—our fleets beaten” &ca &a &a. Yesterday an officer arrivd Express from Cornwallis with an accot of a victory over Gates’s Army at Cambden in So Carolina, and now they are all in the Skies again— The whole Southern America is theirs—Virginia will “come in” on a certainty—the Rebels will be beat every where—a few thousand more regulars sent over directly will insure the subjugation of America—let us persue the war vigorously &ca. &a— their folly is enough to make one sick.
For several days before this arrival, it was the general talk that the cabinet had absolutely determind on pushing the war in Ama with vigour & that 10 Ships of the line & as many thousand men were to immideately be sent. If there are as great fools within as there are out of the Cabinet, most likely this measure will be adopted. There are appearances of four Ships of the line & some troops being intended for No America but this may be a necessary measure even if it is determind to relinquish the american War.

I inclose you the gazettes accot. of Engagement in So Carolina. A report is going about, that while Cornwallis was out, there was an insurrection in the Town which was quelld at the expence of near 400 lives of americans & about 80 British, but the report does not gain much credit.
I am with the highest Esteem Dr Sir Yr. obligd & ob Ser
W S. C

I expect the Revd Mr W [Wren] in Town soon to settle the amot. of your donation weekly to our Captive friends. I will draw a Bill on Monsr. Grand for its amount & give notice by the same post of the draft.

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


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 10[–12] October 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
La Haie 10e.[–12] Oct. 1780
Je commence cette Lettre aujourd’hui, mais vraisemblablement je ne l’enverrai qu’après demain dans l’espoir de pouvoir y ajouter quelque chose sur ce qu’on aura dit ou fait dans l’Assemblée d’Hollde. En attendant je vous dois prévenir d’une incorrection & d’une omission qu’il y a dans le compte que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous rendre de la Dépêche de Petersbourg. 1º. Ce que j’ai dit, touchant la déclaration que l’Envoyé Britannique a faite, “que Sa Cour aura Soin que les navires de la Neutralité armée. Soient respectés, pourvu que cette rep. en soit exclue,” les Plénipotentiaires l’ont avancé dans leur Dépêche, non comme ne le tenant que de l’Envoyé de Prusse, mais comme le tenant de Source. 2º. Et quant à l’accession du R— de P—— à cette neutralité, ce n’est pas une simple conjecture de notre ami, c’est l’Envoyé de Pe. à Petersbourg, qui a dit aux Plénipes. que le R— son Mre. [Maitre] accedera à cette Neutralité armée.

Je vous suis très-obligé, Monsieur, de ce que vous m’apprenez par la vôtre du 2e touchant Mr. Searle. Je languis de le voir, & de lui témoigner toute l’amitié & tout le respect, & rendre tous les services dont je suis capable. Mais où est-il présentement? Si j’ai bien compris notre Ami, qui m’en a parlé, il a été à Amsterdam auprès de Mr. Adams; notre Ami l’a vû, & m’en a parlé en termes remplis d’estime. J’en Suis d’autant plus mortifié de ne pas l’avoir vu encore: & je regrette aussi de n’avoir pas la Lettre de Mr. James Lovell dont il est porteur.
Je vous ai bien des Obligations, Monsieur, des Assurances que vous avez bien voulu & pu me donner. Il ne s’offre rien qui surpasse ni équivale ma situation actuelle, les ennemis de l’am—— ont mis ordre à cela depuis longtemps. Je n’en ai pas non plus cherché les occasions; & celles qu’on m’a présentées par le passé, étoient de nature à être rejetées avec le dernier mépris par un brave homme.— J’ajouterai seulement, que la rage de ces ennemis croît, à mesure qu’ils voient croître leurs propres embarras & que ne pouvant plus rien m’ôter, ils me persécutent sourdement jusque chez moi, en rendant malheureux ce qui m’est le plus cher.
Vous aurez déjà appris, Monsieur, le malheur arrivé à Mr. Laurens d’être pris avec son Secretaire, & conduit à Darthmouth en Angle. Je lui ai écrit, par une main sure, une Lettre pour lui offrir les services qu’il pourroit me croire capable de lui rendre.
Vous verrez, par l’Imprimé ci-joint, que j’ai été diligent à faire insérer ce que vous avez eu la bonté de me communiquer.
L’Assemblée d’Hollde. n’a rien décidé encore sur les Dépêches de Petersbourg. On y lut hier une Dépêche du Gouvr. De Graaf de St. Eustache, laquelle confirme authentiquement tout ce qui a été publié dans les Gazettes touchant les hostilités exercées par les Angl. & NB. par ordre exprès de leur Cour, contre l’Isle holl. de St. Martin aux Indes occid.— Il faut avouer que cette Rep. ici est bien malheureuse.— Mais on peut lui dire ce que vous m’avez dit sur un autre sujet: Tu l’as voulu Ge. [George] Dandin.
Je suis, Monsieur, avec le plus ferme & respectueux attachement, Votre très-humble, très-obéissant & fidele serviteur
Dumas
12e. Octobe. 1780

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plenipe. des Et. Un. / &c. / Passy./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Fleury & Demadières, 10 October 1780
From: Fleury & Demadières
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a orleans ce 10e 8bre 1780
Nous recevons dans le moment d’envoy de mr Jn Williams de nantes pour votre Compte 6 Caisses de madere, a leur arrivées nous les avons examinées, il sen est trouvé quelsqunes de Cassées & ce parcequ’elles etoient fort mal Embalées, & si il faut vous les expedier dans le tat ou elles sonts vous En aurez plus de la moitié de Cassées dicy Chez vous En Consequence, nous vous prions, nous marquer En reponse si vous voulez, que nous les faisions mettre En etat de vous parvenir sans risque, nous attendrons votre reponse auparavant de vous les expedier & avons l’honneur detre avec Le plus profond respect Monsieur Vos tres humbles & tres obeissants serviteurs
Ve F. FLEURY & Pre. Demadiêres

Notre addresse est a Ve fleury & Pre Demadieres negts a orleans si vous avez besoin de nos services En cette ville soit En draperies, Bas, & autres articles pour vos etats unis, nous sommes a Lieu de vous les procurer a bons Comptes, & de la meilleur qualité.
A son Excellence monsieur franklin ministre Plenipotentaire des Etas unis a paris

Addressed: A son Excellence / Monsieur franklin Ministre / Plenipotentaire des Etats Unis / A Paris

Notations: J. f Fleury et Pre. Demandieres Orleans. 10. Oct. 1780. / [in William Temple Franklin’s hand:] Ansd


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 10 October 1780
From: Stiles, Ezra
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Newport Rhode Isld October. 10. 1780.
Mechanical Inventions, and Improvements in every Branch of experimental Philosophy, are at all times so agreeable to you, that it must give you pleasure to be informed of a Grist-mill, newly invented by an American which will soon come into general use, not only in America but in Europe & thro’ the World. There are but 4 or 5 already built. I give you the Description from my own autoptical examination.
It has but one Wheel and that horizontal, constructed like the frustrum of a Cone inverted. Mr. Kelsy the inventor made it, in his first mill, six feet high, three feet diameter at one End & eighteen Inches diameter at the other: but that which I saw was according to the Dimensions in the Margin. It is made like an inverted pyramidical Barrel secured with 2 or 3 Iron Hoops; and affixed to or connected with the perpendicular wooden Shaft of perhaps four Inches Diameter with two radial crosses near the top & bottom. On the Inside are affixed sixteen narrow pieces of board two or 3 Inches wide & half an Inch thick, each running down the Length of the Vessel. These make interior Buckets, the Section of which exhibits this appearance. The Column of Water carrying this Wheel is but five Inches broad and three Inches thick, and is introduced atop and operates on the inside by percussion on the Valves or vertical slips of board, performing its circumgyrations in lateral Spirals five Inches in diameter: so that in a Wheel 5 feet high the water performs 12 Revolutions before it passes out at bottom. And altho’ I am apprehensive that there is dead water towards the bottom of so high a wheel, yet I doubt not the operative momentum of the water continues for 3 or four Revolutions at least. In a common Water Wheel this momentum is lost after its operation upon one quarter or at most one third of the wheel. There may be probably an Amendment of this horizontal wheel by a Diminution of its length to perhps about three feet.

A usual height of Water is necessary or 4 feet head & 4 f. fall, altho’ this which I saw went well with only six feet superincumbent water including the descent. However while a smaller Quantity of Water answers, it is necessary there should be as much greater a Descent as the altitude of the wheel, that the water which comes in atop may flow from the bottom & be carried off horizontally. The wheel is inclosed in a Cellar, so that being thereby preserved from freezing, it goes all winter. No larger stones than three feet Diameter & 7 or 8 Inches thick have been tried; tho’ doubtless with a bigger Column of Water the largest may be carried. The Mill I saw would grind 40 Bushels or more per day without heating. It ground into excellent Flour a Bushel of Wheat in twelve Minutes by the Watch. A spiral on the upper end of the vertical Shaft turns a wheel affixed to the Axis of a bolting mill into which the meal passes as it comes from the Stones. In the same Mill House may be carried half a dozen of these Kelsy Mills at the same Time & with the same Quantity of Water as carries one common mill.
Mr Kelsy the Inventor is of Middletown in Connecticutt where he built his first mill. He intended to have kept it’s construction a secret. He offered to build for £20. Silver L.M. [lawful money] a piece, accounting he should make £10 profit. He made the Owner enter into Bond to keep the Wheel concealed in the Cellar. However the Depreciation of money has annihilated that security, besides one of the mills by Death or otherwise has shifted its possessor & has been seen by him who constructed from his Recollection that which I saw. The poor man is chagrined, & builds no more. The old millers are also against it. However it will soon get abroad, & will be found of great public Utility. I think the principle of an interior operation on the Wheel will apply to other Water Works, whereby they may be reduced to greater Simplicity and be carried with less Water than usuall. I think the Inventor merits such Gratuities from the public at large as would give him Independence.
I am now on a Visit to Newport, where we have a fine French Army with a naval Force. The Chevalier de Chatelux, the second Major Generàl under M. de Rochambeau, is a Lover of Literature as well as of every Thing tending to the happiness of Society & the aggrandizement of Republics. He does me the honor of conveying this to your hands, by the Ship now bound from hence for France. By this Ship you will receive an account of the Treason & Apostacy of one of our greatest Generals (who went over from us to the Enemy 25th of September last), and the happy Detection of it before the Treason was carried into Execution. General Arnold has buried all his military Glory, and sends his Name down in History execrated with Contempt & Infamy. He will be despised not only by us in the United States, but by all the Nations of Europe & in all future Ages. There is reason to believe that he meditated with the reddition of Westpoint on 27th. Sept., the betraying at the same time of General Washington and the Minister of France into the hands of the Enemy. For his Excellency the Chevalier de la Luzerne told me that passing thro’ Westpt in his Way hither on 24th or the day before the Detection, General Arnold importuned him even to Indecency to tarry & rest there 4 or 5 days. And Arnold also knew General Washington would meet there at the same time on his Return from an Interview with the French Officers at Hartford. G. Arnold is a Loss! But America is so fertile in Patriots that we can afford to sell a capital Patriot or two every year without any essential Injury to the glorious Cause of Liberty & Independence. The greatest Injury he can do us will be in Information. However the present State of the American Army is now so good, as that the most thoro’ knowledge of it will rather do us a benefit than an Injury. The seasonable Execution of Major Andre, (the Seducer,) Adjutant General of the British Army, on 2d Inst. will probably deter such Adventurers for the future.
Congress & the Assemblies thro’ the States continue firm & unshaken; & they have a cordial Support in the Union of the main body of the People at large; notwithstanding the Efforts of Tories & governmental Connexions intermixt in all parts, whose sysiphean Labors only pull down ruin upon themselves. A greater Mortification one can scarcely wish them than with an ultimate Disappointment to be subject to Congress & to pay Continental Taxes. The Storm still blows heavy—but our Ship will ride it thro’. With joy we look forward & with undoubting Assurance anticipate the Sweets & the final Triumph of American Liberty! Wishing you every Blessing, I am, Dear sir, Your most obliged most obedt & very humble Servant
Ezra Stiles
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esq LL. D. / Minister Plenipotentiary from the Congress / of the United States / to the Court of / Paris
Notation: Stiles Octr. 10 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir
Nantes Octor 10. 1780.
The present serves only to hand you a small Dft which Messrs De Segray & Co sent me for a little Balance due to him on the Dolphin Capt Nicholson in Decr 1777, being for some Charges after the Accots were closed, As it is a trifle I paid it & have charged it to the public please therefore to return me the note with your Signature to serve as a Voucher to my accots.
I send you also inclosed a Letter which I have lately received from Capt Manly in Mill Prison, I wish it were possible to get all these poor Fellows exchanged before the Marquis de la Fayette sails as they might then go home in that Ship.
I am ever with the greatest Respect Dear & hond Sir Yours most dutifully & affectionately
Jona Williams J
Hon: Doctor Franklin

Notation: J Williams Octo. 10 80