Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 3 October 1779
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This letter is of considerable historiographical interest because it forms the basis for most subsequent accounts of Jones’s cruise and his battle with H.M.S. Serapis. Central to these accounts is the premise here expounded by Jones that the Bonhomme Richard had to overcome the fire not only of his British opponent, but also that of the American frigate Alliance. Captain Pierre Landais of the Alliance argued in contrast that the Alliance came to the aid of the Bonhomme Richard and played a major role in the capture of the Serapis. Landais’ account of the battle is generally corroborated by the captain of the third ship participating in the battle, Denis-Nicolas Cottineau de Kerloguen, of the frigate Pallas. To give Landais a chance to rebut Jones’s charges Franklin held a hearing at Passy on November 15 and 24, but adjourned it because no other participant in the battle could be present to cross-examine him.

Honoured and dear Sir
On board the Ship of WarSerapis at Anchor without the TexelOctr. 3d. 1779.
When I had the honour of writing to you on the 11th. August Previous to my departure from the Road of Groa I had before me the most flattering prospect of rendering essential service to the common Cause of France & America. I had a full confidence in the Voluntary inclination & ability of every Captain under my Command to assist and support me in my duty with Cheerful Unremitting Emulation—and I was persuaded that every one of them would persue Glory in preference to Interest. Whether I was or was not deceived will best appear by a simple relation of circumstances.— The little Squadron under my command consisting of the Bon home Richard of 40 Guns the Alliance of 36 Guns the Pallas of 32 Guns the Serf of 18 Guns & the Vengeance of 12 Guns Join’d by two Privateers the Monsieur & the Grandvelle Sailed from the Isle of Groa at Day Break on the 14th. of August the same day we spoke with a large Convoy bound from the Southward to Brest on the 18th. we took a large Ship belonging to Holland laden chiefly with Brandy and Wine that had been destined from Barcelona for Dunkirk and taken eight days before by an English Privateer— The Captain of the Privateer Monsieur took out of this Prize such Articles as he pleased in the Night and the next day being astern of the Squadron & to windward he actually wrote Orders in his proper Name and sent away the Prize under one of his own Officers— This however I superceeded by sending her for L’Orient under my Orders in the character of Commander in Chief— The evening of the Day following the Monsieur Seperated from the Squadron— On the 20th. we saw and Chased a large Ship but could not come up with her She being to Windward— On the 21st we saw and Chased another Ship that was also to Windward and thereby Eluded our pursuit the Same afternoon we took a Brigantine Called the May Flower laden with Butter & Salt Provision bound from Limerick in Ireland for London; this Vessel I Immediately expedited for L’Orient. On the 23 we saw Cape Clear and the S. West Part of Ireland that Afternoon it being Calm I sent some Armed Boats to take a Brigantine that appeared in the N.W. Quarter—soon after in the evening it became necessary to have a Boat a Head of the Ship to Tow as the Helm could not prevent her from laying across the Tide of Flood which would have driven us into a deep and dangerous Bay Situated between the Rocks on the south called the Skillicks [Skelligs] and on the North called the Blaskets— The Ships Boats being absent I sent my own Barge a head to tow the Ship— The Boats took the Brigantine She being called the Fortune and Bound with a Cargo of Oil Blubber & Staves from Newfoundland for Bristol— This Vessel I Ordered to proceed immediately for Nants or St. Malo.— Soon after Sunset the Villains who Towed the Ship cut the tow Rope and Decamped with my Barge.— Sundry Shot were fir’d to bring them too without effect— In the mean time the Master of the Bon homme Richard without Orders Manned one of the Ships Boats & with 4 Soldiers pursued the Barge in Order to stop the deserters— The Evening was then Clear & Serene—but the Zeal of that Officer Mr. Cutting Lunt induc’d him to pursue too far, and a Fog which came on soon afterwards Prevented the Boat from Rejoyning the Ship altho I caused Signal Guns to be frequently fired— the Fog & Calm continued the next day till towards the Evening— In the Afternoon Captain Landais came on board the Bonhomme Richard and behaved towards me with great disrespect Affirming in the most indelicate language and manner that I had lost my Boats and People thro’ imprudence in sending Boats to take a Prize— He persisted in his reproaches tho’ he was assured by Messieurs De Wybert & Chamillard that the Barge was actually Towing the Ship at the time of the Elopement and had not been sent in pursuit of the Prize— He was affronted because I would not the Day before Suffer him to Chase without my Orders and to approach the dangerous Shore I have already mentioned, where he was an entire Stranger and where there was not a Sufficient wind to govern a Ship— He told me that he was the only American in the Squadron and was determined to follow his own Opinion in Chasing when and where he thought proper and in every other matter that concerned the Service— and that if I continued in that Situation three days longer the Squadron would be Taken &c, By the advice of Captain Cottineau and with the free consent and Approbation of M. De Verage I sent the Serf in to Reconnoitre the Coast and endeavour to take up the Boats and People the next day while the Squadron stood off and on in the S.W. Quarter in the best Possible Situation to intercept the Enemies Merchant Ships whether outward or Homeward Bound.— The Cerf had on board a Pilot well acquainted with the Coast and was Ordered to Join me again before Night,— I approached the Shore in the Afternoon but the Serf did not appear— This induced me to stand off again in the Night in order to return and be rejoyned by the Serf the Next Day—but to my great concern and disappointment tho’ I ranged the Coast along and hoisted our private Signal neither the Boats nor the Serf Joined me— The evening of that day the 26th. brought with it Stormy Weather with an appearance of a Severe Gale from the South West Yet I must declare I did not follow my own Judgment but was led by the assertion which had fallen from Captain Landais when I in the evening made a Signal for to steer to the Northward and leave that Station, which I wished to have Occupied at least a Week longer— The Gale increased in the Night with the thick Weather— To prevent seperation I carried a Toplight and fired a Gun every Quarter of an hour; I carried also a Very moderate Sail and the Course had been clearly Pointed out by a Signal before Night. Yet with all this precaution I found myself accompanied only by the Brigantine Vengeance in the Morning—the Grand Velle having remained astern with a Prize as I have since understood the Tiller of the Pallas broke after MidNight in which disenabled her from keeping up—but no apology has yet been made in behalf of the Alliance.—On the 31st we saw the Flannin Islands Situated near the Lewises on the N.W. Coast of Scotland and the next morning off Cape Wrath we gave Chase to a Ship to Windward at the same time two Ships appearing in the N.W. Quarter which proved to be the Alliance and a Prize Ship which She had taken bound as I Understood from Liverpool for Jamaica.—The Ship which I chased brought too at Noon— She proved to be the Union Letter of Mark bound from London for Quebec with a Cargo of Naval Stores on Account of Government, Adapted for the Service of the British Armed Vessels on the Lakes. The Public dispatches were lost as the Alliance very imprudently hoisted American Colours tho’ English Colours were then Flying on board the Bon homme Richard.— Captain Landais sent a small Boat to ask whither I would Man the Ship or he should—as in the latter Case he would suffer no Boat nor Person from the Bon homme Richard to go near the Prize.— Ridiculous as this appeared to me I yielded to it for the sake of Peace and received the Prisoners on board the Bon homme Richard while the Prize was manned from the Alliance.— In the Afternoon another Sail appeared and I immediately made the Signal for the Alliance to Chase—but instead of Obeying He wore and laid the Ships Head the other way; The next morning I made a Signal to speak with the Alliance to which no attention was shewn— I then made Sail with the Ships in Company for the second Rendezvous which was not far distant and where I fully expected to be Join’d by the Pallas and the Serf— The 2d. of Sepr. we saw a Sail at Day break and gave Chase— That Ship proved to be the Pallas and had met with no Success while seperated from the Bon homme Richard— On the 3d. the Vengeance brought too a small Irish Brigantine bound homewards from Norway.
The same evening I sent the Vengeance in the N.E. Quarter to bring up the two Prize Ships that appeared to me to bee too near the Islands of Schetland— while with the Alliance & Pallas I endeavoured to Weather Fair Isle and to get into my second Rendezvous where I directed the Vengeance to Join me with the three Prizes. The Next Morning having weathered Fair Isle and not seeing the Vengeance nor the Prizes—I spoke the Alliance and ordered her to Steer to the Northward and bring them up to the Rendezvous. On the morning the 5th the Alliance appeared again and had brought too 2 very Small Coasting Sloops in Ballast but without having Attended properly to My Orders of Yesterday.— The Vengeance Joined me soon after And informed me that in consequence of Captain Landais Orders to the Commanders of the two Prize Ships they had refused to follow him to the Rendezvous. I am to this moment Ignorant what Orders these Men received from Capt. Landais— nor Know I by Virture of what Authority he ventured to give his Orders to Prizes in my Presence and without either my Knowledge or Approbation. Captain Ricot further informed me that he had Burnt the Prize Brigantine because that Vessel Proved leaky and I was sorry to understand afterwards that the Vessel was Irish Property the Cargo was the Property of the Subjects of Norway—
In the evening I sent for all the Captains to come on board the Bon homme Richard to consult on future Plans of Opperation. Captains Cottineau & Ricot Obeyed me, but Captain Landais Obstinately refused and after sending me Various uncivil Messages wrote me a very extraordinary letter in Answer to a written Order which I had sent him on finding that he had trifled with my Verbal Orders—
The next day a Pilot Boat came on board from Shetland by which Means I received such advices as induced me to change a Plan which I otherwise meant to have Pursued, And as the Serf did not appear at my second Rendezvous I determined to steer towards the 3d. in hopes of meeting her there— In the Afternoon a Gale of Wind came on which continued four Days without intermission. In the 2d. Night of that Gale the Alliance with her 2 little Prizes Again seperated from the Bon homme Richard—
I had now with me only the Pallas and Vengeance Yet I did not abandon the hopes of performing some Essential service— The Winds continued contrary so that we did not see the Land ’till the Evening of the 13th when the Hills of Chevot [Cheviot] in the S.E. of Scotland appeared— The Next day We Chased Sundry Vessels and took a Ship & a Brigantine both from the Firth of Edinborough laden with Coal Knowing that there lay at Anchor in leith Roads an Armed Ship of 20 Guns with two or three fine Cutters— I formed an Expedition against Leith which I purposed to lay under a large Contribution or otherwise to reduce it to Ashes— Had I been alone the Wind being favourable I would have proceeded directly up the Firth and must have Succeeded as they lay there in a State of perfect indolence and security which would have Prov’d their Ruin. Unfortunately for me the Pallas and Vengeance were both at a considerable Distance in the Offing they having Chased to the Southward— This Obliged me to Steer out of the Firth again to meet them— The Captains of the Pallas and Vengeance being come on board the Bon homme Richard I communicated to them my Project—to which many difficulties and Objections were made by them— at last however they appeared to think better of the design after I had assured them that I hoped to raise a Contribution of 200,000 Pounds Sterling on Leith, and that there was no Battery of Cannon there to oppose our landing.— So much time however was unavoidably spent in Pointed Remarks and Sage Deliberation that Night that the Wind became contrary in the Morning—We continued Working to windward up the Firth without being able to reach the Road of Leith till on the Morning of the 17th. when being almost within Cannon Shot of the Town having every thing in readiness for a Descent; a very severe Gale of Wind came on and being directly contrary Obliged us to bear away after having in Vain endeavoured for some time to withstand Its Violence the Gale was so severe that one of the Prizes that had been taken the 14th. sunk to the Bottom the Crew being with difficulty saved— As the alarm had by this time reached Leith by means of a Cutter that had watched our motions that Morning,— & as the Wind continued contrary (tho’ more moderate in the evening) I thought it impossible to pursue the Enterprize with a good prospect of success especially as Edinborough where there is always a Number of Troops is only a Mile distant from Leith; therefore I gave up the Project— on the 19th. having taken a Sloop and a Brigantine in Ballast with a Sloop laden with Building Timber— I Proposed another Project to Mr. Cottineau which would have been highly Honorable tho’ not Profitable many difficulties were made and our Situation was represented as being the most Perulous the Enemy he said would send against us a superiour Force and that if I Obstinately continued on the Coast of England two days longer we should all be Taken.
The Vengeance having Chased Along Shore to the Southward Capt. Cottineau said he would follow her with the Prizes as I was unable to make much Sail having that day been Obliged to strike the Main Topmast to repair its damages and as I afterwards Understood he told M. De Chamillard that unless I Joined them the next Day both the Pallas & the Vengeance would leave that Coast.— I had thoughts of attempting the Enterprize alone after the Pallas had made Sail to Join the Vengeance— I am persuaded even now that I should have succeeded And to the honour of my Young Officers I found them as ardently disposed to the Business as I could desire. Nothing prevented me from pursuing my design but the reproach that would have been cast upon my Character as a Man of prudence had the Enterprize miscarried— It would have been said was he not forewarned by Captain Cottineau & Others—
I made Sail along Shore to the Southward and next Morning took a Coasting Sloop in Ballast which with another that I had taken the Night before I Ordered to be sunk.— In the Evening I again met with the Pallas and the Vengeance off Whitby— Captain Cottineau told me he had sunk the Brigantine and ransomed the Sloop Laden with Building Timber that had been Taken the Day before— I had told Captain Cottineau the day before that I had no Authority to Ransom Prizes— On the 21st. We saw and Chased Two Sail off Flambrough Head— The Pallas Chased in the N E Quarter while the Bon home Richard followed by the Vengeance Chased in the S.W.— The one I Chased a Brigantine Collier in Ballast belonging to Scarborough was soon Taken and sunk immediately Afterwards— As a Fleet then appeared to the Southward this was so late in the Day that I could not come up with the Fleet before night at length however I got so near one of them as to force her to run ashore between Flamborough Head and the Spurn— soon after I Took another a Brigantine from Holland belonging to Sunderland and at Day light the Next Morning seeing a Fleet Steering towards me from the Spurn I immagined them to be a Convoy bound from London for Leith which had been for some time expected—one of them had a Pendant Hoisted and appeared to be a Ship of Force— They had not however Courage to come on but kept back all except the one which seemed to be Armed and that one Also kept to Windward very near the Land and on the Edge of Dangerous Shoals where I could not with safety Approach— This induced me to make a Signal for a Pilot and soon afterwards two Pilot Boats came off— They informed me that the Ship that wore a Pendant was an Armed Merchantman And that a Kings Frigate lay there in sight at Anchor within the Humber waiting to take under Convoy a number of Merchant Ships bound to the Northward. The Pilots imagined the Bon homme Richard to be an English Ship of War and consequently communicated to me the Private Signal which they had been required to make— I endeavoured by this means to decoy the Ships out of the Port, but the wind then changing and with the Tide becoming Unfavourable for them; the deception had not the desired Effect; and they wisely put back.— The entrance of the Humber is exceedingly difficult and Dangerous— And as the Pallas was not in sight I thought it imprudent to remain off the Entrance—therefore Steered out again to Join the Pallas off Flamborough Head. In the Night We saw and Chased two Ships untill 3 OClock in the Morning When being at a very small distance from them I made the Private Signal of Reconnoisance which I had given to each Captain before I Sailed from Groa— One half of the Answer only was returned— In this Position both sides lay too till day light When the Ships proved to be the Alliance & the Pallas— On the Morning of that day the 23d. the Brig from Holland not being in sight We Chased a Brigantine that appeared Laying too to Windward— About Noon We saw and Chased a large Ship that appeared coming round Flamborough head from the Northward and at the same time I Manned and Armed one of the Pilots Boats to send in Pursuit of the Brigantine which now appeared to be the Vessel that I had forced ashore— Soon after this a Fleet of 41 Sail appeared off Flamborough Head bearing NNE. This induced me to Abandon the Single Ship which had then Anchored in Burlington Bay; I also called back the Pilot Boat and hoisted a Signal for a general Chase.
When the Fleet discovered us bearing down all the Merchant Ships Crowded Sail towards the Shore. The Two Ships of War that Protected the Fleet at the same time Steered from the Land and made the disposition for Battle— In approaching the Enemy I crowded every Possible Sail and made the Signal for the line of Battle to which the Alliance shewed no Attention. Earnest as I was for the Action I could not reach the Commodores Ship untill Seven in the Evening being then within Pistol Shot when He hailed the Bon homme Richard. We answered him by Firing a Whole Broadside— The Battle being thus begun was continued with Unremitting Fury—Every method was Practiced on both sides to gain an Advantage and Rake each other— And I must confess that the Enemies Ship being much more Manageable than the Bon homme Richard gained thereby several times an advantagious Situation in spite of my best endeavours to prevent it— As I had to deal with an Enemy of greatly Superiour Force I was under the necessity of closing with him to Prevent the Advantage Which he had over me in Point of Manoeuvre— It was my intention to lay the Bon homme Richard athwart the Enemies Bow but as that Opperation required great dexterity in the Management of both Sails and Helm And some of our Braces being Shot away it did not exactly succeed to my wish.
The Enemies Bowsprit however came over the Bon homme Richards Poop by— the Mizen Mast and I made both Ships fast together in that Situation which by the Action the Wind on the Enemies Sails forced her Stern close to the Bon home Richards Bow so that the Ships lay square alongside of each Other the Yards being all entangled and the Cannon of each Ship touching the Opponents Side when this Position took Place it was Eight OClock Previous to which the Bonhomme Richard had received sundry Eighteen Pound Shot below the Water and leaked very much.
My Battery of 12 Pounders on which I had Placed my Chief dependance being Commanded by Lieut. Dale and Col. Wybert and Manned Principally with American Seamen & French Volunteers; was entirely Silenced and Abandoned—as to the Six old 18 Pounders that formed the Battery of the lower Gun Deck they did no service whatever except firing Eight Shot in all— Two out of them Burst at the first Fire and Killed almost all the Men who were stationed to Manage them.
Before this time too Col. Chamillard who Commanded a Party of 20 Soldiers on the Poop had Abandoned that Station after having lost some of his Men.
I had now only two Pieces of Cannon (9 Pounders) on the Quarter Deck that were not Silenced and not one of the heavier Cannon was fired during the remainder of the Action—The Purser Mr. Mease who Commanded the Guns on the Quarter Deck being dangerously Wounded in the head I was Obliged to fill his Place & with great difficulty Rallied a few Men and shifted to get over one of the lee Quarter Deck Guns so that We afterwards played three Pieces of Nine pounders upon the Enemy The Tops alone seconded the Fire of this little Battery and held out Bravely during the Whole Action especially the Main Top where Lieutenant Stack Commanded. I directed the Fire of one of the three Cannon against the Main Mast with double Headed Shot while the other two were Exceedingly well served with Grape & Canister Shot to Silence the Enemies Musquetry and Clear her Decks which was at last effected the Enemy were as I have since Understood on the Instant of Calling out for Quarters—When the Cowardice or Treachery of three of my Under Officers induced them to call to the Enemy— The English Commodore Asked me if I Demanded Quarters And I having Answered him in the most determined Negative They renewed the Battle with redoubled Fury— They were unable to stand the Deck but the Fire of their Cannon especially the lower Battery which was entirely form’d of 18 Pounders was incessant.— Both Ships were set on Fire in Various Places And the scene was dreadful beyond the reach of Language— To account for the Timidity of my Three under Officers, I mean the Gunner the Carpenter and the Master at Arms—I must observe that the two First were slightly Wounded And as the Ship had received Various Shot under Water And one of the Pumps being shot away the Carpenter expressed his Fears that she would Sink and the other two concluded that she was Sinking which Occasioned the Gunner to run aft on the Poop without my Knowledge to strike the Colours— Fortunately for me a Cannon ball had done that before by carrying away the Ensign Staff— He was therefore reduced to the Necessity of sinking, as he Supposed, or of Calling for Quarters and he prefered the Latter— All this time the Bon homme Richard had sustained the Action alone And the Enemy tho’ much Superior in Force would have been very glad to have got Clear as Appears by their own Acknowledgments and by their having let go an Anchor the Instant that I laid them on Board by which means they would have escaped had I not made them well fast to the Bonhomme Richard; at last, at half past Nine O’Clock the Alliance appeared & I now thought the Battle at an End but to my Utter Astonishment he discharged a Broadside full into the Stern of the Bon homme Richard— We Called to him for Gods sake to forbear Firing into the Bon homme Richard— Yet he passed along the Off Side of the Ship and Continued Firing—There was no Possibility of his Mistaking the Enemy’s Ship for the Bon homme Richard there being the most essential difference in their appearance & construction—besides it was then full Moon light, And the Sides of the Bon homme Richard were all Black while the Side of the Prize were Yellow—Yet for the greater security I shewed the Signal of our Reconnoissance by putting out Three Lanthorns, One at the head Another at the Stern and the third in the Middle in a Horrizontal line— Every Tongue cried that He was Firing into the wrong Ship but nothing availed. He passed round firing into the Bon homme Richard’s Head, Stern, & Broadside and by one of his Vollies Killed Agreeable to Report several of my best Men and Mortally Wounded an Officer on The Fore Castle only. My Situation was really deplorable the Bon homme Richard received Various Shots under Water from the Alliance the leak gained on the Pumps and the Fire increased Much on board both Ships— Some Officers Persuaded me to Strike of whose Courage and good sense I entertain an High Opinion.— My Treacherous Master at Arms let loose all my Prisoners without my Knowledge and my Prospect became Gloomy Indeed— I would not however give up the Point—The Enemy’s Main Mast began to shake, Their Firing decreased Fast Our’s rather increased And the British Colours were Struck at half an hour Past Ten O’Clock— This Prize proved to be the British Ship of War the Serapis a New Ship of 44 Guns built on their most approved Construction with two Compleat Batteries one of them of 18 Pounders and Commanded by the Brave Commodore Richard Pearson.— I had yet two Enemies to encounter with far more formidable than the Britons I mean fire and Water. The Serapis was attacked only by the first but the Bon homme Richard was Assailed by both— There was five Feet of Water in the Hold and tho’ it was Moderate from the Explosition of so Much Gun Powder Yet three Pumps that remained could with difficulty only Keep the Water from gaining— The Fire broke out in Various Parts of the Ship in spite of all the Water that could be thrown in to quench it and at length broke out as low as the Powder Magazine and within a few Inches of the Powder— In that Dilema I took out the Powder upon Deck ready to be thrown overboard at the last extremity and it was Ten O’Clock the next Day the 24th before the Fire was entirely Extinguished. With respect to the Situation of the Bonhomme Richard The Rudder was cut almost entirely off; the Stern Frame & Transoms Were almost entirely Cut away And the Timbers by the lower Deck especially from the Main Mast towards the Stern being greatly decayed with Age were Mangled beyond my Power of description and A Person must have been an Eye Witness to form a Just Idea of the tremendous Scenes of Carnage Wreck and Ruin which every where appeared— Humanity cannot but recoil from the Prospect of such finished Horror and lament that War should be capable of producing Such fatal Consequences.
After the Carpenters as well as Captain Cottineau and other Men of sense had well examined & Surveyed the Ship which was not Finished before five in Evening I found every Person to be convinced that it was Impossible to Keep the Bon homme Richard Afloat So as to reach a Port if the Wind should increase it being then only a very Moderate Breeze— I had but little time to remove My Wounded which now became Unavoidable and which was effected in the Course of the Night and Next Morning— I was determined to Keep the Bon homme Richard Afloat and if possible to bring her into Port For that purpose the first Lieutenant of the Pallas continued on board with a Party of Men to Attend the Pumps with Boats in waiting ready to take them on board in Case the Water Should gain on them too Fast; The Wind Augmented in the Night and the next Day on the 25th. So that it was impossible to prevent the Good Old Ship from Sinking—They did not abandon her ’till after Nine OClock— The Water was then up to the lower Deck and a little after Ten I saw with inexpressible Grief the last Glimpse of the Bonhomme Richard— No lives were lost with the Ship—but it was impossible to save the Stores of any Sort Whatever— I lost even the best Part of my Cloaths Books and Papers and several of my Officers lost all their Cloaths and Effects.
Having thus endeavoured to give a Clear and Simple relation of the Circumstances and events that have attended the little Armament Under my Command I shall freely submit My Conduct therein to the Cencure of my Superiours and the impartial Public— I beg leave however to Observe that the Force that was put under my Command Was far from being well Composed And as the great Majority of the Actors in it have appeared bent on the pursuit of Interest only; I am exceedingly Sorry that they and I have at all been concerned.
I am in the Highest degree sensible of the Singular Attentions which I have experienced from the Court of France; which I shall remember with Perfect Gratitude Untill the end of my Life— And will always endeavour to Merit while I can consistent with my Honor continue in the Public Service.— I must speak plainly; as I have always been honored with the full confidence of Congress, And as I had also Flattered myself with enjoying in some Measure the Confidence of the Court of France; I could not but be Astonished at the Conduct of M. De Chaumont When in the Moment of my departure from Groa he produced a Paper (a Concordat) for me to Sign in common with Officers Whom I had Commissioned but a few days before.— Had that Paper or even a less dishonourable one been proposed to me at the begining I would have rejected it with Just Contempt, and the Word “Deplacement” Among Others should have been Unnecessary— I cannot however even now suppose that he was Authorized by the Court to make such a bargin with me— Nor can I suppose that the Minister of the Marine Meant that M. De Chaumont should consider me merely as a Colleague with the Commanders of the other Ships And communicated to them not only all he Knew but all he thought respecting our desination and opperations— M. De Chaumont has made me Various Reproaches on account of the Expence of the Bon homme Richard wherewith I cannot think I have been Justly chargeable— M. De Chamillard can attest that the Bon homme Richard was at last far from being well fitted or Armed for War— If any Person or Persons who have been charged with the Expence of that Armament have Acted Wrong the fault must not be laid to my Charge.
I had not the Authority to Superintend that Armament and the Persons who had authority were so far from giving me what I thought necessary that M. De Chaumont even refused among other things to allow me Irons to secure Prisoners of War.
In short while my Life remains If I have any Capacity to render good & Acceptible Services to the Common Cause no Man will step forth with greater Cheerfulness and Alacrity than myself— But I am not made to be dishonoured nor can I accept of the half Confidence of any Man living; of Course I cannot consistent with my Honour and a Prospect of success Undertake Future Expeditions Unless when the Object and distination is communicated to me alone and to no other Person in the Marine line.— In cases where Troops are Embarked a like confidence is due alone to their Commander in Chief— On no other condition will I even under take the Chief Command of a Private Expedition and where I do not command in Chief I have no desire to be in the Secret.
Captain Cottineau Engaged the Countess of Scarborough and took her after an Hours Action While the Bon homme Richard engaged the Serapis— The Countess of Scarborough is an Armed Ship of 20 Six Pounders and was Commanded by a King’s Officer—
In the Action the Countess of Scarborough and the Serapis were at a considerable distance asunder and the Alliance as I am Informed Fired into the Pallas & Killed some Men. If it should be asked why the Convoy was Suffered to escape I must answer that I was myself in no Condition to pursue; And that none of the rest shewed any inclination not even M. Ricot who had held off at a distance to Windward during the whole Action; and withheld by Force the Pilot Boat with my Lieutenant and Fifteen Men.— The Alliance too was in a State to pursue the Fleet not having had a Single Man Wounded or a Single Shot fired at her from the Serapis and only three that did Execution from the Countess of Scarborough at such a distance that One Stuck in the Side and the other two Just touched and then dropped into the Water— The Alliance Killed one Man Only on board the Serapis— As Captain Cottineau charged himself with Manning and Securing the Prisoners of the Countess of Scarborough— I think the Escape of the Baltic Fleet cannot so well be charged to his account.
I should have mentioned that the Main Mast and Mizen Top Mast of the Serapis fell Over Board soon after the Captain had come onboard the Bonhomme Richard.
Uppon the whole the Captain of the Alliance has behaved so very ill in every respect that I must Complain loudly of his Conduct— He pretends that he is authorized to act independant of my Command— I have been taught the contrary; but supposing it to be so his Conduct has been base and unpardonable. M. De Chamillard will explain the Particulars.—Either Captain Landais or myself is highly Criminal and one or the other must be Punished.
I forbear to take any steps with him Untill I have the advice and Approbation of your Excellency. I have been advised by all the Officers of the Squadron to put Landais under Arest but as I have postponed it so long I will bear with him a little longer Untill the return of my Express.
We this Day Anchored here having since the Action been tossed to and fro by contrary Winds— I wished to have gained the Road of Dunkirk on account of our Prisoners but was over Ruled by the Majority of my Colleagues.
I shall hasten up to Amsterdam and there If I meet with no Orders for my Goverment I will take the Advice of the French Ambassador. It is my present intention to have the Countess of Scarborough ready to Transport the Prisoners from hence to Dunkirk Unless it should be found more Expedient to deliver them to the English Ambassador taking his Obligation to send to Dunkirk &c. Immediately an equal Number of Americans. I am under Strong apprehensions that our Object here will fail and that thro’ the Imprudence of M. De Chaumont Who has communicated every thing he Knew or thought on the Matter to Persons who cannot help talking of it at a full Table— This is the way he Keeps State secrets. Tho’ he never mentioned the Affair to me. I am ever with the Highest Sentiments of grateful Esteem and Respect. Honoured and dear Sir Your very Obliged Friend & very Humble Servant
Jno P Jones
(Copy)Excellency Benj. Franklin Esq. &c. &c. &c.

Addressed: For His Excellency / The President of the Congress / in / Congress.
Notation: Copy Capt J P. Jones letter to Doctr Franklin Octr 3. 1779 Accot. of his cruize & capture of Seraphis


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Bingham, 4 October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bingham, William

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 4. 1779.
I thank you for your frequent Communications of News Papers from North America, for tho’ they are generally old before they come to hand, they always contain some Information that I am glad to receive.
I have not yet seen the Bills you mention your being about to draw on me. I wish it were in my Power to accomodate every one in the Service of the Congress. But there are Limits of possibility to every thing, and I am obliged now to refuse all Drafts, but those drawn by the Congress itself. It is my Duty and a Matter of the utmost Consequence to keep up their Credit here, but it is too much to be charged with the support of the Credit of their Agents in all other Countries. With much Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
Mr. Bingham.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 4 October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir,
Passy Oct. 4. 1779.
I received yours of the 14 & 21. past. I communicated to M. De Chaumont what you say in your last relating to your attending the Arrival of our Friend. Inform him as soon as you see him, that he is in Holland to follow the Orders he will receive from the g. Factor. We have just heard something of him that gives every body here abundant Satisfaction.
As I have not seen in any of your Prints the Regulations made by the new Government in Grenada I enclose a Copy.
We are all well and chearful in this Neighbourhood, where every Body remembers you with Respect and Affection; and none with more than Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
M. Dumas

Endorsed: Passy. 4e. Oct. 1779. S.E. Mr. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 4 October 1779
From: Landais, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your Excellency
Ship Alliance off Texel 4 October. 1779
I now embrace the First Oppertunity to transmitt the material parts of my Journal of our late Cruize which ended Yesterday.
On Saturday the 14 August we were the Ships Bon homme Richard, Alliance, Monsieur & Pallas, arm’d briggs Vengeance & Grandville & the Cerf Cutter in Company under Groa. We all weyed Anchor & put to Sea early in the Morning.
the 19th. A Ship was taken by the Monsieur, laden with Canvas, bound to Spain, she was dutch but had been taken by a privateer from Liverpool.

21st. Gave chace to a Ship windward she appears like an east indiaman, Capt. Jones at about 4 Miles Leeward of us at 2 oClock made Signal for forming the Line of Battle. The Chace is 5 miles windward of me. Having it in my power to take my Station at any time, being in this situation, I continued the Chace till 5. At 6 bore down & at 9 Spoke with Capt. Jones, who inform’d me he had Sent the dutch Ship to L’Orient & that the Monsieur was going to leave us.
22d. Saw the same ship we took Yesterday for an eastindiaman, but by her present conduct she is a man of War. Capt. Jones would not give chace to her, but put away after a brig, which he came up with in the evening. She is from Limerick bound to London, laden with Beef & butter.
23d. Made the Coast of Ireland, saw a sail bearing NNW. made signal & sat all sail. At 1 came up with the Bon homme Richard, she made signal for us to drop astern; took in our light sails & haul’d up our Courses. As we still kept way with her under our topsails, Capt. Jones spoke & order’d this Ship to drop a stern; bore away to let him get a head. The chace now alter’d her course to SW. The Bon homme Richard is under all Sail, but the winds are very light. At 3 saw another sail, westward of the chace. ½ past 3 a signal on board the B.H. Richard for boats. A Calm came on & several Boats were dispatch’d by Capt. Jones, after the Vessells in chace. Saw them board the nearest, a Brig. At 10 she pass’d us & inform’d they were from Newfoundland bound to Bristol, laden with oyl & blubber. At 10 Next morning spoke Capt. Jones, am inform’d that 7 of his men have run away with one of His boats, & that he has sent another boat to look after them. That the other vessell in chace Yesterday is a Sloop from Norway bound to Bordeaux. He asked if I had a Crew ready to put on board the Brig. I told him I did not choose to man any Prize that had been boarded, for my prizemaster could not be answerable for what might be done by others who had taken possession before him.
26th. The Vengeance took a brig. under portugese Colours, laden with Salt, bound to Ireland. Capt. Jones sent the Cerf in Shore to look for his boats.
27 We had a very hard Gale of wind last night, & this morning we have not one of our fleet in Sight.

29 Captured a Letter of Marque of 22 Guns, from Liverpoole bound to Grenada & on a Cruize laden with Provisions. None of our fleet in sight since the night of the 26th.
31 Saw Lewis Islands bearing S½.E. Saw a Ship & brig. gave chace, when got within a few Leagues of them, they tack’d & stood towards us. Found them to be the B.H. Richard & Vengeance.
Septem. 1. In company with these Vessells captured a Letter of Marque bound from London to Quebeck, Mountg. 22 Guns, laden with Naval Stores.
2d. The Pallas join’d us, having been seperated by the gale of the 26 at Night. No account of the grandville & Cerf, the former of which was also seperated by the Same gale.
5 I took a Sloop in Ballast from Leith & another laden with Coals from Greenock, both bound to Shetland. Sent them S E of fair Island where I knew they would find the B.H. Richard & Pallas.
September 6. The Vengeance rejoin’d us, having been absent & burnt a brig from Norway, laden with deals. The B H Richard & Pallas took the 2 Sloops in tow that I captured Yesterday.
7th. Bent Cables & prepared to go into one of the Isles of Shetland, on condition that Capt. Jones should take the risque of this Ship upon himself, & make himself accountable for what might happen to her, having no pilot on board. Your orders to me 28 July Mention’d nothing but a Cruize. At Night a hard gale came on & parted us.
8th. I waited all day, but seeing nothing of our Ships, the 9th. proceeded to our Rendezvous at Flamborough head. In Cruizing hereabouts, we saw nothing of Consequence but a Sloop of War & a Cutter, these we chaced but could not come up with them.
13th. I took a Brig laden with Coals. After this we frequently saw numbers of Colliers, keeping close to the Land, some of which I might perhaps have taken, but hearing there were two 24 Gun Ships upon the Coast, I did not chuse to part with my Crew to man prizes of so little Note; but keep myself in force to be able to engage them, & after to intercept some of the Northern fleet.
22d. Saw a Ship & brig. chaced and reconnoitred the former to be the Pallas, two other Vessells being in sight at the Same time, I made Signal and chaced one, she chaced the other & took her, finding her to be empty, the Pallas left her, & also abandon’d the 1st. brig we saw with her. We spoke together in the evening, am inform’d they parted from the B.H. Richard 2 or 3 days before. They can give no account of what became of the two Sloops I left with them the 7 Instant.
23 Early this morning saw the Bon H Richard & Vengeance. At 2 in the Afternoon saw two Ships leewards of us, lying-to, off the Land. They appear’d to be men of war. Saw also a fleet standing for Scarboro’ made Signal & gave chace to the two former, & came down to them in the Evening. They proved to be the Serapis of 44 Guns, Capt. Pearson, & the Countess of Scarborough of 22 Guns, Capt. Piercy. An engagement immediately ensued. I have inclosed a draft to which I referr you for a discription of our Manoeuvres in the course of it. The Serapis I afterwards tow’d off the Land as she was disabled & had drifted within 4 Miles of Flamborough head, while 3 of our boats wth. part of our Crew were assisting on board the B.H. Richard. All that I suffer’d in the engagement was in my Sails & Rigging, with a few Shots in our hull, & this was of but very little damage.
25 The B.H. Richard being evacuated, Sunk. After this we made the best of our way to this Place, & received a pilot on board Yesterday & got up today. We are now the Ships Alliance & Pallas & brig. Vengeance in company with the Serapis & Countess of Cumberland prizes.
The Grandville has been absent since the Gale of the 26 August, & the Cerf ever since Capt. Jones sent her after his boats, on the Coast of Ireland.
To Recapitulate our prizes I have captured when by myself A Letter of Marque of 22 Guns
A Sloop—empty
A Sloop—with Coals

A Brig—with Coals
In Company with the Pallas
A Brig—empty which we abandon’d
In Company with the B.H. Richard &c
A Ship—with Canvas
A Brig—with provisions
A Brig—Oyl & blubber
A Brig—Salt
A Ship—22 Guns—Naval Stores
A Ship—deals—burnt by the Vengeance
Serapis Man of War 44 Guns
C of Scarboro’. Kings Ship 22 Guns
Besides these I am inform’d that there has been taken by our fleet while I was Seperated, 6 Sail of Colliers which they distroyed, being of very little Consequence. I have now on board this Ship 226 prisoners, in Officers & Men. I find I have not time to inclose the draft to elucidate our engagement the 23 Instant, I shall write you again soon & inclose it. Mr. Du Mas being on board I & the post going away I have only time to Subscribe myself With the Greatest esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Servant
P: Landais

N.B. the Prizes I dispatch’d were sent to Bergen According to Your Orders.

Notation: Capt Landais Journal of his Cruise in the North Seas. Oct 4. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Greene, 5 October 1779
From: Greene, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured sir
Warwick State Rhode Island&c. October 5th. 1779
I with much Pleasure received your very Friendly letter of the 4th. of last June, by which I am informed of The Perticular care you took to employ your Nephew to transact my business, since which I have also received his letter enclosing the invoice of the articles I wrote you for, which have also come safe to hand.
Am much Obliged to you for the Tenderness you discover Towards my Son in law, and Ray both of whom I think are likely to be beneficial to their distress’d Country.
The Chevalier, Dela, Luzern Since his arrival in Boston went by the way of Worcester on his way to Congress, His taking his Tour that way depriv’d me of the Pleasure of waiting on him.
The General Assembly of this State received a letter from Mr. Williams in your behalf of March 10th. with a Package of books containing the History of Geneva by M. Berenger in Six Volums, as a Present to and for their use and benefit, for which they have requested me to return you their Sincere Thanks, and to inform you that they shall ever acknowledge The favour with gratitude as it greatly tends to discover your good Intentions to Promote the Publick welfare.
I am much Pleased to hear of the Prospect you have in your Grand Son as I hope he may hereafter be instrumental in supplying his Grand Fathers Place in the great business of his Country; as by that means you may be relieved from the same in some future Period, and once more return to your Native land, and enjoy that comfort and Satisfaction which must be very agreeable, when you reflect that you have been bless’d by Heaven to continue to an advanced age, as by far the greater Part of your time has been devoted for the well being of the Publick, as I dare say the Inhabitants of this vast Continant are thorily Convinc’d, as also of the advantages they are now enjoying in consequence of it which I doubt not will be by them handed forward to Posterity, and scarcely ever be forgotten.
Your agreeable Sister desires me to inform you that she has lately wrote to you two letters, and that she has sent you two Dozen cakes of Soap, which went from here about a Month Past, That she is about making a small quantety more which she Purposes to forward to you by the first convenient oppertunity together with another letter for which Reason she omits writing now. My Wife makes the same excuse as to writing, but both say they Sincerely love you, as really does your Sincere and much Obliged Friend. and most Humble Servant.
W Greene
Docter Franklin

Addressed: (Publick Service) / Docter Fraklin / at Paris / France / (W Greene)
Notations in different hands: Boston 10th. Octr. 1779—Received under cover & forwarded—by your Obedt Hble. servt. Wm Vernon / William Greene. Warwick State of R. Island Oct. 5. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marignac: Bill for Benjamin Franklin Bache’s Schooling, [5 October 1779–5 January 1780]
From: Marignac
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  [October 5, 1779–January 5, 1780]
  Compte pour le Jeune Franklin

Pension depuis le 5e. 8bre. 79. au 5e. Janvier 80.
£130—14—6—

Papier, encre & plumes...
1—10—”—

Raquettes & Volans...
1—17—6—

Comédie...
1—12—”—

Dictionnaire Anglois en 2. Volumes...
  10— 8—”—

⅓ Kalmouk...
  1— 7—”—

Cahiers...
”—18—”—

pr. quatre pres. [paires] bas de laine...
  7— ”—”—

Port de Lettres...
”—11—”—

écritoire...
  ”— 7—”—

Compte au cordonnier...
  16— ”—”—

ruban de queuë...
  ”— 6—”—

Compte & étrennes à Mr. Aval, à sa servante,
  ”— ”—”—

& à Mr. Moliére...
  15— 5—”—

Etrennes pr. lui & pr. Les Domestiques des personnes où il a mangé pendant l’année...
  7— 5—3—

Etrennes pr. le perruquier...
1—10—”—

3. Mois blanchissage...
4—10—”—

3. Mois dessin...
  11 — ”—”—

1. Mois danse...
3—13—”—

pr. ses Dimanches...
3—17—”—

pr. le Maitre d’anglois...
7—15—3—

£227— 6—6—

227 l.t. 6s. 6d. argt: court: le louis à 14 l.t. 10s. 6d. pr. 24 l.t. argt. de france font 375 l.t.: 12 s: argt: de france.
Pr. acquit Marignac

Notation: 24 l.t. pr Etrennes au dit sr. Marignac. £399:12


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 6 October 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear, honoured Sir
at the Helder, road of TexelOct. 6th. 1779
Mr. Le Ray de Chaumont, will by this time, have heard, at my request, from Mrs J. De Neufville & fils, that the Vessels are all safe on this road, which I am happy to confirm to yr. Excellency; & that they entered viz. the 4th. in the Evening 1.o te Vengeance, Ricot; 2.o the Scarborough prize Ship of 20 or 22 pds., 3.o the Alliance, Landais; & the 6th. 4.o the Serapis, of 22 eighteen pounders, & 22 nine pounders, Comodore Jones (his own the B.h. Richard having sunk a few hours after the battle) my self being on board the last when coming up; & 5.o the Pallas, Cap. Cotineau. I have delivered yr. Letter myself to the Commodore, & saved them all a great deal of trouble, & done my best to serve them. And now having left them here with good adresses, I am going to Amsterdam, & to the Hague with the Commodore, & present him to the Ambassador. Capt. Landais has given me the inclosed paper, with request to send it you. Will your Exc. have the goodness to let Mr. De Chaumont know, that I have permitted Mr. De Chamillard, an Officer aboard the Comodore’s Ship, who was in great haste to go to Paris with the Comodore’s dispatches, to make use of the Cabriolet I had left at Antwerp, & to come back again with it & leave it at the same House at Antwerp, being there in good hands, if Mr. De Chaumont approves of it.
Your Excellency will have the relation of the whole Campaign, by the Commodore. Therefore I need not to enter on this Subject. I am in very great haste, with great respect Dear, honoured Sir, yr. Exc. Most obedient & humble servant
Dumas

Notation: Dumas Octr. 6. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 6 October 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
havre 6th October 1779
The happy intelligence which you had the kindness of forwarding to me, is the more pleasing to My heart, that I am Glad to have Given to our scoth friends, A little But full view of the American flag— Captain Jones has ever inspir’d me with a great Regard for his talents and patriotic Spirit, and I am Proud to find that Both these Qualities have been display’d to so Great an advantage as the taking of the Baltic fleet, at the head of the little Squadron in which you know I have been Greatly Concern’d— Sir George Collier’s expedition had left me an impression of sorrow which Could Not be alleviated But By successes obtain’d Under American Colours— Count destaing’s arrival on our Coasts will I hope Give us a full Revenge, and tho his Expeditions will be plann’d and executed upon a More Generous footing than those of the Ennemy, they will Cut a better figure in the Gazettes than the heroïc Burning of defenceless towns— Had I thought that his operations would turn that way, Nothing Could have hindered Me from joining Gal Washington’s Army— But, you know, that was not to be expected, and you had Certainly Yourself a firm idea that My services would be more actively employ’d or in the expedition Against England, or in executing plans where I Could have Brought More than My person to the American shores— I hope Congress will be sensible of it, and approve the Reasons I had of leaving them on this side of the Atlantic— News from Count destaing will Give Room to New projects, and if he has Not finish’d the work, Be Certain, My dear sir, that Nothing will please me so much as fighting Again with My American fellow soldiers.
As our first interest is By this time to Get the ask’d for supply, that operation has My Best wishes, and I hope clothes, arms, Ammunition will be soon sent to a Country where they are I Believe much wanted.
The pacquet which is to sail for america will, I understand, be dispatch’d By the Beginning of Next week— from that intelligence I see that My letters will be timely arriv’d if they Come into your hands By Sunday Next— I shall therefore trouble you with some which I Recommend to your friendly Care.
As there is nothing material to be writen from the havre, But what you know of the Combin’d fleet, and the state of the intended expedition I will only add a few words about ireland.
Do you, My dear sir, from the new dispute happen’d at dublin, aprehend that the presbiterian Counties would suffer themselves to be aided By a small french force, which might add some strength to theyr Representations in parliament? Suppose you would Conceive some new hopes of the Revolution being a little Riper than last spring, we Could advise together of some propositions to be made to the Ministry.
With the highest Regard I am My Respected sir, Your affectionate
LAFAYETTE
his excellency Benjamin franklin esq.

Notation: La Fayette 6 Oct. 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 7 October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Digges, Thomas

Dear sirOct. 7. 1779.
I received yours of Sept. 4. & 6. and am glad to hear that Mr. Peters’s affair is settled to his Mind.— I have received the Letter he wrote me and have forwarded that to his son.
I am Sorry to hear that any innocent Men Should suffer on suspicion of holding a criminal Correspondence with me. The Truth is, that I do not know that Capt. Hutchins, and never had a Correspondence with him of any kind, directly nor indirectly. Nor have I ever understood that Mr. Warton received any Intelligence from England but what the Newspapers afforded. In respect to your Recommendation I comply’d with the request of your friend. Please to Let Mr. Raspe know, that if he comes here he will be welcome to live with me the two Months he mentions, and that I Shall be glad of his Company. When you have occasion to write to Mr. Grand he tells me you may direct your Letters to the Care of Messrs. fr. Romberg and Comp. at ostende. With great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir your m. o. and m. h. S.

M. Digges.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 8[–10] October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Passy Oct. 8[–10]. 1779.
My Dear Friends late Letters have been long in coming, having met some Delay on the Way. I am told the Communication is now more open.
As Captain Tattwell cannot now perform his Engagement specifically by procuring the Release of Captain Harris and his Crew, I think he may be discharged of his Parole by obtaining the Release of some other Captain with a Number of Men equal to that with Capt. Harris: If this is done, I will send him a Discharge of his Parole accordingly. On this Occasion I would name a Captain Robertson of Philadelphia, who was Master of the Brigantine Pomona which sailed in June last from Amsterdam, and is now with his Son a Prisoner at Forton. The Men to be released with him and his Son should be of those who have been longest Confined.
The Number of Places in France, in which the English are confined is so great and so remote from me, that it will not be easy for me to find Capt. Stephenson; but I will endeavour it, and will solicit his Release. The sooner you send me such further Particulars about him as you can learn, the better.
I send you inclosed Copies of the Engagements of a Number of Prisoners we have discharged at Sea. The Originals shall be sent when required. One of Commodore Jones’s little Squadron, which parted with him on the Coast of Ireland, is returned I hear with a Number of Prizes, & some hundreds of Prisoners. If the Commodore himself gets safe into France with his Prizes there will be another very considerable Number. I have not yet received the Accounts I have wrote for from Spain; but expect them daily.
M. De Sartine seems disposed to grant a Pass port to the Cartel for Morlaix but desired me to make the Proposition to him in writing that he might lay it before the King. I did so a few Days since but have not received an Answer.
With the sincerest Esteem I am ever, my Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

P.S. Oct. 10.— We have just received Advice of the safe Arrival of Comr. Jones in the Texel, with 400 Prisoners. If therefore the Board would send their Cartels thither with an equal Number, it would save a great deal of Misery to your poor People which their Confinement in the Ships till they can be lodg’d in French Prisons must occasion.
D. Hartley Esqr.

Endorsed: D F Oct. 8 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 8 October 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir8th Octor. 1779
I have taken the liberty to give the Bearer hereof, Mr Luard, an introductory line to you; and to get him to bear a few of the latest news papers, as well as a packet from from Mr. V——n which I expect to deliver Him with this letter. He is among the capital sufferers at Grenada & goes to Paris to secure if possible his property on that Island.
Mr. Sterry having taken the route of Amsterdam & not yet returnd, I have not got the Ansr. to my last letter on the subject for which He went to Paris, but by a letter frm Him to the party concernd here (Mr. Smith) I have some reason to beleive it will do, & Mr S is preparing a large cargoe of woolens & Linins for our friends; among his articles there will be 1600£s worth of Blankets & a great quantity of the right colourd Cloathing— He is to push for head quarters. Altho I am totally unconnected wth this or any similar adventures, I cannot help wishing they were more frequent, for by such means I am certain our friends can be very much releivd, & the unfair monopolys now practicing in Ama. may be very much broken.
I have done every thing in my power for Capt C——me & he is very grateful to You. He has been cloathd (for he went in nearly naked to Prison) & takes a regular small supply of money from a friend of mine near Him, He drawing on me for the amot. and for which I shall have my riembursement in the bill forwarded to Monr. G—— £50 dated Sept 24 & paye at ten days sight which by a line to Mr. G—— by post I desird might be presented to you. There is also in the prison with him & who deserves some little help for His services, James Adams Master of the Providence sloop of war in the service of the States of Ama. & who was taken some months ago & put equally naked into Prison, & probably for a like reason to that of C——m—because He behavd well. You will see in one of the papers sent you, the St Jas. Chronicle, the Letter from the Secretary of Congress to Sr. Geo Collier about Capn. C——m, together with Colliers impertinent answer. There are also in another paper some resolves of Congress relative to the recall of Mr Izard and Mr W. Lee. We are so far behind hand here in American news papers or intelligence, & there are things in them so deserving of publication here that I am led to ask you for any of the Papers since May, which you may have thrown by; & which Mr. Luard will take the trouble of bringing on his return a few weeks hence.
Captn. H——ns has now got over all fears as to punishment that can effect his life. There being not a tittle of proof against him, He might get out by insisting on bail being taken for him, claiming the habeas corpus &ca. but we are unwilling to give the least offense for the present, hoping by his remaining quiet a little longer, that a promise made him of being allowd to sell his commn will be complyd with, & which will make 1500 Guins difference to Him. He will not be many days in England after he gets out of Prison.
Mr. D—— H——y has done the necessary as to laying the Rect taken for the 190 men capturd at Sea by the Miflin before the board of sick & hurt; no answer could be given to it there, & it will be before the Admy & perhaps the Ministry before it will be grantd. The Cartel is now waiting for your answer and the proper passport for going to some other port with the next Cargoe. I did expect before this to get a letter from Mr. H——y to forward to you, which is meant to contain a copy of one to you dated the 29 June, which I forwarded & we have some reason to think by your late letters has never got to hand— It related to the finishing a certain business with the minister which I communicated with you upon. As I am obligd to keep my papers distant from myself, I cannot at present tell how or by whom that letter was sent.
I begin to get fearful the cartel will stop, & God knows what latitude of sufferings our prisoners may experience in another winters imprisonment, as the money is very near expended & no hopes of raising more. There seems a strange detention of the Ship in every voyage; and Mr. H——y being in the Country & not sticking close to the agents here, I fear helps on this detention. There is not above 135 in Forton and 190 at Plyo. & we are endeavouring that the ship may instead of the exact one hundd be orderd to take the whole from each prison when she sails next; which will make a difference of two voyages. On the return of the Ship to port last voyage, it was universally given out that there were no more prisoners in France American-Captured. But this cannot well be an argument now, for Mr. Paul Jones has, in the two men of war got 350 Seamen besides the Crews of thirty odd vessels which He took & destroyd on his late cruise. Above twenty ships of war was dispatched after Him; but after throwing the northern parts of England into full as much panick as the combined Fleets did the western, He has apparently got away with much booty & no little credit to himself.
Whenever you want any thing done here I hope you will make no ceremony in commanding me I find my letters from Nantes, Spain, & Holland, come regularly safe to me under the common direction & without cover thus Mr. Wm. Singleton Church Nandos Coffee Ho London. Yours need not be dated from any place but simply the day of the month, and without signature.
There has been much dispondance since the arrival of Genl Vaughan & the publication of the last Gazettes people here begin to fear the Americans have alterd their mode of defensive war into an offensive one. The Genl like all other returning officers from that quarter comes home discontented, and keeps his mouth shut; when He ventures to open it, He does not speak very favourably of the British prospects in America. I find that there will be a push made to get to Chas Town this winter; the burning of that Town & distressing the Colony more, are matters of great object, and there will be a detatchment from N York to effect this purpose, and most probably such a force sent as will insure it. Twelve thousand Hessians are confidently talkd of for the American service in the Spring, but this Country seems to forget that She has lost the bridge over wch. these troops must be sent. The conversation about Invasion is again revivd, & this together with the gloomy appearances from the West Indies & the improbability of doing any thing in Ama. causes a universal depression & a more than usual abuse of our wise Rulers.
I wish you health & success and am with great truth & sincerity Yr obligd & obt. Servt
T.D.

Addressed: His Excelly. Docr. Franklin
Endorsed: Oct. 8. 79
Notation: Digges Oct. 8. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 8 October 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sirhavre 8th october [1779]
The fear of detaining your dispatches has induc’d me not to send my express of yesterday, so that the paquets which my last promises for sunday, will together with yesterday’s letter, Be delivered into your hand By to morrow’s evening.
Inclos’d you will find 1st a letter to Congress whom for any Minuted intelligence I Refer to your dispatches, But whom I wanted to assure of My zeal love and gratitude 2dly a paquet for My Respected friend General washington whom I also intrust with some letters for officers in the Army 3dly an other paquet privately directed to the president of Congress wherein I have inclos’d letters for several Members of Congress.
There you will also find some letters which a Merchant of this City desir’d me to join to my dispatches.
As I understand a frigatte from Count destaing’s is lately arriv’d, I Beg you would desire your Grand son to Give me such particularities, and send such dates as will enable me to know what My friend the Admiral will have time to do Before the season Calls a part of his 27 schips Back to the west indias. I’d be very happy to know your opinion on this matter.
I Beg you to present My Compliments to Mr. franklin and thank him for the printing he had the kindness of sending to Me, which of all other General washington’s pictures, But mine, has the best likeness I have seen in europe.
With the most sincere affection and high Regard, I have the honor to be My dear sir Your devoted servant
LAFAYETTE

In case of a misfortune I hope your dispatches will be thrown over Board, and I have writen in Consequence of that supposition.

Notation: La Fayette 8 Oct 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 8 October 1779
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,Paris Octr. 8th. 1779
You had the goodness to inform me on the 17th. ult. that Count de Vergennes had chargd himself with enquiring whether it woud be agreable to the spanish Court that I shoud propose concluding the Treaty with them.
I beg the favor of you now, to let me know whether you have receivd any & what answer to this enquiry.
I have the honor to be with much respect Sir yr. most Obedt. Servt.
Arthur Lee

Notation: A. Lee 8 Oct. 79. ansd—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Oliver, 8 October 1779
From: Oliver, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir/London 8th Octr. 1779
Notwithstanding I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you. I am no stranger to the Rank you hold in Europe.
I pray the favor to introduce myself to you by this Letter. You are acquainted with the Capture of the Island of Grenada, & its Dependencies: and with the Terms that Monsieur Le Compte de Durat has been pleased to lay the Inhabitants and Absentees under. It does not become me to remark now upon them. But such is the situation of Proprietors of Estates there, absolutely paid for; that if the Court of Versailles, will not relax the proclamations of Monsieur Le Compte, the concerned must materially suffer. My Brother Mr Richd Oliver, and my particular Friends Mr Wm. Smith & Mr. Tooke are very much interested in that Island. But the property They hold there, is totally unincumber’d with any Debts in the Island, or to any, to Subjects of the King of France, or united States of Holland. This being their case, I take the liberty to write to you in their behalf; & to solicit (if not repugnant to yr. other great concerns) your Interest in their favor. As I am so nearly connected with the late Alderman Oliver, I trust that may be my apology for this Letter. I am Dr Sir Your most obed. humb Serv.
Thos. Oliver

Addressed: A Monsr. / Mons. F / a Passy, / pres de Paris.
Notation: Thomas Oliver 8 Oct 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Luke Ryan, 8 October 1779
From: Ryan, Luke
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured sirDunkirkque October the 8th. 1779
The Letter your Excellency did me the honnour to wright me, with the present, of the Nightglass, Expressing your Satisfaction of my Conduct, in my Cruse with the Blackprince, fills me with Gratitude, and Secures for Ever my Subjection, and attachments, to the Goverment of the united States of America, and your Exellency—
My Good frind Mr. John Torris will Order Immediatly, on the Stocks, at Bouloyne, for me, a Large Cutter to Mount 22. Guns 6 and 9 pounders which is Contracted for to be Compleated in four Months, and I hope that, with Such, a Cutter as this, I Shall be able to hurt greatly the Ennemy, which is my Real Ennemy, and take or beat off aney frigate—
If my abillities and Courage Deserves the portection of your Excellency, I would beseech you would obtain me a Rank in the Navy of your united Goverment which I will allways uphould As My Owne Natural Goverment, and Loose the last Drop of My blod to Gain honnour to the American flag, and I hope your Excellency will allways have Cause to Rejoyce for the honnour your Excellency has Confered on me,—
I have the honnour to be with Respect Honnoured sir your most abedient And most abliged humble Servant,
Luke Ryan

P.S. I beg leave to Recommend to your Excellency my first Liftennant Mr. Patrick Dowling as Deserving the Notis of your Excellency, and best Calculated in Every Respect to Reimplace me on board of the Blackprince, and mr. Torris will Give her to him to Reward his Services.

Notation: Ryan Oct 8. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 8 October 1779
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honnd. SirDunkerque 8th. Octor. 1779.
I have recd. with gratitude the Two Letters your Excellency did me the Honnour to write me the 28th. ulto. & 2d. Inst.
I shou’d have had the honnour to Answer the first Immediatly, had I not been in daily expectation to receive the Commission for the Black Princess, which your Excellency has been pleased to Promise to send in a few days & we want it very much to Listen [enlist?] the Crew.
The Promptitude with which your Excellency has sent the Condamnations for the good will & the 9. last Ransoms of our Black Prince, prompts my warmest thanks. These Condamnations & Letters to the admiralty have been forwarded on receit.

I have no Concern & know nothing about the Black Prince of Salem: your Excellency’s kind enquiery thereon is an other obligation Confer’d on me.
Capt. Ryan & his officers did not fire at the good will with English Coulors, But at same Time observe they have always been decoy’d in this manner by the Ennemy, Because: Two guns are allowed thus, as ruse de Guerre. However, shou’d your Excellency order not to Practise it, your directions shall be obeied.
I beg Leave to express your Excellency my gratitude, for your favours to the Brave Mr. Ryan. I wish your Excellency wou’d grant him Protection to obtain him a Title in the Navy of the untited states & Secure thus this good officer to the american Government.
The Black Prince haveing finisht the Cruise, she has been Sold & I have bought her again yesterday at the admiralty. I shall refit her directly for three other months Cruise, & with the Same Crew, but under the Command of Mr. Pattrick Dowlin who was first Lieutenant on Board, & who is an honest Brave man & best qualified in every respect for this Command, & for all our Confidence, which, endeed, we ow him as a reward for his most essential Services on board. Mr. Ryan & all the Concerns beg Leave to recommand Mr. Dowlin to Your Excellency in the most favourable manner. Mr. Marchant has Taken a French Employ & has given up his Commission to Mr. Coffyn who sends it to your Excellency, entreating to back it in margin to Mr. Pattrick Dowlin, & we think ’Twill be Legal thus, as Mr. Marchant is retired & ’Tis for the Same Cutter? Shou’d your Excellency Presume it not, we Beseech you will send me a fresh one as soon as possible, as the Vessell will be ready in a few days.
I have Contracted at Boulogne, where they Build as well as in England, for a fine Large Cutter to mount 22. Six & Nine Pounders, for Mr Ryan, who’s health being a little altered, will stay ashore to see the work, which must be compleated in 4 months fit for sea, & I Promise great Success with such a Vessell & Captain.
The New Prisonners brot. here & those put ashoare in great Britain, & of which Mr. Coffyn sent your Excellency the Particulars, will, we hope, enable to effect the Exchange of our 21. men whom we want greatly endeed.
I Left to Mr. Coffyn the Pleasure to advise your Excellency of all the Particulars relative to the arrival of the Black Prince.
The Lloyds List of the 28th. ulto. mentions the retaking of the Hopewell Capt. Bell, Prisonner here, our last Prise, by the Brilliant Privateer of Jersey & we loose there 6. men more.
I have the Honnour to be with greatest respect Honnourd Sir Your most obedient & most oblidged Humble Servant
J. Torris

P.S. I am this moment with the Letter your Excellency did me the honnour to write me the 5th. Inst.— Tis full Time to fulfill your Excellency’s wishes, & this very night I send my Correspondant at Morlaix, a Copy of your Excellency’s favour, & the Two Enclosed, with orders to send forthwith by the Coach, or any other Safe Conveyance, to your Excellency at Mr. Grand’s at Paris, the Jappan’d Box mentd. Containing those Essential Papers, with the Key &c well Sealed— I request them to Purchase the Trunks as cheap as Possible, but not above £1000. l.t.
Any orders from your Excellency will be obeyed with all the gratitude.

Endorsed: Torris, 8 Oct. 1779


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 9 October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lee, Arthur

SirPassy, Oct. 9. 1779.
I have received no Answer relative to the Proposition you mention. Perhaps without waiting longer for an Answer, thro’ Versailles it might be as well for you to apply directly to the Spanish ambassador for the Information you desire. With much Respect I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedt. humble servant
BF
Honble. Arthur Lee Esq.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn: Two Letters, 9 October 1779
From: Coffyn, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Hond. SirDunkerque Octor. 9th 1779
I beg leave to refer to the letter I had the honour to address your Excellency on the 3d. inst. being since deprived of your Excellencys favours, the purport of this is cheafly to inform your Excellency, that M. Stephen Merchant late Captain of the black prince has resign’d the command of Said privateer, and return’d me the Commission your Excellency was pleased to grant him, which, with the instructions, I Send here inclosed, and beg the favour of your Excellency to acknowledge the receipt. As Mr. Torris owner of Said privateer intends to give the command of her to M. Patrick Dowling, late first Lieutenant, he desired me to request your Excellency would endorse or fill up the said Commission in favour of Mr. Patrick Dowling, mentioning in the margin or at the bottom that he has reimplaced Capn. Merchant in the command, or if any blanck Commissions are left, to grant him a new one.
Captain Marchant will sett off to morrow for Paris. I believe he intends to return to America.
The Edgar, Dromadary & Diamond which were Sent from the Downs in quest of Capn. Jones Squadron, are (I am tol’d) return’d to that station, the former Sail’d for Spithead to Join Sir Chs. Hardys Fleet.
The black prince & Princess, are fitting out with all Expedition, I believe they will be ready for Sea in 10 or 12 days.
I have the honour to Subscribe myself with profound respect Your Excellencys most obedt & most devoted humble Servant
Frans. Coffyn

Notation: F Coffyn. Oct 9. 1779

II.
Hond. Sir.Dunkerque 9. Octor. 1779.
Captain Stephen Marchant having resign’d the command of the Black Prince privateer, will Set off to morrow for Paris, with an intend to return to America, he requested me to give him a few lines to introduce him to your Excellency, which I take the liberty to do, and to request your Excellency will advise him in what manner he may proceed.
I have the honour to remain with due respect Your Excellency Most obedt & most humble Servant
Frans. Coffyn

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monseigneur B Franklin, / Ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats / unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale / a la Cour de France / à Passi
Notation: F Coffyn. Oct 9. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 9 October 1779
From: Landais, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your excellencyShip Alliance off the Texel. 9 October 1779
I had the honour to write & transmitt some extracts of my Journal to you the 4th. Instant, & now inclose a plan of the engagement with the Serapis & Countess of Scarborough in the night of the 23 September.
With respect to the present condition of this Ship, I am to inform your excellency that we have occasion for many Articles for Rigging & Stores, an Indent of which is making out to be sent to Messrs. Jean de Neufville et fils at Amsterdam, that we have but 182 Officers & men belonging to her, out of which number 15 of my best men are on board the Serapis. I order’d my prize masters, who consist of all my masters mates & Midshipmen, excepting one of the latter & two of the former, to give your excellency the earliest information, when they should arrive, and you will please to order them with their men to repair on board the Alliance.
If your Excellency can obtain to have french deserters inlisted at Amsterdam, it might facillitate the manning this Ship, since fifty men more would be no great Complement for her.
This Ship did not sail well this last Cruize, her bottom was foul before she left L’Orient, and she was out of trim. If your Excellency would ship some Copper on board, to be put upon her at the place we are going to, it would be of great Service.
I have seen in a Recueil de Traites, Arrets, Ordonnances et Reglemens concernant la présente Guerre, Reglement concernant la Navigation des batimens Neutres en temps de guerre du 26 Juillet 1778. Articles 3d & 11th. will condemn the Swede I took last february, as a prize, for not producing all her papers; or at least will prevent her being paid damages, of which she makes such exorbitant demand, and the 6th. Article of the same, will Condemn the brig laden with wines. This I should have noted before, had I seen them in Season.

I have the Satisfaction to inform you that my Crew in general behaved well last Cruize & in the engagement of the 23d Ulto. and that I have two American Gentlemen of family Volunteers, one a Mr Spencer from So Carolina, who came over Captain of Marines & was carried into England sometime agoe; the other Mr. Ingraham, a young gentleman from Boston, who having a mind to make a Cruize, came on board at L’Orient & behaved so well as to demand my warmest recommendation to your Excellency, & should any oppertunity offer it would give me the greatest pleasure to see their Merit rewarded. I remain with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient huml Servant
P: Landais

P.S. I am come today at Amsterdam (having not hear from any Body who I was to apply to for provision, and for Several things I want dealy & for refiting the Ship for sea at the Helder) to speak to Mr. Jean de Neuville and am Surprize to learn that he has Sent Some body down the Texel for to inquire the wants of all the Ships, but has not been heard of onboard the Alliance: I am very much affronted and insulted at hearing that Capn. Jones Dear to give out that I have fired upon his Ship desinged by in the ingeagment the Serapus. He think to elude my resentment of his ill treatment to me the twenty four of August on board his Ship, but I Beg of your Excellency To order a Court of enquiry into the matter as Soon as possible.
His Excellency Dr. Franklin

Addressed: To / His Excellency Dr. Franklin / Minister plenipotentiary to the / United States of America / a Passy / near Paris
Notation: P. Landais. Oct 9. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Meÿer, 9 October 1779
From: Meÿer, Jean
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurDunkerque Ce 9. 8bre. 1779.
L’accueil gracieux que vous me fites, quand J’eus l’honneur de vous être presenté par Monsieur Le Professeur de Báer, les offres généreuses que vous ÿ ajoutates de vôtre Crédit et de vôtre pouvoir dans les occasions où je pourrois en avoir besoin, m’enhardissent aujourd’hui d’avoir recours à vous, Monsieur, afin qu’il vous plaise en faire usage à mon egard dans les circonstances présentes. L’exposé suivant vous mettra à même de Juger si Je puis me flatter de meriter cette faveur:
En partant de La Bretagne Je laissois à Mons. Rion de Brest ma procuration pour toucher la part qui me revenoit des Prises faites par la Fregate Ragnzer commandée par Le Sr. Jones, à bord de laquelle J’avois eté en qualité de Volontaire d’honneur. Je ecrivis en Juillet dernier a Mr. Rion ainsi qu’au Sieur Scheveighauson de Nantes pour m’Informer où en etoient mes affaires. Ces Messieurs me repondirent qu’ils avoient effectivement touché les fonds de la Vente des Prises faites par la ditte Frégate Ragnzer mais que n’etant pas chargés de rendre Compte à chacun des Captants Ils ne pouvoient le faire a mon egard sans y être autorisés par un ordre emané de vous, Monsieur. J’ose donc esperer, d’après les offres gracieux dont vous avez daigné m’honnorer, que non seulement vous voudrez bien m’accorder cet ordre, mais encore vous ressouvenir de la promesse que vous me fites d’ecrire au Congrès pour qu’il nous fit quelque gratifications.

Un François s’expliqueroit plus elégament que moi dans sa langue pour vous demander cette grace, mais Je doute, Monsieur qu’il en aye plus de reconnoissance qu’un suedois tel que Je Suis, et dont le souvenir du service que vous voudrez bien me rendre ne s’effaçera Jamais de mon Coeur. En attendant J’ai l’honneur de vous assurer qu’on ne sçauroit ajouter au profond respect, et à la parfaite vénération avec lesquels Je ferai gloire de me dire à Jamais Monsieur Vôtre très humble & très obeïssant Serviteur
J. Meÿerofficier au service de saMajesté Le Roÿ de suëde

Si vous daignez, Monsieur, m’honorer d’une reponse, vous m’obligerez de me l’addresser, chez Monsr. Thevenet le Je. Rûë du Moulin à Dunkerque.

Endorsed: answer’d Oct. 20.
Notation: J Meyer Nov 9. 79


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Coffyn, 10 October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Coffyn, Francis

SirPassy, Oct. 10. 1779.
I have no objection to the taking the Parole of the Captains or Officers on Condition of the Security you mention. But as the Prisoners taken by arm’d Vessels under our Colours are by giving me a means of exchanging so many of our Country men some satisfaction to me for the Trouble these Vessels occasion me in examining all the Proces Verbaux, making out the Judgment, answering Letters, and the Enormous Expense of Postage those Pacquets of Proces occasion to the States, it Seems just that the forfeiture in case of Breach of Parole should be made payable to me for the use of the united states, and if you are of the Same opinion, I wish the Bond or security may be so drawn.
As Soon as the Papers can be prepared which an Extraordinery Quantity of other Business has hitherto delayed, I Shall Send you what are necessary for the Princess.— It gave me great Satisfaction to read the whole account of the Cruise of the Prince. I wish it had been more profitable to all concerned. It has certainly done greater Prejudice to the Enemy than could have been expected from so Small a force.
You will have heard of Comme. Jones’s safe arrival in the Texel, after one of the most obstinate and bloody Conflicts that has happened this War. He has brought in the Ships of war Prises, and about 400. Prisoners.
I have the honour to be with much Esteem Sir your most obedient and most humble servant
BF.
M. Coffin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Turing and Son, 10 October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Turing, James, & Son

Gentlemen,Passy, Oct. 10. 1779.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 2. Instant, relating to the Capture of your Vessel by the General Mifflin, Capt. Babcock. I shall transmit by the first good Opportunity your Letter with the Papers it enclosed to the Government of the Massachusetts Bay, which is the State where the Owners of that Privateer reside, and where they have doubtless given bond with sureties as the Laws require, to make good all Damages occasioned by illegal Captures. The intention of the United States being to give no just Cause of Offence to neutral or friendly Nations, nor permit any which they can prevent or remedy. But as our our Dispatches in this time of War, may be intercepted or lost, and all Business is help’d by having an Agent on the Spot to forward it, I Suppose you will empower some person there to act for you, and send him Copies authenticated of all the Papers that Justify your Claim by several different Conveyances.— If you have no Correspondent in Boston, I would name to you Mr. Jonathan Williams Merchant there, who has the Character of an upright Man active and correct in Business.— I have the honour to be Gentlemen &c.

Messrs. James Turing and son, Mershts. Middlebourg, holland.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 10 October 1779
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,Oct. 10h., 1779.
Mr Thos. Oliver of Lowlayton, Mr Richd. Oliver’s Cousin & the partner of Mr Lovel, thinks it adviseable to send the inclosed; & as he seemed anxious about it, I did not prevent his satisfying his own mind & being also satisfied about my good wishes to the Alderman.
Being told that the Grenada people who went on Sunday, would take no letters I deferred preparing a copy of my analysis of Mr Crawford’s book, and am caught unawares by this opportunity. You may perhaps have the book itself, but not the other pacquet, at least without Mr Luard delays his departure.— By this time you will have received your own papers, all but a material sentence or two in the Addenda & Corrigenda, and a corrected plate of Cotopaxi, taken from Bouguer, who differs somewhat from Ulloa I find, but still more from the English translator of Ulloa who makes sad confusion & mistake, such as would have misled men more accurate than myself.— But I have a singular confirmation in the interim from Bouguer.
I am, as ever, my dearest sir, yours most devotedly & gratefully
BV.
Nothing worth telling occurs to me at present.

Notation: B Vaughn Oct 10. 79


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Wheeler Coit, 11 October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Coit, Wheeler

SirPassy, Oct. 11. 1779.
I received yours dated april 15. directed to the Commissioners and enclosing two Bils of Exchange N. 161 for 60. and N. 494 for 36 Dollars, being both Third Bills. The last viz, that for 36. Dollars will be paid but it ought to be endors’d Elisabeth Brown. The other for 60. Dollars has been paid; those mentioned in your Postcript as Sent by Messrs. Sterry and Murry I can Say nothing to, as you have not given their Numbers and Particular Values but only a general Amount of 540 Dollars. Please to inform me what is to be done with your 36. Dollars. I am, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servt.

M. Wheeler Coit Mercht. Boston


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Des Touches, 11 October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Destouches, —— (f. 1779–80)

SirPassy Oct. 11. 1779.
I duly received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 4th. Instant, together with the Procedure d’Instruction of the Ransom of the Sloop Limont, made by the American Privater the Black Prince, Capt. Stephen Merchant, and am oblig’d to you for the care you took in sending the Same. With much Regard. I have the honour to be. Sir &c.

Mr. Des Touches Greffier en chef de l’amirauté De Dunkerque.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Elizabeth Partridge, 11 October 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Partridge, Elizabeth Hubbart

Passy, Oct. 11. 1779.
Your kind Letter, my dear Friend, was long in coming; but it gave me the Pleasure of knowing that you had been well in October & January last. The Difficulty, Delay & Interruption of Correspondence with those I love, is one of the great Inconveniencies I find in living so far from home: but we must bear these & more, with Patience, if we can; if not, we must bear them as I do with Impatience.
You mention the Kindness of the French Ladies to me. I must explain that matter. This is the civilest Nation upon Earth. Your first Acquaintances endeavour to find out what you like, and they tell others. If ’tis understood that you like Mutton, dine where you will you find Mutton. Somebody, it seems, gave it out that I lov’d Ladies; and then every body presented me their Ladies (or the Ladies presented themselves) to be embrac’d, that is to have their Necks kiss’d. For as to kissing of Lips or Cheeks it is not the Mode here; the first is reckon’d rude, & the other may rub off the Paint. The French Ladies have however 1000 other ways of rendering themselves agreable; by their various Attentions and Civilities, & their sensible Conversation. ’Tis a delightful People to live with.
I thank you for the Boston Newspapers, tho’ I see nothing so clearly in them as that your Printers do indeed want new Letters. They perfectly blind me in endeavouring to read them. If you should ever have any Secrets that you wish to be well kept, get them printed in those Papers. [Deleted: Here I wish my Enemies may vent all their Malice, in Libels and (one word illegible).] You enquire if Printers Types may be had here? Of all Sorts, very good, cheaper than in England, and of harder Metal.— I will see any Orders executed in that way that any of your Friends may think fit to send. They will doubtless send Money with their Orders. Very good Printing Ink is likewise to be had here.
I cannot by this Opportunity send the Miniature you desire; but I send you a little Head in China, more like, perhaps than the Painting would be. It may be set in a Locket, if you like it, cover’d with Glass, and may serve for the present. When Peace comes we may afford to be more extravagant. I send with it a Couple of Fatherly Kisses for you & your amiable Daughter; the whole wrapt up together in Cotton to be kept warm. Present my respectful Compliments to Mr Partridge. Adieu, my dear Child, & believe me ever Your affectionate
Papah
Mrs. Partridge


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Charles William Blunt, 11 October 1779
From: Blunt, Sir Charles William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir11 Octr. 1779—
A very particular & worthy friend of mine Mr Luard having large concerns in the Island of Grenada, his private affairs & those of His family are deeply involved in the late capture of that Island. And its being judged advisable that he should visit Paris I thought it possible I might render my friend an essential service by a letter of recommendation to you. Trusting I shall not be thought to presume too much on old acquaintance & that degree of estimation you were always pleased to flatter me with, I beg leave in the warmest manner to bespeak in his favour your advice and such services as may be consistently in your power to afford him. If it shall please the Almighty that we live to see a cessation of the present calamities it will be no small happiness to me personally to thank you for your attention to this request. It will give you pleasure to be informed if you do not already know it, That we have at last brought the poor little Widows affairs to a happy conclusion. The balance of Interest is paid her & Bonds given for the principal at installments.
I am Dear Sir Yr. most obedient humble Servt.
Chas: Wm: Blunt

Notation: Chas. Blunt Oct 11. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Tristram Dalton, 11 October 1779
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirNewburyport October 11th. 1779
Although triplicates of the enclosed have been forwarded to France, yet, dubious if either Set have reached your Hands, I beg Leave, by so good an Opportunity as the French Frigate, to trouble you with opening these—and, if nothing respecting the withinmentioned Loss is already done, to renew my Request in Behalf of the Owners—again asking your Excuse for this Interruption I remain with the utmost Deference and Respect, Sir Your most huml Servant
Tristram Dalton
Honbe. Benjamin Franklin Esqre

Addressed: Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqe / Minister Plenipotentiary of / the United States of North America / At / Versailles
Endorsed: Papers relating to the Fairplay Capt. Giddins Tristram Dalton Esq


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac-Jean-Georges-Jonas Grand, 11 October 1779
From: Grand, Isaac-Jean-Georges-Jonas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurAmsterdam le 11 Octe. 1779
Jay l’honneur de vous Remetre cy Joint une Lettre qui m’a eté fort Recommandée pour Vous, quoiqu’a l’adresse de mon frere; elle m’a eté Remise ce matin; J’y en ajoute une autre que Jay Receu d’un Américain avec deux Paquets qui ne sont pas prêssés & qu’il ma dit de Vous envoyer par occasion; J’espêre d’en etre le Porteur. Je Vous ai envoyé par Rouën, une boete du meilleur Kinkina choisy, qui soit entré à Amsterdam dépuis 100 ans, Je souhaite que Vous n’en ayés pas besoin; ou qu’il serve à conserver Votre Santé aussi longtemps que mes Voeux le désirent.
Capn. Jones fait icy la plus grande Sensation, il ne m’a point fait lhonneur de me Venir Voir, M De Neufville s’en est emparé & le montre, comme une curiosité.
Jay l’honneur d’etre Tres Respectueusement Monsieur Votre tres humble & Tres obeissant Serviteur
Grand

Notation: Grand. Amsterdam 11. 8bre. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Two Letters, 11 October 1779
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Dear SirOct 11 1779
I have not yet got an answer from government relative to the proposition of Exchanging upon contract agrements in writing. I have renewed my application for an answer, & therefore hope to have it soon. In the mean, I wish to forward the Continuation of the Cartel by exchanges at Morlaix, as I mentioned to you in my last. If you will send me a passport for the Cartel ship to Morlaix, & inform me of the number of prisoners ready for exchange there, I will immediately apply to the board of Sick and Hurt to dispatch another Cargo of prisoners from England for the Exchange. Mr. Bell the first Commissioner told me the other day, that when they were informed of place & numbers, that they shd be ready to proceed with the Exchange. As to the other proposition of exchanging by written agreement, I presume that that must be referred to the first Ld of the Admiralty and to the Secretary of State. The description of the person in whose favour I applied to you in my last letter is as follows—(Mr John Stephenson Master & owner of the Ship Sally a younger brother of the Trinity house & a freeman of Hull was taken on the 1st of July by a Lugger rigged privateer of Bretange named the Hawke Capt. Heden d’Polly of 6 one pounders 8 swivels and 38 men who carried him into Brest & he is now confined at Velse in Bretagne.) This is the description which has been transmitted to me. If you cd facilitate his release I shd be much obliged to you as it wd be very agreeable to several of my friends at Hull.— Your affecte
DH
To Dr Franklin

II.
My Dear friendOctober 11 1779
I send you a copy of a letter wch I writ to you on the 29th of June last. I presume that you have received the original, but not being quite sure of this I take another chance by sending you a copy. The Subject being peace, wch I know to be equally near to your heart as it is to mine, I am willing that you & I shd keep our reckoning together, that we may now & then take an observation, of the latitude & longitude of the Politicks of nations, thereby keeping a constant watch for any opportunity of approximating to Peace. I speak to you as to a Philosopher and a Philanthropist; for the principles of Philanthropy are the only true principles to steer by. Politicians may be wise men in their generation, but the Philanthropists will consider the policies of States & Statesmen, as the subordinate instruments of attaining the ends of general Philanthropy. Whether the State of things may appear promising or otherwise, in any particular period, or point of view, yet the final object is constantly the same; The labour is but little to keep a constant & attentive watch, and the Pearl is of great price. I think that a little of the Gothic rage for war is worn off among the Nations of Europe, & therefore I live in some degree of hope that opportunities may occur of forwarding the blessed work of Peace. At all events be assured of this on my part, that if any such opportunity shd occur within the circumscribed sphere of my abilities to forward it, that I shall not be found asleep.
The practicability of striking out acceptable terms of peace to all parties, does certainly from time to time lye at the Mercy of Events, therefore no man can answer for tomorrow, but at this day & hour I think the principles of the enclosed letter (wch was originally writ on the 29th of June last) do still remain in force, upon every ground of humanity reason & justice, therefore if I were to write a volume I cd add nothing new. You will ever find me the sincere and strenuous advocate for peace and ever Most affectionately yours
GB
To Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 11 October 1779
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam Octr. 11th. 1779.
I had the honor to write your Excellency a line from the Hague on the 8th.— His Excellency the French Ambassador and the Agent have no doubt marked the situation of Affairs with respect to the Squadron, as concerned with this Government and with the Enemy.— I am doing every thing in my Power towards fulfiling the Advice which I have received from His Excellency, and as I am informed that Captain Cunningham is threatned with Unfair play by the British Government—I am determined to keep in my hands the Captain of the Serapis as an Hostage for Cunninghams release as a prisoner of War.— With respect to the other prisoners now in my hands, If the English Ambassador Sir J.Y. will give us Security in his public Character that an Equal number and denomination of Americans shall be Sent immediatly to France, I believe it will be good Policy to Let them at liberty here; and I shall endeavour indirectly to inform myself immediatly how that matter can be managed.— Landais is come up here and purposes after gadding about in this City to figure away at the Hague:— He continues to Affect an entire Independence of my Controul—And has given in here an Extraordinary demand for Supplies of every kind.— This famous demand however I have ventured to disaprove and to reduce to I believe a Tenth part of its first extent.— I hope to account to your Satisfaction for my reasons—among which is his having been so plentifully and so lately furnished.— I wish heartily that poor Cunningham (whom I am taught to regard as a Continental Officer) were exchanged; as with his assistance I could form a Court Martial, which I beleive you will see Unavoidable.— I go down to the Texel to Night and will from thence forward the Return of Killed & Wounded with the Prisoners.— I think the Prisoners will not fall much Short of 400— And I hope my loss in Killed and Wounded will be less than I at first imagined.— I believe also that the Enemies loss will considerably exceed ours.
I am ever with Sentiments of the heighest Esteem and Respect Your Excellencies very Obliged & faithful Sert.
Jno P Jones
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Notation: Capt: Jones Oct 11. 1779