Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Franklin Bache, [before 25 December 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Benjamin Franklin

Mon cher enfant
[before December 25, 1780]
Jai reçu vôtre lettre avec le prix que vous avès obtenu et qui m’a fait un grand plaisir j’ai reçu il n’y a pas longtemps une autre lettre de vous dans laquelle vous ne faites pas mention des longues lettres que je vous ai ecris environ le 25 de septembre, dans les quel il y avoit une lettre pour vous de vôtre Maman et une autre de cokran: je vous ai envoyé il y a quelque temps une lettre que votre papa m’avoit ecrite et j’ai peur que vous les ayez pas reçuës vu que vous negligès de reconnoitre la reception je vous envoye la copie de ma lettre et je vous prie de la traduire en anglois et de menvoyer la traduction pour que je voye si vous le comprenez ou non. Vôtre ami Cokran me demande souvent de vous nouvelles et vôtre Cousin vous fait bien ses compliments. J’ai eu 7 semaines la goutte mais je suis maintenant gueri. Je suis votre tres affectioné grand papa
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 25[–28] December 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This letter reports an extremely important diplomatic development, Britain’s breaking off relations with the Netherlands. The British government seems to have acted from a mixture of motives: the desire to forestall Dutch entry into the League of Armed Neutrality, resentment at what was perceived as the Netherlands’ pro-French policy, and a hope of bringing about major changes in Dutch internal politics. Against British inflexibility Dutch temporizing finally proved unsuccessful. On December 16 the British government ordered Ambassador Yorke to return to England without taking leave, and four days later it ordered the navy to begin seizing Dutch ships and issued a manifesto justifying reprisals. As Dumas here reports, Yorke left the Hague on December 25. Although Britain did not issue a declaration of war, it began hostilities and in effect henceforth the two countries were at war.

Monsieur,
Amsterdam Dec. 25[–28] 1780
Depuis ma derniere Lettre, qui vous sera parvenue dans une de Mr. De Neufville, les Etats d’hollde. ont pris unanimement, sans excepter même le Corps des Nobles, la Résolution provisionelle de remettre le projet du Traité, & la Missive sur ce sujet de la ville d’Amsterdam à leurs Nob. & Gr. P., entre les mains de la Cour de Justice d’hollde. pour s’occuper de l’examen de ces pieces sans délai, & sans avoir égard aux vacances des Fêtes, & pour dresser avant le 5 du mois prochain leur avis, savoir S’il y a quelque Loi constitutionnelle de l’Union, que l’on puisse dire avoir été violée par la conduite que la Régence d’Amsterdam a tenue dans cette affaire.— En supposant (ce qui n’est pas) qu’il y eût eu infraction d’une telle Loi, Leurs N. & Gr. P. feroient requerir le Grand-Officier d’Amsterdam, de poursuivre les Auteurs de l’infraction: Mais dans le cas contraire, qui aura lieu, les Et. d’hollde., qui s’assembleront le 5 Janv., prendront la Résolution finale 1°. de demander Satisfaction à la Cour Br. de l’indécence de ses deux derniers Mémoires, & 2 de communiquer tout ce procédé aux Puissances du Nord, afin de leur faire voir, que ce n’est qu’un faux prétexte que celui sous lequel la dite Cour voudroit cacher son ressentiment contre la rep. pour l’accession de celle-ci à la neutralité armée.

27e. Decembe.
Les Etats ayant voulu faire communication à Sir J. Y. de la Résolution provisionelle ci-dessus, il refusa de les recevoir, & le 25e, à 4 heures du matin, il partit de La Haie en conséquence des Ordres de sa Cour, pour Anvers.— A Londres on avoit d’abord résolu un Imbargo sur tous les Vaisseaux hollandois, & des Lettres de marque à distribuer sur le champ:—le lendemain on s’étoit avisé de faire grace de tout cela aux hollandois pendant 15 jours:— le surlendemain on se souvint, que selon le Traité de Breda il falloit accorder 6 mois; & l’on décida en conséquence, qu’on ne feroit la guerre aux hollandois que dans 6 mois. Or comme il est possible, & peut-être probable, que les Puissances belligérantes & neutres auront rendu le bon office à la Cour Br. de la forcer à une paix générale, il est à parier que Sir J. Y., après s’être amusé tant bien que mal à Anvers, Bruxelles, &c., reviendra à Lahaie reconforter ses vieilles amies, qui s’y pament en l’attendant.
Le jour-même de son départ, le Committé d’Hollde., qui est permanent à La haie, envoya des Lettres circulaires à toutes les villes (j’en ai vu une) pour leur indiquer une Assemblée jugée nécessaire sur ce sujet, & les exhorter à délibérer, chacune chez elle, de maniere à donner à leurs Députés des Instructions pour une Résolution prompte, cordiale, & vigoureuse.

28e.
En conséquence, ces Messieurs sont partis ce matin d’ici, savoir, le second Pensionaire, &c. Le premier Pensionaire s’y rendra aussi, dès qu’il se verra justifié par la Décision de la Cour d’Hollde.: ce qui aura lieu incessamment.— Je compte, de mon côté, d’y retourner vers le 5 Janvier. Je suis avec un grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à Son Exc. M. B. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 25 December 1780
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Madrid 25 Decr. 1780.
It was not till the Day before Yesterday, that I recd. Mr. Grand’s Letter, informing me of the Credit you had lodged for me, thro’ him with the Marquis d’Yranda, for £s26,459.2— Your favour of the 2d. Oct. is the last I have had the pleasure of receiving from you.
Presuming that the Marquis had been apprized of the Arrangement taken with Mr. Grand for furnishing me with the first of the sixty Day Bills became due. He informed me that no such Arrangement had been communicated to him. I shew’d him the Paragraph of your Letter relative to it. After several Days had elapsed he desired a Certified Copy of that Paragraph, with a List of the Bills. From the Hesitation and these Requisitions I feared it might be inconvenient or not very agreable to the Marqs. to advance the Money, and as it was easy to get a full Price for Bills on you, I forbore to press him.
On the 23d. instant I signed a Bill (& Duplicate) on you for thirteen thousand seven hundred and seventy livres at ninety Days sight in favor of Don Francisco De Gorbes & Nephews.— This Money I will either consider as part of the before mentioned Credit with the Marquis D’Yranda, or as part of the 25000. Doll. as may be most agreable to you. Your repeated Attentions & Civilities demand from me the highest Delicacy, and be assured that Inclinations as well as duty will always prompt me to acknowledge the one & observe the other.

Tell Mr Deane, if you please, that I confess myself indebted to him for two very acceptable Letters.— that I have not hitherto been able to repay him, but that he may shortly expect it with such Interest as I hope will attone for my Want of Punctuality.
Mrs. Jay charges me to present to you in the most cordial manner the Compliments of the Season. If her Wishes would avail, I believe the Duration of your Life would not be very disproportionate to that of its Importance.
I am, Dear Sir, with sincere Esteem & Regard Your obliged & aff. Friend Servant
(signed) John Jay
His Exy. B. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 26 December 1780
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond: Sir
Philadelphia Decr. 26th. 1780
I had last Week the pleasure of writing you per Ships Shelala & Franklin from this port for L’Orient by the former I sent you the Nuts & Apples, which Temple had wrote for, putting them under the care of a Mr. Erskine who went Passenger in the Ship; I hope they may arrive safe & in good order as we took particular pains to have them properly dried and packed—
In my last Letters I wrote you that Congress had voted an Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of Versailles, that Colonel Laurence, who will be the Bearer hereof, was nominated to that appointment & that he had refused serving;— I find since, that he has been prevailed upon to go to France, not as Envoy Extraordinary, but as Minister with certain limitted powers & directions; It seems that the Vote for an Envoy Extraordinary, was a blunder of Congress, it was an appointment they did not understand, however upon being better informed, they have rectified the mistake—
I have the pleasure to tell you that Sally is perfectly recovered, that the Children are well except little Louis, who has had a smart fever owing to a violent cold he caught, but is much better— My Love to Temple, tell him I wrote him a long Letter by the Shelala,— Sally & the Children join me in Love & Duty. I am ever Dear & Hond. sir Your affectionate Son
Rich: Bache
Capt. Smith is arrived at Boston, but no Letters from youDr. Franklin

Addressed: Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Laneuville, 26 December 1780
From: Laneuville, Louis-Pierre Penot Lombart, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris ce 26 decembre 1780

D’un feu divin lorsqu’on te lit
tu pénétres nos ames;
du feu du ciel, par ton esprit
tu Scus nous préserver des flammes.
Mortel que chacun doit chérir
est il possible de moins faire
que de te garantir
de celui de la terre.

Je Suis avec un profond respect De Son Excéllence le tres humble et tres obéissant serviteur
Laneuville


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Roussille with a Draft of Franklin’s Reply, 27 December 1780
From: Roussille, Pierre,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
A St. Justin le 27e. Xbre. 1780.
Jose prendre la liberté de m’adresser a vous Comme L’armement de la frégate Le Boston ayant été fait a Bordx. le 22 mai 1778. me procura la Connoissance du Capne. Tucker me fit décider de tanter fortune Sur Son bord, pour cet effet jobteins de lui une place de volontaire aux appointmts de 28 l.t. 10 s par mois avec promesse part et portion aux prises S’il S’en fesoit, j’ai decouvert par la Suite du tems, et differentes lettres que j’ai reçû de MM. les Commissionnaires, et Correspondans dont j’ai l’honneur de vous faire passer les Extraits que vous Trouverois cijoint; Si j’ay tant resté a réclamer ce qui peut me revenir légitimement et a jouste titre C’est que j’ai été detenu 18 mois dans les prisons D’angleterre occasionné par la premiere prise que nous fimes d’un Brig anglois lequel Venoit de Charger en Espagne et étoit destiné pour Londre de retour en france je ne Scavois positivement a qui m’adresser pour faire valoir m’a juste demande; la lettre de Nante Mannonce que le n’ait [net] produit des prises a été remis au dit Capne. qui en a fait la repartion entre Son équipage et il est vray Semblable qu’il faut qu’il Soit nenti de ce qui peut me revenir, je ne Sçais dans ce moment ici ou lui Ecrire attendu que je ne Sçais ou il est, m’a demande étant appuyée Sur la plus pure verité, me fait M’adresser a vous Monsieur, pour Vous prier de mettre de quelque Secourt pour pouvoir obtenir ce que j’ai bien gagné en esposant ma vie et pour les interets de la nation, jose esperer de vous Monsieur, Cette grace que vôtre ame bienfaisante vous portera a vouloir bien faire quelque chose pour un jeune homme de famille qui tiendra Toujours a honneur les prix de vos bontés dans tous les tems./.
Je Suis en attendant L’honneur de la vôtre./. Monsieur, Vôtre Trés humble & Trés obéisst. Seur.
Roussille
Mon adresse est a Mr. R. Dt. chez Mr. Duvignes Négt. a St. Justin par le Mon de Marsan./.Mr. franclin./.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur, franclin / Doeur. Deputé du congré / Dt. a Passy, Par Paris / a Passy./.
Notation: Roussille 27 Xbre 1780
Repondez Que je suis facher des Difficultés il a rencontrés, mais Que je n’avois jamais rien a faire avec le Recette ni le partition & Payement de Produit des Prises fait par le Boston: & qu’il doit s’addresser à l’Amirauté en Amerique qui lui fera Justice, s’il ne pouvoit trouver le Capitaine Tucker.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Philip, [before 28 December 1780]
From: Philip, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[before December 28, 1780]
M. MALOUIN, Médecin ordinaire de la Reine, Lecteur & Professeur en Médecine au Collége Royal de France, de l’Académie Royale des Sciences; ayant légué à la Faculté de Médecine, dont il étoit Membre, une somme annuelle, aux conditions qu’elle tiendra chaque année une Séance Publique pour y faire l’exposé de ses Travaux relatifs aux progrès de l’Art, & l’Eloge de ses Membres décédés.
La Faculté tiendra cette Séance le Jeudi 28 du mois de Décembre 1780, dans les Ecoles extérieures de Sorbonne, à quatre heures précises.
Joseph PHILIP, Doyen.

Addressed: M franklin de lacademie des / sciences, a Passi


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Bartt, 28 December 1780
From: Bartt, Jean
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur
Du Grand Orient de Brest ce 28. Xbre. 1780
Permettez qu’un Petit Suget aye L’honneur de vous offrier Lassurance de ces respect, et vous represanter qu’en 1777. il á armé a Bordeaux sur le corsaire nommé Lecxinton avec le capitaine Jonson amériquin, par devant Mr. des Laps négocient Logeant au chartron; depuis le départ de Bordeaux le corsaire a mis six mois jusquâ Morlay ou il a Eté pris a la Sortie, et alors le Supliant à désarmé, et ayant servis les dit six mois en quâlité de Cuisinier pour la chambre, Et antreprette dont il luy et du les dit Six mois de gage de même que ces part de prise, sur quoy il na reçu que 36 l.t. a Bordeaux; Le Supliant Supplie vôtre Grandeur de bien vouloir luy accorder L’honneur de Vôtre Protection pour le faire Satisfaire de son du il ose Esperer cette Equité de Vôtre Grandeur, cet avec cette Esperance quil a L’honneur daitre avec un profond respect Votre tres humble et tres obéisant Serviteur
Jean Bartt
Soldat au Régiment de Diesbach Suisse Compagnie de Planta en Garnison a Brest.Noublies pas vos G∴ A∴ L∴ T∴


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 28 December 1780
From: Coffyn, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir.
Dunkerque 28. Decemr. 1780.
I take the liberty for your Excellencys information to annex a Copy of a letter I receiv’d from Ostend mentioning the arrival there of the London Gazette which contains the King of Englands manifesto, against the Dutch, & his proclamation ordering Commissions to be issued to his subjets to take and bring in all Dutch ships, with orders to his Courts of Admiralty to condemn them as lawfull prizes.
This intelligence has been confirm’d to me this day by an English Smugglar, who sail’d from Dover last night, and he further added that three Dutch ships were taken and carried the day before in Dover Harbour, and Five in Margate roads. As the wind has been easterly for some time past, which has detained a great many Dutch Ships in the mouth of the channell, I apprehend the greatest part will be captured, as upwards of Hundred fishing smaks & open boats have sail’d from the Sundry English Harbours in the channell to intercept them.
I sease this opportunity to wish your Excellency health and every other desirable blessing during this approaching new year and to assure your Excellency of the profound respect with which I have the honnour to remain Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
F. Coffÿn

I beg the favour of your Excellencys answer of my last of 15. inst.

Notation: F Coffyn Dunkerque Decr. 28. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 28 December 1780
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourd Sir.
Amsterdam the 28 Decr. 1780
May it please your Excellency; that we have the honour to give her Joy with our Selfs on the firm methode our Republicq hath adopted to resist the most impudent demands of the English Court, which already produced Sr. Joseph Yorke quitted the Hague, and there Seems no manner of doubt butt we shall be very Soon at an open rupture, the sensible people of Holland called upon will sacrifie with pleasure part of their fortune to safe the honour of the Country. We wish their early pertaking the American interest may Soon turn to the adventage of both Countries.
With great regard we have the honour to be Honourd Sir. Your Excellencys most devoted and most obedient humble Servants
John DE Neufville & Son


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 29 December 1780
From: Dana, Francis M.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris Decr: 29th. 1780 Hotel Valois, Rue Richelieu
I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency I arrived in Town the last evening, and shou’d have waited upon you in person this morning, but I am at present a little indisposed by the sick-headach. I have two letters for your Excellency, one from Mr. Adams, and the other, I believe, from Mr: Dumas. I shall not put them into the office without your direction. You will find them of an old date, as I left Amsterdam the first of this month.
I hope you are now relieved from your late troublesome visitor, the gout, and are in good health. I shall not fail to do myself the honor of waiting upon your Excellency as soon as I am relieved from my present Indisposition.
I am with much esteem and respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
F M Dana

P.S. I beg you to present my regards to Mr: Franklin—
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr:

Notation: Dana Francis Paris Decr 29. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Rittenhouse, 31 December 1780
From: Rittenhouse, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Decmr. 31st. 1780.
Amidst that Hurry of Business and want of Leisure, which is so Generally felt amongst at apresent, I snatch a moment to trouble you with a hasty scrawl. I need not repeat what you are well assured of, that you wou’d make me happy by communicating any discovery, of importance or curiosity, in the Philosophical world, on your side of the water. Such as occur to me in this Country I shall transmit to you as opportunities offer.— On the last of October 1779, in the Evening, a remarkable Meteor (as they are called) was seen here, at Williamsburg, and at many other distant places. It first appeared several degrees above the Horrizon, in the S.W. and descended nearly in a right line Leaving behind it a bright trail of light of a fine Silver Colour, which continued visible about 20 minutes, altho’ but half and hour after Sunset, and then gradually disappeared, after changing from a Strait line to a very crooked one. From the observation made here and at Williamsburg I was enabled to determine its distance with tolerable accuracy, and found it to have fallen about 450 miles from hence, on the Ouasiola Mountains. As these appearances are so little understood there is the more room for conjecture, and if I was to hazard one from My own observations, I would suppose them to be Bodies altogether foreign to this Earth, but meeting with it, in its Annual orbit, are attracted by it, and on entering our Atmosphere take fire and are exploded, something in the manner Steel filings are, on passing thro’ the flame of a Candle.
The Meteor above mentioned, from the best Calculations I could make became visible at the height of about 50 Miles, which is supposed about the height of the atmosphere. And, which is very remarkable, the Velocity of its desent was nearly that which bodies ought to acquire, when falling from very great heights by the force of Gravity. The Circumstance of its falling on an uninhabitable Mountain deserve notice. For tho’ it may have made a most glorious appearance at the distance of a few Miles, yet, from its prodigious Magnitud it must have been very terrible, & perhaps destructive, at the Spot where it fell. In August 1779 a prodigious Stream of water fell from the Clouds on the Summit of the Blue Mountain, of which I have already given you an account. Had this Cataract fallen on the plain wheron Philadelphia Stands, half its its inhabitants would probably been drowned.
It is not necessary for me to mention the very worthy Gentleman, Mr. Laurens, who I hope will deliver you this. His Merits and Character are sufficiently known,

Wishing you all sublunary happiness, even to the age of Mathusalem, I am, Dr. Sir, Your most obedient Humbl Servant
Davd. Rittenhouse
Dr. Franklin.

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esquire, / Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles / By favor of Coll. Laurens


Title: “Les Mouches à Mme Helvétius,” [December? 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The sole clue to the dating of this bagatelle, for which no manuscript survives, is a phrase Franklin jotted on the back of a letter he drafted in late December: “Les Mouches.” Indented at the top of the page, these two words give every appearance of being the title line for an intended draft of the bagatelle commonly known in English as “The Petition of the Flies.”
Thematically, the piece fits well in 1780. The year opened with Franklin’s sending Madame Helvétius “The Elysian Fields,” a playful proposal that they marry in order to avenge their spouses’ infidelities in heaven. In “Les Mouches,” Franklin sends his household flies to deliver a similar message.
Why send couriers on such an errand? In December, recovering from his prolonged attack of gout, Franklin was still unable to travel without considerable discomfort. Lying in bed, however, he had energy enough for clever literary compositions. Already in November, he had composed the lengthy “Dialogue between Mr. Franklin and the Gout,” addressed to the bed-ridden Madame Brillon but corrected by Cabanis, a member of Madame Helvétius’ household. Perhaps Madame Helvétius was jealous of his attentions to her “rival,” prompting her to visit his rooms, take control of his domestic affairs, and order his servants to sweep away the cobwebs—the incident that evidently provoked this bagatelle. Whatever the case, Franklin was delighted at being fussed over.

LES MOUCHES A Madame He——S.
 [December, 1780?]
Les Mouches des Appartemens de M. F——n demandent Permission de présenter leurs Respects à Madame H——s, & d’exprimer dans leur meilleur Langage leur Reconnoissance pour la Protection qu’elle a bien voulu leur donner,
Bizz izzzz ouizz a ouizzz izzzzzzzz, &c.
Nous avons demeuré long-temps sous le Toît hospitalier dudit bon Homme F——n. Il nous a donné des Logemens gratis; nous avons aussi mangé & bu toute l’Année à ses Dépens sans que cela nous ait couté rien. Souvent quand ses Amis & lui ont épuisés une Jatte de Ponch, il en a laissé une Quantité suffisante pour enivrer une centaine de nous autres Mouches. Nous y avons bu librement, & après cela nous avons fait nos Saillies, nos Cercles & nos Cottillons très-joliment dans l’Air de sa Chambre, & nous avons consommés gaiement nos petites Amours sous son Nez. Enfin nous aurions été le plus heureux Peuple du Monde, s’il n’avoit pas permis de rester sur le haut de ses Boiseries Nombre de nos Ennemis déclarés, qui y tendoient leurs Filets pour nous prendre, & qui nous déchiroient sans Pitié. Gens d’un Naturel & subtile & féroce, Mêlange abominable! Vous, très-excellente Femme, eutes la Bonté d’ordonner que tous ces Assassins avec leurs Habitations & leurs Piéges seroient balayés; & vos Ordres (comme toujours ils doivent être) ont été exécutés surle-champ. Depuis ce Temps-là nous vivons heureusement, & nous jouissons de la Bienfaisance dudit bon Homme F——n sans crainte.
Il ne nous reste qu’une Chose à souhaiter pour assurer la Permanence de notre Bonheur; permettez-nous de le dire,
Bizz izzzz ouizz a ouizzz izzzzzzz, &c.
C’est de vous faire désormais qu’un seul Menage.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, [December? 1780]
From: Grand, Henri-Maximilien (Henry)
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[December, 1780?]
Mr. Grand presents his best Respects to Mr. franklin & takes the liberty to return him the inclosed Bill which he will pleased to accept by means of Messrs. Gardoqui & Son’s their guarantee which they give to M. franklin by their letter to M. Grand in date of Novr. 25th. the extract of which is at foot.
Please to return us accepted, Gourlade & Moylan’s draft on you coming due to morrow.
“We have received with the last of your favours the Bill Number 278 for 90 l.t. you are pleased to return us on account of its not being endorsed by the person to whom it was made payable. This Bill belongs to a poor young Man actually here as passenger on board the friendship Captn. Tracy who having promised us to send the second properly endorsed as soon as he arrives. We take the liberty of transmitting the same again to your hand, with a request of your becoming or giving his Excellency B. franklin Esqr. the required Guarantee for us untill the Second comes.”


Title: Of the Paper Money of America, [1780?]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

  [1780?]
  Of the Paper Money of America

Much Conversation having arisen lately on the Subject of this Money, and few Persons being well acquainted with the Nature of it, you may possibly oblige many of your Readers, by the following Account of it.—
When Great [torn: Britain commenced(?)] the present War upon the Colonies, they had neither Arms, nor Ammunition, nor Money to purchase them, or to pay Soldiers. The new Government had not immediately the Consistence necessary for collecting heavy Taxes; nor would Taxes that could be raised within the Year during Peace have been sufficient for a Year’s Expence in time of War: they therefore printed a Quantity of Paper Bills, each expressing to be of the Value of a certain Number of Spanish Dollars, from One to Thirty. With these they paid clothed & fed their Troops, fitted out Ships, & supported the War during Five Years against one of the most powerful Nations of Europe.
The Paper thus issued, passed current in all the internal Commerce of the United States, at par with Silver, during the first Year: supplying the Place of the Gold & Silver formerly current, but which was sent out of the Country to purchase Arms, &c. or to defray Expences of the Army in Canada: But the great Number of Troops necessary to be kept on foot to defend a Coast of near 500 Leagues in Length, from an Enemy who being Masters at Sea could land Troops where they pleas’d, occasion’d such a Demand for Money, and such frequent additional Emissions of new Bills, that the Quantity became much greater than was wanted for the Purposes of Commerce; and the Commerce being diminished by the War, the Surplus Quantity of Cash was by that means also proportionally augmented.
It has been long & often observed, that when the current Money of a Country is augmented beyond the Occasions for Money, as a Medium of Commerce, its Value as Money diminishes, its Interest is reduced, and the Principal sinks if some Means are not found to take off the surplus Quantity. Silver may be carried out of the Country that produces it, into other Countries, and thereby prevent too great a Fall of its Value in that Country. But when by this Means it grows more plentiful in all other Countries, nothing prevents its Sinking in Value. Thus within 300 Years since the Discovery of America, & the vast Quantities of Gold & Silver imported from thence and spread over Europe, & the rest of the World, those Metals have sunk in Value 4 fifths, that is five Ounces of Silver will not purchase more Labour now than one Ounce would have done before that Discovery.
Had Spain been able to confine all that Treasure within its own Territories, Silver would probably have been there of no more Value by this Time than Iron, or Lead.— The Exportation has kept its Value on a Level with its Value in other Parts of the World.
Paper Money not being easily receiv’d out of the Country that makes it, if the Quantity becomes excessive, the Depreciation is quicker & greater.
Thus the excessive Quantities which Necessity oblig’d the Americans to issue, for continuing the War, occasion’d a Depreciation of Value, which commencing towards the End of 1776 has gone on augmenting till at the beginning of the present Year 50, 60, & as far as 70 Dollars in Paper were reckon’d not more than equal to one Dollar in Silver and the Prices of all things rose in proportion.

Before the Depreciation commenc’d the Congress fearing it, stopt for a time the Emission of new Bills, and resolv’d to supply their Occasions by borrowing. Those who lent them the Paper Money at that time, & until March 1778, fix’d their Property and prevented its Depreciation; The Interest being regularly paid by Bills of Exchange on France, which supports the Value of the Principal Sums lent.
These Loans not being sufficient, the Congress were forced to print more Bills, and the Depreciation proceeded. The Congress would borrow no more on the former Conditions of paying the Interest in French Money at Paris. But great Sums were not withstanding offered & lent them on the Terms of being paid the Interest & repaid the Principal in the same Bills in America. These Loans in some degree lessen’d, but did not quite take away the Necessity of New Emissions, so that it at length arrived at the excessive Difference between the Value of Paper and Silver that is above-mentioned.
To put an End to this Evil, which destroy’d all Certainty in Commerce, the Congress first resolved to diminish the Quantity gradually by Taxes, which tho’ nominally vastly great, were really less heavy than they appear’d to be, and were readily paid. By these Taxes 15 Millions of Dollars, of the 200 Millions extant, are to be brought in monthly and burnt. This Operation will destroy the whole Quantity of viz: to wit 200,000,000 in about 14 Months. Thirty Millions have already been so destroy’d.
To prevent in the mean time the farther Progress of the Depreciation, and give some kind of determinate Value to the Paper, it was ordain’d, that for every Sum of Forty Dollars payable by any Person as Tax, he might discharge himself by paying One Dollar in Silver. Whether this Expedient will produce the Effect intended or not, Experience & Time must discover.
The general Effect of the Depreciation among the Inhabitants of the States, has been this, that it has operated as a gradual Tax upon them. Their Business has been done and paid for by the Paper Money, and every Man has paid his Share of this Tax according to the Time he retain’d any of the Money in his Hands, and to the Depreciation within that Time. Thus it has proved a Tax on Money, a kind of Property very difficult to be taxed in any other Mode; and it has fallen more equally than many other Taxes, as those People paid most who being richest had most Money passing thro’ their Hands.
With regard to the Paper Money or Bills borrowed by the Congress it appears by the above Account to be under two different Descriptions.
First, The Quantity of Bills borrowed before the Depreciation, the Interest of which in Silver was to be & is paid in France. The Principal of this Sum is considered as equal in Value to so many Dollars of Silver as were borrowed in Paper, and will be paid in Silver accordingly.
Secondly, The Quantities of Bills borrowed in different Stages of the Depreciation down to the present time. These Sums are by a Resolution of Congress to be repaid in Silver according to the Value they were in Silver at the Time they were lent, and the Interest is to be paid at the same Rate. Thus those Lenders have their Property secured from the Loss by Depreciation subsequent to the Time of their Loan.
All the Inhabitants are satisfied & pleas’d with this Arrangement their Public Debt being by this Means reduced to a small Sum. And the new Paper Money which bears Interest, & for the Payment of which solid Funds are provided, is actually in Credit equal to real Silver.
If any Persons living in distant Countries have thro’ their Absence from their Property in America, suffered Loss by not having it timely fix’d in the several Loans abovementioned, it is not doubted but that upon an Application to Congress stating the Case, they will meet with Redress.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Boulainvilliers: Two Letters, [c. 1780]
From: Boulainvilliers, Marie-Madeleine-Adrienne d’Hallencourt Bernard, marquise de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
ce dimanche [c. 1780]
Les voisins de Monsieur francklin sont bien fachés de ce quil ne peut pas leur faire lhonneur de venir diner avec eux Mercredy: il est prié au Moins de leur Mander Sil pouroit recevoir ce jour la a une heure Md. la Comtesse de rochambo: qui voudroit bien avoir lhonneur de voir monsieur franklin et qui a prié Md de boulainvilliers davoir lhonneur de la Mener chez luy

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / Ministre plenipotentier des / états unis de la Merique / a passy.

II.
[c. 1780]
Monsieur francklin a for bien entendu le mauvois francois de md de boulainvilliers; et puisqu’il veut bien la recevoir demain a une heure et Md la Comtesse de rochambo nous serons chez luy a cette heure la; tous les habittants de passy et nommement La bonne amie Md de tonnerre voudroient bien avoir le plaisir de prendre le thé avec Monsieur francklin avant une petitte course quils vont faire ils ont donc lhonneur de luy en proposer pour demain ils se flatte quil voudra bien au moins les dedomager de ce quil ne peut pas leur faire lhonneur de venir diner avec eux.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin Ministre / plenipotencier des etats unis de / la Mericque / a passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Golowkin: Five Letters, [1780]
From: Golowkin, Wilhelmina von Mosheim, comtesse de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Among Franklin’s papers at the American Philosophical Society are twenty-four letters, all undated as to year and only two with a month and a day, from Wilhelmina von Mosheim, the comtesse de Golowkin. Reputedly a woman of great beauty and wit, she seems to have met Franklin at the home of Madame Helvétius. As far as we can determine, the comtesse is first prompted to write Franklin out of concern for her ami, the chevalier de Chastellux, who accompanied the comte de Rochambeau to America. We assign the following group of five letters to the latter part of 1780, when the first reports of Rochambeau’s July arrival at Newport reached Europe. We discuss three others— brief, undated notes which probably belong to the same period—in annotation.

I.
[1780]
J’esperois passer quelques moments avec vous aujourdhui, Monsieur, chez notre aimable Amie, mais ma santé ne me le permets pas. Je scais que vous avés l’ame sensible, mon bon Papa, et je m’adresse avec confiance à vous pour vous prier de rassurer s’il est possible une Amie qui tremble pour les jours de son Ami; je suis intimement lièe avec le Chevalier de Chastellux, et j’ai vû dans le courier de l’Europe, qu’il avoit ètè tuè à une affaire que Mr. de Rochambeau à eue— rassurès moi s’il est possible, votre coeur vous diras tout ce que le mien doit èprouver— Bon soir, mon bon et cher Papa, je vous embrasse avec les sentiments les plus tendres, et les plus vrais.
La Comtesse Golofkin

II.
[1780]
C’est avec des larmes de reconnoissance que je vous embrasse, et vous remercie, mon cher et bon Papa; vous m’avès rendû la vie—hèlas! pourvû que ce soit pour long-tems. J’aurois voulû vous aller voir aujourdhui, mes forces ne me le permettent pas— c’est le premier usage que j’en ferai. Conservès moi toujour un peu d’affection je ferai mon possible pour la meriter de plus en plus; et croÿès bien aux sentiments tendres et sincères que je vous ai vouès pour la vie.
Ce. DE GOLOFKIN

III.
[1780]
Je vous prie, mon cher Papa, de me dire si vous n’avès rien apris de plus touchant l’arriveè de mon Amis, je suis toujour dans les mêmes inquietudes, et incertitudes; si vous aprenès quelque chose, pansès à votre Enfant qui vous embrasse tendrement, et vous aime de même.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / a Passy

IV.
[1780]
J’avois le projet, mon cher Papa, de venir vous embrasser, et de vous souhaiter un petit bonjour, mais du monde que j’attends chez moi m’en empêche, et j’en ai bien du regrêt; je voulois vous demander aussi, quand vous viendrès prendre le thè chez moi, fixès un jour pour cela; aimès vous mieux que ce soit le matin, ou le soir? Moi j’aime tous les moments ou je vous vois parceque je vous aime bien, et de tout mon coeur.
Quand faudras t’il vous apporter ma lettre? Cette lettre qui contient des choses qui nous sonts personnelles et fort interressantes pour mon Ami, me tient fort à coeur; pardon mon bon et cher Papa, de toutes mes indiscrétions—mais vous êtes bon, sensible, et obligeant—voilà mon excuse.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / à Passy

V.
rue Roÿalle, butte st. Roch, maison de Mr. Sorin. [1780]
Il y auras demain huit jours, mon cher Papa, que j’ai quittè Passy, et depuis ce moment, je n’ai cessé de penser à vous, avec tendresse et regrets; vous ne trouverès pas mauvais j’espere, si je cherche à me dèdommager de mon èloignement, en vous demandant de vos nouvelles. Je me flatte que cette vilaine goutte vous laisse en repos. Elle doit être contente, vous lui faites assès de sacrifices. Pour moi j’ai attrapè dans ma chambre au coin de mon feu un gros rhume après lequel j’ai couru inutilement à la Campagne; je tâcherai de m’en dèbarasser au plutôt, pour vous aller voir, si je trouvois des occasions j’irais plus souvant; en attendant ne m’oubliès pas, mon cher Papa, et si vous venès à Paris, souvenès vous de ce que vous m’avès promis. Je ne vous donne pas de nouvelles, vous les avès de la première main d’ailleurs je crois qu’il n’y en à pas. J’ai vû il y a quelques jours, un homme qui arrivoit de Bassora; Parent de J.J. Rousseau, fort instruit, parlant bien toutes les langues, il n’a que 41 ans, et c’est ètonnant combien il à voÿagè. J’ai pensè en le voÿant à l’habillement chinois; je lui ai comptè quatre juppons; un rose, un brun, un jaune, et un couleur de feu, et surement il y en avoit encore d’autres dessous; son bonnet n’est pas moins extraordinaire; et la moustache qu’il ne faut pas oublier.
Bonsoir, mon cher et bon Papa, voici l’heure ou je vous chantois Dieu d’amour. J’aimerai encore davantage ce joli air, s’il peut me rappeller dans votre souvenir; aimès moi toujour un peu, je vous aime tendrement, et vous embrasse de même.
Milles choses je vous prie à Monsieur votre petit fils—

Addressed: à Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin / à Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, [1780]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce Samedi matin [1780]
Mr. Myerz ameriquain, arriva de St. Eustache à Amsterdam le 14 de ce mois avec une Malle qui lui fut enlevée par trois homes qui la detacherent de la Voiture ce qui lui fit Croire qu’ils etoyent de l’auberge mais La Malle & les 3 homes disparurent dans un Instant. Cette Malle renfermoit outre les hardes de Mr Myerz 300 florins 6000 Dollars en Billets du Congrés au porteur, & Entrautres 9 depeches pour Paris. Il y en avoit de Mr Deane, qu’il avoit recomandé de jetter a La mer plustot que de les Laisser tomber entre les Mains de qui que ce fut. Quand Mr fizeaux á donné Cet avis a Mr Grand Il y avoit déja 24 heures quon avoit fait Inutillement touttes les perquisitions possibles pour decouvrir cette Malle, il est a Craindre quelle aye été enlevée par des Espions plustot que par des Volleurs.
Mr Grand Croit devoir faire part de Cet accident á Monsieur Franklin en lui presentant Son Respect.

Addressed: a monsieur / monsieur Franklin / à Passy
Notations: Grand / Grand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François-Clément Morand, [1780–1781]
From: Morand, Jean-François-Clément
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[1780–1781]
M. morand, aussitot que le tems, S’adoucira, S’occupera des articles qui reviennent a M. le Venerable et Veneré Confrere M. Franklin; en attendant M. Morand desireroit que M. Franklin Voulut bien S’occuper de Ce qui Suit.
Le Volume des transact. an. 1676, No. 130, art. 13. p. 762, fait mention d’une mine de charbon de terre, embraseè, près Newcastle; depuis cette epoque, il n’a etè fait mention nulle part de cette mine embrasée. Existe-t-elle encore, en ce cas, Sa Situation, Son nom.

Addressed: M. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Françoise Robin de Livet Poivre, [1780?]
From: Poivre, Françoise Robin de Livet
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[1780?]
Dans une rettraitte simple et charmante habitent deux Etres tendres admirateurs de la vertu. Le nom de franklin est depuis longtems dans leur cœur; et son portrait cheri vient d’embellir leur demeure.
Reçois ô grand homme l’hommage de deux amis des Etats unis. Puisse ton pays que tu honore s’elever au plus haut point du bonheur. Puisse les heureuses femmes de l’Amerique ne donner le jour qu’à des hommes Libres et quelquefois a des Cytoyens tels que toi.

Notation: Madame Poivre à Lyon


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 1 January 1781
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Amst. 1er. Janv. 1781.
Enfin la bombe est crevée; & la guerre, quod bonum faustumque sit nobis, déclarée de la part des enragés Angl. [Anglais] à cette rep. [république] par leur manifeste du 20 Dec. Il ne s’est rien passé encore d’essentiel à Lahaie. Ces Messieurs, selon leur coutume, ne se derangent jamais de leur marche lente. Mais ils seroient bien ladres s’ils ne sentoient ce dernier coup, & s’ils ne le ressentoient. Le peuple ici est bien disposé. Je partirai d’ici Samedi prochain, avec Mrs A—ms & S——le, pour Leide & pour Lahaie, d’où je me ferai un devoir de vous instruire de ce qui se passera. Dans ce moment j’apprends que l’Eglise angloise à la Haie est brûlée. J’ignore Si c’est par accident, par fanatisme ou par vilainie. Je crains que ma femme n’ait été effrayée de cela: car je manque de ses nouvelles. Je suis avec grand respect à la hâte Monsieur Votre très humble & très ob. Servitor
D

Addressed: France / à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin / Min. Plenipe. des Etats / Unis d’Amérique / à Passy / près Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 1 January 1781
From: Greene, Catharine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Very Dear Friend
Warwick Jany. the 1st. 1781
I a few days a go wrote you two Sides of a Sheet of Paper and Sent it to Newport to go by this oppertunity but have Since heard the Vesel has not gone from Providence and least my other letter Should fail I do my Self the Pleasure to write a few lines more Just to ask you how do you do my good Friend do you injoy health and Shall we ever be So happy as to See you again in New England. Tis Long Since we have had a line from you but will not Suppose you have not wrote to any of yr friends But lay all to the Savage Britons. Tounge Cant express the one half of the Distresses they have made us feel Murdering Butchering Starving Stealing there is no Evil Can be Namd but they have Practised in America this once Peacefull happy Land— But in our State we are happily Deliver’d from them Since the Arival of our New Allies they are Very Clever and we love them. There Soldiers are under the Best Disapline at 9 oClock the Streets are as Still as though there was not a Soldier in them they are Supprised to find every thing So high but there is a Very great Plenty of Provisions of every Sort. Cyder last Summer was Carted 30 miles to Newport French Crowns being Rather more Esteemd than Continental. I want Spoues to write you all our Publick matters But he dont Choose to least they Should fall into the Enemies hands But his Best Regards to you and every wish for your happiness. My Children all Joiyns us in love to you and your Dear Children. Ray has wrote you how he is on board the Admiral &c to learn French. Your good Sister has wrote you by this oppertunity So that I dont mention her more than that we love her and when we Visit we have a feast talking of you. A Very happy New Year to my Worthy freind Concludes Your Honest
Catharine Green

Addressed: His Excelleny. / Benjamn: Franklin Esq / Passey near / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 1 January 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Philadelphia January 1. 1781.
You will receive herewith enclosed, a Letter addressed to his most Christian Majesty, as also a Copy of the same for your Information, together with Instructions of the 28th of November & 27th of December for your Government on the important Subject contained in the Letter to the King of France; likewise a Copy of the Instructions given to Coll. Laurens on the same Subject, and a Copy of the Resolution of Congress respecting the Declaration of the Empress of Russia.
By these Despatches you will be informed that Colonel Laurens is coming to France charged with a special Commission, with your Advice & Influence to solicit the Aids in Money and other Articles referred to in his Instructions. It is probable he will sail from America in some fifteen or twenty Days from this Time.
You will observe nevertheless, that it is the Pleasure & Expectation of Congress you should not delay any Measures for obtaining the Aids requested, or wait for the Arrival of Mr Laurens.
An Estimate of the Aids requested, except the 25.000.000 of Livres, you have already received the last Year; and no Time ought to be lost in forwarding such Aids as may be obtained.
Your Wisdom, Prudence, & Zeal for the Prosperity of the United States render it unnecessary for me to add any Perswasives on this important Subject.

I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect & Esteem sir your most obedient & most humble servant
Sam. Huntington President
The Honorable Doctor Franklin

Endorsed: Letter Presidt Huntington Jan. 1. 1781 recd. Feb. 13. 81


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François de Marcorelle, Baron d’Escale, 1 January 1781
From: Marcorelle, Jean-François de, baron d’Escale
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Narbonne le 1er Janvier 1781
De tous les avantages que me procure le titre de Correspondant de Lacademie Royale des Siencez de paris un des plus précieux et d’avoir L’honneur, Lorsque je Suis dans la capitale, de vous voir aux assem-blees de cette compagnie, d’admirer Luniversalité de vos Connoissances, letendue de vos Lumieres, la Superiorité de vos talentz, votre merite et vos vertus. Il y a longtems que je desirois de leur rendre un homage public; j’en recherchois Locasion; elle s’est pressentée et je l’ai Saisie avec empressement. Recevant de divers Endroits des nouvelles Sientiffiques et politiques je les redige pour les communiquer aux habitants de Cette contrée et j’en forme un bulletin qui paroit deux fois chaque Semaine. Permetés Monsieur que je vous adresse celui qui vient detre publié. Je Serois bien content Si vous Leties vous meme de La maniere dont Vous y etes peint et quelle peut vous engager a macorder votre estime et vos bontés. Je ferai toute ma vie Les plus grands effortz pour m’en rendre digne. Ces Effortz ne peuvent etre egalés que par les vœux que je forme sans cesse pour La conservation de vos jourz et pour votre parfait Bonheur. Que je Serois flatté Si vous daignies Les accuillir d’aussi bon cœur que je vous Les offre et Les regarder comme des Surs garands et des fideles interpretes de mes Sentiments respectueux.
Je Suis avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre trés humble Et trés obeissant Serviteur
MARCORELLE
Mr franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 2 January 1781
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 2 Janr 1781
A Vessel that left Annapolis the 16 November arrived at this port yesterday.
The English under Col Leslie enterd the Bay and landed at Hampton. They retreated a few days after leaving their Camp Kettles and other Baggage in the Camp their precipitate Retreat is supposed, from advises received of a Body of French Troops which Genl Nelson & other officers in the Southern Army write Governor Jefferson having Landed at George Town So Carolina, that Lord Cornwallis had called in all his out posts to avoid being cut off and was confined to a small circuit round Charles Town. We are at a loss to know what Troops these are unless a detatchment from the Cape. Mention in the Virginia Papers is made of some Ships taken from the Enemy off Charles Town.
With due respect I have the honor to be Sir Your very hhb Servant
John Bondfield

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Benjamin Franklin, / Ministre plénipotentiaire / des Etats unis de / L’amérique / à Paris
Notation: J. Bondfield Bordeaux Jany 2. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François Barbé de Marbois, 4 January 1781
From: Marbois, François Barbé de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
A Philade. le 4. Janv. 1781.
J’ai prié le Colonel Lawrens de me rapeller particulierement à votre Souvenir et Je ne doute pas de Son exactitude; mais je veux pour ma propre Satisfaction m’entretenir un moment avec vous des personnes de ce pays ci que je Sais vous être les plus cheres. M. et made. Beache sont en très bonne santé ainsi que leurs enfans: made. Beache ne renonce point au plaisir d’aller vous voir en france, et je l’encourage fort à faire ce voyage. S’il y a en Europe des femmes qui aient bèsoin d’un modele d’attachement a leurs devoirs domestiques et d’amour de leur pays made. Beache pourra être le leur. Elle a passé une partie de l’année derniere à mettre an activité le Zele des femmes Pensylvaniennes; elle a dans cette occasion fait un usage si heureux de l’eloquence que vous lui connoissés que la moitié de l’armée americaine s’est trouvée pourvue de chemises achetées de l’argent et cousues des mains des femmes de la Pensylvanie. Elle a mis dans ses tournées le Zele le plus infatigable, une constance à toute epreuve, et un courage à demander qui a passé même l’obstination des quakers à refuser. Rivington à voulu ridiculiser son Zele, il l’a traité de superstition son patriotisme, d’un transport fanatique; il a pretendu qu’elle avoit une insatiable bonne volonté. En un mot on ne pouvoit la louer plus adroitement.
Cet honnete Rivington a touché un peu plus juste en publiant recement diverses lettres interceptées, elles vous arriveront par les papiers d’angleterre; ainsi, Monsieur, je n’anticipe point sur les reflexions qu’elles vous donneront occasion de faire. Le Congrès a eu la sagesse de ne point en prendre connoissance. Les anglois peuvent y trouver de nouvelles preuves des besoins de nos alliés: mais Ils n’y ont vu ni decouragement ni despondency ni desaffection ni la moindre trace d’eloignement des alliés, ni l’ombre d’un desir de se rapprocher d’eux, et c’est là certainement ce qu’ils désiroient le plus d’y trouver.
Je suis avec respect, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
De Marbois
M. le Cher. de la Luzerne vous prie d’aggréer ses très humbles complimens; voulés vous bien aussi monsieur nous rapeller au souvenir de M. votre petit fils.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 4 January 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Philadelphia January 4. 1781
Agreeable to the Act of Congress of the 21st. Ulto herewith enclosed I am to desire you to apply to the Court at which you reside to use Means for obtaining the Release and Exchange of the Honorable Henry Laurens Esqr.
From your own Inclination as well as in Compliance with the Desire of Congress I am perswaded you will make Use of every Means in your Power to have that Gentleman liberated from his present Confinement & exchanged as soon as possible.
Similar Directions are also given to the Honorable John Jay Esquire.
I have the Honor to be, with very great Regard Sir Your most obedt hble Servant
Sam. Huntington President
The Honble Dr Franklin(Triplicate)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Auzoüer, 5 January 1781
From: Auzoüer, ——, marquis d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur lembassadeur
Ce 5 janvier 1781
Linterest que vous inspirees a tous Ceux qui ont lavantage de vous connoistre, est le premier motif qui me porte a vous assurer des voeux Sinceres que je forme dans ce renouvellement dannéé pour la Complissement de tout Ce que vous pouvez desirer! Puisse vos jours estre de la plus longue durée, pour le bonheur dune nation a qui ils Sont Si importants. Mde dauzoüer qui a le même zele pour tout Ce qui vous regarde Suplie votre éxellence de vouloir bien nous donner des nouvelles de Mr charle Caroll membre du congrets qui est Son Cousin issu de germin, la Conduitte admirable quil a tenüe en france nous le rendent pretieux a tous egards. Il y a plus de neufe ans que nous avons receu la derniere de Ses letres. Si vous pouviez nous en procurer, et luy faire Scavoir la persévérance de nos Sentiments pour luy notre reconnoissance envers votre éxellence égalleroit le vray respect avec lequel jay lhonneur destre Monsieur lembassadeur Votre tres heumble et tres obeissant Serviteur
LE Marquis DAUZOÜER
a auzoüer le doyen pres chataudun en bauce


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Fleury & Demadières, 5 January 1781
From: Fleury & Demadières
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a orleans ce 5e jer 1781
En reponse à L’honneur de la vôtre du 20 Xbre der nous sommes Charmé que vous ayez recû vos vins, En bon Etat.
Nous vous avons expedié hier sur la voiture de monceau d’orleans au prix de 26 l.t. pour toute voiture un tonneau de vin vieux de st denis formant deux poinsons Ct. 430 Blles [Bouteilles] pintes de paris il vous plaira nous donner Credit de £ 215 l.t. que vous aurez la Complaisance de faire Compter a mrs augte Dumoussay freres nos Banquiers rue danjou au marais au Coin de la rue de Beauce a paris vous y joindrez sil vous plaist les 6 l.t. 5 s pour nos frais a vos Caisses de vin.
Nous esperons que vous serez Content du vin que vous avons Envoyé etant tout ce quil y a de meilleur, si vous En este Comptant nous En avons Encore plusieurs tonneaux de pareille. Nous avons l’honneur detre avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Vos tres humb & ob servts
Ve F. FLEURY & Pre. Demadiêres
a son altesse monsieur franklin a passy

Addressed: A Son exellence / Son exellance monsieur franklin / ministre plenipotentaire des Etats unis / A Passy / pres paris
Notation: Ve. J. Fleury & Pre. Remandiere, à orleans ce 5. Jr. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 6 January 1781
From: Hare-Naylor, Georgiana Shipley
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Twyford Janry. the 6th 1781
How kind & good you were, my ever valued friend, to write to me by Mr Jones, could you have seen my happiness on receiving your dear letter, I am certain your excellent heart would have been well repaid, for the time you employed in thinking of me. It informs me of the two things which interest me the most nearly, your health & your continued friendship for this family.
Your not hearing oftener from me is chiefly owing to the difficulty of safely conveying any letters, especially when I am in the Country, I send this enclosed to Madme Scherbinin, who has promised to deliver it in person. I wish you extremely to be acquainted with her & her mother the Princess of Daschkaw, who is a woman of uncommon good parts & great strength of understanding; my father was quite charm’d with her, & you agree with him on so many subjects, that I do not believe you will differ on this.
I have made enquiries after the portrait I sent you last May, & am told that it is safe in your hands before this time, but I shall be better satisfy’d when I have it confirm’d by you.
We spent the Summer very pleasantly in Wales, my brother has married a most charming Woman, who has made him the happy father of two fine boys. We returned to Hampshire, as usual, for the Autumn. Mr Sloper & my Sister are with us for the Holidays as well as their dear little girl— my eldest sister is with Lord & Lady Spencer— Lord Spencer has been dangerously ill the greater part of the last year, I am happy to say he is now vastly recovered—in these times we must dread the loss of every honest Man.
I often visit your Summer-house—it looks lonely & desolate without its old Master—yet I see it with a melancholy pleasure, when I recall to my mind the many happy hours, we have spent in your valuable society. I will not conclude my letter without adding all the hospitable good wishes of the Season:

Long may the usefull Wisdom of thy mind
Enlight’n Nature & instruct Mankind;
Long may’st thou live to number year on year,
While a great Emp’re grows beneath thy care;
While self-approving Virtue warms thy breast,
Respected most by those who know thee best.
May Slander’s venom’d shaft be spent in vain,
Too weak the first of characters to stain;
When passion cools, when party-rage subsides,
And bright-ey’d Truth our better judgement guides,
Then Britain shall revere thy injur’d name,
And learn to know the Man, she dar’d defame.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Mouret, 8 January 1781
From: Mouret, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
havre de grace January 8th. 1781 che monsieur Solignie a lancegrie du Swetor ffice d’Abraham
The last that I did miself the honour to writh to you of the third instent, I was Just arived from a journy of a Hundred milles, & then with a fever; which together with my Others wants, I was under the Nessasity to go to the poors hosphithal of this Place; where I begin to recover my strent; but where to go from hence with nothing is my present distres.
You Sir, is the only refuge that an american Servant can apply to, Particularly, when the States are indebted to him for Ninthing monts Salary as a Naval Surgeon which at the time we arived in the Sloop of war west Florida from the Sige of mobile—in west Florida, where we assistd, it was not Convenient for the Navy Board to pay us. At my leving Phyladelphia I left some property in The Hans of Capt. John Ord— in Copardnershyp with Robt. Moris Esqr. & Brother in law of mr. Jams. Blewer— who had given me a leter to you, but when we were Taken we where oblige to distroyd them with ours Others Papers. This leter perhaps wold have been a Sufittient testimony of what I aledge if I could have kep it; but Sir ther is an other testymony of what I aledge, Comodore alexd. Gillon of the State of So. Carolina, & the Capts. in the same service, with whom I Came as a surgeon of the shyps for which they wher appoinded—but I was left at the Havana in augt. 1778—in the leud [lieu?] of comin to france, I went to New Orlean, wher Oliver Pollocks Esqr. the States Agent at that Place, appointed me Surgeon of the Frigate the moris, in which I was oversat in her when she perished on the 18th. of augt. 1779 in the River missipipy. And with her tender we toke the king Sloop of war the west Florida on the 10th. of September of the same year, & with her we assisted at the Sige of mobile with Governor don Galves—which was Taken the 15th. of march 1780—from ther, whe came to philadelphya on the 3d. of June last.
My Losses in So. Carolina by the Invesion in 1779 and at the conquest, is prety considarable. A place as dear to me as my Native Contry, wher I have lived 15. years.
This Sir, is the whole information I can give you to induce you to Relive me, & to procure me some services in the Contry Cause.

I hoppe youl be kind enough to give me a line whether I may depend on you.
That heaven may Prolong your days in health, is the Prayers of Sir your most humble Sert:
Jno. Mouret
The Honorable Benjn. Franklin

Addressed: To / his Excellency Benjamin / franklin ambassador extraordinary / from the united States of / america to the Court of / france in his hotel at / Passi near Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Newenham, 8 January 1781
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Lausanne the 8 of january 1781
Mr: Edward Newenham’s respects, & begs leave to enclose the account of a Volunteer review in Ireland, which his Father order him to forward to your Excellency.
I am with the Greatest respect, your Excellency’s most obedient, & very humble servant.
Edward Newenham

Addressed: To / His Excellency Dr: Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 9 January 1781
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
London 9 Jany 1781
I am favored with yours of the 18th past with advice that you intended the succeeding post to lodge £150 to be applied to the Releif of the American prisoners in the distribution of which you may rely on my care & attention, I have in consequence recd a Letter from Monsieur Grand informing me “that il tenait á [ma] disposition cent cinquante Livres Sterling,” I write him per to nights post to beg he woud remitt it to me as it is not so well to draw.
I observe that you wish the allowance for provisions & Cloathes during the Months of Jany. Feby & March shou’d be equal to 16 p. per week per each Man, have you Sr considered how soon so large a distribution will swallow up the present remittance, there are not many short of Prisoners 500, so that in that proportion they will Require a supply of near £150 per month, I am sure I do not wish to narrow their Allowance if it can be continued, but I do see great Inconvenience in being very liberal for a short period & falling off afterwards, we split upon that rock in the expenditure of our first Subscription. I shall therefore take the Liberty of not allowing quite so much untill I hear further from you, & I find from the Prisons that both our worthy Agents agree in Opinion with me in this Matter.
I wish you health for many succeeding Years & that you may live to see the disireable work of peace accomplished in your day. I am with great respect Dr sir your most obedt Hb sevt
William Hodgson

Addressed: A / Monsr. Franklin / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac All, 10 January 1781
From: All, Isaac
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
L’Orient 10th January 1781
The occasion of my troubling you at present is to acquaint that soon after my arrival at this place I meet with a voilent hurt by a Fall which confined me for two months and in the intrim a Small bill for Eighteen Dollars of the 14th March 1780 Number 826 was Returned to me acepted but from the State I then was in it was laid by and forgot to be Sent forward in Course for Payment. I have therefore to beg the favour you will on its appearance give Orders that may be paid and by a line let me know whether the Bill will meet with any obstruction. I shall leave this place in a few days for Philada. and Flattered myself I should have been Charged with a letter from you to your Family as I gave Mr. W.T.F as near a guess as posible of the time of my departure. I hope you are so well Recovered as to forget you were ever ill, and wish you may never be put in mind of the frailty of humane nature, untill you desire to change the present state for One where the good and just will be ever protected.
I am With every Sentiment of Esteem Dear Sir Your Very affectionate and Most Obedient Humble Servt.
Isaac All

Addressed: A son Excellence / Benjn. Franklin, Equire / Ministre Plenapotentiare des Etats / unis De L’Amerique / a Passey / prés Paris
Endorsed: Write a Line to him
Notations: [by William Temple Franklin:] Ansd / Isacc All Jany 10. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Court de Gébelin, 10 January 1781
From: Gébelin, Antoine Court de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Rue Poupée 10e. de l’an 81.
Le Sieur la Renaudiere qui aura l’honneur de vous présenter cette Lettre, a apris que vous cherchiez un Imprimeur pour former des Eleves en Amerique. Comme il entend fort bien cet Art, etant depuis trente ans Prote chez le même Imprimeur et d’une bonne conduite, il Seroit très flatté que vous voulussiez bien le choisir pour cet objet: il est frere de celui qui dirige l’impression de mon Ouvrage depuis son commencement & qui est lui même très habile.
En mon particulier, je serois charmé d’avoir pu contribuer en quelque chose à une plus grande perfection de l’Imprimerie dans vos Contrées & ne le suis pas moins d’avoir cette occasion de vous offrir mes voeux, mes hommages & les sentimens respectueux avec lesquels je ne cesserai d’être Monsieur Votre très humble & très ob: Serviteur
Court DE Gebelin
Mes honneurs à M. votre Petit-fils. J’ai reçu de M Sewall Prof. à Cambridge d’Amerique la belle Inscription qui se voit sur un rocher du Jaunton [Taunton] à 50. milles de Bristol. Je la fais graver dans mon 8e. vol.

Notation: Court de Gebelin 10. Jr. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Waterhouse, 10 January 1781
From: Waterhouse, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Very respected Sir
Leyden 10th. Janry. 1781
I wrote to you a few weeks since enclosing a couple of letters from Dr. Fothergill, but little did I then think I should so soon write to you concerning his death—that good man died the 26th. of last month— By what I have often heard him say I Judged there was a no small friendship subsisting between you, and that therefore some account of his disease & death would not be unacceptable to you—upon this idea I write otherwise I should not be justifyed in taking up the time of such a man as Dr Franklin with reading a letter from such a one as me—
I cannot do better than give an extract from two letters I have lately received from David Barclay in the first of which he says— “on the 11th. (Decembr.) thy uncle was seized in the same manner as at this time two years & on the 12th. the catheter was introduced but without success— on the 13th. some water was obtained, but little or no ease thereby to this was added a stoppage in the bowels, this was attributed to 100 drops of Laudinum having been taken by his own direction before any Physicians were called in— Cathartics were taken sufficient to have caused 150 stools without effect— many other projects were tryed as smoke of Tobacco, warm bathing &c. at length a passage was gained, both by the bowels & the bladder, notwithstanding which no advantage appeared to be gained and thy uncle still apprehended the stoppage remained in his bowels, as the pains were excruciating— more physick was given, but no ease obtained— In short, he has been gradually growing worse from day to day as nothing yet administerd has given him ease, neither do his Physicians Warren, Watson & Reynolds, seem to have any ground of expectation for his recovery and I think he is now so much reduced that I am endeavouring to prepare myself to meet this heavy stroke with all the fortitude in my power & I recommend the same to thee.” In the second he mentions the sad event in these words “That worthy Man thy Uncle departed this life on the 26th. inst. much lamented, his disorder yielding to no remedies— By his own desire his body was opened when it appeared that a distended (or reather a thickned) bladder was the cause of his death, the prostrate gland being encreased to a monstrous size, & the faculty were of opinion that nothing could have been done to releive him had they known the seat of his disorder, the case will shortly appear in print— His sister supports this stroke with becoming fortitude & patient resignation.”— The Doctor was in the 69th. year of his age, he was born at Wenslydale in Yorkshire & came to London in 1740—
Thus far I thought my duty to inform you, without troubling you with my private feelings, altho’ they who know my history, know what reason I have to regret his [death and] revere his memory— for now I have [lost a?] director, guide & friend— [May you be] preserved from cruel diseases & sudden death is the earnest wish of your friend & countryman
Benjn. Waterhouse
To Dr. Franklin

Addressed: Doctor Franklin / by the favour of Mr. [Searle]
Notation: Benjn. Waterhouse, Leyden 10 Jan 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 11 January 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

ce Jeudi 11 Janr. 81
J’ai été bien faché que les Affaires m’avoient empeché de voir ma trés chere fille hier au soir: Je me dedomagerai aujourdhui à cinq heures, car je me trouve toujours heureux quand je suis avec elle, jouissant de sa douce Societé, la voyant & l’entendant parler. C’est une espece de folie de dire cela; parceque c’est inutile, les Actions parlant plus fortement que les paroles; & mon toujours aimable Amie scait bien, que pendant quatres longues Années je n’ai pas obmis de me rendre chez elle au moins deux soirées par semaine; s’il etoit possible de la voir; une Constance qui me paroit meriter des faveurs qu’elle n’a jamais pû obtenir. Mais il faut faire des folies, quand on aime à la folie.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to François Bowens, 12 January 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bowens, François-Jacques-Arnould

Sir,
Passy 12. Jan 1781.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me on the 21st of last Month, & return you my Thanks, for your Care in forwarding from time to time the Articles sent me from England.
I have sent several times, since the recipt of your Letter, to enquire at the Bureau des Dilligences de Lille for the Case containg Stationary Ware & the Box containg the Porcelain Portrait; but have always recd for ansr that they were not arriv’d. May I beg the favr of you to desire your Correspondent at Lille, when ever he forward’s me anything to inform me of it by a Line, & let me know the Day & at what Bureau it will arrive at Paris.
Your Directions have been followed in enquiring about the Case containg a Picture which had been so long missing; & I have at length recd it in good order.
Mr. Digges writes me in his Letter of the 2d Inst. that he has forward’d to me some time past, to your Address, a Box of Books; & that it ought to have reach’d you about the 7th or 8th of Decr. I have made the necessary Enquiries at the Bureaux for this Box, but can learn nothing of it. Has it ever come to your Hands?— I beg you will send me the Acct of your Disbursements for me, & they shall be immediately paid.—
I have the honour to be Sir, Y. m. o. & m. h. S.
Mr. Bowens.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Daniel Duchemin, 12 January 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Duchemin, Daniel

Sir,
Passy 12 Jan 1781
I received the Letter you wrote me on the 9th. Inst. desiring me to procure you some Employ.— Being myself in want of a Sober & Honest Man to take care of my Family & serve me as Maitre d’Hotel or Steward; if you are willing & capable of filling such a Place you may come here and make a Trial for a Quarter. The Wages I give, are six hundred Livs. Tournois pr Annum, & no Perquisites.
I am, Sir, Your humble Servt.
BF
Mr. D. Duchemin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 12 January 1781
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lahaie 12e. Janv. 1781.
De retour ici d’Amsterdam, j’espere que vous avez reçu celles que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire de là. Nous partimes Samed matin, Mr. Adams, Mr. Searle & moi, par Leide & La Haie, pour Rotterdam, où nous avons laissé Mr. Searle continuer sa route pour Bruxelles & Paris; & Mr. Adams, de son côté, partit hier pour retourner à Amsterdam. Lundi passé arriva ici un Courier des Plenipes. [Plenipotentiaires] de la Rep. à Petersbourg au Gd. Pense. [Grand Pensionnaire], dépêché le 19 Dec. Sa Dépêche porte que l’Impératrice Satisfaite du contenu de celle de L. h. p; du 27 Nov., avoit vu, avec indignation plutôt qu’avec etonnement, les deux derniers Mémoires de Sir J. Y. qu’elle étoit parfaitement bien disposée pour la rep., que la convention seroit signée le 23 Dec., qu’immédiatement après, les Plénipes. déploieroient le caractere d’Ambrs. Extraordes., & dépêcheroient un autre Courier avec la convention signée. On attend ce dernier à tout moment, pour publier le Manifeste, tout prêt, que mérite la conduite de la Gr. Br. Ce délai n’est que formalité. Car hier on résolut de distribuer des Lettres de Marque, qui S’expédient dès aujourd’hui, non seulement à tous Armateurs particuliers, mais aussi à tous les Vaisseaux de guerre de l’Etat contre la nation Brit. Quant à la décision de la Cour de Justice d’Hollde., elle ne pourra avoir lieu qu’à la mi-février: mais on sait d’avance qu’elle sera bonne. Jusque-là Mr. Van Berkel differera encore de reparoître ici. Je ne sais si dans mes Lettres d’Amsterdam, je vous ai presenté, Monsieur, mes voeux pour la nouvelle année. Comme ils sont tous les jours dans mon coeur, pour vous ainsi que pour la cause Américaine, si j’avois omis de les manifester, ce ne peutêtre que par inadvertance pour une cérémonie, au-dessus de la quelle vous êtes parfaitement. Je ne sais si ma constitution, qui a souffert beaucoup depuis un an, me permettra de vivre assez pour voir l’accomplissement du triomphe des Etats-unis. Si Dieu disposoit de moi, daignez les faire souvenir, que je laisse une femme & une fille, qui seroient très-malheureuses si elles n’étoient pas soutenues & secourues.
Je suis avec le plus de respect & attachement, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obeissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S. E. M. B. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin / Min. Plenipe. des Etats-unis / &c. / Passy./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 12 January 1781
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Dublin 12 Jany. 1781
With the fullest confidence of your Excellencys readiness in assisting those who are distressed, particularily when such distresses, happen in the Course of human affairs and not brought upon men for any act of theirs, I flatter myself, that my Pardon for the Liberty I take, and the request I make will be most cordialy Granted.
My worthy Fellow-Citizens of Dublin touched with the General Calamities with which Providence has thought to Visit the West India Islands, have this day agreed to send them some provisions & Cloathing; Permit me, therefore, in the Name of my Fellow-Citizens who have been always conspicuous for Acts of Virtue and universal Benevolence, humbly to Entreat a Pasport & Protection from all Ships of war & Privateers for Such Vessel as they may freight by and on account of them for that Sole purpose—
Permit me also, most Earnestly & Respectfully, to Entreat your Excellencys humane Interest & favor in obtaining a Similar Passport & Protection from the Court of France and from the Spanish Embassador at Paris—
The Cause of Humanity and the Instantaneous Necessity of releif induces me to hope that I shall have the Honor and particular favor of a friendly & Speedy answer—
Sincerely wishing your Excellency & all your family many returns of the present season
I remain with the Greatest respect Esteem & Regard Your Excellencys most obt: and Very obliged Humble Sert.
Edward Newenham

P.S. Your Excellencys Answer will come by post, & if the pasports are confined to such Vessels as Sir Edward Newenham shall Certifie for I will answer for the faithfull discharge of the Trust.

Addressed: His Excellency Dr: Bn: Franklin / Minister Plenipoy: / from the united states / at / Paris
Notation: Edward Newenham Dublin 12 Jany. 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Coffyn, 13 January 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Coffyn, Francis

Sir,
Passy, Jan. 13. 1781
I received your several Favours of Dec. 15 & 27. I thank you much for the timely News you sent me of the English Declaration of War against Holland. I believe that tho’ they may make some present Profit by so unjust a Proceeding, they will in time have great Cause to repent of it.
Mr Wharton was still in France when you wrote to me concerning him, having been unfortunately detain’d many Months at L’Orient by the Alliance going off without him, & the Accidents that befel the Ariel. He did not sail till the 18th past. His Brothers at Philadelphia with whom I suppose he is connected in Business, are Men of good Substance & Character, and I imagine there is no Danger of your expected Remittances, tho’ the Circumstances of War may occasion some Delay.— The Luzerne is return’d to L’Orient, and perhaps you have now receiv’d Letters relating to that Affair.—
Only one of the four Men you reliev’d, viz. Heminway, appear’d here.—
I have the honour to be, with much Esteem Sir,
Mr Coffyn Negt. Dunkerque


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 14 January 1781
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and Honoured Sir
Philadelphia January 14 1781
Your letter by Capt Read has afforded us great Pleasure, tis’ a long time since we have been made so happy, our little Benjamins improvement has delighted us, Your answer to his letter is one of the best in the world, William shall get it by heart, and I hope they will neither of them ever forget it— the letter you mention to have wrote telling us Benny had obtained a prize has never yet come to hand, I have wrote several times lately, but I hear there are seven vessels out of twelve carried into N York, I am much afraid more of my letters go there, than what reach France.

Many People have been very much alarmed lately, by the Soldiers of the Pensilvania line leaving their Officers and Marching towards this City to demand their Cloathing and pay from Congress, they have been without both for a long time, and frequently without provisions, in Marching down they were Commanded by a Serjeant, and the greatest regularity observed, and tho a hogshead of Rum was given them at Princetonn they never drank a drop, gaurd was kept at all the Tavern doors during their stay there— they declared on coming off, that if the Enemy should come out of N York, they would turn back immediately, that they by no means meant to give up the Cause, but would fight whenever ocasion called as bravely as ever they had done, two Spies, a British Serjeant and one Ogden a Reffuge were sent out to them by Sir Harry Clinton, offering to send a party out to conduct them Safe to him, when he would pay them all that was due from the Congress who he said were neither able nor willing to pay them, and after all to leave them at liberty to join him or not as they should think proper, they rejected his proposal like Americans, delivered up the spies to the Philad. light horse, who went out with the President of the State to prevent their coming on to town. Sir Harry’s Embassadors have receiv’d their reward, I trust their are no more Arnolds amongst us, last night we had the Pleasure to hear the matter was happily setled but how I know not and the Soldiers returning to Camp, there is still a great deal of Virtue left in the Army, I do not know what would become of us if there were not, for our great folks appear to me to be intirely taken up with trying to raise their Fortunes, or endeavouring to gain honners, this is quite an altered place since you left us, but all revolutions produce a change of manners, and we are not to wonder at the alterations we now see—
I hear Mr Payne is gone to France with Mr Lawrence, he did not call on us, I had a little dispute with him more than a year ago about Mr Deane, since which time he has never even moved his hat to me, he has lately wrote a Pamphlet called Public Good, which you will receive, tis called sensible, but he appears througout to be much afraid of his old employers the Lee’s, who are interested Virginians, there never was a man less beloved in a place than Payne is in this, having at different times disputed with everybody, the most rational thing he could have done would have been to have died the instant he had finished his Common Sense, for he never again will have it in his power to leave the World with so much credit— The Marques de Fayatte did us the honnour of a Visit when in Town, he is expected here again to stay some time, he is greatly admired and belove’d wherever he goes.— The French officers are genneraly spoken very higly of, your Mrs Greene in a late letter to me says “The French Troops in Rhoad Island, are under such strict disapline that the inhabitants suffer but very little from them, the Officers have Won many of the Tory Ladies, that could not bear the thoughts of their coming, they are very high in our Books—” Our Family are now very well, I am obliged to be very carefull of myself— Mr Bache will write, the Children join in duty with Your Affectionate Daughter
S Bache


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 15 January 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bondfield, John

Sir,
Passy, 15. Jany. 1781.
In Case Mr. John Vaughan should present himself before you to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America; this is to request and authorise you, to administer the same to him.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
(signed) B.F.
Mr. J. Bondfield.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 15 January 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir
Passy, Jan. 15. 1781
I am much in your Debt on Account of Letters. I have had a long Fit of the Gout, and am but just getting abroad again after near 10 Weeks Confinement. I have accepted your Bill. I shall write fully to you & Mr Carmichael very soon. This accompanies a Number of Pacquets & Letters for you from Ams. which I have done up in two Pacquets. I wish you & yours every Felicity, being with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble John Jay Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Durand neveu, 15 January 1781
From: Durand, ——, neveu
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
le 15. janvier 1781.
Dans une lettre de messieurs Les freres reycend Libraires a turin, jay recu Le petit Billet cy inclus, que je joins a la presente. Les mauvais temp, et mes incommodites mont empeche Daller moy meme faire cette commission. Comme je prevois ecire Lundy a turin, je vous prie de me faire savoir au dos de ce Billet, La reponse que je dois faire.
Jay Lhonheur detre, Monsieu, Votre tres humble serviteur
Durand NEVEU
adresse Durand neveu Libraire rue galande.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / Benjamin franclin ministre / Des etats unis de Lamerique / en son hotel / a Passy
Notation: Nevre 15 Janvr. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Jean Grosley, 15 January 1781
From: Grosley, Pierre-Jean
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Lundi 15 Janvr [1781]
Grosley qui n’a point perdu le souvenir du plaisir qu’il a eû de voir à Londres Monsieur francklin chez Le Dr. Pringle á ses conversations de Pall-mall, desireroit trés fort de se renouveller dans le plaisir.
Il auroit à l’entretenir du sujet d’un Mém. dont il a les materiaux prets pour La soc. Royle. de Londres; et il saisiroit avec le plus vif empressement l’occasion de voir l’egal de ces fameux Legislateurs des anciens peuples quos ad pugnam pulchrâ pro libertate.
Il demeure a Paris cul de sac du cloitre S. Germain l’auxerrois où il attendra les ordres de Monsieur francklin pour le voir soit à Paris soit à séve.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur francklin / En sa maison, / A Passi
Endorsed: Grosley


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Lafargue: Bill and Memoir, [15 January 1781]
From: Lafargue, Madame ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
[January 15, 1781]
La Delafargue a servi Monsieur DIne [Deane] place Louis Quinze, en qualité de Cuisiniere pendant treise mois Et quatre Jours a compter du 5 May 1777 quelle Est Entrée a son service ainsi qu’a Celuy de Monsieur franclin ou Elle a pris la place de la Pilé Cuisiniere aux mêmes gages quelle avoit, et ou il y avoit beaucoup de travail, ayant été forcée de payer a ses fraix un garçon de Cuisine. quelle supplie ces Messieurs de luy tenir Compte. Savoir sa place de Cuisiniere a 300 l.t. par an, trentesix Livres par an de Blanchissage, et six sols par jour de Vin.

pour Un an de Gages
300
”
”

pour Un Mois
25
”
”

pour 4 Jour
3
6
9

pour 13 mois de Vin a 9 l.t. par mois
117
”
”

pour 4 Jours a 6 sols
1
4
”

Un an de blanchissage
36
”
”

pour Un mois Et quatre Jours Idem
3
8
”

pour le Garçon de Cuisine quelle a payé pendant 11 mois a raison de 6 l.t. par mois
66
”
”

Total de ce qui revient a la Cuisiniere de la fargue
551.
18.
9.

II
[on or before January 15, 1781]
Mme. La Nommée Lafargue a eu L’honneur de Servir Monsieur franklin En qualité de Cuisiniere l’Espace de treize Mois & quatre Jours Tant a la place Louis 15 qu’a Passy. Il plut apres Cette Epôque a M. de franclin de prendre Un Maitre d’hôtel. Et avant son arrivée, M. de franclin fils prevint Mame. lafargue de ne faire aucune dépense, Luy disant qu’il alloit bientot arriver Un Mtre. D’hotel, ce qui n’ayant pas eu son effet dans le tems dit; Et la Maison, manquant de Tout nécéssaire, (ce qui fut representé a Monsieur de franclin fils) Alors Il ordonna a la Cuisiniere de faire a l’ordinaire les avances, Elle Régla enfin son Mémoire avec M. le fils pour le tems passé, sous l’Espérance ordinaire que la dépense qu’elle avoit fait seroit portée dans le mois suivant, et que le Maitre D’hotel arrivant luy rembourseroit le Courant, au Contraire, ce Chéf arrivé. Il fut ordonné a Md lafargue de luy remettre Toutes les Cléfs, et les Dépenses en Nature, quelle avoit fait Tant en Volaille que pour L’office, ce qui se montoit a Environ Vingt quatre livres que le Maitre D’hôtel refusa de Luy rembourser. Finalement n’y ayant point d’arrangement, Elle sortit, et deux Jours aprés Elle fut retrouver le Mtre: D’hotel pour son remboursement comme il Est dit cydessus. Il Luy fit Reponse que Mons. franclin fils luy avoit donné Un billet qui Constatoit quelle Etoit payée de tout. L’Epicier n’est pas non plus satisfait, et s’est addressé a Mme. Lafargue pour l’être, elle le renvoya Chés Mr. franclin qui Luy refusa son payement.
Mme. lafargue a L’honneur de prier Monsieur de franclin pere de Luy rendre Justice en luy faisant rentrer les avances quelle a faites, et la mettant a labry des demandes de l’Epicier. C’est dans cét Espoir et sous luy, qu’elle sera pour la Vie avec Respect.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 15 January 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
New Windsor Jany. 15th. 1781
I have the honor of addressing this letter to you by Colonel Laurens, one of my Aid De Camps, whom Congress has been pleased to Commission for particular purposes to the Court of Versailles.—
Justice to the character of this Gentleman conspiring with motives of friendship will not permit me to let him depart without testifying to you the high opinion I have of his worth as a Citizen & as a Soldier.— You will find him a man of abilities, perfectly acquainted with our circumstances, and exemplary for his honor and candor,— I can with pleasure add assurances of his attachment to you personally and of his perfect disposition to conform to his instructions by availing himself of your advice & assistance upon all occasions; and, with this conviction, I confidently take the liberty of recommending him to your friendship.—
The present infinitely critical posture of our affairs, made it essential in the opinion of Congress to send from hence a person who had been eye-witness to their progress, and who was capable of placing them before the Court of France in a more full and striking point of light than was proper or even practicable by any written communications.— It was also judged of great importance that the person should be able to give a military view of them and to enter into military details and arrangements— The choice has fallen upon Colonel Laurens as a Gentleman who unites all these advantages and adds to them an integrity and an independence of character which renders him superior to any spirit of party.—
What I have said to him, I beg leave to repeat to you, that to me nothing appears more evident than that the period of our opposition will very shortly arrive, if our Allies cannot afford us that effectual aid, particularly in money and in a naval superiority which are now solicited.— Colonel Laurens is so fully possessed of my ideas—of our situation and wants—and has himself so thorough a knowlege of them that I should trouble you to no purpose by enlarging—
You may place entire confidence in him, and in the assurances that I am with the warmest Sentiments of respect esteem & regard Dr Sir Yr. most Obedt. & most Hble Servt
Go Washington
The Honble Doctr. Franklin

Notation: Le Gl. Washinston / 22


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 16 January 1781
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond. Sir
Philadelphia January 16th. 1781
About a Week ago Captain Read brought us, what made us all very happy, a Letter from you, of the 4th. October; we had been so long without hearing from you, that we esteemed it quite as a New years Gift. It was delivered us the day after your birth day, When, by your account to Doctor Bond, some time ago, you must have got back to the Age of Sixty three— We have received much pleasure & satisfaction from Ben’s last Letter to you & yours to him, I hope the little Fellow will derive great advantage from your wise Instruction & Advice; I wish you may find leisure enough to visit Geneva, a Journey may put off your attacks of the Gout; we hear you had a pretty severe one, after your writing to us & before Captain Read sailed; the little Excercise your Garden afords you, I am afraid is not competent to this— I visited the Friends of Messrs. Foulke & Fox, & read them the paragraph of your Letter, which respected them, they were made happy by your notice of them— I have wrote you by four or five different conveyances lately, & have regularly sent you the Dutch & English papers; by the Shelala Capt. Holmes, I sent you, the Nuts & Apples Temple wrote for, I likewise transmitted to you your Interest Bills— I now hand to you some more Newspapers, the little pamphlet, on the Delaware Indian Language, which you write for, & a Pamphet lately published, called Public Good, wrote by Mr. Payne seting forth the Claim & Right of the United States to the vacant unapropreted Lands, & pointing out the just & reasonable boundaries of the state of Virginia, it is reckoned a piece of some merit, & may amuse you; the Author has since taken his departure for France, under the Auspices of Colonel Laurence, who goes over thither in a public Character—

Should either M. Regnier & M. Dezoteux come this way, I shall shew them every Civility in my power, I have the inclination to do this to every Frenchman of Charactor & Reputation that comes amongst us, but my Abilities are very limitted— I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with several Gentlemen of the French Army, that have come from Rhode Island this Winter to see Philadelphia among whom there are two, well acquainted with you, Vizt. The Chevalier De Chataleaux, & Count Du Ponts, the latter desired me to make his respects to you, when I wrote; they are both Men of great Merit and were much esteemed here; the former is a Gentleman of much Inquiry, & thirsts after the knowledge of every thing, their stay was not long with us, but they departed well pleased with the place—
Sally has given you the News; I need not therefore repeat it; besides this, we had some disagreeable accounts from Virginia yesterday of the Enemy landing & marching to Richmond, burning the public buildings, destroying the public records, & doing other considerable damage in the vicinity of it; we are told they have destroyed likewise the famous Gun Factory about Six miles from Richmond, (perhaps that was their principal Object) and that after staying two days there they retreated down James River again, our accounts are but imperfect, but what I give you is the substance of them— The Party was commanded by the infamous Arnold, who, it seems, is bent upon doing his Country as much Mischief as he can— The War, ’till lately has been so long at such a distance from Virginia, that she almost forgot there was such a thing existing in America; being long unmolested, she lulled herself into Security, & was thence unprepared for an attack— The Great Dominion suffers in reputation on this account, whilst she is aiming at extensive Territory, she suffers her very Vitals to be wounded.—
With the joint Love & Duty of the Family— I remain, Dr. & Hond. Sir Your affecte. Son
Rich. Bache
Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from G. Aubin de St. Lambert, 16 January 1781
From: Aubin de St. Lambert, G.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Le 16 janvier 1781
Sans doute quiconque a une ame sensible aura régretté plus D’une fois L’ancien etat sauvage De L’humanité, et beni Ces Douces Vertus bienfaisantes, Dedaignées en grande partie et bannies aujourdhuy chèz Les hommes réunis en societé. Accoutumée a Voir La Verité par elle même sans deguisement je me crois autorisée a m’élever à Celui qui est Le Legislateur Eclairé De tous ses Droits, et implorer moi même Dans un moment très Calamiteux sa puissante protection. Oui; D’aprés avoir mise inutilement toute ma Confiance en ces Demi-Dieux que Le vulgaire adore, je dis plus, En Ces êtres asservis aux préjugés, Enrichis, et Echaufés De Lumieres Etrangéres j’ai récours enfin à Vous. Je me flatte en toute surêté. Oui je me flatte, Monsieur, qu’en me destinant un jour fixe pour une audience particuliere, et en me permettant De Vous présenter un pere ci devant Commandant Les fregates Du Roi, Vous remporterez alors un jugement bien Different à notre Egard De Celui Des Ames Communes, rampantes, et par habitude insensibles, aux Malheurs, et Vous honorerez surêment Du moindre De Vos bienfaits Celle qui a L’honneur d’être avec Le plus profond respect Votre très-humble et très-obeissante servante
G. Aubin De ST. Lamberthôtel royal rüe pontaux choux au marais

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ambassadeur du Congrès / A passy
Notation: G. Aubin de St. Lambert 16 Janvr. 1781.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ferdinand Grand, 17 January 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand

Passy, Jan 17. 1781.
Mr. Franklin delivered the Proposition in Writing to Mr. Vergennes, who read it and said, Je tacherai d’arranger tout cela pour vous.
Mr. F. mentioned it afterwards to Mr. de Chaumont, who said it was not necessary, for that M. Cotin had now the means of making the Affair easy.
Mr. F. is ready always to give the Promisses in gross, and desires to do that till the Small ones can be got ready;— but they will require time.
M. Grand.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Duchemin, 17 January 1781
From: Duchemin, Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Damiens Le 17 janvier 1781
Je Suis penetrez Monsieur de reconnaissanse pour les offres obligante que vous Daignez me faire et La Confianse dont vous mhonoré jen Sens Tous le prix mais jugez de ma position. Jé ici une femme et une fille quy croyoit mavoir perdu et quy mayant retrouvé depuis un nombre Dannées craignant que je ne Leur Echape Encore, je ne puis me refuser a leur Tendresse et me Sauver de leur bras. Baucoup Dhonetes gens de ce payis Se Sont interressé pour moy me procure une plase que jestime sans Contredire baucoup moins que celle que vous moffrez mais puije me Refusez a des Sentiment Si lejitimes je me reserve a reclamer toujours lhonneur de votre protection pour la justise quy mest düe par les Etast au moins quand les Sirconstanse deviendront plus favorables; jay lhoneur detre Monsieur le plus humble et le plus Soumis de vos Serviteurs
Daniel Duchemin

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin ministre/de lamerique septentrional a la / Cour de franse a Passi par / Paris a Passy
Notation: Daniel Du Chemin Amiens Le 17 Janr. 1781.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 18[–20] January 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir,
Passy, Jan. 18.[–20] 1781.
Since my last I have been favoured by yours of Decemr. 1, 7, 14 21, 25, & January 1. by which you have kept me constantly well informed of the State of Affairs. Accept my Thanks. You may depend on my mentioning your Diligence & Services to Congress, in the Manner they merit.

Tho’ I have been some Weeks free of the Gout, my Feet are still tender, & my Knees feeble, so that going up and down Stairs is exceedingly difficult & inconvenient to me. This has prevented my going much out, so that I had not the honour I wished of waiting on the Ambr. when he was here, & paying the Respects I owe him; and he returned suddenly.
I much approve of the Step you took the 16th. of Decr. before Messrs. Adams & Searle. I received the Copy.
I wonder’d to find that you had not in Holland, on the 28th., received the Declaration of War, but have since learnt how it happen’d. Surely there never was a more unjust War; it is manifestly such from their own Manifesto. The Spirit of Rapine dictated it; & in my Opinion every Man in England who fits out a Privateer to take advantage of it, has the same Spirit, & would rob on the Highway in his own Country, if he was not restrained by Fear of the Gallows. They have qualified poor Capt. Jones, with The Title of Pirate, who was only at War with England: but if it be a good Definition of a Pirate, that he is Hostis humani Generis, they are much more Pirates than he, having already made great Progress towards being at War with all the World. If God governs, as I firmly believe, it is impossible such Wickedness should prosper.
You will receive this by Mr. Deane, who has a great Regard for you, and whom I recommend to your Civilities; tho’ the Gentlemen at present with you may be prejudiced against him: Prejudices that Time will cause to vanish, by showing they were groundless. I inclose a Pacquet for Leiden, which I shall be glad to hear is deliver’d Safe, and therefore desire your Care of it. With great Esteem, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin

P.S. Jan. 20. Since writing the above I have receiv’d yours of the 12th. Instant. I am glad to hear that the Affairs of the Republick have taken so good a Turn in Russia. If not inconvenient or improper, I should be glad to know what pass’d relating to public Affairs while 67 was at your 31, & whether he saw 25, &c.
With this you will receive three Letters for Mr Laurens, which I request you would forward to Mr Adams.
Be of good Courage, & keep up your Spirits. Your last Letter has a melancholy Turn. Do you take sufficient bodily Exercise? Walking is an excellent thing for those whose Employment is chiefly sedentary.
Mr. Dumas

Endorsed: S.E. Mr. B. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 January 1781
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir
Nantes Jan. 18.1781.
Since mine per last Post I have furnished to Mr Carier my Draft on you at 4 Days date £17014.10. which is to replace my

Dfts on Mr de Chaumont of 16 Sept. No.
353
  3000.

354
  3100

355
  3200

356
  3300

357
  4414.10

  17,014:10

If these drafts are paid by Mr de Chaumont it will be unnecessary to accept mine, as all I draw on you is only to repay what Mr de Chaumont may fail to do, and the Banker who has the above draft will return it to Mr Carier here without Protest if Mr de Chaumont should go on paying, but if he should finaly fail I beg you will see due honour done to my Signature.— All the other Drafts which I advised of yesterday I beg may be honoured at any Rate as I have received the Cash for them, and if Mr de Chaumont should not pay I will replace the money.— I once more beg that my Signature may not suffer dishonour & am with the greatest Respect & Affection ever Yours most dutifully—
Jona Williams J

Notation: J Williams Jan 18 1781