Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François de Boy, 12 August 1780
From: Boy, Pierre-François de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  from Paris the 12th: August 1780
  May it please your HonourSir
I have Given Myself, My Petition, the 10th: of this Month, to the Minister of the Marine, I take the Liberty to Sent, to your Honour, the Copy of it, et I humbly Beg you to present it to him, And to favour it, With a Word too your protection.
I have lost all my things, When the British troops have taken Brunswick, I have, Also, Suffer’d Great deal in your Country, by Making the War During three years. My Commission is Bearing date the 7th. october 1776. till 9th. April 1779. in Which time the Hble: Congress Grant’d me thouzand Dollars, as Gratification, and to Defray My Expence to go to France, but the Ennemys have taken me prisonner (on the Brick the Eagle Captne: Ashmed) and Stol’d me &ca; having bring me to St: Kits.
Very Much oblig’d, to your honour, to See Mr. De Sartine about this Matter, and to pray him to Employ me accordingly to My Wishes; and I Will be very Gratefull to all your kindnesses, I am With Great Respect Sir of your Honour the Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant
De BoyMajor D’Infanterie au Service des Etats unisde L’Amerique a L’hotel De Berlinrue De Grenelle St. honoré

N.B. the Hble: Congress in their Journals have Written My Name, De Bois but t’is De Boy

Notation: Du Bois. Paris Augt. 12. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 12 August 1780
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,St. Ildephonso Aug. 12th. 1780.
I did myself the Honor of answering yours of the 17th. of June by a Courier from the French ambassador, but not having the Copy of my Letter to you, with me here, I cannot recollect the Date. M. Jay Sent by the same conveyance Sir John Dalrymples memorial and others papers. M. Cumberland Still remain at Madrid, but as the Count de Montmorin doth not appear uneasy in this Account, altho’ his Court is as much interested as we are, the Residence of this Gentleman doth not give us so much Apprehension, as we should otherwise feel from this Circumstance and the Misterious Conduct of this Court.
Our affairs are in much the same Situation as when I last wrote, but I hope a little time will remove our doubts and show more clearly the Intentions of his Catholic Majesty. We are without remittances or Information from Congress, altho’ the Count de Montmorin hath received Letters from the Chevalier de La Luzerne as late as the 12th. of May.
The uneasiness which you have so often experienced in a similar Situation will lead you to compassionate ours at present, and as M. Deane is probably now with you, I hope you will prevail upon him to give us an ample detail of the actual State of america & of our Friends there, which it will be proper to convey by a Courier from the Court. I cannot too often repeat my Sense of the Friendly Conduct of the Ct. de Montmorin’s Conduct.
I have been assured by the Gentlemen I mentioned to you in my last that no such manuscripts exists on the Library of the Escurial, as those mentioned by Sir J. D.
The Courier that brings this informs us of the arrival of a Convoy from St. Domingo at Cadiz. The Ct. D’Estaing hath been received with much Distinction here, & various Conjectures are formed of his Destination. He hath frequent and long conferences with the Ministers, & appears to be in very good Spirits. It is hoped, that the Cadiz Grand Fleet which sailed the 29th. Ulto. consisting of 36. Sails of the Line hath Joined that of Ferrol, which will make it amount to 40. Mr. … had much to gain. M. Jay informs me that he has written to you on the subject of Money. I am much afraid to touch on that thing, but necessity must plead my Excuse. I therefore beg leave to tel you, that I have touched only 4800. Livres of my Salary since my appointment (now near nine months) & that the money you remitted M. Jay, is almost expended, without the least hopes of my receiving any more. My Expences since I left America amt. to upwards of 700 pounds sterlg. I mention this to you without knowing how far it will be in your Power to assist us.
I have not received from my name sake the Copies of Letters which you mention to have passed between Messrs. Grand & Lee. Depend upon it, that the Latter will do you all the Injury that malice can contrive and put in Execution. The Print you sent to Mrs. Jay hath served to excite Curiosity.
I know no present that I can make to the Princess de Masserano & Several others that will be so agreable; when we are in love with the Talents & reputation of any one, we wish to know something of his Physiognomy, and to have frequent occasions of contemplating it, If therefore my name sake will send me a few Copies of the same print, He may command my Services to procure him any thing in a similar way in this Country.
The Ct. de Montmorin honors me with such particular marks of Friendship & Esteem, that any of the Couriers to him will charge themselves willingly with the Care of them. I intreat you to mention me in the proper manner to those I had the Honor of seeing with you at Paris, particularly to Mr. Chaumont & family Mr. Grand & the family of the marquis de la fayette, whom no doubt you often see.
I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect Your Excellency’s most oblid. & most obedient Servant
(signed) William Carmichael

P.S. I have received a very civil & polite Letter from the Baron de Schulenburgh in answer to one I wrote him.

Have you any correspondence with that Court?
The Baron de Ramel late Minister of Sweden at this Court is probably at Paris, I beg you to mention to him the sense I have of his Civilities, if you should chance to see him. … and Friendship manner, which I attribute entirely to his desire of showing on all occasions the Union that subsist between his Court and the United States.— The Cte. D’Estaing observes the same Conduct. I have given you the trouble of reading Letter written with bad ink, and the moment before the Departure of the Courier from whose Dispatches you will probably obtain more Information than this Letter gives you. It will however I hope convince you, that I seize every Opportunity of assuring your Excellency how I am Your obliged & humble Servant.
(signed) W. Carmichael.
To B. Franklin Esqe.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mehaney, 13 August 1780
From: Mehaney, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirFortune Prison August the 13 Day 1780
I Take this Opertunetey to Let you know of My unhapey State At Present Sir I Belong to Capt Jones. I Was taken in one of his Small Boats of Ireland I Was Sent in persute after his Boat that they Run Away With & when We Landed they Made prisners [torn:of] Us And Sent us to this Prison. [I … h] I Am in Grate Nead of Some Money Sir I Was in Plymouth Prison from the yeare 1776 and then exchange & I Whent Un Board of Capt Jones in the yeare 1779 Sir if your honer please to Let Me have Some Releaf Derect it to the Revent Mr thos Wren of Porthmouth or Let him Supply Me With Clothes and a Small trifel of Money it twill Be the Means of Geting of My Librtey

P.S. Sir I have Ben All Most A 12 Month in this Prison And I hav Not had Any Cloathes and I Am Naked but I Mean to Stand it but tell the Last Minet [torn: one word missing:] Men is entren out Dayle Sir I [torn: am?] your fathfull Sarvent Thomas Mehaney

Addressed: To / the / honred Docter / franklin At / Paris in france
Notations: Mehaney Thomas Augt. 13. 1780. / Prisoners


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 13 August 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 13 Aout 1780.
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Monsieur, copie d’une Lettre que le Roi écrit à M. l’Amiral de France; vous y verrez la Jurisprudence qui sera suivie desormais à l’égard des Armements Americains qui se feront dans les Ports du Royaume; elle est conforme aux Principes que j’ai developpés dans la Lettre que je vous addressai le 24 Juillet dernier; et aux quels vous avez adheré. Vous m’obligerez, Monsieur, en me marquant si vous avez retiré les commissions dont étoient pourvus les Corsaire le Prince et la Princesse Noirs.
J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincerement, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Vergennes.
M. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 15 August 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,Passy Augt 15. 1780.
I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me the 13th. Instant, enclosing a Copy of the King’s Letter to M. the Admiral of France, concerning the future Judgment of Prizes brought in by Privateers fitted out in France, under Commissions of Congress. I accordingly transmit to the Conseil des Prizes, for their Judgment, some late Procés verbaux taken at Morlaix and sent to me by the Admiralty there. I have written to the Owners of the Black Prince & Princess, recalling their Commissions. The Answer I have received is, that the Black Prince is wrecked upon the Coast, and her Commission therefore void: That the Princess is out upon a Cruise, and that as soon as her Cruise is finished her Commission shall be returned to me; unless Permission can be obtained from Government to continue acting under it, which the Owners say they have applied for. I have had no other Interest in those Armaments than the Advantage of some Prisoners to exchange for my Countrymen.
With great Respect, I am Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. Count De Vergennes.

Endorsed: M. de R.
Notations in different hands: Août 15. Envoyé copie à M. de Sartine le 18. 7 bre. 1780. / rep le 21 aoust


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Simon-Pierre Fournier le jeune, 15 August 1780
From: Fournier, Simon-Pierre, le jeune
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurParis Le 15 aoust 1780
Je me Suis fait honneur en entier de votre Portrait a mon beau pere, qui étoit avec moi, et Principalement ma femme, qui a été au Comble. Je vous en Réitere mes très humbles Remercimens votre Portrait fait sur mon ame million de fois Plus de Plaisir que Les accessoires que j’ai cru devoir y faire. Jai été trop sensible a La maniere honnête et délicate avec Laqu’elle vous vous y etes Prété Pour ne Pas Persuader ma femme du cadot en entier. Je me suis flatté que vous me Permettriéz Cette juste Réfexion qui au yeux de ma femme et moi me fera toute La vie honneur, (étant de votre aveu que j’aye votre Portrait): Je desirerois Bien monsieur savoir Le jour de Cette semaine que vous me ferés L’honneur de venir voir ma fonderie. Si je vous Le demande, Monsieur, C’est Pour ne Point méloigner de Chez moi Pour avoir Le bonheur de vous recevoir avec Monsieur votre fils. Honnorez moi d’un mot de réponse.

Jay l’honneur d’être avec La Plus haute considération, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
FOURNIER Le JEUNE

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / à Passy.
Endorsed: make a little Answer to this that we will come on Friday next
Notations: Rep / Fournier Le Jeune le 15. aout 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 15[–22] August 1780
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble. Sir15[–22] Augst. 1780
Tho I cannot procure the Signatures of the Committee of foreign Affairs at this Moment nor the Resolve of Congress respecting Bills to be drawn on you to the amount of one hundred thousand Dollars passed 2 or 3 days ago, payable at 90 days Sight, yet I should be blameable if I did not thus far notify you. The Breach upon our Taxes at the Southward by the Possession which the Enemy have there made this disagreable Step necessary for the express purpose of supporting Genl. Gates in that Department.

The Honble. Mr. Laurens will be able on any Questions from you in corresponding to give you whatever the Gazettes do not convey.
Your most humble Servant
James Lovell

      P.S. Aug. 22d I now add the Resolves


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Tucker, 15 August 1780
From: Tucker, Jacob
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it Please your Honour.Forton Prison. August 15th 1780
I hope my Necesity at this time will Appologize for the Freedom I have taken In Acquainting you of my Situation, being now a Prisoner almost 27 Months being Destitute of Cloathing & Every Necessary of Life should Be Glad Your honour Would Take it into Consideration & send me some money to Releive My Real Wants. Your Honour Must understand That I Served in Defence of my Country on board The Continental frigate Boston Saml. Tucker Commander (and being a near Relation of Capt Tucker.) On our Cruize from L’Orient 7 Days We Captured The John & Rebecca. I Was put on board of her And on our passage to Boston was taken by the Porcupine frigate And Brought to England Where I have Remained Ever Since & When we shall get Relieved God only knows. Our Allowance here is hardly Enough for nature to subsist on. I hope Your honour Will Consider the Above & send me a little Relief And the favour Done Will be Ever Acknowledged by Your honour’s Most Obedient Humble Servant
Jacob Tucker

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Son Excellence Binjamin Franklin / ambassadeur plenipotentiaire des etats unis / et indepandants de l’amerique a la cour / de france. a Son hotel a Passy prés / Paris
Notation: Tucker Jacob Augt. 15. 1780.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine: Three Letters, 16 August 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

I.
Sir,Passy, Augt. 16. 1780.
I received the Letter your Excellency did me the Honour of writing to me the 14 Instant relating to some foreign Seamen which had been engaged for the Madame of Granville, but are now with Capt. Jones. The Demand of the Owners of that privateer seems to be just; and I shall write by the first Post to Capt. Jones to give them satisfaction either by returning The Seamen, or reimbursing the advances, as those Owners shall Chuse. With great Respect, I am &c.
M. De Sartine.

II.
Sir,Passy, Augt. 16. 1780.
M. Macreery, An American Merchant now in France, is desirous of prosecuting the following Plan of Commerce in Order to furnish North America with the Manufactures of France. He proposes to load his Ships with Provisions and Lumber proper for your Islands, to take their produce in Exchange and bring the Same to France returning to North America with the Value in manufactures. He requests a Permission for this Circuitous Trade, and that it may be carried on in North American Vessels, as such, paying no other Duties than these usually paid by French Subjects. If consistent with the Laws and Interests of this kingdom, he may be favoured with such a Permission, I wish it may be granted to him, with great Respect, I am, Sir

III.
Sir,Passy, Augt. 16 1780.
I have just received a Letter from Capt. Conklin of the Brig Whim, fitted out at New-London a Port of the United States, and belonging to one of their Subjects, acquainting me that the said Brigantine unfortunately ran on Shore in the Night of the 22d. past near la Tranche on the Coast of Poitou, but is got onto the isle de Rhé where She is repairing her Damages. That the Admiralty there, have taken Possession of her and the Cargo & detain the same, till they shall receive Orders from the Conseil des Prizes, to restore them, as the Cargo of Tobacco is wetted, and will suffer more, if not Speedily taken care of, the said Captain requests I would endeavour to obtain the Dispatch of that Order. I send herewith the Papers that have been transmitted to me, by which the Property & Consignment are manifested; and I beg the favour of your Excellency to expidite the Orders that the Conseil des Prizes shall judge right to be given on this occassion. With great Respect, I am &c
M. De Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Le Brigant, 16 August 1780
From: Le Brigant, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most honourable, an Most honouret doctor,à Treguier en Bretagne Le 16e aug: 1780.
Ce que Je prens La Liberté de vous addresser seroit très propre à dètruire une des Barrières que Le Genéral Conwai supposoit dernierement devoir faire un obstacle durable à L’independance des etats unis, qui vous ont tant D’obligation. Il démontre que Les Langues des Colonies Angloises, n’ètant que des dèbranchemens de Celle des Anciens gaulois et des Britaniens, rien de plus facile que de rapprocher Les filles de La mére, et de resserer de plus en plus encor des Liens, que l’amour de La Liberté, que Leurs ancètres genereux preferoient à La vie, et que Leur assosciatîon Doit rendre indissolubles pour toujours.
Vous êtes trop judicieux pour ne pas sentir Le mèrite d’une Telle dècouverte et pour refuser Les moiens de L’appliquer au Bien être du nouvel état. C’est un descendant de ces anciens Britaniens qui Les offre, qui avec La franchise, et le caractère de sès pères, différens de Leurs cruels hôtes, Les pirates Saxons, conserve encore Le fil de sa descendance, Le sang de sès pères, Leur Langage, et Leur nom. Je suis avec tous Les sentimens d’estime, et de respect qui vous sont dus, Sir, your most obédient humble servant
Le Brigant, Lawier freres(?)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Diot & Co., 16 August 1780
From: Diot, John, & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. sirMorlaix The 16th. August 1780.
We did ourselves the honnour to Write to you the 6th. Instant, to acquaint Your Excellency with the arrivall at Pontusval of the prize Enterprize, taken the 4th. by the Black Princess; this Serves now to forward to your Excellency the Procés Verbaux and Examinations taken by the Admiralty board of Brest, Which We hope will deem your approbation.
Since, the Said privateer Came in this Road again, on Friday night, with an other prize Called the St. Joseph, Captn. Ashweek Master, from Waterford bound to Labradore, taken the 9th. Instant, and 6 Ransomers, as par Particulars mentioned in the Abstract of the Journal hereinclosed. She landed allso 18. prisoners, whereof the Names are at foot of the Journal, which we deliver’d to Mr. Boucault, the Commissary, Who is to Send them off to morrow by the Indian Prince Carteel Ship, John Pearce commander.
Said Commissary will undoubtedly forward to Your Excellency Said Pearce’s receit for the above prisonners, and We don’t doubt but you have allready got the Receit for the former prisonners, Which are going by the Same Carteel Ship—
The Black Princess is to Sail again to morrow from hence, bound to an other Short Cruize and then for Dunkirk.
With due Respect We have the honnour to be, of Your Excellency The Most Obedient and Most humble Servants
Jn. Diot & Co
His Excellency B. Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to the Court of France Passy.

Notation: Diot & Co. Augt. 16. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 16 August 1780
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr SirMadrid 16 Augt 1780
On the 17th. July I wrote a Letter enclosing Copies of several interesting Papers, by Count Montmorins Courier. This Conveyance appeared to me as direct & secure as any I could expect to meet with. I hope you have recd. this Letter. You will percieve from it my Situation, which is really such as to constrain me to repeat my Request for a further Credit—pray let me hear from you by the Return of the Post. I ought now to be at St. Ildefonso—but I cannot go there and to Market too. Whatever Letters you may send me, should be under Cover to some Person here—the house of Druillet are friendly and I believe would take Care of them.
The Fate of the Bills drawn on me is not yet decided— I cannot tell you why in this Letter. I hope for the best, & do my best.
Mr De Neufville writes me that you have saved the Credit of Mr Laurens Bills— I am very happy to hear it, and I am sure our Country are much obliged to you. It appears to me that Mr De Neufville merits the thanks of america on this occasion, and If so he certainly ought to receive them.
Whether my Friends in america have forgot me, or whether their Letters cannot find the way here I know not, but the Fact is that I have recieved scarce any, & but one public one since I left the Delaware— we ought to have some other way of conveying Letters than the Post.
We have lost our little Girl— Adieu.
I am Dear Sir with very sincere Regards Your most obt Servt
His Exy Dr Franklin

Notation in Jay’s hand: To Dr Franklin 16 Augt 1780 Dr. [deliver] to Mr Grand covering the former


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [after 16 August 1780]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[after August 16, 1780]
Il m’est impossible mon bon papa d’allér ce matin déjeunér avéc vous; je suis toujours foible, souffrante et de plus fort affligée du désastre de la maison Bouffé vous sçavés combien ces dames sont mes amies! Faittes moi l’amitié mon chér papa de témoignér a mdes de Boullainvilliér et de Tonnére combien je suis chagrine de pérdre l’occasion de me trouvér avéc élles, elles ont eu mille attentions pour moi pendant ma maladie, et sont venuës me voir deux fois depuis; la premiére fois j’étois allér prendre l’air au bois, la seconde j’étois dans mon lit un de mes premiérs soins lorsque je pourrai faire quelques visittes sera de les allér remercier; adieu mon ami a ce soir, je compte absolument sur vous mes filles sur monsieur franklinét:/:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 17 August 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirAmsterdam August 17. 1780
I never was more amuzed with political Speculations, than Since my Arrival in this country.— Every one has his Prophecy, and every Prophecy is a Paradox.— One Says America, will give France the Go By. Another that France and Spain, will abandon America. A Third that Spain will forsake France and America. A Fourth that America, has the Interest of all Europe against her. A Fifth that She will become the greatest manufacturing Country, and thus ruin Europe. A Sixth that She will become a great and an ambitious military and naval Power, and consequently terrible to Europe.
In short it Seems as if they had Studied for every Impossibility, and agreed to foretell it, as a probable future Event.
I tell the first, that if the K. of France would release America from her Treaty and England would agree to our Independance, on condition we would make an Alliance offensive and defensive with her, America ought not to accept it and would not, because She will in future have no security for Peace even with England, but in her Treaty with France. I ask the Second, whether they think the Connections of America of So little Consequence to France and Spain, that they would lightly give it up?— I ask the third, whether the Family compact added to the Connection with America is a trifling Consideration to Spain? To the fifth, that America will not make manufactures enough for her own Consumption, these 1000 years.— To the sixth that We love Peace and hate War So much, that We can Scarcely keep up an army necessary to defend ourselves against the greatest of Evils, and to secure our Independance which is the greatest of Blessings; and therefore while We have Land enough to conquer from the Trees, Rocks and wild Beasts, We shall never go abroad to trouble other nations.
To the fourth, I Say that their Paradox is like several others, viz. that Bachus and Ceres did mischief to mankind when they invented Wine and Bread. That Arts, Sciences and Civilization have been general Calamities &c.
That upon their Supposition all Europe ought to agree, to bring away the Inhabitants of America, and divide them among the nations of Europe to be maintained as Paupers, leaving America to grow up again, with Trees and Bushes, and to become again the Habitations of Bears and Indians, forbidding all navigation to that quarter of the globe in future.— That Mankind in general, however are probably of a different opinion, believing that Columbus as well as Bachus and Ceres did a service to mankind, and that Europe and America will be rich Blessings to each other. the one Supplying a surplus of manufactures, and the other a surplus of raw materials, the Productions of Agriculture.
It is very plain, however, that Speculation and disputation, can do Us little service. No Facts are believed, but decisive military Conquests: no Arguments are seriously attended to in Europe but Force.— It is to be hoped our Countrymen instead of amusing themselves any longer with delusive dreams of Peace, will bend the whole Force of their Minds to augment their Navy, to find out their own Strength and Resources and to depend upon themselves.— I have the Honour to be, with great Respect, your most obedient servant
John Adams
His Excellency Dr Franklin

Notation J. Adams. Augt. 17. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, 17 August 1780
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

De Paris rue de Seine ce 17 Aout 1780.
Permettez vous Monsieur, et Illustre ami, que J’aye L’honneur de vous ecrire, pour vous prier avec Instance de vous intèresser auprès de M. De Sartine, pour M De Boy de Marseilles, qui a èté fait prisonnier en combattant pour la bonne cause en Amèrique, et qui a déja Lhonneur d’être connu de vous. Je ne vous engagerois pas à cette démarche, connoissant votre Sagesse, et votre Circonspection prudente, Si Sa demandé ne me paroissoit pas parfaitement juste. En effet qu’y a t il de plus fondé, que de demander à être encore employé, et dans le grade que comporte nos Services, après avoir Servi Le Roi, et l’Amèrique pendant Vingt trois ans, et Setre trouvé dans plusieurs actions Importantes, et notamment en Amèrique à la prise du Genl. Bourgoyne. Il est digne de vous Monsieur et Illustre ami, de vous intèresser au Sort de Ces françois Génereux, qui Se Sont empressés de passer dans le Nouveau Monde, pour Se joindre aux braves Americains, pour Soutenir la bonne cause. Jespere donc que vous voudréz bien m’accorder la grace que Je vous demande pour M De Boy, D’autant plus que Je n’entrevois pas dans la Sollicitation que Je vous prie de faire à M. De Sartine pour lui, rien comme je vous l’ai dit qui puisse blesser vos principes, et La Sage circonspection qui dirige toutes vos demarches.
J’ai Lhonneur dêtre avec les Sentimens les plus distingués d’éstime et d’attachement Monsieur et Illustre ami Votre très humble et très obeïssant Serviteur
Le Roy
M. Franklin

Notation Le Roy Paris Augt. 17. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 17 August 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 17. Aout 1780.
M. de Sartine, Monsieur, m’a fait remettre un mémoire qui lui a été présenté par le S. Jackson Jones Sujet des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale, lequel se trouve actuellement à Paris, ou un enchainement de Malheurs le reduit à la necessité de solliciter un emprunt d’argent pour retourner dans sa Patrie. Je vois par le Memoire que j’ai l’honneur de vous communiquer ci-joint que le S. Jackson Jones S’est deja adressé à vous, Monsieur, et que vous lui avez fait une avance de Trente guinées pour sureté de laquelle il a deposé entre vos mains une Lettre de change acceptée sur Londres. Avant de prendre un parti sur cette Demande, Je souhaiterois savoir votre Opinion, Monsieur, sur la personne de cet Americain, ce qui peut être venu à votre Connoissance des faits qu’il expose, le Degré de Sureté que presente l’Effet qu’il vous a remis tant pour l’avance que vous lui avez faite que sur celle dont il a encore besoin, l’Echeance fixe de cet éffet, enfin l’égard que peut meriter ce Particulier et la mesure d’intérêt que vous y prenez. Je vous serai très obligé de vouloir bien me le mander en me renvoyant la piece ci-Jointe.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre très parfaitement, Monsieur, Votre &c.
(signé) De Vergennes
M. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Russell, 18 August 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Russell, James

Sir,Passy, Augt. 18. 1780.
I had the Honour of receiving a Line from you dated the 13th. June, in which you acquainted me, that Mr: Hanbury was at Bath the 10th. drinking the Waters for his Health, but would certainly be in Town in a month or sooner, when I might depend on an answer to a Letter I had written to the Trustees. That Answer has possibly been sent but never came to my hands, of which I thought it right to acquaint you requesting a Copy, which if sent under Cover to any merchant at Paris will be more likely to reach me. With great Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, &c.
M. James Russel.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— David, 18 August 1780
From: David, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Paris le 18. aoust 1780.
M. David Secretaire de Legation de la Cour Palatine a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur francklin un Paquett qui lui a eté adressé par l’academie de Manheim. Il a celui de lui rendre en meme tems ses hommages./.

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur francklin Ministre / Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de / de L’amerique près du Roy / a Passy
Notation David Paris le 18. Aout 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 18 August 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirLondon Augt. 18. 1780
I recivd your letter of the 30th ulo. [ultimo] & forwarded Mr Peters Letter thro the means of His Bankers Messrs. Fuller, son & Co. The Spectacle glass has also been deliverd by our frd J T—p—e who was the person that applyd for it. He talks of pushing homewards very soon via Holland. A particular friend of mine, left for me about 3 weeks ago, both with Mr Bowens of Ostend & Mr De Neufville of Amsterdam a small parcell wch were to be forwarded to you in my name. They contain porcelane representations of Washington & yourself. I beleive the artist faild in doing yours or it was broke in the carriage so that I cannot say whether that will be forwarded on or not.
That Irish theif Jas. Barnet is still in London, & most likely will be soon taken on some high way robberry. I never was so deceivd & cheatd by a man in my life, cheifly owing to Mrs. W——t & a worthy man from So Caroa. (Mr Ch—n—ng) whom He also took in. As my letters both to yourself & Mr J A, nor those to Josa J——n from Mr. Ch—n—g, never got to hand, I am fearful He has made some improper use of them. What vexes me most is, that the Scoundrel went from hence to Ostend purposely to take Mr Bowens in for 8 Guins. on the strength of a common recommendatory Letter from me to Him, & which I shall be under an obligation to make good.
This will be carryd abroad and put in the Post at Ostend by Mr. Saml H—tl—y whom I wrote you relative to Capt C——m & who offerd you the Jama Spirit. He is a considerable mercht. of this place & a uniform friend to the cause of our Country. He goes to Holland & thence to Paris on similar business to that Mr. Barber was some time ago upon. He takes Mrs H——y abroad with Him & they will wait upon you if they visit Paris.
I had laid a scheme conjointly with Mr. H (who owns part of the Ship wch took Capn. C——m) to get Capn C releasd in consequence of Your having got two of Mr H——ys Captains liberated in France. The proper letters were written to the other owners at Dartmo, but it was Capn C——ms fate to be recommitted & put in the Black hole before our letters could get to hand. Since that pereod nothing could be done for Him towards getting his release. My friend at Plymo got early orders to supply all his wants & writes me he has done so & keeps an eye to his future intentions. His health has been very bad, but he is now better. He was I understand 40 days in the black-hole & all the letters sent to Him were stopt & sent up to the Admiralty as was the case with some former ones I wrote to his now companion Capt. M—n—y. This person would have effected his Escape had he been prudent & took advice of not coming out of Goal but singly; instead of this three or four others were taken with Him & carryd back. My frd. has also orders to supply Him with the necessarys He may want. We are not quite so well off in point of assiduity & cleverness in our Plymo friend as we are in that of Portso. but intentions are equally good. I beleive numbers stand now about 180 in one & 68 in the other prison. The board of Sick & Hurt have given a derect refusal to any Exchange but immediately man for man between this & france. It is a pity the American Cruizers do not hold more Prisoners & pay less attention to Ransoms.
Your Donation of six pence a week to each man was very gratefully & thankfully receivd. It has commencd near four weeks & my friends regularly pay it in. The dispondence among the men from the appearance of never getting exchangd is our greatest evil, & much argument is necessary to deswade them from Entering, which too many have done.
I have read your inclosures about Capt. C——m & the treatment of others carryd into Lisbon. For the present nothing can be done about it, & I lay up these complaints in a little bag to open on a future occasion. One of the most abominable practices of all is the robbing of almost every neutral Ship which is seen in the Channel by English Privateers under American Colours and committing acts of insult & theft that would disgrace Pirates. I have publishd many of these cases lately & continue to do so whenever I can get at names. I cannot pass by the mention of Lisbon without informing You that a Mr. ——— Dohrman has on many occasions shewn extraordinary civility & attention to many Amns who were carryd in Prisoners there some of whom I have seen in England. Mr Dohrman is a Nephew to the Dutch Consul Mr Gildermester. I am sorry to say it out of the whole British Factory, near a hundred of whom I know got very handsome Consignments & profits from Ama. not one (Mr Burn excepted) that have shewn the Americans any quarter. Nay they are openly hostile against them at a time too that I am very sure it is the wish of that Court to see the American Ships enter & trade unmolested. I know that Country & People very well, & I wish a proof could be drawn of their acceptance of American ships by some one or other unarmd merchantmen going from America there for a market.

As you must have recd accots. by the fleet lately arrivd in France from Chesapeak to as late dates as the 10 or 15th June I can send you nothing new from that quarter. Clintons arrival from the soward at N York is the latest accots we have had from America. A Ship is arrivd at Whitehaven which left Hallifax the 11th July & brings no accots whatever from thence, the quarter of N York, or more south, nor any the least tidings of Monsr Ternays or Greaves’s Fleet. The folly of all the Southern parts of America “coming in” as it was set forth with such industry, begins to abate considerably. The affair now they say must be decided in the West Indies, & most likely it is before this day. Nothing talkd of but the Russian bears and the northern league. Six sail still in the Downs & others they say are gone down Channel with their trade. Many attempts are made to laugh at this armd neutrality & ridicule it as nothing; but serious people look upon it to be wearing a solid & consistant face, by which the Dutch & other maratime powers will get what they have been long aiming at “That free Ships shall make free goods”. When this is establishd it will go near to annihilate the claim of Britain for the sole sovereign Dominion of the Sea. What measures will be adopted by our wise Ministry in respect to this northern Confedracy cannot easily be discoverd. They will hardly embroil themselves by stopping and searching these neutral combind fleets; nor does it appear they will totally acquiesce at least without the appearance of resistance to that hostile confederacy: I am informd They are going on in their usual way of littleness, & have given such ambiguous & equivocal orders to the Captns. of men of war that they will not know how to act under them— Thus they hope to preserve Engld from a northern war without tarnishing the British Flag.
The N York fleet has at last saild; abot 40 Ships under Convoy of one Frigate & they go directly for the Hook. There are no troops on board it tho the Papers say there are. I dont find any civil officer has saild or is going to their stations in So Carolina; It therefore appears to me that this Country does not expect to hold that very long, & that a military is the best Government for a Conquerd People. I dont find the war is meant to be pushd from thence towards No Caroa. or Virginia. I beleive no plan is fixd on for opperations in that quarter; They seem to trust intirely to the Depradations of detatchd partys of the Troops, & to the exigencies of the day. I am with the highest respect Dr Sir Your mo obligd & ob Sert
W S. C
His Excelly B F

Notation: Augt. 18. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Jackson Jones, [18 or 25 August 1780]
From: Jones, Edward Jackson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!Friday 1 O’Clock [August 18 or 25, 1780]
The Croud incident to the day, rendering my seeing you very precarious, I have taken the liberty of addressing you to remind you of my passport which if I do not get today may put me to an expense that I am by no means capable of bearing.
You will pardon me Sir, if in the distracted situation I am in, I tell you that you have involved me in a state that death itself is preferable to.— You assisted me with a part of what was really necessary to get me out of Paris—and by informing Mr. De Vergennes that you had furnish’d me with the whole you have prevented his intended good Offices.— The note for £100 was never meant to pay you with—the draft upon myself is a convincing proof of the assertion—and if it had been of no value my Honor would have remained unsullied by paying my debt to you.— My ability and not the means by which I became indebted, was the point to be consider’d— and I can safely declare that with one half the proofs I have in my possession, I ought to have establish’d a confidence necessary to obtain the loan of Fifty pounds— indeed the readiness with which the French Minister consented is a convincing proof— I shall take the liberty of calling on You at Passy to offer you the remaining security I have left— whose real value will amount to much more than your demand—and then I hope you will have no objection to my returning to London where as soon as I have accomodated myself and got such letters of recommendation as my sudden departure prevented me from obtaining I shall take Paris in my way to Bourdeaux.—
I am Sir Yours respectfully
E.J. Jones
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Benjamin Franklin / Ambassadeur des Etats / de L’Amerique Septentrionale / chez Monsr. de Vergennes
Notation: E.J.Jones. Friday 1 OClock


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ——— de Pavara, 19 August 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Pavara, —— de

Passy, Augt 19, 1780.
Mr Franklin presents his compliments to M. de Pavara, & returns his Book with many Thanks.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Mazzei, 19 August 1780
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,Genoa, August 19th. 1780.
The bearer of this will be my noble friend Mr. Celesia, whom you will probably remember, as he was Minister of this Republick in London from the year 55 to 60, & in consequence of his superiour talents must have been well acquainted with several of your worthy friends there. He is esteemed here for what he really is, an ornament to his Country, & his opinion is greedily sought for in the most important affairs of the State. He intends to pass a few weeks, perhaps 2. months in Paris. In giving him this letter to you I have in view not only your mutual satisfaction in conversing with each other, but likewise our publick interest. Such people ought to be candidly informed with the situation of our affairs, especially as the enemies are so industrious in spreading false reports to our prejudice. He will be able to inform you, that I have not been idle in my endeavours to confute them. I shall set out for Florence in a few days, & would be much obliged to you for the favour of a letter, as soon as convenient, to inform me of such things as may be apt to dispose the minds of the People there, & especially of the Sovereign, in our favour. I have the honour to be with respect & esteem, Sir, Your Excellcy’s: most Obedt. & most humble Servant
Philip Mazzei

P.S. I wish that my letters may be given to Mr. Favi to be sent under cover for greater security.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from “Comte” Julius de Montfort de Prat: Two Letters, 19 August 1780: résumés
From: Montfort de Prat, “comte” Julius de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
<Paris, August 19, 1780, in French: I am the innocent victim of a terrible woman, Mme de Villeneuve. She will not forgive me for having proposed marriage to her daughter, who is of age and free to dispose of her fate. She has not ceased visiting Inspector Brugniere and Commissary Ninnin; unable to destroy me through civil law they decided to resort to criminal law. They persuaded a simple and credulous wheelwright named Macon to pursue me for not having paid for a carriage I purchased, even though I still have three months to do so, and for signing myself since my return from America as “Montfort d. P.” instead of “Prat-Montfort” in order to dupe people. I am even accused of not having held the rank of major in America, but of having been a servant. These calumnies resulted in my arrest. Held incommunicado, I am at this moment finally able to write.
Respectable representative of a nation I served at the price of great suffering, you will not abandon me in my hour of distress when my only failing consists in a few debts which I soon will be able to repay. As to my name, I never hid that I was originally named Prat. No one can be harmed if I call myself Montfort. Everyone in our province knows that my father, Jean-Baptiste-Julien Prat, seigneur du Tour Lavaissiere, avocat at the Parlement of Toulouse, lived honorably from the income of his estates.
Now that my honor is under attack, I trust you will deliver me an ambassadorial certificate stating that J. Ant. J. Prat, comte de Montfort, served with distinction as a captain and a major in the American army in order that I may use it with the certificate signed by Secretary of Congress Thomson.
I hear that M. Deane has arrived. He certainly will confirm the good reputation I enjoyed in America. So too will the letter from your friend General Roberdeau and so also can testify the doctor from Philadelphia whom your son would have met had he been able to dine at my house the day before I was arrested. You have all the reasons in the world to perform this act of justice.>

II.
<Undated but written later the same day, in French: Sir, your testimony is absolutely critical to my case. Please ask me in an official manner for the documents I left with you in Passy. Since they have been seized by the police, this is the only way I have to bring them to the judge’s attention. Do not abandon me.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 19 August 1780
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles le 19. Aout 1780.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec La Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 16 de ce mois, les pieces relatives au Brigantin Américain le Whim, entré à l’Isle de Rhé pour se reparer après avoir fait côte pres de Trance en Poitou. Je me suis empressé de faire passer ces pieces au Conseil des Prises et je ne doute pas que ce Tribunal ne rende son Jugement le plus promptement possible.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la Consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
(signé) De Sartine
M. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 20 August 1780
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 20. Aout 1780.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 16. de ce mois relativement au S. Macreery Négociant Americain qui se propose d’importer d’Amerique dans les Colonies Françoises des objets de Commerce utiles à ces Dernieres, et rapporter en france les Denrées coloniales qu’il aura reçues en retour. Les ports de France et ceux des Colonies étant ouverts aux neutres pendant la Guerre Le Sr. Macreery peut sans aucune Difficulté suivre la Branche de Commerce qu’il se propose d’établir tant que la Guerre durera, et sa Majesté accorde avec encore plus de plaisir à Ses alliés une Facilité qu’elle a cru ne pas devoir refuser aux sujets des puissances Neutres.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la Consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Sartine.
M. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Conkling, 21 August 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Conkling, Joseph

SirPassy, Augt 21. 1780.
Immediately upon the Receipt of yours acquainting me with your Misfortune, and the Vessel & Cargo was in Possession of the Admiralty, I apply’d to the Minister of the Marine, & laid before him the Papers you enclos’d to me with your Letter requesting that the said Vessel & Cargo might be delivered to the Consignees. Inclos’d I send you the answer. I have just received from him. I hope the Orders will arrive by the same Post with this Letter. I have the Honour to be, Sir,—
Captain Conklin Commr. of the Brigantine Whim of New London now at la flote in the Isle of Rhé. chez M. de Chezaux.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 21 August 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 21. Aout 1780.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, La Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 15. de ce mois. Nous n’empecherons pas nos Corsaires de prendre le Pavillon Americain pourvu qu’ils ne pretendent pas que ce Pavillion les soustrait à l’autorité des Loix et des Tribunaux du Royaume. C’est une Condition qu’il sera de votre Sagesse de prescrire à tous ceux que vous jugerez à propos d’accorder des Lettres de Marque.

J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincerement, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Vergennes.
M. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 22 August 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,La Haie 22e. Août 1780
Je n’ai rien présentement d’interessant à vous faire parvenir, si ce n’est la traduction que j’ai faite du Protest fait il y a près de deux mois par la Ville d’Amsterdam.
Je fis hier une visite au Prince de Gallitzin, Envoyé de Russie, à qui je donnai un petit Mémoire, pour réfuter l’opinion, où l’on est assez généralement, que le Commerce de l’Amérique est en rivalité, quant aux productions, avec celui de la Russie, c’est à dire, que les Américains porteroient en Europe les mêmes articles que l’on trouve chez les Russes, & par conséquent n’avoient rien à prendre chez ceux-ci. Je lui ai fait voir les articles que les Américains prendroient d’eux en si grandes quantités, qu’ils Seroient obligés annuellement de leur payer pour solde une partie de l’or & de l’argent qu’ils tirent des Indes occid. Il m’a dit qu’il Sentoit la vérité de mes observations, & qu’il en feroit usage.
Vous trouverez, Monsieur, ci-joint, Un morceau que j’ai fait insérer dans les Gazettes. J’espere que vous en serez content.
L’Election de l’Archiduc à Munster a été unanime. La Minorité du Chapitre, ne se voyant Soutenue ni par la France, ni par la Prusse, ni par la Hollande, S’est rangée le 15 du côté de la Majorité; & le 16 l’Election a eu lieu.

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

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Ministre Plenipe. des Etats-Unis / &c. / Passy./.
Notation Dumas la haie. Augt. 22. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 August 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & honoured Sir.Nantes Augt 22. 1780
Since my Return from Passy I have not received a Line from Mr de Chaumont relative to the Breton although I have frequently written to him on the Subject; I have received Letters from him on other matters but not a word of the Breton. I am at a loss to account for this & I wish you would please to put him in mind of the Business, for if we are not expeditious we shall not get the Cloathing out before Winter. If the Breton was at L’orient now I could load her in ten Days.
I am ever with the greatest Respect Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
Doctor Franklin

Endorsed: Mr Williams Augt. 22. 1780 Cannot account for his not hearing from M. de Chaum. concerning the Breton could load her in ten Days


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Vicq d’Azyr, 23 August 1780
From: Vicq d’Azyr, Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,ce 23 aout 1780
L’assemblée publique de la Societé royale de medecine aura lieu mardi 29 de ce mois; cette compagnie qui Se fait gloire de vous compter au nombre de Ses membres ma chargé de vous y inviter. Votre presence est un encouragement pour elle qu’elle vous prie de ne pas lui refuser.

Je Suis avec Respect, Monsieur Votre tres humble & tres obeissant Serviteur
Vicq DAZYRSecretaire perpetuel
Mr franklin à passy

Notation Vicq d’Azir. 23 aout 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Balliau, 24 August 1780
From: Balliau, Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirFrom Dunkerque Prisone Agust the 24 1780
As I ade the Misfortune to Be Taken By Amerequin Priviteer In Sconneur Belonging to Jersey Caled the May Flower Bound to Newcastle I was Brought to Dunkerque Presone. There I Was Told By the Commesary of Dunkerque to Right to your honneur. I hope you Be So good to Right to the Comesaire of Dunkerque that Wee May Be Exchange In the first oportunite.
I Ramain your Most Humble Servant
Philip Balliau

Addressed: Dr. Banj: Franklyn, / Plenepotentiaire Des Etâts / Unies de L’Amerique / à / Passy.
Notation: Bailliau. Dunkerque. Augt. 24. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Fournier le jeune, 24 August 1780
From: Fournier, Simon-Pierre, le jeune
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurCe 24 aoust 1780
Jay l’honneur de vous envoyer L’adresse du nouvel orgue, C’est Chez Mr Maugeaunt horloger Rüe du Pourtour st Gervais. Si vous voulés vous y Rendre demain vendredy moi vous y Sachant Je ne manquerai Point de m’y trouver: Cela sera sur Les midy (tout Sera Pret). Je suis fort aise que Cela me Procure L’honneur de vous Renouveler L’assurance de mon Respectueux attachement avec Lequel Je ne scesserai dêtre toute ma vie, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très Obéissant Serviteur
FOURNIER LE JEUNE
Ma femme me Charge de vous assurer de Ces Complimens

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / A Passy
Notation: Fournier le Jeune. Paris 24 Augt. 80.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 25 August 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. SirLondon 25 Augt 1780
I did not receive Your letter of the 18th. handed me by Mr H. time enough for the Office Hours to make enquiry of or about Mr. G——d; But I calld there this Evening & went to Mr. G——s Lodgings, where neither His Landlady or the Servant could give me further accots. of Him than that He had been near three weeks in the Country but where they could not tell. I shall call at the office again in the morning & get his direction, with which I can make the necessary enquiry as to his accepted Bill; but I fear it will be a post or two before I can inform You further; You may depend however no time shall be lost on my part. As Mr. G—— seems to turn out but an underhand Gentn. I am rather afraid for your Bill.
I wrote you twice very lately. Since which there is nothing new save the arrival of a small Brig from Boston to Bristol wch arrivd the 23d after a passage of 32 days so that She saild abot the 21 or 22d July. She appears to be purchasd by Mr J Temples Bror. [Brother] in order to move Himself & Family to settle in Ireland He being ill in a Consumption. We have no regular accots as yet by this vessel nor can I immediately find J. T to inform myself whether He has any. The publick receivd accot by this vessel is, That Monr Ternay arrivd safe at Rhode Island & had landed His men abot. 6,000 which had gone from the Island to the Continent. Three of the transports of His fleet had seperated from Him on the Coast of America & put into Boston. The troops on board them were immediately marchd for Providence. When this vessel saild there were no accots in Boston of Adml Greaves’s arrival on the Coast nor any sort of news from N York as to Clintons Expedn. up the North River. In the rough as it was told this day at Change the news is not lookd upon as favorable, but rather the reverse, & will add to the gloom still very conspicuous for the loss of a whole Fleet lately taken by the Combind fleet. I dare say when it comes to be given in detail, it will still cast a deeper gloom.
I find my friend Barnet has been playing similar tricks in Bruxelles to those he playd me. He there went by the name of Billinger.
Dr. S—tt receivd with great thankfulness the pass——t you sent for His Baggage. He went out in the N York fleet which saild the 10th. & much fears are expressd for this fleet. Mr. John Bowman of the State of Georgia (where He has a Considerable propery in Land & blacks) Desires me to supplicate a similar pass for His Baggage. He means to go out in a running Ship to Savanah in a fortnight or 3 weeks. I meet Him frequently at our freinds in Mincing Lane (Mr. V——s) and have been enough in the habits of intimacy with Him for two Years back to know Him to be perfectly right in politicks & principles with regard to His Country. He was at Paris & known to you abot. two or 3 years ago. If you can oblige Him be pleasd to cover the pass To Messrs. Wm. Hodgson & Co. better Messrs. than Mr. & the sooner forwarded the better.
Our Reverend friend Mr W—— has been some days with me & we have put Your welcome donation to the Prisrs on a good footing. It commencd the 18th. ulo. at F——n to 152 Privates & 43 Officers 6d. pr wk to Ea. The numbers are not exactly known at M P——. M W——n will be in Town again in 6 or 8 days when I will settle the exact advance on this charity & draw a bill on you as heretofore for the amot to that day. I am with the highest Esteem Dr Sir Yr. obligd & obt Ser
W:S:C

Addressed: A Monsr. Monsr. B. F— / Passy
Notation: 25 Augt 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Aillaud, 26 August 1780
From: Aillaud, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,ce 26 aout [1780]
Le triste etat dans lequel Melle Basseporte se trouve actuellement ne me permettant plus de me flatter que je puisse joüir encore longtemps du plaisir detre aupres d’elle, je crois devoir me donner des mouvemens pour tacher pendant qu’elle existe, de massurer une pension sur sa charge. Cela depend principalement de Monsieur De Buffond que vous connoissez particulierement, et si vous vouliez bien Monsieur avoir la bonté de lui recommander le petit memoire que jay lhonneur de vous envoyer je serois assurée du succès de ma demande. Joze me flatter que vous voudréz bien maccorder cette grace je me fonde sur l’estime dont vous honnorés Melle Basseporte et dont jay eté temoin l’orsquelle a eu lhonneur de vous reunir chez elle avec Monsieur De Buffond.
Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissante servant
Aillaud

Notation: alliaud


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Diot & Co., 27 August 1780
From: Diot, John, & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored sirMorlaix the 27th. August 1780.
We did ourselves the honnour to Write to your Excellency the 16th. Instt. to forward you an Abstract of the Journal of the Black Princess privateer, and to acquaint you with the arrivall in this harbour of the prize St. Joseph.
We now think it our duty to forward to Your Excellency all the Procès Verbaux and documents relative to Said Prize, whereof, from the undenial proofs of it’s Lawfullness, we have Reasons to Expect that a Speedy Condemnation will Soon issue.

Your Excellency has undoubtedly been served in Time by the Commissary with the receit of Capn. Pearce of the Indian Carteel Ship for the English Prisoners that the Princess brought and which We deliver’d to him, thro’ your orders.
Mr. Jas. Willis Merchant in London and Chief owner of the Cargoe of the prize Phillip, whereof All the documents, Letters and documents Were Sent to Your Excellency, has wrote to us many a Letter to Request we Shou’d Send to him Some Invoyces, without which he can not Claim one Shilling from the Underwritters; these Invoyces are among the papers that you have and We wou’d deem it a great favour, if Your Excellency wou’d be pleased to Send ’em to us, and we’ll forward ’em to the owners, whom they are of the Greatest moment to, and Very fruitless to any one Ellse; We do write to Said Mr. Willis that we do Apply to Your Excellency for the Complyance of his Request, which if agreed to, will Oblidge us greatly, as it will be the means of our being paid of some Cash we lent to a Mr. Stevens passenger on board the Phillip and which the former will not pay, unless we furnish him with the Invoyces he Requests.
We Crave the favour of Your Excellency Compliance to the Above, Mean While, With due Respect We have the Honour to be Truely, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most Humble Servants
Jn Diot & Co
His Excellency B. Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary from the Congress at the Court of France Passy

Notation: Diot & Co. 27. Augt. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 28 August 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ross, John

Sir,Passy, Augt. 28. 1780.
I received yesterday your favour of the 23d. proposing a Ship to be freighted for our Goods. I some time since put that Business into the Hands of M. Williams, who has agreed for a Ship accordingly, that is large enough to take all we have to send. He will inform you of the Particulars. I am nevertheless thankful to you for your Obliging Attention to this important Business; and am, with great Esteem, Sir, your &c.
M. Ross


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 August 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.Nantes Augt 28. 1780.
The Bearer Mr Jeremiah Allen of Boston is a Gentleman for whom I have a great Friendship and Esteem; we were Companions in our Infancy, and from that Time I have had more Reason to increase than diminish my Attachment. I beg leave to recommend him to your notice and am as ever Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
The Hon. Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Jona Williams Augt 28. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 29 August 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr Sir29 Augt. 1780
I recd yr. letter of the 18 Int. & answerd it, as far I could do so, by frydays post. Since that period I have been twice to the office where Mr G——d is a Clerk, & the answers to my questions about Him were rather extraordinary. I could find out nothing but that He had been 3 or 4 weeks in the Country (neither his Bror Clerks nor his Landlady at His Lodgings could tell where in the Country) but that if I left a line at the office it would be deliverd to Himself. I have wrote Him a line just to ask if such a bill (copying it exactly from Yrs) was a good bill & requesting His Ansr. as soon as He conveniently could. I am afraid by what I could discover that you have been flung out of 30 Guineas. The moment I get any information about Him you shall certainly have it.
I mentiond to You on fryday that a Flag of Truce brot. by Mr R Temple had arrivd at Bristol. He is not yet come to Town but is to be here tomorrow— There are no passengers, but a Mr Bromfield whom I have seen, and a master & super Cargoe of a Ship richly laden & lately taken going from Corke to N York & carryd into Boston. I need not recapitulate to you any particular news recd from Mr B—mf—d. It is in substance extreamly pleasing to me & very different to what has been put forth with such assiduity by ministry & their runners ever since the news arrivd of the Capture of Chas. Town. This accot has been rather confirmd to me since the arrival of the last packet from N York, where it appeard on the 11th July the Garrison was aiming rather at securing themselves than making any excursions against the American Army declard now on all hands to be too well posted for Mr Clinton to attempt an assault. Bromfield says they had heard of a fleet of Engs men of War arriving at Hallifax abot the 8th. July wh must be Greaves’s fleet. We suppose here from the various accots lately recd. that it is intended by Genl Washington & Monsr. Ternay to make an attack on N York. Accots are this day recd at Loyds that the outward bound Quebec fleet had been met near the Island of N Foundland on the 12th July by the Confederacy Amn Frigate & 2 small privateers who made an easy capture of twelve out of sixteen ships— The other four escapd & told the dismal tale at St. Johns N Foundland from whence the accot comes to Bristol & it is authentic. Well done Yankee say I. This fleet was met by 3 french men of war abot 5 weeks ago soon after they saild from Corke these men of war then took but two of the fleet wch were afterwards retaken.

We were much in the dumps here on this & the late Capture near Cape St Vincents, and very much so at the news by the New York Packet wch only substantially informd us that Clintons army was far too weak to effect any offensive opperation—we are however today got up again. The Leeward Island, the Oporto, & two of the Et. India homeward bound ships are reported to be all safe arrivd at Falmouth, & in consequence of this immence great news, we are now mighty enough to war with all the world. The cry is that Ministry ought to be hangd if they do not immediately declare war against Russia, Holland, Denmark & Sweeden for their late perfidy in forming an offensive league agt. the commerce of this Country.
I am with the highest regard Dr Sir Yr Obligd & Ob Ser
W.S.C

Notation: Augt. 29. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 31 August 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurLahaie 31e. Août 1780
J’ai eu l’honneur, dans une de mes dernieres, de vous parler d’un Mémoire que j’ai donné au Mine. [Ministre] de Russie ici, pour détruire l’opinion que les Anglomanes ne cessent d’entretenir, comme Si le Commerce des Américains Septentrionaux étoit en rivalité avec celui de la Russie, & pour faire voir qu’au contraire ils feront un trafic direct avec la Russie très avantageux à celle-ci, en y allant chercher de ses productions, comme Chanvre, Lin, Toiles à voiles, Cordages, Cuivre, Cuirs rouges, Drogues, &c. & y portant de leurs productions avec celles des Indes occid. & même de l’or & de l’argent. Je n’ai pas eu le temps de garder copie de ce Memoire qui a paru faire plaisir au Mine. Mais j’ai fait une démarche pareille dans une Lettre que j’avois d’ailleurs à écrire au Chargé d’affaires de Suede près de la rep., présentement à Spa., qui est de ma connoissance. Après lui avoir parlé de l’attente où l’on est ici de voir le Roi son maître, & d’autres choses, j’ajoute ce qui suit:
“Dieu bénisse la neutralité armée. J’espere qu’elle aboutira à rendre la paix aux deux hémispheres. Elle rectifiera bien des opinions, que certaines gens ne cessent d’entretenir, & d’autres de croire, sur les suites qu’aura le Commerce illimité des Am. avec toutes les nations Européennes. A les en croire il Se trouveroit en rivalité avec celui des nations circum Baltiques, & notamment de la Suede. Rien de plus faux. Les Am. n’ont cultivé du Chanvre & du Lin, & fourni d’autres munitions navales qu’à force de ce qu’on appelle Bounties. Ces articles leur étoient prescrits parmi ceux que les Angl., dans leur Acte de navigation, appellent enumerated commodities. Ils s’adonneront à d’autres articles plus avantageux pour eux à porter en Europe. Les Angl. devront recourir à la Suede pour du Goudron, &c. comme avant la Reine Anne. Les Américains-mêmes iront chercher chez vous du Chanvre, Lin, Toile à voile, Cordages, Cuivre, & de vos Manufactures de Laine, de Coton, d’Alun, soufre, poudre, laiton, acier, &c. Ils vous porteront en échange du Tabac, Ris, Indigo, Rum, & de toutes les productions des Indes occid. Cidevant les prétendus Rois de la mer s’approprioient tout cela.”
L’Article de Philadelphie, dans la Gazette ci-jointe, a fait une bonne impression sur les esprits ici. Je n’ai aucune nouvelle de Mr. Adams. Il m’avoit dit qu’il m’écriroit quelquefois d’Amsterdam; mais il ne le fait pas.
Je suis avec mon respectueux attachement, qui vous est connu, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S. E. M. B. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plenipe. des Etats-Unis / &c. / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas la haie Augt 31. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 31 August 1780
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir!Amsterdam 31 August 1780.
May it please your Excellency! That having not receivd an answer to our Last, proposing to continue to Accept the bills drawn on Henry Laurens Esqr.; we may Suppose that the quantity drawn hath been a trifle, and that your Excellency had no objection to our going on, as we had begun, in which the approbation of Your Excy. Shall always be of no little Consequence for us; We have lately gott no Aman. Vessells here, though now there is one fm. Philadelphia and one from Virginia, they are not come up yett, nor their Letters deliverd.
We have a report that an English Convoy of 54 Sail have fallen into the french and Spanish hands Among their combind fleett may this prove true as we wish!
As Your Excellency hath not prescribed us the manner in which she should [torn: one or two words missing] provide for our Rembursement for the bills mentiond we hope she wont take it amiss that we renew our adress in this respect, as there is butt two ways either by Remittances or draufts, and as we have no what is Called in France Jours de grace, we shall look upon it as a favour to Receive your Excellencys Directions there About; and at every other opportunity in which we could Convince her of our Readiness to serve the American Cause, and to obey any private Comands; as we have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem and all unfeignd and unreserved Regard.
Honourd Sir! Your Excellencys most devoted and most Obedient humble Servants.
 John DE  Neufville &  Son


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, [on or after 31 August 1780]
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourd Sir![on or after August 31, 1780]
May we thank your Excellency for the late favour she honourd us with of the 21st: instant as we are now sure that the bills drawn on the Hone. Henry Laurens will be further out of danger, and your Excy will answer for the same; We shall now wait for your Excellencys dispositions for our rimbursement either that we may draw or have the money remitted; and if we may be approved, we shall with pleasure continue to accept those bills under the guarantie of your Excellency for our Remburse in time; giving exact notice or even copies of those we accept, as no alteration then shall take place, from what hath been done untill now and the absence of Mr. Laurens will be less thought or talked off untill we know how this may turn;— Should we on the countrary offer, as your Excellency proposes to send those bills for Acceptance, this may be attended with trouble and opposition, the bills being drawn to be accepted and payd in Amsterdam; some bearers to hurt the cause, would not be satisfied, & present a risk in sending and returning the same, which otherwise would give us not more nor less trouble;— Should some good reason appear or arise, Which made your Excellency resolve to have them afterwards protested, we will comply therewith at the first notice. We are sensible that this methode will influence here the American Spirit for the best.
Since your Excellency desired us to procure a subscription for a Million and a half or Two Million, we have never tried it openly, knowing we should not be able to fulfill it at once, the proposalls now made for a loan was grounded on the hopes and expectation to find (if no others could) the funds for those bills drawn on Mr. Laurens and being at 6 Month we might have engaged what money offerd, without ever hurting the Credit of Congress.— We are sensible to the frendly manner, in which Your Excy took it, and her kind expressions; we shall endeavour to deserve the Same, promoting the American intrest when it lays in our power.
We had the pleasure of seeing the Baron Wulfing Aide de Camp to the great Genall. Washington on generall recomendations given him by your Excelly. We doubt not butt with most part of the Americans, he will be satisfied with our reception.
It is told and generally believed that the French and Spanish fleet have joind may we soon receive some favourable Accounts from America and see that cause favourd all over as much as we wish.
We this moment were presented with a portret of the great Genal. Washington with a desire it should be forwarded to your Excelly who may guess at the hand from which it comes, butt we are forbidden to tell it untill we get leave for it; so we begg leave to be excused on this point butt we shall forward it by the first opportunity.
Great news are reported again fm. America, St Lucia taken, Abt. Barbados and Antigua, butt we dare not trust to any untill we know it to be well confirmd.
We have the honour to be with all Respectfull Regards Honourd Sir! Your Excellencys most obedient & most humble Servants
John DE Neufville & Son


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Amelia Barry, 1 September 1780
From: Barry, Amelia
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most Dear Sir,Leghorn 1st Sept. 1780
An English Paper mentions that you are actually preparing to return to America; I hope it is not true: Surely you will not risque your person in America, till the contest be finally determined, and your safety ascertained: Should success attend the British arms, your Virtue your Talents, nor your years, would shelter you if in their power, from vindictive treatment: Know you not my revered Sir, that an Injurer seldom forgives? And erring man is too too apt to view with impatience, to say no worse, the person who gave him counsel that he had not virtue or resolution to follow; and the heavier the consequences of his error and obstinacy may be, resentment often rises in proportion; & to the idea of the wise Friend, is annexed that of the lost Good. If there is any truth in this observation, your Virtue becomes your Crime. Think then, my dear Sir, before you make the dangerous experiment: if your health is not so good as you wish, might not the milder air of Italy be of service to you? Glut not ignoble revenge, with a voluntary sacrifice of such a life as yours. Aristides listened to, & assisted, the meanest voice of his country, tho’ to his condemnation; he merited the appellation of Just, but would you Sir, have allowed it to him, had the Ostracism been in use in his Enemies Country, & he had waved the interests of his own, and the regard he owed to his personal safety, by submitting his conduct to their arraignment, & promoted his own condemnation? Let then your Amelia, who claims a kind of right in her revered paternal friend, be heard. In the days of prettling infancy you loved me; the favored, tho’ unfortunate child of a Lady most dear to you, & honored by me;— the fd. [friend] too of you Sally, may speak: the event then of this important year, may Heaven inspire you to wait in Europe! For I have a pre-sentiment that if you revisit America, anguish will be the lot of your friends, tho’ a noble consciousness of integrity, and true philanthropy may (and assuredly will,) give a lustre to your setting Sun.— Yet after all, I hope that I am misinformed; if so, one line saying “I do not leave Europe my Child” will be truly acceptable; but if you realy go a few parting lines with a precious “God bless you & yours” I implore before you embark, & may all my fears prove vain!
Permit a word or two on the subject of Govr. Pownall.— When I was honored with your letter I applyed to that Gentn. I waited 2 or 3 months without having heared from him. I then wrote again & had an immediate ansr. which I had the honor to transmit you an extract from in a letter under the 1st May, but as it may have miscarried I subjoin another.
“I was not silent to your application for any other reason but that I did not know what to answer to write: & having left the whole of the publication & account of the sale of the map & topographical description to Mr. Almon the Editor, & desiring him (which he tells me he has done) to write to Doctor Franklin, & to send him an acct. of what Profetts (all charges deducted,) he can afford to remit on your account, for whose benefit I always intended such surplus profits: I was in hopes you would have heared from the Docr. on the subject. I have this day since the receipt of your letter from Legn. of the 27th March spoken again to Mr. Almon & desired him to write again to Docr. Franklin. He has promised me that he will, I will therefore beg of you to address yourself to Doctor Franklin for such answer as he in consequence of Mr. Almon’s state of the acct shall be able to give you; & likewise you may address yourself to Mr. Almon Bookseller in Picadilly London. Whether my Letter to Docr. Franklin ever arrived at his hand, I do not know, & cannot guess, never having recd any acknowledgment of its receipt &c &c &c.”
I immediately wrote the Mr. Almon & informed him of the authority I had from you Sir, to apply for the profits arising from the sale of the Map, but have never heared from him. I have therefore dear Sir, to entreat the favor of you to let me know wt. he says to you, as I shall suspend further application to him till I have the honor of a line from you.
With the most sincere and ardent wishes for your health happiness & glory I have the honor to be My Dear Sir, your most obliged & devoted Humble Servant
A. Barry.
Docr. Franklin.

Notation: A Barry 1 Sep. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Coder (Coderc), 1 September 1780
From: Coder, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur Le Docteur,à Pezenas le 1er. septembre 1780
Quinse jours aprés Etre arrivé dans ma chaumiere des blessures Se Sont réouvértes, et aprés Six Mois de Souffrances je Meurs pénétré des bontés dont vous avés d’aigné m’honorér. Je vous Supplie S’y l’occasion S’en presente de les repandre Sur Ma famille, je vous reponds d’avance quils En Sont dignes, et je Meurs content dans l’espérance que vous aurés Egard à Ma derniere demande.
Je Suis avec Veneration Monsieur Le Docteur Votre trés humble et trés obeïssant Serviteur.
 CODERC


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 1 September 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. SirLondon 1st Sept 80
I calld again this day at the office where a Bill given you was made payable & I could learn no intelligence of mr. J. G——d more than I had before: He was in the Country but where or when He returnd no one could tell. I have no ansr. to the letter wrote to him (& left at the office) wch. containd only an enquiry whether the Bill was good or not. Dr. F——ll being down in Cheshire for some days I could not make the necessary Enquiry whether Mr. Jones the drawer of the Bill on Mr. G——d, was known to Him or not. I will do every thing in this business that can be done & give you the earliest information—at present I have no hopes to give you that the bill is a good one.
We have no news since the last post by wch. I wrote you, save that a general opinion prevails that the Parliament was this day dissolvd. There is much bustle in consequence of it, & by every appearance the ministry will get as many if not more Corrupt L—ds into the next as they have had in the late Parliat.
Adml G——y has resignd the Command of the Channel fleet, and Darby has retird, both said to be in disgust at Palissers appointt to Greenwich Hospital. Digby wth thirteen Ships saild on tuesday last supposd on a Short Cruise in the Channel. It will be lucky for Him if He does not fall in with the Combind fleet now hourly expected.
I have seen Mr. Robt. T——le who came in the Cartel from Boston to Bristol, and the accots. of the state of things which I receive from Him are in the lump, & I may say totally, very pleasing. No fears of the Yankies “coming in” as the term & expectation here. He is in very bad health & brings away three handsome Daughters, comely & full grown, & which must be a loss to any young Country.
He seems to have taken his final leave; but His passport from the State is worded in handsome terms to himself, & expressive that He may return whenever He pleases. He sold his Whole Property to one of the Traceys who supplyd Him with the Ship (in wch. came 7 or 8 passengrs. bound or obligated as those by Mitchell & Dunken were in Decr last to release a like number of Americans here) on condition & penalty of 3,000 £ Str. He should see the ship safe to a port of France or Spain. This cannot possible be done here, for they will not admit her as a Cartel or allow any Excha. of Prisoners. ’Tho the most remarkable civility has been shewn to Mr T——& the vessel at Bristol, & Mr Stephens of the Admiralty has given orders She Shall not be seizd but permitted to return. This return means to Boston empty, but to no other place. Mr. T——obligation is to put the Vessel in a port of France or Spain so that He must stand the risque of running Her to Fr or Spain at any rate. This makes Him uneasy, & I dare say you will hear more of the case as it opens more. I wish this Country would do the handsome thing, & allow this vessel to carry a Cargoe to Morlaix. They may do worse.
I am calld upon by the post & am in a hurry Yrs wth. very Grt. Esteem
W S. C

Addressed: Monr. Monr. B. F / Passy
Notations: Sept 1. 80 / Sept. 1st. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Fleming, 4 September 1780
From: Fleming, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirKirkliston Near Edine 4 Septr 1780
The great & important transactions You have for some Years been engaged in, will perhaps have totally extripated from your Memory the least Remembrance of me, or my Name— I had the honor to Spend some days with You, & My friends Mesrs Henry Marchant, Edd Church & J Stewart at Glasgow in Nov 1771— I have never had the pleasure to hear from Mr Marchant since He went to America— At that period I & many of My friends had been purposing to go to that Country upon the troubles subsiding, and as that I hope is at no great distance I have wrote, M Marchant, but not knowing any way of Conveying a letter to Him but by way of France, & totally Ignorant of Any Other direction for Him, that what I have put on the Letter, I have taken the Liberty to send it to You begging as the Most singuarly favour You may do me the honour to forward it to Him— That Heaven may preserve & protect Your Valueable life is the earnest prayer of Sir Your most Oebedient & Very humble Servant
Alexr Fleming
P.S. The inclosed well meant Pamphlet gave much satisfaction here

Notation: Allen Flemming Kirklington Sept. 4. 1780—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Fournier le jeune, 4 September 1780
From: Fournier, Simon-Pierre, le jeune
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurCe 4 Septembre [1780]
Je vous Prirerai de me donner Votre jour dans cette semaine ainsi que votre heur Le Plus commode Pour Voir et entendre cet orgue fameux qui vous fera un Grand Plaisir, je ne métois Point rappellé que Par votre Lettre vous demandiés Sil étoit Possible de Remettre a vendredy Premier Septembre j’aurais du vous marquer que cétoit très Possible c’est oubli de ma part dont je vous Prie de m’excuser: Le jour que vous Prenderes Sera Le Mien. Bien Sûrement je Crois que L’effet de L’instrument doit flatter Plus Le soir qu’a midy, a cause de La tranquilité qui Regne dans L’air. Vous êtes Monsieur Plus apporté que Personne d’en juger. Honnorez moi dune Réponse et Le jour, et l’heur que vous Prendrez Je Prévienderez celui qui doit Le toucher Pour m’y trouver.
Je suis avec La Plus Parfaite Considération Monsieur, Votre très humble et très Obéissant Serviteur
FOURNIER LE JEUNE

  Je Présente Mes Compliments Bien sinceres a Monsieur votre Petit fils.
Chez Mr Maugeaunt horloger
  Rue du Pourtour st Gervais
  [In Mme Fournier’s hand:] Permettés, Monsieur, que je joigne à la lettre de Mon Mari l’assurance de Mes très humbles respects, et De Ma Sensibilité a votre Souvenir.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / A Passy
Notation: Fournier le jeune


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Esther Smith, 4 September 1780
From: Smith, Esther
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.London the 4 Septr. 1780
I intreat you to Pardon the liberty I have taken in Addressing you, and Beg your Patience, while I explain the reason of my Temerity. I have a worthy Husband, a Resolve Smith who has the Happiness of being employed in the Service of his Country in the Civil line of Life. His dwelling at Philadelphia, from whom I can get no intelligence although I have wrote by many ways. But I have now an opportunity by a Gentleman on whom I can depend to deliver this, if he should be so happy as to be admitted to the Honor of an Interview. If it is not too great a Favor would be very Thankful you would be pleased to forward the inclosed.
I am with the greatest Respect Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
Esther Smith

Notation: Esther Smith. London sept. 4. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 4 September 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 4. 7bre. 1780.
Vous vous rappelleréz, Monsieur, par l’Arte. 29. du Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce conclu entre le Roi et les Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale, il a été convenu que les deux Parties contractantes auroient la faculté de tenir dans leurs ports respectifs, des Consuls, Vice Consuls Agents et Commissaires dont les fonctions seroient reglées par une Convention particuliere.
En Consequence de cette Stipulation, et pour d’autant mieux cimenter son Union avec les Etats Unis, le Roi a nommé des Consuls pour les Principales places de l’amerique Septentrionale. Mais les fonctions de ces officiers n’ayant pas encore été reglées d’une maniere fixe et uniforme il est a craindre qu’il ne s’éleve des contestations à ce sujet. Le seul moyen de les prevenir, est de faire la convention indiquée dans l’art. 29e. que j’ai raporté plus haut. Je ne doute pas, Monsieur, que le Congrès ne soit entierement d’accord avec le Roi à cet égard; mais J’ignore Si ce Corps se croit suffisamment autorisé pour Conclure cette même Convention. Il est possible que chacune des Provinces constituant les Etats Unis croye que cette matierre lui appartient privativement à l’assemblée qui les represente. Il est donc necessaire que cette question preliminaire soit éclaircie avant que nous proposions au Congrès d’agréer notre Projet de convention. Aussitôt, Monsieur, que vous m’aurez fourni sur cette matiere les Eclaircissements dont j’ai besoin, je les mettrai sous les yeux du Roi, afin qu’il puisse determiner la marche qu’ils lui paroitront éxiger de sa Part; et si ce que je desire beaucoup, le Congrès vous autorise à entrer en Négociation avec nous, Je m’empresserai de vous developper notre sistême et nos vues. Ce que je puis vous assurer d’avance, c’est que la plus parfaite reciprocité leur sert de base. Cette Vérité me semble devoir engager le Congrès à vous donner les Pouvoirs les plus amples. Il peut être certain que nous ne proposerons que des arrangements aussi convenables pour les Sujets des Etats Unis que pour ceux de sa Majesté.

J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincerement, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Vergennes
M. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [c. 5 September 1780]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[c. September 5, 1780]
J’envoye, Mon cher Docteur Savoir de vos nouvelles et s’il est vrai, comme on me l’a dit que vous avez eu nouvelles de l’arrivée de M. De Rochambeau en amérique. Recevez les Sincères assurrances de tous les Sentimens d’attachement que Je vous ai voués pour la Vie
Le Roy

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Pleponitentiaire / des Etats unis de l’Amèrique


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel-Louis Galissard de Marignac: Bill for Benjamin Franklin Bache’s Schooling, [5 September 1780–5 February 1781]
From: Marignac, Gabriel-Louis Galissard de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[September 5, 1780–February 5, 1781]
Monsieur Franklin doit pour la pension de Monsieur son petit fils depuis le 5e. 7bre. 1780

jusqu’au 5. Fevrier 1781. 5 Mois
£229 —
” —
” —

Papier, encre & plumes
2—
10—
” —

4. Rubans de queuë
1—
6—
” —

pre. [paire] boucles
1—
3 —
” —

Canif
”—
4—
6—

pr. être allé différentes fois à la Comédie
9—
4—
” —

5. Mois blanchissage
7—
10—
” —

pr le Maitre à nager
7—
” —
” —

pr. racommoder ses bas
4—
4—
6—

pr. des ports de lettres
5—
3 —
” —

pr. des couleurs
” —
9—
” —

pr. gands
1—
10—
” —

Un porte crayon
” —
6—
” —

2. Carreaux de vitre
” —
13—
” —

écritoires
” —
12—
” —

pr. avoir blanchi ses habits, Vestes & Culottes d’été
3—
” —
” —

Une armoire
7—
12 —
” —

Cahiers
1—
9—
” —

Pr. le compte du Marchand
43—
7—
” —

Pr. l’achapt de trois paires bas de Galette
7—
” —
” —

Chapeau
3—
15—
” —

Payé à Mr. Prestreau
14—
17—
” —

Pr. ses étrennes & celles qu’il a été obligé de donner
36—
9—
” —

Pr un reméde
1—
” —
” —

Pr. des chaussons de peau
1—
9—
” —

Payé pour le Compte du tailleur”
26—
8 —
” —

pr. le maitre du dessin
16—
” —
” —

Pr. le Maitre d’Anglois
29—
4 —
” —

Pr. le Maitre de danse
4—
” —
” —

Papier fin
” —
10—
” —

Perruquier avec Poudre & pommade
15—
” —
” —

Cordonnier
12—
” —
” —

Pr. ses Dimanches à 10 s. par semaine
22—
” —
” —

£515—
15—
” —

argt. de France 853 l.t.—13 s. pr. acquit
Marignac

Endorsed: Mr Grand is requested to pay this Bill on the private Acct of his humble Servant B Franklin
Passy, Feb. 10. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Osgood Hanbury, Silvanus Grove, and James Russell, 6 September 1780
From: Hanbury, Osgood,Grove, Silvanus,Russell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirLondon 6t: September 1780
The not having had it in our power to transmit to you sooner a precise answer to your several favours has given us much concern; We trust you will not impute any intentional delay to us when we assure you that for our Guidance in the business we took the earliest opportunity of having a fair and impartial State of our Case, as Trustees, prepared and laid before Mr. Wallace his Majesty’s Attorney General, and Mr: Mansfield, Who it is expected will be appointed Solicitor General, whose opinions we have the honour to inclose you; upon the perusal of which we persuade ourselves you will readily see that in the very particular situation in which we stand, as Trustees under the several Acts of Assembly, we are compell’d to the disagreeable necessity of refusing to comply with the Request made to us by your favor of the 20th: of May. We yet beg leave to observe that when the favorable Opportunity occurs that we can discharge our Trust with honor and fidelity we shall have the greatest satisfaction imaginable in so doing; In the interim we hope that from your Candor and that of your Governor and State of Maryland our conduct will receive the most friendly interpretation. We have the honor to be with the highest Esteem and respect Sir, Your Most Obedient humble Servants
Osgood HanburySil: GroveJames Russell

P.S. We also inclose you the Act you transmitted to us agreeable to your desire.
B Franklin Esqr

Notation: Osgood Hanburg. Silas Grove & James Russell 6 Sept. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gourlade & Moylan, 7 September 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gourlade & Moylan

Gentlemen,Passy, Sept. 7 1780.
There have been presented to me for Acceptance, within these few Days. The following Drafts of yours on me: viz:

For 1246. l.t. 10. in favr. of M. Boy
}
Datet 23dAugt. 1780.

  For 1186. l.t. 19 in favr. of M. Quartresages

& For 900 l.t.— in favor of M. Termier lainé, dated 25. Augt. 80.
They are all drawn at two Usances, and said to be on Acct. of the frigate l’Ariel.— I have accepted them nothwithstanding I have not recd. any Advice concerning them. This is contrary to my general Rule, and I desire you will immediately furnish me with the Account on which they are founded; & that in future you would always do so, previous to your drawing upon me.

Pray inform me if Capt. Jones has sailed, & if not what it is that detains him.
Messrs. Gourlade et Moylan.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 7 September 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

SirPassy, Sept. 7. 1780
I received the Letter your Excellency did me the Honour of Writing to me the 4th Instant, on the Appointment of Consuls.— I have not yet received any Orders or Instructions from the Congress relating to that Object. I shall transmit to that Body a Copy of your Excelly.’s Letter; but as the Office of Consul has not been heretofore in Use in America, and they may therefore not be so well accquainted with the usual Functions & Powers of such an Officer in Europe, as to send me Instructions equally compleat & perfect with those your Excelly. could send to M. de la Luzerne, if the Convention were to be treated there, I would submit it to your Judgment whether that Method may not be the best and shortest.— As it is a Matter of the same general Nature with others that are enumerated among the Powers of Congress in the Articles of Confederation tho’ not particularly mentioned: And as the Grant in the 29th Article of the Treaty is to the States United, and not to each separately and farther, as the having a Consul for each State, or thirteen American Consuls in each port of France, would be of more Expence & Inconvenience than of real Utility, I cannot imagine that the Authority of Congress to make the necessary Convention will be disputed by the particular States.

With the greatest Respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s, most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. Ct De Vergennes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vicq d’Azyr, 7 September 1780
From: Vicq d’Azyr, Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur.Ce 7 7bre. 1780.
La société Royale de Médecine Connaissant les talens et Les Lumieres des différens Médecins Résidens dans l’Etendue de Votre Pays, s’est fait un devoir de leur Conférer Le titre de Correspondans; Elle a Crû que Ce témoignage du juste hommage qu’elle Rend à leur Capacité, leur deviendrait plus précieux en passant par Vos mains et elle Vous prie instamment de leur faire parvenir les paquets Cyjoints qui renferment le diplome qui Constate leur nommination.
J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec Respect Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Vicq DAZYR

La société a aussi L’honneur de Vous adresser quelques programes des prix qu’elle a proposes dans sa dre [dernière] seance publique.
[In Vicq d’Azyr’s hand:] M. Franklin.

Notation: Vicq d’Azir le 7. 7bre. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 7 September 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,La haie 7e. 7bre. 1780
Je vous félicite de tout mon coeur de la bonne nouvelle de la prise des Flottes Angl. pour les Indes-or. & occid. C’est un grand coup, non seulement pour la France & pour l’Espagne, mais aussi pour l’Amérique: car il dérange toutes les opérations de l’ennemi; & voilà l’Aml. Hugue aux Indes or., Rodney aux Indes occid., D’Ally à la Jamaique, & Cornwallis à Charlestown & Clinton même à N. York, sans secours, & par conséquent réduits à l’inaction pendant le reste de la Campagne: & d’un autre côté, Mrs. De Guichen, Solano, Lamotte Piquet, Ternay, Rochambaut & notre Genl. Washington, en auront les coudées plus franches. Il me tarde beaucoup d’apprendre ce qui s’est passé dans leurs différents départemens.— Les Américain, de leur côté, ont fait la capture, près de Terre-Neuve, d’une 12ne. de Vaisseaux de la flotte de Québec. On m’apprend d’Amsterdam, que 2 vaisseaux y viennent d’arriver, l’un de la Virginie, & l’autre de Philadelphie; & que leurs rapports sont favorables. J’espere qu’ils apprendront bientôt en Amerique, ce qui vient de se passer en Europe. Je voudrois bien avoir été à même de leur porter cette nouvelle en personne. Peut-être cela m’eût rétabli la santé, qui continue de n’être pas des meilleures. Les chaleurs m’ont extrêmement affoibli. On m’a conseillé de changer d’air; & je n’aurois pas été faché de faire quelque séjour à Amsterdam: mais la dépense m’a retenu.
Les Etats d’Hollande sont assemblés ici. J’ai vu notre ami. Mais il ne croit pas qu’il S’y passera grand’chose.
Je suis avec un grand respect, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à Son Exc. Mr. B. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plenipe. des Etats-Unis / &c. / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas la haie, Sept. 7. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 7 September 1780
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond SirSepr. 7th. 1780
With a Letter of former date, I have to inclose to you some further Proceedings of Congress respecting Bills drawn upon you, and to acknowledge the Receipt of yr. Letter of May 31st. I think I can venture now to assure you that not a single Draught more will be made upon you, let the Occassion be ever so pressing, But you must be entreated to work with all Energy as to the past. You cannot conceive the whole Train of Necessities which led to such Decissions after what you had written.
Congress have called for 3 millions more estimating in Silver to be pd. by the last of December. Nothing but the Weight of Taxes will put an End to the Levity with which our Currency is treated.
New York has empowered her Delegates to cede part of her western Claims; it is recommended to others who have such like to relinquish also a Portion and Maryland is anew invited to close the Ratification of the confederating articles. We must as a Whole show more Vigor than of late. Your most humb Sert.
James Lovell
Honble. Doctr. Franklin

Addressed: Honorable / Doctor Franklin / Minister Plenipoy. / France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Schweighauser, [7 September 1780]
From: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[September 7, 1780]
Your Excellency wants me to have my Recourse on the above House [Puchelberg & Co. respecting the Disbursements for the Alliance] unless I excuse them. I cannot excuse them interely; because they have acted against my positive & repeated Orders; but it seems that they have been so much intimidated by Capt. Landais’s Threats, that they have not dared in a manner refuse him, and I am always obliged to bear this Advance, as they are established in that Port by me as a House en Comendite.—
Extract of a Letter from M. Schweighauser to M. Franklin, dated Sept. 7. 1780.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 8 September 1780
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir,Boston Septr. 8th. 1780.
Having very Short Warning of an Opportunity to France by Bilboa, I can only give you a short and abrupt Account of Things here.
Last Monday all the Towns of this State assembled for the Choice of a Governor, Lt Governor, and Senators, according to the new Constitution. In this Town Mr S. Adams had 1. Vote, for Governor, Mr Bowdoin 64. Mr Hancock 853. This last Gentleman has a great Majority thro the State, and will without doubt be chosen Governor of it. It was urged in his Favor at the Elections that he took an early, open and decided Part in the Opposition to the oppressive Measures of Britain; that in this he generously risqued his Life and Fortune; and that it was expected that we should appear to be the same People we were when the Controversy began by giving our first Honor to those who distinguished themselves at that Time, and that a contrary Conduct would disappoint our Friends in Europe and gratify our Enemies.
The Alliance arrived here some Weeks ago with Dr. Lee, who is still in Town. This Vessel appears to me to have left France in an unjustifiable Manner, tho I cannot yet obtain the particular Circumstances. Landais did not hold his Command thro the Voyage, which was either relinquished by him or wrested from him. All the Passengers, as well as Officers and Sailors are highly incensed against him; and Dr Lee as much as any one. A Court of Inquiry is now sitting upon this Matter, in which the Dr has given a full Evidence against the Captain which represents him as insane. The Officers and Men complain loudly of being kept out of their Prize Money; this may make a temporary Impression upon some here, but People of Discretion wait for Accounts from France on the other Side: and I pledge myself that your Honor will appear clear thro this whole Matter.
Soon after the Chevalier de Ternay arrived at Rhode Island with his Squadron from Brest, the British Fleet at N. york having received a Reinforcement from England appeared before that Place, and being superior to the French have hitherto prevented our designed military Operations; so that unless the second Division soon arrives from Brest, or an Addition be made to the Strength of Ternay from some other Quarter, our Hopes of striking an important Blow this Campaign will vanish. About the Time the British Fleet made it’s appearance before N. port, Genl. Clinton embarqued his Troops at New york so as to occasion an Apprehension that he designed to attack our Allies on R. Island. This afforded an Opportunity for the Militia of this State, at the Call of the French General, to manifest their Alertness in flying to the Aide of our good Friends thus threatned. Many thousands were at or near R. Island at a very short warning, which made an agreeable Impression on the Minds of the Admiral and General of France, and their respective Corps’. The British Troops, however, never approached to attack New port, and by the Aid of the Militia it was soon put into such a Posture of Defence as to defy their whole Force.
We have lately reinforced Genl. Washington’s Army at an high Bounty and Wages: This Reinforcement, from too sanguine a Dependence on the present Campaign is only for six Months; Should the War continue another Year as it is very likely, We must have a naval Superiority here to do any Thing important. Could we remove the British Force from this Continent, the Stroke would be decisive; No Exertion should be spared either here or in France for such a Purpose, it seems the only effectual Method of obtaining Peace, and till this is done, all is at Hazard. We have had warm Hopes that the combined Forces in the W. Indies would have carried Jamaica, but our last Accounts from that Quarter have no Expectation of such an Attempt.
I received by the Alliance the Caracaturas you were so kind as to send me. They afford a striking Picture of Barbarity, and I have disposed of them in such a Manner as to do Good.
I am much obliged to you for the Regard shown to my little Grandson in France, who I hope will one day promote in some Measure the Views of the Alliance. I am my dear Sir, with unalterable Friendship, and every Sentiment of Esteem, Your obedient humble Servant
Saml. Cooper.
His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr.

Notation: Dr. Cooper Sept 8 1780