Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Etienne de Chezaulx, 4 January 1780
From: Chezaulx, Jean-Etienne de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
à Berghen en Norvege le 4. Janvier 1780.
Daignez permettre que je vous confirme le contenu de ma derniere depêche du 9. 9bre. de l’année passée. J’ai prié M. le Ray de Chaumont de vous communiquer, Monsieur, la lettre que j’ai èu l’honneur de lui écrire le 7. du passé, en reponse à ses deux lettres du 15. 8bre. & 1er. 9bre. derniers, au contenu de laquelle je n’ai que trés peu à ajoûter.
Les choses sont ici, Monsieur, toujours dans le même état, n’y ayant rien décidé a l’égard des comptes qui ont été remis sous les yeux du grand baillif de cette ville, chargé de les examiner. Le Consul Britannique n’a encore non plus rien payé & a demandé du tems pour pouvoir avoir reponse de Copenhague, & le dit grand baillif paroit aussi vouloir attendre les ordres ulterieures de sa cour. En attendant il m’a fait payer ces jours-ci pour subvenir aux debours faits sous ma garantie, pour la subsistance des équipages degradés des trois batiments rendûs aux Anglois par ordre de sa cour 500 Rixdales argent courant Danois; ce qui n’est pas grande chose. D’ailleurs il n’est pas expliqué, si cet argent devra être remboursé ou non.
Nous ne tarderons pas cependant, Monsieur, a sçavoir ce qui aura été decidé definitivement dans le Conseil du Roi de Dk. relativement à ces differens objéts interessants. L’officier Danois qui gouverne ici ne m’en a parlé jusqu’ici que verbalement. Dès que l’affaire de ces comptes aura été terminée je ne manquerai pas, Monsieur, de vous en informer, & de vous remettre en même tems le memoire detaillé dont je vous ai annoncé l’envoi, comme aussi l’expedition du protest en bonne & due forme. Les Officiers Americains qui commandoient les trois batiments en question sont au desespoir de n’avoir pas reçu les ordres qu’ils ont toujours attendûs, Monsieur, de votre part, et sans lesquels ils ne peuvent partir d’ici. Ils m’ont remis une lettre pour vous que j’ai l’honneur de joindre à cette depêche.
Comme les depenses que ces equipages degradés engendrent par ce long séjour en ce pays, sont considérables, je vous reitère, Monsieur, ce que j’ai dejà pris la liberté de vous marquer qu’il est d’une necessité indispensable de s’en debarasser le plutôt possible, & je vous supplie très humblement de vouloir bien me faire connoitre vos derniers intentions à cet égard. Les ordres que vous daignerez me faire passer seront éxécutés avec zèle, & toute l’exactitude dont jè suis capable. J’observerai, Monsieur, la plus grande oeconomie dans la depense qu’il faudra faire, pour la conduite de ces equipages & autres besoins quand ils partiront pour se rendre en France ou autres endroits que vous ordonnerez.
J’ai l’honneur d’être &c.
(signé) Dechezaulx
(Copy W Short secy)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Sim Lee, 4 January 1780
From: Lee, Thomas Sim
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Sir
Maryland In Council Annapolis 4th. January 1780.
You will perceive by the enclosed Act that the General Assembly of this State have invested you with authority to appoint one of the five Gentlemen nominated therein Trustee for the purpose of carrying the same into execution in case the Trustees heretofore appointed by the province of Maryland should neglect or refuse to act.
We request your Excellency to transmit a Copy of the Act to Messrs. Russell Grove and Hanbury Trustees appointed by the old Government and desire their immediate Answer whether they will transact the Business, sell out the Stock, accept and pay the Bills drawn in pursuance of the Act; if they will execute the Trust We would have them directed to sell out the Stock immediately and place the Money in the Hands of some capital Banker in Amsterdam or Paris subject to their draughts in case Bills should be drawn on them. If the Trustees decline acting We desire you would send the Trustee appointed by your Excellency a Copy of the Act with similar Directions to those above.
As the Proceedings of the General Assembly of this State relative to British Property may reach your Excellency as soon as this Letter We think it necessary that you should be precisely informed on this Subject to prevent misrepresentation and to obviate any difficulties that may occur in the transaction of this Business.
The House of Delegates during their last Sessions proposed a Bill for the Seizure and Confiscation of all British Property to the Use of the State except Debts due from the Inhabitants of this State to the Subjects of the King of Great Britain, this Bill was rejected by the Senate not because they were against the Exception but because they deemed a seizure and Confiscation of british Property at this Time improper: so that british Property here continues in the state it ever was.
We have only to solicit so much of your time and attention to this Matter as will be necessary to preserve the Property of this State.
We have the Honor to be with the most perfect Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants
Tho. Sim Lee
His Excy. Benja Franklin Esqr.(Duplicate)
 Notation: Thos. T. Lee Jany 4 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Veuve Morel & fils, 4 January 1780
From: Morel, Veuve Dominique, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honorable Sir
Dunkirk. the 4th of January 1780
Tho’ We never had the advantage of being favored With any of your much Esteem’d Letters, yet We make it Bold to Embrace the opportunity of the present Season to offer you our Sincerest Wishes for your Welfare & that any of your undertaking may answer both your Expectation & that of your Country. We Shall Esteem our Selfs Very happy to merit your Confidence & that frequent Occasion may offer to Convince you how attached We have already proved to be to the good of the united States Even at a Critical Juncture, & When Capt Cunningham Was Kept With all his Crew in Dunkirk Goal.
No doubt but you have been Informed of Part of Commodore Paul Jones fleet Being arrived. Him self in Company With the alliance, it is Said, is gone to Cruse in the Channel. We Wish him much Success. We remain With respectful Sentiments honorable Sir Your most humble & most obediant Servants
Veuve Dque Morel & FILS
 Notation: Veuve & Morel & fils Jan 4. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Smith, 4 January 1780
From: Smith, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most Worthey Sir
Sait. Malloz. Janry: the 4th. 1780
With the greatest Submission I make Bould to Acquaiante you of my present Unhappey Situation. Sr: I am a Subject of Amaraca— Bowrn in Balltamoore in Mareyland; was tacken twice in Amaraca; and once by a Cutter Belonging to Mr: Doubray of Guransey have been Wondd: Twice in the Servise and when the Bonemme Ritchard Capt. Joans fitted out from Leorant I shippd: as an Officer on Board of him when we went out the first Cruse we had the Missfurtune to gett on Board the Alliance in the Night & we both Recivd much Damage. I Recvid a hurte and was left at Leorant at my own Expence. Mr: Miyald [Moylan?] haveing no Orders from Capt. Joans to Suppliye and I have been very Badd but thank god I am Recovered; I finding no Assistance at that place Came to St: Malloz to go in a Cruse. I have a Trunk & Clothes at Leoraint which I Cannot get till I pay my lodgens. The Gentelmen which Incloses this is verey much my frend: and if your Honnour will Taike my Case into Cocidaration and give him an Order to Suppliye me with a Summ to gett my Cloaths you will Due me the gretes favour in life my whole Expece Remaing Due in france is not above twelve Guineas Dr: Sr your Complying with this will much Oblidge yours at Comand
Wm: Smith


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas White et al., 4 January 1780
From: White, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your Excellency
Bergen Jan. 4th. 1780
Upon our arrival in this port on the 14th: of Septr. we wrote letters to yourself, Mons. Chaumont & Captn Landais by the following post, but having received no answer to either, remain very uneasy, our instructions being to wait your advice upon all emergencies. The King of Denmarks order for delivering up the Union & Betsey arrived the 15th. of October & the ships delivered up in due form on monday following to the English Consul, after making a declaration before a Notary-public of the injustice of those proceedings as we were obliged to go on shore with upwards of 20 men & no provision made for us. We applied to the Governor immediately after being turned on shore, who assured us he would exert himself in our behalf & accordingly wrote the court of Denmark concerning our situation as did likewise the French Consul. Those gentlemen together with the principal merchants here have shewed us the greatest respect & afforded us whatever assistance we were in want of.
About six weeks since the Governor informed us of his having recieved answers from Copenhagen in which he was authorized to pay our expences in this place & gave us protection, likewise that there was great probability of the ships being paid for, to the satisfaction of the United States.
The Brigtn. [brigantine] Charming Polly which arrived 14 days after us was likewise delivered up in same manner. We should have wrote in the interval between our first letter & this, but recieving no answers from Paris & the French Consul writing every post, hope that will be a sufficient apology for this neglect. We are here in number five officers & twenty-three men & greatly regret remaining in such an inactive state, being unable to render any service whatever to our country or selves. Therefore beg your Excellency would deliver orders either to the French Consul x [or] ourselves to repair to France where we may be in actual service. We are &c.
(signed) Thomas WhiteThomas FitzgeraldAlexr. MooreJames HoganNathl. Marston
His Excellency B Franklin Esqr Paris(Copy Wm Short secy)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Woodmason, 4 January 1780
From: Woodmason, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
London 4 Jany. 1780
Ten days since I did myself the honour to inform you, that I intended to send you the 12 Rms of Paper by the first Ship for Amsterdam. I have now to acquaint you that I shipped the Paper on the Lady Elizabeth last Week, which I hope will arrive safe I doubt not, but it will give you satisfaction. Mr: Le Taillier who does me the favour of taking the charge of this Letter returns to England again in 3 Weeks. I imagine you have heard of his having purchased Baskervilles Types, for the Voltaires Works. I have now some Paper making on Wove Moulds to print the Proposals on. I wish I may be fortunate enough to please, so that English Paper may be used. I know we are not so cheap, as the Foreign Papers, but we much excell them in the Manufacturing & finishing. Shou’d you have any Commands for me, Mr: Le Talleir, I think wou’d take charge of any Letters. He is Agent to Mr: Beaumarchais. We talk very confidently of having Peace with America. I wish to God it were True. It wou’d be a happy day for Old England, & give universal joy. I then might Expect the Honour of seeing you again. Mr: Evan Evans desires me, particularly to present his respects. I am Sir Your most Obed. & most Obliged Humble Servt
James Woodmason
 Addressed: Dr: Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 5 January 1780
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear friend
Jan 5 1780
I writ to you a day or two ago, suddenly, upon an offer of a safe conveyance. I am now told that I may yet write another line by the same conveyance, therefore take this as a Supplement.
I wish to have some opinions & plan formed in my own mind against the meeting of Parlt. viz by the end of this month or the beginning of the next. I am strongly of opinion that some opportunity may occur favorable to peace, & I wd be ready to seize any such, whatever quarter it may come from.—
A word for the truce of ten years.— Put the worst possible case, Suppose it a suspicious & armed truce. Even in such a case, I think any scheme to keep the british Army in America during the ten years wd be reckoned on this side of the water the most absurd of all things. Every disadvantage wd be against the distant country. If there be any inequality in the bargain, it is not against america, but (as I shd think) the contrary. The Compliance of not dictating and driving us out, wd I think be a flattering inducement to good dispositions on the other side. Let us therefore join hands, for A Truce & a Treaty.
As to including other powers I have already sufficiently expressed my Sentiments. Would to God that it might include all the nations of the Earth. But if any party to whom such an offer shd be made, shd say to America (either in words or by their actions) It is not our object to put an end to the American war, we dont wish a truce, therefore you shall not have one; I think America might very fairly say; This is not a Casus fœderis. The restoration of peace was the declared object of that alliance we will discharge all obligations incurred like a nation of honour; But no thanks for this System. And! If! &c &c &c.
You see the bent of every thought & argument of mine, is to make a beginning to lay one stone towards the foundation of Peace and reconciliation— It just now occurs to me to enclose to you a letter wch was sent in July last to the Minister; by wch you will not only see that I am thinking for Peace, at times when you dont know of it; But it will open to you a collateral, & therefore an explanatory view, of the arguments & system wch guide my Conduct— But if I were asked; why shd any one press so forward to treat with the present ministry? Because they alone while they continue in power can treat for Peace.— Well but for their sincerity? I reply, the word Peace gains ground with the public at large, by the very act of tampering with negotiations, whether Ministers themselves are sincere or not.— Well but again for the point of Sincerity? Why as to that I have not much to say. I have at least expected some hold upon their prudence. My argument runs thus. It is a bargain for you (Ministers) to be sincere now. Common prudence may hint that to you; to look to yourselves. I confess to you that it has amazed me beyond measure, that this principle of common selfish prudence has not had the effect wch I expected. It has been upon this principle that I have founded my expectations. I repeat it again. Give me Peace, let it come from whatever quarter it may.
The enclosed letter did not produce any effect; wch leads me to ask you a question, wch is, as I suppose of a public nature. A whisper dropt into my ear about June & July last that instructions wd be sent to Sir H Clinton to treat in America. Has anything of this kind happened? and what terms? I mean to ask, if it be public & proper to give Information.— I see likewise a very extraordinary assertion in the Spanish Manifesto of Motives &c, published last Summer; viz that while the British ministry were consenting, that a friend to Peace shd feel the pulse for accommodation with america, they were at that very period making great offers to France to abandon them. Such a thing had been whispered to me before; but I was much surprized to see it so publicly asserted & by so dignified an authority.
These & many other things, some that I hear, & some that I suspect, make me very cautious what I trust to. You must therefore suppose of me in general that I think & observe many things wch neither time nor prudence will permitt to be explained by communication of letters. My wish at present is to digest thoughts & plans to be in readiness to seize any favorable opening to strike for Peace.
I am totally at a loss to comprehend the likelyhood of the reports respecting Mr Adams, & the drift of his mission to Europe if true. The only guess that I can put together with any semblance of consistence is, whether he may not be coming in consequence of some negotiation transmitted to America thro Sir H Clinton. But this is mere Surmize. I hope to hear from you soon Your affecte
GB
To Dr Franklin
 Addressed: To Dr Franklin / &c &c &c


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

[January 5–May 5, 1780]

Monsieur Franklin doit pour la pension de Monsieur son petit fils depuis le 5e Janvier au 5e. May 1780—4. Mois—
£174—
6—
  ″—

Papier, encre & plumes
12—
″—
0—

Couteau
″—
6—
″—

Patins
2—
6—
″—

gands
″—
13—
6—

pr: voir le géant & les combats des bêtes
1—
3—
″—

Carton
″—
3—
″—

une paire boucles de coté
″—
9—
″—

pr: racommoder ses bas
1—
3—
″—

pr: un chapeau & le ruban autour
3—
17—
″—

ruban de queuë
″—
6—
″—

Estampes & Cahiers
1—
3—
″—

blanchissages 4. Mois
6—
″—
″—

Maitre de danse
6—
″—
″—

Maitre de dessin
13—
″—
″—

Maitre d’anglois
21—
15—
3—

Perruquier pendt. l’année
12—
10—
″—

Marchand Drapier pr: ses habits
24—
12—
6—

pr: le cordonnier
20—
″—
″—

pr: le compte du Tailleur
66—
9—
″—

Dimanches & argent donné pr: la foire
9—
″—
″—

pr: son portrait
15—
10—
″—

pr: lui avoir arraché des dents & fourni le nécessaire pr: les nétoyer
7—
  9—
  3—

£389—
18—
″—

389 l.t. 18 s. argt: court: font argt: de france le louis à 14 l.t. 10 s. 6—
£644—2 s: pr: acquit Marignac


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 6 January 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

In the letter published below, Dumas asks for confirmation that Franklin has received “a certain paper under cover of Dr. Bancroft.” That deliberately vague phrase referred to the “dictionary” or nomenclator code that John Paul Jones had generated during the summer of 1779, and that Dumas and the captain had been using for several months.
Jones had originally devised the “cypher” (as he sometimes called it) for his private correspondence with Franklin. He sent it to Passy on August 13, 1779, the day before his squadron sailed. Although Jones’s covering letter has survived, the enclosure has not, and we have found no acknowledgment of its receipt.
After his return to the Texel in October, Jones gave the code to Dumas, whom Franklin had instructed to provide for the needs of the captain and his squadron. The first known use of the code is in an undated letter from Dumas to Jones, assigned to November 17. Several weeks later, Jones directed Dumas to send the code to Edward Bancroft for the use of both Bancroft and Franklin. The Dutch agent did so on December 15, cautioning that before he would begin to use the code, he would wait for word from either recipient that the paper had come safely to hand.
This time, the code did arrive at Passy. It was a numbered list of 928 words, arranged in a roughly alphabetical order. (Every so often, a block of words beginning with one letter was exchanged with a block of words beginning with the following letter, so that the alphabetical sequence was slightly scrambled.) For words not included in the numbered list, a simple letter-for-letter substitution table dictated that A would be replaced by E, B by F, and so on for twenty-five letters. (J was excluded.)
Franklin and Bancroft discussed the code and, in a now-missing letter to Dumas of January 24, 1780, Franklin explained their concern over certain deficiencies. Dumas’ reply, promising to make adjustments, is below, February 4. On February 8, Dumas sent what he called his “remedy” (a list of changes which involved renumbering the “dictionary”) and wrote a few encoded lines to test the system. Franklin’s working copy of the code (in Temple’s hand, but renumbered by his grandfather) is at the American Philosophical Society.

Honoured & dear Sir,
Amst. 6th. Jan. 1780
I hope all my Letters, since I left the Texel, are come at your hands, & also a certain paper under cover of Dr. Bancroft. Here are the copies of the new protestations of our good wigh-cities.
This moment I receive yr. respected favour of the 27th. The relation of Genl. Sullivan’s expedition is very interesting. I would that of Count d’Estaing’s had been as successfull.
3 days after Captn. Jones, the other vessels left also the same road. Pray Sir, let me know if you have received the paper of Dr. Bancroft, & if it is in your hands alone.
I am ever with great respect, Honoured & dear Sir yr. most humble & faithfull servant
Dumas
P.S. I told you in my last, dear Sir, that I have had a very hard quarrel with the gd. F——r. He accuses me to have blackened in your eyes Mr. Gd.
Passy His Excy. Franklin

 Addressed: His Excellency / B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. plenip. of the Un. St. / &c. / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas. Jan. 6. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gerard, 7 January 1780
From: Gerard, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
L’Orient le 7. Janvr. 1780
Suivant les ordres que jai recu de Mr. J. Torris de Dunkerque de vous donner avis de ce qui me parviendra de Nouveau concernant le Corsaire le Blalk Prince j’ai lhonneur de vous donner avis de sa relache icy aprés avoir eté chassé par deux fregattes Angloises qu’il croit de 36 Canons qui lui ont donné la chasse depuis les sorlingues jusqu’a Belle-isle ce qui la obligé de venir relacher dans notre Port. Il a fait depuis le 21. Xbre. jour de sa Sortie de Dunkerque cinq Prises et quatre rançons il a donné ordre aux Prises de relacher au premier Port qu’ils trouveroient il y a ycy les 4 Rancons dont vous avez cy joint la Notte.
Ce Corsaire a touché en entrant, Demain je ferai faire les reparations necessaires pour le mettre en etat de reprendre la Mer. Je ferai aussi Descendre les Rancons et jen prendrai soin jusqu’a reception de vos ordres ou de Mr. J. Torris.
Les Prisonniers qui sont au nombre de 48 Seront egalement mis a terre jai prié Mr Thevenard de les faire loger et en attendant qu’il ait des ordres je pourvoirai a leur subsistance.
Je Suis Bien flatté de l’occasion que me procure Mr Torris de lhonneur de correspondre avec vous et de me Dire avec le plus profond Respect. Monsieur Votre trés humble & Obeissant Servr.
Gerard
Mr. franklin a Passy
 Notation: Gerard Jan 7. 80.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cradock Taylor, 7 January 1780
From: Taylor, Cradock
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir/
Aix in Provance Janry 7th. 1780
I beg leave to inform your Excellency that at the time of the exchange of the English prisonors (as I would not except of my exchange as an English man) my allowance has been stop’t & since that time I have Subsisted on this small sum you were so kind as to give me. I inform’d you in my last of my intentions of going to Martineco & inclos’d you the Capts. Sertifycate but I find he will not sail so soon as I expected but it will be the latter part of this month at furthest at which time I shall find a difficulty to depart as of course I shall be some small trifle in dept which if your Excellency will spare me but three pounds I shall be able to Discharge otherwise I don’t know how I Shall be able to proseed; I beg your Excellencies pardon for troubleing you so often but I hope you will Excuse it & compute it to its true cause—Nedcessaty.
I Am Sir with the greatest Respect your Excellencies most Obblig’d & Obedient Humbl. Servt
Cradock Taylor
 Addressed: His Excellency Benjn. Franklin / Esqr. Plenopitery to the / United States of America / Parris
Notation: Cradock Taylor


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 8 January 1780
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Jan 8 1780
I cannot imagine what has prevented my hearing from you for these two month relating to the Cartel. I therefore send you a copy of a letter from the board of Sick & Hurt to me of Novr 15 1779 wch is the place where we left off & where we stick now.

I wish I cd expedite things but it is not in my power. You see where the matter has been Stopt these two Months. I am Dr Sir Yrs &c
D Hartley
 Addressed: To Dr Franklin / &c &c &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bennett Lloyd, 8 January 1780
From: Lloyd, Richard Bennett
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London 8th. Jany: 1780. Somerset St. Portman Square—
Having come to a resolution to quit Europe early this Spring for America as my private affairs make it absolutely necessary— I shall therefore beg leave to trouble you with a few lines to ask the favour of your opinion which will be my best and most secure way to convey my Family across the Atlantic—. You are a Gentleman who’s opinion I would sooner follow than any one I know—and as I have already experienced yr. Friendship I am induced to ask of you the above request—.
Through the blunders of those who have the management of my Estate I have not been able to receive my remittances for these five years past—which will make a long journey before I take Shipping exceedingly inconvenient on account of the expense which must attend it— This was my sole reason for thinking of going directly from hence to America— I mentioned to you some months ago of this my intention— but I neglected to inform you that a Mr. Kinlaw of Carolina went out from Bristol to New York where he got a Flag of Truce and was well received by his Countrymen— Here is likewise a Gentleman who left Maryland last May he got a permit from that State to come by the way of New York to this Country to finish his studies in the Law here at the Temple— I mention this supposing that if these Gentlemen could be permitted to come through that Door— I who have a wife and three small Childron might be allowed also, as my finances are not equal to carry me a long journey before I embark—. However I should by no means think of going to New York if I can get a conveyance from France, or Holland, that you think would safely convey me to America—.
You will receive this by a Gentleman (who a friend of your’s and mine informs me) will be soon here again therefore I flatter myself it will not be long before I shall hear from you—.
A person in this Town (a Friend of Mr. Alexander’s) informed me that your Grandson and Nephew was married into His Family— In consequence I wrote to your Grandson to congratulate Him on the event— but I am informed since that the fact is not so—and that only your Nephew is Married—. I should like much to have a few minutes conversation with you before I leave Europe concerning something I have heard which I wish you could know but I cannot with propriety trust it to paper— Perhaps should it so happen that I embark from hence I may see you for a few days between this time and that— What I mean is entirely relative to Yourself—
Mrs. Lloyd unites with me in most affectionate respects and believe me to be, Dear Sir, sincerely yr. obt. humble Servant
Richard Btt. Lloyd
Be pleased, Sir, to give the inclosed Letter to Mr. Carmichael as soon as he arrives at Paris—
 Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin / Franklin
Notation: Lloyd, London 8 Jany. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Ray de Chaumont, [after 8 January 1780]
From: Chaumont, Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[after January 8, 1780]
M. de Chaumont a L’honneur de proposer a S. E Monsieur franklin d’aller faire unne visite ce matin a M. Le Comte Dorvilliers qui a Si Bien accueilli nos freres americains. M. franklin voudra Bien dire a quelle heure il partira Si la proposition luy Convient.


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

Dear Sir
Paris 9he January 1780
According to an appointement I had Requested from Mr. De Montbarrey, I had last Morning a Conversation With that Minister, wherein I did Earnestly urge the Necessity of sending from the Royal Magazines to America, fifteen thousands Stands of Arms and a large Quantity of powder— I Can’t say My Endeavours, tho’ Exerted to the Best of My Power, have met with an immediate Succes, But from this first interview I flatter Myself we May in some Measure Carry the desir’d point.

I was at first told By the Minister that you had a Bargain Ready Made for Arms, But did not much dwell on the Argument— He secondly desir’d the affair Might be in time duely Considerd, But upon My Assuring that No time was to be lost, and that the arms should go With other Articles You was Going to Send, he, with obliging terms for us, promis’d he would in a few days Give me a positive answer— I am to have towards the Middle of the Week, a Conference With Mr. de Maurepas, and a Second one with Mr. de Vergennes on the Same Subject upon Which I have this Morning Writen to this last Minister, So that I Will Before long be able to tell you how has Ended My little Negotiation.
With the Most perfect Regard and tender Affection I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most obedient humble Servant
Lafayette
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esq.
 Notation: LaFayette 9 Jan 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Landais: résumé, 9 January 1780
From: Landais, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Paris, January 9, 1780, in French: Please certify to be a true copy the following extracts of J.P. Jones’s letter to you dated the Texel, Oct. 3, 1779. I am sorry to trouble your excellency again but thinking it necessary, I hope it will be granted.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Brown, Collinson & Tritton, 10 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brown, Collinson & Tritton

Gentlemen,
Passy, Jan. 10. 1780
I drew on you some time since for £70.8.0 in favour of Mr Caslon. I request a Sketch of my Account, containing all the Articles since my Arrival in France in December 1776. I am, Gentlemen, Your humble Servant
B Franklin
Messrs Brown, Collinson & Tritton, Bankers, LondonSent


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Woodmason, [10 January 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Woodmason, James

Sir,
[January 10, 1780]
I have lately receiv’d yours, without Date, acquainting me that the Paper I ordered is at length finished, & will be sent by the first Ship to Amsterdam, which I am glad to hear. If not already gone, please to insure it, and send me your Account. Present my affectionate Respects to your good Father, and believe me to be Sir, Your assured Friend & humble Servant
BF
Mr Woodmason, Stationer, London.Sent


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catherine de Wesselow Cramer, 10 January 1780
From: Cramer, Catherine de Wesselow
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Genève ce 10 Janvier 1780.
Vous avez sçû la mort de Monsieur Cramer, & vous l’avez regretté: j’épargne à votre coeur sensible la peinture de l’etat où je suis depuis ce moment. Je n’ai pû prendre plutôt la plume pour vous assurer de tout l’intérêt que m’inspire votre petit fils. Soyez tranquille sur son compte & croyez que j’en ai soin comme de mon propre fils. Ils sont dans la même pension & paraîssent s’aimer beaucoup. Votre Enfant est bon, sensible, plein de sens & de raison; mais il a dans le caractère une indolence qui l’empêche de faire dans les études, les progrès dont il serait capable; et une timidité qui, quoiqu’on n’exige pas des manières à cet âge, lui donne l’air trop impoli. Permettez-moi de Vous dire, Monsieur, que vous le corrigeriez aisèment de ces légers défauts, en lui écrivant plus souvent, car il me parait avoir pour vous beaucoup de respect & d’attachement.
Je joins ici les comptes de sa dépense depuis qu’il est dans ce pays; je les ai examines, en me faisant expliquer chaque article, & vous pouvez être sûr qu’ils ne sont point exagéres. Ils montent à £1170. s.1 d.7 argt de France, sur quoi vous aviez remis à mon Mari 20 louis, autrement £480. de sorte que vous restez nous devoir £690 s.1 d.7 que Vous voudrez bien payer à Mrs Rilliet & Lullin Banquiers à Paris.
Agréez, Monsieur, l’assurance de l’estime & des sentimens avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’être Votre très humble & très obeïssante servante.
DE Wesselow Cramer.
 Notation: Madam Cramer to Dr. Franklin Geneva, Jan. 10.— 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges: Two Letters, [10 January 1780]
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.

[January 10, 1780]
At Plymouth Jany 1. 1780 the Prisoners stood thus—

Exchangd by the Cartel Ship
97

Escaped in all
72

Enterd into the navy
63

Dead
 15

257

Remaining in Prison
183

The State at Portsmouth the same day, & since which 3 or four have escaped

In Prison
227

Sixty of these are Officers of inferior rank. Upwards of one hundred officers have escapd since 15th June 1777. The Cartel from thence 2d July 79 carryd 120 Men. Those dead, & enterd into the service of England, & the number of the whole that has been committed is not exactly stated to me.
The Cartel, or flag of Truce, Ship to Falmouth, saild from Boston the 12th Novr. 79. The vessel was purchasd by the Passengers allowd to come away on condition they releasd an equal number of Americans in England. The Passengers are principally the Captains, Passengers, & Crews of the two Packets taken & carryd into Boston: I have not their exact number but it is said to be ninety in all.
The Cartel Ship, Polly Heny Mitchell Commr (who is an Irish man marryd in & belonging to Boston, & who owns the ship) saild the 25th Novr from Boston & brings 35 Passengers in all. They are cheifly West India Gentn taken on their passage Home in the June fleet out of which seven sail was conducted into Boston. The following is the Copy of their written parole, & I dare say the Passengers to Falmo are under a like agreement.
“State of Massachusetts Bay — Boston Nov 20th. 1779 Whereas the Honble. Council of the affsd State, Hath permitted Us the Subscribers prisoners of War To depart from this to England; upon our Paroles, in the Cartel Ship Polly Henry Mitchell Commr; We Engage for our Selves &ca &ca. (here follows the names & descriptions) That upon our arrival in England, we will procure the liberty of as many American Prisoners in England of equal rank with ourselves, & cause them to be sent over to France, addressd to the Honble Benj: Franklin Esq Plenipotentiary for the united States of America. We further promise, that in case of failure, that each of us will return to this State in Six months from the Date— Further that we will not do or say any thing prejudicial to the afforesaid States of America, until duly exchangd & dischargd— As witness our hands &ca.

John Jackson,
Jerea Cochlan

Edd. Barry
John Read Robinson

Jno Lawrence
John Smith

Robert Leake

The first namd Mr Jackson has been twice with Lord N, and promisd every thing very fairly. But this not being the quarter to do the Business, I perswaded Him to try the Admiralty— They wanted to throw cold water on his application, but on His speaking out, & demanding it as a right not as a favor, and threatening to have it mentiond in the House [of] Commons, He was somewhat listend to by Mr Stephens, & a slight promise obtaind that it should be attended to. I have no hopes myself, that it will; for just such a promise was obtaind towards procuring the release for the Receipts you forwarded DH, and to the accomplishment of which nothing yet has been done and D H—— is unluckily (as he too often is) out of Town. To obviate this inconvenience of his absence, & at times, inattention, I some time ago got Mr Wm. Hodgson of Coleman st. to write you; I think any request from you to that Genn will be attended to, & he could then go with a good face to the board of Sick & Hurt to push forward the Cartel; and which, as an American, I cannot do.
Mr Jackson was the first person who informd Lord N—— of Mr Adams’s appointment to Europe as a Negotiator for Peace, and that He saild from Boston the 22d Novr. in a French Frigate— Lord N——s expression on this occasion was a little curious— “I wish Mr Adams had had confidence enough to come directly hither in the Ship with you.” It is wonderful how the people here have been guild by the Runners of Admn. industriously giving it out as a fact that Mr Adams was certainly coming to London with very humiliating propositions from Congress. It servd to raise the Stocks 2 pr Ct! And the period of its being talkd of here was a little unlucky for America, for the people never gave themselves time to think that the appointment of that Gentn. was at a time when Ama. expected to make prisoners the whole British army in New York.
The Bearer will carry you a seperate large packet wch. my friend Mr Magellan requested me to forward; There is two letters in it from our friend in Mincing Lane, and one from Mr. L——d. Any ansrs. you may trust safely to the Bearer. He also carrys the Letter from our friend D. H——. The Bearer is an intelligent clever man & will give you the news of the Day. Much expectation is formd from the Fleet under Sr. J. Ross, It is gone either to the releif of Gibr. or to destroy the shipping in the Bay of Cadiz— The Wt Inda. fleet carryd out but two thousand men & abot. 4 sail of the Line will attend them.
All is up again about the Conquest of Ama. DEstaigns shameful behaviour has with two much reason raisd the Spirits of the People, and I see no redemption for South Carolina as an Army from N York of 3,000 men is certainly gone against it. All the officers from Georgia, declare openly the place would have surrenderd if terms had been offerd to the Garrison. There were but 2,400 Men in the place in the total, & it was impossible say they to throw up works from the lightness of the sand. It seems that no one but DEstaign could have lost it. I am very certain if he had only hoverd on the coasts with his fleet & blockd up the River the place would have surrenderd to Lincoln.
I suppose Mr. I——d saild from Holland in the last St. Eustatia Fleet. I am sorry to find He goes out extreemly hostile to you. The L——s I have not heard from for a long time; I am apprehensive from my formerly refusing (for I had it not in my power to do it) to go as second with them. They may suppose & represent me as luke-warm in the cause of my country— My uniform endeavours to steer clear of all disputes & to do good in the little way I had in my power, may increase that supposition in them of me; but I trust there are many who know my heart & have been witness’s to what I have risqued & done. J. T——e, is still here & speaks in the highest terms of respect for you & hopes to see you soon— We condole with each other on the present gloomy prospects & folly of this Country & tho our hopes are in peace we can see no likelyhood of it at present. I am &c &c.

 Notation: Digges Jan 1780
II.
Dear Sir
London 10 Jany 1780
My Friend Mr Barber, the Bearer hereof, has obligingly taken charge of a letter & small parcel from myself, and also a letter from our Friend D. H—— for you. He takes a journey to Paris on some Commercial Business, in which He is connected with Mr Saml Hartley (a particular Friend & relation to D H——) and which must lead to the attendance on some Men in power at your Court— This business will be best explaind by Himself; and I am a supplicant to you Sir for what aid and assistance you can give Mr. Barber in the prosecution of His plan.
His political sentiments, as well as those of Mr Saml Hartley, will not displease you; I have experiencd on many occasions Their willingness to oblige Us, and I am sure any scheme They may be upon will not be unbeneficial to our Country; I therefore beg leave to recommend Mr Barber to your usual civility and attention, & to be esteemd Your very Obligd and Obedt: Servant
T. Digges
 Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esq / at Passy / near / Paris
Notation: Jany 10 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 10 January 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Paris 10he January 1780
From a Ministerial letter I just Receive from Versaïlles I Begin to hope that My little Negotiation will take a Good turn, and as I Made it my point to succeed in this affair, No exertions will be untried for the purpose— I should, My Good friend, have done Myself the honor of Waïting on You this Morning, was I Not seiz’d By A Violent Cold, Which I the more Accurately attend to, that I want to be on Wenesday in situation of Making a tolerable figure at Versaïlles where I am to entertain Mr. de Maurepas and the other Ministers with a final Conversation on the affair of Arms and powder that I have so much at heart— From theyr Good disposition towards America, and the Sincere desire they have of helping our fellow Citizens the Sons of liberty, I flatter Myself that the Monney of Congress will be employ’d in any thing But Buying the powder, and the stands of Arms that are wanted in America.
How happy I shall ever feel to be the instrument of Any thing good for them, I Need Not Mentionning to My Good friend Mr. Franklin, and for Reasons No less obvious I will not dwell upon the assurance of the private Sentiments of affection and Regard I have the honor to be With Dear Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant
Lafayette
 Notation: LaFayette. Jan 10. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mante, 10 January 1780
From: Mante, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris chez un horloger vis a vis l’hotel d’York rue Jacob. 10 Jany. 1780.
Sir
On the 10th. of last month I was cut for the stone the operation was attended with the desired effect. Since that time I have been struggling with the want of almost every thing necessary for a person in that situation. If once more you will permit me to ask your aid, it will be the last time, and by granting it to me, you will relieve an afflicted person from great distress. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obliged obed humble Servant
Thomas Mante
 Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats / unies de L’Amerique. / A Passy.
Notation: Thomas Mante


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 10 January 1780
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourd and Dear Sir!
Amsterdam the 10h. Jany. 1780.
Mr. Dumas hath informed your Excellency with every particular which related to the Squadron under the comand of the brave Comodor JP Jones, we have thought it needless to trouble her attention with a repetition of the same.

As we have heard that some of those vessells have safe arrived in Dunkerque we give your Excy. joy there with; true it is that we could wish to know where and how that intrepid Comodor Jones finds him Self at present, butt we are in hopes, to learn it soon, and we cannot doubt butt he will give a good account at every opportunity to promote the intrest of his Country, in the Alliance, he is in at present.
There will remain butt very little to settle now about the disburses of this Squadron, which as it depends from freight to be payd to lightermen, Anchors &ca. which will be a trifle and cannot be adjusted as long our rivers are frozen; in case again your Excellency might approve of that we should send to L’Orient as Mr. Jones desired such things as should have belonged to the Alliance in case her speedy sailing had not detained us, butt which will be likewise of no great Amount in Comparison; butt in those circumstances, we would not detain the provisionall Accounts, butt we have the pleasure of conveying the same to Mr. Le Ray de Chaumont examind and aproved of by Mr. Dumas Agent for the Thirteen United States.
We have taken already the liberty of giving your Excy. our thanks for the preference of this comission for the States; may we begg leave to renew those most sincerely, and to recomand ourselfs for any such business, as your Excellency may find occasion for relating to this Country; We were always by principle attatched to the Cause of the United States; and we hope to see soon their Independence acknowledged by ours, and as a Sister Republicq among their most intimate Allies; as already should have been the Case, by their most favourable disposition, which have though unhappily been defferr’d by the basest of their Members by Dispoticq influences, May the protests of our City and some others, be prosperous and produce in short that happy event we so long wished for!
In the mean time we begg for leave to assure your Excellency that we will look upon it as the highest favour, if the United States, if your Excellency will be always convinced of our most devoted Regard, and on every occasion Comand us as Honourd and Dear Sir! Your Excellencys most sincere and most faithfull humble Servant
John DE Neufville & Son
 Notation: Neufville John & son 10. Jany. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 11 January 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Jany 11. 1780
Mr Barber the Bearer of this & several other letters to you which was given Him yesterday, has been good enough to wait a day, for the good tidings I expected to forward relative to the Compliance of the Admiralty with the terms of the two Cartel Ships which came lately from Boston. These terms are made known to you in my letter of yesterday. Some of the Gentlemen under Parole, waited on the Lords of the Admiralty, & were advisd to draw up a memorial stating their case, & praying that the terms of their agreement should be complied with; They had promises from the Admiralty their prayer should be heard, & an answer given this day. One of the Gentlemen has been with me with the tidings, that they receivd fair promises, but that the answer could not be given for some days. Altho I have little hopes from the promises of great men, I am not without expectation I may have it in my power in a few days to inform you the terms are in some measure complied with.
If you have it in your power, It would very much oblige our friend Mr Hartley, to get releasd or put into forwardance for the first Exchange by Cartel, a Captain and mate of His taken & carryd into Brest by the Renommé French Frigate they are probably at Dinant & their description are Capt. Colley of the Brigantine David & His Lieut Mr. Powel. Mr. Barber can more particularly describe them to you. I am Sir Yr very Obt. Servt
Tho Digges
 Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Passy / near / Paris
Notation: January 11 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [11 January 1780]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

De Paris ce mardy [January 11, 1780]
Vous êtes trop bon mon cher Docteur de me faire des reproches. Mais en Verité si je n’ai pas eu l’honneur de vous aller demander à dîner tous ces Jours cy, c’est la faute du tems et des affaires. Avant-hier Je comptois vous aller voir il a fait, au moins à Paris, un si mauvais temps que cela m’en a empêché mais Je compte me dédommager de tous ces retards dimanche et vous faire mon compliment bien sincère sur la bonne santé dont vous Jouissez avec vos soixante quinze ans et vous renouveller tous mes Voeux pour que vous en Jouissiez encore Longues années. Je compte bien que vous nous donnerez du vin pour boire à cette bonne santé. Je vous prie de vouloir bien faire tous mes remercimens à M. Ingenhouse de son présent et de lui dire en même temps que J’ai été Le chercher à L’hôtel dubouloir où on m’avoit dit qu’il demeuroit mais qu’il etoit deja parti pour aller s’établir à Passy. J’espere qu’il y sera Dimanche à Passy. Je lui repondrai sur la demande qu’il m’a faite. J’ai été désolé de ne m’etre pas trouvé chez moi quand il m’a fait L’honneur d’y passer. Adieu Mon Cher Docteur. On ne peut vous être plus veritablement et plus sincèrement attaché que Je vous le suis pour la vie
Le Roy
Permettez-vous que Monsieur votre petit-fils trouve ici les sincères assurrances de tout mon attachement— Je ferai éxactement toutes vos commissions et je vous en rendrai compte Dimanche.

 Notations: Le Roy / Le Roy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Diot & Co., 12 January 1780
From: Diot, John, & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Morlaix 12th. January 1780.
We have the honnour to forward to your Excellency a coppy of the Black Princess’s Journal, Edward Macatter commander, Who came into this Road on the 6th. Instant, Whereto We beg leave to Refferr your Excellency for the particulars of her Cruize. Two of her prizes are arrived safe, to say, the brig Betzey, loaded with Beef and butter in the Road of Brest, and the ship Camden loaded with Timber in the road of Perros near Lanion, where she stranded, but We expect to get her off: There is besides, one prize of the Black Prince arrived into Morlaix last Week; she is called the James and Thomas, from Dublin bound to London loaded with beef and butter. All the particulars and documents concerning the aforeSaid prizes have been or are to be sent this Week, to your Excellency, and the great demand there is at present for Timber and provisions for the King, induces us to beg of your Excellency a speedy condamnation, for the Wellfare of the Concernd;
M. LaPorte the Intendant of Marine in Brest, sent a Message to Perros to View the Timber, and seems anxious to hear of your Exellency’s speedy Judgement, and he told us he wou’d do himself the honnour to Write to You about said prizes.

Inclosed Your Excellency has the Obligations signed the 29th. decemr. by Captn. John Armstrong of the Betsey and James Forrestall of the Peter and John, both put on board the Samuel and John of Yarmouth, and dito for Lewis Sandison and William Hall his boy put the 3d. Instant on board a Dutch dogger bound to Ostende— Next post We shall forward to your Excellency The Gaol keeper’s receit for the prisonners lodged in Morlaix Gaol.
We did not hear a Word of the Black Prince which makes us Very uneasy.
We are most Respectfully, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most Humble Servants—
Jn. Diot & Co
To His Excellency Benj. Franklin at Passy.
 Notation: Diot & Co. Jany. 12th. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 13 January 1780
From: Landais, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Please Your Excellency
Paris January 13th 1780.
I Received your letter of the 10th Inst, which you did me the honour to write to me the Same day, I am very Sorry that I cannot have Sooner than next week, those extracts which I beg of your Excellency by my letter of the 9 Inst; but Since Your business require to postpone till that time, I will be Satisfy’d of that new favour.
According to your Order I have Perus’d the memoirs from the Swedish Ambassador relating the two Ships of his Nation &ca.
I have had the Honour to aquaint Your Exy, in time, of the Event and Circumstances of them; & Sent the Copy of theirs papers, delivered to me by the two Captains, & quoted those that were wanted for to justify that they were Swedish property, to Mr Shweighauser agent at Nantes.
More over at my arrival here, I told You I had brought with me only few Clothes, and the papers relating my justification, thinking one of those being Certify’d by all the officers of the Alliance, would be suffitient to Clear me of the charge laid against me, of what had been wrote to your Excy by the french Minister about the Engagement of the 23d Sepr: & as disobedience of Orders, I think I was not under Capn Jones orders by Your own, and as I have Show’d You, for the good of the Cause I Submited to be So (Except to go onboard his Ship where I had been insulted) if he would have gave me writing orders for to Justify my Self before Your Excellency: and you may juge by Mr de Cottineau’s letter of the 15th Novr Last to Mr Ray de Chaumon, which you have in your hands, if I had not been, by a Storm, parted from the rest of the Ships, and had follow’d the Bon Homme Richard, I would have been disobedient to you, farther if in going in the bay of Buigburg Without Pilot, or any where else, I had lost the frigate, and anything hapened to your Excellency in the Same time, I would have had nothing to justify my Conduct with, before Congress. When Mr Ray de Chaumont told me Capn Jones had took the Command of the Alliance, I beg’d of a favour Your Excellency would order my trunks to be put ashore, for I could not write to Capn Jones in the present Circumstances, and they could not be took out of the Ship without his Consent.
When I left the Ship, I thought I would be back in two weeks time, and when I went to passy the acusations were not arrived yet, you told me to go their again next monday what I did, you told me then I was accused of disobedience of orders, of having fired upon the B.H. Richard, of having not been to his assistance as Soon as possible, and of not having been to take the fleet, Your Excellency has told me Since t’was by a letter from the French Minister I was charged, that you began the enquiry of my Conduct (I desire you would be So good to do me the favour of letting me have the Copy of the Said letter, that I may justify my Self before Monsieur de Sartine, Since Mr. de Chaumont has told me he had not Showd him all my papers as I did hop he would do) and that it was Sometime after, you had receiv’d the accusations against me from Capt Jones: You have been Sick and have had your minister’s occupations so, that the affair I am come for, is not finished yet to be examined.
It is out of my Power now, destitute of the Ship’s papers, to give any Observations on the Swedish vessels but the followings, that my reputation and Caracter are again unjustly impeached: that the two Swedish Capts were at the same table where Monsieur Le Marquis de lafayette the others Gentlemen and my Self were, and had both a bed made in the Cabin that those of the Crew that were on board were fed as my own Crew, they were put by themselves in a petition [partition?], for two reasons, one for to have nothing to do with the Ranglers, the other for to not be plundered badly use by Some illnatur’d fellow, between deck; that I never heard any Complains from the Capts. or the Crews, which last willingly, out of the good treatment they met with, helpt to work the Ship several times: as to the validity of the Capture of the two Ships I was doubtful, in Consequence I Spoke of it to Mr. Le Marquis de lafayette, and desired he would and Several others Gentlemen Comme in the Ships Cabin, from where I Sent for my officers, delivered to them the Vessels papers to be Examined, and ask’d their Opinion, every one Said they were at least partly English property, and they give it to me in writing. (I told you at my arrival here Mr Le Ms de lafayette might told you what passed then) I would have gone to pay my respects to Mr. Le Marquis on all other Occasion, & beg he would tell you my Conduct in regard of the two vessels, but I have delly’d Seing him till now, thinking I would be justify’d before this time, thinking it wanted nothing but your looking into this affair for to perceive de falshood of the accusations laid against me.
In the Begining of the memoirs you may See the aspersions laid against me in it, which are as false as all the rest. Viz Extract le pillage Commis par un soit disant ameriquain, quoi qu’originairement françois, nomme, Londy, qui muni de lettres de marque des Etats unis, attaqua &c. Your Excellency know by the Commission of Captain of man of war in the American Service, and by the act of naturalisation of the State of machasuset bay that I had the honour to Show you the fist Day of the Enquiry that I had a right to visit all Ships, and when they had not the necessary papers, to prouve their neutrality, to Carry them in a Port to be examined; as plundering of them, I never did the acused(?) I am Sorry I cannot give you better information on that Subject.
I Beg as a favour you would write me the reception of this letter and the memoir inclosed, by the Bearer.
I am With Respect Your Excellency Most Obedient & Most humble Servant
P. Landais
His Excellency Bn Franklin Minister Plenipotentary of the united States of America.
 Notation: P. Landais Jan 13. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Geneviève Le Veillard, 13 January 1780
From: Le Veillard, Geneviève-Elisabeth Belamy
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dreux 13 janvier 1780
Vous m’avez envoyé, mon bon papa, La plus jolie petite écritoire du monde; elle ma fait un grand plaisir non pas seulement a cause de sa jolie figure, mais bien plus encore a cause de celuy qui me la donne; je ne lui ai trouvé qu’un déffaut, c’etoit de ne pas contenir une petite Lettre de vous comme je l’avois esperé d’abord; quand elle n’auroit été que de deux lignes, pour me dire que vous m’aimez toujours un peu, elle m’auroit fait plus de plaisir que six pages, de quantité d’autres.
Jespere que d’aujourdhuy en un mois je ne serai plus dans le cas de vous écrire, mais que je serai de retour a passy; j’attends le moment de vous voir et de vous embrasser avec une impatience égale aux sentiments de tendresse et d’amitié avec lesquels Je suis mon bon papa Votre tres humble et tres obeissante servante
Leveillard
Mille choses de papa et de maman a vous. Cinq cent a m’ votre petit fils. Si L’ecritoire est de sa choix on peut dire que cest un jeune homme dont Le bon gout est universel.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine: Two Letters, 13 January 1780
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
à Versailles le 13. Janr. 1780.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire par laquelle vous me demandéz un Passeport pour un Batiment Anglois destiné a transporter de Plimouth ou Portsmouth des Prisonniers Americains, qui doivent etre debarqués à Morlaix; Je l’ai fait expedier sur le champ, et j’ai l’honneur de vous l’envoyer ci joint.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Sartine.
M. Franklin.

II.
Versailles le 13. Janvier 1780.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 29. du mois dernier relativement à six matelots Americains échappés des prisons d’angleterre et pour lesquels vous m’avez déja fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 17 du mois de novembre. Aussitôt que j’ai été informé que ces matelots étoient arrivés près de Coutances j’ai donné ordre au Sr. Eustache Commissaire des Classes à Granville de les faire relâcher et je renouvelle ces ordres par ce Courier.
J’ai l’honneur de vous prévenir que 21. Sujets des Etats unis également échappés des prisons d’Angleterre viennent d’arriver à atberildue près de Brest, et que j’ai donné ordre de leur procurer les Secours dont ils peuvent avoir besoin./.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, votre très humble et tres obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Sartine.
M. Franklin.


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

Monsieur Le Comte
passy le 15 janvier 1780
Je vous envoye une Epreuve de La traduction d’une Lettre du Congrès; et je vous prie de mettre au bas que vous ne vous opposez pas à son impression. Cette formalité Est nécessaire: Les censeurs ne veulent laisser paraitre qu’à cette condition, cet ouvrage dont il est bon pour nous que Le public n’ignore pas plus Long-tems Le contenu.
Je vous prie, Monsieur le Comte, d’ordonner que vos secretaires La Renvoyent sur Le Champ à L’adresse cy jointe: Monsieur Lizerin Rue christine au coin de La Rue Dauphine. Les fautes qui sont Dans L’Epreuve ne doivent pas vous arrêter: elles seront corrigées exactement.
Je suis, Monsieur Le Comte, avec Respect Vôtre très humble & très obeissant serviteur
B Franklin
Mr. Le comte de Vergennes sécretaire D’Etat
 Notations: rep le 19 Jer. 1780 / Janvier 15.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Mary, 15 January 1780
From: Mary, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
15th. January 1780./.
You may have been informed by M. le ray de Chaumont of the event which procured me the honor of calling upon your Excellency. The Minister of the Marine has granted me my passage upon the first vessels which would go to North America. I do not think that in those that are arriving now in Brest there are any bounded for that part of the world. M. Pellerin, with whom I dined yesterday, informed me that the Continental frigate the Committee was to sail from Nantes in a few days. If it was the case, I would beg leave to recommend myself to your Excellency for my passage.
At all event I intend to leave Paris next thursday to go to Nantes. I will have the honor of calling upon you next munday and shall take with me your commissions with a great deal of pleasure. If you were so good as to give me a letter of recommandation for your agent in Nantes, I will be vastly obliged to your Excellency.

I have the honor to be with respect Sir Your most obedient and humble servant./.
Mary
 Notation: Mary Jan 15 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 15 January 1780
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honnd. Sir
Dunkerque 15th. Jany. 1780.
I have Sent to Mr. Coffyn the Particulars of the first fine Success of the Black Prince & Princess, which He has handed to your Excellency. They made both, 6. Ransoms for £2997. St. & 9. Prises, three of which, are Safe arrived in Morlaix, Brest, & Cherbourg; and as the Channall was found pretty Clear, we have good expectations to hear Tomorrow that the 6. wanting are also Safe in France, & they are Valuable.
I have the Honnour to Inform your Excellency, that I have Purchased this Day, for our Brave Capt. Luke Ryan, the Fine Large Cutter Lately Commanded by Capt. Royer. She is of 150. Tuns, & mounts 18. Six Pounders, with 20. Swivels. I Shall put on board 100. Stout Americans, Irish, & Strangers, the most of which are allready listed with Mr. Ryan. We shall give her Name The Fear not— I Petition your Excellency to grant me forthwith, favour of Capt. Ryan, an American Commission for this Cutter, as She will be ready the Latter part of this month. I forward this to Mr. Coffyn for to Join his Sollicitations to ours. The Bravery of Capt. Luke Ryan, Our deeds & Success, are our further advocates, & we do flatter ourselves, that your Excellency will grant Instantly this Commission with much Pleasure.

I have the Honnour to be with all gratitude & respect Honnd. Sir Your most obedient & oblidged most Humble Servant
J. Torris

The Black Prince has Landed
48.
Prisoners at Lorient

The Black Princess Do—
18.
Do. at Morlaix

at the Disposall of your Excellency...
66.
Prisonners

His Excellency Benj. Franklin at Passy.

 Endorsed: Torris Jany 15. 80
Notation: Mr: Torris Jany 15. 1780—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 January 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & honoured Sir.
Nantes Jan. 15. 1780.
I have received your kind Favour of the 9th Inst. and thank you for the Employ you are pleased to give me. I will endeavour by my Conduct to do honour to your obliging preference.
I shall conform to your Orders in drawing for Funds, I would observe however that Bills at 15 Days sight lose in general half Per Cent on the Negociation, when Bills at 4 months lose only the Time, & sometimes half Per Cent less than the Time, which makes a difference in the Negociation of ½ or 1 per Ct in favour of the Latter Mode. For Instance, If I pay cash for an article bought on Credit (say 4 months) I make a Discount in favor of the Public of half per Ct per month, equal to 2 per Ct. By negociating my Bills to procure money for such Payments I should lose but 1½ Per Ct, because such Bills are now in demand, which makes again of half Per Cent. On the other hand if I pay only after the Expiration of the Term & have to negociate at 15 days Sight I should lose ½ Per Cent, because such Bills are not in demand which makes a Loss of ½ Per Ct to the Public—and ½ Per Ct gain on one hand, & ½ Per Ct loss on the other makes the difference of one Per Cent.
I mention this for your Choice only because it is equal to me, except for what I am obliged to pay Cash, & permission to draw now, (to fall due at the Time you receive the first Payment), for about 50,000 Livres will answer my Purpose.—
Mr de Chaumont tells me that the Quality of the Shirt will not answer. I am sure he is mistaken, & if you will please to let it be washed you will see its excellence. Besides, it is exactly what is pointed out by the Committees Order, “Dowlas or morlaix Linnen.” I am ever with the highest Respect your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams
P.S. I send enclosed a Pattern of the Morlaix Linnen, such as I intend for the Shirts, washed, and I will venture to say there is not a Soldier in Europe who has superiour Linnen. I can however if thought proper easily increase the Quality by adding a little to the Price.
Doctor Franklin.

 Endorsed: Mr. J. Williams Jan. 15. 1780 / Promises to comply with the Orders for Drawing
Notation: J Williams Jany 15. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 16 January 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir
Alliance Carone January 16th: 1780
I wrote to you from the Texel the 29th of Novr: and the 13th of December— I left the Texel in such haste that I had but time to write a Line to Mr De Neufville with another of which the inclosed is a Copy to Mr: Dumas who I trust has agreeable to his promise transmitted to you every necessary information respecting my Situation until that time.— I made my passage safe thro’ the Channel notwithstanding all the Watchfulness of the many Ships which the Enemy had employed in Squadrons for three Months to Cut off my retreat— Had the ship been in a Condition to have Sustained Stormy Weather I should have given our Enemies fresh Alarms and would I think before this time have made some good Prizes and taken a number of Prisoners.— But to my great disappointment both Sails and Rigging are in so bad a Condition thro’ want of former Care that it would have been impossible to Sustain such Gales as I must have expected on that Rude Coast at this season— I determined therefore to establish my Cruize for a Short time in a more hospitable Climate where I was in hopes of intercepting some of the Enemies outward bound Trade— In this however I have hitherto been unsuccessfull and have only met with Neutral Colours since I passed Ushant tho’ we have seen a Vast number of Ships.
On the 9th Currt: meeting with a Brigantine from Liverpool for the Streights under Dutch Colours and the Master who then took us for English, having Certified in writing that the Cargo (fifty Six tons of Lead and Eleven hundred barrels of Red Herrings) was the property of a House in Liverpool &c— I ventured to put on board an Assistant Navigator with some men and requested the Master to Steer for America where whoever may be deemed the owner his Cargo will Answer better than in Europe especially the Lead which I am persuaded is in great Demand— I was induced also to take this Step on finding that the Vessell had been built in America and having been sent into Liverpool as a prize had in a very Short time Sailed again as a Dutchman! for we know that Dutchmen do not buy and fit out Ships in Foreign Ports.— And it is Vexatious enough to see the Enemy carrying on half their Trade under Neutral Colours as in the within Certificate which I took on meeting with Another American built Ship under Portuguese Colours bound from St. Ubes for Ireland and which I should have sent for America had it not been for the Severity of the Proclamation of Congress against meddling with Neutral Colours—
Having met with very severe Weather off Cape Finistre and my Water running Short and being very bad in Quality I have this evening Anchored here where after Scrubing the Bottom and taking in a little Water I shall again proceed and Cruize towards the Port of my destination in France.
As this Ship received great damage since demanded by the Court, they Cannot in honor or Justice refuse to be at the expence of fitting her out when she Arrives.—
With the highest Sentiments of Esteem & Affection I am your Excellencies most Obliged and most humble Servt
Jno P Jones
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. &c. &c.—
 Notation: J. P. Jones Jany. 16: 1779


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 18 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Dear Sir,
Passy, Jan, 18. 1780.
Being unavoidably detained from going to Versailles to Day as I intended, I must beg of you when you present those Officers to M. De Vergennes, to say for me what I should have said if I could have been present, that I have been made well acquainted with their great Merit and the high Reputation they have acquired in our Country by their Valour and their good Conduct; and that I am persuaded that if his Majesty should think fit to honour them with any Marks of his Favour in Consideration of their Services to the United States, it will be extreamly pleasing to the Congress, & to the People of America.
I am ever, with the greatest Esteem and Affection, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,
B Franklin
M. le Marq. De la Fayette.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Prince de Montbarey, 18 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Montbarey, Alexandre-Marie-Léonor de Saint-Mauris, prince de

Monseigneur
Passy, Jan. 18. 1780.
Monsieur Noirmont de La Neuville has produced to me a Number of Testimonies from American Generals and from the Congress, of his Valour and good Conduct in several important Actions of the War, by which he has acquired great Esteem in that Country; At his Request I have certified the Authenticity of Those Papers; and I beg leave to add, that I am persuaded, if his Majesty should think fit to honour this Gentleman: with any mark of his favour, on Acct. of his services to the United States, the same would be very pleasing to the Congress and People of America, with the greatest Respect, I am Monseigneur your most obedient and most humble servant
Mgr. le Prince de Montbarrey.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 18 January 1780
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honnd. Sir
Dunkerque 18th. Jany. 1780.
When the Black Prince returned here from his first Cruise in Sepr., they Brot. 9. Prisoners, which are in our Jail at the Disposall of your Excellency; 8. of them are Irish born, good men & acquaintances to Capt. Ryan. They have his promise to be Taken out for his first Privateer.— Now that Mr. Ryan has one, they all Tease him to be admitted on board of the Fear not; We are in want of Such good Sailors & Mr. Ryan is very sure these 8. People will be faithfull to him & to their oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Their Long detaintion, makes their release an object of Humanity to your Excellency, at Same Time, will much promote the good of my new Armement, & they will help in makeing a greater Number of Prisonners for the united States— That which is already brought in Morlaix & Lorient, by my Privateers, is my further motive for Petitionning your Excellency, who’s Kind Propension to oblidge me, gives Confidence you will be Pleased to Send orders to the Commissary of our department, to have these Eight Prisonners deliverd me when the Privateer the Fear not is ready to Sail.
I am with all gratitude & respect Honnd. Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant
J. Torris
His Excellency Benj: Franklin—
 Endorsed: Torris Jan 18. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Dixon, 19 January 1780
From: Dixon, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Williamsburg Jan. 19, 1780.
I take the liberty to enclose under cover to your Excellency a letter for my Father who lives at Hull in Yorkshire, the old Gentleman has under his care William Royle my son in law, a youth, Nephew to the late worthy William Hunter Esqr. formerly joint postmaster General of North America with yourself;— He was sent to England when a child to be cut for the stone and continued there for his Education.
The favour which I now request, is to forward the enclosed by some safe conveyance; and if the Youth should be sent by way of France during the war, pray recommend him to the care of some good Captn. coming to Virginia, the expense of which I will most chearfully defray.— Mrs. Davenport and Mrs. Dixon sisters to the late Mr Hunter join in wishing you health, happiness, and prosperity with, Sir, Your Excellencys most obedt: & very hum. sert.
J Dixon.
Copy
 Addressed: His Excellency B. Franklin Esq; / Minister and Plenipotentiary for the / United American States, at / Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Gardoqui & Sons, 19 January 1780
From: Joseph Gardoqui & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bilbao 19th. Jany 1780.
The two enclos’d letters & two more that we forward you under a blank covert have been deliver’d us this day by the Honble. John Adams whose agreable company we have since last saturday, so wish they may come safe to hand. Said Gentn. intends to sett out for Paris to morow. & In hopes of his reaching it soon after a prosperous journey beg leave to repeatt the tenders of our best services & subscrive respectfully Sir Your most obt. Servt.
Joseph Gardoqui & sons
Honble. Dr. B. Franklin
 Notation: Gardoqui Joseph & Sons. Bilbao Jany. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 19 January 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Versles le 19. Janver. 1780
J’ai reçu, M, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’h. de mécrire le 15. de ce mois. Comme La distribution de celle du Congrès qui y étoit jointe, ne presente aucun inconvenient, je l’ay addressée à M le Noir, pour qu’il y mette Son permis. J’ay prié en même tems ce magistrat d’en faire le renvoy à la personne que Vous m’avez indiquée.
M Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 20 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hodgson, William

Dear Sir
Passy, Jan. 20. 1780.
I am much obliged by your kind Letter, informing me of the good Disposition of the Commissioners for the Sick and wounded. I believe they would do in all things what is humane, just and honorable, but I have not so good an Opinion of the Lords of the Admiralty, from whom Mr. Hartley had never been able to obtain a Yes or a No on the plain Question whether the written paroles or Engagements of English Prisoners set at Liberty by our Cruisers were to be comply’d with. By the Resolution which you inform me is now taken, not to send any more Men to Morlaix than there shall be assembled there to exchange them with I perceive they have determin’d that such paroles are not to be regarded; I must therefore give notice to our People to trust no more to them but to bring and lodge all their Prisoners in french Jails. How much human Misery might be saved by continuing the other method. I thought Confidence, if it had not begot confidence, would at Least have produc’d Justice, but I was mistaken the English Navy has had the service of more than 200 seamen so released ever since may Last, had the Like Confidence been plac’d in us or even had those engagements been executed I should have sent over Directly from Holland in Dutch Bottoms without writing for a Passport, the Prisoners brought in there by Commodore Jones, which exceeded 500, and without waiting for the Agreement made a long time after between the french and English Embassadors for their Exchange. It is surprizing on how slight Grounds English men can think themselves disengaged from their Paroles given to Americans. There is a Captain Tetnall who with all his ships Company, was released at Boston, on his Promise to obtain in England the Release of a Capt. Robinson and his Company who were an equal Number. On his Arrival in England, he found Capt. Robinson already exchanged, and therefore, as Mr. Hartley informs me; judges himself quit of his engagement; and it seems we are then to have no men in Exchange for those given for Capt. Robinson and his People. Probably we shall then have none neither for those brought over upon British Faith with two Flags of truce from Boston. Comm. Jones released on their written Paroles, they being in bad Health, John Brownell, Masters Mate, and Samuel Wightman Lieutenant of Marines both of the serapis, Soon after their Arrival in holland. Their Paroles with many others are in my hands.— I have not yet been able to obtain an account of the Prisoners we have in Spain. Here are 48. at L’Orient, and 36. or 38 at Brest, which may all soon be render’d at Morlaix, if a Cartel should arrive there. Inclosed I send a second Pass for that Place. I trouble you with it as I apprehend Mr. Hartley who wrote for it may be out of Town.— I am persuaded too, that if you can procure any favourable, Change in the Sentiments of their Lordships of the Admiralty—relating to Parole Prisoners of which I should be glad to hear, it will be a pleasure to your benevolent Mind.
I rejoice to learn the friends I esteemed and Loved when in England, continue well. Be pleased to remember me to them affectionately. With great Esteem, I am ever Dear Sir your &c
Mr. Hodgson, to be directed to Guill, Hodgson and Co. Mercht London.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 20 January 1780
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honour’d & Dear Sir!
Amsterdam the 20th Janÿ. 1780
On the refusal of Mrs. Hope & Co: the owners of the vessel in favour of who’s Captn. a Bill was drawn agreeing with the inclosed Copeÿ, theÿ have apply’d to us, we have promis’d them that we Should directlÿ write about it, as we had no orders, nor were acquainted with the drawer; so we make bold to applÿ to ÿour Excellencÿ; and in case she might think proper that the contents of this Bill should be paid bÿ us for Congress account, we will verÿ willinglÿ comply therewith, and with any thing your Excellencÿ might judge proper or find opportunity to charge us with, as we have the honour to be with the most Extended Regard Honour’d Sir Your Excellencÿ’s most humble and most faithfull Servants
John DE Neufville & Son.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Auzoüer, 21 January 1780
From: Auzoüer, ——, marquis d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur l’ambassadeur
a auzoüer le doyen pres chataudunen bauce route de charteren beauce ce 21 janvier 1780
Je suis bien Mortifié de ne point recevoir de réponce a la lêtre que jay eu lhonneur décrire a votre éxcellance, il y a environ six semaine; par laquelle je vous supliois de vous rapeller que dans le Courant de jeuillet 1778. Mde dauzoüer dont le nom de famille est o caroll proche parante de Mrs o caroll de marillane vos amis a eu ainsi que moy lhonneur de vous aller voir a votre hotel a passy et que vous vouluste bien vous charger de sa part de plusieurs lêtres pour les faire tenire a Mr Caroll son Cousin, et que vous eutes la bonté de nous promêtre que quand vous auriez receu des nouvelles de Mrs Caroll vous nous les feriez passer. Apparament que ces lêtres ont estées interceptées; puisque nous nen navons receu aucune réponce; jengagois votre exellence par ma lêtre dyl y a six semaine de vouloir bien me marquer si vous aviez receu des nouvelles de Mrs Caroll, et si vous pansiez ainsi que vous nous fites lhonneur de nous le dire que quand vous quitteriez la france vous seriez remplacé par Mr Caroll fils. Mde dauzouer, et moy aurons la plus sensible obligation a votre éxellance de nous marquer si vous avez receu des nouvelles de Mrs Caroll, et si vous presumez que quand vous quitterez la france Mr Caroll vous remplacera. Jespere que votre éxellence voudra bien agréér les homages de Mde dauzoüer, de son nom caroll, mon épouse et mhonorer dune prompte réponce rien négallera les sentiments de ma juste reconnoissance que le tres profond respect avec lequel jay lhonneur destre Monsieur lembassadeur Votres heumble et tres obeisant Serviteur
LE Marquis Dauzoüer
Je suplie votre exellence si javois manqué a quel etiquette enver vous ce seroit fort destre instruit ayant grande envie de remplir tout ce que je doit a une personne de votre rend et de votre état.
 Notation: Danzoner Jan 21 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Rinquin, 21 January 1780
From: Rinquin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur,
Morlaix le 21. janvier 1780.
En l’absence de MM. les officiers de L’amirauté de Morlaix, j’ai l’honneur d’adresser a Votre éxcellence, les pieces Concernant la prise du navire le jacques et thomas, faite par le Corsaire Le prince noir, Capitaine actuel Patrick Dowlin, avec le rapport de relache du Capitaine de la princesse noir et les interrogatoires de deux otages: comme on ne ma déposé aucune piece de Bord, je ne puis vous envoyer ni originaux ni translat.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un profond Respect Monseigneur, Vôtre très-humble et très obeissant Serviteur,
Rinquin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Rayber, 22 January 1780
From: Rayber, —– de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Nantes ce 22. Janvier 1780.
J’ay l’honneur de recourir à votre Justice, et vous la demander dans la situation malheureuse ou je me Trouve.
Au mois d’aoust dernier J’offris mes services au Commodore Guillin agent des affaires de la Caroline du Sud, apres avoir vû mes Brevets, Certificats de Service et démission au Service du Roy, les petits Talents qu’il m’a reconnu, ont fait agréer l’offre que Je luy avais fait. En consequence Il me promit l’expedition d’un Brevet de Capitaine des troupes de Marine, les appointements attachés à cette place, et m’ordonna de ne point quitter Nantes, d’y attendre ses ordres qu’il me ferait communiquer par le sr. Robezon Capitaine de Vaisseau au Service des Etats reunis de l’amerique.
Le Commodore quitta cette ville au mois de septembre et me laissa avec les assurances et les Promesses les plus positives. Je devais incontinent apres son départ de Nantes recevoir Brevet et appointements promis, sa parole par Ecrit et verbale devant plusieurs officiers americains devait me tranquiliser; mais Jusqu’a ce Jour rien ne s’est effectué, plus de vingt de mes lettres ont restées sans reponse, celles du sr. Robezon n’ont point produit meilleur effet, enfin depuis le départ du Commodore Je suis reduit à la derniere necessité, obligé de Contracter quelques dettes pour ma Subsistance, Je me vois ménacé de la Prison, et ne puis l’Eviter n’ayant aucune ressource et ne pouvant quitter cette ville ou je suis retenû par les ordres du Commodore et par les dettes que J’ay été forcé d’y Contracter.
Dans ces Circonstances J’ay l’honneur de recourir à vous Monsieur, et vous Supplie en vertu de votre pouvoir de porter quelqu’adoucissement à mon Sort, et me rendre La Justice qui m’est duë contre la Conduite extraordinaire de ce Commodore, en me faisant delivrer quelques mois de mes appointements ou par M.M. la Bouchire, choran, ses Correspondants icy, ne m’etant plus possible d’exister et d’eviter le nouveau malheur qui m’attend, si Je ne donne quelques fonds à mes Créanciers.
J’ose esperer de votre Equité ordinaire que vous voudrez bien me rendre la Justice que je crois m’etre duë.
J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec un tres parfait respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
DE RayberCapne. à la suite de l’infanterie Ruë du BignonLestard maison du Corps de Garde
 Notation: Rayber 22 Feb. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 23 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir
Passy, Jan. 23. 1780.
I beg leave to introduce Mr. Alexander by this Line to your Excellency, and to request that you would favour him with a few minutes Audience. With the greatest Respect, I am, your Excellency’s m. o. and m. &.
Mr. De Sartine


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 24 January 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Amsterdam 24e. Janv. 1780.
Espérant que toutes mes précédentes vous sont bien parvenues, j’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer ci-joint copie d’une Lettre, qui m’a été communiquée par Mr. N——, que j’avois prié de se procurer quelques lumieres ultérieures sur les ouvertures faites à Mr. Jones au sujet des prises saisies à Bergen & restituées aux Anglois. Je ne sais qui est l’Ecrivain, mais si c’est, comme quelqu’un d’ici me l’a dit, le Favori du R——, qui, à ce que l’on m’a assuré, avec certain Sigisbée de la R—— D——, gagnés par l’Envoyé Angl. Eden moyennant 16000 guinées, ont fait livrer les vaisseaux, ses protestations d’amitiés ne peuvent être que des pieges (même insultants), & ne méritent aucune confiance. Voici une chanson qui court ici, & qui n’a pas besoin de commentaire.
Les Etats d’Hollande se rassembleront après-demain à La Haie, où je me rendrai aussi pour voir ce qui se passera, & vous en rendre compte. Depuis 15 jours on débite ici bien des choses sur ce qui se passe dans vos quartiers. Mais, outre que ce n’est que des bruits, je crois plus prudent de n’en rien écrire, & que vous approuverez ma discrétion. Je suis surpris de n’avoir aucune nouvelle de Mr. Jones. Voilà un mois qu’il est parti du Texel. Je le suppose quelque part en croisiere & la souhaite glorieuse & profitable pour l’Amérique unie.
Je suis pareillement en peine du Vaisseau continental Confederacy, qui devoit nous amener Mrs. J. Jay & Carmichael. Faitesmoi la grace, Monsieur, de me rassurer sur leur sort, dès que vous en saurez quelque chose. J’espere que ce Vaisseau a été retardé en Amérique, & que ce qu’on a annoncé de son départ pour l’Europe étoit prématuré. J’apprends qu’il y avoit à Dunkerque il y a cinq ou six semaines, une troupe de 17 volontaires du Cape. Cunningham, conduits prisonniers le 12 Août 1777 à Portsmouth à bord d’une prise dont le Sr. Belet étoit Capne. de prise, & échangés au mois d’Août dernier. On ne m’a pas dit s’ils sont Américains.
On m’apprends dans ce moment que tous les navires chargés ici de matieres navales, destinés pour Brest, y sont arrivés, & qu’on a tout lieu de présumer que ceux destinés pour Rochefort le sont aussi.
Je suis avec un très-respectueux attachement Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant serviteur
D
Passy à S.E. Mr. Franklin &c.
 Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin / Ministre Plenipe. des Etats- / Unis &c. / à Passy./.
Notation: Dumas Amstm. Jany. 24. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 25 January 1780
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
25. Jany. 1780.
I have the Honor of informing you of our arrival at this Place this Day in the frigate l’Aurore from Martinico to which Iland the officers of the Confederacy thought proper to proceed in Consequence of the loss of all our Masts & the Damage our rudder received on the Edge of the Bank of New-foundland.
We Left Martinico the 28th. of December & have a most agreable Passage and most fortunately escaped the Enemy who are now Superior on this Coast. While in the West Indies we received no Accts. from America, of what had passed since we left Philadelphia, but what were very confused. Admiral arbuthnot whit Six Ships of War and sixteen Regiments arrived at Barbadoes the middle of December, so that the force of the Enemy on the Continent cannot be great. They had in these Seas when we quitted them near thirty Sail of the Line & with the Troops which arrived at Barbadoes were in Condition to attempt the Conquest of some of the Islands.
Sir Peter Parker with eighteen sail was at Ste. Lucia and on the 18th. of December intercepted betwen that Island and Martinico part of a fleet Merchant men from the Mediterranean; The gallantry of Monsr. La Mothe Piquet saved the rest; for the Particulars of this affairs I refer you to the Acct. which the Court will publish. I set off on Wednesday for Madrid with M. Girard & shall be happy to receive from some acct of the present situation of our Affairs in Europe. I have written a long Letter which M Girard will deliver you, containing an Account of what had happened in America previous to my Appointment. I should have thought myself happy in being in such a Situation, as to have profited daily by the Experience which the World ever in your Lifetime allows you to possess, but unfortunately Circumstances which I hope to have the Honor of explaining to you in Person, prevented it. I write at the same time to Dr. Bancroft who will communicate in Cypher any thing that you may think improper to trust to the Common Conveyance. The Honor which you have done me in writing to me while I was in America induces me to hope that you will take me under your Protection in Europe, & from time to time by Letters give me that Advices & Instruction which I wished to receive in Person. I take the Liberty of intreating you to mention me in such a manner to all those who do me Honor of remembring me, as a greatful mind would be sollicitous to Express. Your good host ought to be at the Head of the List. M. Adams hath undoubtedly given you Copies of all the public Letters with which M. Jay is charged. Altho’ I have not the Honor of being personally known to the first mentioned Gentleman, I shall be happy to cultivate that good understanding, which the Public interest would require, Independant of the Esteem which his Character entile him. If my friend Billy has an inclination to visit Madrid, he will always find an Appartment & a Cordial Acception from, Sir, Your much obliged and Most humble Servant
(signed) Wm. Carmichael.
P.S. I must beg you to be so obliging to forward a Credit of two hundred pound Sterling to me at Madrid to the House in which M. Gardoqui is concerned. Our Credit is so low here from Circumstances which I cannot explain, that I cannot neglect Bills drawn for the Interest of Money borrowed in America & Payable in Paris, which Bills I bought at the same rate as those of french Agent Mr. holker were sold for.
If you cannot take the Liberty of inclosing under Cover to the french minister at Madrid, Address me at the Post office under the Name of Monsr. Clement.
His Exy. Dr. franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Auzoüer, 27 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Auzoüer, ——, marquis d’

Sir
Passy Jan. 27. 1780
I received the Letter you honour’d me with of the 21st. Instant. It is long Since I had any News of Mr. Carrol. I only know that he is a Member of the Congress; but I hear nothing of his Coming to france. Probably he was not willing to undertake so hazardous a Voyage with his family in time of war, nor to leave them behind in case he did come over.— Be pleased to present my respects to Made. Dauzouer, and be assured that I shall not fail to communicate to you any News I may receive of Mr. Carrol, whom I Esteem infinitely. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c.
Mr. Le Marquis d’Auzoüer a Auzoüer le Doyen pres Chateaudun en Beauce route de Chartre.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Diot & Co., 27 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Diot, John, & Cie.

Gentlemen
Passy, Jan. 27 1780
I received your obliging favour of the 12th. Instant inclosing the journal of the Black Princess, and two paroles. You may depend on my giving prompt Dispatch in judging the Prizes as soon as the Papers come to hand.— The prisoners are by the king’s Regulation of the 27th. sept. 1778. to be kept in his Prisons till exchanged, at the Expence of the United states, to whom I suppose an Account of that Expence will be exhibeted at the end of the War, having as yet had no such Accts. presented to me.— You will have heard before this time, that the Black Prince was safe arrived at L’Orient. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen &c.
Messrs. John Diot and Co Negociants. Morlaix


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 27 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir.
Passy Jan. 27. 1780.
I received yours of the 10th. Instant. I Shall be glad to learn how the taking of the Dutch Ships has been accommodated. We have yet no News of the alliance: but suppose she is cruizing. We are more in Pain for the Confederacy, who Sailed the 28th Oct. from the Capes of Deleware. There is some Hopes that She went to Charlestown to take in Mr. Lawrens; for some Passengers arrived in France who left Philada Several weeks after her Sailing, Say that it was a general opinion she would call there before She Departed for Europe. If this was not the Case, we fear she must be lost, and the Loss will be a Very severe one.

I Send you inclosed a Translation of a Letter, that I think I sent you the original before. Perhaps it may serve our Leiden Friend.
I am Sorry you have any Difference With the ambassador, and wish you to accommodate it as soon as possible. Depend upon it that no one ever knew from me that you had spoken or written against any Person. There is one concerning whom I think you sometimes receive erroneous Information. In one particular I know you were misinformed, that of his Selling us arms at an Enormous Profit, the Truth is we never bought any of him.
I am ever with great Esteem Dear Sir, your most obedient humble Servant
B: Franklin
M. Dumas.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gourlade and Moylan, 27 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gourlade & Moylan

Gentlemen
Passy, Jan. 27. 1780.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 19th. Instant, acquainting me with the arrival of the Black Prince, with her Prisoners, for wich I am much obliged to you. The Prisoners are in our disposition as to the Exchange being taken under American colours and Commission and they ought to be confined in the king’s Prisons till exchanged, agreable to his Majesty’s Ordinance of the 27th. September 1778.— Of this I have already given notice to Mr. Gerard of L’orient who I understand is a Correspondent of the Owners. We have heard nothing of Capt. Jones since he left the texel; and we begin to be in pain for the Confederacy. With great respect I have the honour to be &c.
Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan, Negts. L’orient.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Mazzei, 27 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mazzei, Philip

Sir
Passy Jan 27. 1780.
I received the Letters you have done me the honour of writing to me desiring an Advance of 200. Louis. The Reasons you offer to shew the Safety with which I might trust you with that Sum are good; but some unexpected Drafts on me, lately received, and the Engagements of various kinds that I am under, disable me from complying with such Requests as yours, of which I have many, unless I would hazard the Credit of the Congress, by becoming a Bankrupt myself. I know M. Dacosta has had considerable Remittances, lately from America, for I have accepted the Bills. Your Application would be more propper to Mr Wm. Lee, Agent for Virginia now residing at Brussels, than to me. I would nevertheless help you if I could, for your own Sake as well as that of your State, tho’ I know nothing of the Business.
With great Regard, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr P. Mezzei.
 Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur P. Mezzei / aux Soins de Monsr / Williams, Negt. / à Nantes
Endorsed: B Franklin Passy Jany. 27. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville & fils, 27 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Neufville, Jean de, & fils

Gentlemen
Passy Jan. 27. 1780.
I received duly the Letters you did me the honour of writing me, of the 10th. and 20th. Instant. The Accounts were very properly sent to Mr. De Chaumont; who has no doubt given such orders as are necessary relating to Supplies for Capt. Jones at L’orient, if any are wanted there.
I know nothing of the Drawer of the Bill of which you sent me a Copy; nor do I know that the Congress has a ship of war Called the General Lee. So I cannot approve of your paying the Bill on Account of the United states.
I have the honour to be, with best Wishes for your Prosperity, Gentlemen &c.
Messrs. John de Neufville and son.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Patrick Dowlin, 27 January 1780
From: Dowlin, Patrick
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sr,
Brest, Black Prince Jany. 27th. 1780
I left Dunkirk the 21st. of last Month, upon my Cruize all hands Well, hard Weather, came to the Landsend of England, and on the 26th. of Decr. and 27th. do. took 3 Valuable Prizes, which are Safe Arrived in France besides four Ransoms, I have put into the Prison of Port l’Orient 43 Prisoners, which I hope yr. Excellency will Approve of as they may be a means of being Cartelled for as many of our Country Men Prisoners in Great Britain, our Consort the Princess hath been Prosperous having taken, four Prizes, two of whom are Arrived in France, and hopes the other two are Safe Arrived, but has not heard from them yet. I have Gave to Mr Diott a Copy of my Journall and a Copy of the Names of Prisoners, which he is to send to yr. Excellency, I hope Soon to be Ready to set to Sea and Expects and determines to do as much hurt to the Enemies of United States as I possibly can in a day or two I Expect to Join Company with the Princess at the Isle of Bass [Batz] where she now is, and so proceed on our Intended Cruize, If yr Excellency Chuses to favour me with an Answer please to Direct to Patt. Dowlin Capt. Black Prince, at Mr Clancey’s Merchant in Roscow [Roscoff]. I remn. with respects to all Gentlemen Americans of yr. Acquaintance Yrs.
Patt. Dowlin
 Addressed: To / His Excellency / Benjamin, Franklin Minister / for the United States of North / America, at the Court of France / at Passy near—Paris—
Notation: Capt Dowling Jan 27. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [John Robertson], 28 January 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Robertson, John

Sir
Passy, Jan. 28. 1780.
I received yours of the 17th. Instant, relating to your son. He was here the  and I assisted him with some money, five Louis to help him forward to you. He set out for Nantes I suppose immediately, and I hope he is safe with you before this time. I am, sir &c.
Capt. Robinson, (Send it under Cover to Mr. John Ross Nantes)