Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 22 May 1779
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 22 may 1779
A Small Sloop arrived here last night from the Eastern shore of Maryland she left Motompkin [Metomkin] a small port without the Cape the 17 April. The Captain informs me all appeard perfectly quiet no movements of any Note he brought no Letters nor any papers.
I received yesterday the inclosed. The writer Joseph Baily and his Companion Phillip Chapman are Prisoners at Bayonne taken on Board an outward bound Whaleman a Prize to our Privateer the Marquise de Lafayette referring to their petition not having any instructions from you on this head I shall not presume to apply for their release unless I am authorised [torn: several words missing] do.
Monsieur La Motte piquet has had favorable weather since he left Isle d’Aix the 7th Instant various are the conjectures of his destination my Ideas conducts him to the 14th province.
I shall not be able to get the General Mercer Capn. Robinson to Sea before the 7 or 10th June he will go direct to Philadelphia any articles you may wish to transmit to your family I shall carefully provide & forward. I have the honor to be with due Respect Sir your very hhb Servant
John Bondfield
His Excellency B. Franklin Esq

Addressed: His Excellency B. Franklin Esq / Plenipotentary from the United / States / a / Paris
Notation: John. Bondfield. Bordeaux 22 may 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé André Morellet, [23 May? 1779]
From: Morellet, abbé André
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
à auteuil dimanche à 11 heures. [May 23, 1779?]
Madame helvetius apprend que mesdelles Alexandre viendront lui demander à diner aujourd’hui à auteuil. Elle est engagée à diner chès Mr. l’abbé Rochon avec sa societé des dimanches et il ne lui sera pas possible par cette raison de recevoir Melles Alexandre. Elle a pensé que comme vous dines chès vous vous voudries bien venir à son secours et recevoir ces demoiselles. Elle ira les rejoindre chés vous après le diner. Je me rendrai demain lundi à l’invitation obligeante qu’elle m’a faite de vôtre part. C’est toujours un grand bonheur pour moi que de vous voir. Je suis avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
L’abbé Morellet

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / ministre plenipotentiaire des etats / unis de l’amerique / à Passy.
Notation: L’abbe Morellet D’autueil.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Crew of the Drake, 24 May 1779
From: Crew of the “Drake”
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Fougere May 24. 1779—
The Humble Petition of the remaining part of the Drake Sloop of War’s Crew, Sheweth—
That whereas your Honour truly Sensable of the Miseries attending the said Ships Company at there being taken and during their Imprisonment, did Vouchafe of your Goodness to Order them Cloths and other Necessaries in Order to proceed in a Carteel to England which Order was punctually executed except to such as were sick & wounded then in Brest Hospital.— Hope your Honour will take it into Consideration and Extend your Humanity to those few who are in a Miserable Necessitous Condition not having wherewithal to Cover there Nakedness or keep them from the Inclemency of the weather—and shou’d We be so happy as to Experience this Act of your Clemency shall Jointly be bound ever to Pray for your Health & Preservation—
  James PinkertonEphraim CreatonJohn RicketsRichard Cross—John WrightWilliam BaileyWilliam ChirtonAdam Mc. AdamAndrew Mc. CombJames Letow—Thomas Ralph—

P.S. Your Honr. will be pleased to favour us with an answer as soon as Convenient.
N.B. Charles Arthur acting gunner woud be Glad if your Honour wou’d be pleased to order him out on Perole, as the Master at arms has had his Enlargement.
To the Honourable Dr. Franklin—

Addressed: The Honourable—/ Dr. Benjn. Franklin / Commissioner for the Americans / in Passy. / France—
Notation: vu Bon a [torn] fougere le 26 may 1779 Macé Chirurgien interprete


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from J. Rocquette, T. A. Elsevier & P. Th. Rocquette, 24 May 1779
From: Rocquette, Jacques, Elsevier, T. A., & Rocquette, Pieter Th.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieúr!
Rotterdam 24 May 1779.
Nous nous empressons à vous acheminer un paquet que nous avons reçu aujourdhui pour vos Graces par un navire arrivé de St. Eustache, nous L’adressons par precaution a nos Amis Messieurs Vandenyver freres et Co. a Paris, qui vous la fairont tenir, comme on nous recommande ce paquet très particulierement nous vous prions de vouloir bien nous faire L’amitié de nous en accuser la reception pour notre Satisfaction.

Permettez nous de nous prevaloir de cette occasion pour vous prier de nous faire le plaisir, de nous marquer ou nous pourrions negocier le plus avantageusement Les Bank notes des Provinces unies de L’Amerique en datte du 8 fevrier de cette annêe pble. au 8 fevr. de L’année 1782. avec L’interet à raison de 6 per Cent, & à quel Cours ce papier est negociable. Nous en avons en portefeuille pour vint mille Dollars.
En attendant de vos nouvelles, & après vous avoir Reiterê en toutte occasion L’offre de nos plus devoues Services, nous avons L’honeur d’etre avec La consideration La plus Respectueuse, Monsieúr: Vos tres humbles & três obeissants Serviteurs
J. Rocqúette T: A: Elsevier, & FRERES Rocqúette

P.S. Veuillez aussi avoir La bonté de nous dire Si les Interets des Bank notes des Etats de L’Amerique Se payent annuellement & dans ce Cas ou on peut recevoir ces Interets.—
Si vous avez quelques Effets, ou Lettres a faire passer a L’Amerique par voye de nos Isles, Laquelle nous paroit la plus Sure dans Les Circonstances actuelles: nous nous estimerons heureux d’etre Employez a vottre Service
Lesdits
Monsieur Benjamin Franklin. Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de L’Amerique à Paris

Notation: J. Rocquette/: A Elsevier et freres Rocquette. Amsterdam 24e. may 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Baudouin, 25 May 1779
From: Baudouin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Paris le 25. May 1779
Je suis bien honteux d’etre obligé de vous faire connoitre toutte l’etendue de mon etourderie je ne me suis appercu de la meprise, que lorsque la sottise a eté faitte, je prie V. Excellence de me pardonner cette faute, je luy jure, que cela n’arrivera plùs. J’espere qu’elle voudra bien me traitter dans cette occasion cy avec son indulgence ordinaire et agréer les hommages de la proffonde veneration et du trés respectueux attachement avec lesquels j’ay l’honneur d’etre monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Baudouin

Notation: Baudoin. Paris 25e. may 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 25 May 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
25.th. May. [1779]
On the business of the purchase which I have wrote you about by every post save the last for four or five back, I have nothing now to say, as nothing new has arose: There has been another item from the person who has it in contemplation, “that the affair was properly attended to, that it requird deliberation, and the answer should be given as soon as possible”—nothing therefore can be further urgd by my friend until an opening is given by the person with whom he has to deal. I have every reason to beleive it was taken so seriously, that a messenger was dispatchd to a quarter where You are very conversant, in order to probe to the bottom what might appear dark, or palliate offensive parts of the proposition. This is not unlikely from the length of time taken to give an answer, and a seeming disinclination not to give one, or to throw any cloud over the matter, for a few days to come, when in all probability the answer may be returnd. If my surmises have any foundation, I make no doubt but you have discoverd or had a hint of what has been attempted.
We have no news here that is good save the arrival of the Wt. India fleet with the loss only of one ship wch founderd— this has given us vast spirits & contradicts the reports of the Brest fleet being out to intercept them. The report so current some days ago that DEstaign had been beaten by Byron & lost 14 Ships is now totally discredited; but a similar ridiculous storey even told as coming from N York will be again beleived & swallowd. It is yet asserted as a fact that La Motte Picquets Squadn. is dispersd & many of the Amn Ships lost.
There was nothing material at New York the 10th Feby. nor no appearances of any active exertions on either side. The plan there now, I find, is to procure a revolt in the Jerseys for this purpose there had been sundry Torey Gentn let to go freely into that Country. Jeb Fisher is one of those and after being twice there is at length arrivd in London and is much with the Ministerial People evincing the probability of still succeeding by such a maneuvre— Eden & Gov Johnstone lean to the same opinion, & it has got out from one of them that Govr Franklin is to be the chief Engine for the business— He is to go into the Jerseys, insinuate himself into the good graces of some of the leading people & then to be supported by the Army when he sees proper to hoist the Kings Standard.— Wild as all this may appear to you, I am nevertheless of opinion there is one branch of the Admn that will encourage its being put into execution.— The Examination to come on before the House this week of the Torey Refugees—Galloway, Allen, Fisher &c &c—will probably throw some new light on this matter. It does not appear that the Ministry are yet tired of murder & devastation, but I think it high time for them to be warnd against the errors they have frequently been led into by hungry Governors & discontented Toreys driven from their freinds & Country by their wicked & insidious conduct. No accots yet of the sailing of the fleet from Torbay. I am &c &c
Allen Hamilton

I should be glad You will not forget Yr. promise to help me to a drawing from a certain picture I spoke to you & Mr. F——n about.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Gillon, [25 May 1779]
From: Gillon, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Hotel de Modene Tuesday 10 a Clock [May 25, 1779]
I much regret that I had not the pleasure of meeting your Excellency at Home on my first visit to you since my return from Holland. I was as unlucky Yesterday, being detain’d by unforeseen Events, so that I cou’d not wait on you till the Afternoon, missing you then also, I tho’t it best to come here in hopes of seeing you this day;—will your Excellency therefore be pleas’d to Admit my waiting on you, at any Hour or place you will please to name to the Bearer, that I may crave your advice, on what I wou’d wish to lay before His Excellency Mr. de Sartine. After dinner, he having favour’d me with that oppty, by Honouring me with an Invitation to dine with him to day, I crave your Excellencys Pardon for troubling you at this Period, but as I learn there are sundry safe opptys for America in a few days, the State of So. Carolina will expect I shou’d write them the particulars of my Conduct, & applications in France, which I can not do till I have His Excellency Monsr. de Sartine’s answer to the different requests I have made, you will therefore oblige me, & the State will I am sure thank you, if you will please to aid me in getting any assistance for them, or a reply this day. The Bearer waits you answer & I am with very much Esteem.—
Your Excellencys Most Obedt & most Hble Servt
A. Gillon

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqre. / Minister Plenepotentiary / at the Court of / Versailles
Notation: A. Gillon May 25. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 25 May 1779
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear friend
London May 25 1779
I was in hopes to have had something material to have communicated to you before this but I presume that matters of so much importance & difficulty require long & repeated consideration— In a very long conference of above two hours I enforced every argument for peace upon the terms wch I have explained to you, or nearly upon similar terms, but at all events for a real & sincere negotiation, I received a very serious attention but I cannot make any judgement as to the result. I stated the proposal to extend to the three parties, & it has since occurred to me whether this Court may not have thought it adviseable to sound the Court of Versailles but this is mere conjecture. I attribute to this Conjecture amongst other possible causes the delay of determination. I mention this merely as a conjecture & to suggest to you that if any preliminaries cd be entered into wch might draw on a negotiation in consequence it wd be very immaterial in what place they shd begin or by whose intervention. I am very anxious to lay the foundation of peace. I am inclined to hope that the delay of giving me an answer bespeaks a serious consideration of the Matter. My chief motive for writing to you when I had nothing to write about but mere conjecture, was to suggest that (as I conclude the road allways to be open between the two Courts for any intercourse or proposal wch either side chuses) if any proposition shd be suggested on your side of the water wch might serve for a beginning upon similar grounds with my propositions the delay of an answer thro my hands might not impede that good beginning. I will send you the earliest intelligence that I may have to communicate. In the mean let me assure you that nothing shall be wanting on my part to the utmost of my power towards forwarding a general peace. I am Your affecte
DH


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 26 May 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Committee for Foreign Affairs

Gentlemen,
Passy, May 26th. 1779.
The Marquis de La Fayette, who arrived here the 11th of Feby. brought me yours of Oct. 28. and the new Commission, Credentials and Instructions the Congress have honoured me with. I have not since had an Opportunity of Writing that I could trust; for I see by several Instances that the Orders given to private Captains, to throw their Dispatches into the Sea, when likely to be taken, are sometimes neglected, and sometimes so badly executed that the Letters are recovered by the Enemy; and much Inconvenience has attended their Interception. You mention that you should speedily have Opportunities of forwarding Duplicates and Triplicates of these Papers; None of them have ever come to hand, nor have I received any other Line from you of later Date.
I immediately acquainted the Minister for Foreign Affairs with my Appointment and communicated to him as usual a Copy of my Credential Letter, on which a Day was named for my Reception. A Fit of the Gout prevented my attendance at that time, and for some Weeks after, but as soon as I was able to go through the Ceremony, I went to Versailles and was presented to the King and received in all the Forms. I delivered the Letter of the Congress into his Majesty’s own Hands, who in the most gracious manner express’d his Satisfaction. And I have since constantly attended the Levee every Tuesday with the other Foreign Ministers, and have taken every proper Occasion of repeating the Assurances I am instructed to give, of the grateful Sentiments of Congress, and their determined Resolution to fulfil religiously their Engagements. Much Pain is constantly taken by the Enemy to weaken the Confidence of this Court in their new Allies, by representing our People as weary of the War and of the Government of Congress, which Body too they represent as distracted by Dissensions &ca. but all this has very little Effect; and when on some Occasions it has seem’d to make a little Impression & create some Apprehensions, I have not found it difficult to remove them. And it is my firm Opinion, that notwithstanding the great Losses suffer’d by the Commerce of this Kingdom, since the Commencement of the War, the Disposition of the Court to continue it (’till its Purpose of establishing our Independence is compleated) is not in the least changed, nor their Regard for us diminished.
The End of that Part of the Instructions which relates to American Seamen taken by the French in English Ships, had already been obtained. Capt. Jones having had for some time an Order from Court directed to the Keepers of the Prisoners, requiring them to deliver to him such Americans as should be found in their Hands, that they might be at Liberty to serve under his Command. Most of them have accordingly been delivered to him if not all. The Minister of the Marine having entertained a high Opinion of him, from his Conduct and Bravery in taking the Drake, was desirous of employing him in the Command of a particular Enterprize; and to that end requested Us to spare him, which we did, and sent the Ranger home under the Command of his Lieutenant. Various Accidents have hitherto postponed his Equipment, but he now has the Command of a 50 Gun Ship, with some Frigates all under American Commissions & Colours, fitted out at the Kings Expence, and will sail it is said about the 1st of June. The Marquis de la Fayette was, with some Land Troops, to have gone with him, but I now understand the Marquis is not to go, the Plan being a little changed.— The Alliance being weakly manned at first, and the Captain judging it necessary to be freed from 38 of his Men who had been concerned in a Conspiracy, and unwilling to take French Seamen I thought it best to send him directly home, as his Ship might be of some Protection to the Vessels then about sailing to America, and Mr Adams who was desirous of returning soon, might be accommodated with a Passage in a swift sailing Vessel. I accordingly offerd her as a Convoy to the Trade at Nantes; but the Gentlemen concerned, did not think fit to wait for her getting ready, as a French Convoy offer’d for at least Part of the Voyage and the Minister requesting she might be added to Capt. Jones’s little Squadron, and offering to give a Passage to Mr Adams in the Frigate with the new Ambassador, and to compleat the Alliance’s Complement of Men, I thought it best to continue her a little longer in Europe, hoping she may in the projected Cruise, by her extraordinary Swiftness, be a means of taking Prisoners enough to redeem the rest of our Countrymen now in the English Goals. With this View, as well as to oblige the Minister, I order’d her to join Capt. Jones at L’Orient, and obey his Orders, where she now is accordingly. There have been great Misunderstandings between the Officers of that Ship and their Captain, and great Discontents among the latter for want of Clothes and Money. I have been obliged to make great Advances to appease those Discontents, and I now hope the Authority and Prudence of Capt. Jones will be able to remove, or at least prevent the ill Effects of those Misunderstandings. The Conspirators are detained in Prison; and will remain there subject to such Direction as the Congress may think fit to give concerning them. The Courts here would not, because they properly could not, undertake to try them; and we had not Captains enough to make a Court Martial for the purpose. The sending them to America, with Evidence to convict them, will be a great Trouble and Expence, and perhaps their Offence cannot be so clearly made out as to justify a Punishment sufficient to deter by its exemplary Severity: Possibly the best use that can be made of them is to give them in Exchange for as many Americans in the Cartel now operating here. The perfidious Conduct of English and Scotch Sailors in our Service, a good deal discourages the Idea of taking them out of those Prisons in order to employ them.
This Cartel is at length brought about by the indefatigable Endeavours of an old Friend of mine and a long declared one to America, Mr Hartley, Member of Parliament for Hull. The Ship employ’d has already brought us one Cargo from the Prison at Plymouth. The Number was intended for an hundred, but proved 97: and she is returned with as many in Exchange, to bring us a second Number from the Prison at Portsmouth. This is to continue ‘till all are exchanged. The Americans are chiefly engaged with Capts. Jones and Landais. This Exchange is the more remarkable, as our People were all committed as for high Treason.

Agreable to the 7th. Instruction, I have earnestly recommended the Reduction of Halifax & Quebec. The Marquis de la Fayette joined me warmly in the Application for this purpose; and I hope we shall in due time see some good Effects from it.
I have also in various Ways and thro’ various Channels laid before the Ministry the distressed State of our Finances in America. There seems a great Willingness in all of them to help us, except in the Controller, M. Necker, who is said to be not well disposed towards us, and is supposed to embarras every Measure proposed to relieve us by Grants of Money. It is certain that under the Resolution, perhaps too hastily declared, of the King’s imposing no new Taxes on his Subjects for this Year, the Court has great Difficulties in defraying present Expence, the Vast Exertions to put the Navy in a Condition to equal that of England, having cost immense Sums. There is also a prevailing Opinion that the most effectual Service to us, is to be expected from rendring their Marine superior to that of England. The King has however, to encourage our Loan in Holland, been so good as to engage under his Hand to be Security for our Payment of the Interest of three Millions of Livres; but that Loan has not yet amounted to more than about 80,000 Florins. Dr. Price, whose Assistance was requested by Congress, has declined that Service, as you will see by the Copy of his Letter enclosed. To me it seems that the Measure recommended by the Wisdom of Congress for diminishing the Quantity of Paper, by Taxes of large nominal Sums, must have very Salutary Effects.
As to your Finances here, it is fit that you should know the State of them. When the Commissioners of Congress made the Proposition of paying the Interest at Paris of the Money borrowed in America, they understood the Loan to be of Five Million of Dollars. They obtained from Government Sums more than sufficient for the Interest of such a Sum. That Sum has been increased, and if they could otherwise have provided for it, they have been from time to time drained by a Number of unforseen Expences of which the Congress had no Knowledge, and of others occasioned by their Orders and Drafts; and the Cargoes sent to the Commissioners by the Committees have some of them been treacherously run away with by the Seamen, or taken by the Enemy, or when arrived have been hitherto applied towards the Payment of Debts, the Tobaccos to the Farmers General according to Contract, and the Rice and Indigo to Messrs Hortalez and Co. from whom by the Way, we have not yet been able to procure any Account. I have lately employed an Accountant, the Son of our Banker, to form compleat Books of our Accounts to be sent to Congress.They are not yet ready. When they are, I shall send them by the first safe Opportunity. In the mean time I may just mention some Particulars of our Disbursements. Great Quantities of Clothing, Arms, Ammunition and Naval Stores, sent from time to time; Payment of Bills from Mr Bingham 100,000 Livres; Congress Bills in favour of Haywood and Company above 200,000. Advanced to Mr Ross about £20,000 sterling. Paid Congress Drafts in favour of returned Officers 93,080 Livres. To our Prisoners in England and after their Escape to help them home, and to other Americans here in Distress, a great Sum, I cannot at present say how much. Supplies to M. Hodge for fitting out Capt. Cunningham, very considerable. For the Freights of Ships to carry over the Supplies, great Sums. To Mr Wm Lee, and Mr Izard £5500 Sterling. And for fitting the Frigates Rawleigh, Alfred, Boston, Providence, Alliance, Ranger &c I imagine not less than 60 or 70,000 Livres each, taken one with another: And for Maintenance of the English Prisoners I believe when I get in all the Accounts I shall find 100,000 Livres not sufficient, having already paid above 65,000 on that Article. And now the Drafts of the Treasurer of the Loans coming very fast upon me, the Anxiety I have suffer’d, and the Distress of Mind lest I should not be able to pay them has for a long time been very great indeed. To apply again to this Court for Money for a particular Purpose which they had already over and over again provided for and furnished Us, was extreamly awkward. I therefore repeated the general Applications which we had made when together, for Aids of Money, and received the general Answers, that the Expence of Government for the Navy was so great, that at present it was exceedingly difficult to furnish the necessary Supplies. That France, by sending a Fleet to America, obliged the Enemy to divide their Forces, and left them so weak on the Continent as to aid us by lessening our Expence, if it could not by giving us Money, &c. &c; and I was asked if we did not receive Money from Spain? I know indeed of some Money received from thence, and I have heard of more, but know not how much. Mr. A. Lee as Minister for Spain, having taken to himself all the Management of that Affair, and will account to Congress. I only understand that there is none of it left to assist in Paying Congress Bills. I at length obtained, as above mentioned, the King’s Bon for Payment of the Interest of Three Millions, if I could borrow it in Holland or elsewhere; but tho’ two eminent Houses in Amsterdam have undertaken it, and had hopes of Success, they have both lately written to me, that the great Demands of Money for Germany and for England had raised Interest above our Limits, and that the Successes of the English in Georgia and St Lucia, and in destroying the French Trade, with the supposed Divisions in Congress, all much magnified by the British Ministry and the pressing Applications to borrow by several of our States separately, had made the Money’d People doubtful of our Stability, as well as our Ability to repay what might be lent us, and that it was necessary to wait a more favourable Moment for proceeding with our Loan. In this Situation I have been applied to by Mr William Lee, and lately thro’ our Banker by Mr Izard, for more Money for their Expences, and I am told there is much Anger against me for declining to furnish them, and that I am charged with disobeying an Order of Congress, and with cruelly attempting to distress Gentlemen who are in the Service of their Country. They have indeed produced to me a Resolve of Congress impowering them to draw on the Commissioners in France, for their Expences at Foreign Courts; and doubtless Congress when that Resolve was made, intended to enable us to pay those Drafts. But as that has not been done, and the Gentlemen (except Mr Lee for a few Weeks) have not incurred any Expence AT Foreign Courts, and if they had, the 5,500. Guineas, received by them in about 9 Months seem’d an ample Provision for it; and as both of them might command Money from England, I do not conceive that I disobey’d an Order of Congress; and that if I did, the Circumstances will excuse it; and I could have no Intention to distress them, because I must know it out of my Power, as their private Fortunes and Credit will enable them at all times to pay their own Expences. In short the dreadful Consequences of Ruin to our Public Credit both in America and Europe, that must attend protesting a single Congress Draft for Interest, after our Funds were out, would have weigh’d with me against the Payment of more Money to those Gentlemen, if the Demand had been otherwise well founded. I am however in the Judgement of Congress, and if I have done amiss must submit dutifully to their Censure. Thanks to God, I have this last Week got over the Difficulty so far as relates to the Bills, which will all be punctually paid; but if the Navy Boards send more Ships here to be fitted, or the Congress continue to draw for the Payment of other Debts, the Ships will be disappointed, and I shall probably be made a Bankrupt; unless Funds are at the same time sent over to discharge such Demands.
With regard to the fitting out of Ships, receiving and disposing of Cargoes and purchasing of Supplies, I beg leave to mention, that besides my being wholly unacquainted with such Business, the Distance I am at from the Ports renders my having any thing to do with it extreamly inconvenient. Commercial Agents have indeed been appointed by Mr Wm Lee, but they and the Captains are continually writing for my Opinion or Orders, or Leave to do this and that, by which much time is lost to them, and much of mine taken up, to little Purpose from my Ignorance. I see clearly however that many of the Captains are exorbitant in their Demands, and in some Cases I think those Demands are too easily comply’d with by the Agents, perhaps because their Commissions are in Proportion to the Expence. I wish therefore the Congress would appoint the Consuls they have a Right to appoint by the Treaty, and put into their Hands all that sort of Employment. I have in my Desk I suppose not less than Fifty Applications from different Ports praying the Appointment, and offering to serve gratis, for the Honor of it, and the Advantage it gives in Trade:— but I should imagine that if Consuls are appointed they will be of our own People, from America, who if they should make Fortunes abroad, might return with them to their Country. The Commissions demanded by the Agents, seem to me in some Cases very high. For Instance Mr Schweighauser in a late Account charges 5 per Cent, on the simple Delivery of the Tobacco’s to the Officer of the Farmers General in the Port, and by that means makes the Commission on the Delivery of the two last Cargoes amount to about £630 sterling. As there was no Sale in the Case, he has in order to calculate the Commission valued the Tobacco at 90 Livres the 100 wt. wheras it was by our Contract with the Farmers to be delivered at about 40 Livres. I got a Friend who was going upon Change to enquire among the Merchants what was the Custom in such Cases of Delivery. I send enclosed the Result he has given me of his Enquiries. In consequence I have refused to pay the Commission of 5 per Cent on this Article; and I know not why it was, as is said, agreed with him at the time of his Appointment, that he should have 5 per Cent on his Transactions, if the Custom is only 2 per Cent, as by my Information.
I have mentioned above the Applications of separate States to borrow Money in Europe, on which I beg leave to remark, that when the general Congress are endeavouring to obtain a Loan, these separate Attempts do interfere, and are extreamly inconvenient, especially where some of the Agents are impower’d to offer a higher Interest, and some have Powers in that Respect unlimited. We have likewise lately had Applications from three several States to this Court to be furnished with great Quantities of Arms, Ammunition & Clothing or with Money upon Credit to buy them; and from one State to be supplied with naval Stores and Ships of War. These Agents finding that they had not Interest to obtain such Grants, have severally applied to me, and seem to think it my Duty as Minister for the United States, to support and inforce their particular Demands. I have endeavour’d to do so, but I find the Ministers do not like these separate Applications, and seem to think that they should properly come only thro’ Congress, to whom the several States in such Cases ought first to make known their Wants, and then the Congress could instruct their Minister accordingly. This would save the King’s Ministers a good deal of Trouble, and the several States the Expence of these particular Agents. Concerning whom I would add a little Remark, that we have in America too readily in various Instances given Faith to the Pretensions of Strangers from Europe, who offer their Services, as Persons who have powerful Friends and great Interest in their own Country, and by that means obtain Contracts, Orders or Commissions to procure what we want; and who when they come here are totally unknown, & have no other Credit but what such Commissions give them; or if known, the Commissions do not add so much to their Credit as they diminish that of their Employers.—
I have received two Letters from a Frenchman settled in one of the Ports of Barbary, offering himself to act as our Minister with the Emperor, with whom he pretended to be intimate, and acquainting me that his Imperial Majesty wonder’d we had never sent to thank him for being the first Power on this Side the Atlantick, that had acknowledged our Independence, and opened his Ports to us; advising that we should send the Emperor a Present. On Enquiry at the Office in whose Department Africa is included, I learnt the Character of this Man to be such, that it was not safe to have any Correspondence with him, and therefore did not answer his Letter. I suppose Congress has received the Memorial we presented to this Court respecting the Barbary States, and requesting the Kings good Offices with them agreable to the Treaty; and also the Answer expressing the Kings Readiness to perform those good Offices whenever the Congress should send us Instructions and make Provisions for the necessary Presents, or if these Papers have not yet got to Hand, they will be found among the Copies carried over by Mr Adams, and therefore I only mention them by way of Remembrance. Whenever a Treaty with the Emperor shall be intended I suppose some of our Naval Stores will be an acceptable Present, and the Expectation of continued Supplies of such Stores, a powerful Motive for entring into and continuing a Friendship.
I should send you Copies of several other Memorials and publick Papers. But as Mr Adams goes in the same Ship, and has the whole of our Transactions during his Time, it is not so necessary by this Vessel.
The Disposition of this Nation in general continues Friendly towards us and our Cause; and I do not see the least Diminution of it, except among the West India Merchants and Planters, whose Losses have render’d them a little Discontented.

Spain has been long acting as a Mediator, but arming all the time most Vigourously. Her Naval Force is now very great indeed, and as her last Proposition of a long Truce in which America should be included, and treated with as Independent in fact tho’ not expressly acknowledged as such, has been lately rejected by England, it is now thought that her open Junction with France in the War is not far distant. The Commissioners here have a Power in general Terms to treat of Peace, Friendship and Commerce with European States, but I apprehend this is scarce explicit enough to authorize me to treat of such a Truce if the Proposition should again come upon the Tapis. I therefore wish the Congress to consider of it, and give such Power as may be necessary to whom they may think proper; that if a favourable Opportunity of making an advantageous Treaty should offer, it may not be slipt.
Admiral Arbuthnot who was going to America with a large Convoy and some Troops has been detained by a little Attempt upon Jersey, and contrary Winds since that Affair was over, have detain’d him farther ’till within these few Days.

Since I began writing this Letter I have received a Packet from the Committee by way of Statia and Holland sent by Mr. Lovell, containing his Letters of Decr 8 Jan 29. and Feb. 8. with one from the President dated Jan 3d. Several Papers are mentioned as sent with them, and by other Opportunities but none are come to hand, except the Resolution to postpone the Attempt upon Canada; and these are the first Dispatches received here since the Date of those sent by the Marquis de la Fayette.
I have also just received a Letter from Mr Bingham, acquainting me that the Ship Deane and the General Gates are just arrived at Martinico and apply to him to be careend refitted and procure a fresh Supply of Provisions; and that tho’ he has no Orders, he must draw upon me for the Expence. I think it right to acquaint you thus early that I shall be obliged to protest his Bills. I have just obtained from his Majesty Orders to the Government of Guadaloupe to make reasonable Reparation to Capt. Giddens of Newbury, for the Loss of his Vessel, sunk in mistake by a Battery of that Island.
Great Preparations are now making here with much activity in all the Sea Ports, Taking up Transports, and Building small Vessels proper for Landing of Troops, &c. so that many think an Invasion of England or Ireland is intended. The Intention whatever it is, may change; but the Opinion of such an Intention which seems to prevail in England, may tend to keep their Troops and Ships at Home.
General and Lord Howe, Generals Cornwallis and Grey, Col. Montresor, Captain Hammond and others have formally given it as their Opinion in Parliament, that the Conquest of America is impracticable.

This Week, as we hear, John Maxwell Esqre Joseph Galloway Esq. Andrew Allen Esq. John Patterson, Theophilus Morris, Enoch Storey, and Jabez Fisher are to be examined to prove the Contrary. One would think the first Set were likely to be the best Judges.
Be pleased to present my dutiful Respects to the Congress, and assure them of my most faithful Services.
I have the honour to be Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
To the honble the Committee for Foreign Affairs.

Notation: Letter from B Franklin Esqr Min. plen. Passy 26 May 1779 Comtee. for. Affrs. Read Aug 17. 1779 Referred to Mr Laurens Mr Lovell Mr Smith.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 26 May 1779
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir,
L’Orient May 26th. 1779.
Since I had the honor to receive your kind and polite letter of the 19th. I have waited with impatient expectation of seeing the Marquis here.— The Bon homme Richard the Alliance, the Pallas, the Scerf & the Vengeance are now ready in the Road for the Embarkation of the Troops— I have sent Officers and Men to Brest for the Leveller and I expect the Appearance of that Vessel every hour— This little Armament was not I may say begun before the 12th. of this Month, since then the people concerned in it have been employed Night and Day—and I have flattered myself with hopes of Success and Honor—
Judge then of my disappointment when instead seeing the Marquis I have recd. a letter from him which tells me that “the Kings disposition concerning our plan is entirely changed and that instead of meeting me he is now going to take command of the Kings Regt. at Saints.”
Extraordinary as this change is it is not my place to enquire into the Reasons of it—and tho the expence of the Armament may perhaps exceed the usual amount yet I am certain that the Alteration cannot be attributed to any want of Activity on my part.— Indeed it is my Opinion that no season could be so fit for our purpose as the present—for supposing the fleet to sail from Brest about the 1st. of June—the Enemies Attention would be fully engaged and I think they would find employment enough without attending to the little Armament at L’Orient.—
I am ready to follow any plan you please to adopt, or if any thing is left to me you may depend on my best endeavours either in Europe or America— In both I think I can see Openings— It would have added greatly indeed to my happiness to have been Joined in command with a Character so amiable as the Marquis and I am very Unwilling to drop the expectation of his coming here.— His letter was but this moment brought to my hands, and to Save the Post I am Obliged to Shorten my letter.—
I have the honor to be with honest Affection and Esteem in all changes— Honored and dear Sir Your very Obliged Friend and Obliged Serv
Jno P Jones
His Excellcy Doctor Franklin &c &c &c.

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / American Ambassador at the / Court of France. / en son Hôtel à Passy.— / (pres Paris)
Notation: P. Jones L’Orient 26 may 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [c. 26 May 1779]
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
[c. May 26, 1779]
I have just now Receiv’d a letter from the President of Congress which I think Should be in Compagny with Many others— I therefore wish to know before My departure when did the pacquet sail from America, what kind of ship she was, what News or what people she brought with her— that I do’nt only desire as an american citizen who wants to hear from his Country, but moreover I expect Some aids de Camps with dispatches who Might have arriv’d with that ship, and whom I should expect instead of going to Saintes. Farewell; pray answer fully to my scribling.
How was the paper currency?

Addressed [in another hand]: A Monsier / Monsier Le docteur Frankin / a pasy
Notation: La Fayette.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 May 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.—
Nantes May 26. 1779.—
I am much obliged to you for the kind Notice you were pleased to take of my little Fellow.— I may be partial but I think him the finest Lad I ever saw, and I shall take care to give such an Education & to impress his mind with such principles as will, I hope, prevent his being unworthy of the Blessing you were pleased to bestow upon him.— I had a Brother who bore your name, at about 9 years of age he fell thro’ the Ice in a large Pond, & was drowned.— Every Feature of my poor Brother & every one of his actions are revived in this charming Boy.
Please to let me know if you advanced any money on my accot & what Sum.—
I am just setting off to L’orient to dispatch the three Friends. I shall be glad if you will drop me a Line about the Anchors, as Mr Gourlade will no doubt ask me for the payment. The Balance of my accot I am ready to pay, but I think it is hard to be obliged to make an advance, which will only perhaps be another disputed article, to an already cruely disputed accot.—
I have at last obtained the Consent of 4 of the Gentlemen to sit on my accot, two of them who have been a long time at L’orient, I intend to bring back with me for that purpose.—
I am ever with the greatest Respect your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
Please to direct to me about the Anchors under Cover to Mr Gourlade at L’orient.

Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire des / Etats Unis / en son Hotel / a Passy / prés / Paris
Notation: Jones Williams Nantes 26 may 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Newenham, 27 May 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Newenham, Sir Edward

Sir,
Passy, May 27, 1779.
I should sooner have sent this Passport, but that I hoped to have had the other from this Court in time to send with it. If you should stay a few days in England, and will let me know how it may be directed to you, I can send it to you per post.
I received some time since a letter from a person at Belfast, informing me that a great number of people in those parts were desirous of going to settle in America, if passports could be obtained for them and their effects, and referring me to you for future information. I shall always be ready to afford every assistance and security in my power to such undertakings, when they are really meant, and are not merely schemes of trade with views of introducing English manufactures into America, under pretence of their being the substance of persons going there to settle.
I admire the spirit with which I see the Irish are at length determined to claim some share of that freedom of commerce, which is the right of all mankind, but which they have been so long deprived of by the abominable selfishness of their fellow subjects. To enjoy all the advantages of the climate, soil and situation in which God and nature have placed us, is as clear a right as that of breathing; and can never be justly taken from men but as a punishment for some atrocious crime.
The English have long seemed to think it a right which none could have but themselves. Their injustice has already cost them dear, and if persisted in, will be their ruin. I have the honour to be, with great esteem, Sir,
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
B. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 28 May 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Dear Sir
Passy, May, 28. 1779.
You may remember I once Spoke to you concerning some young American Gentlemen, who had come to France with Views of being employ’d as Mid Shipmen in three Ships of War which Commodore Gellon of S. Carolina was sent to procure in Europe. Tho’ That Design is not likely to Succeed, they continue to have as I understand, the laudable Desire of improving themselves in marine knowledge, and that under your Command. You were So good as to Say that you would receive them if they Should come to you. Some of them will have the Honour of delivering this Letter, and I earnestly recommend them to your kind Notice and Protection. With great and sincere Esteem, I have the honour to be &c—
Capt. Jones


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Casimir, Baron de Holtzendorff, 28 May 1779
From: Holtzendorff, Louis-Casimir, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris May 28th. 1779./.
You have been so Kind as to forward some Letters, from your country, to London, which I had the honour to give you when I arrived; therefore I do myself the pleasure to send you hereby three other ones, I received Lately from carolina I can’t tell by which way, hoping you will be so good again as to forward them too.
As for the rest, I’m flattring myself, that Congress, by your interposition, will at length do me the justice I merit from them, & I dare say I wait for their favorable answer with the more impatience, as I would be entirely ruined, if they should not comply with my just claims & their own resolves, in a convenient manner: I had, I believe, the honour to tell you lately, that I applied to the Count de Vergennes and begged his most Christian Majesty’s protection by Congress about that Subject; & me thinks, Congress will take that recommandation into their most Serious consideration.— You will, Sir, do me a very singular favour to let me Know their answer whatsoever it may be as soon as you receive any.
I have the honour to remain very respectfully Sir—your most obedient humble Servant
Baron DE HOLTZENDORFF
The honble. Dr. Benjamin Franklin./.

Notation: Baron de holkendor. Paris 28 may 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones, 28 May 1779
From: Jones, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

28 May 1779.
Mr. Jones presents his best respects to Dr. Franklin.
Since I had the honour of seeing you last, I amused myself with the enclosed translation of a curious fragment of Polybius; which, as it may possibly afford you also some little amusement, I take the liberty of sending to you.
It will be both an honour and pleasure to Mr. Paradise and myself to be charged with any commissions, letters, or messages, that you may have for England. We leave Paris on Wednesday morning.
My friend will always remember with gratitude the kindness you have shown him. Accept my hearty thanks for your obliging attention to me, and be assured of my eternal veneration and esteem.

Addressed: To / His Excy. Dr. Franklin, / Minister Plenipotentiary / from the United States of / America— / at Passy.
Notation: Mr. Jones 28th May 1779—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 28 May 1779
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Dunkerque 28th. May 1779.
I have the Honnor to Inform you, that I am Security for, & have a Procuration from Capt. Stephen Merchant of the Black Prince Cutter, fitted out here; & from all his Crew, to act for them all, as also for the owners & Concerns, & represent the former as their Sole agent in the sale of all the Prises they Shod. make, & to do all Transactions whatsoever relative to the said Privateer, wherein I am myself Deeply Interested— In consequence of these Powers, I Shall have the honnour, Sir, to acquaint you with all the Proceedings of this Vessell, & be very exact in advising you all the Particulars.
As the Commission of Instructions from Congress you gave to Capt. Merchant, do not make any exceptions whatsoever in the Takeing of all British Vessells &ca, & If the Intention of Congress & your own, Sir, had been to deffend Takeing at sea the British Packets going from Dover to Calais, & Backward from Calais to Dover, with or withot. the Licence of the Court of France, you wou’d, most Certainly, have mentionned it, Because you are unavoidably Informed of this Intercourse; Capt. Merchant Intends to Cruise on these Packets, & Strives to Take & bring them as Prises back again to Calais or to this Port, & I think it, Sir, my Duty to acquaint you with these Projects, & as your answer might reach before he sails, I beg the favour of your honnouring me with an Answer per the return of the mail, whether these wou’d not Prove wrong Steps, against the Intentions or determinations of yourself & Congress, But if it is, as Mr. Merchant expects, to be deemed Lawfull Prises with the help of your Justice & good offices, I beseech you will be so kind to give me, or Mr. Merchant, your own Private directions how to act. My Character in Business & Titles, answer for my discretion & gratefull use of your generous Informations, But If you do not think Proper to favour me with an Answer, I beseech you will do it forthwith to Mr. Merchant directed to my Care.
I am with great respect Sir Your obedient most Humble Servant
J. Torris

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benj. Franklin / Ecuïer Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats Unies de L’amerique / Septentrionalle / A Passy / près Paris
Notation: Torris Dunkerque 28 May 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Walsh, 28 May 1779
From: Walsh, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Fougeres in Britany May the 28th. 1779
With greatest Respect, I take the present Liberty to acquaint you that the prisoners late on board the patience Brig at Brest road, Receiv’d the Honour of your kind and oblidging answer to our Memorial of the 16 March past, attended with the desired Effect, and in consequence, I did Myself the honour (agreable to your desire) to send you an account of the provisions which were Served us by Mr. Riou, from the 1st. September 1778 until the 1st March 1779 with our most Greatfull acknowledgements for your humane Interference on our Behalf.— Believe me Sir, it is with the greatest Reluctance that I now find meself oblidged to Renew my complaints of the Harsh treatment I undeservedly Receiv’d from Mr. Riou of Brest, that Gentelman not being contented with having wrongfully used every Means in his power to Enrich himself by treating us in the Manner I had the honour to Inform you by my letter of the 2 Ult, he, trew Malicious Motives and contrary to the long Established Custom of Exchangeing Such commanders or officers of Kings Ships, or vessells, who might have Been made prisoners of War, as Soon or Sooner than the crews who formerly Served under Such commanders or officers.— Deprived me of Returning to England with Seventy two of the Drakes late crew, who were the 9th ult sent to Nantez there to embark in a carteel.— The consequence of my being seperateed from many of them as being necessary Witnesses on my Court Martial may be fatal to me, and furnishes me with Motives Sufficient to Justify the present Liberty I take of most humblely Requesting that your Excellency be most gratiously pleased to allow me with four others of my late Crew, whose names are here annexed the Liberty to Return to England as Soon as possible where I shall use my outmost Endeavours to get you as many Americans Returned for us, I have Wrote Mr. Stephens Secy. of the Admiralty for that purpose and am in hopes [torn: I?] may not be Refused that favour. Your Secretarys Name not being known to me is the cause of my thus Writeing Directly to your Excellency, who I hope will Excuse the Liberty, and Regard with a propitious Eye the very unhappy Situation of him who is with the greatest Respect and Veneration Honoured Sir Your very obedt: and humble Servt &.
John Walshlate Master of the Drake—
I beg leave to Remind your Excellency that there are here and it environs between 70 & 80 prisoner to the american arms—
  Peoples Names whom the late commdng. officer of the Drake begs to be allowed to go to England with him a soon as possible for the purpose of giving Testimony at a Court Martial how said Sloop Drake was taken and the Diffence she had made on the 24th April 1778
Mr. Thomas Wilkinson pilotWm. Sweeny Quarter Mastr.John Butcher Do—James Hays—To His Excellency the Honorable Docter Bengamin Franklin.—one of the commissioners from the united states of America at Paris

Addressed: To / His Excellency The Honorable Doct. / Bengamin Franklin—one of the / Commissioners from the united states / of America / a Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 29 May 1779
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May 29 1779.
The Memorial of Samuel Wharton of Philadelphia respectfully sheweth.
That Thomas, and Robert Burdy left England about twelve Months ago, and settled at Diepe with Messieurs Richard Neave & Son, intending, when an Opportunity offered to go and settle in Pennsylvania, One of the said United States.
That the aforesaid Thomas & Robert Burdy took with Them from London to Brighthelmstone, with an Intention of transporting Them to Diepe, several Trunks containing their wearing Apparel and other Necessaries, and from thence to have shipped Them to Pennsylvania aforesaid; But finding on their Arrival at Brighthelmstone, that it was impracticable to send the same at that Time, from thence to Diepe, They left Them under Care of Captain Burton with Orders to bring Them, when He should sail for Diepe.
That on the 26th of this present Month of May, The said Captain Burton arrived with his small Vessel from Boulogne sur la Mer, having a Pass from the Judge of the Admiralty at the said port, and brought the said Trunks; But notwithstanding the said Pass, The Judge of the Admiralty at Diepe seized, and detains the same, very much to the Prejudice of the said Burdy’s and Messrs. Neave & Son.
That your Memorialist is ready to testify, That the said Persons (one of them, To wit, Richard Neave the younger, is a Subject of the United States aforesaid) always prepared, and meant soon to embark, and settle in Pennsylvania, and That the said Trunks, or packages do not contain any Articles, But only wearing Apparel, Linen for Shirts, and some few other Articles, necessary for the personal Use, and Voyage of the said parties to Pennsylvania aforesaid. Your Memorialist therefore, with all Respect, prays, That your Excellency will take such Measures in the premises, as your Excellency may Think best for the speedy Restoration of the said Packages (mentioned particularly on the other side) to the said Burdy’s & Neave’s, And your Memorialist, as in Duty bound, shall ever Pray.
Saml. Wharton

A List of Articles seized, and detained by the Judge of the Admiralty at Diepe, referred to in the within Memorial
Vidzt.
1 Letter directed to Richard Neave Junior at Diepe.
1 Trunk
1 Chest
2 Boxes
A paper Parcel, containing, a few old Magazines, & Pamphlets. & a parcel of loose papers,—Letters, Memorandum Books; & A manuscript Map of Pennsylvania.
N.B. The foregoing Articles were taken out of the Trunks &c and put into a Bag, & carried to the Admiralty Office at Diepe;—Where They now remain.—
To his Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire Minister plenipotentiary from the United States of America, at the Court of Versailes

Notation: 1779. Mai 29.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 30[–31] May 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Digges, Thomas

Dear Sir
Passy, May 30[–31]. 1779
I received your favours of the 14th. 18th. and 21st. Instant. You mention one of the 12th. which is not come to hand.
I never had nor have I now the least Expectation that any Good can come of the Propositions made to certain Persons. Whatever is reasonable and prudent for them to do, Seems to be out of their sphere: for hitherto they have constantly rejected the best Measures and chosen the worst.—
I am obliged much by your Attention to the affair of W. Peters. If he is in want and should draw on you for any Sum within 100 £. I will repay it. I have paid Brehon’s Bill.
Mr. Schweighauser has undertaken to write to the Commissioners for Sick and Hurt sea men and give them the Informations they desire relating to the Prisoners here. I have mention’d Morlaix again and have found the Ministers of the Marine not unwilling to permit the Cartel’s using that Port. But as I know some others of the Council are strongly against it, I do not expect to obtain any Change. The old Pass will be allow’d good as long as the Exchange continues.
I shall be glad to see the Examinations of those American Worthies you mention. If they have Judgmt. and hope ever to return to their Country, they will join with Cornwallis, Grey, &c in the Opinion of Impracticability— If they Strive to support the contrary Opinion they inevitably fix their Ruin.
I am, with great Esteem. Your &c
Be so good as to procure from Mr. Almon the remembrancers Debates in Parliament since the American Disputes and all Such other Pamphlets as may be of use to an Historian, who proposes to write the late revolution. And Send them to Holland to the House of Horneca, Grand & Co. Amsterdam. I will pay your Draft for the Amount.
May 31st. Since writing the above I have received yours of the 24th. It confirms me more in my Opinion that your friend ought to expect nothing from his Laudable Endeavours with those People. They are expert in little Parliamentary Crafts but have none of that true Wisdom which comprehends the extensive and great Interest of their Country Domestick and Foreign, present and Future.
M Digges.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 30 May 1779
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Kensington May 30. 79
I left Cheam yesterday morning, my mother and children all well. My mother received your letter the day before, inclosed in one from young Alexander, informing her that his father was returned, and he should join him in a few days at Calais. I brought your milk pot, & lodged it at Mr Lechmere’s and wrote to Mr Alexander desiring him to take charge of it. The Copper vessel my mother gave to Dr Ingenhouez several weeks ago, and she believes he left London soon after, but we are not sure. My mother cannot recollect anything of the Buttons. The Pearces are well, they have now a son to their two daughters. I hope they will thrive, for I believe indeed he is a very industrious good man, and she does as much as she can. Mrs Wilkes has lately taken a house at Richmond for the accommodation of young ladies, and as there was a detached apartment sufficient for Pearce’s family & business she offered it to him rent-free, this will be a help to them. Mr W. is going to Algiers. I write in great haste therefore can only add my mother’s love & she begs you will not be in a hurry about the account. Mrs Blunt sends her love and thanks for your letter. Adieu! my dear Sir. I wish we could meet! Your affectionate
Mary Hewson

Addressed: Dr Franklin
Notation: Mary Hewson May 30. 1779—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 31 May[–1 June] 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
Londn. May 31.[–June 1] 1779
I have wrote You from time to time since I had the pleasure of seeing You, about a matter we conversd upon, and my last was by post the 25 Int.; since which time nothing matereal has transpird, nor any circumstance appeard to cast a damp upon the business I wish so ardently to be brought forward; on the contrary we have reason rather to be elated, for altho there has been delays in giving answers that might be expected, these very delays indicate to me a serious consideration of the matter by the partys most concernd.
I have just heard of a Mr. Panchaud returning to Paris and solicited his care of this letter. The Inclosd was written a few days back & intended for a private conveyance, but it came to my hand too late; I dare say my friend has explaind Himself to You in that letter.
I mentiond in a former letter to You the probability of having found Mr. W. Peters’s proper direction, which Mr Penn told me was at Liverpoole instead of Nottingham as You directed to Him, but I have been disapointed. I took care to mark on my letter that it should be returnd to me if Mr Peters could not be found, and it was this day returnd to me markd “Mr Peters is not to be found in Liverpoole.” I acquainted Mr Penn of this, & solicited his further assistance among his Phila. friends to find Mr Peters out, but he is fearful he must be dead, because Mr Peters wrote to Him about four months ago from the same direction in Liverpoole, & mentiond that He was old & very infirm. I intend to try another letter to Mrs. Roberts at whose house he lodgd, & shall do what you request provided he can possibly be found.
I mentiond this oppertunity of writing, to Mr Penn last night & he said he would send me a letter for You or to be forwarded by You to Phia. I do not recollect wch, but if it comes in time you shall have it enclosd in this.
I have a letter forwarded me by J. Johnson of Nantes; which from its contents must have been brought from Maryland by my Younger Bror. about the first Feby. in a Ship to Bilboa, to which place He was bound for the recovery of his health in a consumptive case. I am fearful from Johnsons not mentioning how it got to his hands & my Bror. not accompanying it with a line from himself that He may have died upon the passage; but if this should not be the case, & he may think proper to travel quietly on to Paris (wch. he probably may do to inform You how matters stand in America) I am to beg a share of Your usual civility & attention to Him. He is a young Man brot up to Phisic, has had an excellent Education, & is very clever; His politics & conduct will I am sure do him Credit with You.
The letter forwarded Me was from my Bror. whom You knew at Paris but contains nothing but what you must be apprisd of, as there have been one or two arrivals from that quarter to France since I saw you.
There has been rather a gloom over the faces in the City and at Loyds since the late dispatch’s from Byron and it has not been lessend by the Mediterranean advices, those from N York by way of Corke or by the more domestic movements in Ireland & Scotland. Spain, tho more likely than ever to be upon the back of this Country in a few months, is not now talkd of.

The chit chat of the day is the probable inexpediency of prosecuting the war in America, for since the American Enquiry before the Ho. of commons, some parts of the Admn hold this kind of language. If they had been wise they would have made these kind of enquirys before they fought & became disgracd.
It is said that the Bedford party shew visible discontent as to continuing the War in America, & I believe Lord N. is heartily sick of it. Ministry do not seemingly pull well together; fattend with the spoil it is likely they are becoming restive, & I live in hopes they may soon kick up some good. I shall keep this letter open till I go in the City to see Mr Panchaud to inclose you any thing that may be new at Loyds. I am with the highest esteem Dr Sir Yr very obligd & ob Sert.
V. J. D——D

1st. June—please to turn over
A meeting (wch. carrys the appearance of more meaning than any preceeding one) is appointed for tomorrow.
There is much conversation to day about a probable speedy rupture with Spain & it has found its effects on the Stocks.
You may perhaps think me (as a person totally unconnected or concernd the least for Ama) a little impertinent by wishing so ardently for peace or throwing out any probable terms that may be listend to but You must allow me intrude upon You a few propositions. A hint in the common way of conveyance under a direction You are possessd of may find its effect. As preliminarys only suppose—first. Commissioners to be appointed to treat subject to ratification of Parlt. 2d a Truce for 10 or 12 years (to commence immediately) uti Possidentis. Third all acts of Parliament specially regarding America (excepting such articles as relate to Dutys on import & thereby effecting the Revenue) to be suspended during the term of the truce. 4th. a truce for ten or twelve years (to commence immediately) uti Possidetis between Gr. Britain & France. 5th. upon these preliminaries a negotiation to be opend as soon as conveniently may be. What say you to this?
I am going to Mr. P——d, and it is not unlikely I may give him a bill on you for the twenty Pound formerly mentiond to you for supplys to J. Brehen, Dr. Sims & three others. On receiving it from You he may transmit me an order to receive a similar sum from a french Ho. he is connected with here, which will be a much better mode than any common negotiation.
Mr. R. P——n has not sent the letters & I begin to be more fearful from what I hear, that Mr. Peters is dead.

Notations in different hands: May 31 1779. / May 31 79 / May 31


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 31 May 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amst. 31th: May 1779
Last Friday I had the honour to write to you a Letter of which I had no oportunity to keep a copy for myself. The same will be the case of the present; other wise I would lose te post.

The vessel Hannah, Capt. Alex. Coffin, gone from Baltimore the 20th. of March, from the Capes the 6th. of April, & arrived here the 24th. had a cargo of tobacco chiefly, consigned partly to Mrs Clifford & Tisset, & partly to my old friends Mrs De la Lande & Fynje, of this City.
The 27th arrived another Ship, the Hannah, Captn. Richd. Inkson from Virginia, consigned to Mr. Hudson Mercht. of this City.
The 29th. arrived here another, the Sloop Poppus Captn. Martin, saild from Maryland the 1st. of May, & from the Capes the 6th. Inst. belonging to the hon. Rob. Morris, & consigned to Horneca Fizeaux & Compe. Capt. Martin has brought news, that when he set sail, there arrived at Baltimore a Carolinian Gentleman, with the report, that the Brittish troops having set out from Savannah to attack the continental troops, were totally defeated, with the loss of 100 to 150 killed on the Spot besides prisoners & wounded, & obliged to retreat to Savannah, leaving in our hands all their bagage. & that an Express was in his way to philadelphia, to bring this news to Congress. I congratulate you of it with all my heart.
I am since 8 days lodged here at Mr. N——’s. I have not seen & will not see, for obvious reasons, the Chev. Gd. nor his Associate. I hope to dine to morrow with Capt. Martin, by the politeness of Mr. N——. I think to return immediately after dinner to the hague where I shall meet again our friend, with whom I have had the honour to dine some days past.
You will be so good as to excuse my venturing to write to you in bad English. I am with very great respect Sir yr. most obedient & faithful servant
D

I am a little more acquainted with Mr. Sayre, & do find him a very intelligent & sensible Man; but will Still expect your Sentiments & directions on his account, before growing more intimate with him.

I have received yr. respected favour of the 22d. inst. & make good use of it with some gentlemen of this City.
Passy to his Exc. the hon. Dr. Franklin, Esqr., Plenipy. &c.

Addressed: To His Excellency / B. Franklin Plen. of the United / States, &c. / at Passy./.
Notation: Dumas 31. May 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 31 May 1779
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ever Honourd Sir!
Amstdn. the 31st. May 1779.
We intended Severall times to write to yoúr Excellency aboút the Loan for America recomanded to oúr care, for which she was so good, as to allow ús what patience we wanted, Some time ago; and which we are to begg for again: tho’ we found circumstances, and by the late news that came in from Virginia, groing better from time to time.
We cannot however conceal from yoúr Excellency that Some days ago Mr. Sayre was introduced to oúr hoúse as, born in America, having been Establishd in England, coming lately from the North and, which was the principall with ús as a Gentleman of trúe American sentiments; this last made him the more welcome, and he professed them openly; bútt what most surprised ús, that in a private Conversation, he asked for, he fell Directly upon talking aboút a Loan for America, and tho’ he confessed he had no Commission nor from Congress, nor from yoúr Excellency, yett he spoke aboút the matter With Judgement.

Tho’ no subscribers could be found as yett for any Súmm of Conseqúence as matters go, we are in hopes to lay in those before your Excellency What may be done and expected on this purpose.
Mr. Dumas promised ús to write to yoúr Excellency aboút Some late and good tidings that came júst in from Virginia; Some Luck will be very promoting to the American Credit.
We make bold again to desire yoúr Excellency would be So Kind as to favoúr ús with his powerfúll recomendation to Congress and any Private Acquaintance in the Mercantile way for their Connections with Holland, as will reckon it as a favoúr and great part of oúr Duty from principall to be to every one of them with all regard and affection and in particular Ever Honour’d Sir. Yoúr Excellency’s Most obedient & devoted Servant
John DE Neufville & Son.

Notation: Neufville John & Son 31 May 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 31 May 1779
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,
London, May 31, 1779.
I have no pretensions to trouble the person affording me this conveyance with a large pacquet, otherwise I might send you more sheets. We are indeed just finished; only that I have expectations of procuring your preface to Mr Galway’s speech, and in consequence the epitaph; all which can very easily be inserted. Indeed it was through great carelessness that I did not apply to Mr Wharton before his leaving England for these articles.
Your paper on the Auroras I can give no greater praise to, than by saying it is your own. I have myself no doubt of its containing the fundamentals of the true theory. I am ashamed to say that I was so wonderfully struck with it, as off hand to pretend to carry it to considerable minutiae: I shall now omit sending you my comments, for the reasons above; but in the course of a week or so, I am tempted to think you will receive something from me.— As to the paper on the vis inertiae, till you started it to me, I had never thought 5 moments on the subject; as indeed that there is scarce a subject in politics or philosophy on which I have speculated, where you did not give the occasion and for the most part the rudiments;—but, as to this paper, I have had so much business put into my hands by others, as not to be able to write it out. What you say about it, makes me blush a little; and I am clear I shall deceive what you state to be your expectations, at least if they are metaphysical ones. The part of it perhaps that will be most practical & important is that which relates to resistance coupled with time. You would not however think I knew much on this part of the subject, by giving so clumsy an instance, as that of a ship of war sailing through seas &ca to be pushed on by a mosquito, to illustrate my reasonings; particularly when I had so neat an instance as one of your vast globes before me, subject neither to attraction friction nor resistance, with the self-same mosquito to push it forwards. The fact is, I took the instance carelessly, when I had gone but a little way on the subject, and it never occurred to me when I wrote it out, of what nature it was. I shall however change it, for what I mention; and put a tennis ball for my New Market racer, which last is another very absurd instance.— I say all this upon the supposition that you have received a fragment of the paper I had promised on this subject, which fragment I was induced to send, from its lying before me on the table at the time I sent you a second pacquet of printed sheets;—it was, I think, by A Monsr: le Marquis de Bussyere, or some such person, a relation of the Duke de Chartres.— I have no news. You will observe nothing from me relative to Irish or Scotch politics yet. I am, as ever, my very dearest sir, your devoted & grateful
Benjn. Vaughan

Notation: B Vaughan May 31. 79


Title: Franklin and Lafayette’s List of Prints to Illustrate British Cruelties, [c. May 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To:

[c. May, 1779]
1. The Burning of Charleston (Date)
A fine Town by the Waterside, being a Port, but without any Defence.
A Spire rising among the Houses, belonging to the House of Worship.
A Belfrey belonging to the Town House all in Flames.—
The Inhabitants had all left it.
2. The Burning of Falmouth (Date Nov. 1775)
A fine Town & Port, but without Defence
Ships firing hot Shot, & throwing Bombs & Carcasses into the Town; English Colours.
The Houses partly in Flames
Sailors with Torches setting fire to others.
The Inhabitants flying out of it carrying off the Sick and Aged

Women with Children in their Arms.
Some kill’d as they go off, and lying on the ground.—
3. The Burning of Norfolk
fine Town & Port, several Churches
Town House
Inhabitants flying as above, & Ships firing

4. The Burning of Bedford
}
  all defenseless Places.—

5. The Burning of Esopus

6. The Cannonading of Bristol

  7. ——— of Stoningtown People flying, &c—

8. The putting Prisoners to death in cold Blood after having surrendred their Arms, & demanded Quarter.— Baylor’s Troop
9. Prisoners dying in their Goals, with Hunger Cold & want of Fresh Air.
10. Dunmore’s hiring the Negroes to murder their Masters Families
A large House
Blacks arm’d with Guns & Hangers
Master & his Sons on the Ground dead,
Wife & Daughters lifted up in the Arms of the Negroes as they are carrying off.
11. Savages killing and scalping the Frontier Farmers and their Families, Women and Children, English Officers mix’d with the Savages, & giving them Orders & encouraging them.

12. Governor Tonyn sitting in State, a Table before him, his Soldiers & Savages bringing in Scalps of the Georgia People, & presenting them. Money on the Table with which he pays for them.
13. The Commanding Officer at Niagara, receiving in like Manner the Scalps of the Wioming Families.- -
14. The King of England, giving Audience to his Secretary at War, who presents him a Schedule intitled Acct. of Scalps. which he receives very graciously.
15. American Prisoners, put on board Men of War, & whips to make them fight against their Countrymen & Relations
16. Americans put on board Ships in Irons to be carried to the East Indies, & Senegal, where they died with Misery & the unwholesomeness of the Climate.—
17. Burning the Wounded with Straw at the Crooked Billet Small place in pensilvania
18. Prisonners kill’d and Roasted for a great festival where the Canadian indians are eating American flesh, Colonel Buttler an english officer Setting at table
19. British officers who being prisonners on parole are well Receiv’d in the Best American families, and take that opportunity of corrupting Negroes and Engaging them to desert from the house, to Robb, and even to Murder theyr Masters
20. American officers who as they arrive in the British Camp are insulted By an enrag’d Soldiery—theyr Monney, theyr Cocades, theyr sword, and all theyr Cloathes are taken a way from them—

21. A durty prison ship where American officers are Confin’d without Being at liberty to take the Air, and so Crowded that they Can live but a few days—British officers Come to laugh at ’em and insult at theyr Miseries.
22. British officers plundering with theyr own hands farm houses, abusing the old people of the house, insulting the young land lady, and frightening the children
23. An honorable Captain Corning last Spring in the house of A Gentleman Call’d Mr West at White Marsh, Rushing in the Room where Miss West and An other Young lady Were sleeping at two o’clock in the Morning—the Captain and soldiers jump to the Beds of the two ladies, and with fix’d Bayonnets Upon theyr Breasts Make Several inquiries, and laugh at theyr dreadfull situation in the Most abusive Manner
24. An other Right honorable Captain Going out on a detachement an killing defenceless people.
25. General Gage’s Perfidy to the Inhabts of Boston.
26. Counterfeiting the Paper Money

Notations in Franklin’s hand: Ideas for the Prints / List of British Cruelties


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Vergennes], 1 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

ce 1er Juin. 1779
Le Refus qu’à fait M. Le Directeur General de se prêter aux propositions de M. Franklin, & ses besoins urgents, le determinent pour n’avoir rien a se reprocher, si les Evenements qu’il craint arrivent, de revenir a la charge auprès de l’Administration pour les prevenir, il demande en consequence, & a titre de pret, un Million quoique cette Somme ne remplisse pas ses besoins, il espere que d’icy a ce qu’elle soit employée il pourra reçevoir d’autres Secours d’Amerique, ou par l’Emprunt dont il est chargé, & pour lequel il a fait imprimer des Promesses, au Nom des Treize Etats Unis, remboursables dans dix ans a Paris, ainsi que les Interrets chaque Année.
Il offre de remettre de ces Promesses pour la Même Somme qui lui sera fournie, & si l’Administration ne trouvoit pas a les realiser d’icy a leur echeance, Il s’engage de les retirer des premiers fonds qu’il aura de libres pour cela.
Quoique par cet arrangement, cette Operation paroisse plûtot un placement qu’un Secours M Franklin n’en sentira pas moins le prix du Service qui lui sera rendu par là il peut même dire que l’Interret des deux Nations le necessite aujourdhuy pour ne pas s’exposer a perdre le fruit de leur Union.
B Franklin

Notation: 1er. juin 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Extract, 1 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Passy June 1. 1779.
I think it will be best for you to pay what Ballance you suppose in your hands towards the Anchors, and draw on me for the Rest. This will answer the present purpose of satisfying M. Gourlade, and Errors if any may be rectified in the final settlement of your accounts.
Part of a Letter to Jonathan Williams


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 1 June 1779
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 1er. juin 1779
J’ai l’honneur de souhaiter le bonsoir a Monsieur franklin et de le prevenir que le diner projetté pour demain chez M Le Pot d’Auteuil ne peut pas avoir lieu, et qu’on lui proposera de le remettre a vendredi. Mais c’est une affaire a traiter jeudi chez M Grand
Dubourg

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / A Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [William Carmichael], [2 June 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Carmichael, William

[June 2, 1779]
 … Copies of the Letters, Votes &c relating to that Amiable and excellent young Man. He was mighty well received, at Court, and has a Regiment given him. Ever Since his arrival he has been industrious in moving or projecting Something or other for the Advantage of America.
I am Sorry to hear of Dissensions in Congress, You are now one of that Body, and will, I hope, contribute to heal them; I See, as you Say, that we have Wedderburnes in france as well as in England. They quarrel at me, rather than with me; for I will not quarrel with them. They write me long abusive Letters which I never answer, but treat the Gentlemen with The same Civility when we meet as if no Such Letters existed. This I think most prudent for public Character but I Suspect my Self of being a little malicious in it, for I imagine they are more vex’d by Such neglect than they would be by a tart Reply. Such malignant natures cannot long agree together even in mischief no revenge is necessary from me, I need only leave them to hiss, bite sting & poison one another.
Permit me to recommend to your Civilities the Cher. De La Luzerne who Goes over to replace Mr. Gerard. He is a Nephew of that Great man Mr. de Malesherbes President of the Cour des Aides; is much Esteemed here for his personal qualities and has a hearty Good will to the american cause. All goes as well here as I could wish; except that you are not come over as expected to assist me in the Business. A Dieu, and believe me ever Dear Sir, Yours most affectionately.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Carroll, 2 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Carroll, Charles

Dear Sir
Passy, June 2. 1779.
This will be delivered to you by the Chevalier de La Luzerne, who Succeds M. Gerard. He is a Gentleman of a most amiable Character here and a Sincere wellwisher to America. As Such I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities. You must have heard much of M. De Malesherbes Son of The Chancellier Lamoignon, and late President of the Cour des Aides, famous for his Eloquent, free, and Strong Remonstrances to the late king; This gentleman is his Nephew.
Correspondence between friends in America and Europe is now miserably cut to pieces by the Captures of Vessels. When one writes and the Letters do not get to hand; or if they get to hand The Answers miscarry, by degrees we may come to forget one another. But I Shall never forget the Pleasure I had in your Compagny on our Journey to Canada. Please to remember me when you write to your other Compagnons de Voyage, and belive me ever with Sincere Esteem and affection. Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
BF.

P.S. to Mr. Carrol’s Letter.
In looking over a Letter you favour’d me with, dated Aug. 12. 1777. and which gave me great Satisfaction at the time. I find one Passage which I did not then answer. It relates to the Sending over Artificers of various kinds. You can have no Conception of the Numbers that apply to me with that View; and who would go over if I could assist them, by obtaining a passage for them without expense. If this Should be thought useful, and Congress could afford the charge and could confide in my judgement of the Persons and knowledge of the Arts wanted among us, I am persuaded I could send you over many People who would be valuable acquisitions to our Country.
Carrol of Carrolton Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Chaumont, 2 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Chaumont

Dear Friend
Passy, June 2. 1779
You stay long from us, and every body wishes your Return. The Paving in the Court is finished, and the Passage thro’ the Terras nearly so. Your Garden is in great Beauty, with Plenty of Green Peas & Cherries: Will you stay till they are all eaten?
Since my last, I received the following Paragraph in a letter from Holland; it is quoted from a Letter written at Amsterdam to my Correspondent at the Hague;
“Par le Courier de Mardi dernier, nous reçumes une Lettre de Messrs Sellonf. & Perronteau, nos Correspondants à Paris, avec Avis que Messrs. I. Cottin & fils & Jauge avoient offert de payer nos effets sur M. le R. de Ch. Mais comme nous avons profité de la première Occasion pour renvoyer les dits Effets & le Protest à nôtre Remettant, nous ne sommes pas à même de faire usage de leur Offre. Nous en sommes bien fachés; car quoique les sommes ne soient pas trés-importantes, le Credit des Americains & de leurs Amis en France en souffrira beaucoup. En attendant, nous communiquerons l’Offre de Messieurs Cottin & Jauge a nos Amis en Amerique, pour les tranquilliser sur le Sort des Lettres de Change qu’ils pourroient avoir remis posterieurement.—”
I had before written to my Correspondent that I was sure many of your Friends here would have paid the Bills in your Behalf if they had known of them.—
My Love to Ray, & believe me ever My Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 2 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,
Passy June 2. 1779.
I received a few Days since by way of St Eustatia, the Duplicate of a Letter you did me the honour to write to me of 3d Jany. But the Act of Congress of Decr 23d which you mention is not yet come to hand. Col Diricks whom the Secretary names to you called here in his way to Holland, and brought me a Recommendatory Letter from Govr. Trumbull; but neither himself nor that Letter mentioned anything of his Business in Holland except to see his Friends; so that I yet know nothing of the purport of that Act. The other of Jany 1st. is come to hand. Besides The Reasons given in it for deferring the Expedition to Canada, there is one that would weigh much with me, and that is our Want of a sufficient Quantity of hard Money. The Canadians are afraid of Paper and would never take the Congress Money. To enter a Country which you mean to make a Friend of, with an Army that must have occasion every Day for fresh Provision, Horses, Carriages Labour of every kind; having no acceptable Money to pay those that serve you; and to be obliged therefore, from the Necessity of the Case, to take that Service by Force, is the sure Way to disgust, offend, and by Degrees make Enemies of the whole People, after which all your Operations will be more Difficult, all your Motions discovered, and every endeavour used to have you driven back out of their Country.
I need not recommend the Chevalier de la Luzerne to the President of Congress. His publick Character will recommend him sufficiently to all the Respect and Consideration due to the Minister of so great and good a Prince as the King of France our Ally. I shall only mention that his private Character here is an excellent one, and that he is connected by Relation to some of the greatest and best People of this Country. I hope that his Residence with us will be made agreable to him. I have written largely to the Committee. By our last Advices from Holland, the English Interest diminishes there; and from England they write, that the daily Apprehensions of a War with Spain, begins to have a serious Effect in disposing People generally to wish for Peace. Great Preparations are making here in all the Sea-Ports; and this Summer will probably produce some important Action. With great Respect and Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant.
B Franklin
Honble. John Jay Esq.

Endorsed: Doct Franklin 2 June 1779 answ. 26 Sep 1779


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 2 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Dear sir
Passy June 2. 1779.
I know no more than you the Reasons of the Change respecting the Marquis But suppose they are good ones. I have no new Instructions to give. Perhaps you will receive some Instruction of the King’s Pleasure. I can only wish you Health and success, being ever, with great and Sincere Esteem Dear sir y. &c.
Capt. Jones.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Lovell, 2 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lovell, James

Sir,
Passy June 2. 1779.
I received a few Days since, via Eustatia & Holland the Triplicates of your several Favours of Dec 8. Jan. 29. and Feb. 8. The preceding Copies of the same Dates never came to hand. I thank you very much for the News-Papers, tho’ the Disputes I see in them gave me Pain. You observe rightly that the want of good Conveyances obstructs much the punctuality of our Correspondence. The Number of long Letters I have written to America have almost discouraged me from writing, except by such an Opportunity as this: You may judge of the Uncertainty of Letters getting to hand, when I tell you that tho’ you mention the having sent me Quadruplicates of my Credentials, only those by the Marquis de La Fayette have yet appeared.
I am glad to understand that you are taking Measures to restore the Value of your Money, by taxing largely to reduce the Quantity. I believe no Financier in the World can put you upon a more effectual Method. The English have had a little Flow of Spirits lately, from their Success against the Trade of France, and the News of the imagined Conquest of Georgia: but the growing Apprehension of a War with Spain also, begins to sober ’em; and like People who have been drunk with Drams, they now seem to have both the Head—and Heartake. The late Letters from thence are in a more humble Stile, and some printed Papers by the last Post, known to be Ministerial, appear intended to prepare the Minds of the People for Propositions of Peace. But these Ebbs & Flows are common with them, and the Duration of neither are to be relied on.
As I do not find by any of yours, that a long Letter of mine to you in July last has come to hand, I send you herewith a Copy of it, (tho’ now a little Stale,) as it serves to show my continued good Opinion of a Gentleman, who by the Papers you have sent me Seems to be hardly used. I have never meddled with the Dispute between him and Mr. Lee; but the Suspicion of my having a Good Will to him, has drawn upon me a great deal of Ill-Will from his Antagonist. The Congress have wisely enjoyned the Ministers in Europe to agree with one another. I had always resolved to have no quarrel, and have therefore made it a constant Rule to answer no angry, affronting or abusive Letter of which I have received Many and long Ones from Mr Lee & Mr Izard, who I understand, and see indeed by the Papers, have been writing liberally, or rather ill-liberally against me, to prevent, as one of them says here, any Impressions my writing against them might occasion to their Prejudice: But I have never before mentioned them in any of my Letters.

Our Scheme here for Packet-Boats did not continue. I wish Congress could fall on some Method of sending some little light Vessels once a Month, to keep up a Correspondence more regularly. Even the receiving Letters of a certain Date, tho’ otherwise of no Importance, might serve to refute the false News of our Adversaries on both Sides the Water, which have sometimes too long their intended Effect before the Truth arrives. I see that frequently little Pilot Boats of 25 or 30 Tons burthen arrive safe from Virginia, the Expence of such would not be great.
I beg leave to recommend earnestly to your Civilities M le Chevalier De la Luzerne, who goes over to succeed M Gerard as the King’s Minister to the Congress. He bears here a most amiable Character, has great Connections, and is a hearty Friend to the American Cause.
With great Esteem, I am Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. James Lovel Esq.

Notations in different hands: June 2d. 1779 Doctr Franklin’s to J L recd. Aug. 30 answd Sept. 16 / Deane Lee Izard Pacquet Boats Luzerne.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bordot, 2 June 1779
From: Bordot, François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Rochelle, wednesday June 2d, 1779.
Two English Privateers, one under the name of the Defiance, from falmouth, and the other call’d the Ladies Resolution, from London, were brought Yesterday into these Roads by the frigate L’hermione; the first mounting 18 four and Second 18 Six pounders; both of them taken the latter end of last week, about fifty leagues off the Channel.— As they made very little resistance, if any at all, there has been no loss of People on either Side.— The Crews, to the Number of 194 in the whole, are Just landed and Sent to Prison, most of them mere Boys.
I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, Your most obedt. and Most hble. servt.
  F Bordot∴
Mr. B. franklin∵

Notation: Bordot 2 june 1779. La Rochelle.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Hardoüin, 2 June 1779
From: Hardoüin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Paris ce 2. juin 1779.
Les sieurs Witel et fauche imprimeur a Neuchatel en suisse mon fait scavoir de vous donner avis que Lon delivroit actuellement chez moy, La premiere Livraison des œves. [œuvres] Complette de M. charle Bonnet 3 volumes in 4º. ou en 6 volumes in 8º. Le prix de l’in 4º. est de 12 l.t. chacque volumes et L’in 8º. 3 l.t. Mr, si vous estes jaloux dacquerir cette ouvrage qui a le plus grand succes, vous voudrez bien monhorer d’une Reponse et suis avec Respect Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur Monsieur
HARDOÜIN
libraire Rue des pretres st. german Lauxerois

Addressed: A Monsieur / Le docteur / Monsieur franklin / a Passy / pres le Bois de Boulogne
Notation: hardouin 2. juin 1779


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 3 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Sarah Franklin

Dear Sally,
Passy, June 3, 1779.
I have before me your letters of Oct. 22, and Jan. 17th: they are the only ones I received from you in the course of eighteen months. If you knew how happy your letters make me, and considered how many miscarry, I think you would write oftener.
I am much obliged to the Miss Cliftons for the kind care they took of my house and furniture. Present my thankful acknowledgments to them, and tell them I wish them all sorts of happiness.
The clay medallion of me you say you gave to Mr. Hopkinson was the first of the kind made in France. A variety of others have been made since of different sizes; some to be set in lids of snuff boxes, and some so small as to be worn in rings; and the numbers sold are incredible. These, with the pictures, busts, and prints, (of which copies upon copies are spread every where) have made your father’s face as well known as that of the moon, so that he durst not do any thing that would oblige him to run away, as his phiz would discover him wherever he should venture to show it. It is said by learned etymologists that the name Doll, for the images children play with, is derived from the word Idol; from the number of dolls now made of him, he may be truly said, in that sense, to be i-doll-ized in this country.
I think you did right to stay out of town till the summer was over for the sake of your child’s health. I hope you will get out again this summer during the hot months; for I begin to love the dear little creature from your description of her.
I was charmed with the account you give me of your industry, the table-cloths of your own spinning, &c. but the latter part of the paragraph, that you had sent for linen from France because weaving and flax were grown dear; alas, that dissolved the charm; and your sending for long black pins, and lace, and feathers! disgusted me as much as if you had put salt into my strawberries. The spinning, I see, is laid aside, and you are to be dressed for the ball! you seem not to know, my dear daughter, that of all the dear things in this world, idleness is the dearest, except mischief.

The project you mention of removing Temple from me was an unkind one; to deprive an old man sent to serve his country in a foreign one, of the comfort of a child to attend him, to assist him in health and take care of him in sickness, would be cruel, if it was practicable. In this case it could not be done; for as the pretended suspicions of him are groundless, and his behaviour in every respect unexceptionable; I should not part with the child, but with the employment. But I am confident that whatever may be proposed by weak or malicious people, the Congress is too wise and too good to think of treating me in that manner.
Ben, if I should live long enough to want it, is like to be another comfort to me: as I intend him for a Presbyterian as well as a Republican, I have sent him to finish his education at Geneva. He is much grown, in very good health, draws a little, as you will see by the inclosed, learns Latin, writing, arithmetic and dancing, and speaks French better than English. He made a translation of your last letter to him, so that some of your works may now appear in a foreign language. He has not been long from me. I send the accounts I have of him, and I shall put him in mind of writing to you. I cannot propose to you to part with your own dear Will: I must one of these days go back to see him; happy to be once more all together! but futurities are uncertain. Teach him however in the mean time to direct his worship more properly, for the deity of Hercules is now quite out of fashion.
The present you mention as sent by me, was rather that of a merchant at Bourdeaux, for he would never give me any account of it, and neither Temple nor I know any thing of the particulars.
When I began to read your account of the high prices of goods, “a pair of gloves seven dollars, a yard of common gause twenty-four dollars, and that it now required a fortune to maintain a family in a very plain way,” I expected you would conclude with telling me, that every body as well as yourself was grown frugal and industrious; and I could scarce believe my eyes in reading forward, that “there never was so much dressing and pleasure going on;” and that you yourself wanted black pins and feathers from France, to appear, I suppose, in the mode! This leads me to imagine that perhaps, it is not so much that the goods are grown dear, as that the money is grown cheap, as every thing else will do when excessively plenty; and that people are still as easy nearly in their circumstances as when a pair of gloves might be had for half a crown. The war indeed may in some degree raise the prices of goods, and the high taxes which are necessary to support the war may make our frugality necessary; and as I am always preaching that doctrine, I cannot in conscience or in decency encourage the contrary, by my example, in furnishing my children with foolish modes and luxuries. I therefore send all the articles you desire that are useful and necessary, and omit the rest; for as you say you should “have great pride in wearing any thing I send, and showing it as your father’s taste;” I must avoid giving you an opportunity of doing that with either lace or feathers. If you wear your cambric ruffles as I do, and take care not to mend the holes, they will come in time to be lace; and feathers, my dear girl, may be had in America from every cock’s tail.
If you happen again to see General Washington, assure him of my very great and sincere respect, and tell him that all the old Generals here amuse themselves in studying the accounts of his operations, and approve highly of his conduct.
Present my affectionate regards to all friends that enquire after me, particularly Mr. Duffield and family, and write oftener, my dear child, to Your loving father,
B. Franklin.