Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marine Committee of Congress, 3 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Marine Committee of Congress

Gentlemen
Passy June 3 1779
I received the Honour of yours by the Marquis de la Fayette, who arrived safe and well in the Alliance Fregate, which you were pleased to put under my Orders.

There had been a Conspiracy on Board to seize and run away with the Ship to England. Thirty eight of the Crew concerned in the Plot were brought in under Confinement, and the Captain was much embarrass’d with them, and Suspicions of many more. We could not try them here, for Want of Officers sufficient to make a Court Martial. The French Admiralty could not take Cognizance of their Offence. The Captain objected to carrying them back as both troublesome & dangerous. In Fine We got Leave to land and confine them in a French Prison, where they continue till further Orders.
Captain Landais desired much to have his Ship sheathed here with Copper. But having neither Orders, nor Money in my Hands for that Purpose I was obliged to refuse it. There was a great Misunderstanding between him and his Officers: and great Discontent among his Officers themselves, who were in Want of Cloathes and Money: The Ship too, tho’ new, wanted great Repair, all her Iron Work being bad. The Agent Mr. Schweighauser required my Orders about every Thing: And I had Letters from him from the Officers, or from the Captain, by almost every Post. My total Unacquaintedness with such Business made it very perplexing to me. I have got thro’ it at Last, and I hear the Officers are more contented; But I hope to have no more such Affairs on my Hands.
Being informed by the Officer who came up from the Captain with the Dispatches, that She had not Hands sufficient to man Prizes if she should be sent on a Cruise, that the Captain did not care to supply the Deficiency with Frenchmen, that if She were again at Boston now that her Character for a swift Sailer, and that of the Captain for a good Officer were established, of which the Seamen were before doubtful, there was the greatest Probability that She would be fully manned immediately; And as Mr. Adams wished for an Opportunity of going home, and I heard that some Ships were bound to North America from Nantes, to whom the Convoy of a Fregate quite to the American Coast might be convenient, I determined to send her back directly; and accordingly offered her as a Convoy to the Trade. But as M. de la Mothe Piquet was about to sail from Brest with a Squadron, before our Frigate could be fitted, and as he offered to take Care of all outward bound Ships who should join him at Brest, the Offer I made was not accepted, and all the American Ships went from Nantes to join his Fleet. She was however still to go with Mr. Adams, but receiving the enclosed Letter from Mr. de Sartine Minister of the Marine, who at the same Time offered to man her compleatly if I comply’d with his Request, I thought it right to oblige him, as the Inconvenience would be only a little longer Delay to Mr. Adams in getting home, and by her extreamly swift Sailing, of which they relate Wonders, she might in the proposed Cruize take Prisoners enough to redeem by the now established Cartel the Rest of our unfortunate Countrymen still in the English Prisons. I accordingly acquainted Mr. De Sartine that I would, agreeable to his Desire, order her to l’Orient; where She now is a Part of Capt. Jones’s little Squadron, which is ready to sail, if not already sail’d on the intended Expedition.
After all this was thus arranged, Mr A. Lee wrote to me, to urge the sending her with the Merchant Ships, and to carry over some Dispatches of his & Mr Izards, that were of great Importance: But as those Ships were by this Time Sail’d, and the French Frigate with the new Minister and Mr. Adams was to sail in a Week or two and might carry those Dispatches, the Contents of which I was not acquainted with, I did not see the Necessity of retracting the Promise I had made to the Minister, and thereby deranging the Expedition.

As our Ships of War that arrive here, require an amazing Expence to fit them, and the Prizes they bring in, often occasion Law Suits and all the Embarrassement and Sollicitation & Vexation attending Suits in this Country, I must beg the Committee would be so good as to order the several Navy Boards to send no more to be outfitted here, without sending Effects to defray the Expence: and that if our armed Ships should be still ordered to cruise in these Seas, a Consul or Consuls may be appointed in the several Sea Ports, who will thereby be more at Hand to transact maritime Business expeditiously, will understand it better, relieve your Minister at this Court from a great Deal of Trouble, and leave him at Liberty to attend Affairs of more general Importance.
With great Esteem and Respect I have the Honour to be Gentlemen your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
The Honble. the Marine Committee of Congress.

Notations in different hands: The Honourable Benjamin Franklin esqr. Passey. June 3d 1779 / No 2


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Conway: Certificate, [3 June 1779]
From: Conway, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[June 3, 1779]
Je certifie que j’ai eu L’honneur De servir en amerique avec Mr De saintuary; que cet officier qui ÿ servoit a ses Depens, etait aimé et consideré par ses superieurs. J’ai vû Mr De santuary montrer Beaucoup De Zêle et D’activité aux Batailles De Brandÿweine et De Germàntown. Je certifie que Mr De santuary a eté fait prisonnier en Novembre 1777 auprés De philadelphie, et que Le Congrés par satisfaction, pour sa conduite a proposé D’echanger Mr De santuary contre un officier anglois qui eut Le rang De Major. Ces faits sont a La Connoissance Des officiers francois qui ont fait La Guerre a L’armée Du General Washington.
Conwaÿ
fait a paris Le 3. juin 1779

Endorsed: M. Conway’s Certificate concg. M. de Saintuary


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Greene, 4 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Greene, William

Dear Sir,
Passy, June 4. 1779
I received your kind Letter of Decr 10. with the Bills of Exchange for two hundred and sixteen Dollars, & with the List of Goods you would have in return. As I live far from any Seaport and am unacquainted with Merchandize, I sent the Bills, with your Order directly to my Nephew at Nantes, who will I doubt not accomplish it to your Satisfaction.
I shall be glad of any Opportunity of being serviceable to your Son-in-law, both for your Sake and his Father’s.
Your Letter with the first set of the Bills did not come to hand; which I regret the more, as by that means I have lost Mrs. Greene’s Letter which you tell me was inclosd. Present my affectionate Respects to her; and my Love with that of my Grandson to honest Ray, of whose Welfare I am very glad to hear and of his Progress in his Learning.
If my Sister continues under your hospitable Roof, let her know that I did not receive hers of the 7th: that you mention; that I have not time now to write to her, but will by the next Opportunity; and that I am well and love her as well as ever.
With great Esteem & Respect, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedt and most humble Servant
B Franklin

P.S. If the Chevalier De la Luzerne should pass thro’ your Government, I recommend him warmly to your Civilities. He goes over to supply the Place of M. Gerard, as his most Christian Majestys Minister to the Congress. He is a Gentleman of a most amiable Character here, has great Connections, and is a hearty Friend to America.
His Ex. Wm. Greene Esq.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Hopkinson, 4 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hopkinson, Francis

Dear Friend,
Passy June 4. 1779.
I received your kind Letter of the 22d Octr. last, which gave me great Pleasure as it inform’d me of your Welfare, and of your Appointment to the honourable Office of Treasurer of Loans. I think the Congress judg’d rightly in their Choice. An Exactness in Accounts, and scrupulous Fidelity in Matters of Trust, are Qualities for which your Father was eminent, and which I was persuaded were inherited by his Son when I took the Liberty of naming you one of the Executors of my Will, a Liberty which I hope you will excuse.
I am sorry for the Losses you have suffer’d by the Goths and Vandals, but hope it will be made up to you by the good Providence of God, and the Good Will of your Country to whom your Pen has occasionally been of Service. I am glad the Enemy have left something of my Gimcrackery that is capable of affording you Pleasure. You are therefore very welcome to the Use of my Electrical and Pneumatic Machines as long as you think proper. I inclose you a little Piece or two of Oxford Wit, which I lately recd hoping they may afford you a few Minutes Amusement. Present my Respects to your good Mother and Sisters, and believe me ever, My Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

      P.S. Permit me to recommend the new Minister, M. le Chevalier De la Luzerne to your Civilities as a Gentleman of most amiable Character here, and a hearty Friend of the American Cause. If you can in any Respect be serviceable to him, you will much oblige me.
      }

  Fras. Hopkinson Esqr—

Notation: Franklin. Donnée par Mademoiselle Elisabeth hopkinson. à Philadelphie.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Boulainvilliers, 4 June 1779
From: Boulainvilliers, Marie-Madeleine-Adrienne d’Hallencourt Bernard, marquise de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 4 juin [1779]
Puisque nous n’allons point a passy il faut aumoins avoir lhonneur et le plaisir de nous rapeller au souvenir de Monsieur francklin; il y a des Siecles qu’il n’a eu le bontés de se Souvenir de nous: sa bonne amie s’en plaint parcequelle luy est: toujours tres attachée. Elle sera saigné demain samedy et gardera quelques jours la Maison: Monsieur francklin deveroit bien nous faire lhonneur de venir diner avec Nous les premiers jours de la semaine prochainne le plus tot sera le Mieux nous le prions seulement de vouloir bien nous Mander le jour pour pouvoir luy donner des personnes de sa Connaissance. Monsieur de boulainvilliers est toujours incomodés il Compte partir incessament pour les eaux de Spa: si Monsieur francklin veut venir prendre du thè un de Ces jours independamment du diner il nous trouvera car nous ne sortons point; nous le prions de permettre que nous disions Mille choses a Monsieur son petit fils; nous esperons aussi avoir lhonneur de le voir.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 4 June 1779
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 4 juin [1779]
J’aurois cértainement un grand plaisir mon bon papa á devinér des énigmes que vous auriés faittes, et a taschér de découvrir vos secréts; cependant cet espéce d’exercisse entraisne avéc lui une sorte de fatigue, que je n’éprouve point en lisant vos léttres; la vértu, la sagésse s’y montrent a découvért; j’y trouve des conseils dictés par une áme dont la force se trouve adoucie par la sensibillité; mon bon papa je ferai mes éfforts pour vous ressemblér, mais ma consistance phisique qu’un coup de vent dérange, influë sur ma consistance morale: sensible a l’éxcés, je manque de force; je sçais bien prendre assés sur moi, pour ne pas détruire le bonheur de mes entours, pour y sacrifiér mesme mes gouts mes penchants; mais je souffre mon ami! Souvent seule, mes yeux se couvrent de larmes—Je serai toujours une fémme douce, vértueuse; taschés de me rendre une femme forte, ce miracle vous est peut estre résérvé—Mon ami je ne suis pas injuste, je sçais que l’homme auqu’el le sort m’a lié, est un homme de méritte; je le respécte autant que je le dois et qu’il le méritte; je l’ai peut estre toujours aimé au dela de ce que son coeur peut me rendre; vingt quatre ans de différence dans nos ages; son éducation austére; la miénne peut estre un peu trop soignée du costé des talents agréables, ont resséré son coeur et exhalté le mien— Mon papa les mariages dans ce pays ci, se font au poid de l’or; on m’est d’un costé de la balance la fortune d’un garçon, de l’autre celle de la fille, quand l’egallité s’y rencontre l’affaire se términe au contentement des parents; on n’imagine pas de consulter le gout, l’age, le rapport de caractéres; on marie une jeune fille dont le coeur renférme le feu de l’age et ses besoins, a un homme qui les a éteints: on éxige que cétte fémme soit honneste—Mon ami cétte histoire est la miénne, et celle de tant d’autres: je ferai mes éfforts pour que ce ne soit pas celle de mes filles, mais hélas, seraisje maitrésse de leur sort? Adieu vous óh mon ami, vous que je revére, que j’aime; je vais lire, relire votre léttre; je me conformerai aux vérités qu’elle renférme, je tascherai de devenir la digne éléve d’un philosophe d’un sage; je tascherai de prouvér au meilleur des papas et des amis, que sa fille ne fait pas seulement consistér l’amitié qu’elle a pour lui, dans le plaisir de le voir et de le lui témoignér; qu’elle ne veut pas se contentér de lui plaire par des agréments qu’il rencontre tous les jours a un plus haut degré dans beaucoup d’autres fémmes; mais par le complément et l’assemblage de toutes les vertus, qui la rendront a juste titre l’amie de son bon papa, fut elle vieille, laide, fut elle homme etc.: enfin, fut elle loin de l’état qui fait que les sens sont pour quelques choses dans l’hommage qu’on rend aux femmes: a demain, c’est demain samedi mon papa, et vous n’estes pas venu mércredi.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marat, 4 June 1779
From: Marat, Jean-Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris the 4th June 79.
The honour of your company at dinner on thurday next (with Mrs le Comte de Maillebois, de Montigni, le Roy & Sage) is desired by the author of the experiments on the igneous fluid.
The honour of Mr … .. your grand-son company is likewise desired. If the time keeps clear; it will be to him an oportunity to see the experiments.

The dinner on the table at tow o clock at the hotel of M. le Marquis de l Aubespine Rue de Bourgogne F. S. G.
If you have perused the manuscript treatise on the fire, Sir, & will be so good as to deliver it to the bearer with your judgement, it will be esteemed a great favour.
I am with great regard, Sir Your most humble obedient Servant
The Representative.

Notation: M. Marat 4 June 79.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Pierre de Séqueville, 4 June 1779
From: Séqueville, François-Pierre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris, le 4 Juin 1779.
Le Roi ne verra point Mardi prochain huit du mois, Messieurs les Ambassadeurs et Ministres étrangers.
De SéquevilleSecrétaire ordinaire du Roi, à la conduite desAmbassadeurs.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / Ministre Plenipot. de La / Republ. des Provinces Unies / de l’Amerique Septentrionale / a Passy / De Sequeville.
Notation: Advertisements & ceremonial Notices.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy June 5. 1779.
The Chevalier de La Luzerne sat out Yesterday for L’Orient, and will be with you perhaps before this comes to hand. You will find him a very agreable sensible Man, and a hearty Friend to the Cause of America.
As you may land in Boston and are not certain of going directly to Philada: I have put under his Care my Dispatches for Congress, and request yours for those to New England.
Mr Bondfield has drawn on me for 18,000 Livres on Acct of the Canon. I cannot find the Agreement that was made with him for that Article. If you have it and can easily get at it, be so good as to send it to me or a Copy of it.
Mr. Schweighauser in a late Account charges a Commission of Five per Cent. on the simple Delivery of two Cargoes of Tobacco out of the Ship into the hands of the Officer of the Farmers General, all attending Expences separately charged; and to make the Commission rise the higher, he has valued the Tobaccos at 90 Livres, the Price it now sells at in the Ports, and not at 40 Livres, which it was to be delivered at by our Contract; by this means the Commission on those two Cargoes comes to 630 £ sterling. Thinking this an exorbitant Demand, I got a Friend to enquire of the Merchants upon Change what was the Custom in such Cases, and received the following Answer. “I have spoken to more than ten Merchants, who all have told me unanimously, that One per Cent was not only the general Custom, but as high as could be claimed being half Commission: For if there had been a Sale in the Case, it would have been two per Cent. which is the general Usage in the Trade and not 5 per Cent.” I have wrote to M. Schweighauser that I objected to that Article of his Account, but he seems not dispos’d to give it up. I find myself too little acquainted with Mercantile Business to be a Match for these People, which makes me more and more desire to see Consuls appointed in the Ports, who might take it off my Hands, and I wish, if you are of Opinion it would be right, that you would press it upon Congress. My Grandson desires I would present you his affectionate Respects, and joins with me in heartily wishing you & our young Friend a prosperous Voyage & happy Meeting with your Friends and Family. I shall take care to present your Respects to the good Ladies you mention. All goes well here: Countenances begin to brighten, and the contrary in England (according to our last Advices) from the Aprehension of certain Event, which may God prosper. I am with great Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your most obedt & most humble Servant.
B. Franklin
Hon. Jn: Adams Esqr—

Endorsed: Dr Franklin June 5. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 5 June 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lahaie 5e. Juin 1779.
Je dînai Mardi passé chez Mrs. De N—— avec 7 Américains, savoir Mrs. Sayre, Sears, Cordes, West, & les Capitaines Cofin, Inkson & Martin. Votre Santé, Monsieur, n’y fut pas oubliée. L’honnête Cofin m’a fort prié de vous présenter ses respects: il m’a dit que vous le connoissiez de longue date, & que c’étoit lui qui fut le porteur, de votre part, des Lettres qui démasquerent les Traîtres Hutchinson &c. aux Américains.
Hier au soir j’eus le plaisir de prêter un apartement chez moi pour un Entretien secret, à G—— F—— & à notre Ami, à la requisition du premier.
Le Committé nommé par les Etats d’Hollde. au sujet des requêtes d’Amst. & de Rotterd——, a décidé, à la pluralité de 10 contre trois, de s’en tenir aux résolutions prises en faveur des Convois illimités, & de presser les convois en conséquence.
Mardi, à mon départ d’Amst——, le bruit y couroit que Sir J. Y——, dans un Meme. présenté, avoit en quelque maniere déclaré la guerre à Amst—— & à Harlem, en les déclarant Alliées de la France, &c. La même chose me fut confirmée à mon passage à Leide. Parturiebant montes: à mon arrivée ici, j’ai trouvé le ridiculus mus, la déclaration, ci-jointe, de guerre contre mon pauvre ami, à qui pourtant il n’arrivera rien de sinistre: Notre Ami me l’a assuré. Cela fera pourtant un sujet de déliberation pour les provinces, à qui la piece a été communiquée. Sir J. a engagé une très grande Dame à écrire à Cleves contre le Courier du Bas-rhin. On vient de me dire, que les fonds Anglois ont baissé de 5 pour cent subitement que ceux d’Amst—— ont reçu des Lettres de Fce. & peut-être même d’Angle., portant que les Espagnols se seroient emparés de la Jamaique. Cette nouvelle me paroît mériter confirmation avant que je la croie. Timeo Danaos, c’est-à-dire les Agioteurs, & dona ferentes. Ce qui est sûr, c’est qu’il manque trois paquebots d’Angle. qui n’arrivent pas, & que l’un d’eux, attaqué par des Dunkerquois, a jetté sa malle à la mer.
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire 2 Lettres d’Amsterdam, sans pouvoir en garder copie. Il en sera de-même de celle-ci, pour ne pas manquer la poste.
Je suis avec un très-respectueux dévouement, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
D

Presque tout ce que les vaisseaux arrivés d’Amérique à Amst—— ont apporté est propriété de Mr. Rob. Morris.
Le nouvelliste de Leide s’étoit déjà rétracté de lui-même, en donnant dans une feuille postérieure la déclaration exacte de la Russie, qui, dans le fonds revient au même que celle au No. 40, à la différence près de quelques termes: différence qui ne vient que de ce qu’il avoit traduit une traduction. Son vrai crime auprès de Sir J——, c’est d’être notre ami, & bon républicain.
Leide a tourné casaque, & est l’une des 2 villes qui ont voté pour la limitation des convois dans le Committé. Horn est l’autre.
Le Vaisseau venu de Philadelphie, Cap. Robinson, a apporté des Depêches de Mr. Gerard, qui ont été acheminées à Mr. l’Ambr. qui m’a dit les avoir reçues par Mr. Fizeaux; les Capitaines m’avoient dit que Clifford & Teisset les avoient reçues. Peut-être que Clifford les a remises a Fizeaux. Ce qui me paroît une bêtise. A sa place, j’aurois mieux aimé en avoir le mérite directement auprès de Mr. l’Ambr.
Passy à S.E. Mr. Franklin &c.

Addressed: To his Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. / Min. Pl. of the united States &c / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas Juin 5. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Schweighauser, 5 June 1779
From: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Nantz 5. June 1779
Since the Letter, I had the honor of adressing your Excellency the 22. ultmo. I am without any of your esteemed favor. The purpose of this will serve to inclose the Account of my disbursements for the Alliance

      amounting to
      79237. 9.
      l.t.

      & the account of thosemade for the Brig Morris
      12177. 7.10

      together
      91414.16.10.
      l.t.

      on account of which I havealready drawn at 10 daysdate 10000.

      ded. ⅓ % loss   33.6.8

      9966.13.4

      remains for ballance
      81448. 3.6.
      l.t.

Which I have this day taken the liberty to draw on Your Excellencÿ at 20. days date as per the note at foot which I hope will meet your approbation, by the first safe Conveyance I will send you my Vouchers if requisite, as also a recapitulation or State of the Arsenal, that is of the number of Articles Shipt & of those now remaining.
In Sending You the account of what has been paid for the forementioned Continental frigate & brig Morris at Lorient I will add whatever other accounts appear as also the last from Brest which I have not yet received.
I hope the Morris is actually Safe arriv’d at Lorient
With profound Respect I am Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble Servant
J. Dl. Schweighauser
To His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiarÿ from the United States of America at the Court of France Passÿ


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Chaulnes, 6 June 1779
From: Chaulnes, Yves-Marie-Joseph d’Albert d’Ailly, duc de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce Dimanche 6. Juin [1779]
M. De Chaulnes a L’honneur de faire tous ses complimens a Monsieur franklin, il na pas encore pu aller lui même s’informer de sa santé, comme il l’auroit desiré, parcequ’aprés une longue absence, les embarras sont nécéssairement considérables au moment du retour. Il aura cet honneur aussitost qu’il le pourra; en attendant il prie Monsieur franklin de lui faire scavoir, le titre, et les moyens d’acquérir un ecrit sur le transport du bois des Pyrrénnés, que M. Vaughan la prié d’acquerir pour lui, et dont il lui a dit que Monsieur franklin avait la connaissance. M. De Chaulnes lui serait trés obligé, s’il pouvait lui faire ce plaisir, lui Mander des nouvelles presentes de sa santé, et a l’honneur de le saluer.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin franklin / Ambassadeur des Etats unis / de L’Amérique / en son hotel ./. A Passy.
Notation: De Chaulnes


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Sarsfield, 6 June 1779
From: Sarsfield, Jacques-Hyacinthe, vicomte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

6 juin [1779?]
Le Vicomte de sarsfield a l’honneur dEnvoyer a Monsieur francklin La Lettre cy jointe—. Le derangement de sa santé Là Empechè d’Avoir L’honneur de Le Voir depuis longs temps— Il ira Le Chercher a Passy dans la Semaine prochaine— Il A L’honneur de l’assurer de son sincere attachement.
Il Supplie Monsieur francklin d Avoir la bonté de Luy Envoÿer les Nouvelles Gazettes americaines et de Luy faire dire les Nouvelles quil a recües


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 6 June 1779
From: Hare-Naylor, Georgiana Shipley
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bolton Street June 6th 1779
You absolutely spoil me, my dear Doctor Franklin, by your indulgence, for I now expect, with the utmost impatience, the copy from Du Plessis’s picture; altho before I received your last letter I was perfectly happy & content with the small head you had the goodness to send me by Mr Digges: the wax model that has been taken of my father is by no means a good representation, however I will endeavor the next opportunity to procure a cast from it. At present I send you a small drawing that you may be able to judge whether I am improv’d since you left England, & I flatter myself that you will accept & value it for my sake; the subject is, Venus giving the cestus to Juno.
Yesterday we dined with Mr Vaughan at Wanstead & were received with the greatest hospitality by that worthy family, our esteem for them you may believe was not lessen’d by the respect with which they mentioned our long-absent friend: in the evening we were shewn many experiments on electricity, & a few quite new to me, Mr Vaughan has by far the largest machine I ever saw, when in proper order it will give a spark 16 inches distant; apro-pos to electricity I am pleased to find by your conjectures on the Aurora Borealis, that the active part you have of late years taken in public affairs, has not prevented your continuing your philosophical studies.
Tuesday next we leave town & retire to Twyford, without any regret on my part, as many of my friends have already quitted the metropolis, & exclusive of their society, I own I prefer the country, on account of the leisure it affords for reading drawing &ca. Doctor Price has promised to spend the month of July with us, he is a most excellent Man, & his friendship for you endears him to all this family.
The parliament still continues sitting & it is uncertain when it will be prorogued, but no material business is expected to come on, as many of the Members are already gone into the Country, the affairs of Ireland are put off till the next sessions, & I question then whether they will obtain any effectual relief; the feeling you express for the calamities of others encourages me to hope that the conduct of one sett of Men will not make you judge too severely of a nation, where you have spent many happy years in tranquility, & where your character continues to be admired & respected by numbers of the inhabitants; besides a general peace is a blessing so much to be wished-for by all parties, that I know the benevolence of your disposition will incline you, to exert every method of promoting it.
The hurry of business occasioned by our approaching departure, obliges me to release you from this scrawl, & only permits me time to assure you once more, of the continued friendship & esteem of this family. I am dear Dr. Franklin yr affecate & obliged
G: Shipley


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., 7 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Fizeaux, Grand & Cie.

Gentlemen
Passy June 7 1779.
I received the honour of yours of the 31 past and thank you for the News it contained, tho’ not yet confirmed.
I know nothing of that Mr. Miller But if he appears to you to be an honest Man, I consent to your supplying him to the value of ten Guineas which I will repay. Please to take three Notes for the sum, that I may send them over by different Conveyances. It is impossible for me to supply every Bodys Wants equal to their Expectations.
I have the honour to be &c.
Mrs. fizeaux Grand & Co


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rocquette, Elsevier & Rocquette, 7 June 1779
From: Rocquette, Jacques, Elsevier, T. A., & Rocquette, Pieter Th.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
Rotterdam 7 June 1779.
We observe with pleasure by your much esteemed favour of the 31st. of past month, the reception of the pacquet we sent you the forwarding of it, deserved no thanks, we shall alwaÿs be happy in finding opportunity to be usefull to you, and renew you to that End our most devoted Services.
According to your permission we enclose you Two bills Issued by the States of America, they are Each of 1000 dollars and dated the 8th. of february 1779. pble. at same day of the year 1782. with the Intrest of 6 per Cent and Number 2348 & 2349. We’ll be oblidg’d to you to return us Same, with your Sentiments on the place where this paper is negotiable at the most advantageous footing; & what it’s Currencey is, as also if the Intrest is payable annually, or that it is onley payd once at maturity, & if it is payd in Europe, or in America.
We have the honour to be most Respectfullÿ Sir! Your most obedient & very Húmble Servants
J. Rocqúette, T. A:Elsevier, & Brothers Rocqúette
The Honble. B: Franklin Esqr: Minister Plenipotentiary of the united States of America, at Passÿ

Addressed: To / the honble: B. Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary of the / of the united States of America / at / Passy near / Paris
Notation: J. Rocquettes: A Elsevier et Brothers Rocquettes, Amsterdam 7e june 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 7 June 1779
From: Ross, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 7th June 1779 Hotel de York
Mr. Ross Respects wait on his Excelly. the Minister plenipoty of the United American States—and send some American papers received today via Holland, by a Vessel arrived from Philada.
Mr: Ross has got several letters from America, but none later then 24 March, and not a single Sylable of News from any of his friends—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 7 June 1779
From: Sayre, Stephen
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 7th June 1779—
I wrote your excellency a few Lines upon my arrival here. I requested the great favr of some Letters that might aid me when I arrived in Dominica: for unless I am encouraged from your Excellency to stay longer in Europe, my resolution is to get into America as soon as Opportunity offers, after I have secured some little property for myself in Dominica. [Ever]y difficulty attends procuring such Letters. I must beg you will state it in your answer, and be kind enough to give me a Letter yourself to the Governor of Martinico, Guadaloupe or Dominica. Perhaps no Person in France, let his Station be ever so favourable, can give me a better than your Excellence— I shall be detain’d here some two or three weeks, & hope for the favour of an Answer &c &c—
I am somewhat at a loss to guess the reason why your Excely is totally silent as to that part of my former Letter respecting a new constructed Ship, so singularly superior. I suppose you can give no credit to so extraordinary a matter. I have a Model now with me, for explanation, so far as regards the better sailing, & better safety of a Ship in a Sea or Leeshore &c &c. and the Captains who are now present from America, Cordice & Coffin, whom I have consulted on her points of novelty, stand decidedly convinced she has infinite, & hetherto inconceivable advantages over any Ship that ever was built: & they are willing to attest [torn: their?] opinion, tho’ previous to seeing her they believed no improvement could be made beyond an English Ship. I shall keep out of sight the principle on which I would construct a Ship for fighting untill I have Opportunity to explain myself to Congress. I am clear in the Opinion, & am confirm’d by daily experiments, that I can contrive a Ship so much superior to any now in use, as to be morally sure of success over every thing on the Seas—nothing can take her but another after the same form— I could render the whole British Navy totally useless with a very few, not larger than Frigates, on my construction—they may also be built of the softest pine, at a very small expence: for half the labour only is necessary.
I have red. Letters by the last post from London, which request my Interest with your Excellence, to know how far, or in what manner, you would now give aid to Ireland. It is thought that in case a War with Spain takes place, a Fleet might with safety be sent on the Coast of Ireland: but that it will be necessary that an American should come over in it with powers as to the Fleet, & have proper Instructions as to his conduct with the people. In short, the aid must be American, to avoid prejudices &c &c— I am requested to take that Commission if thought proper— Would my coming to Passy be of any use?— I am desired to tell your Excellency that a Doctor Moore gives Lord North constant information what is going forward in Paris—he was a Clergeman—I know him to be a dirty fellow.
I am with great Respect Your Excellency’s most Humle Servt.
Stephen Sayre

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Benj: Franklin / Ministire Plenipotentiere / de Etats Unie de Amerique / Paris—
Notation: Sayce Stephen 7 June 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Bingham, 8 June 1779
From: Bingham, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir,
St Pierre Mque June 8th 1779
I flatter myself that you will excuse the Liberty I take in recommending to your Notice & Protection during his Stay at Paris the Bearer Richard Harrison Esqr—a Gentleman who was employed in this Place in the public Character of Agent for the States of Virginia & Maryland & who has rendered his Country some essential services by his Exertions in that Line— After discharging the Duties of his Station with honor to himself & Satisfaction to his Constituents, he returned to his native Country, & has now left it with an Intention of entering into a commercial Establishment at Cadiz or some other Port of Europe—You cannot procure more full & candid Information of the Situation of Affairs in America than what the Gentleman can furnish you with—
I shall make no Apology for introducing him to your Acquaintance, as I am sensible that your own Feelings must be gratified by conferring your Favor on Men of Mr Harrison’s Merit, so truly deserving of them—
I have the honor to be with unfeigned Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble Servant
Wm Bingham

Notation: Bingham June 8. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Félix António Castrioto, 8 June 1779
From: Castrioto, Félix António
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Lisbon 8 of Jun 1779.
Having wrote to you several times, giving information of what was passed respecting the Comission I was charged with: and not recieving the honnour of any answer, it would perhapes be proper to desist from the atempt to obtain it, and spare me self the trouble of importuning you any more. But it is impossible for me to belive that, if my lettres was come to your hands, you could have any reason to refuse me the satisfaction at least of knowing that you had recieved them: and in fact who could expect that a man who was the first foriner that undertook in Public the defence of your Peoples rights, exposing the justice of their cause in three different pamphlets, which, I can without presumption assert, made a deep impression in many peoples minds: a man who offered himself to negotiate in his country the interesses of your Nation, and hazarded his own by the excess of his zeel in acquiting himself of this comission, when he gives acount of the effects of his endeavours, you should juge him not deserving your answer? To think, that the success of my efforts having not answer’d your expectation made me not worthy of your attention, should be inconsistent with the opinion I intertain of your principles, and I can not help to belive that a person who strives to be useful to your People must be estimable to you, independent of the success of his ardour. So persuaded, I am inclinable to supose that my letters, tho’ adressed as you ordered, have been misled: and now, Sir, that your public caracter renders unnecessaire any precautions, I take the liberty to felicitate you upon the progresses of the American prosperity, and upon the justice done to your merit by your Governement.
If my suposition, about the letters I wrote to you, is right, you must be otherwise informed that my representations of your pretentions were not at first successeful, and even it was found improper that I should be so eager in promoting them; but I found afterwards our Ministers better disposed to treat this matter, and I was realy achemed of not finding meself authorised with a letter from you to proceede in the negotiation: Circonstances becoming more favourable my zeel could have been more effectual: at least I am sure nobody could with more efficacity manage your interesses, as nobody ever showed more afection for your new Republic, without any personal interest, or other inducement, then the attachement to the rights of human kind, of which I look upon the Americans as the Defenders. It is however natural I should aspire to see meself estim’d by those which I estime so much: and to wish that the effects of my sentiments should excite alike ones in my favour. You promised me to send to the Congress some of my pamphlets, and to enform them of my offers to serve their Cause; how could the opinion of their justice be so well founded, if it would fail in this particular instance? How could their known gratitude disregard so candide a well wisher? The only mark of theirs and your regard I could desire was to give me an oportunity of imploying meself in their sirvice: I was flatered with the notion of having found that; but, deprived of an answer, my satisfaction soon vanished. The same sentiments, not withstanding, still excite me, and they are sincer, so is the particular estime and respect with which I am Sir Your most humble and affectionate servant
Felix Antony Castrioto.

P.S. If I can at last merit your answer my name is sufficient for adress.

Notation: Castrioto Felix Antoni 8. Juin 1779.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 8 June 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
La Haie 8e. Juin 1779
Il y a une erreur de précipitation dans ma derniere. Ce n’est pas aux Provinces, c’est à l’Assemblée d’Hollande que l. h. pes. ont envoyé le Meme. de Sir J. Y. Il a eu le sort mérité, c’est-àdire, de ne pas produire le mauvais effet qu’on en attendoit. Mr. le Gd. Pensione. lui-même a justifié le Gazettier, en produisant la sa feuille 44, où la Déclaration Russe se trouve rectifiée. L’Assemblée a acquiescé à cette justification, & a seulement chargé la ville de Leide, d’exhorter le Gazettier à prendre garde le plus qu’il pourra, de ne pas insérer des choses qui puissent offenser des Puissances étrangeres.
Le papier ci-joint vous donnera, Monsieur, une idée de ce qui se passe à l’Assemblée provinciale ici. Vous voyez que ce n’est plus Amsterdam (who sits down contented with the french Interdict) mais le reste de la Hollande, notamment Rotterdam & Dort, qui se trouvent dans la détresse, & aux prises avec la Cour & son parti.
Je reçois dans ce moment l’honorée vôtre du 4. Soyez sûr, Monsieur, que vous ne serez commis avec personne. Mr. De N—— même ne saura pas que vous m’avez écrit sur cette matiere. Je me contenterai de le précautionner de mon chef, plus décisivement que je n’ai osé le faire d’abord. Ce que vous m’apprenez confirme ce que j’ai tiré successivement de la bouche de Mrs. Stockton & Sears.
I have the most gratefull sense of your very obliging intentions respecting my person when at Paris. I shall be all obedience to your pleasure of disposing of it, after you will have heard from me the reason of my mentioning to have a little room at or in the nighbourhood of your good bosom friend.
Les fonds Anglois sont & restent bas. Notre Ami croit plus que jamais que l’Espagne va se déclarer; G—— F—— aussi.
Je suis avec grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant serviteur
D

Une ancienne connoissance Tory m’a dit il y a quelque temps: “On vous pardonnne vos connexions Am——; mais non celles avec certain hôtel & certaine ville.”
Passy à Son Exc. Mr. Franklin &c.

    Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, Esqr. / M. P. Des E. U. &c. &c / Passy./.

8e. Juin 1779
Hier Mr. G—— F—— me fit chercher, & me remit un papier écrit de sa main, contenant ce qui suit, pour servir de matiere à un entretien qu’il me pria d’avoir avec notre ami.

Notations: Dumas 8. Juin 1779. / Dumas 8 Juin 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Hills and Joseph Adams, 8 June 1779
From: Hills, Stephen,Adams, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Ship of war alliance Loriant June 8th 1779
After Receiving your kinness Every officer on Bord the Ship was Content and was Determined to stay on Bord to fulfill what we wrote to your honnor Butt our hopes of this kind soone vanished for Capt Landis his mettod of Govrning his Ship so Contry to all Nations In the world that it is impossable for humane natur to Live with him I would Inform your honnor of our treetment Butt it would tier your pashants and Rather Impose on your Goodness But Refer to the Honble John adams & John Poul Jones Eqrs for they have heard all the treetment and Capt Jones has tried all that Lays In his power to Reckensile matters which he has ackted The Gentlemans part Butt to no purpose for sir we have put up with Ill Treetment as Long as humane nater Can possible Bare for the sake of our Cuntry and The Cause in which we are in Gaged But alass wee are obliged to use meanes to Leave the ship sir I suposse you will hear of this By another hand But Blame us not to seeke for That Sweet Thing Cald Liberty from Tyrany which we have so Long Contested for But Good sir we air willing to answer for our Conduct when we arive In amerca we apealle to heaven and Every officer on Bord for our justification Tho we are sorry from our hearts that things of this natur has arived to This pitch tho not one officer on Bord is satisfied with Their Treetment from PL sir we Remain your honnors most obedent most humble servants and yours to serve
Stephen HillsJoseph Adams

Addressed: His Excel. / Benja. Frankling Esqr / Plenepotentiary for The / united States of America / Cort of Versails / Parris
Notation: Officers of the Alliance June 8. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jeremiah Peirce, 8 June 1779
From: Peirce, Jeremiah, Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Tenterden Jun 8thd 1779
I Beg Lef to eyequant your honnour with my Setuation at Present I am a french Presnour on Porrole at Tenterden I was first Leutannant of the Six Gun Cutter She was Called the alla Croushua from facomp Commanded by Capt Charles fequet Sir I will Inform your honnour how I Com on Bord of a french Cutter as I am an amarican and a Natef of the State of Rhodisland in and When I am at hom East Greenwich is my Dweling Place the twenty Six of may 1778 I Saelled from Boston In the Brigenteene Called the Angelaca of Sixteen Guns Commanded By Capt William Dennes I was a Prise Marster on Bord the Brigg the twenty Six of may we Saelled on a Cruse from Boston and we were only five Days on a Crouse befoure we Were taken by a twenty Eaight Gun freget Called the Andromeda from amarica Bound to England With Generel howe on Bord tha Set fire to the Brigg and Destroyed hir and Everething Belonging Except the men the Second of July we a Rived at Porth Smith the Six we were Sent to forten Prison the twenty first of July & if Im not mistake my Capt and the Capt of the alford fregget and Eaight men more maid there Escape out of forten Prison and all Got Clear the Six of September I and maney others made our Escape By Cuting a hole threw the flower and Diging under Ground there was five of ous that went to Gether we Stered about twenty miles Back in the Contry and then Stered to the East word til we Got about half ways to Dover then we Steared to Southword for the See Side there we traveld Severel Nights Back word and for words on the Be(?) See Side bef we Cold find a bote but at Last we found one Small Roe Bote and we Set of we were forty four hours before we Got to france we were fourteen Days from Prison before we Got to france I only Eat five meles of vittels In that time I met with a misforten to Lose my Shoes Giting out of the Prson when we a rived at france we ware taken up for Spice as thare was a English Cutter Site that moing. But Soon Cleard we a medetly Rote to your honnour and the next morning we Set out to travel we Got to fecomp that Day But It fetegue me So that i was not abel to Go no feuther and my Compney Left me and ther I agreed to Go one months Cruse In the french Cutter and now I am Prisonour agin It is very Bad for a Prisnour to have no money and I have none only what is a Louded to Prisnours tho have no money I have a Good frind Mr Viney I have a wife In East Greenwich and I have Ben a Long time from horn and as I have no frind In france I omble Beg the favour of your honnours to Get my Exchange I would taket It very kind If your honnour would take the troubel to Rite me a few Line wethe I Can be Exchanged or no for my Suteation at Present makes me very un happey and So No more But I Remain your honbel Servent
Jeremiah Peirce
To the honnourabel Doctor Franklen

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Dr Benjn: Franklin / Passy
Notation: Deirce Jeremiah 8d. June 1779—


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

Sir
Dunkerque 8th. June 1779.
I have had the Honnor of Informing your Excellency the 28th. of last month, that Capt. Stephen Merchant of the Black Prince Cutter Privateer, was to sail in a few days, and in consequence of the Tenor of his Commission and Instructions, he had an Intention to Cruise on the Packet from Dover to Calais & from thence to Dover.
I Persuaded him to differ sailing untill you had favor’d me, or him, with an Answer to my Said Letter, the contents of which I Communicated to him; Mr. Merchant granted Same with great relectuancy, but finding your Excellency had not thought Proper to answer yet, He does Interpret your Silence as a Clear approbation to Take these Packets, & will no longer delay Sailing when the wind & weather Permit, & he is fully persuaded your Excellency’s Justice wou’d not Leave him in any dilemma, & that your silence shows you’ll grant him all assistance to make these Prises be Condamned to his Proffits &ca— If Mr. Merchant shou’d Persist & Succeed in his attempt, I shall do myself the honnour to Inform your Excellency of it Immediatly, as well with every Particular whatsoever that might occur relative to this armement made under the Protection of Congress.
I wait for your Excellency’s Commands & am with great Respect Sir Your obedient most Hble Servant
J. Torris

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Son Excellence Monsieur Benjn. / Franklin Ecuier Ministre / Plenipotentiaire des Etats Unis / de L’amerique Septentrionalle a la / Cour de france A Passy / par Paris
Notation: J. Torris Dunkerque 8e. june 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 8 June 1779
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 8. Juin 1779.
J’ai eu l’honneur, M, de vous prévenir, le 13. 7bre. d., que M. de Sartine enverroit aux administrateurs de la guadeloupe l’ordre de faciliter au Sr. Stewenson les recouvrements qu’il avoit à faire dans cette ile. Vous verrez par la letre du 4. juin que ce Ministre vient de mécrire sur cet objet que le debiteur du Sr. Stewenson a versé dans la caisse du Roi une somme de 9569 l.t. argent des iles, et que cette somme sera remboursée à paris por le Trésorier de la marine; il n’est question que de Savoir à qui elle doit être remise; des que vous maurez répondu à cet égard, M. de Sartine donnera les ordres nécessaires pour que le payement n’éprouve aucun retard./.
M. franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 9 June 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lah. 9e. Juin 1779 au soir.
En vous confirmant mes Lettres des 5 & 8 du court., je me hâte de vous rendre compte d’un entretien que je viens d’avoir avec N. A.
Mrs. du College de l’Amte. d’Amst. sont venus ce soir chez Mrs. les Dep. de la Ville d’Amst., leur témoigner l’extrême embarras où ils se trouvent, quant au préavis que l’Amté. d’Hollde. doit donner après demain vendredi sur l’affaire des Convois. Nous leur avons répondu, dit N. A., des choses TRÈS-SENSIBLES; & notamment ceci, par où ils ont fini: Si vous voulez continuer de vous laisser conduire par V. D. H. (le Sece. de l’Amté. de Rott——, l’ame damnée du parti Angl., & un maître f——be) vous en êtes les maîtres; pour nous, comptez que nous tiendrons ferme, & que nous saurons parler sur le ton qu’il faut.
Il est arrivé à Amst., par les dernieres Lettres d’Angle. un Avis secret, portant qu’en Irlande, si l’on vouloit y entreprendre quelque chose, & si l’Am—— offroit sa protection aux Irlandois, ceux-ci l’accepteroient; & qu’on a écrit en ce sens, de leur part, à Son Exc. Mr. Franklin.— Jugez, Monsieur, si nous sommes envieux, N. A. & moi, de savoir au juste ce qui en est. Nous prévoyons cependant que, si l’avis est fondé, l’importance & la nécessité du secret vous fera garder le silence.
N. A. est dans l’idée que la Déclaration de l’Espe. est faite ou se fera dans 6 ou 7 jours.
Un cinquieme navire, l’Indépendance, Cap. Brown de Virginie, est entré le 7e. au Texel, consigné à Mrs. J. De Neufville & fils. Il leur porte nouvelle de deux autres, dont l’un est pris, & l’autre, chassé par 4 Corsaires, a échoué: cependant les appareils de ce navire vendus le paieront.
Les Anglomanes ont commencé à lâcher des feuilles, qui tendent à irriter la populace contre la France. Je suis avec un très grand respect, Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
D
Passy à S. E. Mr. Franklin

Addressed: To His Excellency / B. Franklin Esqr. / Min. Plen. of the United States / &c. / at Passy./.
Notation: Dumas 9. Juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 10 June 1779
From: Austin, Jonathan Loring
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Boston 10th June 1779
I cannot omit the present favorable Opportunity by Capt Thompson, who proposes going himself to Paris, to return your Excellency my most sincere Thanks, for the many Civilities you were pleased to honor me with while in France— The important News I had the Honor of carrying to Passy, which operated so favorably for our Country, the Disposition of all Ranks of People, their Attachment to our Cause, added to the Confidence reposed in me by the Commissioners, in employing me so near their Persons, render’d my Stay in France very agreeable. Had not some particular Business calld me to Holland, from whence I expected to get to my native Country in eight or ten Weeks, I should have thought myself happy to have continued for some time in the same Situation—
Soon after my Arrival at Amsterdam, finding I should be obliged to come to this Continent by the way of St Eustatia, what you was pleased to mention to me at Passy immediately occur’d “that I should find this Rout very tedious & disagreeable,” my Inclination was to return once more to France, & enter upon the same Employment agreeable to Mr Adams’s Invitation, but the Trouble & Expence of getting myself & Baggage back discouraged me; I had Reason however, after embarking to wish these Discouragements had not prevented it, a Detention of 50 days in the Texel, followed with a passage of 45 brought it to the 20th Feby before I landed at St Eustatia, the middle of April I got to Virginia & it was the 29th Ulto. when I arrived in this Town—
The Letters you were pleased to honor me with for your Friends (as I expected to make some Stay at ’Statia) I forwarded to the Continent by a fast sailing Vessel enclosing them to the president of Congress, this Vessel was unfortunately taken or lost as she has not been heard of—
For public News I beg Leave to refer your Excellency to the Papers I have the Honor to forward to Mr. Adams by this Opportunity. The Depreciation of our Currency may possibly make our Enemies exult that its Credit will soon be ruined, but if they consider our Situation & the Difficulties we struggled with when this Contest commenc’d, Difficulties infinitely more formidable than any that have since occur’d, it will damp their Joy— The Spirit which first animated our Countrymen in this glorious Opposition, still exists, & as our Armies are respectable, & we shall never I hope be destitute of a sufficient Force to exclude from this Continent, every cruel hostile Invader;— in this America appears unanimous—
I am so well pleased with the Climate of France, & have so great an Inclination to make myself Master of the Language, that I should be enduced to take another Voyage, provided I could meet with proper Encouragement to under take it—should your Excellency think my small Abilities would be in any Respects serviceable to my Country in some vacant Employment, your Remembrance of me would be thankfully noticed, & any Intimations to Congress gratefully acknowledged— With my kindest regards to Mr Franklin (with whom I should be glad to correspond in French)— I am with all Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient & very humble Servant
Jon Loring Austin
My Father begs leave to present you his best compliments.His Excellency Dr. Franklin

Notation: J. L. Austin June 10. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Demezandré, 10 June 1779
From: Demezandré, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur.
St. malo le 10. Juin 1779.
Les Bontés que ma temoigné votre Excellence Dans le passage que javois demandé Sur la fregatte l’alliance et l’intèrest vif que je prends aux etats unis m’engage à vous donner avis que hiers matin 9. du Courant, il est entré le navire le Sartinne de st. malo Venant de charles Town en trente jours étant Sorty de ce port le 9 may. Un officier de ce Bord de mes amis Croit que le gouvernement de la Carolinne n’a chargé le Sartinne D’aucun paquet pour votre Excellence; c’est particulierement dans cette Crainte que je vais à la hâte vous faire part de ce que j’ay appris.
Les anglois ont descendu dans les georgies avec 3000 hommes & Volontaires de new york et quelques thorie. Ils se Sont avancé dans les terres et ont pris Savanas qu’on croit avoir eté Vendue par le Général hauve qui n’a fait aucun mouvement de deffense. Alors le Conseil de Charlestown à rappellé ce général qui a été renvoyé au congrès, lon à remis M. Rottelege prisident; il est arrivé de philadelphie un ingenieur françois qui a fait en peu de temps fortifiér charlestown. Les anglois ont été chassés du terrein dont ils s’etoient emparé en georgie, mais Comme s’ils l’avoient fait exprès, ils n’ont quitté Savana que pour se Replier Sur charles town et ils n’étoient qua 20 mille de Cette Ville lorsque le Sartinne est Sorty. Le Capne. et Les officiers de ce nre. [navire] pensent que cette ville est maintenant assiegée, mais ils la Croyent en etat de Resister et ne Croyent pas que les anglois Reussissent. Ce qui les fortifient dans cette pensée c’est que le 7 mais ils avoient le pilotte à leur Bord pour les mettre dehors lorsqu’il lui vient une deffense de le faire Sous peine de mort. Tout le lendemain ils ne virent Sur la rade, ordinairement assez mouvante, pas la moindre pirogue. Le capne. Roussel prit le party de faire Sonder la Barre—Et hazarda Sa sortie tout Seul pour ne pas S’exposer à un troisieme Embargo, car il etoit retenu depuis notre sortie C’est a dire depuis 7 à 8 mois. Il a été heureux et Comme le Sartinne marche Superieurement il a Eu une Courte traversée. Les officiers de ce nre. disent que les affaires vont assez Bien depuis que mr. Rottelege Est president et depuis qu’il y a de nouveaux généraux, cependant ils Croyent que charles-town recevroit des secours avec bien de la joye. Tout y est d’une Cherté horrible. Une chemise vaut 50 punds & tout en proportion, il n’arrive plus de secours de france— Le Rhum vaut 60 punds le galon; la farine vaut 100—je dis cent ponds le cent, un dinde 15 punds, le Boeuf, en proportion, le Ris 28 ponds. Cela est a peine Croyable. On croit que le peu de Confiance du papier, dont les contrefactions fourmillent, est Cause de cette extrême Cherté.
Il seroit Bien à desirer que M. de la fayette quon dit être embarqué a lorient avec 1200 hommes tournât ses pas vers cette contrée aujourd’huy la plus pressée.
Pardonnez-moy Monseigneur la précipitation avec laquelle je vous Ecris. Le depart du Courier me presse extraordinairement.
J’ay l’honneur dêtre avec le plus profond Respect Monseigneur Votre tres h. & t. o. sr.
Demezandré

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monseigneur Monseigneur / de franklin ambassadeur des / etats unis de l’amerique à lui / même. / A Paris
Notation: DeMazandre St. Malo le 10. juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Pierre-Ulric] Dubuisson, 10 June 1779
From: Dubuisson, Pierre-Ulric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris 10 juin 1779. hôtel des 3 milords rue traversière st. h.
Lorsque je publiai, il y a six mois, l’abrégé de la révolution de L’Amérique Anglaise, j’eus l’honneur de vous en porter un exemplaire; n’ayant pas eu celui de vous trouver chez vous, je le laissai, avec mon adresse, à quelqu’un de vos gens, & j’ai toujours attendu depuis que vous voudriez bien me faire savoir s’il vous était parvenu.
Quoique cet ouvrage ait eu un succès assez flatteur, & qu’il ait été analysé dans les journaux d’une manière d’autant plus satisfaisante pour moi que je ne connais aucun de leurs rédacteurs, je vous avouerai, Monsieur, que l’incertitude où je suis, Si mon travail a pu vous être agréable, m’a déjà causé plus d’un regret de l’avoir entrepris.
L’air de réprobation que votre silence semble lui imprimer me trouble & m’aflige. Plusieurs personnes m’ayant demandé si vous connaissiez mon ouvrage & ce que vous en pensiez, ma franchise ne m’a point permis de leur déguiser ce que j’avais lieu de présumer.
Aujourd’hui que l’on me sollicite de donner le tableau des événemens qui se sont passés en Amérique pendant l’année dernière, j’ai résolu de ne me livrer à ce travail qu’autant que j’y aurai été encouragé par vous-même, Monsieur, & même aidé dans la serie des faits du théâtre desquels je suis maintenant trop éloigné pour en vouloir assurer aucun sans votre garantie.

J’attends l’honneur de votre réponse, & je suis avec respect Monsieur, Votre trés-humble & très- obéïssant serviteur
DuBuissonaméricain

Notation: Dubuisson 10. Juin 1779.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Sears, 10 June 1779
From: Sears, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam June 10th. 1779
Yesterday came up to Town the Sloop Independance belonging to Mr Isaac Sears & Co of Boston she left Virginia the 16th Apl last and came north about but brings nothing so late as you must be already furnish’d with—

I have settled my affairs in Europe and shall now return to Boston in the above mentioned Vessell (at least I shall take passage in her) because I know her to be a very fast sailing Vessell she has been running all this War— The reason that I so particularly mention this matter to your Excellency is that I wish to be charg’d with something from you to our Country and you now have a tender of my best services what ever may be put under my care shall be strickly attended to and all orders carefully obey’d but if your Excellency should have frequent and better opportunities from France I cannot expect you’l write by this quarter— however if you can repose a Confidence in me and have any thing which you think proper to communicate that will be agreeable in America I should wish the honor of a line from you. I beg your Excellency will excuse this uncommon freedom in me which has arose barely from a desire to carry something new and agreeable—
It has been said here that Mr Adams & the Marquis de la Fayette went out in the Fleet of Monsr la Motte-Piquet but that they were damag’d in a storm and oblig’d to return I hope it is not so—
I have nothing further for your detention only that you’l accept my best wishes for your health and welfare & believe me to be with much esteem Your Excellencies Most Obet Most Humle Sert—
David Sears
To His Excellency Benjn Franklin Esqr Passy near Paris—

P.S. I am at Messrs John de Neufville & Son in this City and I believe Capt Brown in the Independance will actually be ready in 10 or 12 days. D S—
N.B. I have Inclos’d this under cover to my Bankers Messrs Vandenyver Frere & Co of your City (Paris)

Addressed: To his Excellency / Benjn Franklin Esqr / at Passy / near / Paris—
Notation: Sears, David.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Morel, [after 10 June 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morel, ——

Sir
Passy, May 31. [i.e., after June 10] 1779
It was two Guineas that I gave the Person who brought me your Charts, tho’ you mention to have received but One. This makes me think that he is not a Person to be trusted, or else I should send them back to you by him: for Tho’ I would not undervalue your Labour; yet not being Rich I cannot afford to give you three four or five Guineas as you say other Gentlemen have done, and I must content myself with the Printed Accounts. Therefore whenever you please to call or send for them. I shall return them to you, wishing you a better Purchaser, I have the honour &
Mr Morel


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 11 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy, June 11th. 1779.
The Congress having been extreamly embarrassed and put to great Expences by the Number of Foreign Officers that went to America in Expectation of Employment, and who could not be employed, our Armies being already arranged and more than fully Officer’d, have signified to me their Pleasure that I should give no Encouragement, or Expectation for the future, to any Officer whatever. I cannot therefore make any Contract with M. De Vatteville, nor give him any kind of Assurance that he will find Employ in that Country: But I did acquaint a Friend of his, soon after I had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s Letter relating to him, that if he resolved to make the Voyage, I would in respect to your Recommendation, give him Letters of Introduction to my Friends, who would receive him as a Gentleman, and a Stranger of Merit, and endeavour to make his Residence there agreable to him. This being all in my Power on this Occasion, I hope your Excellency will excuse my not accomplishing your Wishes more perfectly, and believe me nevertheless to be, with the sincerest Esteem and Respect, Your Excellency’s, most obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
His Exy: the Count De Vergennes.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 11 June 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
London 11 June 1779.
I receivd Your favour of the 30th ulo. & find by it only one of my letters have miscarryd. By mentioning the dates of my letters I did not mean to draw you into answering any of them but meerly to assertain their safety; I well know how much better Your time is employd than by answering letters of little import, never mind me, but when you have any thing to do which you may think proper to require of me to transact. I have never yet found any letters have miscarryd under Your last direction, but this will not do for such Towns as have french Prisoners in the neighbourhood, because there is a rule to open them in order to find out if the letters are not for prisoners; In London it will do well, but as I am going to Bristol for a few weeks having some goods to Ship on Spanish bottoms expected & now there I should be glad to receive any commands of Yours under direction Mr. William Singleton Church Post Office Bristol.
I have made every application in my power about W Peters, & shall continue my endeavours to find him out & do what you require; I have wrote to Mrs. Roberts at Liverpoole, the house he lodgd in, to find out from her when he left that place, where gone &ca, but as yet I have no ansr.
I wrote to you by Mr Panchaud who went by the packet of the 1st Int. and as you had mentiond to me You would pay the bill on Brehon when it again appeard, I took the liberty to draw one for 20£ to Mr Panchaud, wch on Rect. He was to remit it to his friend here. As You mention in Yr. last you had paid Brehons Bill this will of course be cancelld & returnd to me.
I shewd DH that part of Yr. letter which relates to the Cartel of Prisoners & the mention of the Port of Morlaix in preference to Nantes &ca. He spoke to Mr Stephens abt it before me, who did not seem at all averse to letting the whole remaining prisoners go in the next voyage, but abt this, Lord Sandwich was to be consulted: They are, both at the Admy & board of Sick & hurt, very much surprisd that there is as yet no accots whatever from the transport which carried over the first hundred, & say She must be either lost or detaind for want a like number of British Sailors to return for those who were sent. Much surprisd also to hear that there are prisoners in Spain.
The Books You order to be forwarded to Messrs. Horneca Grand & Co. of Amsterdam are now in the packing up, & will be sent in a Ship to sail in about ten days calld the Anna Maria Christiaan Roeloffs Master they will be put in as small a deal box As possible and markd BF directed also on a card to Horneca & Grand, so that you may give the necessary orders to Amsterdam about them. I have got some friends trying to collect annecdotes & matter to help Dr. Gordon in his work. General Washington two years ago wrote to me to forward him some books, & give what assistance I could. I was with Dr Price to day & mentiond such a work to him as well as our valuable Bishop In whose family, thanks to you, I have been more than once very happy they all went into Hampshire on tuesdy & I believe Yours was the last name mentiond in the town House by Miss Georgiana. Wilkes also promisd Me some annecdotes, and Mrs. MaCaulay to use her pen, but the former is so busied in rectifying the errors of Christianity & putting all Religions upon the level of the haram, that I have little hopes from him; and I guess Madam is too much engagd as yet in the joys of new wedded Love and envelopd in the embraces of Her Young highlander to take up her pen.

I gave You from time to time, as often as any new occurrence arose, the progress of the business I have lately been upon, & which I had most seriously at heart, and as I was well convincd it was taken up seriously & properly by the parties most interested in it I gave it all my attention & constantly held it in view. I wish I knew all the actors as thoroughly as You know them, but I have attended long enough to their moves to discover they are very expert in little dirty parliamentary craft, but have none of that true wisdom which comprehends the extensive and great Interests of their Country. I am sorry our friend got so little by his laudable endeavours to serve both Countries. There was a decision negative to the first & leading proposition of a ten years truce, because it was in fact giving Independence. This is the sum total & I dare say I need not enter into particulars. The plan of Ministry is to try another years work in Ama. The idle scheme of Govr. F which I mentiond in my last to You, however ridiculous & absurd it may appear, is to be adopted; much expectation is formd from it, from dissentions & cabal in Congress, disunion & distress among the people &ca. &ca. Whatever Negotiations the ministry at present have in view are certainly intended to be offerd thro Sr. H Clinton who will probably be armd with a new Commission & fuller powers.— Something similar to this & very great offers for the Georgians are gone over to Prevost.
There will be some conversation to day in the house on a motion of Sir W. Merediths for ministry to declare what they intend to do; Our friend will hold forth on this occasion, & probably tomorrow will open some new lights.

The Evidence of the Torey Worthies who are calld in by Lord G.G to overweigh the evidence of Lord Cornwallis Genl Grey &c &c. has not yet extended further than to Genl Robertson, who has been three intire days at the bar giving as dull a narrative as was ever heard in that house. It is thought Galloways will come next, and so on down to the worthy little Jebas. Many are of opinion parliament will rise on thursday & cut short this enquiry, & deprive these Gentn. of an oppertunity to clinch the nail of their ruin in America; for I cannot help thinking if they controvert the evidence of Cornwallis Grey &ca. and aim at establishing an opinion of the practicability of carrying on the war and subjugating america they will innevitably fix their ruin in both Countries. Genl Robinsons evidence was generally much ridiculd & laughd at; It tended to exculpate Lord G.G of any inattention to the necessary supplies of Men Ships &ca. &ca., to the crimination of Genl Howe, and to prove to all the world (except those who are already well informd of the state of facts) that Washington with twelve or fifteen thousand men (never more) has baffled every effort of the British and mercenary armies of upwards of 40,000 men commanded by Sr. W Howe and aided by a fleet of 80 to 90 Sail of Men of War; But his Evidence more than all clearly serves to prove that this wise & good ministry have projected and carryd on the war by the advise & recommendation of Fools, and they now bring these very fools to prove it.
An Express armd Vessel is arrivd from N York the 4th. May. The accots. nearest the truth & which are believd at Loyds are as follows. A Detatchd Army of 7 Regts. Under Erskine abot: 2,500 men was on the point of sailing to the So.ward on some expedition, said in N York to be sent as a Reenforcement to Prevost, but more probably from Mrs. Tryons accot. to be bound to Chesepeak Bay, either to support some discontents on the Eastern Shore or to act on the Virga. side as a divertion in favor of the Georgia Army which if report speaks truth, has receivd two checks from Lincoln & was obligd to retire nearer to their head quarters at Savannah.
Seven Sail of Victualling transports under convoy of the Jason frigate bound from N York to Georgia with supplys for the Army in the South, were taken convoy & all by three American Cruisers on the Coasts of Carolina.
The Revenge Capt Cunningham after taking in all about forty sail of prizes, was himself taken by an English frigate near Bermudas & carried into New York.
No appearances of any active exertions of the British army from New York, but there was a current talk that Govr F with a body of Amn Loyalists & a few troops were going into the Jerseys from which quarter there was strong desertions & every confirmation of the disunion & distress of the People.
Since I wrote to You about my Bror. a Cozn. of mine Dr Stewarts Son of Annapolis has been with me; he saild in the same vessel with my Brother the doctor & was taken & carryd into N York. I have a full detail of the state of things in that quarter of Ama. Their greatest evil is the failure for now two years of the Crop of Wheat. Mr Stewart being a Scotsmans Son got interest to come to Europe gratis, but my Brothers politics being well known & his having been much about the person of Genr Washington for the last two or three years, he could not obtain permission to die at Sea & was left a prisoner in N York very near wore down in a Consumption.
If any thing new transpires to day I will give you a line by common post to night. This is intended for the Spanish bag. I am with great truth & the highest esteem Dr. Sir Yr very obligd & Obt Servt.
T.D——

Notation: June 11. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 11 June 1779
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear friend
London June 11 1779
Before you receive this you will probably have received my last, by a private Conveyance. You will find by that letter, that I have not been successfull in the negotiation in which I was so desirous to give assistance. Let me just ask you; if a truce of ten years be not practicable, what wd you think of a truce for one Year as a foundation for treating. My bias leads me so strongly towards pacification that in my own private opinion I shd incline even to a truce for a single year, rather than to the continuance uninterrupted of the war. A little time given for cooling may have good effects. I will write again soon Your affecte.
DH—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bennett Lloyd, 11 June 1779
From: Lloyd, Richard Bennett
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London 11 June 79.
I have just received two letters from Maryland, one from my Uncle Lloyd, the other from my Brother—. I enclose you Copies of them, and earnestly request the favour of you to think if I can take up the money in France as my Friends expect by drawing on them in Maryland—. Shd. you imagine my presence at Paris would make this necessary, I can easily come over—. I beg many pardons for being so very troublesome but you are the only Person who’s advice I can put sufficient confidence in with an affair of so much importance to me—Mrs. Lloyd is at this time in the Straw— She joins with me in best respects—
I am, Dear Sir, your obliged & obt. humble Servant
R. B. Lloyd
I write this in a hurry being late at night—

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / à Passy
Notation: R. B. Lloyd Londres 11. juin 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Cochran, 12 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cochran, Robert

Sir,
Passy June 12. 1779
I received yours of Augt 16. a long time after the Date. I am happy that any little Notice I have been able to take of your Son is agreable to you. He is truely a fine Boy, ingenious, active, industrious, and capable of any Improvement you may think fit to bestow upon him in his Education.— From his good Dispositions of Mind, there is great Reason to hope, that his Parents will have much Satisfaction in him. I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant.
B Franklin
Capt. Cochran.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Middleton, 12 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Middleton, Arthur

Sir
Passy, June 12. 1779.
I received the honour of yours per Commodore Gillon. It would have been a great Pleasure to me if I could by any Endeavours of mine have enabled him to accomplish the Ends of his Mission; But the Circumstances of the Times made it impracticable. I shall always pay great Respect to your Recommendation, being with Sincere Esteem, Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant.
Honble. Arthur Middleton Esqe.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Rutledge, 12 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rutledge, John

Sir
Passy, June 12. 1779.
I received by Commodore Gillon the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me, dated the 9th. of July last. Since his arrival, he has been extremely industrious in endeavouring to accomplish the Ends of his Mission but various Circumstances have concurred to disappoint him, which I am sorry for, as from his intelligence and Zeal for the Congress, I should have great Expectations of his usefulness in his Station. It gives me much pleasure to understand that the Treaties we have made here are so universally acceptable, and that they have your Approbation. With great & Sincere Esteem I have the honour to be Sir, Your m. o. & m. h. S.
Honble. John Rutledge Esqe.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 12 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy June 12. 1779
Since the receipt of the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me of the 6th of May past, I have enquired concerning the Munitions of War supply’d from the King’s Arsenals to Mr Lee, and which are gone to Virginia; and I find that they are different from those now desired for that Colony, and were a Part only of the Order received, of which the List I sent to your Excellency is the Remainder.
If upon reconsideration of this Matter, your Excellency should think fit to lay it before his Majesty, and the Request of that State should be granted, Mr Wm: Lee will take Care of shipping the Goods to Virginia, by the first good Opportunity, he being their Agent.—
The Agent for Maryland, M. Johnson, who resides at Nantes, presses me to endeavour obtaining for that State the Supplies of Arms, Ammunition, Clothing, &ca. contained in the Invoice that acompany’d my Letter to your Excellency of the 3d of May. I do not find upon Enquiry that any considerable Quantities of those Articles have been sent thither; And as during a Year past the Exportations from France to America have been much diminished, private Merchants being discouraged by the many Captures, and the Commissioners have not been able to fulfil the Orders of Congress for want of Money, I begin to apprehend there may be a general Scarcity of such Supplies if no means are taken to furnish them. I am sorry to be so frequently troublesome to your Excellency, who have so many more weighty Affairs to employ your Attention, but the apparent Necessity of the Case compels me to request you would take this Application also into Consideration, and enable me to give some Answer to the Agent of that State.
With the greatest Respect, I have the honour to be, Your Excellency’s, most obedient, & most humble Servant,
B Franklin
His Exy. M. le Comte De Vergennes.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Rocquette, Elsevier & Rocquette, 13 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rocquette, Jacques, Elsevier, T. A., & Rocquette, Pieter Th.

Gentlemen
Passy, June 13. 1779
I received your favour of the 7th. Instant, inclosing two Notes of the United states for 1000 Dollars each for my Inspection, which I return inclos’d. I have not yet seen the resolution mentioned therein but by what I can recollect from the face of the Notes themselves, I judge that the Dollars for which the notes are given were of Paper Money borrowed, and that the interest will be payd and the principal repaid in the same paper which is now in state of great depreciation. If before the time of Payment it should fall still Lower, the possessor of the Notes will be so much a Loser, if on the Contrary they should rise in Value (of which from the Measures taken for that purpose, there is great Appearance) the possessor will be in proportion a Gainer the Interest will be payd every year but is payable only at the Loan office in America, from whence the Bills issued, and to that End they must be produced there, that the payment may be indorsed. These Bills have therefore been improperly brought to Europe, being of less value here, as they must return to have their Effect; and being Sola Bills, payable to the Bearer, they have not the same security from the Dangers of the sea that Bills of Exchange usually have, for they may not only be lost or destroy’d by Accidents, but if taken the Ennemy will reap the Benefit of them— The Insurance of them back is therefore a proportionate Diminution of their Value. At What Value they are at present current in America, I cannot inform you, that depending on the fluctuating State of the Paper there; nor do I know where they can be so well negociated as in the place where they are payable.
I have the honour to be Gentlemen
Messrs. J. Rocquette T Elsvier and Brothers Rocquette.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes: Two Letters, 13 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

I.
Sir,
Passy June 13. 1779.
I have communicated to Mr Lee the Letter your Excellency did me the honour to write to me of the 8th: Instant, relative to the Money placed in the Kings Treasury for Acct of Mr Stevenson; and also the Copy of the Letter to M. De Sartine which it enclosed: Mr Lee having no particular Orders from Mr Stevenson to receive the said Money, thinks it best that it remain in the hands of the Treasurer of the Marine, (if this may be permitted without Inconveniency) subject to the Drafts of Mr Stevenson, when they shall appear. We are much obliged to your Excellency & to M. De Sartine, for the Care and Trouble you have so kindly taken in this Affair.—
With great Respect I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s, most obedient and most humble Servt.
B Franklin
His Exy. M. le Comte De Vergennes.

II.
Sir
Passy, June 13 1779.
I beg Leave to submit to your Excellency’s Consideration the enclos’d Memorial relating to some Goods Seized at Dieppe, belonging to Persons going to America; and if the Facts on Enquiry Shall appear to be as stated in the memorial, and that no fraud was intended, I would request that the Goods may be restored to the Persons on their Paying the Duties.— With the greatest Respect.
I am &c.
M. De Vergennes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 13 June 1779
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir
June 13th. 1779 Philada.
By way of Martinique I forward to you Gazettes, Journals and one or two Pamphlets. The Situation of Things in Congress has been such for some time past that the Committee of foreign Affairs has been drawn on to look dayly for some interesting Decisions to communicate to you, which must account for their Silence many Weeks. I am once again left alone, and therefore in a too delicate Circumstance to pretend to give you any detail of Matters agitated but not concluded respecting your Commission. I inclose one late Resolve to which I beg your Attention; and I intreat that you will believe me, to be with much Respect Sir Your most obedient Friend
James Lovell
Honble. Doctr Franklin

Addressed: Honorable / Doctor Franklin
Notations in different hands: James Lovell Phyladelphie 13. juin 1779. / These were left by the Capt. of the Martinico-Man by Mistake


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 14 June 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lahaie 14e. Juin 1779
Après le départ de ma Lettre du 11e., voici exactement ce que j’ai appris de notre ami. Le préavis de l’Amirauté d’Hollde. a éte en apparence assez bon, savoir, de faire de fortes remontrances à L. H. P., pour les presser de se conformer tout de bon à la resolution de la province d’Hollde., quant à la prompte & efficace prestation des Convois illimités.— Mais Mrs. d’Amst. ont remarqué làdessus, que c’étoit encore trop vague; qu’il s’agissoit de contenter la France, afin de faire lever promptement l’interdit; qu’il falloit donc limiter le terme d’un mois à L. H. P. pour se décider, au bout duquel, à leur défaut, la Province d’Hollde. prendroit séparément les mesures qu’il falloit pour la protection de son Commerce; qu’en ce cas Mrs. d’Amst. s’offroient, pour secourir les Villes souffrantes, d’interposer leur médiation auprès de Mr. l’Ambassadr. de fce., afin de le porter à obtenir, pendant ce terme, une suspension de l’Edit & du Tarif: mais qu’ils avertissoient en même temps, qu’après avoir ainsi fait tout ce qui dépendoit d’eux pour sauver ces Villes, ils ne pourroient rien de plus, se tiendroient tranquilles, &, pour justifier leur conduite à la postérité, feroient insérer dans les Actes une Annotation, d’avoir fait tout ce qui avoit dépendu d’eux pour prévenir la ruine des dites villes, ruine dont le parti contraire, en ce cas, auroit seul à répondre. Ceux de Dort & de Rotterdam ont été entierement de l’avis d’Amst., & ont reconnu que cette ville venoit de faire pour elles tout ce qu’on pouvoit attendre d’une bonne confédérée. Rotterdam, surtout, a parlé très-fortement, & menacé rondement de fermer sa caisse.— Mais le Corps de la Noblesse s’est opposé violemment à l’addition proposée (Mr. d’Obdam, ci-devant du bon parti, ayant tourné casaque).— Enfin toute l’Assemblée est tombée en confusion; les villes non contentes du préavis ont pris la chose ad referendum, & l’Assemblée a été prorogée à mardi prochain en huit.— Ceux de Dort, leur brave Pensionaire étant, pour leur malheur, depuis longtemps fort mal, ont prié celui d’Amst. de leur donner des Memoires instructifs de tout ce qui s’est passé jusqu’ici, & de ce qu’ils avoient à faire; il le leur a promis, & il y travaille.
J’ai observé à notre Ami, que je ne concevois pas comment L. H. P. pouvoient avoir besoin d’être pressées de résoudre ce qu’Elles ont déjà résolu. Il m’a dit, “Votre observation est juste: mais que voulez-vous? ils veulent que ces résolutions ne disent pas ce qu’elles disent, que la lumiere ne soit pas lumiere: Ce sont des puérilités, des subterfuges d’enfants: Mais que répondre à ceux qui vous disent que le noir est blanc, que 2 & 2 ne font pas 4? Toute dispute dès-lors est finie.”—Avec tout cela notre Ami est content de la situation des Affaires: il dit que cela ne sauroit finir qu’à l’avantage du bon parti. Effectivement, Amst. joue un beau rôle; il devient de plus en plus brillant: Rotterdam sa rivale-même lui adjuge maintenant la palme de la sagesse, de la modération, de la générosité & du patriotisme.
Le G—— P—— a encore joué un mauvais rôle là-dedans: mais, dit N—— A——, il s’en répentira.
Je pars demain matin pour Amst., je reviendrai ici après demain. Je suis avec un très-grand respect, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
D
Passy à S. E. Mr. Franklin

Addressed: To his Excellency / B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plen. of the Un. States / &c. / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas 14. Juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mante, 14 June 1779
From: Mante, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Au fort L’Eveque 14 June 1779.
This morning the Count de Landreville paid to the concierge of this prison, two Guineas that he received from your humanity, by means of which, I am in a situation to preserve the chamber in which I am lodged, and which I trust will enable me to preserve it, till the justice of the parliament may relieve me from the most tyrannical cruel oppression that ever one man dared to commit on another.
It is necessary to see this place, and the horrid situation from which I am extricated, to conceive a just idea of the impression that Your goodness has made on my mind: accept Sir, as this sole return that I can at present make for your bounty, the most ardent wishes that you may enjoy a perfect state of health, and that thereby you may be enabled to prosecute effectually, the great plan of restoring liberty to Your oppressed country. I have the honour to be with respect Sir, Your most obliged obedt humb servt.
DE Mante

Notation: De Mante du fort l’Eveque 14 juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander J. Alexander, 17 June 1779
From: Alexander, Alexander John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr: Sir
St Germain, 17th June 1779
I propose doing myself the Pleasure to call upon you on sunday Morning to communicate some letters that have past between a friend of yours & myself you may probably guess what the Subject is I hope I shall find you at home I beg my Complements to your Son & am most sincerely Dr Sir your Most Obt Humble Servt
A: J: Alexander

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passi
Notation: A J Alexander st. Germain 17 june. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Baudouin, 17 June 1779
From: Baudouin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A La Porte de Longchamps ce 17 Juin 1779
Mr. de Sartine, que j’ay vú ce matin, m’a chargé d’avoir l’honneur de vous dire, qu’il luy est revenu, qu’un corsaire ameriquain se disposoit a intercepter le paquebot de douvres à calais, que le capitaine de ce corsaire vous avoit ecrit pour vous communiquer son projet, et que n’ayant pas recû de reponse de vous, il prenoit ce Silence pour un consentement, et qu’enfin il se dispose a executter ce projet. Mr. de Sartine prie instamment V. Excellence d’ecrire le plùs promptement et le plùs fortement possible a ce capitaine, qu’il ait a s’abstenir d’attaquer aucun pacquebot de douvres à calais; cette communication peut à la verité etre de quelqu’utilité à nos Ennemmis communs; mais à bien des Egards, que Ve: Excellence devinera sans peine elle nous est avantageuse et meme necessaire, et je ne doutte pas que la cour de france ne la conserve aussi longtems, que celle de Londres voudra la laisser subsister.
Je proffitte avec Empressement de cette occasion pour renouveller a Ve. Excellence toutte ma veneration pour elle ainsy que le tres respectueux attachement avec lequel j’ay l’honneur d’etre, Monsieur votre trés humble et très obeissant serviteur
Baudouin

Notation: Baudouine à la porte de Lonchamp ce 17. juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 17 June 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Amst. 1779, 17e. Juin
Je me trouve ici, depuis une couple de jours, chez Mr. De N——. Avant que j’eusse pu le précautionner, par lettre d’abord, & plus amplement de bouche, sur ce que vous m’avez confié par votre Lettre du 4e. Mr. S—— lui avoit remis une Lettre pour vous, qu’il n’a pu refuser poliment de recevoir, & par conséquent de faire parvenir. Aujourd’hui il s’est passé une petite scene de dénouement, que Mr. De N—— m’a requis de vous communiquer. Mr. S—— l’a abordé, pour lui demander s’il avoit réfléchi sur les plans qu’il lui avoit proposé, & s’il avoit résolu quelque chose en conséquence. Mr. De N——, pour couper court, lui a donné à entendre, qu’il étoit en correspondance directe avec vous, Monsieur, sur la matiere qui faisoit l’objet des dits plans, & qu’ainsi il n’avoit pas besoin de l’intervention d’un tiers: sur quoi Mr. S—— l’a quitté & s’est retiré d’un air mécontent. Ceci nous a confirmé dans l’idée que les démarches de Mr. S—— étoient un commencement d’intrigues, dans lesquelles il servoit d’instrument à certaines maisons ici. Je ne vous en aurois pas écrit, Monsieur, si je ne voyois la possibilité, que rebuté par Mr. De N——, il ne fît agir quelqu’une de ces maisons pour vous faire des propositions directement, qui, dans la conjoncture présente, où Mr. De N—— se donne des mouvemens pour réussir sans risquer le crédit de l’Am——, ne pourroient être que des pieges tendants à faire manquer tout.
J’écris ceci au moment de mon départ pour La Haie, où je vais tout préparer pour me mettre en chemin vers la fin de ce mois, afin de pouvoir, s’il est possible, célébrer sous vos yeux, l’heureux anniversaire de l’Indépendance Américaine.
Le bruit se soutient ici, depuis quelques jours, du départ de la Flotte de Brest, pour se joindre à celle d’Espagne, comme aussi, du depart du M. D’Almodovar de Londres.
Je suis avec le plus respectueux dévouement, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
D
Passy à S. E. M. Franklin &c.

Addressed: To his Excellency / B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plenip. of the United / States / at Passy./.
Notation: Dumas 17, Juin 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 17 June 1779
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

High Honourable Sir!
Amstdm the 17 June 1779.
The spirit for the American caúse beginns to revive here, and may be I feel the more impulse for this manner of thinking, which hath been always so agreable to me as we enjoi’d many Conversations on true liberty with Mr Van der Capellen Mr. Dúmas and severall American Gentlemen, among which, one introdúces himself every where with proposalls, after having claimed with ús some intelligence with Yoúr Excellency and desiring me some days ago to cover a Letter, for which we begg pardon again as Mr. Dúmas told ús he should be of no fúrther notice to ús as that of an American intitled to general politeness.
Having consulted different people here on the manner in which the Loan for Congress might be best proposed, Your Excellency will give me leave to join to this present the following papers as An aúthorisation on yoúr Excellèncy from Generall Congress.
An order or bond from Yoúr Excellency on ús both dressed in the manner as they should appear in publicq & joint to the Obligation we should give to any particular person for proves we were thereto Aútorised.
Fúrther the particúlar conditions on which yoúr Excellency should give ús permistion to open the loan, and by which she will be so kind as to aprove of the prescribed form, the terms are most the same as which were allowed when I had the honoúr of attending and paying my respects to yoúr Excellency at Passy; we charged now those in only 2 per Ct. at the end of the loan or the repayment recd besides the 10 per Ct. allowed to ús 2 per Ct. more, this we were adviced to ask for, in the present circúmstances as we will be obliged to allow perhaps greater gratifications to have a sufficient qúantity of subscribers; and we were flatterd and so we hope that before the Aútorisation from Congress should retúrn we may obtain the two Million. Accomplish’d even will we say to anyone that in a Countrary Case we will desist from opening this loan, offering the same to some particular persons bútt Conditionaly, and not attempting to offer it before we saw occasion to fulfill one Million as it is expressed in the third paper, this is the Only Safe way for the honoúr of yoúr Excell: and of Congress; so we may flatter oúr Selfs that she will be convinced intirely of oúr trúe Zeal to serve the American Caúse; May we now begg yoúr Excellency to pay some attention to the forms we proposed, as we were required to have this stiled before ever any body should intent to subscribe, and to give ús her reflexions, in case any thing might occúrr which was not intirely to her liking and Could be alter’d. And which perhaps after we were inform’d there of, could be illucidated by Mr. Dúmas, who intends to pay his complimts. in short to Yr. E: and so we hope to bring it soon to some Conclúsion, at least what can be done safe all honoúr and with the utmost care for the Credit of America will be menaged with a trúe Zeal.
As we have employed some time ago oúr time in the American intrest oút of a spirit for Liberty and Patriotism Mr. Dúmas seeing that we were Concernd in that Trade(?) advised us that we should write to Congress, and as there will be some body we used who should do the búsiness and meddle him self with some matters that might offer either in trade or Navigation that we should offer oúr services to Congress, that she might give us a Caracter withoút any [illegible] as Commissioners for trade and Navigation and Treasúrers for Generall Congress and every private state of the Thirteen United States of North America, so may we begg Y. E. to write Likewise in oúr favoúr on this head; and Certainly there is no doubt when circúmstances grow more favoúrable in the futúre bútt what we have done and are promoting still for as múch as it lays in Any ones power for the intrest of America may consist in such Connections to ús as were always Cheafly of oúr department and this would perhaps and very likely be highly despúted to ús as soon as a reverse of State matters may change all oúr Tory hoúses in Whighs for the Sake of intrest; This however we are to wish should not be farr off; the generall Caúse will Always prevail with ús on private intrest. Mr Dúmas however doth not mention this in his Annexed Letter; bútt we hope he’ll give in short to Y: E the same reasons for it on oúr side, and that Y E. may approve there of, as we will be able at the same time to act the parts of Consúls Agents of what fr. [foreign?] trade might be reqúired, and oúr Mercatile Commission would be oúr Salary.
One thing again remains to observe aboút the loan, we certainlÿ without the subscription or engagement we intend to pursúe will have occasion as we have already a few of private persons who might have money without employ; and should desire to offer it before the loan could Admitt paying intrest, in the manner as we múst propose it for the Sake of delicacy; we are in hopes Y E. will allow ús the facúlty of receiving those summs of money and to pay intrest for, of which be it múch or little we would directly Acquaint Y E with Further oúr intimate intelligence with Mr. Van Berckell Mr Van de Capellen & Mr. Dumas, will we doubt not make every thing easy and the intrest of America promoted in oúr City, even through the Whole Republicq, as much as either in the Way of Politicqs or by Trade or any other Connections it should be possible; May the time of the Conclúsion of the Treatÿ be soon coming, it is now in Mr Dumas hands, and only known to those who were there in from the beginning Concerned, That will fire the Union of the Twenty States in Two Republicqs forever.
We Recomand oúr selfs to the obliging frendship of Y:E: with all acknowledgement and Remain with all devoted regard High Honourable Sir! Yoúr Excellencys most Obedient humble Servant
John DE Neúfville & Son

Notation: Neufville John & Son 17. June 1779.—