Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 3 December 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
Stepney 3d Decr. 79
I have seen your letter of the 17th. Novr & have communicated the Contents to Mr H, but I fear nothing will be done as to the sailing of the vessel until specifications of numbers are recd, abot. which you were last week wrote to by Mr H., & who at the same time acknowlegd the Rect of the pass. Mr H——n also wrote you on that subject.
The draft on G—— has been properly paid & settled, but the Genn. you meant to help & whom you mention in Yr. last has far exceeded my limit of £50. His freinds Bill in the West is more than that Sum & I added between 27 & 28 Guineas to it here besides paying some other little trifles here; I have not yet heard from Him altho He promisd me to write & direct where to send an accot of the whole that it might be riembursd you.
As to the bill for 20£ you mention to pay twice, I cannot recollect that I had it but once, at least by all my memdms. & accots. It was originally left in the hands of Josha. J——n but not being directed it was never presented. Mr R——ys Clerk left it with Joa J——, & He is so regular a man, that I think if He had ever recd it, He would have informd me & placd the amot to my Cr. I find by the accot for the Books sent to Holland never having reachd you, that some of my letters have miscarryd for I remember well to have sent the accot by private hand to Amm. inclosd in a letter wch was there to be put into the Post Office.— Mr. B—— has got your letter since I wrote you about it. As soon as I see Mr T—— I will certainly tell him what you desire; I ever thought it odd, there was no commn between you & Him, & this, entre nous, made me a little shy of Him; but hearing from my worthy frds. that He stood perfectly fair, I assosiated with Him & have reason to think well of Him. I always avoid as much as possible the meddling with other mens affairs, which has been the reason I never askd him fully what He was upon, which is not for self only, but on accot of others.
Since my visit in May, both Mr. I—— and L—— have been cool to me, not unlikely from my communicating so little with them, & refusing to listen to every circumstance that related to private quarrel, of which there was a seeming intention to draw me in some measure into. I have had one cool letter from L since on a subject that I before mentiond to you, and I have had several from I—— cheifly to forward Him news books, papers &ca. but not a word as to what He means by a jaunt. I guess it is upon the uphill work of criminating those He quarrelld with in P——s & to acquit Himself. I have a high opinion of his honor, honesty, & worth, but I fear He wants a little coolness & prudence. I reprobated the dispute from the first, because I am sure it must hurt the cause I wish best, & my open avowal of these sentiments to both of them has lost me their confidence & former open intercourse. He writes me that He will sail abot the 10th. & return to Europe in eight or ten months.
We have yet no accots. from Ama. abot D Estaign that can be lookd upon as certain people seem elated at the report of his being blown off the Coast, but they are by no means easy as to the situation & state of Affairs in Ama. The accots by Collier from N York the 1st Nov are talkd of thus but the Gazette gives no accots. Rhode Island evacuated & the Troops got safe to N York— All the outposts of the British drawn into New York but that of Paulus Hook, the narrows, and the point of Long Island near to N York— A revolt of the people on that Island & a refusal to muster & aid the army particularly abot the Coty. of Suffolk &ca. The dispersion & probable loss of 13 transports in a storm. They were carrying 2,000 Troops to Quebec requird to be sent there by the Govr of that province who seems fearful from an odd disposition in the native Canadians of loosing the City of Quebec, five of these ships put back to N York after being 3 weeks out & terribly shatterd, two have been taken with 150 troops on bord and carryd into Philaa. the other 13 unaccounted for.
The talk about a vigorous prosecution of the Amn. War is greatly abated, tho if we may judge from Lord Ns. speeches of this day, He means not to relax in the least towards America— They have a terrible bone to pick in Ireland—most thinking people look upon that Country as lost— They have an open trade from the Western parts to America & laugh at the former Custom House regulations in Dublin as to the prohibition of clearing outwards their own woolens &c. &c.— All this is attributed here to the wicked machination of Doctor Franklin & its asserted that thro Him there is a very good understanding between the Rebel Congress & the people of Ireland.
I see by the papers from N York, J Jay is appointed Minister to Madrid & Wm. Carmil Secy to the Embassay pray let me know when they arrive & if you should see them, as by chance you may, give them my direction & let me have theirs. I am Yr. very Affect Nephew
Donald Forbes
 Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur F
Notation: Digges Dec 3. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 4 December 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

3d. Dr. 17th Novr 1779 Saty. 4th. Decr. 79
   Dr. Sir
Altho I wrote you by last nights post, I cannot omit so good an opportunity as that of a fu——e [fugitive?] Countryman making the best of His way to some friends at the Texel (and where He promises to put it into the post office) of writing to you. I observe in yours of the 17 Novr. recd a few days ago, your suspicions about miscarriage of letters: to satisfy both yourself & me of this circumstance, suppose you in future put at the top of any letter you may have occasion to write, the date of your last written letter, as well as the date of the one you last recd from me; which to explain I have done above. I could wish any other name than that of your own to direct to you, (suppose it Mr. B: Forbes) for such when under cover to Monr. G—— as heretofore, cannot be dangerous to me if discoverd, but directing in propria persona may— If you will take the trouble to direct Monr. G—— to forward all letters under the above direction to you, I will use it in my next & in future. I am told franking is not essential to or from Paris.
Your relations Letter of the 9th. Novr. came safe to hand by Mr L——d, and I shall pay due attention to what He requests as to the purchase & forwarding of the maps & the Books. I have lodgd a copy of the order with a Map seller to collect the whole: as it is a large order & the Maps by several authors they are not easily collected; and I fear some are not to be had, at least Dury tells me so. I have been confined with a Cold for some days past & as soon as I get out the order shall be forwarded together with the last requird Trios of Austogan, and also two Books of an acquaintance of yours a Methodist Docr. Williams who sent them me for forwardance, & as they contain specimens of His outre Doctrines of Faith He seems particularly anxious to get them to you.
The last bill on G——d which you mention, has been properly setled; It was owing to some neglect in Grands Clerk that it was not settled in due course.— I shall get the money due on the two Congress Bills from Tessier the first time I go in the City, I have already settled it according to Capt. Califfs order to me before we parted.
I do not apprehend the bill for 20 or 25£ which you mention has been paid twice by you. The original one was drawn by Brehon for aid to Himself and others rather unknown to me. It was sent abroad by Ridlys Clerk but the bill never having been directed it was not presented, & it was left with J. Johnson at Nantes till renewd— Johnson is so regular a man, that I think He woud have remitted the money had the Bill ever been paid; but it shall be enquird into & properly cleard up to you.
The accot. of the Books sent to Amm. was inclosd from me to you in a letter by private hand to Amsterdam, I think the amot was abot. 9£; If such accot never reachd you, it is a proof of miscarriage of some letters; but this I could never assertain, as I do not write from the motive to procure an Ansr. I am not at present in reach of my papers or I would send another copy of the Bill of Parcells for the Books.
As you mention Capt. C——ms arrival, you must eer this have seen or heard where He is, as He promisd faithfully to write & offer Himself to you. I have not heard as yet from Him which I wonder at, as He promisd to direct me where to forward the particulars of His accot in order that He might riemburse you. His friendship & desire to serve others inducd Him to exceed the limit of supply I desird a friend to give Him—That persons accot. in the lump is above fifty £s & He had twenty 27 or 28 Guins from me here indeed a little more when I include passage money Board &ca. &ca. for the five. Eight more besides the Bearer have gone the same route, & continue to press me, notwithstanding I use every means to inform them How near they are to an Exchange. These continued drains do not answer well with any present finances. I shall make out an Exact accot. against Cap C—— when my friend sends me His particulars, & riemburse myself on you for the Ballance over the fifty pounds already drawn for; He Has money in france & can repay you.
Mr. B——n got your letter very safe in a short time after I wrote you he was anxious to hear from you— He has lately wrote by an Italian Genn. whom I took the liberty to introduce to You.
I find by a late letter from Mr I——d that He will embark for Ama. about the 15h Int. I am not in the secret of His plan; I have a good opinion of his heart, & hope the visit may turn out for the good of His Country, but as I guess it is on the score of criminating Deane & his party, I am in much fear it may produce fresh feuds & annemosities in Congress; where I wish to see the utmost unanimity & concord, for we are not yet out of the bush. The quarrel already has done more mischief to the Cause of America, than the whole British army could effect in the last two Campaigns. I lost much of the confidence both of Him and Mr L. during a visit in may, since which, altho I livd in terms of friendship & intimacy with them before, I have only recd one cool letter from L, and a very few from I—— on the subject only of forwarding Him books newspapers & other trifles— They neither of them likd the freedom with which I gave my sentiments about the quarrel when they attempted to explain it all to me & which I would not hear. I calld on T——le since I recd yr. letter but did not see Him, I shall communicate what He replys in ansr. to you. I think his political sentiments upright & just towards His Country or I would not communicate with Him as I do, & He has ever spokn feelingly respectfully of you.
Mr. H—— has been informd of what you say as to writing Him soon, & He joins with me in opinion that the Cartel will not be allowd to sail without specification of numbers. The names of the prisoners are making out, & every other appearance of their being orderd to embark as soon as such specification comes. I wish most earnestly they were gone, as I am informd they will sweep both Prisons.
There has been another vessel since Sr. Geo Collier from N York, She saild about the 8 Nov. but nothing is let out from Ministry, nor a word in this nights Gazette as to the State of things in that quarter, altho it is pretty generally got forth that things are as bad as possible they can be allowing that DEstaign is blown off, which now every body seems to agree to, & that after leaving a 50 & 2 frigates to aid Lincoln in Savannah He is gone to Porto Rico. This last vessel seems to have been hastily dispatchd with some important papers taken in a Spanish packet from or to the Havanah, which is said to discover all the intentions of Spain towards America & their intended opperations.
I see by the Amn Papers Jay is appointed to Madrid & Mr Carmichael His Secy. I should be much obligd to you to give them my direction when they arrive at Paris (particularly the latter for I do not know Jay) they are going to a Country that I know well & where by writing to them I may be servicable. It appears by the papers that all the out Posts from N York are drawn in, save the point of Long Island & the narrows; the Post of Paulus hook seems to have been forcd as Stoney point fort was, and Major Lee of Virga has got great Credit in the affair. There has been a revolt of the People on Long Island which causes much trouble to the New York Garrison. A fleet of 12 Ships is arrived half Laden from Canada. The disturbances on the upper waters of that Country occasiond by parties of Americans & Canadians & Indians in the Service or Interest of America prevented the produce going as usual to Quebec. Gen Haldimand made a requisition of 2000 men to guard that province during the winter & they saild in 20 transports. After being out 3 weeks five of these vessels put back in a shatterd situation, two were taken loaded with provision & soldiers & carryd into Philaa. & the rest are unaccounted for, & are feard to have sufferd in a storm. It does not seem absolutely certain that Rhode Island is evacuated altho it is beleivd by every one. I am yr. very Ob Servt
Wm. Forbes
 Addressed: Monsieur Monsieur B. F— / Passy—
Notation: Digges Nov. 17. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 4 December 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Alliance, Texel-road Dec. 4th. 1779.
This, Sir, will serve you as an instance of some of our transactions here. I keep with me the Original, set by myself in Dutch, which will serve me, when the Ship will be gone, to concert with our friend, a complaint against the present Commander of this road, for having exceded both the intention & terms of the last resolution.— May but heaven send us soon a fair wind for going out! then all will end well. Ever dear & honoured Sir again yr. very humble & obedient servant
Dumas
 Notation: Dumas Decr. 4. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Carroll, 5 December 1779
From: Carroll, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Annapolis 5th Decemr. 1779.
The bearer Mr. Thomas Ridout brother of Mr John Ridout of this city, with whom I believe you are acquainted, has sollicited me to introduce him to you. As I know him to be a young gentleman of modesty, worth, & good Sense, I have taken that liberty. Any civilities, it may be in your power to shew him, I shall esteem as conferred on myself. He proposes to go to England from France, and talks of returning again to this country on a peace. He is not in the least acquainted with the following contents of this letter.
Your obliging favor of the 2d of last June by the Chevalier de la Luzerne (the only letter of all those which you mention to have written, that is come to hand) I received sometime last August. I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing the new Minister, having resigned my seat in Congress this twelve month past. The situation of my domestic concerns, & the little use I was of in that Assembly, induced me to leave it altogether. The great deal of important time, wh. was idly wasted in frivolous debates, disgusted me so much, that I thought I might spend mine much better than by remaining a silent hearer of such speeches as neither edified entertained, or instructed me. Whether I shall be so fortunate as to entertain you while reading this letter, I know not; instruct, I am sure, I cannot. However as the subject, on wh. I am going to write, is interesting & important, perhaps the sentiments of an individual, who has had some small share in our public Councils, may not be altogether unacceptable.

A Minister, I presume, is used to complaints and accusations: but I am not going either to accuse or complain of any person, but to describe things as they are, or at least, as they appear to me. The State of our public Credit fresh claims the attention of all good Americans. The depreciation of our bills of credit is such that they scarcely answer the purposes of money. The Congress has stopped the Press; this in my opinion should have been done much sooner, or not done at the time it was done. They have recommended heavy taxation, & have called on twelve states (Georgia is out of the question) for 15 millions of dollars monthly; our proportion thereof is 1,580,000 dollars. Our Assembly, wh. is now sitting, will I believe assess 9 millions of dollars to be raised in 9 months, the residue is proposed to be raised from the sale of british property, for the confiscation of which a bill will be brought in this Session; whether it will pass, or not, I can’t say; it shall not with my vote, because I think the measure impolitic, contrary to the present practice of civilized Nations, and because it may involve us in difficulties about making peace, and will be productive of a certain loss, but of uncertain profit to this State; for as this business will be managed, it will be made a Jobb of, & an opportunity given to Engrossers & Speculators to realize their ill-gotten money. The following particulars will give you some idea of the depreciation of our currency. Gold sells, or lately sold in Pha. at 40 for one. A Gentleman of this place & my acquaintance told me he had refused £5000 for a bill of Exchange of £100 Ster at 30 days sight on London, & would not part with his Bill for less than £5600. Congress has advised our Assembly that they propose drawing bills of Excha. at six months sight on Messrs. Jay at Madrid, & Laurens, who is going to Holland, to the amount of £200,000 Ster, that is for £100,000 Ster on each of those gentlemen. At what Exchange these bills will be disposed of I can’t pretend to ascertain; I have heared 25 for one mentioned; but surely a better Exchange will be obtained, or else the Public will soon be ruined by a few such strokes of Finance. Wheat sells at £20 per bushel & the rise of the market, Hyson Tea at £100 per pound, indian corn at £40 per barrel, & Tobo. at £40 odd pounds per Ct.; as to European Merchandize, it is impossible to ascertain its value or price; indeed every thing is rising, so that what sells to day at £20 for instance may sell ten days hence for £40. To check this evil Congress has recommended to the Several States a general regulation of prices on all articles domestic & foreign, save war like stores, & Salt. The regulation according to the recommendation, is to take effect the first of next Febry, and the standard fixed by Congress is twenty prices on all prices in 1774. If wheat for instance in that year sold for 7/6 per bushel, it may be sold on the 1st. of next Febry for £7.10.0.
Whether the Several Legislatures will adopt this regulation, I know not; ours, I believe, will conditionally, that is, if other States should. My own opinion is, that it will be extreamly difficult to carry such a regulation into practice, & if it should be attempted, I fear, will be productive of more evil, than good. Every regulation of price, is an acknowlegement that the price allowed is not equal to the value of the commodity, on which it is fixed, & consequently destructive of that freedom in dealing, which is the life & soul of trade; besides the regulation, if adopted as recommended by Congress, will be retrospective, & of course ruinous to a great number of People, who have purchased country-produce, or merchandize at the present prices either to sell again, or for their own consumption. What you have read may be properly called a Chapter of Lamentations: now for a little comfort.
We have a good, tho’ not a numerous army, about 20,000 fine hardy fellows, as tough as the knots of an old Seasoned Oak, well disciplined, well armed, & pretty tolerably cloathed, commanded by a man, whom they reverence & love. This army is strong enough to repress the Enemy’s inroads, but not to force them in their strong hold, New York; it might be easily reinforced in the Spring, if we had good money, but the wanting that sinew of war we may be compared to a vigorous young man bound hands & feet struggling in vain to get loose.— I flattered myself some months ago that ten or twelve ships of the line from France with ten thousand land forces would have joined this fall Count d’Estaing’s fleet off New York. Had such an expedition taken place, there is the greatest reason to believe the Enemy’s army must have surrendered prisoners of war; such an event must have put an end to it, & have produced peace, of wh. we stand much in need. If this winter should not bring about that desireable event, can not such an expedition be undertaken early next summer? England may be amused, & Ireland threatned with an invasion early in the spring, and under that feint 15 ships of the line with a suitable number of frigates & transports carrying between ten & twelve thousand troops may sail the latter end of Febry, or beginning of March from Brest or Ferol. When these troops in conjunction with ours have reduced the british forces at New York they may proceed to the West Indies, & take the remaining british Islands. No plan of operations promises fairer success: the Invasion of England, or Ireland would be attended with incomparable greater difficulties and peril; if any impression should be made on either of those Islands the rest of Europe may take the alarm; but I should apprehend the Independance of these States can not give umbrage or offence to any other European Power besides England. If such an expedition, as I propose, should be thought of seriously, it will be necessary to dispatch a frigate very early in Febry, or sooner, to notify Gen. Washington thereof in time, that he might be fully prepared to act immediately with the fleet on its arrival before New York: the French & Spanish squadrons in the West Indies should be ordered to meet the fleet from Europe off New York.
I hope, my dear Sir, you will excuse the freedom I have taken in mentioning what in my opinion will be the most likely method of bringing this war to a speedy issue; be persuaded peace is of the utmost importance to us. I am with the greatest regard & respect Dr Sir, Yr. most hum. Servant
Ch. Carroll of Carrollton
P.S. The crops of wheat have been very short, & much of the wheat destroyed by the fly, a good deal has been exported in flour to the french Islands. It would therefore be proper & prudent for the fleet to bring flour enough to feed the land & seaforces till next harvest comes in. A battering train of brass ordnance with all its apparatus, & six thousand stand of small arms to arm our Militia will also be necessary— The arms will be returned to the french General, when the expedition is over.—
To the Honorable Docr. Benja. Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 6 December 1779
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 6. Xbre. 1779.
Les Arrangemens, Monsieur, que M. Le Duc de la Vauguyon Ambassadeur du roi en Hollande, doit prendre avec les Etats généraux, pour la libre Sortie du Texel, des Bâtimens François et Americains qui s’y trouvent rassemblés, pouvant exiger que les Prisonniers Anglois faits sur les navires Marchans, et actuellement à bord de la Fregate des Etats unis, l’alliance, soient remis à la Disposition de M. L’ambassadeur. Je vous serai très obligé de vouloir bien donner à M. Jones l’ordre de reverser ces prisonniers sur les fregates francoises, la Pallas et la Vengeance, aussitôt que M. le Duc de la Vauguyon en fera la Demande. Comme M. Le Comte de Vergennes doit expedier demain un Courier à la Haye, vous pourriez, Monsieur, m’adresser dans la Journée, l’ordre pour M. Jones, et je le ferai passer à M. L’ambassadeur qui en fera Usage suivant les Circonstances.

J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une très parfaite consideration, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
(signé) De Sartine
P.S. S’il vous est possible, Monsieur, de m’envoyer l’ordre de M. Jones par le retour de mon Courier, Je vous en serai très obligé.
M. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to La Vauguyon, 6 December 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: La Vauguyon, Paul-François de Quélen de Stuer de Caussade, duc de

Sir
Passy, Decr. 6. 1779.
It gave me great Pleasure to understand by the Letter your Excellency has done me honour of writing to me, and which I have just now received that Mr. Jones has conducted himself in holland to your satisfaction. This is a Circumstance that will ever do as much honour to his Prudence, as his Conduct in Fight has done to his Valour. I have the fullest Confidence in your Excellency’s Promise relating to the Prisoners and do now agreable to a Request from Mr. de Sartine Send an order to Mr. Jones, to deliver on board the Pallas and Vengeance those who were taken in Merchant Ships, whenever your Excellency shall require it. With the greatest and most Sincere Respect. I am, Y. Excellency’s most obedient.
M. Le Duc de la Vauguyon.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 6 December 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir
Passy, Dec. 6. 1779.
I have immediately given, and send inclos’d, the Order to Capt. Jones, which your Excellency has done me the Honour to demand of me.
I have received a Letter from Mr Dargent, Deputy of Trade for the Province of Picardy, enclosing a Memorial, which I beg leave to submit to your Excelly’s. Consideration.
With the greatist Respect I am. Y. Excelly: m. o. & m. h. S.
BF
Mr. De Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Jenings, 6 December 1779
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Brussels Decr. 6th. 1779.
As I Know not, whether your Excellency has received a Copy of the King of Great Britains Speech to his Houses of Parliament, and as it will be at least a Matter of Curiosity, I take the Liberty of inclosing One herewith.— It was brought to Ostend by a Pilot of Dover.
Give me leave to inform your Excellency, that I have been in this City about two months, and that I shall be proud to receive whatever Commands your Excellency shall be pleased to Lay on me, being most Ambitious of Serving my Country and Manifesting that Respect, with which I am Sir your Excellencies Most Faithful and Obedient Humble Servant
Edm: JeningsChez Monsr CapelleRue des petits Carmes Bruxelle
 Notations: Dec 6. 79 / Emle Jennings. Bruxells— Dec 5. 1779—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [6 December 1779]
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Monday Evening [December 6, 1779]
I told what you know as Coming from Myself, and the Answer has been that some thing would be done that way—being ask’d what You had Said to me on that affair, I Answerd that we had spoken on it in General terms, But in the same time thought proper most strongly to urge on a speedy supply. They are Before all waiting for intelligences from Count Destaing and none as yet has Come to hand— There was however a Report of some Ship being Arriv’d from Newyork and Count Destaing being on the Coasts of Georgia— But all that I take to be very Uncertain.
Pray, let me have our friends speech from the throne which I have forgotten to ask from the Ministers when I paid them My visit.
Most Respectfully I am dear sir Yours
Lafayette
In Case you have Got Any intelligence I heartly will thank you for them.
 Notation: La Fayette.


Title: Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces, 1779 [7 December 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Benjamin Vaughan began to collect Franklin’s published political writings shortly after American independence had been declared. With the help of Jonathan Williams, Jr., Joseph Priestley, and others of Franklin’s closest friends in London, the twenty-four-year-old Englishman hoped that within a few months he would bring out an edition that would remind the British of Franklin’s humanitarian and conciliatory efforts in the years leading up to open hostilities.
In December, 1776, his volume nearly finished, Vaughan learned that his author had landed on French soil and was setting out for Paris. Within days of Franklin’s arrival there, Vaughan appeared at his doorstep, informing him of the edition and asking him to review the finished sheets. Franklin, eager to see printed a number of his as yet unpublished pieces, endorsed the project and urged Vaughan to include a wide variety of additional material that he would supply. Vaughan returned to London to confer with the publisher, Joseph Johnson, about postponing and expanding the edition.
The young Englishman had personal as well as pragmatic reasons for wanting to accept Franklin’s proposal. The advantage of bringing out an edition that included new Franklin material was obvious. In addition, Vaughan sorely regretted the copious annotation with which he had burdened the political writings. If he were to recast the edition, he might also be able to convince Johnson to discard what was already typeset and start afresh. On January 27, 1777, he announced to Franklin his decision to expand the edition.
Over the next two years Vaughan gathered articles, essays, and letters from the author as well as from a number of his correspondents. In January, 1779, Johnson recommenced printing. He had never actually promised Vaughan that he would destroy the pages of political writings; he had merely reassured him that the offensive footnotes could be judiciously removed. The degree to which this was carried out is impossible to tell, but given the profusion of lengthy footnotes in the final edition, we suspect that the reduction was minimal.
Vaughan sent the first 320 pages to Passy on April 9, 1779. He continued to add material until July, and the volume was completed during the fall. Advance notices for Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces appeared in several London newspapers during the first week of December, but the first announcement of its publication came on December 7, 1779, in the London Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser. An octavo volume in boards could be purchased from Johnson’s shop in St. Paul’s Churchyard for 6 s., and bound copies were available for 7 s. The work was also issued in quarto, for 10 s. 6 d., “to accomodate those who are possessed of the Author’s Philosophical Letters, &c.” Finally, for a fraction of the price, one could purchase “The Way to Wealth,” reissued by Johnson in broadside form especially for the occasion.
One of the earliest and most substantial reviews of Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces was published in the 1779 supplement to the Gentleman’s Magazine. Franklin’s character as a politician, it said, would now become as widely known as his exceptional work as a philosopher. But the greatest value of the edition lay in its message for posterity, who would find in it “the real motives which appear to have influenced the conduct of a man who has made so conspicuous a figure in the troubles that have involved his country in the greatest calamity.” The magazine reprinted in its entirety the “Plan of a Proposed Union of Several Colonies …” (V, 374–92), offering it again to the public in the hopes that it might serve as a basis for reconciliation. It also reprinted Franklin’s letter of November 28, 1768, to an unnamed correspondent (XV, 272–3).
Whatever the impact of Vaughan’s edition on the course of the conflict or on Franklin’s reputation, it played an important role in identifying and preserving Franklin’s writings. Vaughan established Franklin as the author of a number of anonymous pieces, among them the article signed “Arator” on which Vaughan lavished such extensive annotation. While the editor had gathered the majority of items from printed sources, one-fifth came from manuscripts, some of which have subsequently disappeared. Thus, the edition is now the sole source for the Albany Papers listed as item 12, the “Plan for two Western Colonies in America” (item 15), the fair copy of “Remarks on a Plan for Regulating Indian Affairs” (item 16), Governor Pownall’s undated letter with Franklin’s remarks (item 21), Franklin’s letters to Priestley of May 16 (appendix), July 7 (appendix), and October 3, 1775 (item 30), Franklin’s letter of November 28, 1768, to an unnamed correspondent (appendix), and the rules for the Junto (appendix). In addition, Vaughan may have had access to autograph versions of certain pieces for which nearly identical contemporary copies or incomplete autographs are the only versions surviving today. These include: Lord Howe’s letter of June 20, 1776 (item 31), Franklin’s letter to Hartley of October 3, 1775 (appendix), “Experiments, &c. on the utility of long pointed rods” (item 39), and Franklin’s remarks on Pownall’s State of the Constitution of the Colonies (appendix). Finally, Vaughan was the first to publish an uncensored version of Wedderburn’s scathing remarks at the Cockpit, in a footnote spanning pages 340–2.

We reproduce below Vaughan’s preface and list the table of contents, adding to it the titles of the “additional Papers proper for insertion in the foregoing work” which comprised the appendix. Following each item, we indicate in square brackets its location in our edition.

  [December 7, 1779]
PREFACE By the EDITOR.

The writings of Dr. Franklin need no other preface than his character and life.— A few words therefore will explain all that is necessary concerning this collection.
To secure the reader from the apprehension of omissions and interpolations, the place whence each piece is taken, is generally expressed; or, if the notes are silent on this head, an original copy is to be understood, to which the editor still retains access.— It was chiefly for these purposes of authentication, that notes were originally provided: But as it was considered that this work might be read not only by Englishmen and Americans, but by foreigners and posterity; other notes of explanation and anecdote were occasionally added, which will be set aside by other editors, in proportion as they are judged superfluous or improper.— In the miscellaneous part of the collection however, these humbler bounds have been considerably exceeded; the temptation for which, will appear in the places in question. The notes in particular, following the “Conjectures on the Aurora Borealis,” were drawn up in consequence of attacks this paper had suffered among the editor’s private friends. How far his zeal will justify their insertion here, is left to a candid public. But the conjectures of great men speak a strong language. “The matter in question,” they say “contradicts nothing within their own knowledge, and they risque a portion of their reputation upon its truth:” Proofs sufficient to satisfy their candor and caution, they acknowledge to be wanting; But such hints surely deserve study and respect.— Considerable liberties have been taken with the pointing, italics, &c. in these papers; for most of the copies being found imperfect or unsystematic in these particulars, some degree of uniformity was judged allowable, if attended with proper advertisement and apology. The editor may not perhaps at all times have succeeded in his own intentions; but he conceives that the public will take more exception at his interference, than Dr. Franklin.
The times appear not ripe enough for the editor to give expression to the affection, gratitude, and veneration, he bears to a writer he has so intimately studied: Nor is it wanting to the author; as history lies in wait for him, and the judgement of mankind balances already in his favor. The editor wishes only that other readers may reap that improvement from his productions, which he conceives they have rendered to himself.— Yet perhaps he may be excused for stating one opinion: He conceives that no man ever made larger or bolder guesses than Dr. Franklin from like materials in politics and philosophy, which, after the scrutiny of events and of fact, have been more completely verified. Can Englishmen read these things, and not sigh at recollecting that the country which could produce their author, was once without controversy their own!— Yet he who praises Dr. Franklin for mere ability, praises him for that quality of his mind, which stands lowest in his own esteem. Reader, whoever you are, and how much soever you think you hate him, know that this great man loves you enough to wish to do you good:
His country’s friend, but more of human kind.

  THE TABLE OF CONTENTS.
1st DIVISION; containing papers on subjects of General Politics, marked [G.P.] on the top of each leaf.
1. Observations on the increase of mankind, peopling of countries, &c. p. 1 [IV, 225–34].
2. Remarks on ditto, (particularly respecting the effects which manners have on population,) by R. J. Esq; p. 12 [VI, 75–82].
3. Plan by Messrs. Franklin and Dalrymple for benefiting distant unprovided countries* p. 37 [XVIII, 214–17].
4. Precaution in China against Famine p. 42 [XX, 442–5].

5. Positions to be examined (concerning National Wealth.) p. 44 [XVI, 107–9].
6. Political Fragments (on the subjects of industry, embargoes on corn, poor, effect of dear provisions on manufactures, open trade, &c. and paper-credit.) p. 48 [XXI, 169–77].
7. On the price of corn, and management of the Poor. p. 57 [XIII, 510–16].
8. On Smuggling and its various species. p. 64 [XIV, 315–19].
9. The Way to Wealth*. p. 24 [VII, 326–50].
10. Parable against Persecution. p. 72 [VI, 114–24].
11. A letter concerning Dissenters and Persecution; particularly in America. p. 74 [XIX, 163–8].
IInd DIVISION; containing papers upon American subjects before the present Troubles, marked [A. B. T.]
12. Albany Papers. p. 85 [V, 397–416].
1. Reasons and motives for the plan of union for the colonies in 1754. p. 86
2. Reasons against partial unions. p. 89
3. Plan of union, proposed by Dr. Franklin, and unanimously agreed to by the American commissioners at Albany. p. 91 Albany Papers continued. p. 120
13. Two Letters to Governor Shirley concerning Taxation and Representation. p. 120 [V, 441–7].
14. A third Letter to the same concerning an union with Great Britain. p. 129 [V, 449–51].
15. Plan for two Western Colonies in America. p. 133 [V, 456–63].
16. Remarks on a plan for regulating Indian affairs in 1762*. p. 222 [XIII, 433–41].

17. Canada Pamphlet; or the Interest of Great Britain considered with regard to her colonies, and the acquisitions of Canada and Guadaloupe; p. 144 [IX, 47–98].
The Introduction; and the following topics; p. 144
1. Of Securities for being at peace; p. 148
2. Canada a security; but forts none; p. 155
3. War in America not for Colonies alone; p. 162
4. The Colonies useful to G. Britain; p. 171
5. The Colonies not dangerous to Great Britain; p. 191
6. The French dangerous in Canada; p. 195
7. Canada easily peopled; p. 200
8. Merits of Guadaloupe overvalued, &c. p. 201
18. Remarks and Facts relative to the American paper money in 1764*. p. 206 [XIV, 76–87].
IIId DIVISION; containing papers upon American subjects during the Troubles, marked [A. D. T.]
19. Causes of the American Discontents before 1768. p. 231 [XV, 3–13].
20. Letter concerning the Gratitude of America, and the effects of an union with Great Britain; and concerning the repeal or suspension of the Stamp-Act. p. 246 [XIII, 23–6].
21. Letter from Governor Pownal concerning an equal communication of rights, privileges, &c. between Great Britain and America; p. 252.
—With Dr. Franklin’s Remarks. p. 254.
22. Examination of Dr. Franklin before the English House of Commons, relative to the Repeal of the Stamp-Act. p. 255 [XIII, 124–59].
23. Queries from Mr. Strahan; relative to certain acts of parliament excepted against by America, and the way of composing the dispute; p. 302 [XVI, 233–5].
—With Dr. Franklin’s answers. p. 305 [XVI, 243–9].
24. A Prussian Edict assuming claims over Britain. p. 315 [XX, 413–18].

25. Preface to the votes and proceedings in the town of Boston (on the subject of the Tea-Act, &c.) p. 323 [XX, 82–7].
26. Proceedings and Examination, in the case of Dr. Franklin before the Privy Council; relative to the dismission of Governor Hutchinson, &c. p. 329 [XX, 372–3; XXI, 19–23].
27. Account of G. Hutchinson’s Letters, &c. p. 339 [XX, 513–16].
28. Rules for reducing a Great Empire to a small one. p. 343 [XX, 389–99].
29. Intended Vindication and Offer from Congress to Parliament, in 1775. p. 357 [XXII, 112–20].
30. Letter from Dr. Franklin to a friend in England, summing up the events of the first campaign of the American war. p. 365 [XXII, 217–18].
31. Letter from Lord Howe to Dr. Franklin, concerning the first commission for composing the American Troubles; p. 367 [XXII, 483–4].—With Dr. Franklin’s Answer. p. 370 [XXII, 518–21].
32. Comparison of Great Britain and America as to Credit. p. 376 [XXIV, 508–14].
IVth DIVISION; containing papers on subjects of Provincial Politics, marked [P. P.]
  33. Report of the Committee of Aggrievances of the Assembly in Pennsylvania, in 1757. p. 387 [VII, 136–42].
34. Letter on a proposed Militia Bill in Pensylvania. p. 396 [XI, 360–5].
35. Reply to a Protest against the appointment of Dr. Franklin as Agent to Pensylvania. p. 403 [XI, 429–41].
36. Preface to a Speech of Mr. Galloway concerning the change of the Proprietary into a Royal government, in Pensylvania. p. 419 [XI, 267–308].
  Vth DIVISION; containing papers on Miscellaneous and Philosophical Subjects, marked [M. P.]
  37. A Reformed Mode of Spelling, with some of its uses, &c. p. 467 [XV, 175–8; 215–20].

38. On the Vis Inertiæ of Matter, in a Letter to Mr. Baxter. p. 479 [III, 84–9].
39. Experiments, &c. on the utility of long pointed rods, for securing buildings from damage by strokes of lightning. p. 487 [XIX, 244–55].
40. Conjectures concerning the Aurora Borealis. p. 504 [XXVIII, 190–5].
41. Dr. Franklin’s Epitaph on himself. p. 531 [I, 109–111].
  [The pieces included in the Appendix are as follows:]
  Rules for a Club formerly established in Philadelphia [I, 255–9].
State of the Constitution of the Colonies, by Governor Pownall; with Remarks by Dr. Franklin [XVI, 298–304].
Letter to an unnamed recipient, November 28, 1768 [XV, 272–3].
Letter to [Joseph Priestley], May 16, 1775 [XXII, 44].
Letter to [Joseph Priestley], July 7, 1775 [XXII, 91].
Letter to [David Hartley], October 3, 1775 [XXII, 216–17].


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Norway, 7 December 1779
From: Norway, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most Noble Lord
Alincon Decr the 7th 1779
Pardon me I took the Libartey to Truble Your Lordship some time aGoe with a Letter a Liburty I hope Did not offind your Lordship as it was only To Acquaint with my Inclination to sarve in your [army.] Not having aney Answer made me Conclude you had not Recd. my Letter to yr. Lordship makes me Truble you a Second time,—And having no Other Meatheord to Acquaint your Lordship with my Wishies to Enter into your Sarvis Not being Acquainted with aney of yr Lordships offices;
Self praise is no Commendation Can only say The Franch Publick papirs hath ben pleased to spick in my prayors but shall be Happey To pas my Examination befors such Gentlemen As your Lord ship shall please to appoint for Such porposes— Must beg Leave to Say my Reale Name I Must Consiell Till I have the Honour of An Answer from your which I beg You will be pleasd honour me with— I flater My Self I am a gentleman and as such—hope y’ll Honour me with a Line— Direct to Mr. Richd. Norway To the Care of Capt North Late Commander of the Tartar Frigate.—prsinor of War in Alincon—
Beg yr. parton for Giving you this Truble And Most Humbly beg Live to subscribe My Self Your Lordships—Most Devoted Obt. Tho unknowne Humle. Sarvt As before mentioned
R. Norway
 Notation: Noryday Dec. 7. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 7 December 1779
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Versailles 7 Xbre. 1779.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 6. de ce mois, celles qui y etoient jointes par M. Le Duc de la Vauguyon et M. Jones: Je les ai fait remettre au Courier que M. Le Cte. de Vergennes a expedié à La Haye.
J’examinerai le Memoire que M. d’argent, Deputé du Commerce pour la province de picardie vous a recommandé; et je desire beaucoup que les Circonstances me permettent de lui faire ressentir l’Effet de l’intêrët que vous voulez bien prendre à Sa Demande.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec une tres parfaite consideration, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres obeissant s.
(signé) De sartine
M. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 7 December 1779
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honnd. Sir
Dunkerque 7th. Decr. 1779
I have seen with Mr. Coffyn the Petition, addressed to your Excellency by one Wam. Power a Prisonner of the Black Prince Taken on Board of the Good Will, who promised to Serve the Privateer for his Freedom the remainder of the Cruise. This Petition, I am told, is signed by many more such Prisonners— Their Leader Wam. Power has appeared yesterday before Mr. Coffyn, & there, did acknowledge, that, I gave him on his arrival, the money necessary for his maintce. & that of the whole Crew &a; That, I offer’d him & all those which signed the Petition, out of my own Funds, haveing then received nothing, all kind of Supplys, if they wou’d prove faithfull to their oath of allegiance to the united States & Continue their Services either on Board of the Black Prince, or on board of the Black Princess,—a Number have by Times, & at last, consented; but this Leader Wam. Power, & a few more, have refused & are Still refuseing, declaring they will return to great Britain, & in all probability, serve again against France & America. These Circumstances determined me to Stop supplying them out of my own money, & I declared to these Perjured People, that, untill all the Ransoms were Paid, & the Produce of the Prises received, I wou’d not advance any more. I have been constantly expecting, that, want wou’d oblidge them to come again to us, & therewith, Lessen the Number of our experienced & dangerous Ennemies; ’Tis all in vain, & I think that the Sollicitations of the Spies of Great Britain, are prevalent, Because, for encourrageing them the more, I gave all their Comrades, the minute they Listed, every thing whatsoever they wanted, as it appears by the Letter the Capt. & officers of the Black Prince address to your Excellency—These advances to them, & the most of the Crew, run allready so high that, the most have got much more than what their Shares in the whole Cruise might come to; The rest of the Ransoms, & of the Produce of the Prises, will not be got & Settled this month to Come, & I can prove I am this day in real advance for the Concern & the Crew, of upwards of 30,000 l.t.— My most ardent wishes are to get the money & accounts, to be enabled to settle forthwith with every Individual Concerned, & I shall not then delay a day.
It grieves me to the heart to see Your Excellency Troubled by the Infamous representations & Complaints of these worthless People, which are our Ennemies in the heart, & who do contrive all the means in their Power to ruin me, in hurting my Character & Reputation.
I thank to God that my Probity, Intentions, & deeds, are known to Mr. Coffyn & to all Honest Citisens, & that they can be set forth, to your Excellency, in a manner, that will Justiffy me fully & Baffle all the attempts which Shou’d be made by Envy & by my Ennemies.
I give your Excellency Solemn assurances Nobody has any just reasons to Complain of me for the armement of the Black Prince, & no Leaving Soul will ever have any, for the new armement of the Same Privateer & of the Black Princess, which are ready & both wait these many weeks for a fitt weather to Put to Sea.
I have the honnor to be with gratitude & respect Honnod. Sir Your most humble most obedient & oblidged Servant
J. Torris
Benjn. Franklin Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary of the united States of America at the Court of France.

 Notation: Torris Decr. 7. 1779


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 8 December 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy, Dec. 8. 1779.
As Baron de Holtzendorff has thought fit to trouble your Excellency with a Memorial to me, relating to his affairs and complains highly as I understand of the Congress & of me, I beg leave to acquaint you with a few Circumstances in our Vindication, most of which I have from himself in one of his former Papers.
Mr. Deane soon after his Arrival here, is said to have encouraged upon strong Recommendations made to him, a great Number of Officers to go over to America advancing them money to bear their Expences thither, and giving them Expectations of Commissions and Employ in our Armies, conceiving that he should thereby serve his Country. As the Congress had given no Orders for this Operation, had no Expectation of the Arrival of such a Number of Officers, nor any Vacancies in their armies to place them in, it occasioned a great Embarassement. Mr. Deane who was not at the time, a Minister of Congress, but agent only for the Committee of Commerce was disavow’d & his Proceedings without Authority, declared not binding on the Congress.— But it was however resolved, that the Thanks of Congress should be given to the Gentlemen for their zeal in Passing to America to offer their Services, to the United States, and that their Expences in coming & returning should be paid. Baron Holtzendorff, however, they seem to have had some Intention of retaining, for they gave him a Commission of Lieutenant Colonel, and sent him to the Army, probably with a Purpose of placing him when their should be a convenient Vacancy.
M. de Vergennes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 8 December 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Ferrol Decr 8. 1779
I have the Honour to inform your Excellency, that Congress, having judged it proper to appoint me to a new Mission in Europe I embarked on the thirteenth of November, at the Instance of The Chevalier de La Luzerne and Mr. Gerard, on Board the same Frigate that carried me to America. Soon after We got to Sea a formidable Leake in the Ship discovd itself So as to oblige us to keep two Pumps, constantly going by Night and Day, which induced the Captain [torn: to] think it necessary to put into this Place, where We have just now cast Anchor.
Whether I shall go to Paris by Land or wait for the Frigate is uncertain; I believe the former, as the latter might detain me, four or five Weeks.— I have dispatches for your Excellency from Congress, which I shall carry with me, and News papers. These latter contain little remearkable Save the Evacuation of Rhode Island by the Enemy, and the Compte D’Estaings Progress in Georgia, in Cooperation with General Lincoln, which was in a fair Course of Success.
I hope the Confederacy, which Sailed from Philadelphia, three or four Weeks before Us, with Mr Gerard and Mr Jay, who is appointed Minister plenipotentiary for Spain, has happily arrived, and made it unnecessary for me to enlarge upon the general state of Affairs in America, which were upon the whole in a favourable Train. I hope to have the Honour of Saluting you at Passy in a few Weeks, and am with [torn: great Respect] Sir, your most obedient humble
John Adams

His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin, Esq.
 Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats / Unis de L’Amerique / a Passy / pres Paris
Notation: J. Adams Decr. 10. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, 8 December 1779
From: Beaumarchais, Pierre-Augustin Caron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris ce 8 Xbre. 1779
Ayant entendu dire, Monsieur, que vous preniez un hotel à Paris et par conséquent un Suisse; Le nommé Abbeg m’a demandé une Lettre pour Se presenter à vous, et vous offrir Ses Services, dans Le cas où ce bruit Serait fondé. Il m’a été recommandé par Mr Le Noir, et est parent de son propre Suisse dont il est très content; cela Serait d’un bon augure pour celui-ci qu’on dit réellement être un très éxcellent Sujet. Je Joins donc mes Sollicitations à celles de ce Magistrat, pour vous prier de donner la préférence à cet homme, et je vous en aurai en mon particulier une Sensible obligation.
J’ai L’honneur d’être avec un respectueux attachement Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeisst Serviteur
Caron DE Beaumarchais
Mr Franklin
 Notation: Beaumarchais Caron De 8. Dec. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bishop: Promissory Note, 8 December 1779
From: Bishop, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Passey Decr: 8 1779
Recived of Bn. Franklin Esqr: six louis d’ors. to assist me in returning to america, which I promise to Repay to the honble: the president of Congress, or his order. I have sign’d three notes of this Tenor and date Either of which being paid, the others to be null.
John Bishopplimouth
N 2.°6 Louis


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Dalton et al., 9 December 1779
From: Dalton, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sr,
Coutances December the 9th 1779
We Received your Letter Dated the 28th, of November Whitch We have Shown to the gentelmen that Commited us To Prison But they Say that they Cannot Clear us untill you apply to the Great Admiral in Paris. We beg the favor of Your Honnour to apply to him as quick as Posible, for We are Worse hear then We Was In Mill Prison amonge our Enemies.
As for the Boat We Stole at tinmouth [Plymouth?] the 7th of November at 10 at Night and Came a way in her With an 8 Penney Loaf and twenty Apples and No Watter And We Went on board of a Brig Lying in the Harbour and Stoale a Compass and made The Best of our Way for france, the 9th of November at Eight at Night We Run a Shore Upon the Beach, Being Weake We Was Obliged To Leave her thoar, the Surfe Runing So high that Night, She Stove to peices.
We are very Sorry for our Mistake in the Town Name Before.
Honere’d Sir We Should Be Glad of an Answer as quick as Posible, So We Remain Your Humble Servants
Christopher BubierWilliam NealJohn PickworthJohn DaltonFrancis MesservyIsrael Matthew,
P.S. The enclosed is the Advice to us from them that Committed us to Prison
 Addressed: To / Dr: Franklin / in Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, 9 December 1779
From: Grand, Henri-Maximilien (Henry)
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris Decr. 9th. 79
Mr. Moses Grimmel who called on me this day for the Money of 2 acceptances of yours to two Loan office Bills informed me of his misfortunes. The seizure of the £15000 in Bills he had about him endorsed in blanc is an Irregularity to be sure, but not deserving such an Important Loss. We could therefore prevent part of it if said Gentlman could inform us only by whom those Bills were endorsed in blank that we might stop the payment of those Bills till the true Proprietors could get the 2nds. or 3ds. of 4ths. whatever they are, from America. As he did not leave his direction I loose no time in Sending to you to know it in order to take what Measures we can to make him recover part of his Property. I am most respectfully Sir Your most obt. hble Serv
Hy. Grand.
 Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Franklin / Passy
Endorsed: Grand Paris Xbre 19. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 December 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond Sir.
Nantes Deceme 9. 1779
As the Process which Mr Mercier thought fit to make against me is decided in my Favour, I according to the promise I made in my answer to the Memorial he presented to you herewith transmit his acct against the late Commissioners of the United States with the Vouchers exactly as I received it.
I take the same Opportunity to transmit to you the Paper Money I received here by order of the Commissioners of some distrest american Prisoners which being charged in the acct settled by my Arbitrators and approved by you is no longer necessary to me as a Voucher and is the property of the Public; for the same Reason I also transmit several Receipts & Bills given to me by Prisoners for the Moneys advanced to them, to serve for the Recovery of the said moneys on accot of the Public, what others I formerly received have been already transmitted to the Committee.
Please to acknowledge the Reception of the Paper Money & Receipts according to the inclosed List.
I am with the greatest Respect dear & Honoured Sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams
Doctor Franklin
 Notation: J Williams Decr. 9. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Eléonor Dufriche de Valazé: résumé, 10 December 1779
From: Dufriche de Valazé, Charles-Eléonor
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Essey in Normandy, December 10, 1779, in French: I admire you and your countrymen to such a degree that I shall allow myself to give you some frank advice, brother to brother. Doubtless, you will win your independence and shake the yoke of three hundred years of tyranny but you should beware of another, ever so seductive yoke: luxury. You are aware of its pitfalls, of course, but let me remind you of its destructive power. Luxury enters and corrupts society through women, its natural victims. Greed and corruption soon follow, and violence. Farms are abandoned for cities, unnecessary goods are manufactured, marriages fail, population decreases, the nation is threatened by envious neighbors.
As to the dividing line between the necessary and the superfluous, for a country it is growing enough food and extracting enough iron to survive; for a household, a minimum of furniture and cooking utensils. Yes, but what about the citizens thrown out of employment by such a reform? Send them back to the fields, make them replace the oxen and the horses, thus reducing the need for pastures and freeing land for agriculture.
Worse yet than private luxury is the bad example set by the heads of state who have replaced laurel wreaths by gold crowns, and rough-hewn triumphal arches by magnificent monuments. It is up to the government to set a good example and you are the man to inspire a new order.
One last word, but crucial: beware of hereditary nobility, the seed of dissension, hatred, and domestic wars. Whoever acts righteously in order to obtain a recompense is unworthy of the republic and of humanity.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Sweaney, 11 December 1779
From: Sweaney, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sr.
Angers Prisson Decmbr. 11: 1779
This is to Acquaint you of a person who is a Native of america Propperly beloning to Bostong saild out of Nubery the 7 of June 1779 in a Privetire Caled the sivellusige of fourting Guns Beloning to Mr Tracey Capt Gibings Commander & Was taking in a Prize beloning to the side ship & Carred to England and put in Prisson ware I made my Escape & Came out in a marchant man Bound to Croney shey was called the Goodintent and was taken By a French Privetire & Carride into Brest & put in Prisson Which as I did Not wknow ware or howe to Apply to Which made Lay hear so Long & Sr If you would be so kind as to get my Relisement & send me home in Some ship Beloning to america as I have a wife & Fameley in Bosting you Will greatley oblage your true sugject & Humble Srvt
John sweaney
 Addressed: To / Mr Franklin Embasendor / for the thirteen united stats / of America Parress / [in another hand:] a Pasy près Paris
Notations in different hands: John Sweany, Angers Prison Dec. 11. 79 / angers


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Jean L’Air de Lamotte], 12 December 1779
From: L’Air de Lamotte, Jean
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris ce 12e Xbre. 1779.
Mr. Dubourg a été très mal hier et aujourd’huy, il est un peu moins mal ce soir, mais il y a beaucoup a craindre. La tête est prise entierement, on desire des évacuations et on n’a point encore pu les obtenir.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Ridout, 12 December 1779
From: Ridout, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Annapolis in Maryland Decemr. 12. 1779.
The Multiplicity of important Affairs which must of late have engrossed your Attention & the Length of Time that has elapsed since I had last the pleasure of being in your Company may perhaps have effaced my Name from your Memory, but knowing your Benevolence to be such that you are ever ready to confer Favours, I take the liberty relying on that to give this Letter to a Brother of mine who is about to embark for Burdeaux & will I expect thence proceed to Boullougn sur Mer to transact some Business with Mrs Ogle a Sister of your old Friend Colo Tasker & my Mother in Law who resides there, having removed thither from London at the Commencement of the War. Should Mr Thos. Ridout have Occasion to apply to you for your kind Offices I flatter myself he will not be disappointed in the hopes I have encouraged him to entertain. If he should pass near the Place of your Residence I have desired him (tho he should not have Business of his own to trouble you with) to wait on you from an Opinion that you may be glad to hear of the Welfare of your & my intimate Friend Mr Carroll & other Gentlemen of your Acquaintance in this part of America— Wishing you a Continuance of Health & every other Blessing I am with the greatest Respect & Esteem Dear Sir your most obedt humble Servt
J. Ridout

His Excellency Doctor Franklin
 Addressed: To His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Minister Plenepotentiary from / the United States of No America / at the Court of France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 13 December 1779
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 13 Decr 1779
I am honord by your favor of the 16th Ulto to Messrs Watts & Smith I shall be attentive to render this place to them agreable and particularly so thro’ your recommendation which I honor & revere.
We are greatly disapointed by the intellige. receivd from Georgia notwithstanding I do not apprehend the effects so dreadful as painted. The English are greatly weakend by their Loss of Stores Ships & Men upon that Expedition and will thereby be prevented from attempting any thing material this Winter against any of the Southern States. Letters from Boston of the 28. 8bre. give an account of the attack of Savannah and the departure of the French Fleet they add the English had evacuated Rhode Island and Genl Gates up his quarters at Newport.
In the Prison at this City are eight Americans taken on board English Ships they have applied for their enlargement at their request I waited on the Commissaire Ordonateur. The giving Liberty to these Men he said was depriving France in an Exchange of that Number of their Subjects, he had not receivd any instructions on that head and could not take on him to act without. Inclosed I transmit you a Letter from one of the Men his representation calls for redress should he be exchanged with the other English Prisoners his return to his Family & Country would be cruely prolonged.
I have the Honor to be respectfully Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield
Honble Benj Franklin Esq
 Addressed: His Excellency B. Franklin / Pleny from the United states / at / Paris
Notation: John Bonfield 13 Dec 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 13 December 1779
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honor’d and Dear Sir,
Alliance Texel Decr. 13th: 1779
I have this day had the honor to receive your Excellency’s Orders of the 6th: Current respecting the Prisoners taken in Merchant Ships and at present on board the Alliance— and I hope that the within Copy of my Letter to the Duc de la Vauguyon will meet with your Approbation; for I am persuaded that it could never be your intention or wish that I should be made the Tool of any great R—— whatsoever or that the Commission of America should be overlaid by the dirty piece of Parchment which I have this day rejected?— They have play’d upon my good nature too long already; but the Spell is at last dissolved.— They would play me off with Assurances of the personal and particular esteem of the King! to induce me to do what would render me comtemptible even in the Eyes of my own Servants!— Accustomed to speak untruth’s themselves they would also have me to give under my hand that I am a Lyar and a Scoundrel! They are mistaken; and I could tell them what you did your Naughty Servant— “We have too Contemptible an Opinion of one anothers understanding to Live together.” — I could tell them too that if M. De C—— had not taken such Sage precautions to keep me honest by means of his famous Concordat and to support me by means of so many able Colleagues these Great Men would not now have been reduced to such mean Shifts! for the Prisoners would have been Landed at Dunkirk the Day that I entered the Texel, and I should have brought in double the Number.— We hear that the Enemy still keeps a Squadron Cruizing off here, but this shall not prevent my Attempts to depart whenever the Wind will permit. I hope we have recovered the trim of this Ship which was entirely lost during the last Cruize; and I do not much fear the Enemy in the long and Dark Nights of this Season.— The Ship is well Mann’d, and shall not be given away.—
I have sent to Congress three Copies of my late transactions in Europe down to the 7th: of this month and M. Dumas has undertaken to forward them.—
I need not tell you I will do my utmost to take Prisoners and Prizes on my way from hence.—
I am ever with Sentiments of the most lively affection and esteem— Your Excellency’s most obliged and most hum: Servt:
Jno P Jones
His Excellency [torn] Franklin Esqr:
 Notation: Capt. Jones Decr. 13. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander John Alexander, 14 December 1779
From: Alexander, Alexander John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr: Sir
Passi 14th Decr: 1779
I expected to have had the pleasure of breakfasting with you allongst with my Brother who is returned & to have beged the favour of you to have delivered the two Memoires Inclosed to Mr De Sartine & Mr De Vergennes which I mentioned to you on Sunday I am most respectfully Dr Sir your Most Obt Humble Servt
A: J: Alexander
 Notation: Alexander A. J. 14. Dec. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from L’Air de Lamotte, [before 15 December 1779]
From: L’Air de Lamotte, Jean
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[before December 15, 1779]
Vous êtes priés d’assister aux Convoi, Service & Enterrement de Me. Jacques BARBEU DUBOURG, Docteur-Régent de la Faculté de Médecine de Paris, Membre des Sociétés Royales de Médecine de Paris & de Montpellier, de la Société Médicale de Londres, de l’Academie de Stockholm, & de la Société Philosophique de Philadelphie, décédé en son Appartement, Cour Abbatiale de l’Abbaye Royale de Saint Germain des Prés; Qui se feront Mercredi 15 Décembre 1779, à neuf heures du matin, en l’Eglise de ladite Abbaye, dans la Chapelle de Saint Symphorien, sa Paroisse, où il sera inhumé.

  J.C.
  De profundis

De la part de M. Lair de la Motte, Etudiant en Médecine, son Petit-Neveu.
 Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / A Passy / à Passy / M franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont: Memorandum, [c. 15 December 1779]
From: Chaumont
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[c. December 15, 1779]
M. Lée a mandé en amerique que M. le Cte. de vergennes luy avait ecrit unne Lettre dans Laquelle Ce Ministre desavouoit Ce que M. Gerard avait dit du peu de Confiance qu’il avait dans Le Dit Sieur Lée, que L’indignation du Roy Seroit la punition du Sr. Gerard.
M. Lée avait eu Connoissance du Langage de M. Gerard il s’etoit Rendu a versailles pour Scavoir Si M. de Vergennes L’avait autorisé, Le Ministre luy repondit verbalement que oui et Luy dit pour Raison de Son peu de Confiance en luy Lée, La Connoissance qu’on a eu en angleterre par Son Canal de Nostre traitté de Commerce, Luy Lée ayant envoyé vers cette epoque Son Secretaire a Londres, Sur quoy M Lée demanda au ministre si C’etoit la la Seulle Cause de Sa Mefiance et luy Repondit encore que oui et M. Lée se Retira.
M. Le Comte de vergennes n’a pas ecrit un Mot au Sr. Lée et La Lettre quil Suppose est unne premiere imposture. La Seconde est Le pretendu desavoeu du Langage de M. Gerard.
M. franklin est prié de faire Connoistre Ces deux faits au Congrès— d’exprimer tout L’etonnement qu’a Causé La Demarche de M Lée et de confirmer Les Deux faits dont il est Question.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 15 December 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Amst. 15e. Dec. 1779
Je suis ici depuis deux jours, incommodé de rhumatismes. Assez bien cependant, pour pouvoir partir aujourdhui pour Lahaie, d’où je suis absent depuis le 5 Nov. J’aurai l’honneür de vous écrire de là plus amplement. Les vents contraires & les tempêtes empêchent toujours le Commodore de quitter sa triste rade. Je n’ai pu y tenir plus longtemps; & j’ai dû m’en aller, avec le regret de n’avoir pu voir partir notre bonne fregatte l’Alliance.
Mr. Sayre, depuis quelque temps, est très-malade ici. Cela m’a empêché de lui parler de la Commission que V. E. m’a donnée pour lui dans une de ses Lettres.
Je suis toujours avec le plus respectueux attachement, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant servit
Dumas
Passy à S. E. Mr. Franklin
 Addressed: His Excellency / B. Franklin, Esqr., Min. Plenip. / of the United States / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas Decr. 15. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 15 December 1779
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles le 15. Xbre. 1779.
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Monsieur, avec la lettre de M. de la Villehelio Administrateur à Nantes, celle de la De. de St. Maurice, mére de la Delle. Des Bois enlevée de St. Méen par le Sieur Lock, avec le quel elle se disposoit a passer en Angleterre, sur la promesse que lui avoit faite ce Prisonnier de l’Epouser. Vous verrez, Monsieur, que M. De la Villehélio, d’après les Informations que je lui avois recommadé de prendre sur le Sieur Lock, le soupsonne d’être deja marié en Amerique, et je crois qu’il seroit dangereux de rendre la liberté au Sieur Lock avant d’être informé plus positivement des faits qui doivent diriger la famille de la Delle. des Bois.
Je vous prie, Monsieur de vouloir bien me renvoyer ces deux Lettres, lorsque vous en aurez pris communication.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la Consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Sartine.
Mr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Willson et al., 15 December 1779
From: Willson, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble: Sir
Granville Prisson Decr. 15th— 1779
I most humbly Make bold to Accquaint your honour that I was taken by the English regular troops at the retreat of Ticonderogae being then in Major Stephen’s train of Artillery under the Commd: of Genrall Patterson— and being then sent down to Quebeck and from thence to England as A Prissoner & after some time made my Esscape where having no means of Subsitence or means to gett home was Oblidged to Ship in an English Merchantman Bound for the West Indies and then was taken soon after we Came out by the Monsieur Privateer of Granville on which I entered on Board and continued in her till her Cruize was out: during which time we took Six Prises and then Came in to Granville where I was promissed my Liberty to gett home to my Wife & Familly living in Falmouth Casco Bay when to my Surprize instead of getting my Liberty was Committed to Prisson with seven more of us where we can neither gett our Liberty or Prize mony, but intends to keep us Confined till the Same Privateer is ready to go out on another Cruise and then to Clap us Aboard against our Inclinatition without any resstitutition and being entire Strangers here having no one to stand our Friends we most humbly Apply to your Honour for redress and we shall as in Dutty bound for ever Pray
John Willson AND FELLOW Prissoners
 Addressed: To / His Excellency Doctor Frankland / Minister of State & Plenipotenciary / for the United States of America / Residing at / The Court of / France / [in another hand:] pour M. Le Docteur francklin / à Paris
Notation: Prisoners in Granville Prison Decr. 15. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Beccaria: résumé, 16 December 1779
From: Beccaria, Giambatista
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Turin, December 16, 1779, in Italian: Mr. Chantel gave me your very gracious letter and told me about the audience— most gratifying to me—with which you honored him. I am sorry that for the present time I do not have the energy I could wish to thank you properly in writing. To make up for it, I shall try to correspond in my usual vein of respectful esteem for your immortal discoveries.
I saw in the Journal of the Abbé Rozier your truly global thoughts on the phenomenon of the aurora borealis. I have at hand an old paper of mine, precisely on that subject. The fact that I observed directly an electrical aurora borealis may perhaps give it some merit. Meanwhile, you can imagine with how much pleasure I would benefit from some of the afterthoughts you promised me.
In order to comply with your gracious urgings, I am sending you herewith a list of the papers that I have published and that you may not have seen, and some of the many articles that I have readied for the press. If it pleases the Lord that I should regain my health, I shall indulge my inclination to experiment and to observe, and respond to the stimulus that your words have given me, implying that my recovery might be of some advantage to science. I shall never stop being, with utmost gratitude, and most respectfully, your most humble, most devoted servant Giambatista Beccaria de S P.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Mazzei, [16?] December 1779
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Nantes Decemb. [16?] 1779.
In January last the Governor & council of Virginia appointed me their Agent cheifly to transact in Europe some business as directed by the General Assembly & ordered me in their written Instructions to communicate the whole matter to you desiring the favour of your advice & assistance as in the space of 4 months we could not find Bills to buy, nor Tobacco to ship on freight, to avoid a longer delay I undertook to find resources in my native country for my Expences untill they would make remittances & they furnished me with Mr. Penet’s Letter of credit for 300 Louis on messrs. Penet D’acosta fréres & Co. Armateurs à Nantes to enable me to equip myself & proceed on my Journey as far as there. I was taken off the capes, & carried to new york: from Long Island after a series of the most favourable accidents I happened to go to Ireland, where I lived concealed, untill an opportunity offered to come here, where I arrived in a bad State of health, after an illness of 2 months & half & a constant uneesiness of the mind during 5 months having not only Spent all the cash I had with me, but likewise parted with my private Bills of Exchange & almost everything valuable I had about me, & contracted a debt with a noble fellow in Cork to whom I am greatly indebted for my present security. In this deplorable situation M. D’acosta, after counting me 53 Louis & 18 Livres has made on the large sums due to his house by the americans has Shewed me a letter from the Partners in Paris declaring against any further advances before they receive some remittances from America, & refuse to pay me a Liver more untill m. Penet arrives himself, notwisthtanding the letter of credit is payable to me, against whom they can have no claim. After I got the best information I could relative to the Inhabitants of this Place I have thought proper to confide my case to Mr. Williams to whom I have Showed the Certificates of the Governor & Treasurer of Virginia of 36000. Dollars I have in the funds of that State on which I would be glad to barrow at least 200 Louis which Sum I would engage to replace withhin 2 months after my arrival in Tuscany. I shall not apoligize for the liberty of asking your advice & assistance in this as I am ordered to do in other matters. Having not as yet notified my arrival to the Grand Ducke I wish it may be kept as secret as possible. In Expectation of the honour of your commands I am most respectfully Your Excellency Your most obedient & most humble servant
Philip Mazzei
Docter Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Coder, 17 December 1779
From: Coder, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

paris hotel dangleterre rue de seine ce17e dbre 1779
  Notte pour Monsieur Le docteur francklin.

Mr. Dubourg quatre mois avant l’arrivée de Mr. Dean en france a fait sortir son neveu du College des Grassins, où il payoit sa pension, pour luy servir de secretaire et ne pas confier à des étrangers les écritures qu’il avoit a faire relativement aux affaires de votre Pays. Ce jeune homme en a été occupé constamment pendant 2 ans et s’est toujours conduit avec zèle intelligence et discrétion. Il se trouve par la mort de son oncle sans ressource et sans état, je l’ay retiré chez moy, les creanciers ayants fait mettre le scellé partout sans espoir quil reste à ce jeune homme, héritier de Mr. Dubourg, une obole, les dettes de son oncle payées. Il est mort pénétré de douleur de la triste scituation dans laquelle il a laissé son neveu qui auroit à présent finy ses études, et un état, sil ne lavoit pas occupé à d’autres objets. Jay promis au défunt de ne pas abandonner son neveu, et je suis décidé à l’emmener avec moy sous peu de jours dans ma chaumiere et de luy faire partager ma mauvaise fortune. Si vous ne voyés pas la possibilité de faire accorder à ce jeune homme par le Congrès en Considération de la mémoire de son oncle qui ne s’est ruiné, et ne proposoit à tout le monde de commercer avec vos nouveaux états que dans la vüe de vous procurer les moyens de résister a vos ennemis; en Considération du tendre sincere et inviolable attachement que cet honnete homme avoit pour vous, en considération du zele et de la fidelité avec lequel son neveu s’est livré a vous servir pendant deux ans sans s’occuper d’autre chose; Enfin, Monsieur, en considération des services que je me suis toujours empressé de vous rendre sans aucune vüe dintéret. Si vous ne voyés pas dis je la possibilité de faire accorder à Mr. Lair de la Motte Neveu de Mr. Dubourg par le Congrès les moyens de Continuer ses cours de medecine et de l’ayder jusqu’a ce quil aye un Etat avec lequel il se tirera d’affaires comme il pourra.
J’auray l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous voir avant de vous présenter le Neveu de Votre amy Mr. Dubourg qui est incapable d’accepter aucun Secours dont il auroit à rougir./:
Coderc
 Notation: Coder 17 Decr. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 17 December 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Putney 17th. Decr.
  4th. by prive Hand & 11th. Post
  14th Novr 1779
Dr. Sir

I am afraid the Commn for the purchase of the Books &ca. will take me so much time as to make you suppose I neglect it, but they are old & by so many authors that I find it difficult to collect them. They shall be forwarded as soon as possible— The Accot agt. Capn. Gustavs —— was forwarded the 11th Int.
I mentioned to T——e what you requested— He got the letter safe which you forwarded from His wife. He speaks in the most exalted terms of respect for you & indeed he has ever done so in our frequent interviews— His not writing to you or any person on the continent, is meerly from prudential reasons here, & for his personal safety. This will be fully cleard up to you in a little time when he expects to see you on his way out— I have every reason to believe He is perfectly right in his politics.
A vessel is arrivd in a remote port of the west from Boston— She saild the 12th. Novr. with 90 British Prisoners sent home in her as a Cartel to produce the exchange of a like number here— She belongs to New England & what will be given in ansr. to the propositions by her is yet not known as it is only by this days post that accots are brought of such a vessel— The Crew passengers & Capn. of a Packet taken & carryd into Boston are among the number, & it strikes me as not unlikely instead of a cartel she may be only a vessel purchasd to bring home a set of men permitted to come away— It is very clear that a passenger arrivd in London & wch came in Her, says that there was not a word of news to the No Ward about Destaign the 12 Novr. No Ships of his at Boston & not a word of a storm having ruind his Fleet— Report sayd that the small aid of ships He gave Lincoln to the southward, enabled Him to oblige Prevost to Capitulate— Rhode Island was certainly evacuated & taken possession of By Gates with an army of 1500 Men—most of the heavy Cannon was left behind & many stores, & the British did not destroy things as heretofore but left Houses & other property tolerably decently. There is also a frigate announcd to be just arrivd from Jama. The news by Her is not yet out but it is said she is come with some accots of DEstaign— I write you in great haste in order to save the post I am yr. very obt
Robt Sinclair


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

Honoured & dear Sir,
at the Hague 17th. Dec. 1779
After having received & taken for myself copies of the inclosed Letters, which were sent me under a cachet volant, I have no more time left than is necessary for closing & sending this away.
This only I must add, that I can’t help thinking the Commodore as perfectly in the right, as others in the wrong by certain arrangements which, between ourselves, I cannot like, & still less the last proposal, which appears to me an Insult offered not only to the Commodore but also to the U.S.
I am with great respect, Honoured & dear Sir your most humble & obedient servant
Dumas
His Exc. B. Franklin.
At the request of Capt. Jones I join a Copy of his Certificate &c in behalf of Mr. Jackson an English Pilot.
 Notation: Dumas. inclosing Capt. Jones’s Certificate—Decr. 11. 1779


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Daniel Schweighauser, 20 December 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir
Passy Dec. 20. 1779.
I received duly your favour of Nov. 11. inclosing Capt. Samson’s Receipt for the Packets & Bills of Lading. This with your subsequent of Nov. 27. containing your accounts are now before me.
I approve of your Charitable Care of the sick man Edward Slade and the poor Girl. Please to inform me if you know, how they came in to Europe. Is the Girl incapable of doing any thing to gain a Living.
In the first of your Accounts, the Mercury Packet’s Disbursements there is a Charge of a Month’s Wages to the Captain and all the Crew. As they probably had agreed for Paper Dollars, which when they left America might perhaps not be worth more than a tenth Part of Silver Dollars their demanding and receiving 5. french Livres for a Dollar, when their Pay was nominally So high as 100. 75. and 50. Dollars per month Seems to me extravagant, and an Imposition upon the Publick, I wish therefore to know whether you had any Particular Directions from the Navy Board to pay it. And as the whole of these Ship Affairs and Expences is out of my sphere, and you have an Account open with the Navy Board, I think it better that you should Settle this whole Account of Disbursements with them, and Leave it out of my Account intirely.—
Your second Account, Disbursements for the American Sailors exchanged, & escaped, &c. I approve of and agree to pay
£ [l.t.] 3531. 0. 0.

The third Account, money advanced to several American Officers &c. I also approve and agree to pay.
  4605.16. 6.
The fourth, Money disbursed for several Americans still remaining at Nantes for want of a favourable Occasion of returning &c. I also agree to pay, but request to be inform’d why they did not return in the Mercury—
  1001. 3. 0.
The fifth, Disbursements made for the Prisoners at Nantes and Ancenis, &c. I approve and agreeto pay—
  3760.12.10.
The sixth being the Invoice of Goods shipt by the Mercury to the Navy Board, ought not to be charg’d to me, having in my Letter to you of Sept. 12 previously and Expressly declin’d engaging for such Payment, and advertis’d you that whatever you advanc’d in that way to the Board must be upon their Credit.— This Account must therefore be settled with them.
There still remains with me an Objection to the Tobacco Accounts, Which I mention for your Explication. It is, the Valuation of the tobacco on which you charge your Commission, viz at 90 & 100 per Ct.
When it was in fact delivered at about 40 per Cent, by our Agreement with the farmers General. If this Objection arises from my Ignorance of the Custom of Merchants in such cases, I hope you will excuse it. And after deducting from your Acct. what relates as above to the Mercury and her Cargo, please to draw on me for the Ballance at 10 Days sight, and your Bills shall be duly honoured.—
I should be glad to know whether you have received any Accounts of the Number of our Prisoners in Spain and what Account you have of those remaining in france, be pleased also to acquaint me with the Name of your Agent at Morlaix, where the next Cartel is intended. With much Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir &c.
BF.
M. Schweighauser.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 21 December 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir
Passy Dec. 21. 1779.
I return herewith the Letters of Mr. de la Villehelis and de la Dame de st. Maurice which your Excellency did me the honour of communicating to me the 15th. Instant. I begin to have a bad Opinion of this Mr. Lock he has written me a Letter, in which he pretends to be an American, but it is so written as to make me suspect the Contrary. I knew nothing of the Damsel Des Bois but from the Letter of Mr. de Beaugeard, which I laid before your Excellency. This, with the personal sollicitations of the Damsel, who had the appearence of an innocent good Girl, induced me to give your Excellency the Trouble of an Application in her favour, which I beg you to excuse with the greatest Respect. I am Your Excellency’s &c.
M. de Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 21 December 1779
From: Coffyn, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond Sir.
Dunkerque 21. Decr. 1779.
I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 6 inst, whereunto please to be referred. Agreable to my promise, I here inclose the two Bonds respecting the privateers Black Prince Capn. Patrick Dowlin and the Black Princess Capn. Edwd Maccatter, Sign’d by Mr. Riviere l’ainé, of Gravelinnes, and Messr. John Francis and Charles Torris of this place, owners of said privateers, and likewise two authentic Copys of the oath of alegiance to the united States, which I got administer’d to the Commanders, officers and crews of said privateers, before the Judge of the Admiralty Court of this place, of which I request your Excellency will occasionnally acknowledge the receipt. The said privateers Sail’d this morning, and as I am informed that there is a fleet of about 150 Sail of merchant ships ready to sail from the Downs under convoy of two Kings Cutters, if the privateers fall in with this Fleet, they will not remain inactif, for I never saw a Sett of more resolute fellows then those which compose their Crews.
I have the honour to remain with profound respect Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant
Frans. Coffyn
His Excellency Dr. B. Franklin at Passi.
 Notation: F Coffyn. Dec 21. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 21 December 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lahaie 21e. Dec. 1779
J’espere que vous aurez bien reçu mes dernieres tant d’Amst. que d’ici, sous couvert de Mr. Grand, comme celle-ci. Celle de vendredi passé renfermoit deux Lettres de Mr. Jones, l’une addressée à vous-même, l’autre, copie de ce qu’il a écrit sur le même sujet à Mr. l’Ambr. de F ——. Voici d’autres Copies d’une suite de 4 Lettres, qui vous mettront au fait de ce qui s’est passé depuis.— J’ajoute deux Gazettes de Leide, où vous trouverez la Résolution de L. H. P. du 19 Nov., qui n’est autre que celle des Etats d’Hollde. du 17, prise par une petite pluralité influée, & suivie, dans l’Imprimé authentique, des fortes annotations ou protestations des 6 villes; lesquelles sont jointes ici traduites.— Par la Résolution du 26, vous verrez qu’un grand personnage a pris sur soi d’appliquer à L’Alliance seule, ce qui avoit été résolu quant à toute l’Escadre, & notamment quant aux prises; que les E. G. l’ont approuvé; & qu’ainsi l’on a cru pouvoir se dispenser de consulter la Prov. d’Hollde. sur ce nouveau cas. On n’est pas content, comme vous pouvez penser, de ce procédé arbitraire; & l’Assemblée d’Hollde. sera orageuse cette semaine, non quant aux secours demandés de nouveau par S. J. Y., qui seront certainement refusés, mais parce qu’il y aura de nouveaux protests, pour prévenir qu’à l’avenir on ne prenne à la pluralité, des Résolutions qui, par leurs suites, pouvant attirer des dangers à la république, tombent dans le cas de l’unanimité.— Les autres, de leur côté, paroissent sentir qu’ils sont allés trop loin, comme vous le verrez par la Lettre du Vice-Amiral, qui certainement ne l’a point écrite sans ordre.— Mr. Jones, selon moi, y a répondu comme il devoit: je le lui ai écrit, parce qu’il m’en demandoit mon sentiment. Et, dussai-je encourir la disgrace de tout autre, je vous dirai à vous, Monsieur, qu’en conscience je crois qu’il a fait son devoir; qu’il ne pouvoit faire autrement sans manquer aux Etats-Unis, Alliés d’un grand Roi, & à soi-même; que mon opinion, conforme à la sienne, est, que bien équipé, lesté et monté comme il est, il naviguera plus heureusement, à tous égards, seul que de conserve (opinion dont le papier ne souffre pas les raisons détaillées); que de faire ce que le V —— A——l lui propose dans sa Lettre, seroit donner gain de cause aux Anglomanes, & ôter à l’Amérique tout moyen de se plaindre tôt ou tard des derniers procédés; Enfin, que tous les bons républicains ici seroient mortifiés de voir l’Alliance sortir sous tout autre pavillon que celui sous lequel il est entré, à moins que vous-même, Monsieur, jugeant que le Navire risqueroit moins, ne donnassiez, pour sa conservation, des ordres contraires.
Mr. Jones a bien fait de ne pas aller chez le Vice Amiral dernierement: car cela a obligé celui-ci d’écrire, & ce qui est écrit ne peut se désavouer. Le Vice A——l s’étoit permis, dans ses conversations & dans ses messages de bouche, des expressions peu mesurees, que surement il ne voudroit pas avoir écrites, comme de couler bas le vaisseau; de venir se mettre côte à côte; que les Américains ne sont pas une nation, etc.
Pour avoir au moins un Exemple authentique de ses procédés, lorsqu’il nous fit dire le 28 Nov. que le vent étoit bon qu’il falloit partir, ou qu’il viendroit user de force, après avoir répondu dans la Cabine ce qu’il falloit, je suivis l’Officier, déjà descendu dans sa Chaloupe, & là, devant ses rameurs, & devant tout l’Equipage de l’Alliance, je lui fis dire à voix haute par le Pilote Hollandois, qu’on exigeoit l’impossible. Je fis signer dans la suite la même chose à ce Pilote, comme vous verrez par le papier ci-joint. Depuis ce jour, jusqu’au 8 au matin, où le vent paroissoit devenir bon, où nous nous préparames effectivement à sortir, jusqu’à-ce que le vent tombant nous obligea de remettre à l’ancre, il nous épargna ses messages.

Voilà, Monsieur, à quoi en sont les choses. Il m’est impossible d’entrer dans le détail minucieux de toutes mes démarches depuis le 22 Sept. jusqu’au 17 Decembre courant. Tout cet intervalle a été une suite continuelle de voyages, séjours, retours, entre La Haie, Amsterdam & le Texel. Mes deux dernieres courses, & long sejour à la rade, ont été exigés, comme absolument nécessaires, par Mr. l’Ambassadeur de France, tant de bouche que par Lettres signées.
Il ne me reste que de vous assurer, ce dont je suis sûr d’ailleurs que vous êtes convaincu, que je suis inalterablement, & pour la vie, attaché aux Etats unis & à Vous, & avec un très grand respect, Monsieur De votre Excellence le très-humble et très obéissant serviteur
Dumas

J’ai facilité de tout mon pouvoir à Mrs. De Neufville & fils les moyens de vérifier, & constater par des quittances de la part des Capitaines, leurs envois & fourniture. Mr. De Neufville m’a dit avoir Lettre de Mr. Le Ray de Chaumont, où il exige ma présence & signature à la cloture de ces comptes. En ce cas, il me faudra s’il vous plait, des ordres directs, non seulement de Mr. De Chaumont, mais aussi les vôtres conjointement, afin de savoir clairement & précisément ce que j’aurai à faire. A défaut de cela, je n’excéderai pas la note du 2e. 7bre. dans mes démarches. J’en ai remis une Copie signée à Mrs. De Neufville; & je crois n’être autorisé à rien de plus.
J’ai toujours oublié de vous dire, Monsieur, que le Capne. Cunningham est à bord de l’Alliance comme passager.
La derniere fonction que j’ai faite à la Rade, a été d’aller à la Pallas rendre au Cap. Pearson son Epée de la part de Mr. Jones. On a depuis permis à cet Officier, de venir ici sur sa parole.
Je n’ai pu sortir hier ni aujourdhui à cause des douleurs rhumatiques qui m’empechent de marcher. J’espere de le faire demain pour savoir de notre Ami ce qui se passe.
Passy à S. E. M. B. Franklin

 Notation: Dumas. Decr. 21. 1779