Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 25 July 1779
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored & dear Sir
L’Orient July 25th. 1779.
I have had the pleasure to receive your esteemed Letters down to the 19th. and you may be sure that I will pay due Attention to your Orders.— It gives me pleasure to find my Authority enlarged because it will enable me to attempt whatever enterprise may present itself and afford a prospect of Success.— And because I shall endeavour to make my Cruise a busy one rather than a long One.— Before I depart I will send you a Cypher for a private Correspondence, and in the meantime I would wish it may be convenient that your further Orders may be at the Port of my destination before the Middle of September.
I beg you to read the inclosed.— I expect the Answer will find me ready in the Road of Groa. I am ever Dear Sir Your Obliged and Affectionate Friend & Servant,
Jno P Jones
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notations: Capt. Jones. July 25. 79 / Capt. Landais


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Marchant, 25 July 1779
From: Marchant, Stephen
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sr.
On board the black prince Morlaix RoadJuly 25th. 1779
I recd. yr Excellencies Letter of the 10th Inst. which has gave me Infinite Satisfaction to find yr Excellency Approves of my Conduct in my last Cruize, I hope I shall Continue in yr Esteem as I mean never to Derogate from the honour of an American Subject having Greaved the Cutter and got every thing Necessary for Sailing I set out from Morlaix Road thursday 15th Inst. and sailed to the Westward. And on Friday the 16th. Sunk 2 Sloops and One brig they not being worth bringing in. I not having Men that cou’d be depended upon being obliged before I left Morlaix for Want of Men to take 12 of my former prisoners on board my Cutter at their own Request they being good Seamen. Ransomed a Small Sloop kept a few Prisoners the Rest I sent in sd. sloop they signing a Duplicate to be Answerable for as many American Prisoners in Great Britain when a Cartel shou’d happen to pass between England and the United States and on Saturday 17th Inst Course N.N.E Wind S.E Distance from Tapstow [Padstow?] 2 Leagues Sunk one Sloop Ransomed another on Sunday the 18th Inst At M. Course N.b.E Wind S.E Lundy Isle Distance 4 Leagues Sunk two Sloops Ransomed one brig set the following Men at Liberty they Signing a Duplicate as Aforesd. Viz Henry Rowe Master Brig Lucy Samuel Pickesgill Mate both from St Ives. Robert Cowling St Jearth [Portreath?] John Lewis Swansey, George Landin Owner Sloop John Kinsale Ireland, John Wellis Capt. Cornelius Fowler Mate, Henry Eastway Capt Sloop Rebecca William Gross his Boy John Trick Capt Brig Union Boscastle William Becken his Mate. Sunk one Sloop and one brig more and on Monday 19th Inst at 6 in the Morning Course S.S.E Wind S.W Lundy Isle bore S.E Distance 3 Leagues took the St Joseph Brig being a Prize taken by the Emperor Letter of Mart of Bristol examining her papers found her to be an Irish property Goods likewise Consigned to Irish Merchants took the English Prize Master and two Men out of her, and Sent her into France together with the Spanish Capt who was rejoyced to Escape an English Prison, At 4 past M. Course N.b.W, Wind S.W. Milford bore N.b.W. Distance 5 Leagues took a brig the Dublin Trader laden with Sugar Oil Copper and Tin and Bale Goods sent her to France Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday Variable Winds Cruizing in the Bristol Channell On Friday July 23d. Course S.S.W Wind Westerdly at Meridian brought an Armed Brig to she Informed me she was an American Prize taken by a Bristol privateer blew hard cou’d send no Boat out to Board her but made her keep the same Course, believes her to be the New York Packett was taken from me to my Grief by an English Frigate, which Obliged to Croud what sail the wind wou’d permit me to do to get Clear of the Frigate— At 4 past M, Saw a Large fleet of Liverpool Merchant Ships under Convoy to the Windward. I thought to pick up some of them but cou’d not they keeping Close to their Convoy Regrets the Loss of not having a Frigate in my Company as I am Sure we wd take the whole fleet which was I am Informed Very Valuable Saturday July 24th Course S. Wind N.N.W modeate Gales AM Saw an English Frigate under my lee distance 2 Leagues hauled the Wind to get Clear made the Coast of France at 6 past M, Distance 4 Leagues saw my Prize the Dublin under my lee bearing down on her(?) Night came on so I lay to all Night on Sunday 25th Inst. Course S.S.E Wind W.N.W, at 4 before M. Saw my prize the Dublin under my lee bore from us East Distance one League & a half at 10 before M My Prize and we Came to Anchor thanks providence in Morlaix Road in 3 ½ fathom Water, she is I believe a Valuable prize the following Prisoners I have brought in Viz— Richd Lewis from Emperor Letter of Mart of Bristol on board the st Joseph Bartholomew Downey Mariner Do— Thomas Dedford do—Morgan Griffiths Capt Dublin Trader John MaCrackin passenger in Do. Arthur Millin Do. Willm. Owen Mariner Do. Joseph Minehead Do. Hugh Williams Do. John Hynes do. Richard Davis Do.
I hope yr Excellency knowing my Distress not having sufficient Men to trust to will Excuse me in not bringing more prisoners than the above. I have done the Enemy as much Damage as was possible for me to Do and hopes soon to do more be pleased to give my kind Respects to yr. Nephew and all the American Gentlemen of yr Excellency’s Acquantance, I Remn. with all Duty to yr Excellency yr most Obedient Hble Sert
Stephen Marchant

Endorsed: Sail’d from Morlaix Thursday July 15 1779—

Friday 16.
Sunk

Ransomed

Sent to France

2 Sloops

  1 Sloop

1 Brig

Saturday 17.
1 Sloop

  1 Sloop

Sunday 18.
2 Sloops

  1 Brig

1 Brig St Joseph

Monday 19.

1 Brig. Dublin Trader

Friday 23—

{
Took an armed Brigretaken by a Frigate
  }

Total Sunk 6

  Ransomed 3

2 sent in

Addressed: To / his Excellency Benjamin Franklin / Minister of the United States of North / America at the Court of France / at Passy / near / Paris—
Notation: Capt. Merchant July 25. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 25 July 1779
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Sunday Morning July 25th. [1779]
I send your Excellency the within Letter, and parts of the Leidger, which may, perhaps, contain some News, That you have not received. The Letter is from a Gentleman of good Connexions & Information in London, and Therefore I would ask the Favor of its not being shewn.
I am with great Regard your Exellency’s most affectionate & obt. Servant
Saml. Wharton

Addressed: A’ Son Excellence / Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / &c &c &c / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph-Mathias Gérard de Rayneval, 26 July 1779
From: Gérard de Rayneval, Joseph-Mathias
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles Le 26 juillet 1779
Vous avez écrit à M. le Cte de Vergennes, Monsieur, au sujet d’une lettre que vous avez reçüe le 20. de ce mois, et qui est relative au navire de Dublin les trois amis. Vous mobligerez beaucoup si vous voulez bien me renvoyer cette lettre avec l’enveloppe: j’ai lieu de la croire de M. le Cte. de Vergennes, et c’est par inadvertence qu’elle a eté expédiée sans être signée: elle finit par ces mots dommages et intérêts.

J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un parfait attachement, Monsieur, votre très-humble et très obeisst. serviteur
Gerard DE Rayneval
M franklin

Notation: Gerard de Raimond 26. juillet 1779.


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

Honored and dear Sir,
L’Orient July 26th. 1779.
Since I wrote to you last night I have received advice that the Jamaica Fleet will sail homewards escorted by a Fifty Gun Ship and two Strong Frigates.— Should we fall in with that Force we will certainly Engage and I hope Overcome it; but in all probability our Ships will be so much cut to pieces in the Action that we shall be unable to prevent the Escape of the Convoy.— As it was proposed, when I was last at Paris, to put the Frigate the Monsieur under my Command, and as that Ship is now newly Careened and ready to Sail, If it could be convenient to add that force to my present Command, it would give us a Superiority over the Enemies Convoy, and might perhaps enable us to Take and Destroy their Jamaica Fleet— Or if we failed in that we might turn our Arms against other Objects which might I hope do them equal mischief.— If this reaches you before the Departure of the Express, I submit the Idea to your Superiour Wisdom. I thought it my Duty to mention it, and am with sincere and Grateful Affection Dear Sir Your Obliged Friend and very humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency Doctor Franklin

Notation: Capt. Jones July 26. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from J. Rocquette, T.A. Elsevier & P.Th. Rocquette, 26 July 1779
From: Rocquette, Jacques, Elsevier, T. A., & Rocquette, Pieter Th.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
Rotterdam 26 July 1779.
We begg the liberty to referr our selfs to the contents of our last respects to you of the 24 of past month, and have now the honour to inclose you a parcell which we just now recd. from St. Eustatia for your Exceelÿ. we desire you to accuse us the receit of it; we make free to join to it a Letter for Mr. Arthur Lee, which, praÿ have handed to him.
We have the honour to be with the most deep respect Sir! your verÿ húmble servants
J. Rocqúette T.A. Elsevier, & Brothers Rocqúette
His Excelly. Benj: Franklin, Minister Plenipotentiary from the united States of North America at the Court of Versailles at Passÿ

Endorsed: Holland


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 27 July 1779
From: Austin, Jonathan Loring
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston July 27th. 1779
I flatter’d myself I should have the pleasure by this Opportunity, of confirming & sending your Excellency a particular Account of the Repulse, said to have been given the British Troops at South Carolina in May last, which for some Weeks was reported & fully credited here, & led me to mention it with so much Assurance in the enclosed Letter—
I now beg Leave to introduce to your Excellency Mr William Knox of this Town, Brother to Brigadier General Knox an Officer of Merit in our Army, who proposes in his way to Holland to do himself the Honor of paying his Respects to you at Passy; & to refer your Excellency to this Gentleman for a particular Account of our Situation at the Southward, & all other Occurrences—
I have the Honor to be with Respect Your Excellencys most Obedient & very humble Servant
Jon Loring Austin
His Excellency Doctor Franklin

Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Dr Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiare de l’Amerique / a la Cour de France / a Passy / pres Paris / per mr Knox
Notation: J L. Austin July 27. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 27 July 1779
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Brother
warwick 27—July 1779
I have after a long year recved yr kind leter of nov 26—1778 wherin you like yr self do all for me that the most Affectionat Brother can be desiered or Expected to do, & tho I feel my self full of gratitude for yr Generousity, the conclution of yr leter Affectes me more; where you say you wish we may spend our last days togather. O my Dear Brother if this could be Accomplished it would give me more Joy than any thing on this side Heaven could posably do; I feel the want of suitable conversation I have but litle hear, I think I could Asume more freedom with you now & convence you of my affection for you I have had time to Reflect & see my Error in that Respect, I Suffered my Defidence & the Awe of yr Superiority to prevent the femiliarity I might have taken with you & ought, & yr kindnes to me might have convenced me would be acceptable; but it is hard overcomeing a natural propensity, & Difedence is mine—
I was in a few months after I wrote you the leter to which yrs is the ansure Relived of my Distres as I have since Informed you, that if any of my leters to you must be lost I wishd it might be that as I knew it must give you pain, but as you have recd that I am not out of hope the rest or at least some of them have since come to yr hand tho those I have wrote by perticular persons who have desiered to be Introdused to yr Notice I have wrot in a hurry & comonly Just after a long won containing all the perticulars I wishd. to Inform you of, that it is likely the most Insignificant have reached you & the others are lost.
I recd a Leter from mr Beach Latly he says they have had no leter from you or there son above a year the Last from Temple & that was dated in November his was June 22d they were all well then Jonathan Williams Expected but not Arived.
It is a very hapy circumstance that you Injoy yr helth so perfectly it is a Blesing vouchsaifed to me also Exept some trifeling Interuption & that but sildom which I a good deal atribute to my observation of yr former Admonitions respecting fresh Air & diet for whatever you may think, Every hint of yrs apeared of two much consequence to me to be neglected or forgoten as I all ways knew Everything you said had a meaning.
The few friends I have hear flock about me when I recve a leter & are much disopointed that they contain no Politicks, I tell them you Dare not trust a woman Politicks, & prehaps that is the truth but if there is any thing we could not posable misconstru or do mischief by knowing from you, it will Gratife us mightly if you add a litle to yr future kind leters.
Mr Collas met a man in the street & sent my leter I have had no line from or His wife so do not know his Inclination concerning the crown soap but shall as soon as posable make some to send to you but fear whether that can be till the new wax comes in for I have tryd shops & aquaintance hear & can not procure any, the country people put it in to there sumer candles, I have desiered cousen Williams to try to pick up a litle in the shops there, & shall try at provedence, I am sorry to be deprived of the pleasure of gratifieng you, but my power was allways small tho my will is good. Yr Friends Greene are well & He gives satisfaction in His Office, they have boath writen to you since the date of yrs to me. They are happy to hear of your helth & suckses, My Grandson & Daughter send there Duty to you— They are a happy cople have won child calld. Sally, he is a sensable & very Industrous man & she a very good wife, boath treet me very kindly, & I beleve I am as happy as it is common for a human being, what is otherways may proceed from my own Impatience.
That God may Grant what you hope for in the conclution of yr leter is the prayer of yr affectionat sister—
Jane mecom

Addressed: For Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rudolph Erich Raspe, 27 July 1779
From: Raspe, Rudolph Erich
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir,
London. July. 27. 1779.
At my return from a four months Tour through the best parts of the Kingdom I have had the honour of receiving yesterday Your Excellency’s favour of May 4th. Your Excellency’s favoured disposition towards Baron Waiz, whose worthy Grandfather You have been pleased to remember on my account, and Your good opinion of some of my publications have convinced me, that absence, time and greater objects have not cancelled me from Your generous mind, and that some day or other You might exert Your Kindness and Your influence on my behalf, who have no reason to think myself either easy or happy in this Kingdom, whence low ambition and the pride of Kings seem to have driven useless Virtue and that prosperous support of usefull learning, which ever have caracterized and adorned nations emerging from Slavery. I am so little engaged here, that I could wish to indulge and to try any better prospect abroad; and that I desire Your interest, protection and commands in whatever may procure me that advantage and the satisfaction of proving by the most zealous services and attachment that, tried by adversity and improved by experience and years in Knowledge and conduct, I am with the highest and most dutyfull respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant
R E. Raspe.
At Mr. Lockyer Davis’s Bookseller Holbourn.
Addressed: His Excellency / D. Benj. Franklin / Passy / near Paris.
Notation: Holbourn July 27. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont, 28 July 1779
From: Chaumont
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Passi ce 28. Juillet 1779.
M. de Chaumont a L’honneur de prevenir S. Ex. Monsieur le Docteur franklin qu’il sera peutestre Necessaire de Retarder Le Depart du Vaisseau le Bonhomme Richard Capitaine Jones afin de luy former un meilleur Equipage, et en Ce Cas M. de Sartines desire que M. franklin veuille Bien donner Ses ordres au Sr. Landais Commandant la fregatte americaine L’alliance, de partir incessament de L’orient pour Croiser Jusqu’a la fin de 7bre. dans le Nord de L’ecosse.
Leray DE Chaumont.

Notation: Le Ray de Chaumont 28 July 79.—


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

Dear Sir,
Passy July 28. 1779.
I have just received yours of the 25th. I was Yesterday with M. De Sartine at Versailles who appear’d uneasy at some Accts. he had received of a mutinous Disposition in your Crew. He desired me to acquaint M. De Chaumont that he wished to see him that Evening. This Morning M. De Chaumont sent me a Note, of which I enclose a Copy: I understand he goes down with a View to provide you a better set of Hands. You must have heard that 119 American Prisoners are arrived in a Cartel at Nantes: Perhaps out of them you may pick some very good Seamen. But if this Affair should be likely to take Time, the Alliance will have my Orders to make a Cruise alone, agreable to the Ministers Desire. But I hope the Reports of your Crew are not founded, & that your joint Cruise will still take Place, and be successful.
I have the honour to be, with sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble Capt. Jones.

Endorsed: From Doctr: Franklin inclosing One from M. de Chaumont—July 28. 1779. No. 11.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Pierre Landais, 28 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Landais, Pierre

Sir
Passy, July 28. 1779.
In case the Circumstances of the Bonhomme Richard, should make a Delay of her Sailing necessary of which Mr. De Chaumont will inform you, I do hereby direct that you proceed to the North Seas by Such Route as you Shall judge most proper, and cruise there till the end of September in such Parts as are most convenient for intercepting the Northern Trade to England; after which you are to go in to the Texel, and there wait farther Orders. With great Esteem and great Confidence in your Abilities, zeal and activity, I have the honour to be. &c.
Capt. Landais.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Diot, 28 July 1779
From: Diot, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Morlaix the 28th. July 1779.
The Owners of the Black Prince privateer haveing intrusted me With the managment of all the business and transactions here, Concerning Said Vessell, I have the honnour to forward to your Excellency, a Journal of her proceedings at Sea, by which you’ll See, that Captn. Merchant, Mr. Luke Ryan, one of the owners on board, as well as all the Rest of the Crew, have behaved in this Cruize with as much Courage as Wisdom.
They Brought in here on Sunday last 25th. Instant their prize brig Call’d, the Dublin, Whereof Morgan Griffith was Master formerly, and Mr. Bennet Negus, Second Lieutenant of the Black Prince, was prize Master. She was bound from Bristol to Dublin and is Loaded with Sundry Sorts of Goods, whereof I Shall have the honnour to forward the particulars to your Excellency hereafter.
Captn. Marchant Sent ashoare on Monday last, 26th. Inst., Ten Men and Boys, going Security for Twelve Ransoms made at Sea, as particulars in the Journal, and they all Went this day to Carhaix under Guard of Three Marechaussés, untill the Ransoms they are bail for are payd.
We have Sent Expresses to Brest and all the harbours in the Neighbourhood, to Enquiere whether the Spanish Prize, El San Joseph Brig, which the Black Prince Retook at Sea Came Safe to port; but Our hearing no News of her, makes us beleive that She again fell in the hands of Our Ennemyes, as We shou’d Certainly have heard of her ’ere now.
There was Five English prisonners, which I got landed here and put in the Gaol of this Town, where they’ll be laying at the disposall of your Excellency, and in a few posts I Shall have the honnour to forward their Names to Your Excellency, along with other particulars.
The Black Prince has equally made some prisonners at Sea, which Thro’ want of Room on board, Were Released, on their paroles of honnour and Obligations under handwriting drawn by M. Ryan, which obligations Captn. Marchants took on himself to forward to Your Excellency, without Acquainting the Owners of the Vessell, the Commissary, or the Admiralty-Office of it, therefore, I must beg leave to Refferr Your Excellency to said Marchant’s Letter about ’em.
I Must allso beg leave to Request Your Excellency wou’d prompt the Condamnations of the prizes of the Black Prince, as the Sundry Sorts of Goods, their Cargoes are composed of, Suffer and decay beyond Expression by the long delay they are submitted to.
I Remain with Respect Sir Your most Obedient and most Humble servant
Jn Diot
To His Excellency B. Franklin Minister of the United States of North America at the Court of France Passy.

Notation: Diot. Aout 26. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas-Maurice Gellée, 28 July 1779
From: Gellée, Nicolas-Maurice
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The letter printed below, in which Franklin’s French secretary tenders his resignation, sounds cool and formal, but the circumstances surrounding the event must have been highly emotional and have remained somewhat shrouded in mystery. Why did the young man, who had entered the Commission’s service so highly recommended, feel he had to quit one year later?
In a letter sent to John Adams the following fall, Gellée gives a different version from the one he offers in the present letter: early in June, perceiving that since the dissolution of the Commission he was no longer “in the Confidence” and that Temple had taken the only interesting business upon himself, he asked Franklin to tell him “the true Motive of that Change.” Franklin supposedly answered that, indeed, the business was less considerable than in the past and offered no scope for Gellée’s talents. One secretary was now sufficient. Still, Franklin offered the young man a chance to stay at the Valentinois until he found another position “of greater Trust and Emolument.” But Gellée would have none of this and left Passy, he told Adams. The tone of this letter and its warnings about rumors in France concerning supposedly treasonous activities on the part of John and Samuel Adams suggest that Gellée was on close terms with Adams.
That the parting was stormy is confirmed by Decambray’s letter (after July 28, below) in which the applicant for Gellée’s post refers to his predecessor’s not having properly appreciated Franklin’s kindness and thus deserved his disgrace.
Only thirteen years later, in the course of the French Revolution, did Gellée reveal the depth of his anger: he announced his plan to publish a work directed against Franklin, whose secretary he claimed to have been for two years. His revelations about Vergennes’ dealings with America, he said, were sure to compromise the late Foreign Minister’s reputation. If it was ever composed, the work in question has left no trace.

Monsieur
A Paris Le 28 Juillet 1779
Le Porteur de cette Lettre vous remettra La Clef de l’Appartement que j’occupois chez vous. Les Reflexions que vous me fites d’apres la Lettre que j’eus l’honneur de vous ecrire il y a trois mois et L’etat d’Inaction ou je me suis trouvé depuis m’avoient decidé a Regret a quitter un Poste que Les Circonstances ont rendu inutile.
Je ne vous ennuierai pas du Detail des Moyens que plusieurs Personnes ont emploiés pour hater ma Résolution; J’ai méprisé des Propos qui n’avoient pas Le sens commun. Je prendrois La Liberté de vous faire mes excuses du scandale qu’un fripon de tailleur a causé chez vous, si je n’etois pas convaincu qu’en refusant de le paier alors, et en voulant que La Justice decidat Le Different, je ne faisois que profiter de L’appui que Les loix accordent a La Jeunesse contre la friponnerie. M. Adams s’est trouvé dans Le même Cas que moi.
M. Didelot fermier general qui vouloit bien se charger de moi dans l’absence de mon Pere, aura L’honneur de vous remettre, Monsieur, L’argent que vous avez preferé de lui Lacher plutot que de disputer. Comme Les fonctions de ma place etoient devenües presque nulles, je serois humilié d’en toucher Les Appointemens.
M. Didelot paiera quelques Miseres que je dois a Passy et fera retirer de ma chambre une Malle que j’y ai Laissée et qui contient partie de mes effets.
Quoique je parte cette nuit pour Berlin je n’aurois pas manqué d’aller vous remercier de toutes vos Bontés pour moi. Mais j’ai pensé que ma Presence pourroit vous deplaire avant qu’on eût Levé Les Doutes qu’on a voulu vous insinuer sur mon Compte.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec Respect, Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeïssant serviteur
N M Gellee

Notation: Gellée Paris 28. juillet 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 28 July 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear doctor
Au havre 28th july 1779
With the Greatest pleasure I hear that By a frigatte just arriv’d at Brest you may have Got some news from America—how far my heart is Concern’d in any thing that may happen to My American fellow Citizens, I need not telling to You— I therefore entreat you, My good friend, to let me know Any public or private, important or insignificant intelligence you have Receiv’d—suppose there was some thing secret in them you might deliver Your letter to Mde de lafayette who will forward it with safety— there are about charles town so various accounts that I am at a loss to fix any opinion on that part of the Continent— That Fort Lafayette is taken seems very certain— adieu my dear doctor, I write in a great hurry, and most affectionately I am Yours
Lafayette

There is nothing new at the havre and we are waiting for intelligences.

Addressed: A Son excellence / Monsieur le docteur franklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire des etats / unis de l’amerique en son hôtel / a passy près paris
Endorsed: Marquis de la Fayette
Notation: Lafayette au havre 28. juillet 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Decambray, [after 28 July 1779]
From: Decambray, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
[after July 28, 1779]
J’ignore quelle idée pourra vous faire Naitre une demande que le desire du travail excite: peut-être la jugerez vous inconsequente; mais vous etes trop juste pour ne pas pardonner un être honnête (Je puis hautement m’en Glorifier) victime des Malheurs que Son pere a Supporté.
Je Sais, Monsieur, que le Nommé Gellée Votre Ancien Secrétaire n’a pas Connu Le prix de Vos bontés, et a mérité Sa disgrace. Que ne Suis-je Assez heureux pour les mériter. Mes Occupations en qualité de Surnuméraire aux Bureaux de M. Bertin Ministre, m’étantes plustôt onéreuses qu’avantageuses; Je dois recourir à des moyens plus Sûrs pour m’assurer, au moins, par un travail éxacte, le Necéssaire animal.
Dans la Vingt-quatrieme année de mon âge, Sans doute, je Suis ami du travail, où ne puis le devenir. Mais assûré de L’être et des dispositions necéssaires pour remplir la place que je desire près de vous, Monsieur, Je ne me flatterois pas en vain de posseder La Langue Anglaise, que J’avoue ignorer entierement, si J’étois appuié par vos bontés, pendant le tems de quatre mois, assez Suffisant pour y parvenir, pendant lequel tems je ferois suppléer pour le travail attaché à votre Secrétariat, par Le Maître que je Garderois continuellement près de moi, et que je satisferois.
Ce ne seroit qu’après L’attestation de personnes dignes de foy, notamment de M. Réz de Chaumont, de qui, mon pere a L’honneur d’être Connu; dailleurs je n’eus pas été admis au Bureau de M. Bertin, sans avoir prouvé l’honnêteté de mes moeurs, de la probité et de la discrétion Necéssaire dans ces Lieux. L’honneur de Votre Réponse que je vous supplie M’accorder, sera, Jusqu’à Ce moment attendu avec tout Le Respect que doit à Monsieur Le Docteur franklin Ministre Plénipotentiaire, son très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
DecambrayAu Bureau de M Bertin Ministre à Paris,au département de M. Parent

D’après L’honneur de la Vôtre Monsieur, Jaurai Celui de me présenter, Si ma demande ne vous déplait.

Endorsed: De Cambray.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 29 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir,
Passy, July 29. 1779.
I received duly yours of the 24th. Instant with regard to the American Prisoners returned, I refer you to mine of the 25th. in which I mentioned, that I wish’d them to be treated both officers & Seamen with the same kindness that was shewn, with the Approbation of Mr. Adams to those of the first Transport.— But as to the Payment of any Wages which they may say is due to them in America, it is a thing I cannot do, having no knowledge of the Persons of their Claims nor any orders to satisfay them. And if I were upon his Word to pay one what may in Truth be justly due to him, others might demand of me what is not due. All Nations keep their Pay office at home, where the Accounts are kept, and where only they can be settled. Nor can I exchange their Paper Money, of which I know not the present Value. If I were to give Silver for it here it would be brought over to me in Shiploads.
I have no Objection to the Shipping those things on board Cap. Green, upon the Freight mentioned, if you approve of it.
With great Esteem, I have the Honour to be Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant.
Mr. Schweighauser.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Jonathan
Passy, July, 29. 1779.
I received your three Letters of the 22 Inst and one of the 24th. As to the Report you mention be assured I never gave any “orders to M. scheweighauser to advance no Money to any Prisoners.” On the Contrary, when the former Cartel arriv’d, I directed him to supply them with such Necessaries as Mr. Adams who was present should advise. And when he wrote me word that he had furnish’d each Officer with 124 Livres, and each private with 24 Livres and agreed to pay their board at Paimbeuf at 30 s. a Day I answer’d that I approv’d of it; and on the 25th. Instant, I wrote to him to treat the Prisoners arriv’d in this Cartel with the same kindness that was shewn with Mr. Adam’s Approbation to those of the first Transport. I shall write fully in answer to your other Letters per next post, having now only time to add that I am ever, Your’s affectionately
BF
M. Williams


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 29 July 1779
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon cher Maitre
Paris, 29e. jt. 1779
A la requisition de M de La Lande qui part aujourd’huy pour la Bresse, j’implore de nouveau vos bontés et votre protection pour le sr. des Raggi qui a deja eu l’honneur de vous voir. Il a grande impatience de partir pour combattre sur la mer les ennemis des 13 etats, et servir ensuite sur terre cette nouvelle patrie, dès qu’il y sera adopté sous vos auspices. M hennin 1er. Commis des affaires etrangeres à qui il a eté adressé par M de la Lande, lui a dit qu’on lui expedieroit immediatement son passeport sans aucune difficulté, si vous vouliez prendre la peine de le demander; comme le sr. de Raggi vous en supplie, et que j’imagine que vous pouvez le faire sans vous compromettre en rien.
Par occasion, permettez moi de vous rappeller la petite requête que j’ai pris la liberté de vous presenter deja plusieurs fois, en faveur de M. Gregoire Negociant du havre qui jouit de beaucoup de consideration dans sa province et qui est proche parent de mon ami Agatange Le Roy cloitre st. honoré. Il desire ardemment ou le titre (sans emolument quelconques) de Consul des Etats unis pour la Normandie, ou seulement pour le havre, ou si cela ne se peut au moins une petite marque de confiance pour etre designé aux Americains qui pourroient aborder dans ce port, ou y avoir quelque affaire, comme Ami de leur nation, digne de les servir et zelé a le faire et surtout pouvoir se flatter que s’il arrivoit que le Congrès vous donnat par la suite des ordres pour etablir des consuls dans nos ports, vous auriez la bonté de vous souvenir de lui, et de ne pas donner cette commission a quelque autre qui surement ne s’en aquitteroit pas mieux et difficilement aussi bien que lui. Je vous prie instamment de me faire au moins sur cela une reponse honnete par ecrit, que je puisse montrer a son Cousin, ou a lui, s’il vient en cette ville, afin de lui prouver que je n’ai point negligé son affaire, parceque j’ai veritablement toutes sorte de raisons pour m’y interesser, ne fût-ce que parce qu’il m’a fait boire d’excellentes liqueurs de la Martinique, dont il ne faudroit pourtant pas faire mention dans votre lettre ostensible.
J’attens toujours la suite de vos oeuvres (y compris même la morale des echecs) et quand vous pourrez me l’envoyer sans vous gener, je tacherai d’en user à votre satisfaction, ou tacherai du moins de n’en pas abuser.
Est-il vrai que vous ayez des nouvelles sures de la defaite du gl. Prevost par le gl. Lincoln? Et n’en avez vous point d’autres?
Je suis en attendant le plaisir de vous revoir avec un tendre respect, Monsieur et cher Ami, Votre t. h. et o. serviteur
Dubourg

Notation: Dubourg 29. Juillet 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John McCraken, 29 July 1779
From: McCraken, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Murlox July 29 1779
I have ben on board the Contenintal Cutter Black prince since the 20th Inst. Not indeed as a prisoner but as a Gentelman and used in the best manner to the great Honour of your Captains on board. I inded was a pasanger on board the Dublin brig which they took and as such have obtained my Liberty to return to Bristol as Soon as I please the Pleasure I hav in Addersing your Excelency overbalances any disapointment I have met with in being stopt a little in my Jorney, not only as you are a publick Agent for American affairs (to which I have always ben a friend) but also for your Verry Philosiphical discourses some of which I have read with great pleasure. I have the Greatest inclination that Can be to remove my family from Bristol to Philadelphia or some part of the provence of penselvenia but as things are now situated their is some dificulty in the undertaking which however may Be greatly Alivated by your Excelencys interposition and assistance which I now make bold to request in any way that you think most Condusive to that end. A line from your Excelency I should receive with infinite pleasure. I have a brother & Sister both maried in the provence of penselvenia. I had a Cozen Named James McCraken who lived in Philadelphia with whom I have had Som dealings but he has been dead Some years he was a Cooper by trade and marchandized some, as I hope to return by a Dutch Ship that will Sail from hence in a few days I canot hope for the pleasure of your answer and shall take an equal favour if your Excelency would adress the Comisary of this place with a few lines in my behalf in Case I find my wife ready to second my disign in removing which I hope she will as she also is a good friend to the American Cause & if we should find a passage to any other part of Franc I shall make bold to address your Excelency again for your Pasport and recomendation to Some of your Good Friends in America. I have lived a good many years in Bristol but am a Native of the North of Ireland. I remain your Exelency’s most Obedient Humble Sert.
John McCraken

P.S. As this Letter is a little confused I hope your Exelency will Excuse any defects as I was not willing to miss this oppertunity of writing to your Excelency, an oppertunity I Canot have in England — from as above
J M

Addressed: To / His Excelency Benjamin / Franklin Minister for / the United States of North / America at the Court of / France at passy near / Paris
Notation: MacCraken 29 July 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Miller, 29 July 1779
From: Miller, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

my Lord
Tours July the 29 1779
The Humble Petition of Joseph Miller Late Commander of the Brig Sampson: Sheweth that your Petitioner being Taken the 20th: August 1778 by the General Mifflin Captn: Daniel Mc:Nieel on my Passage to New found land and heave been a prisoner Ever Sence wherefore your Petitioner Most Humbly Presents him Self and distressed wife and Three Small Children at home distressed for want of Serport begs the Feavour of your Lord Ships Permition to returne to England that I might be of some help to my Poore distressed wife and Family as I Never Took up arms against Ammerica neither I never will but All ways Saild in the Merchants Servis and Shall so Continue: and as I am the Only one Left out of Twelve Commanders that Captn: Mc:Nieel Took and my Ship a very rich Prize. I begs the feavour of your Lord Ships Permission to returne to England if Theay will not Exechang poore Ammericans in England it his hard for Them I knows it and Like wise for me and my Poore Family who his Greatly Wanting my Asistance it is Hard that I Should Suffer for bad Ministers at home and if it is not your Lord Ships Pleasure to Grant me Permission to returne home or if your Lord Ship will Greaously be pleased to Grant me Permission to go for Ammerica in Some Ammerican Merchant Ship unless your Lord Ship Thinks There will be an Exechange Soon and your Petitioner Shall Ever pray for your Lord Ships Prosperity
Joseph Miller

Addressed: A Monsieur Monsieur Franklin / Chargé des affaires des treize / Provinces unies de La’merique / auprés de La Cour de France / En Son Hotel. / Près de Paris. A Chaillot
Notation: Miller Joseph July 29. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr.: Two Letters, 29 July 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Hond Sir
Boston July 29the 1779
Capt. Collas hand me a few days ago your favour in which you propose a Schem of business partly for the benifit of your worth Sister & her once unhapy Son who is now no more he died about 13 months ago— On receiving your Letter I wrote aunt & Inclos’d your Letter & Desird her thoughts appon it, I Shall allway be happy to advance any monies that you Desire on any Acct. but Especially for the benifit of my much Esteemd aunt, its a great pity the Acct. that your Brother Left Should be Lost— However this I have found When I have advanced monies for persons who Depended on me for their Support & put them into business it Cost me more than maintainng of them Intirely tho’ I belive aunt would have had Somthing beferehand if all that was a burden to her were Out of the way for as Long as Som people Can find assissdence they will not provid for themselves tho’ they might do it if they would be as Industerous as those that maintain them tho’ I Belive my Aunt Mecom is as Worty a Woman a Live & had She no better Friend then my Self She Should not want what I Could & would Spare—
The Bearer of this is Col. Watson of Plimouth he desires me to mention him to you as a Stranger your Civilities to him as Such Will Oblige— Our famley are All well With Duty & Love I am yr Nephew & Most Hble Servt
Jona Williams

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at Passy near Paris / France / per favour of mr Watson
Notation: Jona Williams Boston July 29. 1779

II.
Hond Sir
Boston July 29. 1779
The Bearer mr Knox Brother to our General Knox Comes to France partly on Business & partly for Improvement as he will be A Stranger your Civilities to him as Such will Oblige Your Dutyfull Nephew & Hble Servt.
Jona Williams

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Eqr / at Passy near Paris— / France / per Wm Knox
Notation: Jona Williams Boston July 29. 79


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 30 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir
Passy, July 30. 1779.
The Bearer Capitain Foligny commanded the Marquis De la Chalotais in her Voyage to America laden with Stores for our Armies in which Voyage he rendered considerable service on various occasions to the Americans with great Readiness Zeal, Activity and Intelligence and as a Mark of their Approbation and Confidance he received a Commission from the Congress Being convinc’d of his Merit and Abilities. I beg leave to recommend him to you Excellency’s favorable Notice, as an Officer who has an ardent desire of employing his talent in the Service of his Sovereign with great Respect I am Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most humble serv.
BF.
M. De Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Eastern Navy Board, 30 July 1779
From: Eastern Navy Board
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Navy Board Eastern department Boston 30th. July 1779
In Consequence of Orders, from the Honorable Marine Committee at Philadelphia, We have Equipped the Brigantine Mercury Packet Boat, Simeon Samson Esquire Commander, to Convey the dispatches sent us from Congress, to your Excellency, & Count de Vergennes—

We have Ordered Capt. Samson to make sure of the first Port he Approaches on the Coast of France, immediatly to proceed with the Packages himself, to Paris, or deliver them into the hands of a known Agent, to these United States, or some Royal Officer; to be Conveyed in Safety to your hands.
We have further ordered him to Wait your Pleasure, for his return to America.
The latest News papers we have the honor of Inclosing, that we wish Safe to hand, and are with perfect esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt humble Servts
Wm Vernon. Pret.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary for United States of America

Notation: W. Vernon Boston 30. juillet 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 30 July 1779
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored & dear Sir,
L’Orient July 30th. 1779.
Since my last the Irish Brigantine the Three Friends from Bordeaux taken by the Alliance has sunk at her Anchors in this Road. This unfortunate Accident happened about Eleven in the fore noon the Day before yesterday, and the Prize Master and People declare that the Vessel made no Water and that the Pump sucked at Nine in the Morning.— Neither Captain Landais nor myself were made acquainted with the matter till about a quarter before Eleven, and the assistance of several Boats which were immediatly sent could not then prevent the Vessel from Sinking.— The Admiralty have taken off the Seals and part of the Cargo is Landed.— The remainder will be landed as circumstances will admit, and I will endeavour to have the Leak found and stopped as soon as possible.— It is thought that the Prize has sunk by getting upon an Anchor: But should it be found to have been the Effect of carlessness, a Court Martial shall determin what Punishment to inflict.
I mentioned in my last that if the Court Martial should Sentance any Person to Death, and if I should Sail before I received your Orders respecting the matter I would leave the condemned ashore here in Prison.— But I have since on reflection concluded to carry the Condemned with me that the Sentance may be executed at Sea.— The Bon homme Richard is ready for the Sea— except only that the 100 Men that I have been ordered to Land must be previously replaced.
I am ever with Sentiments of the heighest Esteem & Affection Dear Sir Your very obliged Friend and very Obedient humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Capt. Jones July 30. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Temple, 30 July 1779
From: Temple, Elizabeth Bowdoin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston July the 30th. 1779
Not having heard from Mr. Temple since he left this place, I am at a loss how to direct to him; and have therefore taken the Liberty to inclose a letter for him to you, and shall esteem myself greatly obliged, if you will add a farther direction and forward it to him.

My Father desires me to present his best Compts. to you. And I am with great respect, Sir Your very humble Sert.
E. Temple.

Addressed: To / The honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Ambassador for the United States / of America to the Court of / France / favor of / Mr. Knox.
Notation: E. Temple July 30. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 30 July 1779
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,
London, July 30th, 1779.
I have not been able to bring our business to a conclusion within a sheet, and I choose to send the whole together: It cannot now be more than a week. The Bp. of St. A. has given another motto for a head that is engraved;— “Non sordidus auctor naturœ verique.”
I hope I am not usually presumptuous or sanguine; but I guess you will not be displeased with what follows your Aurora Borealis. It will not in many respects probably be novel to you, but you will like to see others so well entering into your systems, even where not expressed in your writings. You will easily see that a thousand corollaries may be drawn from what is done: and indeed I have already got at a great number.— Pray did the Duc de Chaulnes ever shew you a letter I sent him out of the Public Advertiser signed A. B. upon the subject of Wilson’s experiments? There were errors in that paper, but some novelties: You may guess the author. It was about Novr. 1777.— I am sorry to tell you that Mr. Henly very deliberately cut his throat. He died in good circumstances.
Pray did you write a piece on Liberty & Necessity, printed for Shuckford or Shuckurgh in 1729 or 1739, with a dedication to truth; the burthen of the piece being that the mind was acted upon by Ideas, as body was by matter; and an analysis of the mind’s operations was there given out? The piece was short.
I think there is no news of a general nature, which is all that is worth sending. People are not yet frightened; history and the former discourses of ministry having taught them that invasions &c are bug-bears. They even lend money now & then to West Indians for short terms, that is, to West Indian merchants.
I am, my ever dearest sir, your most devoted &c &c.

Notation: B Vaughn July 30. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 30 July 1779
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 30. juillet 1779
Vous trouverez ci-joint, M, copie de la réponse de M. de Sartine concernant les effets reclamés par le Sr. Samüel Warthon; vous y verrez qu’il y a dèja du tems que les ordres pour la restitution de ces effets ont été expédiés.

M. franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Le Breton de la Loutière, 31 July 1779
From: Le Breton de La Loutière, abbé Amable-Louis-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur
paris 31 juill. 1779 chez Mr. Le Breton imprimeur Du roy rüe hautefeuille
Permettes moy De faire part à votre Excellence D’un petit ouvrage que je viens D’imprimer Sur La guerre presente. Jattends avec Empressement La victoire Derniere Et complette De vos ètats unis pour achever de celebrer toute Leur gloire Et Leur indépendance. Je tascherai Si vous Le trouves Bon De Leur témoigner Dans La personne De Leur Digne plénipotentiaire Les sentimens quils ont inspirés a Toute LEurope Et dont je suis Le prémier pénétré. Ce Tribut Si bien Du à votre nouvel Empire me Donnera une occasion nouvelle De vous renouveller Les assurances du très profond respect avec Lequel jay L’honneur Destre Monseigneur De Votre Excellence Le Tres humble Et Tres obeissant serviteur
Labbé Le Breton DE La Loutiere

Notation: Le Breton, l’abbé le Bereton de la Lautiere 31. Juillet 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Lucas, July 1779
From: Lucas, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your Excellency,
Cherbourg the  July 1779.
The Suppliant, Henry Lucas of the Province of Virginia, officer a board the Brigg Betsy from Baltimore in Maryland, freighted with Tobacco, takes the Liberty of representing to your Excellency, that in his passage from America to Bourdeaux the Vessel had been taken by a Jersey and two Guernsey privateers, the crew conducted to England and imprison’d, from whence your Suppliant with several of his comrades & country men have made their escape at imminent peril of their lives; in a small Boat; at our arrival in France we happily met with a mercht. named Charles Drouet of Cherbourg who humanely furnish’d us with the necessary instructions for our future conduct and embark’d us a board a french privateer, that we might, at the same time, be instrumental in revenging our country and particular Losses and likewise preserve the small fund, which we fortunately concealed from the rapine of our Enemies, ’till an occasion offerd wherein we might signalize our Zeal for the cause of the Congress. The opportunity presents itself, the above mention’d Drouet offers to join me in the purchase of a Privateer, which he calls the happy Alliance, nothing but your Excellency’s concordance to grant me a Commission to command it under American Flag, hinders me from retaliating on the Enemies of our country the injuries they have made it suffer. May I presume that your Excellency will display its usual Bounty in granting my request— Father of America! will you leave one of its children an orphan? Permit me to act, under your influence, in concert with my countrymen, who wait but your orders to make our Enemies feel what a spirit of patriotisme, the love of liberty and independancy can operate in the Breast of a true born American when his Contry’s at stake.
Give me leave to subscribe myself, Your Excellency’s most obedient, most devoted and most humble Servant
Henry Lucas.
Your Excellency will kind enough to let me have an answer.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Becker and Saltzmann, 1 August 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Becker & Saltzmann

Gentlemen
Passy, Aug. 1. 1779.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me, dated the 3d. of July past, but the Pacquet you mention containing the Cloathing of a Soldier never came to hand. Coarse Cloths are always much wanted in America and would sell well if you should send them there, but I have at present no Orders to execute, either for Cloths or Clothing. When I have I Shall remember your offers and you will hear from me. I have the honour to be Gentlemen, Your m. o. and m. h. S.

Messr. Becker and Saltzman.


Title: Passport for Thomas Burdy, [2 August 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The first official document printed on Franklin’s Passy press seems to have been this passport, the first of many that would be issued throughout the war. All in French, identical in wording, the Passy passports vary only in typography—but there they differ widely. Among the fourteen known examples there are no fewer than six variants. These fall into chronological clusters, suggesting that Franklin printed only a modest number of sheets at a time, and then altered the format and font according to whim when he reset the forms. This passport for Thomas Burdy is unique among the fourteen and, doubtless because of its location, has hitherto eluded American scholars.

[August 2, 1779]
Nous Benjamin Franklin, Ecuyer, Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique, près Sa Majesté Très-Chretienne,
PRIONS tous ceux qui sont à prier, de vouloir bien laisser seurement & librement passer Thomas Burdy, allant à Ostende pour passer en Angleterre, sans lui donner ni permettre qu’il lui soit donné aucun empêchement, mais au contraire de lui accorder toutes sortes d’aide et d’assistance, comme nous ferions en pareil Cas, pour tous ceux qui nous seroient recommandés.
EN FOI DE QUOI nous lui avons délivré le présent Passe-port, valable pour deux Mois, signé de notre main, contre-signé par l’un de nos Secretaires, & au bas duquel est le Cachet de nos Armes.
DONNÉ à Passy, en notre Hôtel, le 2e Jour d’Aoust, mil sept cent soixante et dix neuf.

GRATIS.
B Franklin

Par Ordre de M. le Ministre Plenipotentiaire.

W.T. Franklin seca


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay: Proposed Letter, [on or before 2 August 1779]
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
[on or before August 2, 1779]
The Burning of Suffolk in Virginia Fairfield East Haven Green’s Farms & Norwalk in Connecticut together with the Ravages committed in Georgia & South Carolina form a cruel Commentary upon the Proclamation of the british Commissioners. This Proclamation was defended in their Parliament as meaning no more than that in future the War was to be carried on agt. America as agt. other Nations. It becomes therefore a common Cause of all Nations to punish a People who so daringly violate the Rights of Humanity and it is particularly incumbent upon the united States as well to check their present Barbarities as to conform to the Manifesto published in answer to the Proclamation abovementioned and to deter all others by striking Examples from a Breach of those laws which are held sacred among civilized Nations. I am therefore to instruct you that you employ Incendiaries to set fire to the Capital of the British Dominions particularly the royal Palace and to such other Towns in Great Britain as may be most expedient and that as soon as some great Object of this Sort can be accomplished You do in a proper Manifesto avow the same as having been Done by the order of Congress and declare that they are determined at all Times to meet their Enemies in whatever Kind of war they shall chuse to carry on whether it be of civilized or of Savage Nations and call upon all the Powers of Europe who may have formerly suffered by the Pride and Cruelty of Great Britain who feel a just indignation at her present Conduct to join their Efforts in vindicating the insulted Laws of Humanity.
I am, &ca.

Notation: No 39 Report of comee on letter of 13 July 1779 from genl Washington. Read Aug. 2.—Burning report. N21
The following Draft of a letter from The Presidt to The Minister Plenipotentiary of the united States at the Court of Versailles


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Lafayette, 3 August 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Dear Sir
Passy, Aug. 3 1779.
I received two Letters you did me the honour of writing to me from Havre but have never Since had any News worth communicating to you.— Here is indeed a little Vessel arriv’d at Brest, which brings me a great many old Letters and newspapers, but no Dispatches of Importance.— I have the Pleasure however of seeing by the address of Congress which I send you inclos’d that in the great Points of determining to maintain their Independence and the french alliance there is the most perfect Unanimity. Virginia was evacuated by the Ennemy in a few Days after they had entered it, the Militia beginning to gather round them. The Story of fort Pit I find nothing of in the Papers. Mr. Gerard and the Spanish Agent had made a Visit to the Army and were entertain’d by General Washington with a Review &ca. The Paper Money was very Low, but it was thought the tax for 45,000,000 would stop its Depreciation.— The Accounts from Charlestown are so uncertain and contradictory that one knows not what to believe. When any News of Importance arrives you Shall immediately partake of it. My best Wishes attend you wherever you are:—being ever with the highest Esteem Yours most affectionately
BF.

The Black Prince Capt. Merchant has made two Cruises in the Channel. In the first she took 8 Vessels but 6 were retaken. In the second she was out only ten Days and has taken 11. Sail. Can you give me any Intelligence of a French Officer. Mr. Jean Baptise fontfreydd. His father enquires after him.
Marquis de La fayette


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 3 August 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Au havre 3d August 1779
I have done myself the honor of writing to you some days ago, my dear doctor, and with a friendly impatience I waït for your answer— There are arriv’d some vessels from our Country which have certainly Brought Accounts of American affairs— By the french Consul at Boston I have Got a parcel of newspapers But no letters from My friends are yet come to hand— That french Gentleman informs me that Mr Knox Gal Knox’s Brother was just setting of for france— As soon as he arrives you will Certainly hear of him, and I will think it a particular favor, my good friend, if you direct him to me at the havre where certainly he will be Glad to pay me a visit. By a letter just arriv’d from l’orient I hear that Gal washington’s army is said to be very Strong, and that Gal Sullivan is gone into Canada— Those news however pleasing they are, I Can’t indulge myself to Credit, till some better Confirmation is Given to me.
We are now on every point Ready to embark— But mr d’orvillier’s fleet is not yet to be heard of— intelligences are arriv’d to the minister, and none of us in the army has Got any Account of them, which is a proof that he was not then very Near the Channel.
With the most sincere affection and Regard I have the honor to be My dear doctor Yours
Lafayette
I think the jamaïca fleet a Great deal threatened.

Notation: Lafayette au havre 3. aout 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deacon M. Auer, 4 August 1779
From: Auer, Deacon M.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Grace & PaixM.
Ebingen près de Bahlingen, au Duché de Wurtemberg, 4 Août 1779.
La renommée a fait connoître la noblesse de votre grande ame dans nos contrées; & cest elle qui nous enhardit à vous adresser une humble requête, dans l’espérance que le coeur de V.E., à l’exemple de celui de Dieu, que vous aimez, et qui daigne du haut de son trône jetter ses yeux paternels sur le petit comme sur le grand, m’écoutera favorablement.
Une digne femme ici, Anne Catherine, Veuve de feu Sigismond Hoklins marchd. de cette ville, avoit envoyé un fils en Pensylvanie chez son Beaufrere Christian Schneider à Gérmantown, où exerçant sa profession de corroyeur, il avoit épargné la somme de 1650 fl., lorsqu’il mourut il y a 3 ans. La Mere, avec 5 enfans, & pauvre, desire avec autant d’ardeur que de justice de recueillir ce petit héritage pour subvenir à sa détresse.
Elle m’a ouvert son coeur, & je l’ouvre avec le mien à V.E. ne doutant point que vous ne voudrez partager avec moi la satisfaction de soulager la Veuve & les orphelins, en leur facilitant les moyens de recouvrer ce qui leur appartient: ce dont je vous prie au nom de notre Dieu & Sauveur miséricordieux.
Sur votre premier ordre, on vous enverra de la part de notre Regence les pouvoirs necessaires pour faire recevoir ces deniers. Nous avons d’ailleurs reçu par des Marchds. d’Amsterdam, voie de St. Eustache & Curaçao, avis, que Christian Schneider desire ardemment, dans les présents troubles de la guerre, une occasion sure pour faire tenir cet argent à sa Belle-Soeur, dont il connoit les tristes circonstances. L’avis est de Germantown en date du 22 fevr. de cette année.
Ainsi Dieu benira les Etats Unis de l’Amérique, & toute votre famille & postérité. Je suis avec une profonde veneration, &c.
M. Auer, Diacre

Notation: Dumas 14 August 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Julien-Pierre de La Faye, 4 August 1779
From: La Faye, Julien-Pierre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Paris le 4 aoust 1779.
Ne pouvant accompagner Mad. du Lin, comme je l’aurois désiré, je vous prie de Vouloir bien écouter la proposition qu’elle est chargée de vous faire et que je crois qui pourroit vous être agréable dans les circonstances présentes.
Je proffite avec empressement de cette occasion pour vous réiterer les assûrances du très respectueux attachement avec lequel J’ay l honneur d’etre, Monsieur votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
De La FAYE

Permettés que je presente icy mil compliments a Monsieur votre fils.

Notation: De La faye Paris, 4 aout 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cradock Taylor, 4 August 1779
From: Taylor, Cradock
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Aix in Provance Augst. 4th 1779
This is the second time I have made bold to trouble your Excellency with my misfortunes for I cannot help thinking it exceeding hard to be kept a Prisonier in this Country as I am (& can prove my Self to be) a Native of Virginia & Subject to the United States of America. I amagine your Excellency may think me an Imposture by my being in the British Navy but I can assure you I was Betrayed on board the Zephyr Sloop of War by her shewing American Colours & the Lieutenant Declaring himself to be an American now Sir I embrace this oppertunity of getting my Liberty & Returning to my Native Country which I hope Your Excellency will assist me in I hope Sir you will be so good & Condesending as to send me an answr. by the Return post that I may know the worst of my Unhappy fate for I am now in the greatest Distress; I beg your Excellency’s pardon for so troubling you but to serve my Country is the greatest desire of Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant—
Cradock Taylor

Addressed: To / His Excellency Benjmm. Franklin / Esqr. Plenopatery. to the Eunited / States of America / now at / Parris
Notation: Cradock Tailor Aix en Provence 4. aout 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Chaumont, 5 August 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Chaumont

Dear Sir,
Passy August 5th. 1779.
I received your Favour of the 2d Instant. I have no farther Orders to give Capt. Jones: My best Wishes attend him & his little Fleet; and I hope soon to have the Pleasure of seeing you and my young Friend well at home. Being ever with the sincerest Esteem & Affection Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
M. Le Ray De Chaumont.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 6 August 1779
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. & Hond. Sir
Philadelphia August 6, 1779
A few days ago I recd: two packets indorsed & forwarded by Mr. Williams of Nantes the 25th. February last, inclosing french Memoirs & papers of Inquiry after a number of french Gentlemen on this side the Atlantick, without a single line from you, Temple or Ben. Within two or three weeks last past, there has been several arrivals from france, into this port, Boston, & Virginia, but we have not recd: a word from you by any of these Vessels, nor did our friend Mr. Wharton bring us a single Letter; I am the more astonished at not hearing from you, as I wrote you very fully and particularly by the Marquis de la Fayette, whose arrival in France we have long since heard of;—by him I sent you the first Bills of several Setts for the amount of your Interest in the loan office; the 2d & 3d Bills I sent by the Brig Saratoga & the Snow Proteus, both of which were taken— I have wrote you repeatedly by the way of the West Indies, & by way of Holland, but it is now upwards of twelve Months since we have heard from you— I must beg leave to trouble you with a few more circular Letters from Bache & Shee, & intreat you to interrest yourself on our behalf, please to let me have the names of the houses you give or send our Letters to, that we may establish a correspondence with them— I congratulate you on Count De Estaing’s successes in the West Indies, a particular account of which you will doubtless have recd: before this reaches you, we were rejoicing on the occasion here yesterday by ringing of Bells, bonefires in the eveng. &ca. &ca.
I have the pleasure to inform you that Sally and the Children are well, we expect an addition to our family in a few weeks. With joint Love & Duty I remain Dr. Sir Your ever affect. Son
Rich Bache
Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 6 August 1779
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble. Sir
Philadelphia Aug. 6. 1779
Your favor of July 22d 1778, forwarded from Nantes by Mr. Williams the 25th of February this Year, arrived not here till the 31st. of July. I wonder the more that so very few of yr. letters reach Philada. in the Course of a Year as Mr. Dumas finds means to convey a series above the Numbers of the Alphabet in the same term of time, and is also in continual Correspondence wth. you.
It is needless at this Season to take up the different Parts of your long letter, for which I feel myself, however, obliged to you: But, I cannot omit to notice that you are totally mistaken as to “partial Objections” having been before Congress at the time of their dissent to the 11th. & 12th. articles. It is true that, since that Period, much has been read from the Persons you suppose to have written on that subject.
You will long e’er now have seen the use which has been made of my letter to you respecting Mr. Deane’s Recall. I at least made a Show of a Disposition to befriend him. I really had such a Disposition; and, early on his arrival, let him know what had grounded that Proceeding of Congress, in hope that he would not be driven by a false Jealousy, which he discovered, so as to suffer Wreck upon the Quick sands of Indiscretion. All my Aim was in vain; He has been borne headlong. His Publication of Decr. 5th has, in my opinion, totally ruined his claims to any public trust on the ground of his Hability in Affairs. And, however you may not discover the great Malignity of his Innuendoes, you cannot but see & own that his Peice contains dowright Lies which must be pointed out to the Public, who have not yet your good Grounds for Conviction.
There is not a single Circumstance which is mentioned against Mr. Lee that is supported, except his not having the Confidence of the french Court. The Ministers must have been Angels of Light not to have conceived Prejudices in Consequence of the indefatigable Arts of one who thought himself saddled, when a Colleague of Sense Honor and Integrity was given to him by Congress. The Ministry were misled but, the Consequence does not follow that, therefore, Congress should destroy an able & faithful Servant. What slippery Ground would this make for our Ministers abroad? Will there not probably be ambitious Men always in Congress to trip them? But I drop the disagreable Subject and go to the pleasing Office of assuring you of the Attachment with which I am Honorable Sir Your most humble Servant
James Lovell
Honble. Doctr. Franklin.

Addressed: Honorable / Doctor Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States of America / at the Court of France / Passy
Notation: James Lovell Phyladelphie 6e. aout 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Aycard, 7 August 1779
From: Aycard, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Excellence,
Marseille le 7ême aoust 1779 hors la portedu Paradis
J’avois employé mon ciseau à sculpter la statüe de mon Roi, dont je voulois me faire un monument à la publication du traité d’alliance conclu entre Sa Majesté très chrétienne, et les très honnorables et intimes seigneuries des treize provinces des colonies unies. Je résolus de faire hommage de cette statüe de mon Roi aux illustres Etats, dont vous êtes le digne ministre en France. Elle fut embarquée sur la Frégate L’Adélaïde commandée par le capitaine Hubaq, le dix d’avril 1778; et sur la caisse je mis pour adresse, aux très honnorables et intimes Seigneurs des treize provinces des colonies unies: J’accompagnai cet envoi d’une Lettre d’avis aux mêmes très honnorables et intimes seigneurs. Je ne sais, Excellence, si le vaisseau est arrivé, si ma caisse et mon hommage ont été acceptés. Dans l’incertitude, j’ai osé vous en écrire, espérant que par votre moyen, je saurai quelle en a été la destination. J’attends des bontés de Votre Excellence, qu’elle daignera me faire instruire de l’heureuse arrivée de la Frégate et De la Remise de l’image. Puissai-je Recevoir bientôt la nouvelle agréable, que, cette image de mon souverain agréée par leurs très honnorables et intimes seigneuries, est un monument de mon parfait dévouement pour mon Roi, et pour les etats-unis ses alliés. Je suis avec le plus profond Respect De Votre Excellence Le très humble et très Respectueux serviteur
Aycardsculpteur

Notation: Aycard 7. Aout 1779.


Title: Certificate for John Ross, [8 August 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[August 8, 1779]
I the underwritten do hereby certify whom it may concern, that Messrs. Wharton and Bancroft Merchants, Citizens of the United States of America, at present in France, have at my Request examined with Care the Accts. of Mr. Ross with the said States, and I knowing them to be Men of Integrity, skilled in such Affairs, and being therefore perfectly satisfied with the report they have made as above, do recommend it to the Committee of Commerce to make immediate Provision for the Payment of the Ballance which appears due to him on the first of July 1779. And in Case of my receiving Funds from them for that purpose I will discharge the same in France in compliance with an Order of Congress dated 11. Augt. 1778.—
Given at Passy near Paris this 8th. Day of August 1779.—
(signed) B. FranklinMinister Plenipo: &ca.
Copy of a Certificate given to Mr. Jn. Ross.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Jérôme de Foligné-Deschalonges, 9 August 1779
From: Foligné-Deschalonges, François-Jérôme de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
à passy Le 9e. Aoust 1779.
Le sieur de foligné officier Dupoïnt d’honneur aû tribunal de M.M. Les Marechaux de françe à L’honneur d’observer á Vôtre Excellençe, que Dans Le Mois de Janvier 1777. M.M. Le Ray de Chaumont, de Montieu & de Baumarchaÿs Le Choisirent & lui confiérent Le Commandement de la frégate Le Marquis de la Chaltolais Arméé De 24. Canons et En guerre, Chargéé d’une Cargaison Riche & Intéressante. pour Compte Des étâts Unis de l’amerique, il fut assé heureux de faire Cette Mission en 4. Mois Et de rendre pendant Le Cour de Cette Expedition Des services distingué Aux Amériquains, a son rétour à paris il Eut L’honneur Dans rendre Compte à Vôtre Excellançe, qui En Réconnoissançe d’une Mission Aussi Délicatte & Importante où il avoit Courûs Les plus gros Risques, Eut La bonté de lui prométre quelle demandéroit pour lui, à L’honorable Congress, Un Brevet D’honneur de Capitaine De frégate Au service des étâts Unis de l’amérique, Se Brevet à èté demande par Vôtre Excellance, Expedié par L’honorable Congress, Et pris par nos Ennemis sur les Batiments Amériquains qui Le portais, il En à été Informé par M. Le Chr. Rocher & Le Ray de Chaumont.
Le sieur de foligné qui Arrive de saint Domaingue apres Avoir servi sa patrie & la Cause Amériquaine Avec distinction et Le plus grand désintéressement, Désireroit porter L’huniforme de la Marine du Congress, Comme il n’a d’autre titre dévers lui qui Constatte C’est serviçes, Au service des étâts Unis de l’amérique, qu’une Commission En guerre du Congress qui lui á été délivréé à Charlestonw par le parlement de Cette provinçe pour Le Mêtre plus à Même de protéger les Bastiment Amériquains, il suplie Vôtre Excellance, de lui Donner Une permission par Ecrit qui puisse l’hotoriser à porter Lhuniforme Amériquains, Autant De foi que Cela lui fera plaisir, Et Ce En Consideration de ses serviçes et de son attachement à la Cause Amériquaine, et il fera des Voeüx Au Ciel pour la Santé& prospérité de Vôtre Excellançe.
De FOLIGNÉ

À Son Excellançe Monsieur franklin Ministre plénipotançier des états Unis De la Mérique a la Cour de françe

Notation: Memoire de Mr. De foligné à Mr. franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 9 August 1779
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Dunkerque 9th. Augt. 1779
I am Informed that Mr. John Diot our Chargé of Procuration, we sent to Morlaix to Transact the affairs of our Black Prince Privateer, has wrote your Excellency the Particulars relative to her second Cruise.
I do myself the honnour to write you the great uneasiness I crave under, for the fate of the Poor 21. men of her Crew, Taken the 22d. June, off Morlaix, by the Quebec Frigate, on Board of her 6. Prises, & who were Landed in Guernsey; your Excellency has had their Names; Several are Born Americains, others Irish, but they are all Sworn Subjects to the United States. I read in the Kentish Gazette that these People were Sent to Penzance to be there Tried by the high Court of Admiralty for Piracy, Because, they were Irish men, or Subjets to Great Britain. Messrs. Jno. & Thos. Kirwan of London, to whom I sent a Ransom Bill for recovery, a Prise to this american Privateer, answerd me that the Black Prince is Looked upon there, as a Pirate Ship, because she is maned by their own Subjects, & if taken, ’Twou’d go hard with them. Humanity & Friendship make me Shake for these Poor People, & I haste to Communicate your Excellency these advices, that you might Take quickly, the measures your Prudence & Wisdom will direct, to put these Prisonners of war, Sworn subjects to the united States out of the reach of malice & furour of the British Court— The 25. a 30. English Prisonners Taken by the Black Prince & landed at Morlaix, will doubtless, be awfull to the Ennemy, as they might Justly be made fearfull of reprisails on them.
I shou’d be very gratefull, to your Excellency to be favourd with a few Lines removing my fear, & Letting me know your Success in your Promised Exchange of these 21. men of the Crew of the Black Prince americain Privateer.
I have the honnour to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient most humble servant
J. Torris

Notation: Mr. Torris Augt. 9. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 9 August 1779
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Paris Augt. 9/79
Mr. Craig (of Philadelphia) left London about the 2d. of this Month, and writes as follows.— A Vessel was arrived from North Carolina at Amsterdam; left it the 4th of June, and the Captain says, That just as He sailed, It was currently reported,— General Provost was totaly defeated near Charles Town. On what Day this happened, Is not mentioned. A Vessel was arrived in a short passage at London from New York, and brought Advice, That a few Days before She sailed There were great Illuminations, and firing of Guns in Elizabeth Town, and Newark—; and That it was generaly believed,— General Provost was vanquished.— And this was the more credited, as another Vessel arrived from New Providence at New York and the Captain said,— Advice was received there of that Event. St. Vincent, I suppose, you know was taken about the Middle of June by Count D’Estaign;— That Byron with his whole Fleet was gone to St. Christophers, and the English West India Fleet of 240 Sail was arrived, without losing a single Ship of the Convoy.
I am y’r. Excellency’s yr. most obedt. humble Servt.
S Wharton
His Excellency Dr. Franklin

Addressed: A’ Son Excellence / Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin /&c &c &c / Passy
Notation: S. Wharton Paris 9e. aout 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gérard de Rayneval, 10 August 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gérard de Rayneval, Joseph-Mathias

Sir,
Passy Augt. 10. 1779.
The foregoing are the Articles requested by the States of Maryland & Virginia. If to these could be added Cloth, Linnen, Stockings, Shoes, & Hats for clothing 20.000 Men, and also ten thousand more Fusils, the whole addressed to the Congress, I am certain it would be a very seasonable & necessary Supply, as private Merchants have been lately discouraged from adventuring to send Cargoes of such Goods, by the numerous Losses of their Effects in going & returning, and I am not able to fulfil the Orders of Congress for want of Money. I have the honour to be, sir; Your most obedt. & most humble Sert.
B Franklin
M. Gerard de Raynevalle.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 10 August 1779
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon cher Maïtre,
A Paris ce 10e. aout 1779
Entre nous cecy, s’il vous plait; c’est a dire le secret, et prompte reponse. Il paroit que votre projet d’emprunt (par le moyen de M Grand et de M Le Pot d’Auteuil) n’a pas reüssi. Quelquun de ma connoissance croit qu’il est possible de le faire reussir en s’y prenant d’une certaine façon qu’il vous communiqueroit, et qu’il pense qui ne sauroit vous deplaire mais il desire etre prealablement informé avec la franchise qu’il vous connoit, des propositions que vous aviez a faire aux préteurs, et du benefice que vous auriez accordé a ces Messieurs vos notaire et Banquier, pour leurs soins, peines et entremise.
1.º quelle somme auriez vous reçue de châque particulier, pour le moins? mil ecus, cent ecus? plus, moins? afin de donner à chacun toute la facilité possible, et de tirer d’une multitude de petites bourses.
  2.º quel interêt auriez vous assuré? Etoit ce plus ou moins de six pour cent du capital?
  3.º le tems du remboursement etoit-il determiné? Etoit-ce à la fin de la guerre? ou une, ou plusieurs années apres?
  4.º n’étoit-ce pas au nom, et sous l’autorité du Congrès continental que cet emprunt se seroit fait?
  5.º les interets ne devoient ils pas en etre payés annuellement par vous en Europe, en votre qualité de Ministre des Etats unis?
  6.º Le remboursement ne devoit il pas aussi en etre fait dans son tems en Europe, par vous, ou par vos Successeurs?
  7.º N’accorderiez vous pas un ou deux pour cent, plus ou moins de benefice (de remise, de courtage, ou comm’on voudra l’appeller) a celui ou ceux qui vous procureroient de l’argent à emprunter ainsi?
  8.º Pour faciliter les moyens de vous faire préter, n’adopteriez vous point la methode souvent employée en france de recevoir la somme qui vous seroit pretée partie en argent comptant, et partie en papier monnoye provenant du Congrès general, ou de quelquun des etats particulliers aujourd’huy unis? Et en quelle proportion les admettriez vous? Par exemple moitié argent et moitié papier-monnoye, ou trois quarts en argent et un quart en papier monnoye, ou neuf dixiemes en argent, et seulement un dixieme en papier monnoye?
  9.º Ne Promettriez vous pas de n’employer aucunes autres persones à des emprunts de la même nature, si vous etiez bien servi à cet egard par le canal que j’ai l’honneur de vous proposer, et si cela suffisoit à peu près à vos besoins?
Telles sont les questions de mon Commettant auxquelles je ne crois pas que vous soyez embarrassé comment repondre, parce qu’elles me paroissent assez simples. Ainsi je vous prie de satisfaire le plustôt que vous pourrez sa vivacité françoise.
Je suis avec un tendre et respectueux attachement Dear friend your most obedient, humble servant
Dubourg

Permettez moi d’ajouter icy une question pour mon propre compte. J’ai deux differens titres de creances sur quelquun a Boston. J’en distrairois volontiers 25 Louis, si les Etats unis, ou quelquun d’eux vouloit les recevoir sur le pied de leur valeur primitive (ce que nous appellons au pair) et me donner pour cette somme des terres à defricher dans une ou plusieurs colonies, ou tout ensemble pour former un seul corps de ferme ou par cent acres pour le moins en chaque partition. Le Congrés n’auroit rien a debourser pour retirer cette petite portion des papiers qu’il est de son honneur d’aquitter tôt ou [tard]. Je sçais bien que par toute autre voye je ne pourrois m’en defaire qu’a grande perte; mais par cellecy, ce ne seroit pas non plus un avantage present pour moi; et quand j’y gagn[erois] au lieu d’y perdre, qu’importe au Congrès pourvu que ce [ne] soit pas à son prejudice, et que cela ne soit meme onereux a personne, soit en particulier soit en general?

Notation: Dubourg Paris 10 aout 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 10 August 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr Sir
Lond 10 Augt 1779
The last mail brought the needful for your Friend Mr. W. P——rs’s remittance, & I immediately placd it to His credit in the Bank he requested, taking the proper rects. &c. The Excha. being rather unfavorable he lost seven shillings by the Bill; but, from his late letters, I make no doubt the remittance will be highly acceptable to Him. From there being a mistake in the original shop bill for the books, I am something in your debt, which shall be settled hereafter or discounted in some future accot. when you may find it convenient to command me. I dare say I need not repeat my offer of services or give any fresh assurances of my readiness to do any thing you may command me.
We have had many ups and downs of joy lately. The arrival of the whole Leeward Island fleet, 270 sail, not a ship missing, gave us great satisfaction on the saturday week last, and on the tuesday following, we were as much depressd on the news of the loss of St Vincents and the probability of Granada falling a day or two after; as well as that DEstaign has been considerably rienforcd as to give a decided majority of French ships only in the West Indies, and that Byron in his folly of quitting St Lucia to conduct the Leeward Island fleet a small part of the voyage (they say to the Island of St Thomas) had thereby fell so much to Leeward as to make it a worke of some weeks to get back to the protection of St Lucia, St Kitts Antigua &c. They begin to talk very freely of him here, & like all the rest, I dare say he will return to England a disgracd officer. We got accots on the 8th. that the Jama Fleet was also arrivd safe 106 sail; but again comes a black tuesday, & we are told that a certain Mr Hopkins picked up three of them on the banks, & that He has probably taken the twelve that are missing. Also that certain accots are come thro France that Prevost had been beaten in two battles on the 11th & 14th June, & that He surrenderd the 26th. This is rather a sad affair, and more than usual Credit given to it from its probability, and that it is no ways contradicted by the generals which arrivd in Town the 7th at night from N York which place they left on the 6th July. Gen Jones, Sr W Erskine, some say Sr. J. Baird, Col. West & two or three others were landed out of an armed transport which put into Milford. Altho they are three nights & two days in Town, nothing has been given out to raise our spirits—probably the Gazette of this Evening may do it. When asked the news at New York, these Gentlemn are remarkably silent—nothing material has been done—the army is in good health & spirits plentifully supplyd &c.—but not a word as to any intended active expeditions or opperations; and it would seem that the game there is nearly up. We however do not quite despair, as we continue still to get assurances from Ministry that all is well & in a fairer way than ever. You would be astonishd to see how uniformly our leaders pursue the old game of deceiving the People, & how admirably the bait takes. Our friend H has been some weeks out of Town, & has I believe lost all patience with them. We are dayly amusd with their wranglings & dessention but no apparent good comes out of it. I am promisd to have this put safe into a foreign Post Office and mean to keep it open as long as possible to add any thing that I may pick up this evening. Wishing you every success and happiness I remain very truly yrs.
V. J Drouillard

  (after noon Tuesdy)
The news of Prevosts repulse before Chas. Town is confirmd by a vessel to Glasgow wth official accots from N York of the 4th July. I suppose it will be kept snug from the public as long as possible. The late arrivd Generals must have known it, & had political prudence enough not to let so great a national calamity come forth to the public sooner than was absolutely necessary. It is however, like all other disagreeable news, much molifyd. “Prevost got very near to Chs Town, & was about to summon the town to terms, when Pulaski arrivd with succour & assiste., finding this, Prevost thought proper to take better ground on St Johns Island 16 miles from Chs Town, where he now waits for rienforcements.—” If He was not Burgoind before the 26th June I think He will have had very good luck.

Addressed: Monsieur— B. F——, Passy
Endorsed: Augt 10
Notations in different hands: Digges Augt. 10th. 79. / Mr Digges.—— 1779 / August 10. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Harrison, 10 August 1779
From: Harrison, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam Augt. 10. 1779.
When the inclosed was put under my care I promised myself the Honor of conveying it to you long before this. But an accident which obliged me to take a circuitous Voyage by the West-Indies, prevented, & will, I trust, be a sufficient Excuse for the length of time it has been on it’s way.
I have the Honor to be most respectfully Sir Yr Excellency’s obt. & very hble. servt.
Rd. Harrison

Notation: Rd. harrison 10. aout 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Moody and John Crawford, 11 August 1779
From: Moody, William,Crawford, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
august the 11 1779
These Lines Comes With our Humble petition to you Hoping you Will Have Sum compasion upon us poor amarican prisoners Here in prison and We Do Humbly Beg that you Will try to Get us out of Here and We Will Go in any of our Continentall Ships or any Ship you pleas to put us on Board. I William Moody Was Born in Newbury port Was Taken By The English in The year 1776 and Have Ben There Ever Since till This Sumer and Came from There and Was Taken By The Generall Miflin privater from Boston Capt George Babcock Comander and after He took us We Entered on Board and after We Had Done all the Hard Work He Sent us Here to prison and Wat He Sent us Here for i cannot tell and i John Crawford Belonging to philidelphia Was Take By the Same Ship and We Do Humbly Beg Sir you Will Do the Best you can for us. This is from your Humble Servants and We Do Humbly Beg you Will Send us an answer as Soon as you Can and Here is Sum more Seamen Will Go With us if you can Get us clear from prison
William MoodyJohn Crawford

May pleas your Honour to Bestow Sum Cloes upon me for When Capt Babcok Sent me Here Naked for He took every thing from me When He Sent me Heare this from your Humble Servant and Every one the Same
William Moody

The Honourable Mr amable Hardy Marchant at Nantes Was So kind as to Give us Clothes as to civer our Nakednes Sinc We Came Here and We Do Humbly Beg that you Will not Send us to an Enimys Country

Addressed: To The / HonoraBell Mr / Franklin The amarican / Ajant Living in / Paris
Notation: Moody William John Craford 11. Augt. 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gérard de Rayneval, 12 August 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gérard de Rayneval, Joseph-Mathias

Sir,
Passy, Augt. 12. 1779.
I send you here with the best Copy I have of the address I mentioned to you. It was worn in the Carriage, but the Difficiency is supply’d from another. I request you would show it to M. le Comte de Vergennes and remark particularly the Sentiments express’d by the Congress, of the Alliance, and the absolute Unanimity with which the address passed.
With great Esteem I have the honour to be, sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant.
BF.
M. Gerald De Raynevall


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Harris, 12 August 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Harris, John

Sir
Passy, Aug. 12. 1779.
I received your Letters of the 7th. Instant. I wish it was in my Power to Accommodate the exchang’d Prisoners with every thing they desire. But the Number is so great, and my Means so Small by the Loss of Several Cargoes sent by the Congress, that it is with difficulty I can provide them with mere Necessaries. I have directed M. Sheweighauser to furnish the Officers and Men that came in this Cartel in the same manner and Proportion that was advis’d and approv’d by Mr. Adams a Member of Congress late Commissioner here then at Nantes. I cannot exceed this nor do for one what I am not able to do for all. As to any Money that may be due to particular Persons for Shares of Prizes or Wages, it is a Matter I cannot meddle with, being totally improvided with the Means of ascertaining and adjusting Such Claims, or any Orders to authorise me in paying them. They can only be settled in the proper Offices at home; whither I wish you all a safe and happy Return. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant.

Capt. John Harris Nantes.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cradock Taylor, 12 August 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Taylor, Cradock

Sir.
Passy, Augt. 12. 1779
If you were engaged in the English service, and taken fighting against the United states or their Allies, I cannot obtain your Liberty. The king of france will justly claim the Return of a french Prisoner in exchange for you, and you must therefore wait the Establishment of a Cartel. You have not sent me any of the Proofs you say you can produce in your favour, and as we have already been impos’d upon by some Englishmen pretending to be Americans, and may be more so if we take every Man’s Word who is pleas’d to Say he was born there, you cannot wonder at my Diffidence. I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servt.

Mr. Cradock Taylor Prisoner among the English at Aix in Provence.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 12 August 1779
From: Coffyn, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir.
Dunkerque Augst. 12th. 1779.
I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 2d. inst, Since which I have been favour’d with your Excellency’s letter of the 4th. As nothing can aford me greater pleasure then to be instrumental in helping your Excellencys charitable & humane vews in favour of the French Sailors who belonged to Capn. Cunningham & who have been Exchanged by the last Cartel as Americans, I will gladly render these poor men the service that lays in me, on their arrival here, but as they were ship’d clandestinely by Capn. Cunningham, I am intirely unacquainted with the terms upon which they were engaged, and therefore it is not in my power to certiffy their demands; however I shall advise them to make their deposition under oath before a Notary publick, an authentick Copy of which with their procuration, I shall take the liberty to address your Excellency, to be transmitted to America in order to obtain payment. One of said Sailors arrived here last monday, he inform’d me that his agreement was for 6 months, to receive 3. Guineas per month, besides a Share in the prizes agreable to the American laws; if so, I dare Say that either M. Deane or Mr. Hodge, will adjust their demands according to Justice.
Several other french Seamen who ship’d on board Said vessell, and who have been taken in the prizes, made their Escape out of prison, Some of ’em are now here, and the rest are dispersed; I shall gather as many as possible, to join in one deposition & procuration, to avoid the trouble of making different applications, my next will inform your Excellency of the result; interim I make free to advise your Excellency, that the man who arrived here, has made a Sort of complaint to Mr. Quesnel Commissary of the navy at this place, who in consequence of the orders formerly given him to make a Strict inquiry into the particulars of said ship, Seems to make himself rether busy about these men. He apply’d to me, and tol’d me that he would write to the Minister about their demands, this induced me to shew him your Excellencys letter, which must have convinced him, that your Excellency are favourably disposed to see them Justice done, and therefor tol’d him that it was needless to trouble the Minister about these matters.
Mr. Torris owner of the black prince privateer shew’d me a few days ago, a letter he received from his friend in London to whom he had sent the ransom bills for the vessells taken and ransom’d by sd. privateer, to procure the payment; the Gentleman Expresses some apprehensions in his letter, that the discharging of these bonds will Suffer difficultys, because (says he) in England they look upon that vessell to be a sort of a pirat, navigated by a parcell of Irishmen and that those who were found on board the Six prizes which have been retaken, will be tryed by the high Court of Admiralty in England, as pirats. This letter I observe, has struck a terror amongst a number of Irish Sailors who (encouraged by the Success of the black prince has had) have flock’d to this place, with an intend of shipping on board other privateers. I take the liberty at the request of Mr. Torris to ask your Excellency’s opinion upon this Subject, and to claim your Excellency’s protection, and advise on the steps that may be taken to save the poor men (who have had the misfortune of faling into the hands of the Ennemy) from an ignominious punishment. The English I think ought to be the last to punish the crimes of that nature, for no power has been So forward in forcing the subjects of the nations with which they are at war, to enter into their service.
I have the honour to remain with due respect Your Excellencys Most obedient & most devoted humble Servant
Frans. Coffyn

Addressed: To his Excellency / Dr. B. Franklin, / Minister plenipotentiary for the united / States of America, at the Court of / Versailles / at Passi.
Notations in different hands: Francois Coffin Dunkerque Aug. 12. 1779. / Copy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Montgomery, 12 August 1779
From: Montgomery, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Madrid 12th August 1779
I had the Honour of writing your Excely. the 29th June Advising that the Governour of Alicante had on the Declaration of the war Against England, Embargoed my house and put me under an Arrest until he Should know his Majesty’s Pleasure Concerning the Americans, and I Shortly after wrote you that the Minester of State el Conde de Florida Blanca on hearing this, Immediate dispatched a post Extraordinary to that Govert: Severely Censuring his Conduct, with Orders to Give me Every Liberty and Protection, on which Requested you would take no farther Trouble on my Acct: Supposing myself then in full Security; but unfortunately being in Company with the Governour’s Assesor Shortley after this Affair, I was So Imprudant as to Ralley him tho’ in Good Nature, on his not better understanding his Majestys Order of the 21st June, which Was to Seaze all British Ships then found in any of the Ports of those Dominions. This Creature who Could Not Bear to See his own Weakness, has to Be Revenged Informed the Minester that I have Never been in America, and that the passport and Certifícate I Produced Signed by your Eccely. Mr Lee and Mr Adams, are no more than Counterfits and ware never Given by you. On this false Information I am Ordred to Retire 20 Lagues from the Coast, till I Can Prove the Authenticity of those Papers. This (I may Say Vile[?]) Insinuation of the Assesor of Alicante Is So Injurious to My Honour, as well as to My Credit as A Merchant, that I hope you Sir, will not Hisitate a Moment to Repair it as you are the only Person who has Power to do it. I Reley on your Justice and Honour for this Redress. On being Ordred to Retire from Alicante I Came directly here and Expect to Morrow to be Introduced to the Minester, but fear I May meet many Deficultys, till I am Honour’d by a Letter from you Ratefying the Certifycate and Passeport Given Me the 8th Sepr. 78 at your Hotel in Passy, this would fully Satisfy all douts with the Minester by Shewing it to him, and hope you will not be Silent on this Occation, as that would Perfectly Confirm this falce Assertion, which must be Attended with the worst Consequences, I am with True Respect. Sir Your Eccelly’s. Most Obedt Most Humble Servent
Robt Montgomery
Please Direct A Los Srs: Don Pedro Casamayor & Co Para Entregar A Don Roberto Montgomery MadridBenn: Franklin Esqr—

Addressed: à Son Excc. Monsieur / Monsieur Ben: Franklin / Plenipotentiare des Etates Unie de l’Amerique / En Passy / Paris
Notation: Robt. Montgomery


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Peters, 12 August 1779
From: Peters, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sr.
Nottingham 12th: August 1779.
Thro’ the kind good Offices of Mr: [deleted] Virginia Gentn. who has been resident in London for sometime, I received(under Cover of one from him of the 15th. May last) a Letter of the 27th. Novr: last, addressed to you from my Son Richard at Philada. wherein he writes you that “he had troubled you frequently to gain some Information respecting me, whether living or dead, and if living entreating you to convey me something for my Support and to advise me either to go over to Philada. or to reside in France. And by an Indorsment on that Letter of my Son’s, you were so kind to request Mr: [deleted] to endeavour to find me out & if he succeeded to acquaint me that you were ready to do any thing in your power for me agreeable to my Son’s request & that you had written twice to me to that purpose, but supposed your Letters had miscarry’d as you had received no Answer from me.” Your Supposition that your Letters miscarry’d is right as I never received either of them, or knew any thing of your having wrote to me till informed of it by Mr: [deleted] sd. letter of 15th. May, in wch. he proposed also to assist in procuring me the Supply you were so good to offer me, and having since got the Bill negotiated he has agreeable to my Directions, paid into the hands of Messrs. Fullers & Co: Bankers, in London One Hundred Pounds Sterling for my Account; Wch. has been so great & seasonable a Relief to me that I am at a loss for words sufficiently to express my Gratitude to you for it.
The inclosed, wch. you will please to forward to my Son, is to advise him of my having received the £100, and I cannot doubt his Care to acknowledge your Favour to us and to reimburse you. He is very urgent with me in several Letters that I have received from him, to go over to my dear Family at Philada., than wch. tho’ surely nothing cou’d give me greater pleasure yet in my advanced Age & this perilous State of things between this Country & France &c and the horrid Dread I have of being made a Prisoner in the Voyage, I cannot now prevail on myself to undertake it, and I must entreat you will be so kind to give my Son your Sentiments by what Channel it will be best for him to make me any future remittances towards my Support till better times and you will much oblige Good Sr. Your already greatly obliged obedient Servant
Wm. Peters
If you favour me with any letter please to direct it to [deleted] to forward to me.Dr. Franklyn

Addressed: Monsieur Le Docteur / Franklin / Dr: F——n.
Notation: Mr Wm Peter’s. Letter. 100£ Sterlg.