Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Yves-Joseph de Kerguelen de Trémarec, 15 September 1778
From: Kerguelen de Trémarec, Yves-Joseph de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Saumur 15. 7bre. 1778.
J’ai appris que vous faites construire en hollande deux frégates tres fortes; je serois au comble du bonheur si j’avais L’honneur de commander un pareil batiment. On peut avec une frégate de ce genre se rendre maitre d’un vaisseau de Ligne surtout Lorsque la mer est grosse.
Si vous avez la bonté, Monsieur, de m’en confier une, j’ose vous assurer que je me conduirai de maniere a mériter votre estime, celle du Congréz, et de toute l’europe.
J’ai 43 ans, depuis l’age de 15 ans j’apprend le metier de la mer. J’ai commandé pendant 14 ans consécutifs dans toutes les mers. Etant capitaine des vaisseaux du roi la jalousie m’a fait eprouver des malheurs affreux. Il n’y a rien que je ne fasse pour les faire oublier et pour me venger de mes ennemis par des actions brillantes.
Je vous prie, Monsieur, de m’accorder le commandement d’une de vos frégates. Je vous en aurai une obligation infinie, et j’executerai vos ordres de la maniere la plus exacte et la plus glorieuse. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Kerguelen

P.S. Si vous m’accordez, Monsieur, la faveur que je vous demande, je me rendrai sur le champ en hollande. Parcequil ÿ a boucoup de choses de détail a perfectioner dans la disposition d’un batiment pour le combat.

Endorsed: Capt. Kergueler Marine Offr.


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1778: résumé
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Versailles, September 16, 1778, in French: I have received your letter concerning the French ship Isabelle recaptured by the privateer General Mifflin. The naval ordnance of 1681 assigns captains of recaptured vessels a third of their value if retaken within 24 hours. American privateers in France benefit from these provisions assuming that conditions of reciprocity obtain for French privateers in American ports. Americans may prefer French to British law which awards a higher proportion to the original proprietor. The law, however, may not be applicable in the present affair of the Isabelle. The French proprietor claims his vessel as retaken from pirates; he offers to pay the American privateer one third its value. In all likelihood the Guernsey privateer had no letter of marque. The issue must be submitted to a court of law. At any rate I await your opinion, in case our two nations are subject to different laws on the matter.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from de Perygnon, 16 September 1778
From: Perygnon, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Paris ce 16. 7bre. 1778
J’eus bien desiré vous exprimer verbalement combien je suis sensible à votre complaisance, mais ma maladie recule encore l’instant ou je pourrai jouir de cet honneur. Votre opinion en une matiere qui ne peut vous être inconnue mais Sacrée; c’est le plus heureux présage pour le succès d’une affaire bien intéressante. Votre bonté m’enhardit à vous supplier de m’accorder une nouvelle grace; je voudrois faire passer au Congrès l’arrêt du Conseil de St. Domingue qui demande un acte de notoriété de Philadelphie: j’ai divers expéditions de cette piece, ma reconnoïssance sera sans bornes, si vous daignés me permettre de vous les remettre afin de faire tenir au Congrès l’arrêt et le Mémoire et en recevoir l’acte de Notoriété.
Je ne prendrois pas cette liberté si la route ordinaire étoit parfaitement sûr, mais je n’ose esperer, que par votre entremise, cet acte de notorieté qui Seul jugera la Cause. Daignés pardonner mon importunité. Votre bonté, plus encore que l’importance de l’affaire en est l’excuse. Je Suis avec respect Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
De Peyrignonchés M. De Chanceru,membre de la Société royale de medicinerue Ste. anne Butte St. Roch

Endorsed: De Pereygnon about a Marriage


Title: The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 17 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: President of Congress

<Passy, September 17, 1778: Since our last letter, July 20, there has been an important naval battle in which, in our opinion, the French had a manifest and great advantage. Both fleets are again at sea. The British public is amused and the public funds supported by rumors of peace. We are in a state of suspense awaiting news of the comte d’Estaing.
We have taken measures to borrow money in Amsterdam but we cannot yet say with what success; we have had no answer to our request for permission to borrow money in France. We yesterday applied [to the French government] for a continuation of the quarterly payments of 750,000 l.t. Because of the apprehension of a general war England, France, the Emperor, Spain and Prussia are borrowing money and offering better interest rates than we can.
We have administered the oath of allegiance and issued certificates to that effect to Mr. Moor, Mr. Woodford and Mr. Montgomery, have given naval commissions to Mr. Livingston and Mr. Amiel and have administered an oath of secrecy to one of our secretaries. We wish instructions about such matters, and about Englishmen wishing to emigrate to America, about certification of ship cargoes belonging to Americans, and about payments to escaped prisoners, a large segment of our expenses. The comte de Vergennes informs us he asked Mr. Holker to write him from time to time. We have sent orders to Bordeaux to ship you 56 cannon, but this will take perhaps two or three months.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Jacques Richard, 17 September 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Richard, Jacques

Sir
Passi. September 17. 1778
We have written to Mr. Schweighauser of Nantes to receive the Cargo of the Therese and dispose of it as soon as may be. These are therefore to desire you will deliver the Cargo into his or his Agents Hands, whenever he shall demand it. We are, sir, your humble servants.

Captain Richards


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 17 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, September 17, 1778: We received today your letter of the sixteenth relative to the recapture of the Isabelle. We agree with your Excellency’s sentiments on reciprocity between the two nations. Unfortunately we have no access here to United States’ law. A copy of your letter and our answer will be sent to Congress and we assume Congress will extend to French privateers the advantages enjoyed by our privateers here. In the present case, depending as it does on a narrow construction of piracy and on a departure from the spirit of the laws of nations, we think it ill-advised of the owner to enter litigation.
We question the applicability of the royal ordnance of 1681: the Guernsey privateer was commissioned by the British king to cruise against American vessels and while no formal declaration of hostilities exists between England and France, these nations have in effect been at war since the mutual withdrawal of ambassadors. If it is admitted that the two nations are at war, it would be without precedent to judge the subjects of either one guilty of piracy for acts of hostility committed at sea against the other.>


Title: Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 17 September 1778: résumé
From: Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Amsterdam, September 17, 1778, in French: Your letter of August 31 came only two days ago. Ours of the 7th acknowledged receipt of the book of notes and coupons signed by you. We will work on the arrangements with all possible zeal and prudence, and with all the skill we have acquired from fifty years of experience; your instructions will be scrupulously observed. Because this loan is the first of its kind, we shall not know until we consult our brokers whether some authentication or other formality is needed. But we will approach them without loss of time, and try to get priority over the offerings of other powers, which are bringing money into short supply. The allowance you make should procure us this advantage. We will cover all expenses, including payment of interest, and take ten percent out of capital; for each thousand florins floated we remit you nine hundred. We hope that this arrangement will meet with your approval.>


Title: William Lee to the American Commissioners, 17 September 1778: résumé
From: Lee, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Paris, September 17, 1778: I wish to confer with you on an important and profoundly secret subject; I will wait on you at any hour tomorrow at noon or afterwards when you are alone.>


Title: Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 18 September 1778
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Philadelphia Septr. 18th. 1778
I am directed by the Board of Treasury of the United States to transmit to you a List, shewing the Numbers the Bills of Exchange are to bear, which will be drawn upon you and issued from the respective Loan Offices. Agreeable to this Order I now enclose you an Invoice of such Bills as have been forwarded to each State from my Office, ascertaining their Numbers, Amount &c. The Design in giving you this Information, is that if any Bills should come to your Hands whose Numbers and Denominations will not correspond with the enclosed Invoice, you may know them to be Counterfeits. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen Your most obedient humble servant
Fras HopkinsonTreasurer of Loans

Addressed: To / The Commissioner or Commissioners / of the United States of America / at / Paris
Notations in different hands: Fr. Hopkinson Treasr. of Loans Sept. 18 1778. / [in Hopkinson’s hand:] (on public service) (Duplicate) To be sunk if in Danger of falling into the Hands of the Enemy


Title: Elisabeth-Angélique Lalouëlle to the American Commissioners, 18 September 1778: résumé
From: Lalouëlle, Elisabeth-Angélique
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<St. Malo, September 18, 1778, in French: Bernard-Alexandre Lalouëlle, my son, embarked in January, 1777, on the Reprisal, Capt. Wickes, as second surgeon at the salary of 72 l.t. per month, plus two shares of the prizes. He performed brilliantly the amputation of the arm of the second officer in command. When the Reprisal, having taken several prizes, docked in St. Malo in June of that year, my son visited me at home and came down with smallpox on the second day. Capt. Wickes came to see him, promised to pay all his expenses, and ordered him not to board the frigate until they were ready to sail because the French authorities were on the lookout for French officers. Yet my son received only 72 l.t. and a promise to be made first surgeon as soon as Capt. Wickes took the command of a larger ship.
The Reprisal sailed on September 14 and we never heard from my son since then. Rumor has it that the ship sank, without survivors, near Newfoundland. If such is the case, I beg you to remit to me, through Messrs. Desegray & Beaugeard, the sum that was owing to him, i.e. his salary from January to September, minus 240 l.t. he had already received.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from T[homas] D[igges], 18 September 1778
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bir[mingha]m Sepr. 18./78
My having an oppertunity to forward this under cover to my freind Mr. I[zar]d, induces me to obtrude a few lines on You. Mr. Alex[ande]r Dick and some companions of his was lately with me, and their situation and circumstances demanded of me every alleviation of their wants that I had in my power to afford them; in the doing of which I was obligd to take Mr. Dicks bill on You dated Bristol Sepr. 8, ten days sight, for twenty six pounds Sterling, which bill I shall keep until a favourable oppertunity offers of remitting it to some freind in France. As Mr. Dick promisd me to give You the earliest notice of this bill from the first port he might arrive at in France, and to inform You for what it was drawn, who, and what His circumstances were, and also to lodge the needful for its discharge, I make no doubt You are informd of it before this day, and that it will be honord when presented to You.
I hope You will excuse me Sir for this unnecessary intrusion, but I am prompted from an ardent wish to be servicable to You or Your Community, to go further, and make an offer of my services to You. I am unavoidably prevented from giving my personal assistance to a cause I have extreemly at heart, but I am so situated in this Country as to have it often in my power to be servicable to those more actively and openly employd; If You can point out any mode wherein I can be useful, or will place confidence enough in me to transact or do anything for You here, I promise You Sir it shall be done with zeal punctuality secrecy and honor. It will not be prudent in me to be further explicit, Mr. I[zar]d, Messrs. L[ee]s, Mr. Jos W[harto]n, Mr. C[a]rm[ichae]l whom I have reason to expect is returnd to You, or any other confidential Freind who has lately gone from England, Mr. R[idle]y, or Mr. J. J[ohnso]n, can satisfy You who and what I am; The two first mentiond Gentlemen, and Mr. R[idle]y, can give You my name and direction, and I have lately wrote to the three, to mention a circumstance to You about our people in this quarter, that is deserving Your attention, for I begin to fear their situation will soon be again deplorable. I have the honor to be Sir Your very Obedient servant
T.D––


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 18 September 1778
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir,
Brest Septr. 18th. 1778.
The Fleet hath this day returned here, having been absent a Month and done nothing; for I call taking a small Tender and a small Privateer Nothing. A Frigate, the Juno, of 32 Guns 12 pounders is also Arrived and has brought in the English Frigate the Fox that was formerly taken by our Frigates the Hancock and Boston. This last Engagement lasted 2 hours and an half, in which time the Fox lost all her Masts.
The Fox mounts 24 Nine pounders, is Sheathed with Copper and said to sail pretty well. If the Minister will give me nothing better, I would rather accept that Ship with the Alert as a Tender than remain Idle: but I hope he has before this time determined to do more. I have shewed my letter of the 13th. to the Duke De Rochfaucault, who sets out in the Morning for Paris, but will not appear there ’till the first Ultimo. He commends the letter and thinks the Minister will be pleased with it. They say the Alert did not sail well, but I am persuaded it is because they did not know her Trim. I have yet received no letters. I will perhaps send a Duplicate of my letter to M. De Sartine by the Next Post; as the Count De Genleese, whom I have Just now seen at the Levee, tells me that the Duke De Chartres can make it servicable at Court. If I write to the Duke I will inclose the letter for Your inspection. I am with the truest Esteem and Respect Honored and dear Sir Your very Obedient and Obliged Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency Doctor Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / American Plenepotentiary at the Court of France. / à Passy.
Endorsed: Capt. Jones Brest Sept. 18. 78


Title: The American Commissioners to American Prisoners in England, [19] September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: American Prisoners in England

<Passy, September [19], 1778: We have not written you for a long time but have been engaged in negotiating a cartel of exchange, and have assurances from England that an exchange will take place. The government of this kingdom has provided a passport for the purpose. We now sincerely hope you will obtain your liberty. Since we do not have an equal number to exchange, those among you in captivity longest will be considered first. So long as the British government refused an exchange, we did not discourage the escape efforts of our countrymen and provided them with small sums of money. However such escapes at the present time could undermine British commitment to the cartel. We now have permission to make use of French prisons for British captives. Keep us informed on the precise conditions of your captivity so we may enforce the same provisions here.>


Title: Jonathan Loring Austin to the American Commissioners, 19 September 1778: résumé
From: Austin, Jonathan Loring
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Passy, September 19, 1778: On Tuesday [September 22] I will leave for Holland and then for America. I would appreciate letters of recommendation to Congress, the Massachusetts Council and other assemblies or individuals. Had I the money myself or had I not exceeded the credit with Pliarne, Penet & Cie. given me by the Board of War in Boston, I would not ask compensation for my time and expenses. I will be answerable to you or to Congress for any sum you advance me. P.S.: Please recommend our commercial house whose address I leave. I expect soon to report in French to the public about my activities, despite my lack of time here for study.>


Title: Daniel Blake and John Lloyd to the American Commissioners, 19 September 1778
From: Blake, Daniel,Lloyd, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Nantes Sept. 19. 1778.
Being informd that some malicious person, or persons, have been, and are still endeavoring, by the most infamous means, to deprive Mr. J. D. Schweighauser of his good name, and being apprehensive that the intention is to prejudice him in the estimation of the Honorable Commissioners, we think it an act of Justice due to injurd Merit, to acquaint you, that we have employd, and are now employing that Gentleman to transact for our friends and ourselves to a very large amount. The satisfaction that they and We have receivd from his assiduity, honor, and integrity will induce us to pursue every means in our power, after our arrival in America, to serve him; being confident that as a Merchant he most justly deserves public and private confidence. He has had, and continues to transact a very considerable part of the business to and from America, and we have always heard the Americans, who have had any Connection with him, speak of him in the most respectful Terms.

  (signd)
    Danl. Blake

      John Lloyd


Title: S. and J.-H. Delap to the American Commissioners, 19 September 1778
From: Delap, Samuel,Delap, Jean-Hans
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Bordeaux 19th Septr. 1778.
We received the Letter you did us the honor of writing us the 18th July last covering one for Capt. Wm. Hill Sargeant and a Blank Bond for him to fill up and sign; inclosed we return you said Bond executed by him and us for £1000 lawful Money of America, which is from what we could learn, the Security usually given for a Vessel of Cap. Sargeant’s Burthen and Force. However, as you omitted mentioning the Sum and that we may be mistaken in what is filled up, we hereby engage ourselves to answer for the surplus that may be required.
Inclosed we hand you two Packets that came to hand for you from Martinico.

A Vessel arrived Yesterday from Baltimore that parted the 1st August. The Captain does not bring any News but what you must have learned some time ago. We have the honor to remain Gentlemen Your most obedient humble Servants
S & J H Delap
To The Honble Benja Franklin & John Adams Esqrs.

Addressed: To / The Honble Benjamin Franklin / & John Adams Esqrs. / Ministers Plenipotentiary from the / United States of America, at the Court / of Versailles / Paris
Endorsed by John Adams: Mr Delap with a Bond.
Notation: 19 Sept. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ––– Christin, 19 September 1778: résumé
From: Christin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Carlsruhe, at the residence of the Margrave of Baden-Durlach, September 19, 1778, in French: Born in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, I have traveled through France, Holland, and Germany and devoted myself to clock-making and other works of precision. My ambition now is to submit to your judgment some of my inventions.
One of them is an oar for high free-board ships, designed in such a way that six of them can bring a vessel out of any port, away from currents, shoals and shallow waters, a mighty advantage in a war situation.
Another discovery I made concerns a machine for piercing metal: it would accelerate considerably the production of cannons.
Finally, I devised a new machine for cutting through steel and making files of all sizes by using the power of water, wind, or counterweights. A man operating it by himself could manufacture as many files as if he employed thirty workmen.
If you think it proper, I am ready to present my findings to the academies of Paris or London. The first one seems particularly important.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Emery, 19 September 1778
From: Emery, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bilbao 19 Sept. 1778
By you kind favours with which you honourd me the 23d March last I was Informd that the King of France had orderd the Payment of 400,000 Livers in America for the use of the Owners and Captors of the Two Prizes taken by Cap. Babson last year and Confiscated at Nantes. Last week arrived here one of the Officers of Cap. Babsons Ship and informs me No Order has appeard in America for the Payment, therefore your further Interposition in this affair and Instructions how we are to Apply for it will be gratefully acknowledg’d by Your Most Obedient Servant
Jno Emery
Should an Order be sent for the Payment Pray let it be to me as agent to Owners & Captors.
Honle Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: Honbl. Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Commissioner of Congress / at Passy / Near Paris
Endorsed: Emery about the Prize Money Bilbao 9. Sept 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Lafayette, 19 September 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Adrienne-Françoise de Noailles, marquise de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Paris ce 19 7bre 1778
Permettés moy, monsieur, de joindre ma reccommandation a celle de mr. le Cte. Dossun, en faveur du nomme Rolleandeau, qui ce me semble ne doit pas en avoir beaucoup besoin auprès de vous, meritant vos bontés par ses services et son zele pour la liberte des etas unis. Après avoir recu plusieurs blessures il etoit revenu en france chercher ses freres pour les attacher au service des americains, et c’est en retournant en amerique qu’il a ete pris et a perdu tous ses titres. Je ne doute pas monsieur que vos bontes ne reparent ses pertes et que vous ne le reccommandiés dans votre patrie de maniere a lui faire rendre l’etat qu’il a perdu par son zele en amenant a la liberté de nouveaux defenseurs. Quoique je croye ma reccommandation superfflue avec de tels droits a vos bontes, j’en [aurai] une veritable recconnoissance. Receves monsieur je vous en supplie mes complimens et l’assurance de ma joye des bonnes nouvelles que nous recevons d’amerique dont les interets me sont bien chers, meme independament de ceux de mon coeur, et receves l’hommage des sentimens avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’être, monsieur votre très humble et très obeissante servant
Noailles De LA FAYETTE


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Maire, 19 September 1778
From: Le Maire de Gimel, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Nantes Le 19. 7bre 1778
Je prends la liberté de vous envoyer cy incluse, la Copie de la lettre que j’écris à M. Lée, ainsi que celle des propositions que M. Gruel fait de son navire pour conduire à bien tous les articles que le Gouvernement de virginie a demandé; Je ne doute nullement, Monsieur, que vous n’approuviez le parti que je propose, S’il veut que tout arrive à Sa destination. Payer, pour payer, il est plus prudent d’avoir un navire de force, pour éviter les incursions des pirates qui sont en grand nombre et qui couvrent les mers. Il n’y auroit donc que des vaisseaux de ligne à craindre, ce qui n’est point probable qu’on en rencontre Car vous Scavez que les Anglais ont besoin de tous leurs navires pour former leur flotte et pour se mettre en force contre celle de France. D’ailleurs la saison de 9bre. et xbre. où je compte partir n’est pas un temps où les navires sont au large, raison de plus pour decider M. Lée. Vous verrez également, Monsieur, tout ce qu’il faut pour le Gouvernement de virginie et qui n’est point traité; ce qui m’afflige beaucoup, ayant à coeur de bien remplir la mission dont le Gouvernement m’a honoré, ainsi que de sa Confiance. Excusez moi, Monsieur, si je prends la liberté de vous fatiguer si souvent, mais un zele sans borne et le desir que j’ai de retourner promptement en virginie, me determine à m’adresser à vous pour en accelerer mon retour, étant persuadé du vif intérêt que vous voulez bien y prendre.
Je n’ai, Monsieur, encore reçu aucune nouvelle de M. Lée. Je lui ai écrit deux fois depuis que j’ai reçu l’honneur de la vôtre; il scait cependant que j’ai besoin d’argent, il est à croire qu’il ne m’en enverra point et je suis dans la situation la plus precaire, ainsi que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous le marquer. J’aurois esperé qu’il m’auroit envoyé de quoi solder ma depense, pour continuer mes operations, d’autant que je ne lui demande rien que de fournir à mes besoins indispensables. Si J’osois vous prier, Monsieur, de me faire toucher 600 l.t. pour payer ou je dois, je ne vous interromperois pas de sitôt; pardonnez, Monsieur, Mon indiscretion, mais examinez ma position, vous verrez qu’elle me force d’avoir recours à vous; d’ailleurs vous me l’avez permis, lorsque j’eus l’honneur de vous voir. Toute mon ambition est de pouvoir être assez heureux de vous convaincre que je suis un vrai et zelé Compatriote Americain. Penetré de ces sentimens, j’ose me dire avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
J. Le Maire
Je vous Supplie, Monsieur, de m’honorer d’un mot de reponse. Ne vous refusez pas à la prière d’un homme honnête qui vous en conservera pour la vie, la plus vive reconnoissance.

P.S. Je crois devoir, Monsieur, vous observer que Je crains que toutes les affaires ne transpirent. M. Lée a fait delivrer Toute la liste qui est au chateau de nantes à M. Schweighaucel. Je ne scai pas si vous savés que M. son gendre est un grenezien et que le pere de ce dernier est un commissaire anglais a guernezay et qu’il est interessé dans diferends corsaires. Je ne puis cependant Rien Imputer à ces Messieurs ne les connoissant qu’indirectement. Je desirerois même que ce que je vous marque ne soit que de vous à moi, parce qu’en fin il ne faut accuser personne qu’apres de bonnes raisons. Je comptois recevoir des nouvelles de M. Lée par le courier d’aujourd’huy, j’ignore le motif de son silence: il sait cependant qu’il faut payer les ouvriers et Experts qui m’ont aidé a l’inspection des fuzils, qui se monte a la somme de 776 l.t. 16 s. y compris le plomb et la poudre. J’esperois Egalement qu’il m’en auroit envoyé pour pouvoir Suivre mes operations avec facilité. Permettéz monsieur que je vous réitere ici ma priere a cet Egard.
Monsieur franklin Ecuyer à Passy

Endorsed: Capt. Lemaire Nantes Sept. 19 1778


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon: “The Ephemera,” 20 September 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

The following piece, originally published as “Lettre à Madame B.” but better known as “The Ephemera,” strikes a rare note in the canon of Franklin’s writings: a note of melancholy. In its bittersweet brooding over the brevity of life and the vanity of human endeavor, it does not try to instruct or reform, but merely to create a mood.
That Franklin should have felt old and somewhat discouraged in the summer of 1778 is hardly surprising. He was seventy-two. Flanked by the brisk and efficient Adams, not quite forty-three, and by the restless, hostile thirty-seven-year-old Arthur Lee, infatuated with the equally young Madame Brillon who was ever-so-gently rejecting him, he may well have thought that with the signing of the treaty of alliance in February his mission in France was coming to a close.
The visit to Moulin-Joli that triggered “The Ephemera” may have taken place on August 13, one of the few occasions on which Franklin absented himself from Paris. He composed the fantasy in the course of the following weeks, dated it September 20, not long before his second visit to Anet, and probably took with him a French translation for the benefit of Madame Brillon who did not read English.
Two years later, he described “some few Circumstances” of the piece’s composition and dissemination in a letter to William Carmichael:
The person to whom it was addressed is Madame Brillon a Lady of most respectable Character and pleasing Conversation Mistress of an amiable family in this Neighbourhood, with which I spend an Evening twice in every Week. She has among other Elegant accomplishments that of an Excellent Musician, and with her Daughters who sing prettily, and some friends who play, She kindly entertains me and my Grandson with little Concerts, a Dish of Tea and a Game of Chess. I call this my Opera; for I rarely go to the Opera at Paris. The Moulin Joly is a little Island in the Seine about 2 Leagues from hence, Part of the Country Seat of another friend, where we visit every Summer and spend a Day in the pleasing Society of the ingenious learned and very polite Persons who inhabit it. At the Time when the Letter was written, all conversations at Paris were filled with Disputes about the Musick of Gluck and Picciny, a German and an Italian Musician, who divided the Town into Violent Parties. A friend of the Lady having obtained a Copy of it under a promise not to give another, did not observe that Promise so that many have been taken, and it is become as publick as such a thing can well be that is not printed. But I could not dream of its being heard of at Madrid. The Thought was partly taken from a Little Piece of some unknown Writer which I met with 50 years since in a newspaper, and which the sight of the Ephemera brought to my Recollection.
When shown the piece, the Doctor’s old friend and translator, Barbeu-Dubourg, was so enthusiastic that, taking his cue from its theme, he urged prompt publication: “Il est bien essentiel de faire  paroitre tres promptement la traduction de ce petit morceau exquis qui perdroit chaque jour, pour ne pas dire chaque heure, beaucoup de sa valeur.” Franklin, who at first had shied away from publication, as he told Carmichael, changed his mind and printed, as a bagatelle, a French translation called “Lettre à Madame B.” on his Passy press.

Passy. Sept 20. 1778.
You may remember, my dear Friend, that when we lately spent that happy Day in the delightful garden and sweet Society of the Moulin-Joli, I stopt a little in one of our Walks, and staid some time behind the Company. We had been shewn numberless Skeletons of a kind of little Fly, called an Ephemere, all whose successive Generations we were told were bred and expired within the Day. I happen’d to see a living Company of them on a Leaf, who appear’d to be engag’d in Conversation. You know I understand all the inferior Animal Tongues: my too great Application to the Study of them is the best Excuse I can give for the little Progress I have made in your charming Language. I listned thro’ Curiosity to the Discourse of these little Creatures, but as they in their national Vivacity spoke three or four together, I could make but little of their Discourse. I found however, by some broken Expressions that I caught now and then, they were disputing warmly the Merit of two foreign Musicians, one a Cousin, the other a Musketo; in which Dispute they spent their time seemingly as regardless of the Shortness of Life, as if they had been sure of living a Month. Happy People! thought I, you live certainly under a wise, just and mild Government, since you have no public Grievances to complain of, nor any Subject of Contention but the Perfections or Imperfections of foreign Music. I turned from them to an old greyheaded one, who was single on another Leaf, and talking to himself. Being amus’d with his Soliloquy, I have put it down in writing, in hopes it will likewise amuse her to whom I am so much indebted for the most pleasing of all Amusements, her delicious Company, and her heavenly Harmony.
“It was, says he, the Opinion of learned Philosophers of our Race, who lived and flourished long before my time, that this vast World, the Moulin Joli, could not itself subsist more than 18 Hours; and I think there was some Foundation for that Opinion, since by the apparent Motion of the great Luminary that gives Life to all Nature, and which in my time has evidently declin’d considerably towards the Ocean at the End of our Earth, it must then finish its Course, be extinguish’d in the Waters that surround us, and leave the World in Cold and Darkness, necessarily producing universal Death and Destruction. I have lived seven of those Hours; a great Age, being no less than 420 minutes of Time. How very few of us continue so long! I have seen Generations born, flourish, and expire. My present Friends are the Children and Grandchildren of the Friends of my Youth, who are now, alas, no more! And I must soon follow them; for by the Course of Nature, tho’ still in Health, I cannot expect to live above 7 or 8 Minutes longer. What now avails all my Toil and Labour in amassing Honey-Dew on this Leaf, which I cannot live to enjoy! What the political Struggles I have been engag’d in for the Good of my Compatriotes, Inhabitants of this Bush; or my philosophical Studies for the Benefit of our Race in general! For in Politics, what can Laws do without Morals! Our present Race of Ephemeres will in a Course of Minutes, become corrupt like those of other and older Bushes, and consequently as wretched. And in Philosophy how small our Progress! Alas, Art is long, and Life short! My Friends would comfort me with the Idea of a Name they say I shall leave behind me; and they tell me I have lived long enough, to Nature and to Glory: But what will Fame be to an Ephemere who no longer exists? And what will become of all History, in the 18th Hour, when the World itself, even the whole Moulin Joli, shall come to its End, and be buried in universal Ruin? To me, after all my eager Pursuits, no solid Pleasures now remain, but the Reflection of a long Life spent in meaning well, the sensible Conversation of a few good Lady-Ephemeres, and now and then a kind Smile, and a Tune from the ever-amiable Brillante.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Amelia Barry, 20 September 1778
From: Barry, Amelia
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Sir,
Tunis 20th Sepr. 1778
Pardon I beseech you, this one trouble more, which I am pained to give you; but being in the most perplexing suspence, I think it a duty to inform you of it. I besought you Sir, in the three last letters I had the honor to write you to transmit your favors to Mr. Barry or me, under cover to Lewis Hameken Esq. Danish Consul at this place, and recommended to the care of Monr. Jean Baptista Fabré Negociant à Marsielle. Two vessels have arrived lately from that port one Venetian and one French. By the latter Consul Hameken has received several boxes of commissions &c. from Monr. Fabré but unaccompanied by a single line tho’ every other neutral Consul in town has received letters by that conveyance: how to account for this circumstance, I am at the utmost loss: Should my revered Docr: Franklin have honored me with a letter, and it have miscarried, he may hereafter impute ingratitude or negligence to me for not acknowledging the receipt of it. The uncertainty of his having written or not, leaves me truly unhappy. All my hopes my dear Friend are in you. At Poverty I should not repine could I endure it alone but when I think of Mr. Barry and my Children’s experiencing it, then indeed are my sensations exquisitely keen. Still, still do I hope my Doctor will set my heart at rest, and enable me to procure for my sweet Children the advantages of Education; of more real importance than Empires without it. If you should my dear Sir have written I must entreat you to inform me by a line, directed to me under cover to Monr. Molinare Sweedish Consul Tunis and recommended to the care of Monr. Paraut Negociant Marsielles. Should you not have written the other conveyance I should think must be safe yet the best conveyance of all must at presant be via Leghorn, as several neutral vessels (Venetian and Ragusa) are constantly employed in trading from that place hither. This address must be safe. With the most sincere and respectful attachment I have the honor to be Most Dear Sir Your ever-obliged and most devoted Humble Servant
A. Barry

Endorsed: Mrs. Barry
Notations: Sept. 20. 78 / A Barry Sept. 20 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 20 [September] 1778
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 20 [September 1778] a annét
Mércredi vous prendrés encore le thé sans moi, samedi vous le prendrés avéc moi; si cétte idée vous cause seulement la centiéme partie du plaisir qu’elle me fait, vous devés estre bien content mon chér papa; il est un point dit on, ou l’amitié ne peut plus augmentér, je le crois, et crois en mesme temp que la miénne en est la pour vous; cependant chaques jours il me semble que je vous aime davantage; je crois que c’est tout uniement parce qu’il y a chaques jours, un jour de plus que je vous aime; nous approfondirons cette matiére ensemble samedi, oh mon chér papa samedi que je serai contente! J’ai l’honneur d’éstre avéc les sentiments les plus réspéctueux et les plus tendres, Votre trés humble et trés obeissante servante
D’hardancourt Brillon

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Pierre de Vauquelin de Boisroger, 20 September 1778
From: Boisroger, François-Pierre de Vauquelin de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
the 20th. 7 r. 1778 au Château du Boisroger par Noyer menars
Mr. St pierre a gentleman of this province was possessed of a plantation wich he had Called New bordeaux Seated in the Meridional Caroline upon the Side of a river wich discharge itself into the Savanah, and there he had been Killed by the indians about two years agone. His heirs who Live at Caën, had Consented to give up all their rigths in My behalf. But I have not Ventured conclude that bargain, without knowing if the United States of america would allow the title of fellow Citizen to a french man. I have almost all my own, in my pocket book, Like as the greatest part of the other french protestants, and if the plantation above mentioned Does not fit me, my purpose were in that Case, to purchase another estate, according to my moderate fortune, if I Could hope increase it after wards, by ground’s Comissions from the Congres. But as I should, overall, be pleased, to prove Serviceable to the States, I Should think myself much more happy, if I Could be both tiller and military. Therefore I have the honour to Lay before you, Sir, that I have Served ten years officer in the regiment of Metz Royal artillery. Having Left that Service after my mother’s Decease, I entered at that time, into the Light horses of the King’s guards, by reform of wich I am Now without business. I have got hitherto the main Knowledge Necessary to the Officers of the Navy or artillery, even to a Naturalist, and tho’ I am but thirty three years old, I know your Learned theory of electricity, Long Ago. I will Delay to buy the inheritence of mr. St. pierre, till I have received your answer. If you grant me your protection, Sir, by the Congres, I might embark, when I can do it with any Safety. Previously I Shall have the honour of Shewing you, plain proofs, of my Service, behaviour, birth or nobility. I pray you Sir to be indulgent to my importunity and to the mistakes wich I have, maybe, Done in a tongue, wich I have begun to Study these five months, alone and without master. I am with Respect Sir, Your most humble and most obedient Servant
DE Vauquelin DE BOISROGER

Notation: Vauquelin de boisroger to be answer’d
Endorsed: Offr. au Chateau Du Boiroger 20 7bre 1778.


Title: Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 21 September 1778: résumé
From: Izard, Ralph
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Paris, September 21, 1778: I have learned that the ship Nile, Captain Goldsmith, has been taken while bound from London to Leghorn and brought into Marseilles. She carried 20 packages of my baggage addressed to Monsieur Antoine Martinelli, merchant, to be delivered to the abbé Niccoli. My name doesn’t appear on them as this might have caused their detention at the London Customs House. Please take whatever measures you think proper, so they can be delivered to my authorized representative.>


Title: Musco Livingston to the American Commissioners, 21 September 1778: résumé
From: Livingston, Musco
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, September 21, 1778: I received yours of –– [August 31], and will answer on my return to Nantes where I have left the relevant papers. I have a very fine ship ready to sail immediately and will gladly take two or three hundred tons of the public goods now at Nantes. Since I am unfamiliar with the terms and conditions of shipment, write me your wishes by return post in care of Mr. Schweighauser.>


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 21 September 1778: résumé
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Versailles, September 21, 1778, in French: I have received your letter of the 17th. I knew that the principle of reciprocity in the matter of recapture would meet with your approval. The regulations of Massachusetts of which Capt. McNeill informed you are different from the English and more like the French. The regulations of England, by allowing half the value of the vessel to the original owner, favor the interests of commerce. It would be important for the various American states to adopt a uniform law in this regard to preclude difficulties which owners of vessels might incur in their ignorance. With respect to the Isabelle, it is up to the courts of law, not the administration, to hear the owners’ claim. Should the decision go against them, you will recognize that a third or a half the value of this vessel should be held by public officers until the two nations have agreed on a procedure regarding recaptured vessels.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, 21 September 1778
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Viry ce 21 Septembre 1778
Au milieu de l’affliction où nous sommes mon Illustre Docteur je ne puis m’empêcher de vous faire souvenir de la promesse que vous nous avez faite de venir nous voir ici à Viry chez mon frère. Nous lui avons parlé de cette promesse il en a été ravi et il desire vivement que vous l’accomplissiez. Vous savez combien un ami comme vous peut adoucir les maux d’un malheureux Pere et d’une malheureuse mère toujours livrés à leur douleur. Vous ferez je ne dis pas simplement une action conforme à vôtre bon coeur mais vous remplirez encore un devoir d’humanité. Quelle influence ne peuvent avoir sur nous la présence et les consolations d’un ami comme Vous. Daignes done nous tenir votre parole cette espérance suffit seule pour apporter quelque soulagement à notre peine. Je n’ai pas besoin de vous prier d’amener Monsieur votre petit fils et de vous dire que mon frère sera fort aise d’avoir l’honneur de le recevoir. D’ailleurs toutes les personnes que vous amenerez seront bien recuës. Si vous voulez y coucher vous trouverez des appartemens bien clos et bien bons pour vous et pour Monsieur votre petit fils. Vous verrez certainement une des plus belles vuës et un des plus beaux pays qu’on puisse voir aux environs de Paris. Recevez les sincères assurrances des sentimens d’attachement d’un homme qui dans quelqu’etat que soit son ame ressent également l’amitié qu’il vous a vouée pour la vie.
Le Roy
  Mde. Le Roy me charge de vous dire combien elle vous est attachée ayez la bonte de dire bien des choses pour nous à M. et Mde. De Chaumont. Nous n’oublierons jamais les marques d’amitié qu’ils nous ont donné dans cette funeste Occasion.
P.S. Si vous me favorisez d’une réponse, vous voudrez bien suivre l’adresse qui est ici dessous
a Monsieur Monsieur Le Roy maison de M. Le Roy à Viry sur Orge par Risse pour Viry

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Député du Congrès / à Passy / près Paris
Endorsed: M. Le Roy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Pine, 21 September 1778
From: Pine, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Josslin Septr. 21th 1778
I hope your lord Ship will Take it in consederat[ion] Since it was my Mesfortune to be Taken by american Privatear as I was on my voyage to Newfoundland I was taken By the gennrell Putnan from Newlondon commanded by Thomas allen whare of he Rancomd my vessell and Send me For England after my Sending two men for the Rancom. And as I was on my Passage to England was taken by a frinch frguate called the Servlent [Surveillante] and She keep me as Prissonears Ever Since the Sixteen Day of July and not Had the upertunety of writing to your ounner to acquent you of the faire which I hope it is in your Power to give Me my Leberty which I hope your ounner will Take It in consederation as I Rancomd my vessell to the american Private-teear. The franch had No Right to take me Prissoner. I Should Take it as a great favour if your ounner will be So kind as to Send me and ancor [an answer] and Shall Be much oblige to your ounner. Sir I am your Huble Sarvent
Joseph Pine
Plese to Drect to Captn. Joseph Pine at Josslin grand Britune In France per care of Monsiure gautier.

Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. Frinkling / a / Paris
Notation: Josph Pine Sept. 21. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-François Rolandeau, 21 September 1778
From: Rolandeau, Louis-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
De paries ce 21 septambr 1778
Comme il y a 7 jours que je suis malade et que je me propose de jour en jour de vous aller voir et vous demander mon déportement (?) pour rejoindre [mon régiment], dans cet intervalle de ma maladie le marquis d’Ossun et Madame de la Fayette m’ont fait remettre deux lettres pour vous mettre en main. Etant malade et ne pouvant que vous les envoyer, je vous prie d’avoir égard à leur recommandation pour moi et vous prie de me dire quel jour je pourrai avoir une de vos audiences. Vous m’obligerez infiniment vu l’envie que j’ai de partir. Monsieur, je suis et serai toute ma vie votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Rolandeau


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [the Marquise de Lafayette], [after 21 September 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Adrienne-Françoise de Noailles, marquise de

[after September 21, 1778]
Wherever it is in my Power, I should certainly pay the greatest Respect to the Recommendation of Madame de la Fayette, but it is absolutely impossible for me to do what is desired for this M. Rolandeau. He was an Officer in the American Service; he left his Regiment without Leave and came to France. If he would return there it should therefore be at his own Expence. It cannot be thought reasonable that we should pay all the loss and Damage that arises from his Irregularity. Having been in America he must be known to the People there better than he is to me. If he has behaved well, a Recommendation from me is unnecessary; if ill, it would be of no Use to him, and I ought not to give it. His Letters to me, are so contradictory to one another, and so inconsistent with the Accounts he has given me of himself in Conversation, that I have no Confidence in any thing he says, nor any Faith in his Stories of being wounded in our Service. He has taken up Money on our Account without our Leave; and we have given him more to pay his Expence down to his own Country on his Promise to trouble us no farther but he has staid in Paris, and breaks that Promise by applying to us again after repeated Refusals and engaging your Goodness and that of the Count D’Ossun to solicit for him. But had I ever so good an Opinion of him, as I know his Place in America must be long since fill’d up, and that there is no Vacancy there for him, and as the Congress have given us strict Orders to encourage no more Officers, the Armies being full and the Applications extreamly embarrassing, I dare not give him the least Encouragement to go thither, and if I were one of his best Friends I should advise him to stay where he is.
I rejoice with you on the good News from our Friends in America, and the Reputation your particular Friend has so deservedly acquired there. Continue your Prayers for us, and we shall do well. I am with sincere Respect Madam &c.


Title: The American Commissioners to William Lee, [22–26] September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Lee, William

<Passy, September [22–26], 1778: We have considered the papers you submitted, including the project of a treaty between the Netherlands and the United States. As Congress has appointed no commissioner to deal with their High Mightinesses, we have taken and will continue to take all suitable measures to further friendship between our countries. We do not think it prudent for many reasons to express at present any decided opinion on the projected treaty you communicated to us. We however wish to express our disposition to treat on an object which promises to lay the foundation of an extensive commerce and to tend to prevent the continuation of war.>


Title: The American Commissioners to the Massachusetts Council, 22 September 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Massachusetts Council

Passi September 22 1778
Mr. Jonathan Loring Austin who was dispatched the last year by your Honours with the glorious News of the Convention of Saratoga, being about to return home We think it proper to inform your Honours that his Behaviour since his arrival here has been entirely to our Satisfaction and to recommend him as a Gentleman of Abilities and Fidelity in Business, well attached to the Cause of his Country, and of exemplary Decency and Prudence. We have advanced him one hundred Louis for which he is to be accountable to Congress. We have the Honour to be &c.

The Hon. Council of Mass Bay.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 September 1778: résumé
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, September 22, 1778: When I laid my accounts before you, I left the general one open pending its completion; I now send it, closed and settled, up to May 30, 1778. You will also find accounts of the arms magazine, invoice of arms repaired, and the general account from June 1 to September 10, with a balance in your favor of 7,386 l.t. 18 s. 9 d. I have subsequently received a bill for bayonet sheaths which, along with the articles at the bottom of the general account, leaves a balance of about 11,000 l.t. in my favor. I will draw on you for that amount and notify you. Duplicates of all my accounts have been sent to Congress. The Dispatch, Captain Barnes, which sailed from here on August 29 has been captured and carried into Guernsey.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 22 September 1778: résumé
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Passy, September 22, 1778: In examining our joint accounts I find some articles for which I have paid separately. For future planning I propose we pay jointly for the wages and expenses of the maître d’hôtel, cook, coachman and other servants, the hire of horses and carriage, postage and expresses, and other common expenses. If Dr. Franklin chooses to add the washerwoman’s accounts or the expenses of a clerk for each of us I have no objection. Receipts are to be taken for payments and each party furnished monthly with a copy of the accounts, with an opportunity to see the receipts. Expenses for clothing, books, other personal items and pocket expenses are to be paid separately. If another plan is more agreeable to Dr. Franklin, Mr. Adams begs him to propose it. Accounts for our sons at school may be added or not as he chooses. I expected to pay my son’s subsistence myself and will do so if Congress desires it, but as other gentlemen are maintaining, educating and enjoying large families here, perhaps Congress may also allow it to us, whose duties, labors and anxieties may be greater.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Anderson, 22 September 1778
From: Anderson, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Lisbon 22d: Septmr. 1778
I embrace this opportunity to inform Your Excellency, I was to have been the bearer of the Ratification of the Treaty between France and America together with a large Number of letters and papers from the Congress and the Governor and Counsel of Virginia (of the utmost consequence) to Their Excellencies The Ambassadors at paris; but was unfortunately taken (by The King George packet) with my Vessel and Cargo of Ninety Seven Thousand weight of Tobacco, within about Twenty Leagus of the Bay of Biscay, when I destroyed all the letters and papers having particular directions so to do in case I was taken. The only letters that were saved was four of recommendation, one of which was to Your Excellency, and Three to the rest of Their Exellencies The Ambassadors, from the Secty., and The Governor of Virginia, which letters the English Consel here has taken from me, as I was set at liberty at this place; and was it not for the Civilities of Arnold. H. Dorman Esquire, should be in distress for even Common Necessaries as they Strip’d me of everything except my Cloaths. He, Mr. Dorman, is kind enough to furnish me with Cash and tells me he will procure a passage either to France or america as soon as possible, if to the Former shall wait on Your Excellency.
As to News respecting The Two Armies, General Washington gave Sr. Henry Clinton (in his march to New York in June last) a handsome drubing, and had it not been for the Misconduct of Genl. Lee wou’d certainly have taken his whole Army, however from the best Accounts, he with the remainder must have Capatulated before this. I am Your Excellencies most Obedient Humble Servant
Geo Anderson
The Vessel in which I was taken was owned by Colo. Adams, Mr. Hylton, of Virginia & my Self, and was Commanded by Capt. Thoms Coleman, Called the Sally
The Honble. Ben. Frankling Esqr.

Addressed: The Honble. Benj Frankling Esq. / a / Paris
Notations in different hands: Geo. Anderson Lisbon 22. Sept. 78 / Anderson Geo. 22d. Sept. 1778. / M Caccia Banquier à Paris rüe st. martin Vis avis la rüe aux Ours


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Maire, 22 September 1778
From: Le Maire de Gimel, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Nantes le 22 Septembre 1778.
Je sens que je vous fatigue, j’en suis réellement confus; mais la cruelle position ou je me trouve fait que j’ai recours à vous pour vous prier de me faire toucher six cents livres, ainsi que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous le marquer dans mes précédentes.
M. Lee vient de me marquer qu’il n’étoit point à son pouvoir de fournir à mes depenses pour suivre mes opérations comme vous le verrez par la copie de sa lettre que je prens la liberté de vous envoyer; je dois déja ici quatre à cinq cens livres, je voudrois, Monsieur que ma fortune repondît à mes bonnes intentions, je ne vous importunerois point. Vous trouverez également ci inclus la reponse que je fais à Mr. Lee ainsi que la copie du projet et prospectus de L’armement du Navire que je propose pour transporter tous les objets en Virginie, je vous envoie aussi la copie de la quittance des ouvriers que j’ai payés avec les fonds que j’ai touchés de M. Schweighauser de la part de Mr. Lee.
Veuillez, Monsieur, preter toute votre attention à tous mes chefs de demande, votre belle âme ne pourra se refuser à la Solicitation d’un homme honnête qui n’a que pour but de bien remplir sa mission pour repondre à la confiance que le gouvernement de Virginie a bien voulu lui accorder. Si vous ne daignez venir à mon secours et que Le projet d’armement ne s’execute pas je crains que tout ne tombe entre les mains des Ennemis.
Tout mon Espoir est entierement en Vous, persuadé que vous voudrez bien y prendre le plus vif interet, vous supliant de m’honorer d’un mot de reponse et penétré de ce Sentiment, j’ose toujours me dire avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
Le Maire
Monsieur franquelin Ecuyer à Passy.

Endorsed: Capt. Lemaire
Notation: Nantes 22. 7bre 1778


Title: Engelbert François van Berckel to the American Commissioners, [23 September 1778]: résumé
From: Berckel, Engelbert François van
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<[Amsterdam, September 23, 1778], in French: The undersigned, counsellor pensionary of Amsterdam, informs the commissioners that the burgomasters of the city authorize the following declaration: assuming Congress will not enter into any agreement with the English commissioners that would be harmful or prejudicial to Dutch trade in Europe either directly or indirectly, the burgomasters will work to facilitate a treaty of friendship between the Netherlands and the United States as soon as England recognizes American independence. The burgomasters authorize the use of this statement where it is deemed appropriate, not doubting this will be done with all the necessary precautions.>


Title: Schweighauser to the American Commissioners, 24 September 1778: résumé
From: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, September 24, 1778: I received your letter of the 14th [13th] only yesterday covering one from Capt. Richard, together with the documents relative to the cargo of rice and indigo shipped by A[braham] Livingston of Charles Town. The person in charge of the vessel, M. Peltier du Doyer, tells me that, on orders from M. de Beaumarchais, he has already sold the cargo except for a few casks of inferior indigo. I expressed suprise at this imprudent action. Until I receive further instructions from you, I will do nothing more. I am extremely happy to learn that an exchange of prisoners will soon take place. As to my commission of 5%, please consider the trouble and expense attendant on my situation. I must supply interpreters, outfitters and repairmen, and provide for the considerable needs of the prisoners. If I am to receive only 2% I must charge the travelling expenses of my representatives at Brest and Lorient. M. Penet and M. Thomas Morris offer precedents for my own demands which I do not think unreasonable.>


Title: Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 24 September 1778
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

A Versailles le 24. 7bre. 1778.
Par la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 28 du mois dernier, Messieurs, vous avez demandé l’entrée libre dans le Royaume et l’Exemtion de tous droits des effets de beaucoup d’Américains qui se trouvent en Europe, et qui sont dans le dessein de retourner dans leur patrie. J’ay communiqué votre demande à M. Necker, et je joins ici une copie de sa réponse; vous y verrez les justes raisons qui s’opposent à la grace que vous avez sollicitée, et les mesures qui pourront être prises pour favoriser l’entrée et la sortie du Royaume des effets que les américains voudront faire passer en Amerique.

M. Francklin, Lée et Adams


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 September 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honourable Gentlemen
Nantes Sept. 24. 1778.
I this Day compleated the Inventory of the magazine of arms and presented it to Mr. Schweighauser for him to sign the Receipt at the Bottom. We are agreed as to quantity and number but he declines engaging to receive the articles for Reparation remaining to be supplied without your orders. I therefore request you to give your Directions accordingly that I may close the Business. These articles I am absolutely engaged to take and pay for on account of the Magazine, they are necessary to the Reparation and would not have been ordered but for that purpose. You will therefore find them noticed at the bottom of the account I had the Honour to transmit per the last Post. I am with the greatest Respect Honourable Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant
Jona Williams J
The Honble The Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States.

Addressed: The Honourable / The Ministers Plenipotentiary / of the / United States / Passy
Endorsed by John Adams: M. Williams Septr. 24 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cecilia Davies, 24 September 1778
From: Davies, Cecilia
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 7br. 24th 1778.
No words can express the Obligations we are under to our Dear and most Worthy Friend for his truly kind Letter, ’tis so great a proof of that Friendship which you have always shewn to our family that our Gratitude can only end with our Lives. How rejoiced we shall be to see you again Dear Sir, ’tis a happiness we shall hope to enjoy, and the very expectation of it will afford us some Consolation during our absence from a Person whom we shall ever Respect and Love most sincerely. My Mother and Sister join me in every wish for the continuation of your Health and Happiness, and I remain with the sincerest Attachment Dear Sir Your most Affectionate and most Oblig’d Humble Servant
Davies Inglesina

Endorsed: Davies Inglesina
Notation: Sept 24 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Jacob Hemmer, 24 September 1778: résumé
From: Hemmer, abbé Jacob
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Mannheim, September 24, 1778, in Latin: Wishing to give you a token of its esteem, the Palatine Academy of Sciences has entrusted me with the pleasant task of sending you its Transactions. I rejoice in this chance to thank you again for the kindness you showed me and my friend Delor in Paris recently.
Of the five volumes I am supposed to send you, the first two are made up of a mixture of history and natural science; the others deal with separate topics. The fourth, which I shall ship as soon as it gets off the press, is all physics. It contains four of my essays—one on lightning rods in the Palatinate, one on memorable strokes of lightning, one on an electrical cure for paralysis that I performed, and one on the perpetual “electrophore” which I built here.
I will send you soon the by-laws of our own German Society, in the hopes that it will become the sister of yours.>


Title: Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 25 September 1778
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

A Versailles le 25. 7bre. 1778
J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire pour reclamer des Effets appartenans à M. Izarts qui ont été pris sur un batiment Anglois allant à Livourne. Je n’entrerai pas ici dans la question si le Navire Ennemi rend la marchandise Ennemie, les Capteurs l’éleveront certainement. Mais Comme cette question est du Ressort du Departement de la Marine, Je crois que vous ferez très bien de voir le plus tôt possible M. de Sartine. Ce Ministre est à Paris et y passera toute la Journée de demain. Je ferai volontiers ce qui dépendra de moi auprès de ce Ministre pour l’engager à vous procurer une prompte Decision. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec une parfaite consideration Messieurs, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
(signé) De Vergennes
Messrs. Franklin, Lée et Adams


Title: The American Commissioners to Ralph Izard, 26 September 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Izard, Ralph

Sir
Passi September 26 1778
Last Evening We had the Honour of an answer from the Comte de Vergennes to our Letter respecting your Goods. We inclose a Copy of it to you and believe it will be adviseable for you to wait on Mr. de Sartine. Perhaps he may not at first recollect the Article of the Treaty, as Mr. De Vergennes appears not to have done. We have the Honour to be with great Respect, Sir your most obedient &c.

Hon. Mr Ralph Izzard


Title: The American Commissioners to James Smith, 26 September 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Smith, James

Sir
Passi September 26 1778
On the 28 of the last Month We had the Honour of writing to M. the Comte de Vergennes, concerning your Goods, and in the same Letter, We requested that some Mode might be prescribed by which Americans, well affected to their Country, might pass through this Kingdom in their Way home with their Effects Duty free. The last Evening We received an Answer from his Excellency inclosing Copy of a Letter from Mr. Necker upon the subject. A Copy of this Copy together with a Copy of his Excellency’s Letter to Us We inclose to you, for your Government. We shall be ready to apply to Mr. Necker, in the Way prescribed by him, whenever you shall furnish us with the means of doing it, by sending us an Invoice of your Goods, and a note where they are, and for what detained, that We may inclose it to him. In the mean time, We are

Dr. Smith


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 26 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

<Passy, September 26, 1778: Last evening we received your letter of the 24th and shall observe the rules prescribed by M. Necker. We also received your letter of the 25th; article 16 of the treaty of commerce applies to Mr. Izard’s goods as they were shipped before any declaration of war or at least within two months of the first appearance of war. We have referred him to M. de Sartine and following your advice will apply to that Minister ourselves as soon as possible.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 26 September 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Passy; Saturday Sept. 26. 78
I very much approve your Plan with regard to our future Accounts, and wish it to be followed.
The Accounts that have been shown you, are only those of the Person we had entrusted with the receiving and paying our Money; and intended merely to show how he was discharged of it. We are to separate from that Account th Articles for which Congress should be charged, and those for which we should give Credit.
It has always been my Intention to pay for the Education of my Children, their Clothes &c. as well as for Books and other Things for my private Use; and whatever I spend in this Way, I shall give Congress Credit for, to be deducted out of the Allowance they have promis’d us. But as the Article of Clothes for ourselves here is necessarily much higher than if we were not in public Service, I submit it to your Consideration whether that Article ought not to be reckoned among Expences for the Publick. I know I had Clothes enough at home to have lasted me my Lifetime in a Country where I was under small Necessity of following new Fashions.
I shall be out of Town till Monday; when I return we will if you please, talk farther of these Matters, and put the Accounts in the Order they are hereafter to be kept. With great Esteem, I am, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin

I inclose a Letter just receiv’d from Mr Ross. Some Answer should be sent him. I have not had time. Enclos’d are his late Letters.
If any good News arrives my Servant may be sent Express to me with it.
J. Adams Esqr


Title: Schweighauser to the American Commissioners, 26 September 1778: résumé
From: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, September 26, 1778: After I wrote you asking instructions about M. Peltier du Doyer’s claim on the cargo of the Thérèse, I decided to put a stay on his action and demanded delivery of the goods to me to prevent his remitting the proceeds of his sales to Paris. The inventory of the arsenal is completed. Mr. Williams wants me to sign the annexed receipt which I will not do until you indicate that my draft on you for the remaining unfinished articles will be honored. Please send the conditions of sale so that I may complete the account of the tobacco brought by the Baltimore and sold to the farmers general. The director of the farm has repeatedly requested it.>


Title: Joseph Wharton, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 September 1778: résumé
From: Wharton, Joseph, Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Paris, September 26, 1778: In order to lessen the scarcity of salt in America and to benefit myself I propose to send several cargoes of it from Portugal this coming winter. As you informed me there is no congressional resolution against direct trade from Portugal to the United States, I ask passports for the vessels I may load there. Because of the supposed unfriendliness between the two countries these passports will be highly necessary both to remove the suspicions of Portuguese merchants and masters and to secure protection from American warships and privateers.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 26 September 1778
From: Alexander, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Auteuil 26 Sept 1778
The inclosed Paper Contains a short sketch of Dr. Blacks Doctrine of Latent heat. It is there applied only to a few phenomena but the Dr. has experiments to shew that it is also the Cause of vapour, and He Explains How Evaporation Generates Cold, and the whole Theory of fluidity. After you have red this short paper, When you meet with my B[rothe]r He will give you the Extent of the Doctrine and Inform you of the Experiments by which It is supported.
This Paper I got from one of Dr. Blacks Students for the use of Monsieur De Morveaux. I am with the most thorough Attachment Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
W Alexander

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsr Franklin / a Passy
Endorsed: W Alexander
Notation: 26. Sept. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Machillot Desplaces, 26 September 1778
From: Desplaces, Jean-Baptiste Machillot
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Son Exelence
A Paris ce 26 7bre 1778
Le nommé J.B. Machillot desplaces Valet de Chambre de Mr. le Mquis. de lafayette suplie Son Exelence d’avoir la bonté de le faire payer de la somme de 400 l.t. qu’il a prêté a Mr. le Maire pour un mois seulement, le tems que Son Exelence devoit lui faire rembourcer les avances qu’il avoit fait pour Elle. Sans le connoître que pour l’avoir vû chez Mdme. La Mquise. de lafayette, J’y ai été de bonne foie en lui accordant la demande qu’il me fit, aprésent je ne peu le ravoir sans le Scour [secours] de Son Exelence. Mdme. La Mquise. de la fayette m’a chargée de vous faire ses complimens. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un très profond respect Son Exelence Votre très humble et trés obeissant Serviteur
Machillot desplaces

tournés S’il vous plait
  Je crain de fatiguer Son Exelence de lecture. Voila la Coppie du Billet qu’il m’a fait:
  Je promet payer la Somme de quatre cent livres de france dans un mois datte de ce jour, a Mr. Machillot desplaces, Valet de Chambre de Mr. le Mquis. de lafayette a Paris
  ce 30. Juillet 1778. Le Maire
  bon pour 400 l.t.
  Il m’a ecrit trois lettres depuis qu’il est a Nantes en reponces de mes demandes, pour obtenir du tems, auquel il n’a j’amais tenu parolle; j’ai toujour déférés a en donner connoissence a Son Exelence crainte de lui auter la confiance qu’elle a en lui. C’est la nécessité qui m’y force crainte qu’il ne parte avant qu’il ne me paye parce que je voi qu’il abuse de ma bonté.
  J ai donné une léttre a Monsieur lee ce matin je crain de m’être mal expliqué voila pourquoi je prens la liberté de récrire celle cy.

Notation: Deplacé 26 Sept. 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Gabriel Montaudoüin de la Touche, 26 September 1778
From: Montaudoüin de La Touche, Jean-Gabriel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Nantes 26 7bre 1778
Je profite de L’occasion de Mr. Blanchet qui va a Paris et qui a grande envie de vous rendre ses hommages pour me rappeller dans l’honneur de vôtre souvenir. Mr. Blanchet est eleve du celebre Agriculteur Tull. Il parle Anglois. Il a traduit le Commun-Sens, il est fort zelé pour la cause Ameriquaine. C’est un homme sans faute. Il a les moeurs et la candeur du bon vieux tems, il a de L’esprit, et des connoissances. Il est connu de plusieurs personnes de distinction, entre autres de Madame La Duchesse d’Enville.
Il vous donnera des nouvelles de Mr. vôtre Neveu qu’il vit hier chèz moi, et qui partit peu de tems après pour La Rochelle. Je lui ai donné des lettres de recomandation pour Le Lieutenant General de L’Amirauté de cette ville là. Il est aussi recommandé au Beaufrere de mon frere. Il y a quelque tems que Je le chargeai de vous informer que divers Corsaires Anglois qui croisent sur nos côtes alloient sous Pavillon Ameriquain acheter des vivres en Espagne, notament a Bilbao. On pouroit empecher cette Supercherie.
Ma femme vous dit mille choses honnetes. Elle se retablit bien. Elle est accouchée a la fin du 7eme mois d’une fille morte. J’ai L’Honneur d’être avec une veneration sans borne et un tendre, et respectueux devouement Monsieur vôtre très humble très obeissant Serviteur
Montaudoüin
Voules vous bien, Monsieur, embrasser pour moi Madame et Melle. de Chaumont, et faire agreer nos respects a Mr et a Mme Le Roy.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le docteur Franklin / Commissaire des Etats unis, membre / des Academies des Sciences de paris, / philadelphie, Londres, &c. / A Passy
Notation: Montaudoin 26. 7bre. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 27 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, September 27, 1778: We received yours of the 21st relative to the retaking of the Isabelle by Captain McNeill. Since comte d’Estaing has probably retaken American vessels from the English, we should soon have intelligence on how this was handled. In the meanwhile we have advised Captain McNeill to turn over one third of the value of the Isabelle to a public officer whom you shall designate, to be repaid either to the Captain or to the original proprietor depending on the rule the two nations adopt. McNeill will deliver this letter to you and can take charge of any dispatches regarding this affair you wish to entrust to him.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Laurens, Jr., 27 September 1778
From: Laurens, James, Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honour’d Sir
Le Vigan-Cevennes-Languedoc: 27 September1778
Though I have not the pleasure of being personally known to you, I take the Liberty to address you as the Common friend of America and to request the favour of your assistance in procuring me a Pass, which may serve as a safe conduct for me and my Family in travelling from City to City through this Kingdom, which I am informd by the Commandant of this Town, will be absolutely necessary for me to carry about at this Juncture. It may be necessary to inform you that I am of Charles Town, South Carolina which place I Left in June 1775 merely in quest of health, which I have not yet been so happy as to obstain, though I have experienced much benefit from this Climate. I posted thro’ France in Decemr. Last in Company with a friend who was perfectly acquainted with this Country and was so kind as to represent both our Families and do every thing that was necessary, by which means I never obtaind a Pass for my own Family, nor have I thought of one since the departure of that friend, till, the Commandant inform’d me of the necessity of having one.
As our Journey thro’ france was in a severe frost and we hasten’d with our Families of Invalids to reach a milder Climate, I could not prevail on my friend to halt but one day at St. Denys (the 19th. Decemr.) when I embraced the opportunity of going to Paissy in order to pay my respects to you, but had the mortification to be inform’d by Mr. Dean, that you were engaged at Paris and would not return home till after Night and I was obliged to pursue my Journey the next Morning. I thought it necessary to trouble you with this minute Account of myself, as I have not the honour of being personnally known and entreat you to pardon the freedom I have taken.
I Congratulate you with all my heart on the happy aspect of our American affairs in general, and on the success of your important negociation at the Court of France in particular, and hope that within a few Months our Country will enjoy perfect tranquility. I Remain with the most Profound respect, Honored Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant
James Laurens, Jr.

P.S. It may be necessary to mention that my Family consists of five Persons Vizt. Mrs Laurens and myself, Mr. Petrie a Nephew of Mrs. L. and two Young Ladies, daughters of my Brother Henry Laurens President of the General Congress in America

Addressed: A Son Excellance / Monsr. Le Docteur Franklin / Ministre Des Etats Unis / de L’Amerique a La cour / de France / Paris
Endorsed: James Laurens Esqr for a Pass / Mr Laurens Pass
Notation: Languedoc 27. 7bre. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from –– Hennessienne, 28 September 1778: résumé
From: Hennessienne, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Vienna, September 28, 1778, in French: A friend and I have discovered a method for neutralizing gunpowder in such a way that it will not explode under any circumstances. We also know how to render it explosive again. Such a momentous secret is yours if you pay my collaborator a lump sum of 8,000 florins. As for me, I will rely on the well-known fairness of your country where I wish to settle. We can demonstrate our technique to anyone you will appoint in Vienna or come to Paris at your expense.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from –– Le Cordier, 28 September 1778: résumé
From: Le Cordier, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Port Louis, September 28, 1778, in French: We are told here that you have asked the King to grant the Americans the use of four French ports and that His Majesty had named Dunkirk, Marseilles, Port Louis, and either Bordeaux or Nantes. If such is the case, I beg you to employ me here, where I have served the Compagnie des Indes since 1737. Dealing with merchandise and getting it ready for auction is my specialty and I have worked in that line for a number of shipowners in St. Malo and Lorient. I own commodious magazines in Port Louis.>


Title: Matthew Ridley to the American Commissioners, 29 September 1778: résumé
From: Ridley, Matthew
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Paris, September 29, 1778: A number of years ago, in London, I came upon a manuscript book of the commissioners of the English navy. It contains accurate descriptions of the ships and their equipment then in commission as well as calculations for their repair and the duties of their officers. Conceiving this intelligence might be of use to those in the United States navy, I send it to you to present to Congress. I possess property in Maryland and consequently hope the navy of the United States will flourish.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [29 September 1778]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[September 29, 1778]
Je fus trop heureuse, samedi, dimanche, lundi; oui mon chér papa je fus trop heureuse, mon chagrin me le prouve a présent! Je n’ai pas voulu allér encore rangér votre appartement, parce que tout m’y disoit d’une maniére trop sensible que vous n’y éstes plus; mais j’ai été dans nos prairies, j’y ai vû partout la trace de vos pas; les arbres m’ont paru d’un vérd triste, l’eau de nos riviéres m’a semblé coullér plus lentement. Ce ne sont pas des compliments que je vous fais, c’est l’éxpréssion simple de mon coeur a laqu’elle je me livre: c’est a mon pére, que sa fille tendre et aimante parle; j’eus un pére, le plus honnéste des hommes, il fut mon premiér, et mon meilleur ami; je l’ai pérdu avant le tems! Vous m’avés dit souvent: ne pourroisje pas vous tenir lieu de ceux que vous regrettés: et vous m’avés raconté l’usage humain de cértains sauvages, qui adoptent les prisonniérs qu’ils font a la guérre, et leur font prendre la place de ceux de leurs parents qui leur manquent; vous avés pris dans mon coeur la place de ce pére que j’aimois que je réspéctois tant; la douleur déchirante que j’éprouvois de sa pérte, s’est changée en une mélancolie douce qui m’est chére et que je vous dois; vous vous éstes acquis en moi, un enfant, une amie de plus; j’ai commencés par avoir pour vous l’idolatrie que tout le monde doit a un grand homme; j’ai eu la curiosité de vous voir, mon amour propre a été flatté de vous recevoir chés moi; ensuitte je n’ai plus vû en vous, que votre áme sensible a l’amitié, votre bonté, votre simplicité, et j’ai dit, cet homme est si bon qu’il m’aimera, et je me suis mise a vous bien aimér pour vous engagér a en faire de mesme; il est un moyen de me prouvér, si mon amitié vous est chére, si vous avés été content de la maniére dont je vous ai soigné chéz moi; c’est d’y revenir mon chér papa, avéc votre aimable fils avéc mon voisin; j’espére que vous le pourrés, et que si vous le pouvés vous le ferés; j’ai l’honneur d’estre mon chér papa Votre trés humble et trés obeissante sérvante
D’hardancourt Brillon
Recevés les hommages de tous ceux que vous avés laissé chés moi.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 29 September 1778
From: Sarsfield, Guy-Claude, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Rennes le 29 7bre 1778
Voicy, Monsieur, une lettre que J’ecris a Made. Macaulay et qui vous instruira suffisament de celle que J’ay recu d’elle. Je n’ay a y ajouter que le nom de celui a qui elle avoit confié ses livres. C’est Brewn ou Brown. Elle me mande qu’on lui a dit qu’il avoit eté pris par un armateur de Jersey et que vous comptiez les en retirer. Si vous avez quelque chose a lui faire savoir la dessus, ayez la bonté de lui ecrire. Vous etes interessé dans cet envoy pour le dernier volume de ses lettres et Made. de Chaumont pour un Exemplaire entier.
J’espere etre bientot a Paris ou je me fais un grand plaisir d’avoir l’honneur de vous voir et de vous renouveller l’assurance des sentimens avec lesquels J’ay l’honneur d’etre Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Sarsfield
Permettez vous Monsieur que je mette icy bien des choses pour votre fils, Mr. Adams et Mr. Lee.

Endorsed: M. Sarsfield Rennes 29. 7bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot, Baron de lâ€™Aulne, 29 September 1778
From: Turgot, Anne-Robert-Jacques, baron de l’Aulne
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce Mardi 29 Septembre [1778].
Mr. Turgot fait mille compliments a Monsieur Franklin et le prie d’ajouter au plaisir qu’il doit lui faire de diner demain chéz lui, celui de proposer a Mr. Franklin le jeune et a Mr. Adams de lui faire le meme honneur.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire / des Etats unis / A Passi


Title: The American Commissioners to John Ross, 30 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Ross, John

<Passy, September 30, 1778: We received yours of September 22. We have no authority to give you orders or advice beyond what concerns the large sum of money advanced you by the commissioners some time ago for which you refuse to account. We have nothing to do with your private affairs and your relationship to Congress, nor can we be justified in advancing more money to someone whose refusal to submit accounts has been accompanied by circumstances of indecency. Save yourself the trouble of writing us until those accounts are settled. P.S. Mr. Williams’ accounts indicate an advance of 20,000 livres to you as well.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Borel, 30 September 1778
From: Borel, Antoine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Ce 30. 7bre. 1778.
Vous me promites la derniere fois que J’eus L’honneur de vous voir de me faire passer les armes et les titres des etats independants de l’amerique. Oserai-je vous prier de vous occuper un instant de cet objet dont j’aurai un extreme Besoin d’ici a tres peu de tems? J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Borelrüe de Boucherat au Coin de celle de Xaintonge a Paris

Endorsed: Borel Armes & Titres du Congress
Notation: Paris 30. 7bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [30 September 1778]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce mercredi [September 30, 1778] a annet
Pourquoi ne vouliés vous pas me donnér votre lettre françoise, mon chér papa, votre coeur l’a dicté, et le mien l’eut sans doutte devinée si elle n’étoit pas claire, mais elle l’est parfaittement elle répond a tout ce que je desire; vous m’adoptés pour fille comme je vous ai choisi pour pére; vous aviés en amérique distes vous, une fille qui vous respectoit, vous chérissoit; je répare cétte pérte! Que pouviés vous dire mon cher papa qui me fit autant de plaisir; pourquoi donc avés vous méchament gardé cétte léttre si tendre, ai aimable pendant si longtems; c’est qu’accoutumé a écrire parfaitement dans votre langue, vous n’avés pû supportér l’idée de la mediocrité dans la nostre; rassurés vous mon chér papa comme vous ne pouvés pensér et dire que d’éxcéllentes choses, a quélques défauts de construction prés, vos léttres françoises moins parfaittes que les angloises auront toujours un grand méritte.
Je retournerai prés de vous la semaine prochaine, puissiés vous ne jamais quitter la france! Je repasse dans mon àme ce que vous m’avés dit a ce sujét avant hiér au soir, et je la sens se brisér, quand elle voit la possibillité prochaine de votre départ-si les amériquains consultent et sentent leur intérest, il vous chargeront tout seul ici de les faire valoirs; nous aimons nos alliés amériquains, mais nous révérons, idollastrons leur chéf; l’amitié régnante entre les deux peuples subsistera toujours parcequ’elle ne peut que leur éstre fort utille; mais si l’on vous laisse ici, il se joindra a cétte union d’intérést, une union d’ames qu’on vous adréssera, que votre présence entretiendra et que vous finirés par faire partagér aux deux peuples dans une grande révolution aussi importante que celle de l’amérique; un grand homme bien placé, doit réstér a sa place, ou l’équilibre juste et trouvé, peut manquér par la seule fautte qu’on feroit de le déplacér; vous croyés peut éstre mon chér papa que mon intérest pérsonél me fait voir comme cela, non! Vous sçavés que je vous ai promis de vous écrire un jour ce que je pensois de l’amitié, en attendant je vais vous dire ce qu’elle est dans mon coeur. L’amitié, mon chér papa, fait la plus grande part de mon éxistance, elle est répanduë sur peu d’objets, que j’aime avéc idolastrie; je me sens toujours préste a sacrifiér mon bonheur au leur; je vous suis tendrement, fortement attachée; si je croyois que vous fussiés plus heureux en amérique qu’ici, je voudrois vous voir partir; votre départ me rendroit sans doutte bien malade, apporteroit une amértume, une douleur que rien ne pourroit dissipér dans mon coeur mais ce coeur aimeroit a souffrir, parceque plus il souffriroit, plus il sentiroit qu’il vous aime: adieu le meilleur des papas de la plus tendre des filles; aimés toujours cétte fille, n’oubliés pas si souvent que vous éstes son pére; vous sçavés ce que je vous disois dans la prairie, sur la médisance de ce pays; mon chér papa l’intention auroit beau éstre pure, on ne nous juge que sur les apparences, c’est une injustice j’en conviens mais les hommes sont souvent injustes; le sage les plaint et ne les corrige pas; soyons sages, souffrons leur injustice et conformons nous y; j’ai l’honneur d’éstre mon chér papa Votre trés humble et trés obeissante sérvante
D’hardancourt Brillon

Toute ma famille, et mes amis vous présentent leurs hommages. Maman ne s’occupe plus que du plaisir de vous recevoir chés elle. Vous rappellés vous mon chér papa des mémoires, et une léttre d’un médecin nommé Roslin, qui vous sollicitoient pour une léttre de recomandation pour un jeune homme qui est a boston, si ce n’est pas une indiscrétion de vous la demandér, je vous la demande; on me pérsécutte pour l’a[ppuyer?] et je ne puis douttér que le jeune homme ne soit un trés bon sujet.

Addressed: A Monsieur Monsieur Franklin A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier De Coux, 30 September 1778: résumé
From: Coux, ——, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Paris, September 30, 1778, in French: An outfitter from St. Malo has asked me to offer you a vessel loaded with cordage. His charges for freighting and insurance are enclosed. Please grant me an appointment to discuss this matter.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph-Jerôme le Français de Lalande, 30 September 1778
From: Lalande, Joseph-Jérôme Le Français de Lalande
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Aigle de l’occident
Au college royal le 30 Sept. 1778
Je vous presente mes hommages, et ceux de M. Cerisier mon compatriote et mon ami, dont vous avés bien voulu accepter la dedicace, pour les 13 etats unis, d’un Tableau des provinces unies. Il a eté attaqué en angleterre, il est bon que vous le Sachiés, il se justifie, et il est glorieux pour lui de mettre sa justification sous vos yeux. J’en profite avec empressement mon tres cher frere et illustre confrere pour vous assurer de mon plus tendre respect.
De LA Lande

Endorsed: Delalande Paris 30. 7bre 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, [September 1778]
From: Bancroft, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Chaillot Tuesday Evening [September, 1778]
Inclosed I take the Liberty of sending you a Letter from Capt. Jones at Brest, and an English News Paper with an Extract of a Letter from London. These contain all the News I have recd. from that Quarter excepting that Mr. Walpole says he is informed that the British Ministry discouraged at their Prospects in America, think seriously of giving up their Claim of Dominion over that Country [and] of applying to you, to state Terms of Peace. I am very sorry that my Lameness prevents me from personally assuring you of the respectful Devotion with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most Obliged and faithful Humble Servant
Edwd. Bancroft
After reading the News Paper be pleased to give it to Mr. Adams with my Compliments.

P.S. Mr. Coffin desires me to inform the Commissioners that the three Americans who had escaped from England and embarked for St. Maloes as mentioned in his Letter of [the 24th?] have since been taken & sent into Dover.

Notation: Dr Bancroft


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph-Etienne Bertier, [before October 1778]
From: Bertier, Joseph-Etienne
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[before October, 1778]
Le P. Bertier présente ses respects et ce livre à l’illustre Mr. Franklin. Un de ses confrères est charmé de cette occasion pour avoir l’honeur de connoître personellement un homme qu’il connoît depuis long-tems par sa réputation et par ses écrits.

Addressed: Optimo Doctori / Franklin / A Passy


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 1 October 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

<Passy, October 1, 1778: We have received your letter of September 27 and its enclosure. Our instructions from Congress do not empower us to conclude treaties with the Barbary states but we request your help in obtaining passes from them for American ships and citizens. We agree with you that an acknowledgment of American independence and a treaty of commerce with those powers would be mutually beneficial. Should we, in your opinion, apply immediately for the passes or wait for powers to undertake negotiations towards a commercial treaty? Please inform us when we should apply directly to other ministers on subjects relating to their departments.>


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 1 October 1778: résumé
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Versailles, October 1, 1778, in French: For certain reasons I am asking His Majesty to grant Mr. Fagan passports for three British ships to carry goods from France to England. I request you to grant him whatever documentation he needs for protection against privateers. The merchandise involved consists only of goods belonging to French persons.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac van Teylingen, 1 October 1778
From: Teylingen, Isaac van
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Rotterdam ce 1 octobre 1778
Les interessés dans le navire le chester, capitaine W. Bray, ont pris la liberté de vous exposer veridiquement la conduite injuste des americains en s’emparant d’un vaisseau, et d’une cargaison appartenant en propre et sans detour aux sujets de cette republique. Ils vous en ont produit les pieces authentiques et justificatives. Votre reponce a eté claire et satisfaisante. Vous avez promis d’envoier ces papiers au congres, et de leur procurer le dedommagement qui leur etoit justement du. Ils vous ont remercié, comme de devoir, de votre declaration nette et positive, et se sont reposés entierement sur vos promesses et sur votre equité. Ils se sont flattés de jour en jour d’en recevoir des bonnes nouvelles, et ne les voiant pas arriver, ils se sont addressés de nouveau a vous et a Messrs. Dean et Lee le 18 de Decembre. Cette lettre etant restée Sans aucune reponce, ils m’ont priés d’interceder pour eux. Je n’ai pas pu refuser leur demande par des motifs, que j’ai exposés très amplement dans ma lettre du 16 Fevrier a laquelle je n’ai jamais reçu reponce: la relation que j’ai avec mes concitoyens, l’adsistance que je dois a mon frere qui travaille pour eux en commandite, et la justice de leur cause m’ont obligées de faire reiterer mes instances de bouche par messieurs van den yver de Paris, et comme vous avez eu la bonté de les informer, que Mr. Dean avoit eté principalement chargé de cette correspondençe et qu’il est arrive en amerique, Sans que les interessés apprennent la moindre nouvelle de leur proprieté dont on les a privee il y a plus qu’un an; et ce qui est doublement dur pour eux, c’est que les americains aiant renvoiés l’equipage, et les aiant mis a terre a St. Eustache, ont empechés le capitaine de reclamer ce navire et sa cargaison, maniere d’agir aussi injuste que nuisible pour les interessés. Permettez donc, Monsieur, que j’ai l’honneur de vous recommander de nouveau cette malheureuse affaire, qui merite doublement votre attention, parce qu’elle est, comme j’ai eu l’honneur de vous exposer amplement dans ma lettre du 16 Fevrier, claire, sans détour, et sans aucune ambiguité. Que ce navire et sa cargaison appartient en propre sans le moindre reserve a des negocians Hollandois, qu’aucun etranger y a la moindre part, et que par consequent ils doivent etre dedommagés pleinement des pertes, qu’ils ont essuiées par cette prise, au moins, si on veut suivre le chemin de la droiture et de l’equité. Je vous supplie donc, Monsieur, de vouloir m’honorer d’une reponce satisfaisante afin de pouvoir calmer les esprits de mes concitoyens, et de les affermir dans la bonne idée qu’ils s’étoient formés par votre reponce, de l’equité du Congrés americain, aiant l’honneur d’etre avec une consideration distinguée Monsieur Votre trés Humble trés obeissant Serviteur
Is: Van Teylingen
Mon addresse est Isaac van Teylingen conseiller de la ville de Rotterdam

Addressed: A Son Exelence / Monsieur de Francklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire / Des Etats unis de Lamerique / a Paris
Notation: Van Teylingen 1. Oct. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Laurent Laffitte, François Mongin and Jacques Fraissignes, 2 October 1778
From: Laffitte, Laurent,Mongin, François,Fraissignes, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Alresford hampshire le 2 8bre. 1778
Laurent lafitte francois mongin lieutenans et jacques fraissigner chirurgien du corsaire legust [The Guest] commendé par eduard mackaller de la nouvelle yorce ayant eu le malheur d’etre pris le 14 du mois d’octobre mil sept cens soixante dix sept, apres un combat de trois heures et demy ou dix hommes ont perdeû la vie, et trente huit grievement Blessés, au nombre desquels ledit lafitte a reçu deux coups de fusil un a la figure et l’autre luy a cassé l’os du Bras gauche.
Mongin apres avoir ete pillé, reduit a la chemise ainsy que le reste de l’equipage a trainé les fers pendant sept mois consecutifs. L’humanite de l’amiral de la jamaique ou on nous a conduits a fait metre les dits Blessés aux soins du chirurgien dans un Battiment servant de prison sans qu’il eut daigné faire donner de paille pour coucher ces Malheureux qui ont eté traites et fourny linge medicamens et autres ustancilles nessecaires pour leur traitement au moyen de once cens livres que ce dernier a reçu d’un de ses amis de st. domingue; et de la conduits en engleterre ou nous avons aussy essuye toute sorte de cruaute jusques au premier du mois d’aout dernier, qu’on nous a envoyés a alresford comme prisonniers francais sur notre parole, et nous saisisons la premiere occassion qui se presante pour vous en instruire, et nous adresser a vous, comme embassadeur des treise provinces et a votre humanite pour secourir de malheureux qui manquent de tout a la veille de l’hiver et il ne nous sera pas dificille de donner des preuves de ces faits.
Notre capitaine a ete mis a forton prison ou on n’a pas voulu nous maitre parce qu’etant francois on ne nous regardoit point comme prisonniers d’état. Nous avons l’honneur d’etre Votres tres humbles et tres obeissants serviteurs
L LaffitteFS. MONGINFRAISSIGNES

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / demeurant a passy ches mr. le ray de chaumont / A Passy
Endorsed: Laurens la Fitte Francois Mongin Jacques Fraissignes Frenchmen Prisoners in England


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Griffith Williams, 2 October 1778
From: Williams, Griffith
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
London. Octr. 2. 1778.
The Bearer Captn. T. Barnard has been very liberal to the Unfortunate. You will readily Conceive my meaning without Mentioning particulars. His attachment to the Rights of Mankind Keeps Pace with his Benevolence. Whatever favour he may require (which I dare say will be not unreasonable) grant it if Possible.
The Papers by Mr. Channing you Safely Received as he inform’d me by a letter from your Place of residence.
Captn. Collis and Barnard will inform you of Particulars So need not enlarge. Few lines in return by favour of Captn. Barnard will much oblige a Sincere friend to freedom &c.
G. Williams

Addressed: The Honle. Benjamin Franklin / att / Pasa
Notation: G. Williams London. Oct. 2. 78.