Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 6 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, Dec. 6. 1781.
I am honour’d with your Excellency’s Letters of the 22d. and 26th. past. The Proposal relating to the Goods was, you say, more unreasonable than you expected. It did not so much surprise me, who possess a former Sample exactly of the same Stile and Sentiment, and I therefore think this to be of the same Author.— His Professions of Disinterestedness with regard to his Shares, are in my Opinion deceitful, & I think that the less we have to do with that Shark, the better; his Jaws are too strong, his Teeth too many, and his appetite immensely voracious.
The Proposals of Ingraham & Bromfield appear more reasonable. I have communicated them to Mr. Barclay, the Consul, who is arrived here with full Powers to take into his Care any Property of the United States. He sets out to day for Amsterdam in order to take Care of those Goods, and will have the honour of delivering to you this Letter. You will, I am certain, afford him your Counsel, and all the assistance in your Power: I begin to see more Daylight with regard to our Funds, and believe I may be able to furnish him with sufficient to disengage the Goods and pay their Freight: But if he judges a Part of them less immediately necessary, and that they may be sold without too much Loss, to raise the Money wanted, that Method will I think be preferable.
I thank you for the Copy of the Instructions. I had received another, and communicated it to the Count de Vergennes.
With great Respect, I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servt
B Franklin
His Exy. J. Adams Esq.

Endorsed: Dr Franklin Decr. 6. 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Barclay, 6 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barclay, Thomas

Sir,
Passy, Dec. 6. 1781
Enclos’d is a Letter to Mr Adams, which I send open for your Perusal.
I send you also the Passport you desired.
I heartily wish you a good Journey; and have the honour to be Sir,
Honble. Mr Barclay, Consul of the United States


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Moses Young, 6 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Young, Moses

Sir,
Passy, Dec. 6. 1781.
Before I received yours of the 27th. past, I had Information from M. B. Vaughan of Mr. Laurens’s Treatment & Situation, and had sent orders to a Correspondent in London to furnish him with what Money he might have Occasion for. Your Zeal for his relief is nevertheless very commendable: I have also sometime since sent to London the Proposal of Congress to exchange for him General Burgoyne.
Your Brother writes to me for a Supply of Money. I am pressed on all Hands for such assistance and my Ability, is not equal to my Inclination. But if he draws on me for six Louis I will honour his Bill. I am Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B.F—
Mr. Moses Young.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 6 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam Decr. 6th. 1781.
I have delivered your Excellency’s Letter to Mr. de Neufville, and have written to him myself, making the proposals contained in your Letter to me. He answers me, that he thinks the proposals reasonable: but insists upon it, that he has not the commanding Interest in the Concern, and that nothing can be done but by the Owners at large, or by Mr. Van Harp as Ship’s Husband. He seemed alarmed at the Intention of stopping Payment, and will write You upon it. Mr. de Neufville the Son is set off this morning for Paris.
A single Bill of 550 Guilders was brought me yesterday drawn on Mr. Laurens, 6th. July 1780— it is No. 61. I have asked time to write to your Excellency about it, and hope for an Answer by the Return of Post. All the remaining Numbers of the Bills drawn upon me have been presented, and these I have accepted. There are not more than three or four.
The States General have unanimously guaranteed the five Millions, and I hope to have the honor before long of demanding an Answer to my former Memorial, and proposing another Matter of more Consequence still, according to a Paper which I transmitted You on the 26th, which I hope You have recieved. A Triple or Quadruple Alliance would probably accelerate the Negotiation for a Congress at Vienna—at least it would render the War more easy and secure.
I have the Honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant
J. Adams.
His Excelly. Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Notation: Adams Dec 6. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas and Mary Barclay, [6 December 1781?]
From: Barclay, Thomas,Barclay, Mary
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Auteuil Thursday evening [December 6, 1781?]
Mr. & Mrs. Barclay present their Compliments to Doctor Franklin and will have the honor to Dine with him to morrow. Mr. Ridley will also have that honor.

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin / Esqr. / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Félix Nogaret, 6 December 1781
From: Nogaret, François-Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Vlles. Le 6. Dbre. 1781
Nous sommes inquiets, ma femme et moi Sur votre santé. J’ai envoyé, il y a deux mois, une Domestique à Passy, exprès pour vous remettre l’estampe representant le tombeau de la Reine de hongrie: elle nous a dit S’être acquitté de la commission vis avis votre valet de Chambre: nous l’avons crue. Si votre santé vous permet de nous faire Sçavoir Seulement, ou par la poste, ou par les voitures de la Cour qui passent sur le Chemin que vous ne nous boudés pas, vous nous ferés le plus grand plaisir.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la plus respectueuse Consideration Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
FELIX Nogaret

Notation: Nogaret 6. Dec. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Partridge, 6 December 1781
From: Partridge, Elizabeth Hubbart
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ever Hond: & Dear Papah
Boston Decemr: 6 1781
I have nothing New to write you but presume on your Goodness to Indulge me the Pleasure of Chating to you on Paper, and Teling you I cant Express how happy these Signal Successes of Our Armes has made me; as I flatter my Self it will Facilitate your Return, to your Native Country: oh How I enjoy that Pleaising Idea.
I wrote you in my last that I Expected to see Aunt Mecom, I have had that Happiness, she was Well, and happy in hearing from you and Receiving such Generous proofs of your affection; She had not heard from you so long, that it gave her great Pain, She left us last Week to Return to her Grand Daughter, with whome, & the dear Babes, she is very happy.
Our Friend Mrs Green has been in Town, with one of her Daughters, she is Well & Happy in her Growing Family; she has two Fine Grand Sons, she Returned home Yesterday, but left her Daughter with us, who is an Amible Girl.
Receive dear Sir my Greatfull Acknowledgments for your Resemblance, but I wish it had been Couler’d, as the Pailness of the Countinance gives me Melancholy Idea’s; But

I Press’d the dear Image dost up to my Face,
And wished, the Original was in its place.

My Daughter presents her most Respectfull Compliments, & Thanks to you for the Kisses, but I see her think she had Reather received them from your Warm Lip’s.
I make no Apology for Recomending to you Mr. Vermonet the Gentleman who will deliver you this Letter, as I know you to be, as the Child say’d of Cousin Kazia Coffin when sent to invite her to dine, he had forgot her Name and after Hesitateing a long time he say’s I cant think of her Name but tis that Lady, who is every Body’s Friend. But this Gentleman may prehaps be better known, in France then he is here, for he was brout Up in Paris, and his friends Live near their; he has been several Years in this Country, and has Sustained the Character of a Sober, Honest, Industerous Man, and Capible of Buisness, he Married a fine Girl, a Grand Daughter of the late Coll Downes (who Lived in the next House to my Mama’s) he has two Sweet Babes, and I belive has been Run out of Buisness, by her Fathers being taken of from doing any thing by Sickness; and his haveing him, and his Family in a great Measure to Support: that if you can Render him any Servis, without disserving your Self, I shall Esteem it a favour.
Brothers & Sister desier I would present their affectionate Regards to you, Brother Thomas is on the Verge of Matrimony, with a very Agreeable Widdo. Brother Tuthill Lives Single yet! and I beleive will die the half of the Sezars.
Mr Partridge with Our Daughter, joyn in wishing you Health, and every other Blessing with Dear Sir Your affectionate Daughter
Eliza Partridge


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jaume, 7 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jaume, Guillaume

Sir,
Passy, Dec. 7. 1781
I received the Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me, the 20th of last Month, inclosing a Prospectus of the School at Ecully. As the Father of young Johonnot is still in France, and you have sent a Copy of the Prospectus to him, I expected to have heard from him, in case he had been dispos’d to change the Situation of his Son; and I delay’d a little the Answering of your Letter in that Expectation. He has as yet said nothing to me on the Subject, and as the Child’s Grandfather is a zealous Protestant Minister, and places some Confidence in me with regard to the Education of his Grandson, I cannot advise removing him from Geneva where I think he is well plac’d, because I apprehend the Educating him among Catholics would give Pain to the old Gentleman my good Friend. The Father however will do as he thinks proper.
I am nevertheless much oblig’d to you for the kind Attention you have shown to my young Countryman, and the Desire you manifest of being farther useful to him. If in any thing I can render you any Service it will be a Pleasure to me, who am very sensible of the honour done me by your good Opinion.
With great Regard, I am Sir, Your most

P.S. As some other young Americans coming to Europe for Education may pass through my Hands, I wish to have it explain’d whether the Charge of the several Masters is included in the 1000 Livres, and what the Trousseau is to consist of.
  Mr Guillaume Jaume, a Lyon


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Amelia Barry, 7 December 1781
From: Barry, Amelia
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Sir,
Pisa 7th. Dec. 1781.
Your mind is too enlarged, as well as your Genius too extensive for your Mind to be wholy absorbed in public cares, hence I dare hope that the woes of your Amelia will be listened to;— They shall not detain you long. My dear Mr. Barry is no more!— he died at this Place (whither we came for the recovery as we hoped, of his health,) the 15th of Octr. and has left me in most unhappy circumstances, with 4 small children, & in expectation of a 5th.— and nothing to Support them!
A Friend of mine will set out for England in 15 or 20. days, & will have the honour to wait on you at Paris or Passy; Will you, my dear Sir, have the Goodness to give him an order upon Govr. Pownal or Mr. Almon for the payment of such profits as may have arisen from the Sale of the Map & Pamphlet, for Since the former wrote me a few lines in May 1780, refering me to you for Information, regarding a State of Mr. Almon’s acct. of Expences & Profits wch. he had transmitted you, I have never been able to draw a line from either. The calls of poverty, and the cries of infant innocence, equally impell me now to exert every effort to obtain some assistance;— Lend then, my dear Paternal Friend, a pitying ear to my Griefs, and by a few Lines directed to either of the above mentioned, procure for me the payment of that Money, and you will secure the eternally grateful acknowledgments of Most dear Sir, Your obliged and devoted Humble Servant
(signed) A. Barry.
His Excelly. B. Franklin Esqr.Be pleased to direct to me Piazza San Nicola Pisa.(Copy.)

Endorsed: Dec. 7. 81
Notation: A Barry 7 Dec. 81


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 7 December 1781
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lahaie 7e. Xbre. 1781.
Le passage subit de mon jeune & aimable Ami, Mr. De Neufville le fils, me laisse à peine le temps de le charger d’un mot de Lettre pour Vous. Je dois donc me borner à vous témoigner avec le plus grand laconisme, la joie que j’eprouve au sujet des bonnes nouvelles qui nous sont venues coup sur coup d’Amérique.— Lundi passé la Résolution fut prise unanimement par leurs H.P., de guarantir l’emprunt des 5 millions de florins que la France fera dans ce pays, & qu’elle prêtera à l’Amérique. Cette garantie, jointe au tour favorable que les affaires ont pris en Amérique, me fait penser que la négociation se remplira rapidement.
S. E. Mr. l’Ambassadeur, qui se propose de faire bientôt un tour à Paris, m’a dit l’autre jour, en revenant d’Amsterdam, que Mr. Adams lui a communiqué de nouvelles Instructions reçues du Congrès, par lesquelles il lui est enjoint d’insister sur une réponse de la Rep. aux démarches qu’il a faites au Printemps passé, & de se concerter à cet égard avec le Ministre de la Cour de France ici.— Mr. l’Ambassadeur en parlera à Mr. de Vergennes, & m’adressera peut-être une Lettre sur ce sujet pour Mr. Adams. De mon côté, je compte de le voir à Amsterdam dans la quinzaine, & de passer les fêtes avec lui, pendant lesquelles nous pourrons préparer bien des choses provisionellement. Je suis charmé de ces derniers ordres du Congrès. Le Concert prescrit est parfaitement sage, & la disposition des Esprits dans diverses provinces, me fait assez bien augurer des nouvelles démarches que nous ferons.
Voici une petite Piece, dont vous connoissez personnellement l’Auteur, que je vous nommerai dans une autre Lettre. Elle a fait beaucoup de bruit ici, tant parmi les gens du pays, que parmi les Diplomatiques, qui se sont empressés de l’envoyer à leurs Cours; & l’on m’a montré une Lettre de Stockholm, où il est dit que le Roi de Suede, qui aime ce genre, s’en est beaucoup amusé.
Vous savez, sans doute, Monsieur, que Mr. Adams a fait une longue & dangereuse maladie, pendant laquelle notre correspondance a fort langui. Il est rétabli Dieu merci. Dans cet intervalle, je n’ai été rien moins qu’oisif ici. Je suis sur un pied fort confidentiel avec les pensionnaires des trois bonnes Villes, & avec quelques autres personnes distinguées auxquelles j’ai fait plaisir dans les petites tracasseries qui occupent si fort les Assemblées, qu’elles n’ont pas le temps de penser aux grandes affaires. Si je devois entrer dans le détail de tout cela, j’aurois un volume à écrire, qui cependant seroit curieux & interessant: car dans ma position ici, il est nécessaire que je me tienne toujours en haleine avec nos amis, afin qu’en temps & lieu, mes liaisons avec eux puissent tourner au profit de ceux que je sers.
La Société Amore Patriae ma fait l’honneur de m’inscrire comme un de ses Membres Extraordinaires.
L’un des Imprimés ci-joint est pour Mr. Baudoin, à qui vous voudrez bien avoir la bonté de le faire remettre.
J’espere que vous jouissez d’une santé parfaite, & suis toujours, avec le plus respectueux attachement, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
à Son Exc. Mr. B. Franklin

Notation: Dumas. La haye 7. Xbre. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 7 December 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 7 Decr. 1781
In answer to the letter your Excellency honoured us with in date of 26 Ulto:, & to that which his Excellency John Adams, did us also the honour of writing to us, to mention proposals in conformity of those of your Excellency, About the Vessels which were disappointed of Mr Gillon’s Convoy.
We wrote Your Excellency before, at the particular desire of His Excellency John Adams & we are now proud of the Opportunity of offering both your Excellency’s our services as far as they may be usefull to the United States, & your Excellency’s think we deserve that Confidence.
We have Said to his Excellency John Adams, which we have the honour to confirm, that for our own part, we find the proposals of fixing a certain sum (or appointing reciprocally a Mediation for damages) Very reasonable, & we will comply therewith with great pleasure, & if the other owners will not it Shall not be our fault, for we cannot dispose of their rights; & your Excell. can differ from us in opinion only, from matters being misrepresented or your Excellencys, not Abstracting ours, from this of the other Ship owners; or Ships Husbands, which are All distinct. In many & general occasions, a Majority may decide between owners of Vessels, but on uncommon and similar cases to this, no Majority can. An owner of ever So small a Share can demand a decision by Law, or make the Ships husbands responsible for any indemnification. So your Excellency will be convinced, that our owning one half of the Liberty & one quarter of the Aurora, cannot rule the whole; besides as we have offered those our Shares, several times to His Excellency John Adams without any gain or profit whatever, when his Excellency seemed willing to purchase those Vessels, or one of them; on Acct of Congress we cannot be thought either partial or Interested. Those Offers we not only repeat but to remove every injurious Idea you could have formed, of our disinterestedness in this case, we again Say: we are decidedly resolved to give up our interest to that of Congress; & we are willing that it Should have on any one you may in this case cause to Stand in our Shoes every Advantage we may have, or you may Suppose we can derive from our Interest as owners.
We shall consider the delivery of the goods to His Excellency John Adams, as if delivered to Congress, neither of which we refuse, nor have we ever refused, or detained them, as we have already offer’d to desist ourselves from our shares & further we cannot do, nor could your Excellency were you in our place. As to what concerned us in particular, we beg leave to mention first that we have engaged to purchase the Continental goods & to Ship them on Board of the Frigate of Mr. Gillon this we have done. Mr Jackson had the Management of this Business & when we had fulfilled our engagements, he paid us in Bills accepted by your Excellency; So there is not a Shadow of Blame to be laid Against us, & for which your Excellency could pretend to refuse the payment of those Bills, & as it would of Course have been a violation of All public faith, to have refused us the bills promised, after we had Shipped the Goods, it would be no less so to refuse the payment thereof; & derogatory in every sence to the Honour of Congress.
What may since have been done, between Mr. Gillon & Major Jackson concerning those goods can be nothing to us, even if by accident they had been destroyed or Burnt. It may be proper however, to be more explicit About Some Matters to convince your Excellency that we have on every Occasion been Solicitous to Promote the Amn. Interest without regard to our own.
Mr. Gillon has applied to us for our assistance in the Expedition of the Frigates we did not refuse it & we dare say we have most essentially asisted him, altho’ we have ourselves advised him to give others the open directions of his concerns as well as all the proffit & Advantage thereof, & have neither wished, nor demanded any from him, but that of our Commission for our Advances & what goods we have purchased for him. After we had Assisted Mr. Gillon with large Sums &c., we Applied to Coll. Laurens in his behalf; it is true, (& we have Openly said so to Coll. Laurens) that we could not but expect he would pay us part of that money, as a part of our reimbursement; but Altho Comre. Gillon had made that a part of the condition, by which he Obtained it, & made us a sacred promise of it, he did not keep his word; we cannot of Course be made answerable for any part of the Said Mr Gillons Conduct.
Further we have been entirely ignorant of the Contract with Coll Laurens or at least of the Contents thereof, when Mr Gillon Said, that he could not take the Continental goods & those of the State of South Carolina & would have dutch Vessels for the last we were ordered to procure two Vessels which we did with the assistance of our friends Messrs Van Arp on condition, that they Should take the Management Thereof, as Ships Husbands & dispose of as much of them as they could, we only engaging to take what Should remain undisposed of, & Should have been glad no Share of them had been left for us (or but a very small one) but it happened that no more purchasers as owners could be got; we by that means owned one half of the Liberty, & one quarter of the Aurora, when those Ships were first bought, we paid f. 12000 on the half & 8000 f. on the quarter. What the further expences have been or how much they will cost we are entirely ignorant of.
The Charter parties were agreed upon between Messrs Van Arp & Mr Gillon, nothing was wanted but their being signed, & Mr. Gillon was to return for that purpose, but remained on Board & desired us and Other Gentlemen to come down to the Depot. Our LDN went, and as to the Charter parties which Messrs Van Arp, had Signed they were delivered by the Notary sealed up & addressed to the Notary at the Texel who rec’d them in the same condition; the frigate had left the Texel, they went Nevertheless on Board, but our LDN obtained there, as little any part of the payment from Mr Gillon; as the Notary could get the Charter Parties Signed. This is all we know, & as to what Mr. Gillon has written that he Cruized ten days off the Texel for those vessels to come out, to him (when he knew they could not for the afforementioned reasons) we wish not to say any thing about it, & leave to Messrs Van Arp & the Capts. to answer that, or any Other matter concerning the vessels; it is Certain however, that Several American Vessels which he had engaged to take under his Convoy two of which have Since been taken, were equally disappointed. So we cannot but repeat that whoever was in fault Messrs Van Arp As Ship Husbands or directors of the Ships, or the Capts are to answer those questions as to the goods having been shipped by us on Board the Frigate we delivered them then out of our Charge & their Shipping them afterwds. in the Other Ship was done by the Commodore & direction of others, after which no just claim on us can be made; as little as we have now any right or power to make them on Others; without you authorise us for that purpose willing however to do all that lay’s in us with Messrs Van arp to make matters easy, we have directly communicated His Excellency John Adams’s proposals, in consequence of those of your Excellency, to the said Gentleman as they are the only persons to whom can be made any application, tho’ we had no right to make it, but as being concerned in the Vessels, giving our full consent to every thing that can aid in Setling the matter. As to our Shares, we again confirm to your Excellency that we are willing to give them up, rather than be Suspected to have any part in the detention of the Goods or could cause difficulty to any Amicable Arrangement which our principles forbids us & any thing farther you Shall point out to us wherein we can do more. We have Offered to His Excellency John Adams to go to law (if required) with Messrs. Van Arp against our own Interest Which we repeat we have determinately resolved to Sacrifice in this Instance to that of Congress.
This we hope will convince your Excellency that we are not blameable, & that we Are deserving of that Character we cannot be more Solicitous to merit from Congress than from your Excellency, having with truth been devotedly attachd to its interest; as we ever Shall be & with great respect assure you we are Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & most Humble Servts.
John DE Neufville & Son
His Excelly. B. Franklin

[In Jean de Neufville’s hand:] P.S. As we are equally desirous to Satisfy His Excly. Mr. Adams of the Rectitude of our Conduct in this whole Matter as well as of our Candour in the Steps we take therein we have laid before him the present letter as we have now so Much reason to believe he had Missapprehended the Affair as Well as your Excellency, and he says he Will go to law with the Ships husband unless an Arbitration settles the business Immediately in either Case both your Excellencys may rely on our hearty Concurance.
J D N & Son


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 8 December 1781
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Vienna Dec. 8th. 1781
I Can make no doubt but my lettres came all to hand dated Dec. 2th 1780; febr. 7, april 7 may 23, aug. 29 1781. You will have seen how much I languish’d for a word of answer eiter by yourself, or, if you had no time, by the hand of your son or clerk. A volum of opuscula on various philosophical subjects, which I have had ready for the press more than 7 or 8 months ago, has been kept bak for not having your sanction on the publication. The experiment of heat passing thro metals, of which I gave you an accurate account, als [has?] also on account of the M.S. of your answer upon the pamphlet of pere Barletti which you did promiss to send you. I will send the manuscript of the whole collection to mr le Begue de Presle to be printed immediately as soon as I recieve from you the answer I expect, and of which I have recieved nothing, tho Dr. le Begue tells me he delivrd a lettr from custody at the post office which was kept back by the postage not being payed. I think you will be pleased by seeing an account of two curious experiments which I found out last winter, or reather last year. One is the production of a smoak so clear that no body can look at it without his eyes beying dazled as much as if he looks at the sun in a clear day; an other is a manner of setting fire to a metal wire or to a Cord of 7 or 8 or more wires of different metals, so that the fire was thro the whole length of the cord with the most beautifull brillancy from one end of the Cord to the other, consuming the whole into calx, or approaching to calx, what ever length the metal cord may have— I showed it to several people of fashion and philosophers, as allso to the Emperour last winter, and this day to the Great Duc of Russia, Who did me the honour of paying me a visit. Mr. le Begue can show you the account of the experiments in the M.S.— Yesterday night I recieved a lettre of mr. Coffyn, in which he expresses his astonishment that Dr. Bankroft has not send me a copy of a lettre he recieved from mr. Wharton on account of a mercantil business in which I am concerned, much more than Dr. Bankroft him self. I write to day about it to Dr. Bankroft. I should be glad if you would be so good as to put him in mind of it. Mr. Wharton sent a Remittance of 9140£ to mr. Coffyn and mentions to send more. I recieved neither remittance nor any account at all, tho I am much more concerned in the trade as any one of those gentlemen, and tho mr. Wharton promish’d me upon his honour, that I should be the first to whom he should write as soon as he arrived, tho he should not be able to give me a propre account of the transactions being finish’d, the very first days of his arrival. I am at a loss who to account for this, and much less for Dr. Bankroft conceeling from me, what I should have thought to be my duty to have to communicate immediately to him, had mr. Wharton directed his lettre to me. I hope you will remembre, who to direct your lettres, if you should honour me with an answer.
I wish you joye with the second Bourgognade, and expect to hear that a third one has done the business, and produced the peace so desirable for mankind. I hope my countrymen will take proper revenge of that savage barbarity and unsupportable barbarity with which the English have used them. I am informed th[torn: at Sir] John is returned to London and took a lodging in charles Street S. James Square, after having quit his own hous and having taken a resolution to finish his life in Scotland. I am sorry he finds so little happiness in this world by possessing such a great share of probity and virtue. I am very respectfully yours
J. Ingen Housz

Addressed: a Son Excellence / Mr. Benj. Franklin / Ministre plen. du Congres Americ. / a Passy
Endorsed: Dec. 8. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Labilliere, 8 December 1781
From: Labillière, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London. Temple of Liberty Decr 8th 1781.
I should be wanting in those glorious Principles of Gratitude and Love to the Great Fountain of all Goodness, and to his Instruments if I did not lay hold (like a faithful David in the 98th. Psalm) of every Opportunity to acknowledge and proclaim to the World the late very complete & providentially timed Victory, in Favor of your oppressed Nation, and, in their Relief, the Opening of the Gates of Freedom to the whole World. Every Circumstance, most minutely considered, allows me, with the strictest Truth, to say my Happiness is complete in the very critical Opportunity (by my ingenious, well principled, and approved american Friend, Mr. Wright) to introduce my Principles to you, Sir, whose extraordinary Talents, Studies, and Exertions for the Liberties of Mankind are more effectually to be repaid by my sincere Prayers (that Heaven’s most precious Blessings may descend upon you) than by Panegyrists. My entire dependence on your Love of Liberty and universal Benevolence, has emboldened me to send you the Epitome of the Principles which my Temple of universal, civil, and christian Liberty contains. For Particulars I refer you to my faithful Friend and Ally Mrs: Wright and her Son. Providence has marked my very great Zeal and Attachment for America in my extraordinary sacred Friendship for that Family, which will, in due Time be demonstrated when the Cup of Iniquity is filled and that Pharaoh has gone out with all his Host against the Children of Israel and is overthrown. This second Burgoyne’s Affair of Lord Cornwallis has, and does greatly operate to open the Eyes of the People to see that it is the King’s War. The Cities of London and Westminster, the Burrow of Southwark, and the Counties of Surry and Middlesex intend to petition the King in a spirited Manner against the american War. Under God it will be to your Country and Allies (by scourging our Tyrants) that the honest Remnant of this Country will owe the Recovery of their Liberties. I am watching, from repeated Distresses for the critical Opportunity of a Spirit from the People at large, to write to the Majesty of the People, and, agreeable to that solemn Declaration I made in my last Letter to the King, that (with God’s Blessing) during my Life, I would keep up to the true Spirit, and meaning of my Signatures. I then will appeal to the present only constitutional Majesty whether the american War, is not fighting against God, and prescribe to them the Plan of annual Parliaments and universal Representation, which has been circulated round the Kingdom and is much approved of by the real Friends to the People Under God, it is only by this Plan of Parliament that the true Sense of the Nation can be known, and the Authors of the unchristian, cruel, and unnatural american War be impartially and constitutionally brot. to public view, and punished in so exemplary a Manner as to induce the aggrieved Nations with great and generous Minds to hold forth friendly Hands to shut the Temple of Janus by such a favorable Peace as not to let the Innocent suffer for the Acts of their Tyrants, but become the glorious and happy Instruments of a God of Love to introduce that blessed æra when every one will be free, and happy under the Shade of his own Vine.
In company with the Scriptures, the best old Authors, the very liberal Writers in your Country, and a few in other Parts of the World, joined to a close Study of myself and Mankind, I have enjoyed fourteen Years real Happiness at the glorious Prospect of the aforementioned Æra, in the midst of Disappointments, Trials, and Afflictions that nothing but christian Philosophy could have conquered. By true Humility, Charity, and a well-grounded Faith the augean Stable is to be cleansed. By devoting the Remainder of my Life to the Good of my Fellow Creatures is the only Return of Gratitude I can make to the God of Love. My Attention is daily more and more fixed upon the rising Generation, and the lower Classes of the People, that they may feel the Dignity, which the first Principles of the English Constitution joined to christian Liberty, if attended to, would give them. By bringing forth to the public Stock the Talents of every Member of Society, and impartially making Merit, and not Property, the distinguishing Part of every ones Character, then will that Liberty, so well described in an American Pamphlet, begin its Reign.
I can with Truth assure you that it is, and, with the Blessing of God, it shall be the constant Study, Prayer, and Endeavors of my Life to prove to you, your Country, and the World, that my Principles, Declarations, and Actions, speak the true Heart Language of Dear Sir, your most faithful &c. &c. a christian Watchman for Truth Do. Soldr: Do. Actor Do. Patriot. Ch. of the World.
(signed). Peter Labilliere.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Juliana Ritchie, 8 December 1781
From: Ritchie, Juliana
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Cambray. Decr. 8th. 1781.
I trust in your known goodness to pardon the liberty I take in troubleing you from time to time with my letters; nothing but the necessity of the Cause —would induce me to take this liberty with you. You may recollect, Sir that about the End of April last, I sent to you some letters & begged the favor to have them delivered to a gentleman whose name I think was Shaffer, going to America & &ca&ca I am yet to learn the fate of those letters, as that gentleman never did me the honor to answer My address to Him, Covering a letter to my Husband, tho’ He had called upon me here, & made me the kind offer of conveying any letter to my husband— that might reach His hand in Paris— within the space of fifteen days after He arrived there &ca. I sent off my letters long before the End of those limits & therfore have no doubt but that He got them. It is now eight Months elapsed & I have received no answer to My letter to Mr. Ritchie. The various occurrences of this unhappy War May have caused My letter to miscarry. This reflection is the motive of my presuming to address you Sir, to beg that you will do me the honnor to inform me whether you have heard anything on the subject of that gentleman since His departure from France; or if Mr. Ritchie has troubled you with the care of His reply to my letters.
Permit Me to Congratulate you upon the success of America— in the happy victory over Lord Cornwallis—’tis to be hoped that that event, will procure them their desired point, in respect to Independence.
I wish you the Compts. of the approaching Season, with health & peace. Shall hope for the honor of your reply, addressed to me at Cambray.
I have the honor to be most respectfully Sir your greatly obliged humble Servt.
J. Ritchie

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiare / des Etats-Unis de L’Amerique / en son Hotel / à Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Trumbull, 8 December 1781
From: Trumbull, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Bilbao 8th: December 1781.
I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 26th: of last month, yesterday, and have in consequence drawn upon Mr. Grand this day for the amount you mention.

I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency upon the capture of Lord Cornwallis, & the very flattering situation of our Affairs in America.
Majr. Jackson requests me to present his best respects & wishes for your Excellency’s happiness, in which I assure you He is most sincerely join’d by your Excellency’s most Obedient & most humble servant
John Trumbull
His Excelly: B Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benja. Franklin Esqr. / Passy
Notation: Trumbull. John. Dec. 10. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benyowzky, 9 December 1781
From: Benyowski, Maurice-Auguste, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Excellence,
a Paris le 9. Xbre. 1781
N’attendant plus que mon Expédition de la part de Monsieur Le Comte de Vergennes, j’ai l’honneur de Supplier Votre Excellence de vouloir bien me faire expedier Les Lettres, et recomendations qu’Elle m’a daigné si gracieusement promettre; J’ose encore là supplier de vouloir bien m’indiquer Le jour Auquél Je pourrais avoir la grâce de prendre mon Congé de vive voix, et recevoir mes paquets;
J’ai celui d’etre avec un profond Respect, De Votre Excellence le tres humble & très Obeissant serviteur
Comte DE Benyowzky


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 10 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard

Dear Son,
Passy, Nov. [i.e., December] 10. 1781
The Bearer Count Beniousky, a Hungarian Gentleman of Distinction, goes to America with some Intention of settling there, if he shall find the Country agreable. He is much esteemed by Persons of Consideration here, and I earnestly recommend him to your Civilities. I have ordered Claret to you by various Opportunities, and hope some of it will be arriv’d before you receive this. I have heard lately from Benny, who was well. I am ever, Your
Mr Bache


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 10 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morris, Robert

Dear Sir
Passy, Dec 10. 1781
This Line will be delivered to you by Count Beniousky, a Hungarian Gentleman, who goes to America with Views of Settling there, and drawing his Fortune after him, if he shall like the Country. He is recommended to me by Mr. Gerard, and other Persons of Consideration here, and I beg leave to introduce him to you, and to request for him your Counsels, and those Civilities you show to Strangers of Merit. I had yesterday the Pleasure of embracing your fine Boys, who are to set out soon for Geneva.— Be pleased to make my Respects acceptable to Mrs. Morris, and believe me ever, with sincere & great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient
Honble. Robt. Morris Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Nogaret, 10 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Nogaret

Sir,
Passy, Dec. 10, 1781
I received your friendly Note of the 6th. Inst. and am very sensible of your Kindness in not being angry with me, when my long Silence had given you so much apparent Reason. The Truth is, I intended calling on you from time to time, but something always happen’d to prevent it. At length I got my Grandson who writes the Language better than I do, to make a French Letter for me; which I signed, but the sending of it was omitted, as I thought of seeing you the next Time I should go to Versailles. In this too I was disappointed by an Accident. On receiving your last, I promis’d myself the Pleasure of embracing you and Mrs Nogaret to-morrow; but am just now advertis’d that the King does not see to-morrow the foreign Ministers: which prevents my going to Versailles till the Week following; Therefore I write this English to you, of which I hope you may guess the Meaning, and I send enclos’d the old Letter. Permit me to repeat my Thanks for your elegant Present, which I very much admire. Collections of fine Prints are preserv’d for Ages and perhaps some of these Monuments which you have erected to the Memory of that excellent Woman, may subsist as long as those made in Marble. With sincere Esteem and Attachment, I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
BF.
Mr Nogaret


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 10 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy, Decr 10. 1781.
M. Grand, our Banker, acquaints me, that there will be wanting to discharge the old Bills drawn by Congress upon Mr Lawrens, Mr Adams and Mr Jay, with the usual Drafts on myself, all payable by the End of this Month, about the Sum of Five hundred thousand Livres; and that probably nearly as much more will be wanting for the Month of January, when our great Difficulty occasioned by that irregular Proceeding before the first of March last will be over. I request your Excellency therefore to order into Mr. Grand’s Hands One Million of the Dutch Loan, in such Proportions as he may want from time to time to discharge those Bills.—
With great Respect, I am Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant.
B Franklin
M. le Comte de Vergennes.

Endorsed: M. de R. / rep


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Cramer, 10 December 1781
From: Cramer, Catherine de Wesselow
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 10 Xbre 1781.
J’ai reçû en leur tems, Monsieur, les lettres que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 12 aoust & le 5 de 9bre; & si je n’y ai pas répondu plutôt, c’est que n’ayant rien d’important à vous mander, je n’ai pas voulu par discrétion distraire inutilement votre attention des grandes affaires qui vous occupent; à cette occasion, permettez-moi de vous féliciter de vos succès en Virginie. Votre indépendance me parait actuellement bien décidée, & si le terme de nos troubles était aussi celui de notre liberté, il est consolant de penser qu’on pourrait retrouver en Amérique pour ses enfans une Patrie libre. Je vous dirai, sans entrer dans des détails ennuyeux pour tout autre que pour des Génevois, que la crise de nos affaires s’approche, & que s’il y avait quelque moment assez critique pour mettre en danger la sûreté personnelle, vous pouvez être parfaitement tranquille sur votre petit fils pour qui je prendrai les mêmes précautions que pour mes propres Enfans. Je suis très contente de lui, à un peu de paresse d’esprit & d’indolence près: pour tâcher d’y remédier je lui ai donné, après son collège, un Maître de Latin fort habile, & sous lequel mon fils a fait en peu de tems beaucoup de progrès. Je n’ai pû jusques à présent être aussi utile à Mad. Montgomery, que je l’aurais désiré: je lui ai cherché sans succès une pension agréable; les conditions & les appartemens n’ayant pû lui convenir: Quand nous serons plus tranquilles & que tout le monde aura quitté la campagne, je chercherai à l’arranger mieux, car je la crois peu agréablement à plusieurs égards, chez une parente de Mr Marignac où elle s’est logée. J’aurais desiré pour sa tranquilité qu’elle allat passer l’hyver à Lauzanne en suisse, mais elle a préféré de rester ici. Dès que je serai rentrée à la ville, & que nous pourrons nous entendre, car elle ne sait point le français ni moi l’anglais, je serai très empressée de jouïr de sa société: votre recommandation, Monsieur, lui donne toute sorte de droits à mes services & à mon amitié.
Je n’ai pû refuser à un neveu de mon Mari, qui desire vivement de connaître un homme aussi célèbre que vous, de lui remettre cette lettre: c’est un jeune homme bon & aimable: j’espère que vous voudrez bien lui permettre d’avoir l’honneur de vous voir quelquefois pendant son séjour à Paris, & que vous agréerez le respect & tous les sentimens avec lesquels je suis Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéïssante servante
DE Wesselow Cramer.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gottkier, 10 December 1781
From: Gottkier, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Selestatt [Schelestadt] en alsace ce 10. Xbre. 1781.
Tout dévoué aux Etats de L’amêrique et brûlant du desir de m’y aller fixer, Je prends la liberté de vous dedier le petit morceau ci-joint.
Agrées, S’il vous plait, ce léger hommage comme une faible marque de mon respectueux attachement. Ma Satisfaction Sera parfaite, Si vous daignés m’honorer d’un mot de réponse.
J’ai l’honeur d’être avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéissant Serviteur
Gottkier

Notation: Gottkier 10 Xbre. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Holker, 10 December 1781
From: Holker, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most Respetable friend
hotel et rüe des deuxs Ecu le 10 Desbr 1781
I send you here Inclosed Mr. Williams leter beg youl spake to Mr. Chomont of it & let me have his answer as the affeare is pressing. I am with Respect & Consideration Dr. Sir yours on every occasion
J Holker


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 10 December 1781
From: Putnam, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble. Sir,
Boston Decr. 10th. 1781
I am this moment honor’d with a Letter from Mr. Lovell, who acknowledges the Reception of Your Excellencys Favor of the 13th. Sepr. and from which, he has extracted & transmitted to me, few Lines:— by which, I percieve that, as Mr. Gerard was at the date of your Letter, & had for several preceeding Months, been absent, you had not been able to obtain knowledge of any Proceedings or their Results, relitive to my Affair with Count d’Arbaud. I must confess some degree of mortification, that such daring & desingning Insult to my Person & feelings &, manifest Infringment on my Property, should, unavoidably, be permitted to triumph for a Term, so unexpectedly long & not have been bro’t by a more timely Isue, to make Reparation in Justice. It would be a hard Task at present, to impeach so good a Man as Sieur Gerard with the crime of Neglect: But feel most perfectly easy, when I see, for which, I most kindly thank you, your Excellencys polite Promise of attinding to my Interest— I have transmitted Bills to the Amt. 1,000 Dollars to the Care of Your Excellency, which am in hopes you have recd.
Having just discover’d a mistake, made by Mr. Mimerill, a royal Notary Public at Gaudeloupe concerning the Name of the Officer who, as ungenerously as impolitely interfer’d in the Affair of the Price Privateer—Terrible; and which, having been continued thro all the Letters that I have had the honor of transmitting to your Excellency, I would, of however little Consequence it otherwise might be, improve the first Opportunity to correct the Error: He was call’d by the Notary Public, in all the Coppies I recd. from him, Capt. Lire of the Cebélle [Cybèle] Frigate whereas I am inform’d by a gentleman, now on bord, & the only Officer remaining of her former Company, that the Cebelle was then commanded by Le Baron de Chigny, & the Galete [Galathée], by Monsieur de Rocart. These Frigates were concerts at that time.
Having Commissions to execute as soon as it may be possible at Porte au Prince, I necessarily take that Rout in my Passage to France; & tho’ we may be ready to sail in 15. days, in the Frigate, Flora, Harry Johnson, Commr; believe we shall scarcely reach France before the last of Apl. 82.
Till when, Sir, permit me to be, with profound Respect, your Excellency’s most Obedient & most Hble Servant
Benj. Putnam
His Excy Doctor Franklin.

I never have, & ’tis probable, very soon, I shall not have the honor of even seeing the Marqus de la Fyatte who never fails to command an Excess of that polite Attention, & Respect, which I am happy to see always liberally paid to Gentlemen of that most brilliant Nation & from which Infant America has recd such infinite Services— The Marquis is already embark’d; but tis probable he will forward this to your Excellency—
Benjamin Putnam

Addressed: To / His Excellency Doctr. Franklin / American Minister to the / Court of France / Paris
Notations in different hands: Benj. Putnam hon’d by Capt. Barre commanding the Frigate Alliance / Benjn. Putnam, 10 Decr. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 11 December 1781
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 11 xbre a nice [1781]
Mon chér papa le voisin vous reméttra ce petit mot; sçavés vous pourqu’oi je ne vous écris qu’un petit mot bien petit c’est que je vous boude … oui monsieur papa je vous boude; comment! vous prenés des armées entiéres en amérique, vous burgoinisés Cornwallis, vous prenés Canons, vaisseaux munitions, hommes, cheveaux, &c &c vous prenés tout et de tout, et la gasette seule l’apprend a vos amis qui se grisent en buvant a votre santé, a celle de Wasington de l’indépendance, du roy de france, du marquis de la fayette, de mrs de Rochambault, chatelux, &c &c tandis que vous ne leurs donnés pas signe de vie; vous devés cependant estre un bon vivant a présent, quoique cela vous manque rarement, vous estes surement rajeuni de 20 ans par cette bonne nouvélle qui doit nous amenér une paix durable a la suitte d’une guérre glorieuse … je vous boude donc et vous bouderai jusqu’a ce que j’aye de vos nouvélles; en attendant cependant comme je ne veux pas la mort du pêcheur je vous ferai une marche triomphalle, je vous l’envoyerai, vous écrirai, et vous aimerai mesme de tout mon coeur: / :
[In M. Brillon’s hand] Moy qui ne Vous boude point, Je Vous fais mon Compliment bien sincere mon cher Papa et vous embrasses des deux cotés bien cordialement, aussi le petit fils que je ne puis Separer de Vous.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Caroline Edes, 12 December 1781
From: Edes, Caroline
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Wednesday, December the 12th. [1781]
I did not receive your favor dated Monday the 10th: till this day at Noon, consequently it was then too late to do myself the honour of waiting on you according to your Appointment. I therefore take the liberty of inclosing Mr Bridgen’s letter, and entreat the favor of your Answer as soon as possible.
I am, with great Respect, Sir, Your most Obedient Servant
Caroline Edes

Addressed: Benjamin Franklin, Esq:
Notation: Edes


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Caroline Edes, 13 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Edes, Caroline

Passy, Decemr. 13. 1781
I return enclos’d the Letter from my Friend Mr Bridgen, which I receiv’d from you last Night. You will be so good as to acquaint him in answer to his first Question, If any Fund was establish’d for the Support of Mr Laurens? that being informed about the Middle of last Month by a Friend in London of Mr L’s being in want of Money, I wrote on the 19th. to Mr Hodgson a Merchant in Coleman Street, in whose Hands I had lodg’d Cash for the Support of Prisoners, to hold 100£ of it at the Disposition of Mr Laurens; and I since hear that on a like Intimation to Mr Adams in Holland, he has ordered another Hundred Pounds to be applied to the same purpose: I have never heard that any Fund was established in America for the Use of that Gentleman: probably it has not been known there that he had Need of it.—The second Question, If any Measures had been taken for his Relief? will be answered by acquainting Mr B. that the Congress pass’d a Resolution to offer the Exchange of General Burgoyne for him, and empowered me to make the Offer: That Mr Burke having written to me in favour of his friend Gen. Burgoyne, on a Supposition that the Congress intended to recall him, I sent a Copy of the Resolution to Mr Burke, & requested he would charge himself with the Negociation.— I have since heard nothing either from Mr Hodgson or Mr Burke; and as it is said a Packet was lately lost between Ostend and England, I begin to fear my Letters have miscarried, and shall by the first Post send Copies. I wish Mr Bridgen would however apply to both those Gentlemen, learn what has been done, and thro’ you acquaint me with it. I beg you would assure Mr Bridgen of my best Wishes and affectionate Attachment. I hope his Affairs in Carolina have been settled to his Mind. With much Esteem, I have the honour to be Madam, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Mrs. C. Edes

P.S. About the beginning of the Year, having heard a Report that Mr Laurens was ill-used, I wrote a little Remonstrance to Sir Grey Cooper on the Occasion; who reply’d, by acquainting me that on Enquiry he found the Report to be groundless; and by sending me a Letter he had receiv’d from the Lieutenant of the Tower, which assur’d him in the strongest Terms, that Mr Laurens was perfectly satisfy’d with the Treatment he received, and frequently express’d his Thankfulness for the same. This made me easy, hearing nothing afterwards to the contrary till lately.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Vaughan, 13 December 1781
From: Vaughan, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Respected Sir
Cadiz 13 Decr. 1781
By Mr Jay’s & Mr Carmichaels interest I have at last got over the difficulties which the formers delicacy had thrown in my way & obtained permission to come to this place as a friend to America, an Indulgence I mean to profit of during a short period, intending to give the strongest proof I am able of my right to this title by embarking here in the very first American vessel which may offer in the Spring. I have already aprized my friends of this resolution & obtained their consent to my going to Philadelphia, object of my wishes as likely to be the seat of arts & Gouvernment. In this determination I have taken the liberty of throwing myself once more upon your favor encouraged by your past kindness & emulous of the Sanction of a person to whom the country is so much indebted, & whose good word will lay open to me the esteem of the good & virtuous. Such a Sanction always desirable upon embarking in a new country & Cause is from my name & connections particular necessary to me, to which I may add my wish of being distinguished from the crowd of those who will probably be now led there, by the Sunshine of Success. Might I be alowed to make a further request, it should be that you would kindly favor me with any advice or directions of conduct which might put me in a way of not disappointing the expectation that may be formed of a person recommended by you; when I consider the employment you have, I am almost afraid of having proceeded too far, but I hope its importance to me will be my excuse.
But while asking for new favors let me not forget to return my most grateful thanks for those already recieved amongst which I do not reckon it the least the being brought acquainted with your aimable & worthy Disciple Mr. Carmichael who possesses the happy talent of making friends of all who know him. By his means I recieved a few days since the important news of Cornwallis’s being taken with his army. I congratulate you sincerly on this happy event & hope it will have a notable effect in hastening the proceedings of this dilatory court. This Success together with the late one of General Green against the Charles Town garrison has happily entirely freed the Southern Colonies from the Sufferings they have So long experienced.— I should be happy if you chose to convey by My hands any letters or papers to America, no better occasion offering; Mr Carmichael would transmit them to me. I mention this circumstance thus early, as I think of going in a vessel Soon expected here to Sail in February & from the dispatch used here She might Sail before you could be informed of her arrival.
May heaven grant you life & health to finish the great work you have So Successfully begun, for the country’s good & satisfaction of your friends amongst whom I humbly presume to inscribe the name of your much obliged & affect. disciple
Jno Vaughan

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Dr. Benj. Franklin Ambassador / of the United States of America in France / Passy
Notation: Vaughan, John, Cadiz 13. Decr. 1781.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 14 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Passy, Dec. 14. 1781
I duly received your Excellency’s favour of the 1st. and 6th Instant.
I wrote to you by Mr Barclay, who went from hence some Days since, & I hope is with you by this time, and that he will with your Assistance be able to settle every thing relating to the Goods. I have receiv’d a long Letter from Messrs Neufville, the Purport of which is, “that they are willing for their Parts to deliver the Goods to you but that they cannot controul the other Owners of the Ships, who have a Right by the Laws & Customs of Holland to detain the Goods for the Damage done by Capt. Gillon’s refusing to sign the Charterparties, &c and hoping that I will not on Acct of the Conduct of the other Owners, refuse to pay the Bills, especially as such a Refusal would be derogatory to the Honour of the United States &c.” I may be wrong, but my present Thoughts on the Subject are, that if by the Laws of Holland our Goods may be detained in the Hands of the Ship Owners for the Fault of Mr Gillon, by the same Laws the Property of one of those Owners may be detained in our Hands for the Fault of his Partners: And that it as much concerns the Honour of Holland that our Goods should be delivered to us, as it concerns the Honour of America that we should pay for them when delivered. And I farther think that if a Merchant in Holland happening to have of my Property in his Possession may by the Laws of his Country detain the same till I pay him whatever he shall please to demand as Indemnification for an Injury suppos’d to be done him by some other Person. Holland is by no means a safe Country for Americans to trade with, nor a Dutch Merchant a safe Depositary for the Property of a Stranger, or to be the Consignee of Merchandise sent into his Country.
You desire a Copy of the Terms on which he offer’d to borrow Money for us. At present I only send you an Extract, of the principal Points, much of the Writing being Matter of Form. The first Proposition is, “That for the Security of this Loan of Two Million Gilders, Holland Currency, we engaged & hypothequed (his Words) to said Mr John de Neufville and Son of Amsterdam, or their Representatives, as we do engage and hypotheque to them in the Name of the whole Congress of the Thirteen United States of North America, generally all the Lands, Cities, Territories and Possessions of the said Thirteen States, so which they have and possess at present, as which they may have or possess in the future, with all their Income, Revenue & Produce, until the entire Payment of this Loan & the Interests due thereon.”
My Observation upon this was, that it demanded an extravagant Security for a trifling Sum; that it was lending little more than a Gilder on each Inhabitant’s Estate, and that it was absurd to require a Mortgage on my Estate for the Loan of a Gilder. He answer’d that this was usual in all Loans made in Holland to foreign States, and that the Money could not otherwise be obtain’d.
The Second Proposition was (verbatim, as the first) “That out of the Produces again through all those Thirteen States of America shall be send over and shipp’d to Europe, and chiefly or as much as possible to the Port of Amsterdam during the ten Years of this Loan the Double of one Tenth Part of this Loan, to the Value of Four hundred Thousand Gilders, which as far as is possible they’l come to Amsterdam, shall be sold there by Mr. John de Neufville and Son, and what goes to other Ports by their Correspondents, and the Money kept at their Disposal for the Use of Congress at least during the first five Years; and during the last five Years of this Loan One half of this Money is to serve to decharge every year one Tenth Part of the Money borrowed, engaging that before the End of the Tenth Year there will be remitted in such a Manner, and left in Hands of said Mr John de Neufville & Son of Amsterdam, a sufficient Sum of Money to decharge this whole Loan with the Interest due thereon.”
You will observe that this Article is obscurely express’d; I was oblig’d to demand Eclaircissements in Conversation. The Conversation was also difficult to understand; Mr de N’s English not being then of the clearest. But from the whole after much Discourse, I gather’d, that we were to send over every Year for the first Five Years, in Tobacco, Rice, Indigo, Codfish, Oil, &c &c. the Value of 400,000 Gilders, to be sold by Messrs J. de N. & Son, for our Use, on a Commission, of Five per Cent.; and that the Money was to remain in their Hands to enable them to pay off in the last 5 Years the Principal of the Loan, tho’ one half of it was to remain in their Hands till the End of the Term.— A subsequent Article (the 6th) also provides that 100,000 Gilders more should be annually sent over in Produce to them, & sold, &c. to discharge the Interest.
My Objections were, That if we were able to purchase Produce, in valu Two Millions of Gilders to lodge in the Hands of Messrs de N. & Son, we might use that Sum in our Affairs at home, and should have no Occasion to borrow it in Holland. That if we were to buy up this Value of Produce with the Money borrowed, and to lodge it in the Hands of those Gentlemen; it would be borrowing Money to give them the Use of it for a Number of Years without Interest, while we were paying Interest for it ourselves. One would think this Project if it could take, might be sufficiently profitable for these Gentlemen; but in another Paper part French part English, propos’d for me to sign, it was to be stipulated, that after exchanging for the new Promesses all those transacted by Messrs Fizeaux & Grand to the amount of 40 or 50,000 Guilders, which Exchange was to be made without Charge, “pour le Reste de cet Emprunt il leur (Messrs de N. & Fils) sera alloué, outre les Conditions d’Interet, &c. contenus dans les Termes y stipulées, 1 per Ct. d’Interet, savoir 10 Per Ct une seule fois sur les Sommes qu’ils negocieront; & en outre 2 Per Ct. encore y compris toutes les Allouances ordinaires & extraordinaires fraix a faire, & toute Commission, sans qu’ils pourront jamais rien exiger de plus a ce Sujet.”
Very gracious Terms these! by which after Stopping a Tenth Part of the Sum borrowed, they would be content with two Per Ct. upon the Rest to defray Charges.
Besides this, I was led to understand, that it would be very agreable to these Gentlemen, if in Acknowledgment of their Zeal for our Cause & great Service in procuring this Loan, they could be made by some Law of Co[ngress] the General Consignee of America, to receive and sell upon Commission by themselves and Correspondents in the different Ports & Nations, all the Produce of America that should be sent by our Merchants to Europe. On my remarking the Extravagance & Impossibility of this Proposition, it was modestly reduc’d to the following, wherein I am suppos’d to say & sign,
“Je veux bien encore, pour les engager [Messrs de N. & fils] à suivre avec le même Zèle qu’ils y ont employé jusqu’ici pour les Interets de l’Amerique, appuyer de mes Recommendations leur Solicitations auprès du Congrés, pour qu’il leur soit accordé pour la Suitte, le Titre de Commissioners for Trade & Navigation, and Treasurers of General Congress, and every private State of the Thirteen United States of North America, THROUGH THE SEVEN UNITED PROVINCES; dont il leur sera alloué les Commissions regulieres & usitées de Commerce, Payement, & Emprunt, tels que d’honnetes Negociants pourront les passer, sans en pretendre jamais dautre Appointement. Donné a Passy le &c.”
By this time I fancy your Excellency is satisfy’d, that I was wrong in supposing J de Neufville as much a Jew as any in Jerusalem, since Jacob was not content with his Per Cents, but took the whole of his Brother Esau’s Birthright; & his Posterity did the same by the Cananites, & cut their Throats into the Bargain, which in my Conscience I do not think Mr. J. de Neufville has the least Inclination to do by us,— while he can get any thing by our being alive.
His Excelly. Jno Adams Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ———, 14 December 1781
From: ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Nantes, Ce 14 Décembre 1781./.
Permettez que j’aie l’honneur de vous offrir deux petites pièces qui ont paru depuis peu dans cette ville, à l’occasion des fêtes que nous avons Célébrées avec tous les bons français, et les Anglo-Américains vos braves Compatriotes. Si ces deux pièces ont l’avantage de mériter votre suffrage, accordez-leur, je vous en supplie, Monsieur, la grace d’être présentées par vos mains à Madame La Marquise de Lafaÿette. Sans doute qu’une Muse plus éloquente méritoit de traiter d’aussi grands sujets; du moins la Muse Nantaise peut-elle espérer quelqu’indulgence pour le Zèle qui l’a animée dans cette difficile entreprise. Le siècle d’or a été imprimé sans le Concours de l’Auteur; l’Edition assez fautive n’a point été vendüe, mais a été distribüée per domos aux Amis de M.M. les Consuls de cette ville lors de la fête que le Commerce a faite pour la Naissance de Monseigneur le Dauphin; et l’Auteur n’a pû s’en procurer un seul imprimé; Si vous jugez, Monsieur, Vous ou Made. de La faÿette, que la publicité en puisse être agréable à Paris, il vous en laisse l’entière disposition; il ne se réserve que l’incognito qu’il a scrupuleusement gardé ici; des raisons personnelles l’y astreignent; il vous supplie seulement, Monsieur, d’excuser la liberté qu’il a prise, par les motifs de la haute Estime et du profond Respect qu’il a pour vos éminentes qualités.

Notation: Anonyme


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Alexander, 15 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Alexander, William

Dear Sir,
Passy, Dec. 15. 1781.
I thank you for informing me of your intended Journey. You know so well the prevailing Sentiments here, and mine in particular, that it is unnecessary for me to express them; and having never been believ’d on that side the Water, it would be useless. I will say, however, that I think the Language you mention, very proper to be held, as it is the Truth; tho’ the Truth may not always be proper. Wishing you a good Voyage and happy Return to your Children, I am, with great Esteem, Dear Sir,
I trouble you with a few Letters to Friends, of which I request your Care in delivering, with your own hands if you can conveniently
Wm Alexr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 15 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

My Dear Friend,
Passy, Dec. 15, 1781
I received your favour of September 26, containing your very judicious proposition of securing the spectators in the opera and play-houses from the danger of fire. I communicated it where it might be useful. You will see by the inclosed that the subject has been under consideration here. Your concern for the security of life, even the lives of your enemies, does honour to your heart and your humanity. But what are the lives of a few idle haunters of play-houses compared with the many thousands of worthy men and honest industrious families butchered and destroyed by this devilish war! O! that we could find some happy invention to stop the spreading of the flames, and put an end to so horrid a conflagration! Adieu, I am ever, yours most affecttionately,
B. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 15 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hodgson, William

Dear Sir,
Passy, Dec. 15. 1781
It being long since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you, & understanding that a Packet Boat has been lost; I fear some of my late Letters may have miscarried, and therefore send the above Copies. With great Regard, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Georgiana Shipley, 15 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hare-Naylor, Georgiana Shipley

My dear dear Friend
Dec. 15. 1781
I imagine the good Family is by this time establish’d in London for the Winter. The Bearer Mr Alexander, will give you an Opportunity of acquainting me how they do, as he returns immediately. It is therefore I write this Line by him, which I cannot lengthen, having too Short a Notice of his Departure. It may serve at the same time to inform you, who I know interest yourself a little in my Welfare, that I have hitherto escap’d the Gout this Season, eat, drink & sleep well, and have little to wish for, except Peace, and a happy Sight of my Friends in England. I am, ever, ma trés chere Amie, Yours most affectionately
BF.

P.S. The Shades you were so kind as to promise me are not yet come to hand. Present my best Wishes of a happy New Year to the Realities.
  Miss Georgiana Shipley


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Saint-Auban, 15 December 1781
From: Saint-Auban, Jacques-Antoine Baratier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Paris le 15. Xbre. 1781.
Vous nous avez fait l’honneur, Monsieur, de nous promettre a m. de st. auban et a moy que Vous nous feriez celuy de venir diner avec nous a notre retour de la campagne que nous avons quittée depuis 15. Jours. M. de st. auban n’auroit pas laissé passer ce temps, sans vous aller rappeller cette promesse s’il n’en eut eté empesché par un gros rhume. Dans la crainte ou je suis que cette incommodité ne le prive encore pour quelque temps de l’honneur de Vous voir chez vous et moy du plaisir de Vous recevoir icy, je prends le parti de vous informer de notre retour et de vous prier de remplir l’engagement que vous avez bien voulu prendre cet eté, en m’indiquant le jour le plus prochain possible ou vous pourréz Venir diner avec nous, ainsi que M. Votre petitfils que nous serons charmés davoir par toutes sortes de raisons, independament du desir que nous avons de scavoir s’il a pensé a faire Venir des épées pareilles a la sienne, comme il nous l’avoit promis.
Jay l’honneur detre, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissante Servante
GRUYN DE ST. AUBAN


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Castries, 16 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Castries, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix, marquis de

Monsieur,
Passy ce 16. Xbre. 1781
Le Major Franks qui a eu l’honneur de vous presenter ma Lettre du huit du mois passé est allé par mes ordres à Brest pour y attendre une Occasion pour s’en retourner en Amerique, sur l’Esperance que vous avez bien voulu me donner de lui accorder cette permission, sur le premier des Bâtiments de Sa Majesté qui partiroit pour ce Pays. Cet officier m’écrit qu’il éprouve à tous Moments des désagréments de la part des officiers …
M. le Ms. de Castries.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 16 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam Decr. 16th. 1781.
I have at last recieved Letters from Mr. Dana. Mr. Sayer arrived in town yesterday with Letters to me, and dispatches for Congress, which I shall transmit by the best opportunity. Three days before I had recieved a Letter which came by Sea, but had been almost four Months upon the passage.
Mr. Dana appears to be in good Spirits. He has communicated himself to the Marquis de Verac, and has been very candidly as well as politely treated by that Minister. He had not communicated to the Russian Ministry his Mission, on the 4th of October the date of his Letter. But he finds friends there, and is in a Way to procure very important Information concerning the Politicks of all the Northern Courts. His opinion of Dutch Policy is not raised by his Journey to the North. But he speaks with great Respect of the Dutch Minister at Petersbourg, as a Patriot in the only good and true system in these times. He speaks prudently of the Prince de Potemkin, the Comte de Panin and the Comte D’Osterman. The Comte de Panin is in the Privy Council, but has not yet reassumed his Office, as Chief Minister of foreign Affairs, altho’ he has returned to Court. The Court has recieved the Answers of Versailles and Madrid to the Articles, and he hopes soon to know the Reply of that Court. Can’t We obtain a Copy of the Answer of Versailles?
Is not the last Speech of the King of England and his Answers to the Addresses especially that of the Commons, rather inflammatory? This King’s Ministers and Governors, some ten or fifteen Years ago, used to charge me with making “inflammatory Harrangues.” I think I have now a good Right to recriminate upon their Master. He seems to be a very Boutefeu. But it must be confessed that his Ministers manage Holland and some of the Northern Powers with a great deal of Art and Address. The Answer of Lord Stormont to Mr. Simolin accepting the Mediation of Russia, between England and Holland is a Master piece. Its supream Excellence consists in its matchless Effrontery, which is certainly not to be imitated by any other Court or People under Heaven. Such extraordinary things sometimes have an effect directly contrary to what one would naturally expect, and therefore it is possible this may succeed. It will not however most certainly, if a certain Proposition, which I am instructed to make, should be made in time, as I hope it will.
I have the honor to be most respectfully, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant
J. Adams.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Notation: J. Adams Dec 16. 1781.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 17 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, Dec. 17. 1781
I have received the Packet, containing the Correspondence relating to the Goods. I suppose that Mr Barclay is there before this time, and the Affair in a way of Accommodation. Young Mr Neufville is here; but I have thought it best not to give him as yet any Hopes of my Paying the Bills unless the Goods are delivered. I shall write fully by next Post. This serves chiefly to acquaint you that I will endeavour to pay the Bills that have been presented to you, drawn on Mr Laurens. But you terrify me, by acquainting me that there are yet a great Number behind. It is hard that I never had any Information sent me of the Sums drawn, a Line of Order to pay, nor a Syllable of Approbation for having paid any of the Bills drawn on Mr Laurens Mr Jay or yourself. As yet I do not see that I can go any farther, and therefore can engage for no more than you have mention’d. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Franks, 17 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franks, David Salisbury

Sir,
Passy, Dec. 17. 1781
I receiv’d the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me, acquainting me with your being taken up at Brest, examined & uncivilly treated. Methinks you are too ready to suppose this was done with an Intention to offend you. It is the Duty of those who have the Care of the Ports, when Strangers appear there, to enquire who & what they are. Brest is an important Place; to us as well as to France, and we ought to take their Caution in good Part, and be pleas’d that our Allies are so careful of their Places. A Man may be sensible of his own Integrity, of his Consequence, & of the Respect due to it; but it does not follow that all the World should be sensible of the same at first Sight of him. The French are naturally so civil to Strangers, that I am apt to suspect you have inadvertently committed some Indiscretion, that has drawn upon you the Treatment you complain of. By the enclos’d Letter you will see that M. de Castries promis’d to order a Passage for you by the first Occasion. As he has not done it, I conclude there has yet been none convenient; Perhaps it may not be convenient at all, and I do not think it proper to press him farther; especially as you write that a good Ship is soon to sail from L’Orient. I wish therefore you would take your Passage in her: As your being delay’d may occasion your Wanting more Money, you may draw on me for Fifteen Louis d’ors which I will pay on Sight. With much Esteem, I have the honour to be
Major Franks


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Eleazer Dorlay, 17 December 1781
From: Dorlay, Eleazer
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Mill Prison Decr: 17th. 1781
As your Honour must be entirely unacquainted with my person, I would wish to Recomend myself as an Officer who was Gunner of the Continential ship Confedracy when taken sent into N York put on board a prison Ship from thence was sent to England suffering every Act of Cruelty which they thought proper to inflict, Then thrown into Mill prison and Commited for High Treason there to live on a very Scanty Allowance that Affords only one small Meal pr Diem exclusive of a shilling Donation as the Comasary pleases to Permit. If Your Honour should think prudent to Confine some person of equal Rank for me in order that I may get Exchang’d in first French or Spanish Cartels as my earnest desire is to be again serving my Country as a duty I think incumbent on every American who wishes to see the prosperity of his Country, likewise be pleas’d to send me a little money to supply my present Necasary wants as I have not Reced any wages since November Eighty. If this my Request should recieve any place in your Honour’s favour shall ever Acknowledge it with the Warmest Since of Gratitude and profound Respect and am Sir your Honours Most Obedt Hume Servt.
Eleazer Dorlay
Benja: Franklin Esqr:

Addressed: His Excellancy / Benja: Franklin Esqr. / American Ambasadr / Paris France.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Morellet, [18 December 1781]
From: Morellet, abbé André
To: Franklin, Benjamin

mardi. [December 18, 1781]
Vous etes trop bon monsieur et vous me montres trop d’amitié pour que je ne me croye pas obligé de vous faire part de l’accouchement de ma niece qui nous a donnè ce matin un beau garçon. Je lui apprendrai de bonne heure vôtre nom et je lui enseignerai à ne le prononcer qu’avec veneration et avec interêt. Dites bien des choses pour moi à votre cher fils que j’aime beaucoup et pour lui même et pour vous. Si vous venes à paris venes afin que je vous presente la mere et l’enfant et que je vous renouvelle mon tendre et respectueux devouement.
L’abbé Morellet


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 December 1781
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir.
Nantes Decemr 18. 1781.
I received last Post a letter from Mr Moylan of L’orient in which are these Words.

“If you wish to be deputy Consul of your district I have good Reason to imagine Mr Barclay would willingly authorize you to the Office, let me know your mind privately.”
I have answered thus.
“I conceive myself highly obliged to Mr Barclay for his Intention & much indebted to you for the Communication of it.—My principles were always independant & as in all public Business I ever had more the Interest of my Country than of myself in view I have studiously avoided anything that looks like solicitation, but whenever it pleases the Public or their servants my superiors to confer a Charge on me I will accept it & execute it to the best of my ability.— This if you please you may communicate to Mr Barclay, & assure him that it was the above sentiment only that prevented me from offering him services in that Line, but the appointment coming voluntarily from him cannot be otherwise than agreeable.”
I think it my Duty to communicate this state of the matter to you & hope my Conduct will meet your Approbation.— I confess I should like the appointment because it is a tacit Declaration to the World that my past conduct is approved, & must effectualy dissappoint the Malice of my Enemies.— When you see Mr Barclay I shall be obliged to you if you will give such Concurrence to the Measure as may be necessary, unless you disapprove it—in which Case I shall without the smallest Reluctance lay aside every Thought on the subject.
I am as ever Your most dutifull & affectionate kinsman
Jona Williams J

Notation: Williams Mr. Jona. Nantes Dec 18. 1781.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 19 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir,
Passy, Dec. 19. 1781.
I duly received yours of the 7th. per young Mr. de Neufville, enclosing the Pamphlets, of which I gave one the next Day to M. Beaudoin. It was so long since we had heard from you, that we feared you were sick.
I inclose sundry American News-papers, out of which perhaps some thing may be drawn for your Printers. There are the Orders of General Greene after the Battle of Eutaw Springs, by which it appears that the Militia behav’d to Satisfaction. There are also the Proceedings relating to Col. Isaac Hayne; which it may be well to publish, as probably we may soon hear that Gen. Greene, according to his Promise in his Proclamation, has hanged some of the British Officers in retaliation; and the Knowledge of these Proceedings may operate in his Justification.— In the German Paper there are two Dialogues of which you can best judge whether the Printing of them in Germany may not have some little Effect in Opposition to Faucit’s Recruiting. I suppose this Letter may find you at Amsterdam, and therefore send it under Cover to Mr. Adams. With the usual Compliments of the approaching Season, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your faithful Friend & most obedient Servant
B Franklin
M. Dumas

Endorsed: Passy 19 Xbr 1781 S.E. Mr. B. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 20 December 1781
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 20 Decr 1781
I pray you to excuse the trouble I give you which is indispensable in the line of your Ministry. I have inclosed you the form of the Passports you Granted us, any alterations you may judge proper to incert in Virtue of changes since that period please to make or any other form which may have been addopted in like Cases. I hope to have frequent occation to apply to you as I find the inclination of our Merchants begin to lend to a desire to unite in Commercial Interests with the United States. There are certain Jealousies of our engrossing their West India Markets for their Staple of Flour which is a Capital object of Export from hence but the prospect of gain by being interested in the Buissness removes the mote. We have had a continued round of Feasts by all the publick Corps in consiquence of the Success’s in Virginia. Enmity & Harmony, Jealousies & Amities make quick transitions in the publick and it rests to add feul to the fire. With due respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield
His Excellency Benj Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Benjamin Franklin, / Ministre plénipotentiaire / des Etats unis de l’Amérique, / à Passy, / Par Paris.
Notation: Bondfield J. Bordeaux 20. Dec. 1781.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Curson and Isaac Gouverneur, 20 December 1781
From: Curson, Samuel,Gouverneur, Isaac
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Pimlico 20th Decemr. 1781—
We are honour’d with your esteemd letter of 22d Ulto. from Passy, and observe what you mention respecting our property in the retaken vessells.— Our correspondents in Holland employd agents in France to reclaim these eff[ects] but having no encouragement from their attempts, we have now wrote them to deliver the Bills lading to Mr. Grand, who being on the spot will be best able to prosecute the matter, and shall much esteem your kind assistance and advice to him how to proceed with the best prospect of success.—
We observe by whose order the credit lodg’d with Mr. Hodgson comes,— if our confinement is not longer than we can now have an idea of, shall not want to make use of the same, since our friend and correspondent here has been obliged to pay us £200, he at first endeavourd to deprive us of, saying that as we were Rebels and Traitors the money was forfeited, and if in our possession, we might find means to escape from justice; not thinking we were in no apprehention of his conjectures; When this money is expended we intend to apply for an allowance out of our property taken on the island of St. Eustatia contrary to the laws of this country, which certainly we have a right to expect, morespecially while our imprisonment continues.—
When we shall be at liberty, God only knows, nothing of the kind, has yet come to our ears; if at any time in your power to give us any news on that score, you may easily conceive what singular satisfaction, it will afford us.
We have the honor to be with the greatest respect.— sir Your most obedient and most huml. servts.
Curson & Gouverneur
His Excely. Ben. Franklin Esqr. Minr. Plenipoy.

Addressed: His Excely. Ben. Franklin / Esquire.— / Minister Plenipoy.


Title: Certificate from the Padua Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts: Résumé, 20 December 1781
From: Caldani, Leopold Marcantonio,Franzoja, Matteo,Cesarotti, Melchiorre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Padua, December 20, 1781, in Italian: Zeal in promoting the increase of useful knowledge naturally unites in a general society all those who consecrate their talents to such a noble cause, and the act of electing them into a learned organization is an acknowledgment of the original titles of their relationship. The Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts of Padua does honor to itself by naming Dr. Franklin, eminently distinguished in both natural science and politics, among the twenty-four illustrious foreigners who are to be associated into their body. The society will be fully recompensed if the eminent persons whom it elects not consider this among the smallest of literary honors.>
Leopoldo M. A. Caldani, PresidenteMatteo Franzoja, Segrio. per le ScienzaMelchiorre Cesarotti, Segrio. per le lettere


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Temple, [before 21 December 1781]
From: Temple, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
[before December 21, 1781]
I had the Pleasure to write to you by Mr. Knox on the 2d Nov. last, to Acquaint you of my safe Arrival, and to congratulate you on the Glorious & Important Events of the last Campaigne. Events which I hope & trust will cause an Almost immediate Peace; concluding, as I do, that the English Ministry cannot be quite so distracted as to think of continuing the War any longer.
I was truely sorry on many Accounts when I heard from Mr Adams before I left Amsterdam that you had resigned your Appointment at the Court of France: It would I am confident be Greatly lamented when known by all true friends to the American cause that are in England: but I was as highly pleased on every Account yesterday to learn from Philadelphia that Congress would not suffer your resignation of that Embassy to take place! that they had moreover, before they receivd your Letter, put the Powers which Mr. A singly held, for Negotiating Peace, into Commission at the head of which stands your Name. Nothing was more Surprizing to the friends of our Cause in England, than that this Important business was not put into your hands in the first instance! However I trust it is all right now, Notwithstanding you have your Enemies, as well as every other Character that stands upon an Eminence.
I am Anxiously expecting a Letter in Answer to the Important one I wrote to you before my departure from Amsterdam: and I have full confidence that your sentiments & doings concerning the purport of that Letter will be such as will render my Efforts Successfull in Obtaining Compensation in one way or other, for the almost entire Sacrafises I have made in the Public cause.
I had upon my Arrival, near two Months ago, a long conversation with the Privy Council of this state & Answered every question that was put to me concerning my going to England & return hither: and I trust that there is not a person in the United States (whose mind is Governed by Principles of Honor Justice & Gratitude) but will think me entitled to compensation for the abundant Sacrafices that I have made.
This Letter I trust will be put into your hands by the Marquis de la Fayette who I trust will meet from his Soveregn with the Honors & rewards due to his Services in this Country!
Mr. Bowdoin wrote to you by Mr Guild & inclosed to you a Copy of the New Constitution of Massachusetts soon after it was published: and he also wrote to you in Febr. last by the Alliance under the care of Monsr. de Corny Comissey. General, enclosing several Pamphlets. He hopes you received them and desires me to present his most affectionate compliments to you: Mrs. Temple makes the same request, and I am, with the most sincere Wishes for your health & happiness, Dear Sir Your most Obedient and Most humble Servant.
Minister Plenepotentiary from the united states of America


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Angus, 21 December 1781
From: Angus, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient Decemr 21st 1781
I tack the liberty to Inform you After being taken in the Ship Franklin, am now Returned to this place, & have taken the Command of A Brig Called the Antonia, of About 100 Tuns Burthan Mounting 8 guns 6 pounders & 20 Men, purchased And fitted out by the House of T. Se(?) Berard & Co. of this place, by order And for Account of Messrs.— La Caze & Mallet—Merchants Philadelphia— Which being American property, & in Consequince under the Continintal Flag. I beg you will grant me a Commission, as a letter of Mark against the Ennemies of america, and in case it Should be nesessary To give Sicuority for the Same, Mr. Simon berard Consul General of Sweden, & partner of the Said house being at present in Paris at Messrs: Girardot Haller & Co. Bankers, will Enter into any bond, that Should be thought Necesuary on that Acctt., as Intend to Sail the first of Next Munth, wold be glad your Excellensy might Have the Said Commission Dispatch’d, as Soon as possible— I wold not writ to your Excellensy for the above Commission, had I it not from the Hands, of Messrs. Berard & Co. that the Brig is American property— Should be Veary Happy To be of any Service to your Excellensy— In the Mentime I Remain your Excellensy Most Obedent And Humble Servt.
John Angus
To His Excellensy Doct. Franklin Esqr. Paris

Addressed: His Excellensy Doctr. Franklin / Paris—
Notation: Angus John L’Orient Xbre. 21. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 21 December 1781
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London 21 Decemr—1781—
I duly reced your favor of the 19th Ultimo with the sundry inclosures for which I return you my best thanks, Mr. Grand has remitted me £400..15. on your Acco’t for the use of the Prisoners, I have acquainted Mr Vaughan with your directions concerning the supplying of Mr Laurens, he has been acquainted therewith, but hitherto no application has been made to me for the Money, whenever it is you may be assured it shall be complyed with—

Mr Curson I believe you know was indulged to remain with the Messenger at his house, where he was as comfortable as it was possible for a Man under any restraint to be—but poor Mr Gouverneure was in a most dreadfull situation, confined to a small Room, out of which, if he stirred he cou’d mix only with the vilest Malefactors, I was determined therefore to leave no Stone unturned to change his Situation, after above a Months almost daily attendance at the Secretarys of State Office, by mere dint of importunity I effected his Removal, by a Habeas under the Kings sign manual & he is now very well lodged in a good Apartment in the Kings Bench, I was much assisted by Mr Burke in this Business, but it was to an Interview which I obtained with Lord Mansfield that I chiefly attribute the success of my Endeavours, for alltho ministers were willing he shoud be removed they knew not how to do it & it was by suggestion of Lord Mansfield I obtained the Sign Manual for a Habeas where the Law actually forbids one to Issue—
The Captains Manley & Talbot are, I hope, eer this in France Capt. Zephaniah Hatch shall be attended to in the manner & with the privacy you desire, The prisoners at Deal I have allready taken care of, to put them at the same allowance as the others 1 s. per week and I have also sent them some Cloths, I am sorry to inform you that even at this allowance, a further supply will be wanted the beginning of next month & sooner if Mr Laurens calls for his Credit, there being now nearly if not quite 800 Prisoners— The last I heard of Digges was from Bristol, where he gave out that you were perfectly well satisfyed with his Conduct— On receipt of your Letter I immediately drew up a Memorial to the sick & Hurt board, proposing an Exchange of Prisoners under the Terms & Provisos mentioned to me in your last, I called upon them a few days ago to know the result, I rec’d for answer that my paper had been sent to the Admiralty Board & they daily expected to receive directions therein— I have deferred writing several posts in hopes to have been able to inform you with some certainty the result, but as it is not yet come I wou’d not defer answering yours any longer—as soon as I learn what Resolution the Admiralty take, I will not fail to acquaint you— It is a Misfortune that the Prisoners from Spain come home without any Specification to the Sick & Hurt board & I fear many were from France, tho taken by Americans—yet not being certifyed as such, they are reckoned as french & you lose the Credit for them—
I think, that I understand the reflections you make at the Conclusion of your last Letter, it wou’d be the highest pitch of my Ambition, if I cou’d be in the smallest degree instrumental in seconding views, founded on Principles of such Wisdom & Humanity & your grey Hairs woud go down with additional Lustre to the Grave cou’d you see a complete settlement. But I fear at present things are not Ripe for so desireable an Event, & yet there is something like a pause & if consequences follow which I hope will, Improvements may be made from those Hints to which I Refer— In such a Case I shou’d make no Scruple of paying you a Visit & if you judge that under certain Circumstances such a Visit shou’d be made you will provisionally procure a pass for me from the French Minister, on one thing you may rely, I will never knowingly deceive, or be the instrument of deception for others—
I inclose you a News Paper which contains a pretty correct acco’t of Mr Burkes speech on Mr Laurens affair, I dissuaded Mr Burke as much as became me from introducing this Matter into the House, I took the Liberty to tell him that in my Judgment, he was putting an additional Bolt on Mr. Lauren’s Apartment— He said that what he did was at the express desire of Mr Laurens himself— I was therefore silenced—
But as far as my Observation leads me, Great Men as they are called, never give up an Opinion in publick, if any Impression is made it must be in Private thro’ conviction or Fear of Consequences—
Lord Cornwallis & Genl. Bourgoign are as nearly allied in Circumstances as two Men can be, yet on the part of Ministers there is a Predilection for one & a Direliction for the other & I am apt to think that tho’ B is refused C. wou’d be accepted, this may be for your future Goverment, for if it be just that Mr Laurens shoud be inlarged, I see no reason why it shou’d be frustrated from nonsencecal party or personal Views here I am with the greatest respect & Esteem Dr sr—Yours Sincerely
William Hodgson


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Pope et al., 21 December 1781
From: Pope, Jacob
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Spithead On board H:M: prison Ship Diligente Decemb: the 21st: 1781
Your Most Humble Petitioners Hopeth Your Honour will be Pleasd. to Compassionate Their Distressd: Situation as we Have Underwent The Greatest fateague and trouble Immaginable Since we Had The Misfortune of Beeing Captivatd. in the westindeas and Carreed Into Jimeca and Sent from Thence on Board His Majesties Ships here where we now remain Expecting Dealy to be Sent to One of his Majesties Goals So as we Are in a Distressd. Situation We realy [rely] on Your Honour and Goodness and Expect You will Be Pleasd to Have us Exchangd. as Soon as possiable You can for which Service Done Your Contrymen I hope will be reward by God which will be The Continual Prayers and Sincear well wishes of Your most Humble & Most Deevotd. Petitinors
Jecob: Pope & PRESONERS

P.S. as There is about 60 or 70 of us prisoners who was Brought from the west-Indeas we realy [rely] on Your Honour and Goodness & Expect You will Be pleasd. to have us Exchangd. Speedally as we are in a Distressd Situation

Addressed: To / Doctr: Fracklin Esqr: American / Agent in Paris France
Endorsed: Prisoners.
Notation: Jacob. Pope & Prisoners Decr. 21. 1781—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes: Two Letters, 21 December 1781
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
A Versailles le 21. Décembre 1781 xd
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec la lettre que vous m’avez fait lhonneur de m’ecrire le 10. de ce mois, celle que vous avez reçue de M. Mason, habitant de la Virginie nouvellement arrivé à Marseille. Je vais prendre des informations par raport au refus que le Commandant de cette ville a fait d’y souffrir ce particulier, et je Serai exact à les mettre sous les yeux du Roi, afin de mettre sa Majesté en etat de statuer avec pleine connoissance de cause.
Vous avez aussi joint à votre lettre, Monsieur, un nouveau mémoire qui vous a été addressé par des négociants de Metz; j’ai déjà eu l’honneur de vous faire connoitre la décision de M. Joly de fleury sur leur demande; il est impossible d’y rien charger: vous l’avez Senti d’avance, et il n’y a rien à ajouter à la justesse des réflexions que vous faites à cet égard.
J’ai l’honneur d’être tres sincérement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
De Vergennes
M. francklin

II.
A Versailles le 21. Xbre. 1781
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 10 de ce mois. Vous demandez un suplément d’un million pour faire face aux traites tirées tant sur vous que sur Mrs. Laurens, Adams et Jay. Je crois devoir vous observer que l’Etat de vos besoins pour cette année a été arrêté, il y a déjà plusieurs mois, d’après vos propres calculs, et que les fonds ont été assignés à M. Grand dans l’espérance qu’il ne seroit nullement question de les augmenter; il se trouve néanmoins aujourd’hui, que vous avez besoin d’un nouveau million. Cette somme ne pourroit être prise que sur le produit de l’emprunt de hollande; mais cet emprunt est presque absorbé tant par les avances qui vous ont déjà été faites, que par les fournitures demandées par le Congrès; je sais d’ailleurs positivement que M. Robert Morris compte sur les fonds actuellement éxistants, et qu’il se propose d’en disposer pour le Service de l’armée américaine. Dans cet etat des choses vous sentirez de vous même qu’il y a de l’inconvénient à vous faire l’avance que vous demandez. Cependant je crois devoir m’en reporter entièrement à cet égard à votre prudence, et je proposerai à M. Joly-de-fleury de vous faire la remise du million dont vous avez besoin, si vous vous croyez sufisamment autorisé à le toucher et à en disposer. J’attendrai, votre réponse, Monsieur, avant que décrire au Ministre des finances.
J’ai l’honneur d’étre très sincèrement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
De Vergennes
M. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Saint-Auban, [before 22 December 1781?]
From: Saint-Auban, Jacques-Antoine Baratier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[before December 22, 1781?]
Nous somme aux dessepoire mon cher monsieur destre engages pour samedis prochin ches mr Le marechalle de biront ce La ne peux ce rompe car cest son jours mes [mais] si vous aves la bontes de choisire de lundis ou düe mecredis prochin avec votre petis fils a qui nous disont mils chosse comme a vous ayent lhonneur destre votres humble et tres obeissente servente
GRUYN DE ST AUBAN
Faite moy reponse sille vous plois par la petite poste a moy düe jours que vous choisisee.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / A passy