Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Jonathan,
Passy, Nov. 1. 80.
Enclosed is a Letter from M. Lavosier, one of the Fermers General, by which you will see that the necessary papers for the Saltpetre are dispatched.
I want much the Invoice you promised me of the Cloths bought of M. De Chaumont, and to know precisely the Terms of that Purchase & the Amount.
M. Austin tells me he will leave some Money in your Hands for me, in 270 Livres; Please to receive them and give me Credit.— Excuse to him my not writing at present.
M. De Ch. goes on paying, and I fancy the Difficulty is over for the present. But it is well for you to be cautious: for some times People drag down with them their best Friends. And I cannot answer paying for you any Bills you may have aided him with, as they are not a Publick Concern. I hope however that this Caution is unnecessary.
M. Johnson wrote me that he had lodg’d with you scealed up some Papers I had put into his Hands. You may open and read them; & send them to me when you have a good Opportunity, with your Sentiments. I have Such another Dispute about accounts with M. Moylan. He charges me among other unnecessary Articles with money paid you for Shot. Explain this to me.
I am Still ill of the Gout, and write in much Pain, But I am ever &. Your affectionate uncle.
M. Williams.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Woodmason, 1 November 1780
From: Woodmason, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Novemr. 1 1780
Your esteem’d favour of the 26 Sept: came duly to hand covering a Bill for 25 £. conformable to your Order I shipped 3 Copying Machines with Paper & Ink Powder. I doubt not but you will find the Machines much approved off. The Patentees have found that their Ink Powder will not entirely dissolve the best way of making Ink from it is to mix the Powder with proper quantity of Water in an open Vessel & to let it stand for 48 hours, & then pour it off. I find that the Patentees have also improved their Paper, but I have none of it yet.
I have the pleasure to acquaint you that I have receivd an Order for the finest Royal for the Large 4to: Edit of Voltaire. & I understand that they have not finally determined on what Paper to have for the other 4to: Edition. I must beg you to accept of my warmest thanks for your friendly recommendation. I am Sir Your most Obedt. hble Servt
James Woodmason

P.S. Freight cou’d not be paid in London, the Captain not knowing the Exchange

  Bot of James Watt & Co.

3 Patent Copying Machines
@£6/6s.
£18.
18.
0

3 Sett of Case’s for do
6s.

18

3 Ream’s Extra la thin

Copying Post
18s.
2.
14.
0

1 dozen Copyg Ink Powder

9.
0

Packing Case to Contain the whole

15.
0

Entry Shipping Expences &c

1.
  0.
  0

£24.
14.
0

Address’d to Mr. Francis Bowen Mercht Ostend
Benjn. Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: Dr: Franklin / a Passey near / Paris
Notations: Woodmason. Nov. 1. 1780. / Ansd May 81


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Desegray, Beaugeard fils & Cie., 2 November 1780
From: Desegray, Beaugeard fils & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
St. Malo 2. 9bre. 1780.
Nous avons eu l’honneur de vous ecrire le 29. 8bre, et le 31 ditto on recut icy l’ordre de Mrs Les fermiers Generaux pour la libre Exportation de vos salpêtres, mais en même tems nous avons recus des avis de Lorient qui nous en ont fait suspendre l’Expedition, comme il est plus au long detaillé dans notre lettre de ce jour a Monsieur Williams, dont nous avons l’honneur de vous remettre cy joint Copie; et nous attendons maintenant des ordres ulterieurs a cet egard.

Nous sommes avec un prof [ond respect,] Monsieur, V[os trés humbles et] très [obéissants serviteu]rs
[Desegray ET] Cie
S. Exc. Monsieur Fra[nklin]

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre des Etats unis de / L’Amerique, / à Passy. / près Paris.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lavoisier, 3 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lavoisier, Antoine-Laurent

Monsieur,
Passy, le 3. Nov. 1780.
Je suis très reconnoissant de la permission que vous vous étes donné la peine de me procurer de la ferme Generale et je vous prie de recevoir mes très sinceres remercimens. Dans ma Lettre du 22 du mois passé, j’ai eû l’honneur de vous envoyer une Lettre accompagnée de divers papiers que j’avois reçu de M. de-Segray & Co. lesquels je vous prie de me renvoyer pour me mettre à même de repondre à ces Messieurs. Je suis toujours harassé de la goute, sans quoi je serois venu moi même vous remercier des Services que vous m’avez rendus.

J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, &c.
M. LaVoisier.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Board of Treasury, 3 November 1780
From: Board of Treasury
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Treasury Office November 3d. 1780
The Board do themselves the honor to transmit enclosed sundry orders respecting bills of Exchange together with the resolutions authorising them to be drawn, that you may be enabled to discover counterfeits— You will please to observe, that the several extracts from the Minutes of this Office refer to other Extracts which it is presumed are in your possession.
No. 2. is an order executing the Resolve of Congress of the nineteenth of May last with a Copy of that resolution inclosed.— No. 3 is an order executing the resolve of the 9th. of August last—No. 5 an order executing the resolve of the 23d. of August last No. 6. an order executing the resolve of the 30th. of August last, a copy of all which resolves is inclosed in their respective orders— No. 4 is an order executing the resolve of the 3d of August last respecting bills of Exchange on the Commissionrs at Paris a Copy of which is inclosed. It is necessary here to take notice that the printers have made a mistake in the second third and fourth bills of each set of the last mentioned Exchange of the Denomination of sixty dollars—the words “inteterest of Money instead of the words interest due on Money.”
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your most obt humble servant
Char Lee Secy.

The Hon’ble Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Minister plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Versailles


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 3 November 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
Nov 3 1780
I hope e’er this that the picture of your valuable friend, has reachd you. I have been very uneasy abot. it & wrote to Mr Bowens (who long ago acknowlegd the Rect of it in safety & that it shoud be forwarded) to clear up to you where the stoppage was occasiond. I am almost afraid to pay your valuable frd. a visit till I hear it is in safety for the young Lady has it much at heart.
The frd. of whom I have lately wrote continues in the same situation—much rigour shewn him—his frds. absolutely denyd any further admittance—yet communications are kept up.
You will have read the Speech & debates upon it in the He. [House] Lords— War! War! was the theme.— I was an attentive observer & tho it was full of big words, it did not strike me, nor did the conclusion of that day, that the American War would be pushd with vigour. If that war could be carryd on rigorously, I have no doubt but it would. The means the means are wanting. I see no likelihood of Troops going to the Contint. tho some few may be intended for Chs. Town in the fleet now about to sail. 10 or 12,000 are I believe going to the Wt Indies but at present no appearces of any marching to the Sea Coasts, and there are none of Portsmo save the Corps of Fullartons raggamuffins, who are a disgrace to the name of Soldier.

Several Ships of the line, have during the last 8 or 10 days slid away seperately from Portso, but whether they are intended, as is now reported, to form a part of a fleet going from the Channel Squadron to Gibraltar; or, as was before given out, to reenforce the fleet in the West Indies, is not easy to say. I rather think they are gone for the West Inds., to which quarter Sr. Sam. Hood is to follow with abot 5 Ships. Troops are going with Sir Saml but in what numbers cannot be told. As the Carolina fleet is to sail at the same time it will be difficult to say what part of them is intended for Chs. Town but the numr. talkd of for that quarter is 2,500. It is generally believd that Rodney has gone with his fleet from the Wt Indies to N York—.
I am respectfully Yrs &c
W Hamilton

Notation: Nov 3 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 4 November 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam Novr. 4th 1780.
Mr. De Neufville, this morning brought to me a number of Bills of Exchange, drawn upon Mr. Laurens, in the Month of July, amounting to seven or eight hundred Pounds sterling, and informed me that your Excellency had declined becoming responsible for them and referred him to me.
I have enquired of Mr. Searle, who informs me there are about twenty thousand Pounds in such Bills now on their Way.
If there were only seven or eight hundred Pounds, I would accept them for the Honour of the United States, and run the Venture of being able to pay them by borrowing or some way or other: but twenty thousand Pounds is much beyond my private Credit.
I have been and am pursuing, all those Measures to which I am advised by Gentlemen, in whose Judgment I can justify placing Confidence, and am not without hopes of succeeding in some Measure: but I have not as yet been able to obtain any Money, nor any Certainty of obtaining any in future.
I write this, therefore to your Excellency, that if You could see your way clear to become responsible for these Bills for the present, I will engage to see them paid with the Money I may borrow here, if I borrow enough before the Term for their payment expires, or as much of them as I shall be able to borrow: but in this Case if I should not succeed in obtaining the Money, your Excellency will be answerable.
I should be sorry that the Credit of the United States should suffer any Stain, and would prevent it if I could: but at present it is not in my power.
The Successes of the English at the southward, added to the many Causes that obstructed our Credit in this Republick before, some of which it would not be prudent to explain, will render a Loan here difficult: but I still hope not quite impracticable.
I have the Honour to be with great Respect, Sir, your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant.
John Adams
His Excellency Dr. Franklin.

Notation: J. Adams. Novr. 4. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., [after 4 November? 1780]
From: Fizeaux, Grand & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[after November 4, 1780?]
Nous avons été privés depuis longtems de motifs pour avoir l’honneur de vous écrire, nous Saisissons avec empressement celui qui se présente pour nous rappeller à votre Souvenir, & vous reiterer Monsieur Les Assurances de notre parfait dévouement.
Nous vous informons avec Satisfaction que Mr. J. Adams à bien voulu nous charger des Payemens qu’il à à faire ici pour Le Compte des Etats Unis de L’amerique, comme il nous à dit que ce Seroit avec vous Monsieur que nous aurions à nous entendre de nos frais d’usage, nous prennons la liberté de vous demander s’il vous sera agréable que nous vous remettions de tems à autre, le Compte de nos opérations avec ce Ministre, nous recevrons toujours avec plaisir vos ordres & nous nous flattons que vous ne doutés pas de nôtre empressement á les éxécuter.
Nous vous renouvellons Monsieur les assurances de la Consideration très distinguée avec la qu’elle nous avons l’honneur d’être, Monsieur Vos trés Humbles & trés Obeissans Serviteurs
FIZEAUX Grand Comp.
S. E. Monsieur B. Franklin à Passi.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 5 November 1780
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Escurial 5th. Novr. 1780.
A Courier which the Ambassador of France dispatches from hence gives me an Opportunity of expressing the pleasure I received from your last to Mr. Jay, and at the same time of communicating the only interesting News from this Country, viz the departure of the Count D’estaing the 30th. ulto. with 38. sail of the Line & 70 Merchant men from Cadiz. The next day Mr. Cordova sailed with 26. Spanish Ship of the Line. From what I have heard you may probably see the Count at Paris in December and have an opportunity of cultivating the Disposition which he manifested here for our Interests— I cannot help observing to you, that from an anxious attention to all that had passed between this Court, & us, I see no prospect, in our present Situation, of considerable Succours here. I knew well their own Embarassments for Money, & think that a Part a least of the Ministry seems to wish to be regarded as mediators for a general peace.— They are flattered by England with this Idea while perhaps that Country really means either to detach them from the alliance with France, or to make the Rest of Europe believe they are on the point of doing it. I ought to apologize for making these Observations to you, who have had an Opportunity of seeing the different Papers that have passed between the Minister and Mr. Jay, but permit me to add that these many minute Circumstances of which only a person on the Spot can judge.— The Cloathing so long promised is still at Cadiz, & no Directions were given, until last Night for its delivery to Mr. Harrison our Agent there if then. I say this because more than a month ago we had the same assurances that orders had been given to that Purpose— Mr. Galvez with 3500 Troops is gone against Pensacola. The Ct. de F. Blanca told his first Commis this day in my Presence in Spanish, of which he thinks me Ignorant, that Rodney with 14 Sail of the line had sailed to North America. Our late Misfortune in Carolina hath had a bad effect here. Mr Cumberland is still at Madrid, waiting the return of the Abby Hussy who carried an answer to his last Propositions— After his Departure the Minister assured Mr. Jay, that the king wou’d listen to none but those tending to a general Peace— I have received a Letter from America since the arrival of the Alliance, that Mr. Lee was opening his Batteries in form, having employed T. Paine & others as Pioners & Infants perdus— I mention this to you in Confidence & also permit me to observe to you, that there have been Letters written to america that you have done all in your power to evade the Settlement of Mr. Deans accounts &c. I am well convinced of falsehood of the Insinuations contained in those Letters, but at the same time I should be wanting to the Friendship by which I have always thought myself honoured by you, if I did not give you this Notice— I took the Liberty of introducing the Prince & Princess Massaran to you & hope you will excuse this Freedom when I assure you it was sollicited by them & that I had no other means of showing my sense of the Friendship which they have on every Occasion evinced to me here, I beg you to present the proper Compliments for me to my namesake and other acquaintances & to believe me always, Your obliged & humble Sert.
(signed) W. Carmichael.
His Exy Dr. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Gale, 5 November 1780
From: Gale, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and Dear Sr
Killingworth 5 Novr 1780
The Important Affairs In which You have been Engaged, Since Your Residence at the Court of France, I have Esteemed a Sufficient Bar to prevent my Writing You, on Matters which Relate to my Private Affairs, But must now beg Leave to Sollicit Your Assistance, on a Subject which may be an Advantage to me, and our Family, and perhaps Eventually to This Whole Continent.
I have ever been Zealous to promote our own Manufactures in Domestick Life, But Since Our Rupture with Great Brittain, I have been Convinced, we Could not Secure our Independance so Effectually, as by promoting our own Manufactures, Accordingly In Conjunction with Two of my Sons in Law, and Some Others, have Erected a Furnace in this State, for Casting Hollow Ware, and have Contracted to Supply the Continent with 60 Tons of Shot and Shells, and are now going on with our Second Blast Successfully, and This Summer have Erected a Potters Manufactory, which I purpose to Enlarge and Extend to All the Branches of it—, And am Now Aiming to Introduce The French Delph Ware, Commonly Imported to America, and For That End Want to Introduce a Manufacturer From France, who well Understands every Branch of That Bussiness,— The Ware I mean is Commonly of a Chocalat Coulour on The Outside, White within, and Painted with Blue; To Effect which, Under the Present Situation of National Affairs, without Your Kind Interposition and Aid, I Look upon Impossible; I may not Expect You will personally Act In This Affair— But I may not doubt But That Your Request, to Any American Gentleman, who may be on the Spot, will Engage him In That Matter— Dr Bancroft if he is With You, would do Thus much for his Old Preceptor— But if that is not The Case, There is Now with Coll Elliot, a French Gentleman who on his Passage from the Cape to France, was Last winter Wrecked on this Coast, Who says, he is a Son of Mr Robt(?) Fitz of Havre de Grace, a Captain in the Kings Guards, who he says has the Honour of Your Acquaintance, and owns such a Manufactory near Havre de Grace, if this Account is true, it may be Easy by him to procure a Manufacturer that may well Answer my Designs, if you should request That Favour for me.
I herewith Enclose some Proposals that I would make to any that would be proper to Engage in such an Undertaking, which if You will Condescent to Deliver to Dr Bancroft or any Other Person that You may Judge Proper, to Carry the Same Into Execution, and Give me the Necessary Information it will by me be Esteemed as a high Obligation.
We have been This summer shockd by the Loss of Charlestown— More Recently by the Scandelous Desertion of Arnold, The Ravages of Brittish and Indian Savages in the North, and The Incursions of the Brittish in the Southern States, Although they have Just Receivd a Severe Check Lately, of which You will be Better Advised before this Reaches You— Many are disapointed by the Failure of the Arival of the Second Division of the French Fleet—for my own Part, I do not pretend to be Acquainted With the Secrets of The Cabinet, but have raised Expectations from The Quadruple Alliance of the North, which I hope will at Least produce a Truce during the Course of this Winter— In the Multiplicity of Important Affairs which Lye Upon Your Mind, I may not Expect the Favour of a Line from Your own Hand, But I pray God Your Life may be protracted, Untill Peace is Restored to this Empire, of which You will Ever be Esteemed The Founder.— With The Greatest Respect and Esteem, I have The Honr to be Your Excellencys Most Obedt and Most Humle Servt
Benja Gale
To His Excellency Dr B Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 6 November 1780
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Dublin 6 Novr. 1780
I take the immediate opportunity of Mr: John Collin’s return from Paris, to Express my sincere and most Gratefull thanks to you, for your repeated favors, which have left Impressions on my mind that no Time can Efface; Happy shall I Esteem myself in every opportunity of Shewing my respect to so Great & Eminently distinguished a Character; May The Almighty long bless the United States of North America, by preserving and prolonging your Life,
There is one return which is within my own power to make to your Excellency, that is, an Earnest and friendly attention to such Americans, as the Chance of War may occasion their being Prisoners within this Kingdom; I Entreat the favor of your Excellency, if any come within your Knowledge, who may want assistance in this Kingdom, that I may be honoured with the Knowledge thereof, and nothing shall be wanting to obtain their release or render their Captivity comfortable; I already got thirteen released since the first of last July; but I wish their agent was ordered to apply to me, whereby I would be enabled to make my actions correspond with my wishes.
The same sentiments of Brotherly Love and Esteem possess the hearts of my countrymen, in general, towards the Virtuous and Magnanimous United States, as in the beginning of the Contest, between Liberty and Haughty Brittain; I do not, among my most Numerous and Extensive acquaintance, find the smallest falling off; on the Contrary, I find their love Doubled; the whole force of our Corrupted Government has been exerted to obtain addresses inimical to virtue and contrary to the spirit of our once Glorious, but nearly annihilated Constitution, but the people have remained firm; our Parliament shewed some Spirit in the beginning of last session, but towards the End they became infamously Corrupted; they denied their own words; the Declaration of rights was treated with Contempt; The Freedom of Trade was reversed, & the oeconomy of Lord Buckingham was closed with the Grossest prodigality & Corruption, we are now to have red-heeled Carlisle & Commissioner Eden, Men whose principles & Characters cannot agree with those who love the Just rights of mankind; for my part, I am convinced I shall Ever oppose them, while I am in the Irish Parliament, being firmly persuaded that their Views cannot tend to the Good of this Kingdom;— There are five new peers to be Created, three reversions of Great Employments & Nine Considerable pensions to be distributed to Satisfy the Undbounded avarice of some parracidical Members of both houses of the Irish Parliament; these Measures will occasion Such an accumulation of New-Taxes, as must soon make the Landlord feel the oppression of Government in the tenderest point; their rents ill paid; their Tenants Emigrating to the Continent of America;— I am so convinced of the truth of these opinions, that I do not mean to place any of my Sons in the Army, Law or Mercantile Line in this Kingdom; Last month I brought from England three of my Sons, two of them I have put to a marine academy, the other I intend Shall Study Physic; My Eldest is Educating under a most respectable Gentleman in the Pais de Vaud, the fifth is very young, & I have not yet fixed his Line of Life;— If I live, & America, which I ardently hope, rises in honor & Glory, I shall personaly accompany three of my Sons & fix them there; in the year 1777 I had Shipped my travelling things on Board the Isabella, Captain Thompson, & was on the point of Sailing for New-Yorke, but, to me, an unlucky accident happened the Ship, she was Stopped by an order from the Irish Revenue Commissioners—
I send this Letter under Cover to my Son at Lauzanne, as the only safe mode of convying; Happy will I Esteem myself to have the honor of a Line in return; for I own, that your health and happiness and the Prosperity of the United States, have my most sincere and Warm wishes—
I have the Honor to remain with Every Sentiment of respect Your Excellencys Most Obliged and Obt: Humble Servant
Edwd Newenham

Addressed: To / His Excellency Dr: Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States / Paris
Notation: Edwd. Newenham 6 Nov. 1780.


Title: William Temple Franklin to Dumas, 6 November 1780
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir
Passy 6 Nov. 1780.
My Grand father has been for a long time past laid up with the Gout, and is so still. He directs me to inform you, that he has recd. Several of your Letters, which he has not as yet been able to answer; he hopes however that in a few Days he shall be able to do it, as his Sufferings are much diminished.
You have heard I suppose of the arrival at Brest of M. De Guichen.
I am as ever my dear sir, your Very affectionate humble Servant
W.T. Franklin
M. Dumas.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Grey Cooper, 7 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Sir Grey

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 7. 1780.
I understand that Mr. Laurens an American Gentleman for whom I have a great Esteem, is a Prisoner in the Tower, and that his Health suffers by the Closeness and Rigour of his Confinement. As I do not think that your Affairs receive any Advantage from the Harshness of this Proceeding, I take the Freedom of requesting your kind Interposition, to obtain for him such a degree of Air & Liberty, on his Parole, or otherwise, as may be necessary for his Health and Comfort. The Fortune of War, which is daily changing, may possibly put it in my Power to do the Like good Office for some Friend of yours, which I shall perform with much Pleasure, not only for the Sake of Humanity, but in Respect to the Ashes of our former Friendship.— With great Regard I have the Honour to be, Sir, &c. &c.

[in Franklin’s hand:] Copy of a Letter from B Franklin to Sir Grey Cooper, Baronet, Secretary to the Treasury.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 7 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Digges, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Nov. 7. 1780.
I have received several Letters from you lately which I have been unable to answer, a severe Fit of the Gout having confined me to my bed for these three Weeks past.
I inclose the Bill accepted by Mr. Goddard: But I do not clearly see how it is to be managed; for I gave a little Note to Jones acknowledging my having received such a Bill of Security for the Sum lent; and I think the Bill, being for a much larger Sum cannot safely be given up to the Endorser on the Payment of the Small Sum, perhaps it will be best to receive the whole, and put what does not belong to me into the Hands of Dr. Fothergil, as so much Security to him.— The Sharper is as you suppose playing the Same Tricks at Amsterdam, having borrowed Money of M. de Neufville & others there.
I am glad to hear that the unfortunate Gentleman is better, with regard to his Illness, and that his Sprits are good. I think he is in no Danger from his Enemies, tho’ they are not deficient in Malice: I imagine the Principal Danger is of his Health from too close a Confinement. I shall try what care [can] be done by a Letter to an old Friend towards procuring some Relaxation on Parole.
It may be some Satisfaction to him to know that a dirty Attempt to deprive him of some of his Property has not succeeded. A Number of Bills of Exchange, some for considerable Sums drawn upon me in his Favour, others purchas’d by him in America have been presented to me for Acceptance. Their not being endors’d by him occasioned at first some Suspicion, & on Examination of the Bill Book, it was found that precisely the same Bills, endorsed by him to Veuve Babut & Co. at Nantes had already been accepted. On enquiry of the Dutch Banker here how he came by those Bills we learnt that they were sent to him by Mrs. Hopes of Amsterdam, who are intimate Friends, It is said of Sir Joseph York, who probably had them from the Ministers, who found them among our Friends Papers— This may be but [one] among the many other Instances of British Meaness, that tend to make one regret the generous Civilities we have Shown to their People, by delivering up to Passengers & Captains taken Prisoners every Pennyworth of Property they could claim as belonging to them Personally. There is one Instance that Many Gentlemen & Ladies in England may remember, to wit the Treatment they received from Capt. Conyngham, when he took them in the Packet Boat between Holland & Hariwich. By the Way what is become of that honest brave Fellow. Has M. Hartley done any thing for him?
I think the Protection desired for M. Bowman Baggage was sent. As it seem to be lost, I enclose another.
Your Bill for 48 £ on Acct. of the Prisoners will be duly honoured, when it appears.
I wish you would find some Opportunity of sending me the following Books, viz Croxall’s Esop, Watts’s Songs for Children, Watts’s Logic, Lord Mahon’s & M. Lyon’s Treatises on Electriticity and the Nautical Almanach for the Years 1778. 1779. 1780. & 1781. I am with great Esteem, Dear Sir, &c.
Mr. Digges.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 November 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes Nov. 7. 1780.
I have before me your two Favours of the 28 Ulto and 1st Instant.— I understand as little as you do the Reason of drawing on M. de Chaumont, but he ordered me to do so and you had previously put me under his Orders about the Cloathing; the only Reason I ever heard was a supposed incompatibility between your public Character and an acceptor of Bills: For my own Part I should have been equaly satisfied to have drawn on you directly. As to the Motives of Mr de C in this Business I am ignorant of any other than what he professed, which were, to preserve a consistincy in your Character as a Minister, & to save you trouble. I think with you that no Step should be taken at the Caisse d’Escompte, while the Payments go on, but a good watch should be kept so as not to let our Credit suffer an hour: All the Bills I have drawn for the public will be found marked HS (habilement de Soldat) these are all in the List I sent to you and all I expect you to pay for me in the Case of failure on the part of M. de C. I have besides drawn on him ten Bills marked HO (habilement d’Officier) agreeable to the List inclosed amo [amounting] to 25551. [l.t.] 19 [s.]— These Goods he Ordered on his own accot, & the Officers in America are to buy them of Mr Holker, If however Mr C should fail I shall be obliged to reimburse this money, but in that Case I shall retain the Goods if they are not gone; So that I should not lose much in the End, tho’ it would be disagreeable to pay Cash, which I can’t well spare, & take Goods which I do not want. All my other Bills for Mr de C for aids are paid, except what I lately furnished him, & the amount of these are under the Acceptance of Messrs Cottin fils & Jauge his Bankers, so that I think I am on all sides perfectly safe.— I forwarded your Letter from M Lavoisier to Messrs De Segray & Co at St Malo, and the same day I received a Letter from them informing me that all former Obstacles were removed, but they tell me of a new & unexpected one, which is Mr Moylans want of Cash to pay the Lettres de Voiture on their arrival & this Gentleman has for that Reason desired the Expedition to be stopped, I shall immediately direct the Business to go on again & if Messrs Gourlade & Moylan cannot or do not choose to find Cash I will find somebody that will, which I trust you will not disapprove.
Mr Johnson has given me the Papers & agreeable to your Desire I broke the Seals and read them, I think their cannot remain Doubt as to the propriety of your Conduct relative to Mr. S, and of the impropriety of his relative to you. I have Letters from Boston which inform me that Landais was turned out of his Command on the passage as being insane: It did not require much Penetration to find this out before he sailed.— I suspect Mr S intends to keep the public Goods in his Hands untill you pay his Bills, for, notwithstanding your Orders & Mr Austins constant application to him the loading is not begun, tho’ the Mars has been waiting for nothing else this week past.
I wish it had been in my power to send you the Invoice of the Goods taken of Mr de C before this time, but it is an immense Work of about 100 pages in folio, full of additions & Calculations and all this to be copied before I can send it, after which I shall have 4 more Copies to make. I hope to get through the two first this Week & as soon as I do you shall have it, in the mean time I send inclosed a note of the Terms as Mr de C wrote it himself: The price I understood to be the Cost & Charges & thus I have calculated it.—
I send inclosed a model of a Bill of Exchange such as I suppose will answer your Purpose & Mr de Chaumonts equaly, I have not put the Names of the Persons you draw on because I do not know whether you will choose to draw on the Congress or the Committee. Mr de Chaumont in one of his Letters to me mentioned that the Bills should be paid in either hard money or other Bills on you, as the Option of this, lays with Congress I see no objection to drawing the Bills in that manner, but you may alter it or not as you please.—
I am very impatient to hear if the Marquis de la Fayettes having quitted Bordeaux, that Ship might have been now under Sail for America if she had arrivd at L’orient when I expected.—
I am ever with the greatest Respect Yours most dutifully & affectionately
Jona Williams J

The Goods you take of M. de C will exceed 400,000 so that if you give him Bills now, you may safely do it for that Sum & the Balance may be drawn for afterwards.
Mr Moylan has paid me for Shott I sent for the Alliance which was ordered by Capt Jones, I send you the Invoice of it inclosed, with its voucher please to return me the latter.

I also inclose you the Letter & Invo I have recd from Messrs French & Co of Bordeaux, relative to the choice Claret I promised to procure for you,— I hope the Quality will answer the Price,—there are under your mark 5 Cases for Doctor Bancroft which please to deliver him, the other 5 are for Mr Adams which please to keep for his Orders. I shall in the mean time only charge you with 500 for the 5 Cases you receive.
JW

Endorsed: Letter from M. Williams Nov. 7. 1780. Answer to the Question, Why were your Bills drawn on M. de Chaumont? Schweighauser Terms of Purchase of the Cloths from M. de Chaumont
Notation: Jona Williams


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 9 November 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lahaie 9e. Nov. 1780.
Son Exce. M. l’Ambr. de fce. [France], qui étoit allé accompagner Made. la Duchesse Son Epouse retournant en fce., est revenu. Il doit être parti pour Amsterdam. Je le saurai demain, Avant Son voyage, je lui avois fait ouverture de l’affaire de Saba, & des papiers que vous m’avez envoyés à ce sujet. Il est disposé à interposer ses bons offices dans cette affaire. Ainsi, dès que vous m’aurez envoyé la Lettre pour Leurs H. pp., ouverte à cachet volant, je la lui ferai voir, ainsi qu’à notre Ami; & je me conduirai en conséquence de leurs directions. Vous verrez, Monsieur, par la feuille ci-jointe, comment on en agit avec Mr. Lns. Je tiens ces Extraits de Mr. Adams, qui m’en garantit la véracité & l’exactitude. Je ne puis encore me consoler de sa capture, tant pour les affaires en géneral, que pour lui & pour moi en particulier. L’arrangement du Sécrétariat en Ma faveur, m’auroit rendu heureux & tiré de toutes mes peines, qui Sont cruelles. Ce n’est point l’ambition, ni une avidité sordide qui les rend telles, mais deux circonstances où je me trouve pour le Service Américain, & de l’une desquelles les 500 £. st. attachés au Sécrétariat qui m’étoit destiné, m’auroit Sûrement tiré en 2 ans de temps ou environ, par les Epargnes que j’aurois faites Sur cette somme, en acquittant une Hypotheque de 300 £. St que j’ai dû mettre Sur une petite terre destinée à servir de derniere ressource à ma famille en cas de malheur: l’autre dépend plus de la grace de Dieu, c’est la santé d’une personne qui m’est & doit m’être infiniment chere, & qui a excessivement souffert depuis quelque temps;— Mais rompons là-dessus. Je n’ai d’autre but, en vous en parlant, que de me Soulager un instant, par la douceur qu’il y a de verser ses peines dans un sein amical. Je vis à présent dans l’espoir que Mr. Searle m’a donné, d’écrire en Amérique pour qu’il soit pourvu à mon sort de quelque maniere équivalente, le plutôt possible. Daignez, Monsieur, écrire de-même.
Je regarde l’affaire des Papiers de Mrs. Lee & Stockton, comme finie ici, après la démarche vigoureuse de la Ville d’Amstm. Le gd. Fr. & notre Ami, disent à présent qu’il n’y a pas de mal que cette affaire Soit arrivée. Cela est vrai, sans doute, dans le sens qu’ils l’entendent: mais cela ne peut l’être quant aux intérêts politiques de l’Ame. ici; & l’éclat que cela a fait, rend ma marche & ma contenance beaucoup plus délicate qu’elle ne l’étoit. La démarche de Mr. Lee, il y a 2 ans, étoit prématurée & imprudente. Si j’avois voulu me contenter de Si peu de chose, j’aurois pu l’obtenir longtemps avant lui. Faute de lumieres suffisantes, il s’est fait une illusion, qu’il a fait valoir en Ame. comme quelque chose de réel. Vous vous apperçutes fort bien, Monsieur, dès-lors, de son illusion: mais il n’a tenu compte de votre sentiment, est allé son chemin dans ses Dépêches en Ame., & n’a fait que de la mauvaise besogne, en gâtant la mienne.
Je compte de partir Vendredi pour Amsterdam, où toutes sortes de bonnes raisons m’appellent depuis longtemps; Je ne puis plus différer d’y aller, & d’y passer quelques jours. J’y verrai Mrs. [torn: Searle?] & Adams.

Je Suis pour toujours avec le plus respectueux attachement Monsieur, Votre très-humble, obéisst. & fidele serviteur
ÐUMAS

Je viens de voir Son E. Mr. l’Ambr. Il n’ira que la semaine prochaine à Amst. Ce que j’ai dit dans la Lettre, qu’il interposera ses bons offices dans l’affaire de Saba, doit s’entendre personnellement, & non officiellement. En un mot, il me dirigera avec notre Ami; ce qui est à propos & nécessaire, après l’éclat Si recent qu’ont fait les papiers de Mrs Lee & Stocton, & la mauvaise humeur que les derniers s[ur]tout ont donnée à un gd. persge.
Passy à Son Exce. Mr. B. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plenipe. des E. U. / &c. / Passy./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 10 November 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
London 10 Novmr 1780
I have seen Miss Georgiana & sympathisd with Her for the present appearance of the picture She sent you in June or July last being stopt somewhere between Ostend & Paris.
It was carryd safely by my frd. Mr. Champion of Bristol and lodgd with Mr F Bowens at Ostend for forwardance to You; that Gentn. was then in the habits of sending parcells of Pamphlets News papers &ca. &ca forward to Paris for J. A—— almost weekly from me, & none of them having miscarryd I trusted the picture by a like conveyance would be safe also. He acknowlegd the safe Rect of it a very few days after Mr Champion left it in June or July, & has acknowlegd to me in two letters since, that He held it for a safer conveyance than the dilligence. I have also more than once wrote to Him to make You acquainted where it was, thinking You might point out a safe way of getting it, & from a long silence from both of you, I made sure it had got safe. Your letter of the 9th. Octor. cleard up to me You had not recd it. I cannot accot for the delay, & have lately wrote repeatedly to Mr Bowens to give You a line about it. When it gets to hand I beg to be informd of it, that I may satisfy Miss Georgianas uneasiness’s therefor.
I hear now & then from the frd. I have lately mentiond in Letters to you, & he express’s wishes to hear from others & to know what can be done in His case. His son is now with me.
Mr. L.s confinement has been rigorous as usual till the 8th. inst. His son & Mr Manning were on that day allowd another half hours visit wch was extended to one hour, & the same day He got an order to be permitted to walk round the Tower whenever he chose to apply to the Dep Govr. for leave to do so. His health & spirits are good. During His illness he was honourd with a visit from Lord Hillsborough & Stormont, a jesuitical visit no doubt, & with a visible meaning to pump or get at some thing. This, without any particulars, has got out from his late Visitors, only by the Prisoners expressing the extreem complaisance of his two ministerial visitors, particularly in the point of the cringing complementary offers of services from Lord H—— and I dare say the Scotsman was not behind hand. I cannot accot for this lenity towards the Prisoner in no Other way (for they very lately peremptorily & rudely refusd the Son a second Visit) but from a whisper going about that a motion was to be made in Parlit. for a relaxation in the Severity of treatmt to Mr L, & that He should be put upon Parole or baild— This was in agitation, & the now granting Mr L a walk out will be brought an argument that He is not a close prisoner or ill treated. As appearances speak our wise rulers are not well pleasd with the treatment they have shewn Mr L, I doubt not but they will soon allow Him further favours & most likely give him parole.

We have no news yet from Ama. or any other but what you read in the publick prints.
I am with very great respect Yrs &ca

Addressed: A Monsieur Monsr. B.F / Passy
Notation: Novr. 10. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 10 November 1780
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient Novr: 10th: 1780
I had the honor in due time to receive your Excellencys Letter of the 1st. Inst: & have to return you my most sincere acknowledgments for the attention that you have been pleas’d to pay to my Letter of the 20th: Octor: & to the Memorial of my worthy friend Mr: James Cheston.
I am exceedingly sorry for your Indisposition, & most sincerely hope that Mr: Cheston (who will have the honor to deliver you this Letter) will find you perfectly recover’d.— No doubt it was a continuation of your illness that prevented your giving orders to Commodore Jones to receive Mr: Chestons oath to the States and deliver him a Pasport.—for which reason, and being determind to go to England by the way of Ostend, he has taken the Resolution of waiting on your Excellency.— He is Son to your old acquaintance Mr: Danl. Cheston who lived on Chester River.
I cannot too often repeat my wishes that this may find your Excellency perfectly recoverd from your Indisposition, & have the honor to be, with Sentiments of the most perfect Respect.—
Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant
Jonatn: Nesbitt
His Excellency B: Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjn: Franklin Esqr: / Passy
Notation: Jona. Nesbitt L’Orient Nov 10. 1780—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 12 November 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 12 9bre. 1780.
Je viens d’être informé, M, que le Sr. Dohrmans, négt. à lisbonne, chargé de pourvoir aux besoins des prisonniers américains qui peuvent Se trouver en Portugal, néglige depuis quelque tems entiérement ce Service; le Consul du Roi à Lisbonne à écrit en conséquence à ce négociant la lettre dont je joins ici la copie; mais celuy cy a jugé à propos de la laisser Sans réponse, en sorte que les matelots américains Se trouveroient depourvûs de tout secours Si un nommé Baptiste, agent du Consulat de france, ne les assistoit pas. J’ay crû devoir, M. vous transmettre ces détails, afin que vous puissiez prendre les mesures quil vous paroitroit exiger de votre part.
M. franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 13 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Passy Nov. 13. 1780.
I am honour’d by your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th Instant, relating to the Bills drawn on Mr Lawrens. I recommended their being presented to you, as I understood you supply’d his Place during his Absence, and I thought it more reputable to our Affairs, that they should be accepted by you for him, than that their Credit should depend on the Good-Will of a Dutch Merchant, who, except a few of the first, does not accept them but as I guarrantee their Payment, and will perhaps besides making a great Merit of it, charge 5 per Cent Commission for his Service. I therefore still wish you would accept them, and if you should not before they become due be enabled otherwise to pay them, you can draw on me so as to be furnished in time with the Money, I have other Letters from your Excellency to answer, which I must at present postpone, as I continue ill with the Gout, and write this in my Bed with Difficulty.
With great Respect, I have the honour to be Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy J. Adams Esqr

Endorsed: His Ex. Dr Franklin 13 Nov. [in John Thaxter’s hand: 1780] desiring me to accept the Bills


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Nairne, 13 November 1780[–18 October 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Nairne, Edward

  Sir,
Passy, near Paris Nov. 13. 1780.[–October 18, 1783]
The Qualities hitherto sought in a Hygrometer, or Instrument to discover the Degrees of Moisture & Dryness in the Air, seem to have been, an Aptitude to receive Humidity readily from a moist Air, and to part with it as readily to a dry Air. Different Substances have been found to possess more or less of this Quality; but when we shall have found the Substance that has it in the greatest Perfection, there will still remain some Uncertainty in the Conclusions to be drawn from the Degree shown by the Instrument, arising from the actual State of the Instrument itself as to Heat & Cold. Thus if two Bottles or vessels of Glass or Metal being filled, the one with cold & the other with hot-Water, are brought into a Room; the Moisture of the Air in the Room will attach itself in Quantities to the Surface of the cold Vessel, while if you actually wet the surface of the hot Vessel, the Moisture will immediately quit it, and be absorbed by the same Air. And thus in a sudden Change of the Air from cold to warm, the Instrument remaining longer Cold may condense & absorb more Moisture, and mark the Air as having become more humid than it is in Reality; and the contrary in a Change from warm to cold.
But if such a suddenly changing Instrument could be freed from these Imperfections, yet when the Design is to discover the different Degrees of Humidity in the Air of different Countries; I apprehend the quick Sensibility of the Instrument to be rather a Disadvantage; since to draw the desired Conclusions from it, a constant & frequent Observation Day & Night in each Country will be necessary for a Year or Years, and the mean of each different Set of Observations is to be found & determined. After all which some Uncertainty will remain respecting the different Degrees of Exactitude with which different Persons may have made and taken Notes of their Observations.
For these Reasons I apprehend that a Substance which tho’ capable of being distended by Moisture & contracted by Dryness, is so slow in receiving and parting with its Humidity that the frequent Changes in the Atmosphere have not time to affect it sensibly, and which therefore should gradually take nearly the Medium of all those Changes & preserve it constantly, would be the most proper Substance of which to make Such an Hygrometer.
Such an Instrument, you, my dear Sir, tho’ without intending it, have made for me; and I without desiring or expecting it have received from you. It is therefore with Propriety that I address to you the following Account of it, and the more as you have both a Head to contrive and a hand to execute the Means of perfecting it. And I do this with greater Pleasure as it affords me the Opportunity of renewing that antient Correspondence & Acquaintance with you, which to me was always so pleasing & so instructive.
You may possibly remember that in or about the Year 1758, you made for me a Set of artificial Magnets, Six in Number, each 5 ½ Inches Long, ½ an Inch broad, & ⅙ of an Inch thick. These with two Pieces of Soft Iron which together equalled one of the Magnets were inclos’d in a little Box of Mahogony Wood, the Grain of which ran with, & not across, the Length of the Box; and the Box was clos’d by a Little Shutter of the same Wood, the Grain of which ran across the Box; and the Ends of this shutting Piece were bevel’d so as to fit & slide in a kind of Dovetail Groove when the Box was to be shut or open’d.
I had been of Opinion that good Mahogony Wood was not affected by Moisture so as to change its Dimensions, & that it was always to be found as the Tools of the Workman left it. Indeed the Difference at different Times in the same Country is so small as to be scarcely in a common Way observable. Hence the Box which was made so as to allow sufficient Room for the Magnets to Slide out and in freely, and when in, afforded them so much Play that by shaking the Box one could make them strike the opposite Sides alternately, continued in the same State all the Time I remain’d in England, which was four Years, without any apparent Alteration. I left England in August 1762 and arriv’d at Philadelphia in October the same Year. In a few Weeks after my Arrival, being desirous of showing your Magnets to a Philosophical Friend, I found them so tight in the Box, that it was with Difficulty I got them out; and constantly during the two Years I remain’d there, Viz till November 1764, this Difficulty of getting them out and in continued. The little Shutter too, as Wood does not shrink lengthways of the Grain, was found too long to enter its Grooves, & not being us’d was mislaid and Lost, and I afterwards had another made that fitted.
In December 1764 I returned to England and after some time I observed that my Box was become full big enough for my Magnets, and too wide for my new Shutter; which was so much too Short for its Grooves, that it was apt to fall out; and to make it keep in, I lengthen’d it by adding to each End a little Coat of Sealing Wax.
I continued in England more than 10 Years, and During all that time after the first Change, I perceived no Alteration. The Magnets had the same Freedom in their Box, and the little Shutter continued with the added Sealing Wax to fit its Grooves, till some Weeks after my second Return to America.
As I could not imagine any other Cause for this Change of Dimensions in the Box, when in the different Countries, I concluded first generally that the Air of England was moister than that of America. And this I supposed an Effect of its being an Island, where every Wind that blew must necessarily pass over some Sea before it arrived, and of Course lick up some Vapour. I afterwards indeed doubted whether I had not been too general in my Conclusion; and whether it might not be just only so far as related to the City of London, where I resided; because there are many Causes of Moisture in the City Air, which do not exist to the same Degree in the Country; such as the Brewers’ & Dyers’ boiling Cauldrons, and the great Number of Pots and Teakettles continually on the Fire, sending forth abundance of Vapour; and also the Number of Animals who by their Breath constantly increase it, to which may be added that even the vast Quantity of Sea Coals burnt there, in kindling discharge a great deal of Moisture.
When I was in England the last time, you also made for me a little Achromatic Pocket Telescope. The Body was Brass, and it had a round Case (I think of thin Wood) covered with Shagrin. All the while I remained in England, tho’ possibly there might be some small Changes in the Dimensions of this Case, I neither perceived nor suspected any. There was always comfortable Room for the Telescope to slip in and out. But soon after I arrived in America, which was in May 1775, the Case became too small for the Instrument, it was with much Difficulty & various Contrivances that I got it out, and I could never after get it in again; during my Stay there, which was 18 Months. I brought it with me to Europe, but left the Case as useless, imagining that I should find the continental Air of France as dry as that of Pensilvania where my Magnet Box had also returned a second time to its Narrowness, & pinched the Pieces as heretofore, obliging me, too, to scrape the Sealing Wax off the Ends of the Shutter.
I had not been long in France, before I was surprized to find, that my Box was become as large as it had always been in England, the Magnets enter’d and came out with the same Freedom, and when in, I could rattle them against its Sides; this has continued to be the Case without sensible Variation. My Habitation is out of Paris, distant almost a league, so that the moist Air of the City cannot be supposed to have much Effect upon the Box: & I am on a high dry Hill in a free Air, as likely to be dry as any Air in France. Whence it seems probable, that the Air of England in general may, as well as that of London, be moister than the Air of America, since that of France is so, and in a Part so distant from the Sea.
The greater Dryness of the Air in America appears from some other observations. The Cabinet Work formerly sent us from London, which consisted in thin Plates of fine Wood glu’d upon Fir, never would stand with us, the Vaneering, as those Plates are call’d, would get loose & come off; both Woods shrinking, and their Grains often crossing, they were forever cracking and flying. And in my Electrical Experiments there, it was remarkable, that a Mahogony Table on which my Jars stood under the Prime Conductor to be charged, would often be so dry particularly when the Wind had been some time at N. W. which with us is a very drying Wind, as to isolate the Jars, and prevent their being charged till I had formed a Communication between their Coatings and the Earth. I had a like Table in London which I us’d for the same Purpose all the time I resided there; but it was never so dry as to refuse conducting the Electricity.

Now what I would beg leave to recommend to you, is, that you would recollect if you can, the Species of Mahogony of which you made my Box, for you know there is a good deal of Difference in Woods that go under that Name; or if that cannot be, that you would take a Number of Pieces of the closest and finest grain’d Mahogony that you can meet with, plane them to the thinness of about a Line, and the Width of about two Inches across the Grain; and fix each of the Pieces in some Instrument that you can contrive, which will permit them to contract & dilate, and will show in sensible Degrees, by a moveable Hand upon a marked Scale, the otherwise less sensible Quantities of such Contraction and Dilatation. If these Instruments are all kept in the same Place while making, and are graduated together while subject to the same Degrees of Moisture or Dryness, I apprehend you will have so many comparable Hygrometors which being sent into different Countries, and continued there for some time will find and show there the Mean of the different Dryness & Moisture of the Air of those Countries; and that with much less Trouble than by any other Hygrometer hitherto in use. With great Esteem I am, dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr. Nairne.
1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville & fils, 13 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Neufville, Jean de, & fils

Gentlemen,
Passy, Nov. 13. 1780.
I received your Favour of the 2d. Instant, and shall duly honour your Bills therein mentioned. I have this Day written to Mr. Adams, on the Subject of the Bills on Mr. Laurens which you have not accepted, & such as may arrive hereafter, and believe he will accept them. I thank you much for the Services you have done, and your kind offer of continuing them, & have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Y. m. o. &. m. h. S.
Mrs. John Neufville & fils.


Title: [From Madame Brillon]: Le Sage et La Goutte, [before 14 November 1780]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To:

[before November 14, 1780]
LE SAGE ET LA GOUTTE.

Un fléau des plus redoutable,
La Goutte, ce mal incurable,

Chez un Sage alla se loger,
Et pensa le désespérer:
Il se plaignit. La sagesse a beau faire,
Alors qu’on souffre, on ne l’entend plus guère:
A la fin cependant, la raison l’emporta.
Contra le mal mon Sage disputa:
Chacun employa l’éloquence
Pour se prouver qu’il avoit tort.
La Goutte disoit; la prudence,
Mon cher Docteur, n’est pas ton fort;
Tu manges trop, tu convoites les femmes,
Tu ne promenes plus, & tu passes ton temps
Aux échecs, & par fois aux dames;
Tu bois un peu. Dans ces doux passe-temps
L’humeur s’amasse, & c’est un grand service
De venir t’en débarrasser.
Tu devrois m’en remercier;
Mais depuis un long tems je connois l’injustice.
Le Sage reprit à son tour
Et dit: Je l’avouerai, les attraits de l’amour
De l’austere raison tolerant la rudesse
Semblent prolonger la jeunesse.
J’aime, j’aimai & j’aimerai toujours;
On m’aime aussi. Dois-je passer mes jours
A me priver? Non, non, la vraie sagesse
Est de jouir des biens que le ciel nous donna;
Un peu de punch;—une jolie Maîtresse;
Deux quelquefois,—trois,—quatre, & cetera:
De toutes celles à qui je pourrai plaire
Aucunes ne m’échappera:
Ma femme me le pardonna;
Et tu voudrois ici trancher de la sévere.
Pour les échecs, si j’y suis le plus fort,
Je m’y complais; mais lorsque par caprice
Fortune fuit, ils m’ennuyent à la mort,
Et j’en ferois alors le sacrifice—.
Par le secours de la Philosophie,

Tout Sage ainsi sçait borner ses desirs,
Se consoler des peines de la vie.
Dupes & sots renoncent aux plaisirs.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 14 November 1780?
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce mardi de mon lit [November 14, 1780?]
Je vous renvoye mon chér papa une copie bien propre d’un brouillon que je vous redemande; je ne vous aurois pas cru capable de manquer a votre parolle, vous aviés promis a Brillon de lui rendre la folie qu’un moment de liberté de teste, m’a inspirée pour mon amusement et pour votre distraction; vous deviés vous contentér de la relire; primo, vous en avés tiré copie; secundo, malgré l’air de famille, j’ai reconnu l’écriture de mr votre fils; il l’a donc vuë! Il l’a donc luë! Je vous pardonne mon ami ce petit écart, lorsqu’une fautte est faitte il faut peu grondér, mais avértir qu’on s’en est apérçu pour empêcher les rechuttes: au surplus mon bon papa je suis enchanté que la petite fable vous ait fait rire, si quelques nuits il me passe encore quelques rêveries par la cérvelle, je vous l’envoyerai et je consens que mr votre fils la métte au nét; mais de grace ne les montrés à personne; je ne veux pas qu’on dise de moi, ce que le Misantrope disoit a mr Oronte— j’en pourrois par malheur faire d’aussi méchants—mais je me garderois de les montrér aux gents— Je suis fémme, mon lot et mon gout sont la modéstie; j’ai la teste vive, rien ne me déffend de l’occupér; mais pour moi, et pour mes amis les plus intimes— Adieu mon bon papa donnés moi des nouvélles de la goutte du sage, je souhaitte qu’elle aille mieux que les nérfs de votre fille:
J’ai corrigé quelques fauttes a la fable, il y auroit encore beaucoup a faire mais j’aurois peur de réssemblér a certain statuaire qui trouvant le nei d’une teste de fantaisie un peu trop gros, le diminua tant qu’il n’en résta plus:/:
Mr votre fils m’avoit dit que vous m’écririés; une coréspondance avéc vous seroit surement une grande distraction a mes meaux: faittes le donc, et je répondra:/:


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Chalut and Arnoux, 14 November 1780
From: Chalut, abbé ——,Arnoux, abbé ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

paris mardi 14 9bre 1780
Les abbés de chalut et arnoux se rejouissent du meilleur état de la santé de leur respectable ami, ils l’assurent de leur estime et de leur amitié.
Voici un projet de lettre pour M. et Mde poivre. Monsieur franklin y ajoutera ou y retranchera tout ce qu’il jugera à propos. Ce qu’il y a de vrai c’est qu’on ne sçauroit dire trop de bien de Monsieur et de Madame poivre.
Nos amitiés s’il vous plait à Monsieur votre petit fils.
L’adresse de la lettre doit étre à Monsieur et à Madame poivre à lyon.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire / des etats unis d’Amerique / à Passy.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Brochier, 15 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brochier, ——

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 15. 1780.
I am much obliged by the Care you have so kindly taken of the poor American Prisoners that has been brought into Lisbon. I beg you to accept my Thankfull acknowledgements and that you will be assured, that what you have already disbursed, or may hereafter think proper to disburse for their Relief in furnishing them with Necessaries, Mr. dohrman continuing to neglect them, Shall be repaid with Thanks, on Sight of the Account. I have the Honour to be, with much Respect, Sir &c.
Mr. Brochier, Consul de France à Lisbonne.


Title: Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1780
From:
To:

No new accounts were initiated during the period of this volume. The following accounts cover these months: VI and VII (XXIII, 21); XII (XXV, 3); XVII (XXVI, 3); XIX and XXII (XXVIII, 3–4); XXIII (XXIX, 3); XXIV (XXXI, 3); XXV, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII (XXXII, 3–5); XXIX (XXXIII, 3). We offer here a summary of entries which have not found a place elsewhere in our annotation, but which provide insights into Franklin’s private and public life.
Account XXIII (William Temple Franklin’s Accounts, XXIX, 3), as usual, shows a mixture of official expenditures, household expenses, and personal items. On November 21, M. Beurier was paid for the rental of kitchen furniture since April 20, 1778; Franklin marked five months’ worth as a congressional expense. He also marked for congressional reimbursement the engraving on wood of his coat of arms, purchased on December 3, which he printed on passports; his subscription to the Mercure de France (renewed on November 1); New Year’s charity to the general postman and the penny postman; one account of Cabaret’s, for stationery supplies provided from January 1 through April 13; and the 72 l.t. Franklin gave the escaped prisoner Robert Benjamin Chew on April 13.
Frankin purchased special Christmas gifts for some of his young neighbors: two “Silk Work Bags for the Miss Brillon’s,” and a “bonbons Box for Miss Le Veillard.” On December 8, he paid the widow Cruchot for binding copies of his Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces. A special copy, bound in gilt-decorated moroccan leather, was delivered on December 31. These were presumably for gifts. For himself, he bought a pocket book, and on December 30 he remembered a previous purchase of “two Pair of Rabbit Fur Stockings.” He was evidently recovering from the gout; on January 4, and again on February 2, M. Mazars delivered pairs of newly-made cloth shoes.
On November 23, Franklin purchased the abbé Nollet’s six-volume Leçons de Physique; three days later, he bought a “Parrellel Ruler, Spectacles, &ca.” from Ciceri & Cie. (XXXI, 4n). Another scientific instrument dealer, Noseda, furnished on December 31 an “Electrical Machine” which cost 500 l.t. Franklin subscribed to the Journal de Paris and l’Esprit des Journaux; he also bought the Almanach royal for 1781, and on April 1 what he called the “Description of France &c” from Née.
Coimet, the cook, submitted periodic bills for kitchen expenses, and while Franklin rented most of his kitchen furniture from M. Beurier (above), he paid Beurier 18 l.t. for a “Fontaine de gré.” Franklin also purchased a coffee mill, a “bamboo,” and a sponge. Six cases of Madeira arrived from Orleans on December 6. Riondet provided “common Wines,” Mme Manoury furnished 100 bottles of “champaign non moussue,” and the limonadier Boutard was paid for the previous year’s beer account. Cabaret supplied paper and ink throughout the period, and on April 17 Franklin purchased a yard and a half of green baize for the press.
The household staff all collected wages near the end of the year for varying periods of time. Coimet was paid 204 l.t. for June 15 through December 15. Arbelot received his wages (including “wine &ca”) for February 9 through the end of the year; this came to 296 l.t. 9 s. For dinners when away from home during October, November, and December, at 15 s. each, he received an additional 51 l.t. Joseph Bogey, garçon de cuisine, received 90 l.t. 15 s. for “wages & wine” from April 15 through October 15. François’ wages from October 4 through January 4, along with his dinners in November and December, amounted to 101 l.t. 5 s. During François’ illness in early 1781, Franklin paid his surgeon and apothecary’s bills. Mme Le Maire, washerwoman, received 126 l.t. 14 s. for the previous six months. Franklin dispensed New Year’s gratuities to Coimet, Bonnefoi, and Picard the coachman.
Account XVII (Franklin’s Private Accounts with Ferdinand Grand, XXVI, 3) shows Franklin buying kitchen furniture from Vitel, platewarmers from Dussaussois, and candles. He bought the Spectator, in English, from Pissot to send to Benjamin Franklin Bache, and paid the boy’s school expenses to M. “Rillet.”
Account XXV (Account of Postage and Errands, XXXII, 3). For these months, the bills were again submitted by Coimet and consist of postal expenses and errands to Paris, Versailles, and Auteuil.
Account XXVII (Accounts of the Public Agents in Europe, XXXII, 4), contains several items unrecorded elsewhere, under the heading of Ferdinand Grand. Probably as a result of Deane’s settling his accounts, Bancroft was paid 6,000 l.t. due him from March 31, 1778. William McCarthy received 480 l.t., L’Air de Lamotte received his wages for “service in Dr. Franklin’s office,” amounting to 600 l.t., and on April 14 and 30 John Laurens received payments of 2,400 l.t.
Account XXIX (Franklin’s Account with Congress, XXXIII, 3), records charity given on March 6 to “A Poor Frenchman who had been taken.”


Title: Editorial Note on Promissory Notes, 1780
From:
To:

For the period covered by this volume, twelve printed promissory notes survive from escaped prisoners who received assistance from Frankin through his banker Ferdinand Grand. On December 18, Nicholson Broughton received five louis d’or. On December 27, John Hemmenway of Boston signed a note for four louis. Three notes survive from January: on the 13th, Thomas Beeton and Antony Dugat each received two louis, and on January 19, Christopher Bassett was given five louis. The only note from February was given to Thomas Wynne of North Carolina, who received five louis on February 12. Franklin gave four louis to Charles Colerus on March 5, and five louis to John Lee of Newburyport on March 12. Four notes survive from April: on the 6th, John Brownlow and Robert Benjamin Chew each received four louis, and on April 14, Franklin gave John Brownlow an additional three louis.
One handwritten promissory note survives. On April 18, L’Air de Lamotte wrote out a form for William Potts who received six louis. Potts had already received five louis on April 14, according to the Alphabetical List of Escaped Prisoners.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédèric Dumas, 16 November 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Amst. 16e. Nov. 1780
Je viens de recevoir les deux Lettres, en date des 6 & 7 de ce mois, que Mr. votre P. Fils a eu la bonté de m’écrire. Je prends la part intime que je dois à votre indisposition, & rien ne peut m’en consoler plus efficacement, que ce qu’il ajoute, que vos souffrances sont déjà beaucoup diminuées, & que dans peu de jours vous comptiez de pouvoir, Sans vous incommoder, me donner vous-même de vos bonnes nouvelles, en répondant à mes Lettres.
Avant que celle-ci vous parvienne, vous aurez déjà vu, dans le Supplément de La Gaz. de Leide No. XCI, le Mémoire virulent présenté à L.h.p. par Sir J.Y. de la part de sa Cour. Ainsi je ne vous en transcris rien ici. On croit que les Anglois attaqueront tout de bon la rep. S’ils le font, c’est, selon moi, afin que la rep. ne puisse pas dire avoir été attaquée en haine de la Neutralité armée, ni même y accéder. M[essieu]rs Adams & Searle trouvent mon idée fort plausible. Je suis avec le plus respectueux attachement, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant servitr
Dumas
Passy à S. E. Mr. B. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin / Min. Plenipe. des E. U. / &c. / Passy./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 November 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes Nov. 16. 1780
When I made the agreement with Mr de Chaumont about the Ship I thought it was not possible to have any Difficulty; but he & his Correspondents make a strange demand of receiving the Freight before she Sails from Bordx because the words of the agreement are “frêt acquit avant le depart” & the Departure they fix to be from Bordeaux. I never considered that I had anything to do with the Ship before she came to L’orient, & the glaring absurdity of paying a full freight before the Ship is in the Port where she is to be loaded ought to be of itself sufficient to prove that the agreement could not be otherwise. The method in which they have measured the Ship is different from what I expected, but as the agreement was to freight as the King does I shall not object if it turns out that the King freights in that manner. Mr de Chaumont writes to me that whatever differences may arise must be settled by indifferent Persons. I have therefore chosen Messrs Val. & P French of Bordeaux and desired Messrs Jauge & Co, who fit the Ship, to choose others to join them & consider our Differences and decide for us, and I trust they will decide in my Favour; I hope you will approve of this, for Disputes being kept alive create Delays and I am already heartily tired of waiting; the Ship it was expected would be at L’orient 6 Weeks ago & now God knows when she will be there. I have written to Mr Chaumont on the subject & desired him to show my Letter to you, I hope I shall soon have an answer to my satisfaction.
I am ever with the greatest Respect Dear & hond sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

P.S. I suspect the true Reason of the freight being demanded before the Ship Sails from Bordeaux, is the uneasiness of Mr de Cs correspondents about their Reimbursements owing to his late Check.— I should have no objection to paying the freight beforehand provided the Ship was insurd to us to be at L’orient & to take in all the Goods I intend to Ship, but if we give the Cash first what dependances can we have that she will even arrive at L’orient?

  Endorsed: Letter from M. Williams to BF. Nov. 16. 1780 Strange Demand of Freight to be paid at Bourdeaux   6 Weeks Delay already  Conjecture of the Cause.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand], [after 16 November 1780]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[after November 16, 1780]
Dans le tems qu’on passoit dans le compte de M. franklin les parties échues à echoir on passa dans celui datè du 16 Aoust des traites dont M. franklin fils avoit donné la Notte ou qu’on avoit été prendre sur son Livre de Bill Book. C’est à dire les traites de Pothonier & ce. de Lorient du 19 Juillet à 90 Jrs. De
1178.15
5494. 1.11
6000.

qui echoient au 27 Oct. Le 16 Novr. lorsque je redonnai à M. franklin le nouveau compte je m’appercus que ces traites n’avoient pas encore parues; & jallais les restourner quand il me vint a l’esprit d’aller voir de nouveau dans le Bill Book si reellement elles avoient été bien acceptées, ce que je fis un matin, & métant convaincu du fait je conclus que ces traites ne tarderoient pas à paroitre, en consequence je les laissai subsister dans le compte.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 17 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

ce vendredi, 17 9bre. 80
Je vous renvoye, ma très chere Amie, puisque vous voulez absolument le ravoir, le Brouillon de vôtre jolie Fable. J’avois la Pensée, qu’en vous offrant une plus belle Edition (que vôtre Ouvrage meritoit bien) sans Ratures & Interlineations, je pouvois vous gagner à me permettre de retenir l’Original; ce que je desirois, parceque j’aime tout ce qui vient de vôtre Main: Et comme mon Fils est aussi un de vos Admirateurs, j’ai voulu, par le Plaisir de le lire, lui payer le Travail de le bien copier. J’ai fait une Faute. Je le confesse. Mais comme vous avez eu la Bonté de me pardonner, je ne le repeterai pas—jusqu’une autre Occasion. Voilà la Pratique de presque tous les Pecheurs!

Une des Personnages de vôtre Fable, Made la Goutte, me paroit raisonner assez bien, à l’Exception de sa Supposition que les Maitresses ont eu quelque Part en produisant cette douloureuse Maladie. Je crois, moi, tout le contraire; & voici comme je raisonne. Quand j’etois jeune homme, & que je jouissois plus des faveurs de la Sexe qu’à present, je n’avois point de Goutte: Donc, si les Dames de Passy auroient eu plus de cette espece de Charité chretienne que je vous ai si souvent en vaine recommandé, je n’aurois pas eu la Goutte actuellement. Il me semble que ceci est bonne Logique.
Je suis beaucoup mieux: J’ai peu de Douleur. Mais je me trouve bien foible. Je peux comme vous voyez, badiner un peu; mais je ne peux pas etre reellement gai, avant que j’entendrai que votre precieuse Santé est retablie.
Je vous envoie mon Dialogue, en esperance que cela pourroit vous amuser quelques moments.
Bien des remerciements pour les trois dernieres Tomes de Montaigne, que je renvoie.
La Visite de votre toujours aimable Famille hier au soir, m’a fait beaucoup de bien. Mon dieu, comme je les aime tous, de la Grand Mere & le Pere jusqu’au le plus petite Enfant!


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Giambatista Beccaria: résumé, 17 November 1780
From: Beccaria, Giambatista
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Turin, November 17, 1780, in Italian: Encouraged by your gracious letter, I am sending you by Monsieur Chantel some of the disconnected pieces I wrote during my painful and interminable malady. If I manage to see through the printing of Elettricismo Naturale which I hope to start in January, I will send you a copy in due time. I have decided to gather my observations of the last twenty years since I am not at present in a condition to make new ones. But I hope that the public will find it if not matter for further learning, at least an amusement. Please look upon me with favor, you the founder of that science. P.S. Monsieur Chantel wants to show you a letter of mine directed to Princess Giuseppina di Carignano.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 17 November 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear sir
Ariel LOrient Novr. 17th. 1780
Since my unfortunate return here I have not been honored with any Letter from your Excellency which gives me very great concern as I impute your silence to the Bad State of your Health.— Mr. Gourlade has written me two Letters representing that you have blamed me on account of three Articles, the Slops, Shot, and Medicines charged in the Accts. of Gourlade & Moylan against the United States.
If these Gentlemen had explained to you the true circumstances I apprehend you would not have thought my conduct much to Blame.— The Slops (except the Soldiers Clothing and the Bedding) were Ordered for the Alliance, and there were near 400 Men almost Naked then on Board that Ship.— The Shot was Ordered for the Alliance and was not more than Sufficient for her Armament.— As you had given Orders to follow my proposal for the Embarkation of the Cannon that I had provided for the Bonhomme Richard, and as I thought a complete Chest of Medicine would be as essential to a suitable Ship for these Cannon (which I will own I hoped would be provided for me immediately after my arrival in America) I took the Liberty to desire the Medicin in question might be got ready.
Dr. Bancroft had then departed for Paris, to make an immediate Arrangement for the payment of my Peoples Wages & Prize Money so that I had reason to expect to sail before I could have sent up a proposal on the Subject to you to receive your approbation before the Medicin was prepared: In this perhaps I presumed two far on the Authority your Excellency had given me. Part of the Slops have been served out onboard here, conformable to the instructions of Congress, Account whereof will be duely rendered with the remainder to the Board of Admiralty.— The Shot was taken on Board here, after the departure of the Alliance, merely as Ballast.— The Medicin remains Untouched, and will with the Shot remain at the disposal of the Board of Admiralty.
I shall only say in my justification I have had no other motive than the advancement of the Service.— The Crew on-board here are enlisted to serve America for three Years or during the War. I Shall be again ready for Sea with the Ariel in the course of next Week, and will embrace the first fair Wind Unless I, in the meantime, receive Orders to the Contrary.— With profound respect, and the most Ardent wishes for the recovery of your Health, I am Your Excellencies most Obligd. and most humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. &c &c

Notation: J. Paul Jones. L’Orient November 17. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 18 November 1780
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce samedi 18. 9bre. ’80.
Il y auroit bien quelques petites choses a redire a votre logique que vous assurés si bonne mon chér papa— Quand j’étois jeune homme distes vous, et que je jouissois plus des faveurs du séxe qu’a présent, je n’avois point de goutte: Donc, on pourroit répondre a cela—quand je me suis jetté par la fenéstre je ne me suis pas cassé la jambe: Donc; vous pouriés avoir la goutte sans l’avoir mérité, et vous pouriés l’ayant a ce que je crois bien mérité ne l’a point avoir; si ce derniér raisonnement n’est pas si brillant que les autres, il est clair et sur: ce qui n’est n’y clair n’y sur, ce sonts les raisonnements des phillosophes qui veulent que tout ce qui arrive dans le monde soit nécéssaire au mouvement général de la machine univérsélle: je crois que la machine n’en iroit n’y mieux n’y plus mal, si vous n’aviés pas la goutte, et si j’étois a jamais quitte de mes meaux de nérfs; je ne vois pas qu’elle [quelle] facillité ces petits incidents de plus ou de moins peuvent donnér aux rouës qui tournent ce bas monde a tort et a travérs et je sçais que ma petite machine en va bien plus mal: ce que je sçais fort bien encore; c’est que la douleur devient quélquefois maitrésse de la raison, et que la seule patience peut venir a bout de ces deux chicaniéres; j’en ai donc le plus que je puis, et vous conseille d’en faire autant mon ami: lorsque les frimats ont attristés la térre, un beau soleil nous les fait oubliérs: nous sommes au milieu des frimats, il faut patiément attendre le beau soleil, et en l’attendant nous distraire dans les moments ou la foiblésse et la douleur nous laissent en repos; voila mon chér papa ma logique a moi:/:
Votre dialogue m’a beaucoup amusé, mais votre corrigeur de françois a gasté votre besogne; croyés moi, laissé vos ouvrages téls qu’ils sonts, faittes des mots qui dironts des choses et mocqués vous des grammairiens qui par pureté affoiblissent toutes vos phrases: si j’avois la teste assés forte je ferois une diatribe térrible contre ceux qui osent vous retouchér futce l’abbé de la roche, mon voisin veillard &c &c &c: je veux m’amusér a faire des nottes sur votre besogne et sur la leur, et vous verrés que c’est vous qui aurés raison. Adieu mon bon papa, mon gros mari vous portera ma léttre il est bien heureux de pouvoir vous allér voir, pour [moi il?] ne me réste que la faculté d’aimér mes amis, vous ne douttés surement pas que je ne m’en acquitte de mon mieux pour vous, jusqu’a la charité chetiénne c’est a dire votre charité chretiénne éxclusivement:/:


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Paul Marat, 18 November 1780
From: Marat, Jean-Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris ce 18 Novemb. 1780.
Je connois vôtre gout pour les Sciences et vôtre amour pour le vrai. D’après la haute opinion que j’ai de vôtre Sagacité et de vôtre impartialité, je ne crains pas de Soumettre à vôtre jugement des experiences nouvelles diametralement opposèes aux idées reçues. Dans le nombre, il en est qui démontrent que le fluide èlectrique n’est pas douè d’une force rèpulsive essentielle à ses globules. Il en est aussi qui prouvent que tous les corps conduisent le fluide electrique. Enfin il en est qui établissent la méthode de charger la bouteille de Leyde, quoique isolèe.
Parmi les instrumens que j’ai inventé on voit un nouvel electrometre qui forme une vraie rèpetition electrique; un dechargeur approprié aux liquides; une bouteille de Leyde qui se charge, quoique isolèe; &c &c.
Si ces nouveautès peuvent piquer vôtre curiositè, je vous prie Monsieur de choisir un jour (depuis le 21 jusqu’au 30 de ce mois) qui vous soit comode, et de prendre la peine de vous transporter dans mon cabinet Rue de Bourgogne où je me ferai un plaisir de mettre ces differens objets sous vos yeux. Je me flatte, Monsieur, que vous voudrès bien regarder la dèmarche que je fais aujourd’hui à votre egard, come le temoignage le plus flatteur que je puisse vous donner de tout le cas que je fais de vos lumières et de vôtre candeur. Si vous desirès, Monsieur, m’amener quelques amateurs èclairès; ils seront bien reçus; vous trouverés chès moi quelques unes de vos conoissances, et plusieurs de vos admirateurs.
Jai l’honneur dêtre avec les Sentimens de l’estime la plus distinguee, Monsieur Vôtre très humble et très obèissant Serviteur
Marat

P.S. Vous voudres bien, Monsieur, me marquer le jour dont vous aurès fait choix.

Notation: Marat. Nov. 18. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 19 November 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Light Camp near Tottowa on the Passaic November 19th. 1780.
Whatever might have been my sense of the Enemies particular aversion for truth in every thing that relates to America, I am obliged to confess, that the fertility of their imagination has far surpassed all my expectations.— My experience when last in Europe, has given this a new force, and taught me, that frequent and authentic accounts, would not only please our Friends, but might also be serviceable under certain conjunctions.—
A letter from Major Genl. Gates dated Hillsborough Novemr. 1st. inclosing an official report from Colo. Campbell, and printed by Order of Congress, will give your Excellency the particulars of Major Furgusons defeat on Kings Mountain South Carolina.— This officer commanded a Detached Corps from the Enemies Army, consisting of about one hundred and fifty regulars, and Nine Hundred Armed rebels. On the 1st. of October he was attacked by a picked Corps of our Militia under Campbell, who after a pretty severe engagement, killed and took the whole of the Enemies force, except fifteen or Twenty which made their escape.— In consequence of this blow, Lord Cornwallis was by our last accounts precipitately retreating, and closely followed by a part of our Troops under Genl. (late Colonel) Morgan. It is added that British pride and Cruelties have roused against them, a part of those Tories whom corruption or folly had engaged in their favor.—
The Enemy have landed some Troops at Portsmouth in Virginia, but are circumscribed by our Militia to the spot of land which their Shipping commands.— Do you think it possible that they can persuade uninformed people in Europe (which no doubt enters into their intention) that by occupying some Maritime points upon an extensive Sea line, that they have conquered a considerable part of the United States?—
Great Britain, may find a new proof of the Sentiments of the American Nation, when they know that Congress have foiled all Idea of short Enlistments, and voted an Army of Thirty five thousand Men for the War, and that these shall be in the field by the 1st. of January next.— The States are now Enlisting on this Resolution, and taking other Measures the most spirited for completing their respective Quotas. Congress have granted half pay for Life to their Officers, and made arrangements to bring forth provisions for the Army.—
As the affair of the late Adjutant General of the British Army, may be misrepresented, I have the honor to send to you, our proceedings on this occasion, which Congress ordered to be printed. Inclosed your Excellency will also find an extraordinary crisis which deserves your attention, You will perceive the Patriotic Author places Arnolds past Character upon its proper footing.—

It may surprise you to hear that Arnold is now a Genl. Officer in the Service of his Britannic Majesty, and it appears by the Enemies publications, that he is also appointed to the Command of a Regiment.
I cannot resist the opportunity of Copying to you the following Resolve of Congress relative to the three Virtuous young Men, Paulding, Williams, and Van Wert, each of whom have also been presented with a Farm from the State of New York.— In Congress Novemr. 3d.
Whereas Congress having received information, that John Paulding, David Williams, & Iasaac Van Wert three young Volunteer Militia Men of the State of New-York did on the 23d. day of Septemr last intercept Major John Andre, Adjutant Genl. of the British Army, on his return from the American Lines in the Character of a Spy; and, notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, nobly disdaining to sacrifice their Country for the sake of Gold, secured and conveyed him to the Commanding Officer of the district, whereby the Dangerous and Traiterous conspiracy of Benedict Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the Enemy baffled, and the United States rescued from impending danger.—
Resolved, that Congress have a high sense of the Virtuous and Patriotic Conduct of the said John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wert—
In Testimony Whereof, Ordered, that each of them receive Annually out of the public Treasury two hundred Dollars in Specie or an equivalent in the Current money of these States, during life; and that the Board of War be directed to procure for each of them a silver Medal, on one side of which shall be a Shield with this inscription “Fidelity,” and on the other the following Motto “Vincit Amor patriæ;” and forward them to the Commander in Chief, who is requested to present the same, with a Copy of this resolution, and the thanks of Congress for their Fidelity and the eminent Service they have rendered their Country.—
The French Army and Fleet are at Rhode Island except Duke de Lauzuns legion which has been sent to Hartford, in order to add to the defence of the State of Connecticutt.— Our Army will be for some days yet in the Field. Many of the French Officers are expected on a visit to the Generalissimo.
The harmony, mutual Support, and growing affection between the two Armies exceeds any example that History may afford; and clearly shews that an everlasting Friendship and alliance between the two Nations shall baffle the intrigues and efforts of Great Britain.— I hope my next gazette will contain agreeable accounts. With the most perfect and affectionate regard I have the Honor to be Dear Sir Your Obt. & Huml Servt
Lafayette
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.—Quadruplicate

Notation: La Fayette Nov. 19 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Alexandre Gourlade: Two Letters, 20 November 1780
From: Gourlade, Jacques-Alexandre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Monsieur
Paris le 20. 9bre 1780
La faillite de Mrs. Bouffé Pere et fils me force pour Le bien de mes Interets a rester encore icy quatre ou cinq Jours—ce retard ne Sera til pas nuisible aux lettres que vous mavez remis pour M. P. Jones. Me conformant a vos desirs Je vous envois la lettre de M. Moylan qui ne m’est point necessaire en ayant gardé Copie; Je Suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Gourlade
Monsieur Franklin a Passy.

Notation: Gourlade, Paris le 20. Nov. 1780.

II.
Monsieur,
Paris le 20 9bre 1780
Jai Lhonneur de vous remetre cy Inclus la lettre que Je viens de recevoir de Monsieur Moylan a vôtre adresse. Je desire quil vous donne toutes la Satisfaction que vous devez attendre dhonnetes gens.
Je Suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Gourlade
Monsieur Franklin a Passy.

Notation: Gourlade. Paris le 20. 9bre. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Searle, 20 November 1780
From: Searle, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Amsterdam 20th. Novemr. 1780
I feel a conscious remissness in not having paid my respects to you much Sooner since my arrival at this City.
I have no other Apology to offer but that I delayed it from post to post in expectation I might receive some Authentic news worth communicating to you from America, but hitherto I have waited in Vain. This apology is upon perusing it again but a very Slender one, and therefore I shall try the force of a palliative by telling you a truth which I can do with very great Sincerity, That is, that my neglect did not proceed from want of high Respect, and I take leave once for all to profess my very great esteem & affection for you.
Yes Sir I do Venerate & esteem you with the purest & most disinterested regard, and I assure myself I always shall continue to esteem you because I am determined ever to think & Judge for myself in all matters of public Concern.
I trust the honesty & sincerity of my declaration will not be misunderstood by Dr. Franklin, I do not mean by it to Court your Friendship & attention to me, I make it a rule of my Conduct never to Court but to endeavour to Merit the Esteem of all good men.

You will no doubt have Seen before this letter reaches you the Apostacy of a Miscreant American, I mean General ARNOLD. He has I find published (or somebody for him) an address to the People of America by way of Justification of his VILLANY. I beg leave to offer you my Sentiments on his base Conduct & the motives for it.
I give not the least Credit to the account of his attempt or intention to Surrender, or to Carry off by defection a considerable part of our Army: I have well grounded reason to believe that he coud not have Even Ventured to hope for such an opportunity as he was Conscious he had lost all confidence in, as well as out of our Army by his unsoldierlike and ungentlemenlike Conduct long since; and to my knowledge a very considerable & respectable part of our Army had declared that let the consequence be what it woud they were determined not to serve under him at any rate as they had no confidence in him. All the Militia of Pensylvania (& among others I had the honour also) had made the same declaration as well as the whole respectable line of that State.
Sir upon my honour I declare it as my opinion that the Wretch has fled from the punishment which he well knew must soon overtake him for his numerous Crimes, & among others for the Crime of Forgery with which he had been charged by the Treasury board before I left Congress, The Evidences of which were arranging when I left America, & there were very few either in or out of Congress who doubted the horrid fact; For my own part I thought the proof as clear as the noon day Sun. As this matter as well as others still hung over his head he has (it is my opinion) fled from the impending Storm. I must also mention that before I left America I had the honour of giving my Assenting Voice to the confirmation of the Sentence of the Court Martial held on him for Several Charges of a very heinous nature especially in an officer of Rank. The Sentence was that he was to receive a public repremand at the head of the Army from General Washington for a Conduct unworthy his high Rank in the Army.
As it is by no means improbable this unhappy Man may go to England & will consequently be within reach of Holland where I shall be at the same time, I am the more ready to declare it as my Opinion that he is a Miscreant of the deepest Tinge.
I wish you my dear Sir to have a transcript of so much of my letter as relates to this Wretch in your pocket for the information of the Virtuous & good men with whom you converse; you are also at liberty to publish in any manner you please my opinion of him if you think fit, provided you make NO Secret of my name & Character when necessary to Support the truth of my relation & I shall at all times be ready to answer for what I have said in the matter.
May Heaven defend our Country from such Men, whether in America or Europe; But Oh! my dear Sir I greatly fear there may be Arnolds Even in Paris, Natives of America. If there are any such, may your Attendant Angel keep them or drive them from your bosom, & from your Councils, that they may never tend to Cloud your Western Sun. And that the Setting of that Sun may be protracted to a very late period with Glory & honour to yourself, & with advantage to your Country, is the Sincere and Ardent wish of your Affectionate fellow Citizen, Admirer, & Friend.
J Searle
My Sincere respects to Mr. Franklin Junr. for whom I have a very great esteem.

Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiare des Etats / Unis de l’Amerique aupres la / Cour de Versaille a Passy / pres de Paris
Notation: Searle James. Amsterdam Novr. 20. 1780—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, 21 November 1780
From: Chaumont, Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

It was not only Franklin who was threatened with financial ruin, in his case by the impending arrival of bills of credit drawn on him by Congress. His landlord Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont was on the verge of bankruptcy, largely as a result of his heavy holdings in devalued American currency. Catastrophe threatened him if Franklin could not pay for the clothing Chaumont had assembled for the American army and the ship he had purchased to carry it. The most feasible solution, it seemed, was a plan similar to the one Franklin had submitted to Vergennes in September, whereby goods would be supplied to French troops in America in partial payment for money loaned by the King.
In the new proposal, evidently worked out by Necker and Ferdinand Grand, Franklin would issue bills of exchange to cover Chaumont’s costs, which then could be used as collateral with Treasurer General for War Antoine-Jean-François Mégret de Sérilly. The treasury, through Grand as an intermediary, would issue the money to Chaumont and would be reimbursed by supplies provided in America to Rochambeau’s expeditionary corps. Sérilly agreed, on condition that no money be paid until the supplies were in hand. Chaumont, concerned about potentially disastrous delays, insisted on a guarantee that the bills would be covered. Vergennes offered it, and in this letter Chaumont insists on having the assurance in writing.

Monsieur le Docteur
Passi ce 21. 9bre. 1780
Nous sommes Convenus ensemble que les etoffes que Je vous ay procuré généreusement pour L’habillement des troupes americaines et qui Sont entre les Mains de M. Williams votre Neveu, qui les fera embarquer sur mon Vaisseau le Marquis de la Fayette; me Seroient remboursées en vos traittes Sur le Congrès: dont Je me proposois de faire usage pour les dépenses des forces francaises au Continent de L’amerique Septentrionale. Des Circonstances dont J’ay eu L’honneur d’entretenir votre Excellence me forcent a vous prier de Joindre à ces traittes unne assurance de M. le Comte de Vergennes que Si à tout évenement elles n’etoient pas acquittées à L’amerique, il vous mettera en état de les Rembourser icy. Je vous supplie, Monsieur le Docteur, de me procurer le plutost possible Cette tranquilité pour que je puisse La Donner à Ceux qui m’ont temoignés quelques inquietudes Sur cet objet qui peut aller à Cent mils Dollards.
Je Suis avec Respect et amitié Monsieur le Docteur vostre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur
Leray DE Chaumont.
Son Ex. Mr le Docteur franklin.

Notation: 21 novembre 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 21 November 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr Sir
21 Novr [1780]
Your suspicions relative to some Bills mentiond in Yr. last were well founded from the then appearances. I was satisfyd the Transaction was a fraudulent one till I had it cleard up by the only person who coud clear it up ie the friend of the man whose property they were. They were slipt into his hand at a first & watchd interview by our friend, unendorsd I suppose, & the friend to the owner remitted them thro the Dutch House you mention, at a risque, & unindorsd, meerly to stop payment for others wch might be unfairly obtaind & sent forward as lawful plunder from our friend. This matter has been cleard up to the Dutch House by the intimate of our friend, who is still in the same situation.
The heads of these people seem turnd topsy turvy since they have had a victory in So Carolina & got an addition to their Army of Brigadeer Genl Arnold. The conquest & subjugation of America is as much as ever talkd of as a very probable event and ⅞ths of the people of England seem content & happy that another vigorous campaign should be pushd in America—Whether it produces benefits or not, they say the Country cannot be in a worse situation than it is, & there is almost a certainty of quarrel between Ama & Her allies. The Bill you remitted in Your last for £100 I am in the line of advice about, & think what you recommend the properest mode to be taken.
No foreign news, and all that is domestic which I hear, is that an Amn. Gentn. whom I never heard of before of the name of Trumbull is taken up for Treason on the oath of two N England men who knew him, He was Seizd on Sundy night & is in close confinemt. & Irons. I understand every person who occasionally visited him the next day Viz Mr. Stewart a painter, Mr Digs, Mr De Neufville a Dutch mercht. Mr Laurens Jnr. &ca. were all taken to a magistrate to declare what they knew of Him & a Mr Tylor (who I understand has been many days gone from England) but that nothing was got out of the Witness’s. The oaths of His informants & his own papers, every body says is sufficient to convict Him & the reason assignd for His now apprehension is that means are using to make retaliation for Major Andrés death. Mr Trumbull being formerly they say an Adjut General in the Amn. Army is exactly of Andrés rank, and is therefore thought a proper person to retaliate upon. Good God what a degree of wickedness folly & weakness are we Englishmen reducd to
TD(?)

Addressed: BF/Passy
Endorsed: Nov 21
Notation: Nov. 21. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 22 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Monseigneur,
Passy 22. Nov. 1780.
M. De Chaumont m’ayant procuré par pure bonne Volonté des Etoffes pour l’Habillement des Troupes Americaines, me demande aujourd’huy que je lui assure le Remboursement en France des Lettres de Change que je lui ai promises sur le Congrès, et dont je ne doute nullement qu’il y sera fait Honneur. J’ai l’honneur de mettre sous les Yeux de votre Excellence la Lettre que M. De Chaumont m’a écrite à ce Sujet, pour la supplier de m’aider S’il est possible à donner à M. De Chaumont les Assurances qu’il me demande.
Je suis avec Respect, Monseigneur, Votre très humble et très Obeissant Serviteur
B Franklin
M. Le Cte. De Vergennes