Title: From John Adams to William MacCreery, 25 September 1778
From: Adams, John
To: MacCreery, William

      Sir
      Passi September 25. 1778

     Yours from Bordeaux of the 17th I have received—and congratulate you on your agreable Accounts from America. My Accounts altho not quite so late as yours, are from unquestionable Authority and to the same Effect.
     The Letter you mention as intercepted and published in a London Paper, has every fretfull angry Symptom of Disappointment in visionary schemes of Gain. If every Man in the service of the United States, from President Laurens down to the youngest Clerk in the secretarys office from General Washington down to the lowest officer in his Army, from Dr. Franklin down to the least considerable lowest servant in his Family are not liable to be called to Account by Congress, when they think proper, and especially if they have received and expended sums of Money belonging to the Public, what is to become of the United States. The Mines of Potosi would soon be exhausted.
     There is not in the science of Government an Aphorism more essential than this That every Man should be called to an Account for public Money entrusted to him. And persons will be obliged to account with more or less Strictness, in exact Proportion as the Commonwealth is well or ill regulated.
     This Letter has given me no Uneasiness at all. It will do no harm. A Cask of new Wine, must have its Fermentation and a little Skimmed Milk poured into it is excellent to make the Liquor perfectly fine.
     There is a Thrust at me in this Letter that dont surprize me at all, because (as I never knew a Man displaced from a Trust, but his friends were some of them angry with his successor,) I did not expect to escape so common a Calamity. But the two A’s were 500 miles off at the time when the Deed was done, and certainly had no hand in it. For my own Part I had as many thoughts of a Voyage to the Moon as to France, when I received the News of my Commission, and the Prospect of an horrid Winters Voyage, through I knew not how many British Men of War, had so not knowing how I should be received if I should against Probability be so lucky as to arrive in France had so few Charms in my Eyes that I had less Inclination to come than I have now to return, if Congress should order it.
     If I brought my Brothers over with me, and was about introducing them into extensive Connections in Trade, as this would both be lawfull and laudible I suppose they would be as much disappointed and think themselves and me as much injured if Congress should recall me. But I should not be of their opinion. So much for a very frivolous Business, yours &c.
     If I had been strongly against Mr. Deane, I should certainly avow it, and make no secret of it at all. I have never been used to disguise my sentiments of Men, whom I have been against, in public Life, and I certainly should not begin, with Mr. Deane, he certainly who is not and never was a Man of Importance enough, to make me deviate from a Rule that I have observed all my Life, vizt when obliged to be a Mans Ennemy to be openly and generously so.
     So much concerning a very frivolous affair, from your most obedient


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

      Dear Sir
      Passy; Saturday Sept. 26. 78

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

     With great Esteem, I am, Your most obedient humble Servant.

      B Franklin

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


Title: To John Adams from William Vernon Jr., 26 September 1778
From: Vernon, William Jr.
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Montauban 26th Septr 1778

     I was this morning honoured by the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant. The embarrassment which your kind proposal has afforded me is inexpressible. Being left to judge for myself at a very inexperienc’d time of life, at a distance from every friend, whom, the necessity of an immediate answer renders it impossible for me to consult. From you, Sir, who I trust art my Father’s friend, and mine, I request advice.
     Whether will an incessant application of ten or eleven hours per day at my Pen answer the purposes for which I left my native Country, which were to acquire a knowledge of the French Language and to qualify myself for business. To make myself Master of the Language will require a degree of study as well as practice in conversation; my youth also demands some application to different branches of litterature, in order to dispel that ignorance which is the natural attendent of it. In my humble opinion, Sir, by incessant writing these ends cannot be answered.
     But if on the other hand you ask only a moderate application of six or seven hours per day, I ought certainly to embrace the opportunity of rendering some service to my Country (which will ever be the height of my ambition) and of being near and serviceable to a Person who has been and still is so useful to it. The small emoluments which you mention will have no influence on my determination for it is my benefit in regard to education which I seek, and not interest.
     If Sir after considering the motives of my residence in France, you still think it advantagious for me to accept your offer (of the great advantage of which I am very sensible) you will have the goodness to inform me in your answer to this letter, upon the receipt of which, if conformable to your advice, I will immediately set out for Paris.
     I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most obedt. most humb. Servant

      William Vernon junr.


Title: Joseph Wharton Jr. to the Commissioners, 26 September 1778
From: Wharton, Joseph Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Honorable Gentlemen
      Paris Sep 26th 1778

     You need not I presume be informed of the difficulties which the People of the United States continue to suffer through the great scarcity of Salt. To lessen these difficulties, and at the same time to benefit myself, I propose during the present Winter to send several Cargoes of that necessary Commodity to our Countrey, and I wish to do it from Portugal rather than any where else, on account of the superior goodness of the Salt of that Kingdom, as well as to escape the danger of Capture by Brittish Cruisers, to which, Vessells going from France are Particularly exposed. You have been pleased to inform me, that there is no resolution of Congress against trading to the United States directly from Portugal, and therefore beg leave to sollicit the favor of Passports from you for the Vessells which I may cause to be loaded with Salt in Portugal for America. Such Passports I conceive will be highly necessary to remove the apprehensions which Merchants and Masters may have in that Kingdom from the supposed unfriendliness of Portugal and the United States towards each other, as well as to procure the Protection of American Ships of War and Privateers, which they may not other wise give, on account of similar erroneous apprehensions in their Commanders.
     I am with the greatest respect, Honorable Sirs, Your most humble & most obed Servant

      Jos Wharton


Title: The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 27 September 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de

      Sir
      Passi September 27. 1778

     We have received the Letter which your Excellency did Us the Honour to write to Us on the 21 instant, relative to the Isabella, retaken from a Guernsey Privateer, by Captain McNeil in the General Mifflin.
     As it is extreamly probable that the Compte D’Estaing has retaken several American Vessells from the English, We shall no dout Soon have Intelligence, what has been done in those Cases.
     We have advised Captain McNeil, to have one Third of the Produce of the Isabella in the Hands of such public officer as your Excellency, shall point out, to be repaid to him or restored to the original Proprietor of the Isabella hereafter, according to the Rule which shall be adopted by the two Nations, and to this Captain McNeil has agreed. We have the Honour to be Captain McNeil will have the Honour to deliver this Letter to your Excellency, and is ready to give your Excellency any assurance you may require of him, and to take the Charge of your Dispatches respecting this Affair, if your Excellency is disposed to do him the Honour to entrust them to his Care.


Title: The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners, with a Contemporary Translation, 27 September 1778
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       A Versailles le 27 September 1778

      Dans la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire, Messieurs le 28 du mois dernier vous avez rapellé la promesse que le Roi a faite par l’Article 8 du Traite d’Amitie et de Commerce Signe le 6 fevrier dernier de S’emploïer auprès des Regences Barbaresques, pour procurer aux Sujets des Etats unis toute Sûreté dans la Mediterranée pour leur Commerce et leur navigation. J’ai communiqué votre demande à M. de Sartine, au Département de qui elle ressortit, et vous verrez par la reponsé de ce Ministre dont vous trouverez, une copie ci-jointe, qu’il l’a trove bien fondée, mais qu’avant de pouvoir prendre les ordres du Roi, à cet égard, il a besoin de plusieurs éclaircissements. Je vous prie, Messieurs, de vouloir bien me les addresser, et d’etre assurer d’avance que le Roi Sera voluntiers, tout ce qui Sera en Son Pouvoir pour complaire aux Etats Unis, et pour faire agréer leurs vües aux differents Princes de la Cöte de Barbaric. J’ai l’honneur d’étre tres parfaitement; Messieurs votre trés humble et tres obéïssant Serviteur.

       De Vergennes


Title: To John Adams from Ralph Izard, 28 September 1778
From: Izard, Ralph
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Paris 28th. Septr. 1778

     I am favoured with your Letter of 25th., and agree with you in opinion that there is no necessity of discussing the question respecting the Commissioners, now; inconveniencies might arise from it, and no valuable purpose could be answered that I know of. I agree with you likewise that if the Fishery of New England has proved injurious, by introducing Luxury, and Vanity, it must be the fault of the People, rather than of the Fishery. If the quantity of money which is acquired by the Fishery, affords an argument for the discontinuance of it, I am afraid it may be applied with equal propriety against every other industrious means of introducing wealth into the State. The passion for Ribbons, and Lace, may easily be checked by a few wholesome, sumptuary Laws; and the money that has hitherto been employed upon those articles will be found very useful towards sinking our enormous national Debt. This Debt, I fear, will not be sunk during my life; till that is done, I do not think that any danger to our morals is to be apprehended from our excessive Riches.
     I should be obliged to you if you would let me know whether you think the reasons which are given in my last Letter, respecting the Treaties, are well founded. I am very willing to communicate my sentiments to you on the other articles; but submit it to you whether it would not be better that this should be done verbally, rather than by Letter. I have the honour to be with much esteem Your friend, & humble Servant

      Ra. Izard


Title: The Commissioners to the Comte de Vergennes, 1 October 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de

      Sir
      Passy 1. October 1778

     We have received, the Letter which your Excellency, did Us the Honour, to write to us, on the twenty seventh of the last Month: together with a Copy of a Letter from the Ministre of the Marine to your Excellency, of the twenty first of the Same Month.

     Convinced of the Propriety of those Ecclaircisements, which his Excellency demands, We had recourse to our Instructions from Congress, and although we have Powers and Instructions to treat, and conclude Treaties, with all the European Powers, to whom no particular Minister has been sent by Congress, yet we cannot find that our Powers extend to conclude Treaties, with the Barbary States.
     We are, nevertheless instructed, to endeavour to obtain Passes for the Vessells of the United States, and their Subjects, from those Powers, through the Mediation and Influence of his most Christian Majesty, which we therefore request his Excellency, to endeavour to procure, provided he Sees no danger in the Attempt or material Objection to it.
     We have, however the Honour to agree with his Excellency in Opinion, that an Acknowledgment of the Independance of the United States, on the Part of those Powers and a Treaty of Commerce between them and Us, would be beneficial to both, and a Negociation to that End not unlikely to succeed, because there has been, heretofore Some Trade between them and Us, in the Course of which our People and Vessells were well received.
     We therefore Submit it to his Excellency’s Judgment, either to commence a Negociation for Passes for American Vessels, immediately, or to wait untill we can write to Congress, and obtain Powers, to treat with those States and conclude Treaties of Commerce, with them, when we Shall request to commence, and conduct the Negociation, through the Mediation, and under the Auspices of his Majesty.
     We have the Honour to request his Excellencys Advice hereupon.
     We address this to your Excellency, as We have done many other Things, which we suppose must be referred to other Departments, because your Excellency, being the Ministre for foreign Affairs, we have understood, that we have no right to apply in the first Instance, to any other: But if we have been misinformed, or ill-advised, in this, and there is no Impropriety in our making immediate Application to other Ministers, upon Subjects which we know to be within their Departments, we request your Excellency to give Us an Intimation of it; And for the future we will avoid giving unnecessary Trouble to your Excellency.
     We have the Honour to be, with Sentiments of the most entire respect, your Excellencys most obedient and most humble servants

      B Franklin
      Arthur Lee
      John Adams


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 1 October 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       A Versailles le 1 8bre 1778

      Des raisons particulieres, Messeurs, m’ayant determiné a proposer a Sa Majesté d’accorder au Sieur Fagan trois passeports pour trois navires anglois qui doivent transporter des Marchandises de France, en Angleterre sous une caution convenable. Le Sieur Fagan desireroit que les corsaires americains ne troublassent pas cette navigation protégée par sa Majesté. Je vous prie de vouloir bien lui donner a cet égard toutes les Suretés qui Seront en votre pouvoir, et lui accorder les Passeports, ou tel autre Acte que vous croirez propre, à assurer la Tranquilité de ce Commerce dont l’objet ne consistera que dans des Marchandises appartenantes a des Francoise.
      J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une Consideration tres distinguée Messieurs, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur.

       De Sartine


Title: From John Adams to Ralph Izard, 2 October 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Izard, Ralph

      Sir
      Passi Octr. 2 Septr. 1778

     I have the Pleasure of yours of the 28th, and agree with you in Sentiment that if the Money which has heretofore been Squandred upon Articles of Luxury, could for the future be applied to discharge our national Debt, it would be a great Felicity. But is it certain that it will? Will not the national Debt itself, be the Means, at least a Temptation to continue if not increase the Luxury? It is with great Pleasure that I see you mention Sumptuary Laws? But is there Room to hope that our Legislaters will pass such Laws, or that the People have or can be perswaded to acquire those Qualities which are necessary to execute such Laws?
     I wish your Answer may be in the Affirmative, and that it may be found true in Fact and Experience. But much Prudence and Delicacy will be necessary I think, to bring all our Countrymen to this just Way of thinking upon this Head. There is Such a Charm to the human Heart in Elegance, it is so flattering to our self Love to be distinguished from the World in general by extraordinary Degrees of Splendor in Dress in Furniture, Equipage, Buildings &c and our Countrymen by their Connections with Europe, are so much infected with the Habit of this Taste and these Passions that I fear, it will be a Work of Time, and Difficulty if not quite impracticable to introduce an Alteration, to which besides the great Inequalities of Fortune, introduced by the late Condition of our Trade, and Currency and the late Enterprizes of Privateers are dangerous Ennemies.
     You ask my opinion whether the Reasons in your last Letter, are well founded.
     It is observable that the French Court, were not content with the Treaty proposed by Congress, which contained all, in my opinion, which is contained in the Article as it now Stands in the Treaty of the 6 of Feb.
     What Motive they had for inserting the Words “Indefinite and exclusive” is left to conjecture. The suspicion that they meant more than the Treaty proposed by Congress expressed, arises from a Fact which you remember vizt. that the French at the Time of the last Peace claimed more. I wish to know if there is any Letter or Memorial, extant in which such a Claim is contained, or whether it was only a Verbal Claim made by their Embassadors. Whether any of the Magazines of that Time mention and discuss any such Claim.
     If the Fact is incontestible that they made such Claim, it is possible that it may be revived under the Words “indefinite and exclusive.” But I hope it will not, and I hope it was not intended when these Words were inserted. Yet I confess I cannot think of any other Reason for inserting them. The Word indefinite is not amiss—for it is a Right of catching fish and drying them on Land, which is a Right indefinite enough. But the Word Exclusive is more misterious. It cannot mean that Americans and all other Nations shall be “excluded” from the same right of fishing and drying on Land between the same Limits of Bonavista and Riche. It would be much easier to suppose, that the following Words “in that Part only and in no other Besides that” gave rise to the Word “exclusive.” That is that right, of fishing and drying, within those limits, for which We have excluded ourselves from all others. I will undertake to shew better reasons, or at least as good for this sense of the Word exclusive, as the most subtle Interpreter of Treaties can offer for the other—altho I think them both untenable.
     My opinion further is this, that as Contemporaneous Exposition is allowed by all Writers on the Law of Nations to be the best Interpreter of Treaties as well as of all other Writings; and as Neither the Treaty of Eutrecht, or the Treaty of Paris in 1763 ever received such an Interpretation, as you are apprehensive may hereafter be contended forand as the uninterupted Practice has been against such a Construction; So I think that the Treaty of Paris of the 6 of Feb. 1778 is not justly liable to such a Construction, and that it cannot be attempted with any Prospect of success.
     I agree with you however, that as We are young States, and not practiced in the Art of Negociations, it becomes Us to look into all these Things with as much Caution and Exactness as possible, and furnish ourselves with the best Historical Lights and every other honest Means of Securing our Rights, for which Reason I requested your sentiments upon this subject in Writing, and continue to desire in the same Way your Observations upon the other Parts of the Treaty. Reduced to Writing such Things remain in Letters and Letter Books, as well as more distinctly in Memory and the same Man or other Men may recur to them at future opportunities, whereas transient Conversations, especially among Men who have many Things to do and think of, slip away and are forgotten. I shall make Use of all the Prudence I can, that these Letters may not come to the Knowledge of improper Persons, or be used to the disadvantage of our Country, or to you or me, in our present Capacity.
     I am &c


Title: To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 2 October 1778
From: Vernon, William Sr.
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Boston 2nd. Octr. 1778

     The preceeding is copy of my last, of the 26th. May, being without any of your favors, which I promised my self the happiness of receiving before this date, and of the pleasure of hearing that my Son, was Placed with some Gentleman of business, where he might acquire a competent knowledge of business and such other accomplishments, as wou’d make him a useful member of society.
     I shall not take up your Time, in giving you the American news, the Public News Papers, transmited will give you every transaction. We have to regret the Loss of the brave Capt. Chew, commander of the Brigantine Resistance, who was Kill’d in an action, with a Twenty Gun Ship, near Barbadoes, and also of that worthy Commander of the Brigantine Genl. Gates, Capt. Skimmer who fell engaging a Letter of Mark Ship, in the first of the Action; his Leiutenant fought the Brigantine and brought the Prize into this Port, which proved of no great Value, being Loaded with Fish from Newfd. Land.
     The Brigantine Resistance was given to Capt. Bourk who was sent out to look for the French Fleet under the Command of Count de Estaing, as far as Cape-Cod only unhappily fell in with the British Squadron the Third day, was taken. The Warren and Raleigh are both out, the Dean will sail in a few days. The Ship Alliance built at Salisbury is given to Capt. Peter Landais, she is in the Road near half Man’d, esteemed the finest Frigate ever built in America, I think the Commander a sensible modest Worthy deserving Gentleman. I have given you a short detail of what hath turn’d up in the Naval department since my last, except some few captures the Continental Ships have made. The Prize taken by the Boston, under the care of Mr. Welch, had she arrived safe wou’d have been of more Value, then all that have got in, unfortunatly she was retaken in sight of the Land in this Bay.

     I am extreemly impatient of a Line from you, which I hope, shall soon have the pleasure of receiving.
     I am with the greatest sincerity Dr sr Yr. Obedt. Servt.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 2 October 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Messieurs
       Lahaie 2e. Octobre 1778

      Si vous n’avez pas eu de mes nouvelles depuis ma derniere du 13 au 18 Sept, je n’en ai pas moins été occupé au service des Etats-Unis, comme Sir G. pourra vous l’attester. De 10 jours que j’ai passés à Amsterdam, j’en ai employé un aux ordres du g—— F——, deux avec notre Ami, et les sept autres, renfermé dans une Chambre, à écrire sur vos Promesses 615 Numeros, 2460 folios, 2255 fois A, et 2255 fois Passy 31. Aoust 1778; au moyen de quoi, le jour-même de mon départ, on a pu commencer à les placer avec succès: ce qui m’a bien consolé de l’ennui d’une telle corvée. Sir G. vous en dira davantage, et sur-tout de la part que notre Ami a eue à ce succés.
      Malgré les représentations sérieuses que cet Etat fait faire à la Cour de Londres, je sais de très bonne part, que la dite Cour les éludera, et continuera de tolérer et encourager les pirateries de ses sujets. J’en donne avis aujourdhui à divers amis à Amsterdam, ou j’ai vu une fermentation à la Bourse, qui me fait augurer qu’on obligera enfin le Lion Belgique à montrer tout de bon ses dents et ses griffes.
      Voici, Messieurs, Copie de deux Pieces qui m’ont été remises. J’y ai souligné les endroits essentiels, qui pourront vous faire connoitre le vrai esprit et l’intention de ces Pieces, et la maniere dont on s’attend que vous y répondrez.
      Ayez donc la bonté de m’adresser, une Declaration dans le même esprit, une Lettre que je puisse montrer; et une Declaration semblable, que je puisse remettre à notre Ami de votre part, qui 1.° rassurent les Hollandois sur la crainte que les Anglois ne réussissent à les faire exclure, en tout ou en partie, directement ou indirectement, du Commerce des Etats-Unis: 2.° ou vous approuverez les préparatifs que notre Ami me propose, pour accélérer la conclusion d’un Traite de Commerce avec les Provinces-Unies des Pays-Bas, quand l’occasion s’en présentera; et notamment l’Examen qu’il offre de faire faire du Traité avec la France par d’habiles Commerçants, pour parvenir mutatis mutandis à dresser le Projet d’un Traité de Commerce entre les deux Republiques qui puisse être proposé ensuite au Congrés, afin de savoir le plutôt possible s’il auroit son agrément.
      L’intention de ceci est, en attendant, non seulement 1.° d’avoir un tel projet, approuvé, tout prêt à produire dés que LL. hh. pp. auront pu reconnoître l’Indépendance; mais aussi 2.° de profiter des circonstances qui se présenteront, pour engager la Ville d’Amsterdam dans des démarches, qui pourront amener plutôt cette reconnoissance, qu’elle n’arriveroit autrement. Quant à mon Ministere en cette besogne, il est calculé comme un Medium entre vous Messieurs, et ceux d’Amsterdam afin de ne commettre ni votre caractére, ni leur surete, par une correspondance plus directe.
      Le G—— F—— est absent. Ses Commis ont pris copie pour lui des 2 pieces ci-jointes; et elle sera certainement envoyee a la Maison. On l’attend a tout moment; et je lui montrerai, et remettrai, s’il le desire copie de cette Lettre ici: car dans tout ceci je ne fais pas un pas sans sa participation et approbation.
      Voici une Lettre recue d’Angleterre pour Mr. Saml. Wm. Stockton Esqr. Ne sachant ou il est depuis le depart de Mr. Wm. Lee de Francfort avec lequel il etoit-la, je crois que le moyen le plus sur de la lui faire parvenir, est de vous l’adresser. Nous sommes tous ici dans une impatience extreme d’apprendre ce qui s’est passe en Amerique.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 2 October 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Gentlemen
       The Hague, 2 October 1778

      Although you have had no news from me since my last of 13–18 September, I have nevertheless, as Sir Grand will attest, been busy in the service of the United States. Of the ten days I spent in Amsterdam, I employed one in waiting on the Grand Facteur, two with our friend, and the other seven shut up in a room writing 615 numbers, 2460 folios, 2255 times A, and 2255 times Passy 31. Aoust 1778 on your promissory notes. As a result, on the day of my departure they were being placed successfully, which more than made up for the boredom of such a chore. Sir Grand will tell you more about this, especially of our friend’s part in this success.
      Despite the serious remonstrances that this state is making at the Court of London, I know for sure that the said court will evade them and continue to tolerate and encourage the piracy of its subjects. I am reporting this today to several friends in Amsterdam where I have seen unrest at the exchange, which leads me to believe that the Belgian Lion will finally be forced to bare its teeth and claws.
      Enclosed are copies of two pieces that were given to me. I underlined the essential passages to inform you of their true nature and intention and the manner in which you are expected to respond.
      Have, therefore, the goodness to send me, a declaration in the same spirit, a letter that I can show around and also a similar declaration that I can send to our friend on your behalf, which will: 1. calm the Dutch fear that the British might succeed in having them excluded—in whole or in part, directly or indirectly—from trade with the United States; 2. approve the preparations suggested to me by our friend in order to speed up the conclusion of the treaty of commerce with the United Provinces of the Netherlands when the occasion presents itself, particularly the examination of the commercial treaty by able merchants that he proposes be made in order to succeed mutatis mutandis in preparing a draft treaty between the two republics that could then be submitted to congress in order to learn, as soon as possible, whether or not it would have its approval.
      In the meantime, the aim is not only: 1. to have such a document approved and ready for the time when it will be possible for Their High Mightinesses to recognize the independence; but also: 2. to profit from the circumstances that will present themselves to draw the city of Amsterdam into these demarches thus greatly facilitating the recognition that would never come otherwise. My role in this is to be an intermediary between you gentlemen and those of Amsterdam in order to expose neither your position nor their safety by a more direct correspondence.
      The Grand Facteur is away. His clerks have made copies for him of the two enclosures which will certainly be sent to his House. He should be back soon and I will show and, if he wishes, give him a copy of this letter, for in this matter I do not take a step without his participation and approval.
      Here is a letter received from England for Samuel William Stockton, Esqr. Because I am unaware of his whereabouts since his departure from Frankfort with Mr. William Lee, I think the safest way to forward this letter is to send it to you. All of us here are very impatient to learn what is happening in America.


Title: John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 3 October 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Sirs
      Bordeaux 3 Octr 1778

     We are yet without any Arrivals from any part of America, from Carolina as an embargo is in force for the exporting of Rice, it is not extraordinary, but from all the other Provinces some Vessels may be expected as there are many french Vessels in Virginia Maryland and No. Carolina, should vessels belonging to the States be wanting, which I apprehend is rather the Case, some of the other ought to get out.
     A Ship belonging to Mr. Ross sold at this Port. The people belonging to her shipt in America for the Round demand their Wages. Mr. Ross’s Agent at this place refuses payment unless the Seamen will consent to a deduction of two thirds of what they were shipt at alledging Continental Money is of more value and refuses to settle with them on any other terms. They have had recourse to the Court of Admiralty who has referd them to referees of their Own Chusing. All to whom the Seamen have applied for want of experience in the Nature of our Currencey have declined that the poor people find themselves entirely destitute of redress. I spoke to Mr. Delap to whom the Vessel is addrest and represented to him not only the injury I thought he did the People in not complying with the Usuages of Trade in like cases but also the Stab it gave to the Credit of the Continental Money in this Country by giving it a value so short of and what it was our duty by every means to suport My talk had no effect, only being by him objected too as a referee, an Act to which I had declined, to avoid giving offence, but finding the People are without prospect of redress being dayly importuned as the only person here settld to whom they can have recourse for advice I have recommended to them to lay their Case before you and to solicite your Protection.
     I have forwarded by the Routier directed to you at Passi two Hogsheds of what is here esteemed prime tonics of Medoc. They will be at Passi by the reciept of this. I refer sending the other two til you give me your opinion of these if they please shall send you two more of the same if otherways will change for another growth. I preferd sending them in the Hhds which are cased to sending them in Bottles as the Carriage of the Bottles would cost as much as the Wine and by being carefully Bottled and Corked by your People will in a few Days be equally Good if not better. The Carriage from this to Paris is at the rate of ten Livres per hundred weight. A hhds of Wine cased is estimated at 625 to which of course is 62.10 per hhd.
     I hope in a few days to transmit you some inteligence interesting. I am with due Respect Sirs your very hhb Servant

      John Bondfield


Title: Thomas Grant and Joses Hill to the Commissioners, 3 October 1778
From: Grant, Thomas,Hill, Joses
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      May it please your Honours
      Bourdeaux the 3d. October 1778

     We the Subscribed first and Second Mate, for us and eight more Sailors, of the Snow the Nancy of Edington Edenton Nord Caroline, James Morrisson Master, enterd her the 3d of May this Year, according to the Subscribed Indenture, to stire her either to Spain or France loaden and bring her back in any Port of the united Provinces i.e. United States, for the stipulated Quantity of Pounds monthly Wages, of which Captin Morrisson paid us on hand advancing a Month in hard Dollars, two and a half per Pound. We happily arrived at Bordeaux about the middle of July, got the second Months Wages in French Money, twelve and an half livers per Pound, and discharged the Snow. Meanwhile, the Correspondent of the Owners at Bordeaux Mr. Delap sold the Snow contrary to Agreement, and the 27th. August we were orderd a Shore and to quit the Vessel or Snow. Captin Morrisson left us in the Lurch, and directed us to Mr. Delap, who would but pay us with 300 per Cent Damage and put us on other Vessels for America; which we absolutely refused and could not comply with. We therefore were necessitated for an Interpreter and Translator named John Cotter. This Man went with us to the Admirality Attorney Mr. Bonnet the 10th. September, who sent us to the Attorney General of the royal Admirality; He, after hearing sent us back to Mr. Bonnet for Procurration. Mr. Bonnet orderd us to translate the Indenture; We went to him the 11th September with the Translation, but he told us cooly, having spoken with the Attorney General that it was but a Difference in Currency, he would not assist us, and warned our Translator not to involve us into a dangerous Lawsuit. Then we were obliged to seek for Help by the Consul of the United Congres Mr. Bonfield, who wrote us a Petition to the Admirality which we translated and presented the 16th September.
     A Monsieur de Navarre, Conseiller au Parlement et Juge L’Amirauté de Guienne
     Thomas Grant Contremaitre du Senau La Nancy d’Edington de la Caroline Septentrionale Captiaine James Morrisson, sollicite trés humblement tant pour lui que pour les neuf autre Marins ses Compagnons du dit Senau et represente a L’Amirauté royale de Bordeaux Que nous Suppliants très humbles sommes entré au Bord du dit Senau la Nancy en la Caroline Septentrionale pour une Voyage ou en Espagne ou La France, et retour dans les Provinces unis, conformement aux Articles signés de Part et d’autre le 3 Mai de cette Année, en recevant davance un Mois de Gages le Pound compté a deux Dollars et demi convenus. Etant heureusement arrivé a Bordeaux Vos Suppliants très humbles recurent leur Gages pour le Second mois en Argent de France douze livres et demi par Pound convenu; Mais dans cet Intervalle et que le Vaissau fut totalement dechargé ils virent avec Etonnement que le Proprietaires avoient vendus Le Senau par leur Correspondant ici. Il rest a nous les tres humbles Sollicitants le Payement de leur Gages dus jusqu’au Tems de leur dechargement du Senau et aussi ’lndemnité usuelle des Marins congedies chez l’Etranger. Les Suppliants très humbles se sont addressé au Capitaine pour le dit Payement qu’il nous a refusé sous des Conditions qu’ils jugent etre injustes. Et comme les Suppliants très humbles ne sont pas capables de finir le Different a l’aimable et se voyant reduit à la Necessité de supplier très humblement L’Amirauté royale de faire comparoitre le Capitaine devant vous et de juger notre Cas comme vous le trouvez droit, et que nous attendons et nous y soumettons avec tout le Respect.
     This Petition composed by Mr. Bonfield was kindly received by the Judge Mr. Navarre, who returned it some hours after and with it addrest us to the Attorney Mr. Combret, since Mr. Bonnet refused to assist us. The 19th. September we appeared before the Admirality with our Attorney; The Captin being cited came not, but Mr. Bonnet represented him or more Delap, and declared that his Party did not as yet fournish him with the Materials he beggd the Court to be excused. On the 23rd September the Case was presented at the Session by our Attorney. The Attorny General spoke much about Difference in Currency which was respectfully opposed, and the Sentence was:
     Puis Combret et Bonnet ensembles, Le Procurreur du Roi faisant Droit du Requis de Partie de Combret, avons condamné et condamnons celle de Bonnet de payer a la dite Partie de Combret les Gages qui lui ont été promis, conformement a son Engagement jusqu’au Moment ou il a eté congedié. Ensemble pour le Tems qui lui est necessaire pour retourner au Lieu, d’où il est party; Et en outre de sa Nourriture et Conduite jusqu’au dit Lieu, Deduction faite toute Fois de ce qui lui a été deja payé; A raison de quoy les Parties conviendront d’Experts Negotians de la presente Villi; ou faute parelles d’en convenir, il en sera par nous pris le Nommé d’Office, tant pour fixer le montant des dites Gages et Nourriture ou Conduitte que pour en regler le Prix argent de France en Egard et a Concurrence de ce que luy a été promis de la Province ou l’Engagement a ete passé, avec Depens.
     We were consequently order’d to chuse an Expert, and having no Harm nor Thought of Lawyers Tricks and Turns of Law, we chused above said Mr. Bonfield against his Will, and proposed him at the Session of the Admirality the 26th of September; and the Court orderd the Attorney of the opposite Party to propose our Expert. But Delap, not the Captin, for he never appeard, rejected Mr. Bonfield as too partial in the Case being the american Consul. And he chuse for his Expert a young Irish Mr. McCarrie; only to vex and detain us.

     Mr. Bonfield addrest us to Mr. Mainard Merchant Broker, who refused it, telling us Mr. Bonfield was the only Man in Town who understands our Case. We were directed to Messrs. Teziers who answered, in like Cases we apply ourselves to Mr. Bonfield, when we find ourselves involved with the Crew; telling us Mr. Delap was in the wrong to reject such an able Expert. We went lastly to Mr. Poncett who beg’d of us to be excused and that he knew nothing of Nord Carolina’s Currency. Our Attorney Combret madly persisted for an Expert, went in the Country, and transmitted our Case to his Confrater the Attorney Cassenave. As we were unable to find an Expert being strangers, We beg’d the Admirality to chuse for both Parties Experts d’office, at the Session of the 30th. September, but it was refused.
     We deserted and basely tosst  Mariners falsly deluded from our Nord Caroline humbly beg your Honours of a speedy assistance as your Honours thinks proper to accquaint the admirality here of the true Value of a Nord Caroline Pound &ca. &ca. in french Money, and the usual Allowance paid per Months in Strange Countries to bring back poor deserted and basely deluded Mariners.
     And we shall as in Duty bound ever pray

      Thomas Grant
      Joses Hill


Title: To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 6 October 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Chaillot Octr. 6th. 1778

     You have often complaind that taking care of the public Papers, and having the business of the Commission done in your rooms; was an unequal share of the public burthen apportiond to you.
     Whatever may be my sentiments on that point, yet to remove, as far as I can with propriety, all cause of discontent; I am willing to appropriate a room in my House for the meeting and deliberations of the Commissioners, and the custody of the public Papers; provided regular hours are appointed for those meetings, and that business. I will answer for the regular arrangement and preservation of the public Papers, and that the business of the public shall always be dispatchd before that of Individuals.
     Shoud this arrangement be agreable to you, and Dr. Franklin concurrs; the execution of it will meet with no moments delay from me.
     I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem Dear Sir Yr. most Obedt. Servt.

      Arthur Lee


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 7 October 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Versaille le 7. 8bre. 1778

      J’ai recu Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 26 du mois dernier, par laquélle vous appuiez la demande de M. Izzard ministre des Etats unis en Toscane, qui reclame des effets chargés sur le navire anglois le Nil pris par le corsaire de Marsielle le Cesar. C’est par erreur que vous avez cité dans votre lettre, l’article 16 du traité fait entre sa majesté et les Etats unis; mais l’article 14 paroit se rapporter particulierement à la question; il ne renferme d’ailleurs que des dispositions connues dans les differéns traités de Commerce et fondées sur le Droit public, et je ne vois pas qu’il puisse rigoureusement s’appliquer à l’espece presente. M. Izzard n’est point nommé dans le connoissement des effets qu’il reclame. Il n’existe même aucune piece qui prouve que ce n’est pas pour le compte anglois que ces bagages chargés par un anglois, sont adressés au Sr. Martinelli pour remettre au Sr. Abbé Niccoli. Sans doute, Messieurs, si le gouvernement avoit a décider sans la participation des Tribunaux, votre assertion et celle de M. Izzard, seroit d’un très grand poids. Mais sa Majesté a abandonné le produit entier des Prises aux armateurs, le conseil des Prises a jugé bonne le 20 du mois dernier celle du navire le Nil. Placé entre les interessés dans l’armement du corsaire françois, le tribunal des Prises, et le reclamateur, le gouvernement ne peut prendre sur lui de prononcer sur cette question; c’est tout ce qu’il pouroit se permettre dans le cas où les loix seroient insuffisantes; mais ici les loix générales sont connues, elles décident sur la légitimité des reclamations d’effets chargés avant les hostilités, et M. Izzard en s’adressant aux tribunaux doit en attendre toute la justice et tous les égards que l’on aura toujours en france pour les sujets des Etats unis.
      J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la considération la plus distinguée, Messieurs, Votre très humble et trés obéissant serviteur,

       de Sartine


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 7 October 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Versailles, 7 October 1778

      I have received, gentlemen, the letter that you did me the honor to write the 26th of last month, in which you support Mr. Izard, United States Minister to Tuscany, in his request for the restitution of certain belongings carried aboard the British vessel, the Nile, which was captured by the Caesar, a privateer from Marseilles. It is by error that in your letter you have cited Article 16 of the treaty between His Majesty and the United States, for Article 14 would appear to relate particularly to the question. It, however, contains only provisions found in the various commercial treaties and based on public law, and I do not see how it could be rigorously applied in the present case. Mr. Izard is nowhere mentioned in the bill of lading for the property he reclaims, nor is there anything that would prove that this baggage was not loaded for the English account, by an Englishman, since they are addressed to Sr. Martinelli, to be forwarded to Sr. Abbé Nicoli. Without a doubt, gentlemen, if the government alone could make a decision, without the participation of the courts, your assertion and that of Mr. Izard would carry very great weight. But His Majesty has given over the entire proceeds from the capture to the privateers, the Council on prizes having declared the Nile a good prize on the 20th of last month. Caught between the owners of the French privateer, the prize court, and the claimant, the government cannot take it upon itself to rule in this matter. It could only consider doing so if the laws proved insufficient; but in this case the general laws are well known and must decide the legitimacy of claims on property loaded before the hostilities, and Mr. Izard, in addressing himself to the courts, should expect all the justice and consideration that they will always have in France for subjects of the United States.
      I have the honor to be with the utmost consideration, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant,

       De Sartine


Title: To John Adams from James Warren, 7 October 1778
From: Warren, James
To: Adams, John

      My Dear Sir
      Boston Octr. 57th 1778

     As I keep no Copies of the Letters I write to you, and have been so Careless as to keep no Memorandum of them I cant recollect either the Number or Contents. But this I am certain of, that they are both Numerous and Lengthy, and that I have not received a Single Line from you. This is equally a subject of Complaint among all your Friends, and I am to be satisfied while I dont find myself distinguished by any perticular Marks of Neglect. I dont write to the Embassador, or make any distinction between the Embassador and the Delegate. I write to my Freind and use no kind of Ceremony, I leave that to the great; and the numerous Courtiers about you, supposeing that my usual familiarity, Carelessness, and sincerity may at least please by way of variety. I know you wish to be minutely Informed of the true state of your Native Country, and I wish I could recollect on the short Notice I have of this opportunity every thing I Conceived would gratify your Curiosity. As I have but little time I must leave the great Movements of Congress, and the General State of America to the official Letters of Congress, and those perticular ones, you will receive from your Friends, at Philadelphia, the great Seat of Intelligence, and Confine myself pretty much to our own Affairs, and situation.
     I dare say before this reaches you, you will be Informed of the Train of Misfortunes that have Attended Count d Estaing Squadron, and the Consequent ill success of the second Rhode Island Expedition, since which the Enemy have with their usual humanity destroyed the Town of Bedford, and plundered Marthas Vineyard as you will see by the Papers we shall Inclose you per this Opportunity. They have for some time past been Inactive and still, their Fleet principally at New York, which by the Addition of Byron’s Squadron now all Arrived is formidable not less than 17 sail of the Line and a Number of Frigates, with a 60 gun ship and 2 Frigates Cruising on our Coast. Boston with the French Fleet now here has been supposed their principle Object, and I once did beleive they would Attempt that, and the destruction of the Sea Coasts of this State but the Season is now so far Advanced, I think they will not risque such an Expedition, besides the Count has by fortifying Georges Island and other parts of the Harbour made it Impregnable by Sea. I think no Squadron in Europe could force their way into this Harbour while the French Fleet remain here, and at this Season of the Year it would be Madnes to make an Attempt by Sea when in this Bay a Single Night may prove the destruction of the whole of them. I think an Attack by Land equally Improbable because if they make it from Rhode Island, and should be able to penetrate to this Town, and not be Able to Carry it their retreat and supplies would at least be very uncertain. The Conjectures of their future Operations are various, most People think the Enemy will leave the United States, and we are now Informed they have Embarked 12 Regiments at New York soon after the Arrival of a packet there from England. A few days will decide upon all our Uncertainties.
     The French Officers and Seamen in this Squadron behave themselves Extreemly well, they are indeed the most peaceable quiet and orderly set of Men in their profession I ever saw. But there has Notwithstanding been several disagreable riots and Quarrels between them and the English Sailors here, I beleive set on by the Tories, who wish to blow up a Breeze between us and our new Allies.
     I wish it was in my power to tell you that the Number and Influence of the Tories here were reduced, but I think they gain ground fast. This I Impute to the Coincideing of the Ambitious Veiws of a Certain Gentleman here, with the wicked and Timourous veiws of others. Things at present Appear to be in a strange way. We have no Constitution nor have we any probability of geting one. A Bill for Confiscateing the Tories Estates has had two readings in the House. I am told there is no probability of its succeeding on the third, so far from it that even some Members on the B —— Seat have without reserve Expressed their Sentiments that they should be suffered to return Tempora Mutantur. Our Bill Act prescribeing an Oath of Allegiance has had no Effect. Most of the Tories to whom it was tendered have swallowed it without difficulty. Few Towns have had resolution enough to Tender it, and where it has been Tendered and refused and the refusers Committed for Transportation, the Council have not had resolution enough to Carry it into Execution so that while they Complain that their Laws and resolutions are not Executed they themselves set the Example.
     A Certain Assembly in this State would make a strange Appearance to you, who have been acquainted with vigorous Measures upon the most steady, and vigorous principles. Mr. John Pickering is now the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. Nathel. Gorham who Mr. Adams Calls my Cousin, is Member for Lunenburge where he has resided since the destruction of Charlestown. Edward Bacon is Member for Barnstable &c. &c. The Boston Members I presume you know. I have before told you that I have no Share in the Conduct of Matters. I was left out by my Town. I have given you the Causes of it. When I quit the Navy Board I shall be a Simple honest Farmer, and shall have Nothing to do but humbly to look at the Conduct of public Men, and public Measures.
     Mr. Paine has never Attended Congress since you left us. Mr. Dana is Just returned. Genl. Hancock went last June, after he had taken Care of the public here at Election. He returned very soon finding the Climate did not agree with him, he was not gone but about six weeks. It used to agree with him better than with any of you. Perhaps the air in the Presidents Seat is purer than it is in more humble Stations. After his return he went on the R. Island Expedition and there staid Just long enough to gain among the Multitude the popular Ecclat, and then left it so soon as to make the more discerning laugh. He is makeing great Entertainments and figureing away in a most magnificent manner. The Eyes of many People are open and see his views and Motives, and some of the Judicious think Nothing Necessary but to veer away rope. Last week this day was Assigned for the Choice of Delegates, this early Assignment was the policy of some Men to strike at Mr. some of the present delegates with more certain success, and perticularly at Mr. Adams. If the great Man fails he will be Mortified indeed. Yesterday the House voted him a Marquee with all its furniture and apparatus for to do them Justice they are very respectful, and ready to gratify him, but this Vote was Unanimously Non Concurred by the Council, and this is not the only mortification in that way.
     The Boston, and other frigates have sent in a prize they took since they left France. Your Lady will write you by this Oppertunity. She was here Yesterday. Mrs. Warren is to dine with her tomorrow. You will please to make My Respectful Compliments to Your Associates & Beleive Me to be Your Assured Friend

      JW


Title: To John Adams from Ralph Izard, 8 October 1778
From: Izard, Ralph
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Paris 8th. October 1778

     I have received your favour of 2d. instant, in which you desire to know if I think there is room to hope that our Legislators will pass such Laws as will apply the money hitherto spent in articles of Luxury, towards the discharge of the National Debt; or “that the People have, or can be persuaded to acquire those qualities which are necessary to execute such Laws.” It is with the greatest pleasure that I reflect upon the past conduct of the Congress, as it appears to me to have been founded in wisdom, and in virtue. I reflect with pleasure likewise on the conduct of the democratical branch of the Legislatures in most of the Provinces of America, previous to the late Revolution.
     Contests frequently arose between the Governor, and Council on one side, and the Representatives of the People on the other; in which the latter have, almost invariably, supported the interests of their Country, against the arbitrary proceedings of those Officers of the Crown. From these circumstances my hopes are derived, that when the Monster Prerogative shall no longer be known in our Country, and the authority of the whole Legislature shall proceed from the same source, such measures only, as are thought to be for the public good, will be adopted. I do not recollect an example of the proceedings of the House of Representatives being disapproved of by the body of the People at large, in any part of America, except in Pennsylvania; and in that instance the latter were in the right. I allude to the time when the Indians on the Frontiers of that Province had murdered many of the inhabitants, and the ridiculous spirit of Quakerism, and Nonresistance had so far possessed the minds of a majority of the Assembly, that they refused to pass a proper Militia Law for their protection. I am therefore of opinion that the Legislatures will enact proper Laws, and that the People will pay obedience to them.
     My apprehensions that the French Ministry mean more by our Treaty, respecting the Fishery, than is expressed in the one proposed by Congress, do not arise from the remembrance of the fact which I mentioned to you. My suspicions are founded upon the Treaty itself; and they are corroborated by the fact which I remember to have heard spoken of in 1763. Whether there are any Letters, or Memorials extant, in which the claim alluded to is contained, I can not tell. It will be proper to enquire about it, and I fear we shall have ample time to do it, before the restoration of Peace. You say, “it is observable that the French Court were not content with the Treaty proposed by Congress”; which you think contains all that is contained in the Article as it now stands in the Treaty of 6th. February. The French are thought to be remarkably sagacious in their Negotiations, and it is not probable that they would have changed the Article in question, but for some substantial purpose; especially as the plain, and explicit words of Congress were rejected, and very equivocal terms substituted in their place. I can not agree with you in thinking the word “Indefinite” is not amiss. My objection to it proceeds from it’s being a direct contradiction to the Treaty of Utrecht, to which the Article refers. The right of the French to fish by virtue of that Treaty, is so far from being “Indefinite,” that it is as clearly defined, and limitted as words can make it. The French could not intend by the words “exclusive right,” to exclude themselves from all places but such as are stipulated. When a man is confined in Prison, and excluded from the benefit of taking the air, he does not add this exclusion to the catalogue of his rights. It is unnecessary to say any thing more on this explanation of the word, as you allow it to be untenable. In this I agree with you, as well as in the opinion that the Treaty of Paris of 6th. February 1778, is not justly liable to such a construction as I am apprehensive may be attempted to be put upon it. If Justice, and Right were certainly to be established, I should have no uneasiness about the Treaties; but I am afraid of troublesome, and ambitious neighbours, either at sea, or land. Advantage will, I fear, be taken of ambiguous, and equivocal expressions in the Treaties, to set up claims, which if complied with will be inconsistent with our interests, and safety; and if opposed, will involve us in disputes. Equivocal expressions should always be avoided in business of every sort; but especially in Treaties, this Rule should be carefully observed, and nothing but the clearest terms made use of, which will leave no scruple, or doubt in the mind, nor admit of explanations, different from the intentions of the Parties who treat.
     Distrust is often the Mother of safety; and the persons charged with the management of the affairs of Princes, have not by their conduct in general, invalidated that Maxim. I approve of your reasons for desiring my observations in writing on the Treaties; and my objections are removed by the promise you have made. I have therefore been very plain in offering you my sentiments on part of them; and shall communicate them on such other parts as appear to me the most exceptionable. In the mean time I hope to receive the same confidence from you; and beg the favour of you to let me know if there are no parts of them that you disapprove of. I have the honour to be with great regard Sir Your most obedient humble servant

      Ra. Izard


Title: Domenico Caracciolo to the Commissioners, with a Contemporary Translation, 8 October 1778
From: Caracciolo, Domenico, Marchesse di Villa Marina
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Messieurs
       Paris ce 8. 8bre. 1778

      Je Suis persuadé, qu’il est dèja a Votre Connoissance, que le Roi de Deux Siciles mon Maitre à Ordonnée de tenir Ouverts les Ports dans tous ses domaines au Pavillion des Etats Unis de L’Amerique au moyen de quoi pour eviter tous espece d’equivoque dans ces tems, que la mer est couverte des armateurs de differente Nations, et aussi des Pirates, je vous prie de me faire Savoir les Couleurs du Pavillon des etats Unis de l’amerique et aussi la forme des Expeditions de mer pour mieux Connoitre la légalité des Patentes, qu’on à L’usage de presenter dans les Ports pour avoir l’entrée libre.
      J’ai l’honneur d’Etre avec la plus parfaite Consideration Messieurs Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur

       L’Ambassadeur de Naples


Title: Domenico Caracciolo to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 8 October 1778
From: Caracciolo, Domenico, Marchesse di Villa Marina
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Gentlemen
       Paris, 8th October 1778

      I am persuaded that you already know that the King of the two Sicilies my master, has ordered the ports of all his dominions to be kept open to the Flag of the United States of America, for which reason, to avoid every possible mistake at this time, when the Seas are covered with the privateers of different Nations, and likewise with Pirates, I request you to inform me of the Colours of the Flag of the U States of America and likewise with the form of the clearances, the better to know the legality of the papers which it is customary to present in ports to gain free admission.
      I have the honor to be with the most perfect regard Gentlemen Yr. mo. hum. and mo. obd. Svt.

       The Ambassador of Naples


Title: John Ross to the Commissioners, 8 October 1778
From: Ross, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Honorable Gentlemen
      Nantes, 8 Octre. 1778

     By the tuisdays post, I had the honor of your favour 30th. Ultimo now before me. And I find thereby, a want of Authority, deprivs me of either instructions or Advice from you in the concerns of the Public, farther thin what respects the large Sume of money put into my hands by the Honorable the Commissioners.
     It has been all along my own Opinion, that am only responsible to the Honorable Committee of Congress for my management and am happie You say so. Nevertheless, altho’ unauthorized to interfere with me, I beg leave to conceive your power’s not only sufficient to give Advice when asked, in all the concerns of the United States, but your assistance and directions on every necessary application.
     It gives me concern that circumstances of Indecencey, shoud be imputed to me, am truely at a loss to recollect in what Instance, Unless an Zeal to discharge a truste reposed in me be construed as Such.
     I cannot however intertain an Idea, that the Honorable Gentlemen Mr. Franklin and Mr. Adam’s, who am pirsuaded never intended me, nor any honest Man, an unprovoked injury, Can Suspect me capable of Indecencey in the least degree to them. If any part of my correspondence admit of a construction tending to it, I declare it without any such intention. And I hope ever to pay The Honorable Representatives of the States, that Attention and respect due to their Characters.
     In the many improper Applications I have had, without power’s to interfere with me, No great penetration is necessary to trace out its Origine and intention. Decencey, I beg leave to observe, is as much due to me, and to every Man, in a private Character (while that line of conduct and principle is preserved, which I hope ever to maintain) as to those in the most exalted Station. Thus admited, Let me once more beg the further liberty to remind the Honorable Plenipotentiarys of America, What Decencey, and delicacey have been preserved to individuals of unexceptionable Characters, members of the united States, In a measure of Seizing their private property and private Correspondence, and executed under an Assumed Right in particulare, in an Arbitrary Government for purposes best known to those Gentlemen who plan’d, and conducted the business. The Commercial Agent Mr. Wm. Lee as late as last February, with a decencey peculiare to himself addressed me without power to render him my Accounts. The Honorable A. Lee Esqr. followed the example by a Similare Application Assumeing the Authority to himself and Colleagues. And the Honorable the representatives of America in France, was influenced Soon thereafter to apply likewise. Surely! repeated, peremptory, Applications on this Subject, coud not but have had certain ends to Answer, Such as I conceived from its manner, not the most favourable nor reputable to my Charactere. And this opinion is Justifyed, as it immediately Succeeded the less Delicate measure against my Neighbours and Friends, whose unlimited confidence I have always experienced. How far the Injurys and insult they have sustained thereby, is to be Vindicated, I leave to the consideration of those concerned.
     The money put into my hands by the Honorable Commissioners, have been fully Accounted for in the purchases made by me by order of the Honorable Committee of Congress for the United States. And I have had late Assurances, that I may expecte funds, not only to replace such advances as I received from the Commissioners but to satisfye my other demands—beleive me, I shall be glade how soon am enabled to bring those matters to a Setlement.
     At same time, from the duty I owe to my own Character, and that precaution justifiable to counteract every Malevolent Attempt to hurt me, by Insinuations or otherwise, in the Event of a miscarriage, Permit me again to repeat, that I cannot Venture to Exercise my own Judgement, in forwarding the remaining part of the property still in France, (consisting of Blankets, Clothing &c.) in consequence of Your interferance already, without a concurrance and positive instructions, circumstances, I intreate your consideration of, that You may determine how far am entitled to it, as well as the Consequences to the States from the delays already incurred.
     The Wages due to the Officers and Crew of the Ship La Brune, shoud not be considered as advances to me, the Order of the Board at Boston is recommended to the American Agent in France, for the honour of the United States, and altho my Family stands for the debt, it was incumbent on me to send it forward, but if refused I must pay it, chargeing a Commission and Interest on the Advances, which might be saved to the States by a Compliance with the order in the line recommended.
     My Letter to Mr Williams woud show the Application of the Twenty thousand Livres furnished me by order of Mr. Deane. In the meantime, as this is likely to be the last Letter with which I shall trouble You untill I hear from America, I beg the further freedom to mention the Copy of your Letter to Mr. Hodge lately received from him, on the Subject of his Right and Assumption to the Management of the Cutter Revenge &c. Being partly interested in this correspondence, which however I conclude shoud not have taken place, if Mr. Deane Acted under any Authority, in a certain line of business to my knowledge solely under his Management, and that the Honorable A L Esqr did but recollect and represent his own early knowledge of that transaction. Therefore, that the Honorable writers of the letter to Mr. Hodge, may not intertain suspicions of a Clandestine Assumption and right on the part of the present Owners, I send herewith Copies of a Correspondence on the subject between the Honorable A. Lee and me previous to a conclusive agreement, or Mr Hodges geting possession. Had there then been any reasonable objection to the Sale of that Part of the Public Property, The Honorable Commissioners ought to have determined it immediately, Not only in point of duty, but from that Justice due to those of their Constituents, who Act with openness and Candour, and without design of fraud or imposition. I have the honour to be with all due Respect Honorable Gentlemen Your very Obedt. Servt.

      Jo. Ross


Title: To John Adams from William MacCreery, 9 October 1778
From: MacCreery, William
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Bordeaux 9 October 1778

     I did myself the pleasure to write you a few Lines just before my departure from Nantes, and afterwards on my arrival at this place.
     Two Small Vessels arrived here from Baltimore a few days ago. They had both long passages, the latest dates I had by them was the 16th. of August, and the only news contained in them, That a large Number of Vessels had got into Chesapeak Bay, which occasion’d a considerable fall in Goods of almost every Sort, particularly Salt. My Freinds there had not a doubt, but that if the Bay kept clear of the Enemy during this Winter, that Goods wou’d become as plenty and cheap as they cou’d wish. The best proof I have of the plenty of the most essential Goods, is, that my orders are chiefly for Wines and Brandy’s.
     I understand that there has been lately sent out from Brest, 6 Men of War and Six Frigates, Ordered to a Cruize in three different districts to course in, two of each, in each district. The Bell Poulle is one of them, and has allready taken Two of the Enemies Cruizers, one of 22, the other of 14 Guns, and retaken a F. E. India-man.
     I expect shortly to receive some Bills such as you hinted at in a late Letter which you did me the Honor to write me, hope matters will be better with the Honorable Commissioners when I receive them, than you then expected. Shou’d they be obliged to refuse them, it wou’d be a great disapointment, but be it as it may, must submit with patience, and wait till something more favourable may turn up.
     I am with the greatest Respect Dr Sir Your very Ob. Servant

      Will M.Creery


Title: Tristram Barnard to the Commissioners, 9 October 1778
From: Barnard, Tristram
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Gentlemen

       Friday the 9th Octor. 1778

     Your humble petionner hath ben from America this four years in the English Services though not in Goverment Services of any kind nither have I any kind of pretentions or clames to any honour in Supporting the just cause of America any further then Releveing many prisoners with Money and means to make thare Escape from England.
     Therefore wishing to be of more Services then I have ben I have a Desire to Encounter with all the troubles let them be what thay may in America and humble beg your Asistences So far as to give me your pass that I may go from London to Spain and take in Such Goods that may be of Services to the Riseing States of America and not be Subject to be captor’d by any of the States Vesslls. This coply’d with I hope will be Sum Services to America and give me an Opportunity of Exerting my Self in the preasent Cause.
     Wich is the real Desire of your Humble Petisionner

      Tristram Barnard

      NB Gntlemen if you think proper to grant my request there is two Gntlemen in London that hath ben takend and brought to England who have sum property there and we three intend to bye a vessll and go to Spain with the English convoy and from thence to America. Your Answer as Soon as convenant is the request of yours to Serve

      TB


Title: Tristram Barnard to the Commissioners, 9 October 1778
From: Barnard, Tristram
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Gntlemen

       post 9 October 1778

     As thier hath ben a moust Valueable Whale fishry discoverd by the people of England Since the preasent contest with America and a thing of the utmoust Consequence to the above poeple—if it is your minds to destroy it I Should be glad to give you all the information that is in my Power to affect the Same. I have ben in the busaness my self and was very Senceable I was doing Rong, therefore quited the busaness and Ackowledge, wich I trust your honours think more commendable then to proceed.
     There is 15 Sail in the Employ, 5 Ships and 10 Brigg. Thay have all Saild by this time but 2, thay are moustly Americans and would be glad to git home if thay knowd any way. Thay Saild in company this Season 3d of October and allways stop at the Cape De Varda Islands outward bound and cruse betwen the Lattds of 26 Degrees South and 38 Do, in the Longd. from 46 to 62 West. As the Shore Extends NE by N and SW by S the bank lays as the Shore doath 40–50 and 70 Leagues from the Land and these Vessells are to be met with within about 6–8 or 10 Leagues of the bank.
     The fishry is comonly over in all April and I am informd thay are Ordered to the Island Santeslena to com home with the Eastindia Men.
     Any further information required on the Occation that is in my power to give I shall moust Willingly Comply With from your moust Obedent Servent

      Tristram Barnard

      NB thay have no Guns, thay brought to England Last Season upon an average about 55 tuns of Oil moust of it Worth £70 per ton. At this preasent time it is worth in America £100 per ton as I am informed.


Title: From John Adams to Arthur Lee, 10 October 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Arthur

      Dear Sir
      Passy Octr 10. 1778

     I have sometimes complained, that having no Place appointed for the public Papers, nor any Person to keep them in order, was an Inconvenience and Interruption to the public Business; I have added, that to have the Papers in my Chamber, as they are in disorder, and many Persons going to them at Pleasure, taking out Some, and removing others, was unequal upon me, as making me in a Sort responsible for the order, which I could not preserve, and for Papers themselves which I could not secure: Besides that it occasioned continual Applications to me alone, and necessitated me, to Spend a great Part of my Time, in writing orders, Notes of Hand, Copies of Letters, Passports, and twenty other Things, which ought at all Times to be written by our Clerks; at least as long as it is thought necessary to put the public to the Expence, of keeping so many.
     I have not asked Dr. Franklins opinion concerning your Proposal of a Room in your House, for the Papers, and an Hour to meet there; because I knew it would be in vain: for I think it must appear to him as it does to me, more unequal still. It cannot be expected that two should go to one, when it is as easy again for one to go to two: not to mention Dr. Franklins Age, his Rank in the Commission, or his Character in the World: nor that nine tenths of the public Letters, are constantly brought to this House, and will ever be carried where Dr. Franklin is.
     I will venture to make a Proposition in my Turn in which I am very Sincere. It is, that you would join Familys with Us. There is Room enough in this House to accommodate Us all. You shall take the Appartments which belong to me at present, and I will content myself with the Library Room and the next to it. Appoint a Room for Business, any that you please, mine or another. A Person to keep the Papers, and certain Hours to do Business.
     This Arrangement will save a large sum of Money to the Public, and as it would give us a Thousand Opportunities of conversing together which now We have not, and by having but one Place for our Countrymen and others to go to, who have occasion to visit Us, would greatly facilitate the public Business. It would remove the Reproach We lye under, of which I conf ess myself very much ashamed, of not being able to agree together, and will render the Commission more respectable, if not in itself, yet in the Eyes of the English the French and the American Nations, and I am Sure, if we judge by the Letters We receive, it wants to be made more respectable, at least in the Eyes of many Persons of the Latter.
     If it is any objection to this, that We live here, at no Rent, I will agree with you in fixing the Rent or leave the House.
     As I Suppose the Proposal I made of appointing Mr. W. T. Franklin to take the Care of the Papers, occasioned your Letter of the sixth Instant, I cannot conclude this Answer to it, without repeating that Proposal. This Appointment can be but temporary, as a secretary will probably arrive from Congress, e’er long.
     But in the mean Time Mr. Franklin, who keeps Papers in good order, and writes very well, may be of more service to Us than he is at present. We shall then have a Right to call upon him to do Business, and We shall know what situation he is in, and what reward he is to have.
     I agree perfectly with you, that an Hour should be fixed for Business and I beg Leave to propose Nine O Clock in the Morning, to which Hour and from thence to any other Hour in the Day, you please, I will endeavour to be punctual. If you have any Objection to this Hour, you will be so good as to name another. I am, dear sir, with an earnest Desire and a Settled Determination to cultivate an Harmony, nay more a Friendship, with both my Colleagues, as far as I can consistently with the public service, and with great Respect and Esteem, your Friend and Colleague

      John Adams


Title: The Commissioners to C. W. F. Dumas, 10 October 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

      Sir
      Passy, Oct. 10, 1778

     We have received yours of the 2d Instant, with the Declaration sign’d by Mr. Van Berikel, and his explanatory Letter to you, which give us much Pleasure, as they show the good Disposition of that respectable Body, the Burgomasters of Amsterdam towards the United States of America, and their Willingness, as far as may depend on them, to promote, between the Republick of the United States Low Countries in Europe and the said States, “a Treaty of perpetual Amity containing reciprocal Advantages with respect to Commerce between the Subjects of the two Nations.” As that Body must be better acquainted than we with the Methods of doing public Business in their Country, and appear to be of Opinion that some previous Steps can be taken by them which may faciliate and expedite so good a Work, when Circumstances shall permit its coming under the Consideration of their HH. MM. we rely on their Judgement, and hereby request they should take those Steps, as explain’d in M. Van Berikel’s Letter. And they maybe assured that such a Treaty will be very agreable to as is above described would at this time meet with no obstacle on the Part of the United States of America, who have great Esteem and Respect for your Nation; and that nothing will be wanting on our Part to accomplish the End proposed. We would only remark, that the Mentioning it in the Declaration as a Thing necessary to precede the Conclusion of such a Treaty that American Independence should be acknowledged by the English, is not understood by us, who conceive there is no more Occassion for such an Acknowledgement before a Treaty with Holland, than there was before our Treaty with France. And we apprehend that if that Acknowledgement were really necessary, or waited for, England would probably might endeavour to make an Advantage of it in the future Treaty of Pacification, to obtain for it some Privileges in Commerce, perhaps exclusive of Holland. We wish therefore that Idea to be laid aside, and that no farther Mention may be made to us of England in this Business.
     We are, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants.


Title: Ralph Izard to the Commissioners, 10 October 1778
From: Izard, Ralph
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Gentlemen
      Paris 10th. Octr. 1778

     I have just been favoured with a communication of M. de Sartine’s Letter to you of 7th. instant, in which I am referred to a course of Law for the recovery of my Baggage, on board the Ship Nile, carried into Marseilles by a French Privateer. This I can not approve of, as my claim is founded on an Article in the Treaty which expressly declares that the goods of an American put on board of an enemy’s Ship before the declaration of war, or even two Months after such declaration, “shall be well, and truly restored without delay, to the Proprietor demanding the same.” I am the more surprized at M. de Sartine’s Letter, as he promised me, upon my application to him several days ago that they should be restored. This promise was made after he had seen a copy of the Bill of Lading, and knew that my name did not appear upon any part of it. The reason which has already been given for this circumstance appears to me so good a one, that I am astonished at finding it offered now as a cause of detention. What proofs may be thought necessary in support of my claim I know not. My name is in many of the Books, and one of the Boxes contains a great number of my papers with my name upon them.
     I am clearly of opinion that this ought to be looked upon as sufficient proof, and that I ought not to be involved in the trouble, and expence of a Lawsuit. Should M. de Sartine continue of a different opinion I should be glad to know what other proof will be expected. The Testimony of my Merchant in London who shipped the things shall be procured if necessary; and likewise that of the Merchant in Leghorn, and the Abbe Niccoli to whom they were addressed. In the mean time as I understand by M. de Sartine’s Letter that the ship was adjudged a good Prize on the 20th. of last Month, the goods may be sold, unless an immediate stop be put to it by a Letter from the Ministry. As I understand that you are going tomorrow to Versailles, I must beg the favour of you to speak to M. de Sartine about this matter. I am very desirous to avoid, if possible, all cause of uneasiness, or contest with France; and therefore I hope that in this instance I shall not upon any pretence whatever be deprived of my property.
     I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obt. hble Servt

      Ra. Izard


Title: The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 12 October 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de

      Sir
      Passy Octr. 12 1778

     The Letter which your Excellency did Us the Honour to write to Us on the Seventh of this Month, We duely received.
     In our Letter of the twenty Sixth of the last Month respecting the Goods of Mr. Izard on board the Nile, we cited the Sixteenth Article of the Treaty of Commerce, in Support of Mr. Izards claim, which your Excellency thinks an Error, and that it is the Fourteenth Article which most nearly relates to this Case. We cited the Article as it stood in the original Treaty, where it is the Sixteenth: Your Excellency cites it as it Stands in the Treaty as it is now agreed to be amended, leaving out two Articles the 11 and 12. But your Excellency and We all mean the Same Article, which appears to Us to apply to Mr. Izards Case as clearly, Strictly, and fully, as it could have been contrived to do, if his Case had been in Contemplation at the Time when the Treaty was made, and Specially meant to be provided for. The Words of the Article are, that such Goods, as were put on Board any ship belonging to an Enemy before the War, or after the Declaration of the same without the Knowledge of it, shall no Ways be liable to Confiscation, but shall well and truely be restored without Delay to the Proprietor demanding the Same. And two Months are allowed after the Declaration of War Ignorance of the Declaration of War, not to be pleaded more than two Months after the Declaration.
     Now by the Bill of Lading, which We had the Honour to inclose to your Excellency, it appears that the Goods were shipped, in the Month of April last, at a Time, when certainly two Months had not elapsed from and after the Declaration of War. But if other Evidence of this Fact, viz the Time when the Goods were shipped is necessary Mr. Izard can certainly obtain it from England altho it would be attended with a good deal of Trouble and Expence.
     As to the Question whether the Goods are Mr. Izards Property or not, Mr. Izard in a Letter to Us dated the 10th of this Month assures Us, that his Name is in many of the Books and that one of the Boxes contains a great Number of his Papers, with his Name upon them. That “the Testimony of his Merchant in London, who shipped the Things shall be procured, if necessary and likewise that of the Merchant in Leghorn, and the Abbe Niccoli to whom they were addressed.”

      We lay no Stress upon the Rank and Character of the Gentleman who claims these Goods, because We are very sensible that all Men alike ought to submit to the Laws, and that no Distinctions should be made.

     We are Sensible that his Majesty has granted, the whole of the Property, which shall be taken from the Ennemy, and shall be lawful Prize to the Captors, and the Encouragements of Adventurers in this Way is of So much Importance, to our states Country as well as to this, that We wish them all imaginible success to enjoy all the Profits and Advantages of their Prizes. But the Captors in this Case must be sensible, that the Goods belong to A Friend not an Ennemy and therefore that they can not be lawful Prize not included in his Majesty’s Grant.
     We are only desirous of what is right, and as We hold ourselves bound to do all in our Power to assist our Fellow Citizens in maintaining their Rights and of omitting no Advantage that they are entituled to by the Treaty: and as the Treaty is so express that Goods so circumstanced shall be restored without Delay, and upon demand, and as Mr. Izard apprehends he ought not to be put to the Trouble delay and Expence of a Law Suit upon this Occasion, We have thought it our Duty to write again to your Excellency upon the subject.
     We beg leave to lay another subject before your Excellency. There are, We are informed, on Board the Fox and Lively, as there are on board almost every ship in Admiral Keppells and Lord Howes Fleets, Numbers of American Seamen who detest abhor the service into which by one of the most extraordinary Exertions extravagant Flights of Tyranny and Cruelty that ever was heard of among Men, they have been forced, and compelled to fight against their Country and their Friends. These seamen we should be glad to deliver from the Prisons in this Kingdom, and from a misery and Captivity infinitely more detestible on Board of British Men of War. We therefore beg Leave to propose to your Excellency, that an Inquiry may be made, and a List taken of the Natives of America, among the Crews of the Fox and Lively, and We offer your Excellency an equal Number of British Prisoners now in our Possession in this Kingdom in Exchange for them, provided they will take the oath of Allegiance to the United States the Men delivered to us. This would be attended with many happy Consequences. It would relieve many of our Countrymen from present Confinement, and the most dismal Prospects, and would furnish our Vessells with a Number of excellent Sailors,and save Us the Expence of maintaining so many british Prisoners.
     It may be proper to inform your Excellency, that before this War began, one third Part of the Seamen belonging to the then whole British Empire, belonged to America. If We were able to command the services of all these Sailors, your Excellency will allow it would be of great Importance in the common Cause. It would take away one third of the whole. Those employed in the American service would, be able to fight, another of the two thirds remaining to G. Britain, and consequently would leave to France no more than one third of the seamen belonging to the British Empire before the War for Britain France to contend with. But alass this is not the Case. Various Causes, too many to be here explained have concurred to prevent this. But We are very desirous of alluring back to their Country as many as possible of those We have lost, and the Plan We have now proposed to your Excellency, appears to be one probable Means of doing it. We shall suggest others hereafter as opportunity occurs.

      Octr. 135. 1778

     Since the forgoing was written We have received Letters from Robert Harrison, John Lemon, Edward Driver and John Nichols, Prisoners in Dinant Castle, representing that they Were taken by English Frigates in American Privateers forced into the service on Board the Fox and now taken by the French, and praying that We would interceed for their Liberty if possible that they may return to their Country.


Title: To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 12 October 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir

       October 12th. 1778

     I have hoped for Leisure to answer your favor as fully as, in my own Vindication, it demands. There are matters touched in it, which imply a Censure upon me, which a recapitulation of facts, I am satisfied, would convince you is unjust.
     But as I dispair of sufficient Leisure for some time, I must content myself with replying to what is immediately necessary.
     A desire to remove as much as I could the Cause of your complaint, was the motive I stated to you for writing, and I expect repeat to you it was the only one. I mentioned my Objections to your other Plan, when you proposed it; if you think them of no weight, let that, or any other, that will be most agreeable to you and Doctor Franklin, be adopted; and it will have my most hearty concurrance.
     With regard to the proposal of coming to live with you, nothing would give me more pleasure, were it practicable. I thank you for the Civility of offering me your room, but it would be impossible for me to do so unhandsome a Thing, as to desire that of any Gentleman. The Living upon the Bounty of a common Individual, I always objected to; besides, in the best of my Judgement, that Individual appears to me justly chargable with the foul play used with our Dispatches. Till I see reason to think otherwise, I should hold myself inexcusable both to my Constituents and myself, If I were to put myself so much in his Power. The House I am in, at all events, I must pay for this year Half Year, therefore, it would not save this Expence. To live together was what I proposed, and laboured to effect, tho’ in vain, when the Commissioners first came here. I thought it would be attended with every good Consequence, and there was nothing I desired more. But under all the Circumstances of that Proposition now, and the inveterate habits that have taken Place; it appears to me to be attended with insuperable Objections. I am, however, open to Conviction, and shall be most happy in finding any practicable means of effecting the Ends you propose.
     Having to dress, breakfast, dispatch Letters and do the necessary family Affairs, before I come to you; I find 11 O’Clock the soonest I can engage for.
     I had the same earnest desire, you express, prompted as well by my own Inclination, and Interest, as by my wish for the public Good, to cultivate Harmony and Friendship with both my Colleagues, and nothing ever gave me more uneasiness, than the Impossibility that I have hitherto found of effecting it.
     I am with the greatest respect & esteem, Dear Sir. Yours most sincerely

      A. Lee


Title: Daniel McNeill to the Commissioners, 12 October 1778
From: McNeill, Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Honorable Gentlemen a Passy
      L’Orient Octr. 12. 78

     After my Arrivall here I applyed to the Agent to recive the prisoners who promised he would the next morning, upon which I sent them a Shoar, but they ware refused to be Landed by the Comadant for want of Orders from the Ministry to that purpose, therefore was oblidged to Carry them onboard again, but shall not be able to Carry them out of France without turning at least twenty Americans a Shoar, after all the trouble and Expence they have been at since they have made their Escape from England which will be very hard on them as there is no opportunity here for them to go home, therefore beg your Honours would send me word what I must do with them as soon as you possibly can. Should likewise beg the favour of your Honours oppinion how you think the Law suit will go in reguard of the Isabelle as you will see by the proposall of the former propriators to the Admiralty, by falcehood and every other Artifice that they can invent they intend to prolong it and make it as Difficult as possible. There is Another arrived at Brest taken by Capt. Pickerin belonging to the same Owners and under the same Circumstances, which makes it necessary that we should proceed in a proper manner, which should be very glad to Know, as I have wrote to Capt. Pickerin on the Subject and shall wait till I hear from you. I am Most Honorable Gentl Your very humble Servt

      Danl McNeill


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 12 October 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       A Marli 12 Oct. 1778

      Je n’ay point oublié, Messieurs, L’Intéret que vous prenez a M. Jones et la Demande que vous avez faite de lui accorder un Batiment armé qui puissé le transporter en Amerique. Le Roi a qui j’en ai rendu Compte est disposé a donner cette facilité a ce Capitaine. Mais Je desire prealablement de Scavoir s’il sera possible de composer de Matelots Americains l’Equipage du Batiment qui sera fourni a M. Jones, parceque l’Activité et le Nombre des Armemens de Sa Majesté ne permettroit pas de lui donner un Equipage francois. J’attendrai ce que vous voudrez bien me marquer a ce Sujet pour prendre les Derniers Ordres de Sa Majeste.
      J’ai l’honneur d’etre &c.

       De Sartine


Title: To John Adams from William Whitmarsh Jr., 12 October 1778
From: Whitmarsh, William Jr.
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Dunkerque Octobr. 12. 1778

     Being a Townsman of yours and having suffered in the Grand Cause I have Made my Aplication To Mr. Coffyn in Behalf of the United States of Amirica for a Small Sum of Money sufficent to Bear my Exepences while in France which will be no Longer then I Can Geet a Vessell Bound To America which By the Assistance of Mr. Coffyn I hope will not be Long. Sir My affairs Stands thus—
     I was Taken a Vollenteer with Capn. Henry Johnson in the Sloop Yankey. Carried from England To the East Indias From Whence I Made My Escape. I Came home in an English East Indiaman. Left Madrass the 6th. of February arrived in England the 6th. of august. Imprest. 13th. the 27th. at London Sept. 25. at Flushing. Octr. 7. at Dunkirque, as for Perticulars Excuse me Sir at Presant. Pray Sir Please To mention me in your Letters To America for my wife nor any Other of my friends or Relations Knows not wether I am dead or a Live. Sir I was Borne in Braintree in the Reverend Mr. Saml. Nileses Parish. My Father prehaps you May Very well Know—he was a Leuitnt. in the Western war.
     Sir Mr. Coffyn Continues favours To all Americans that Chance To Come through France in Consequence of that I have Wrote Several Letters and Lodged them or Directed them To Be Loged in such Parts of London as may be most Convenient for them To fall in with.
     Sir I Can not write in Particular which way we Propose To Gett To America But Rely Intierly on Mr. Coffyns Good Conduct.
     Sir Please If Opertunity Favours, ither in your directions To Boston Braintree or Marblehead. This Sir Desire in Case any Mishap Might Befall us.
     NB. By saying us, there is one Capn. Geo. Smith, of Nantuckitt, Bound the Same way.
     Sir I Begg the Favor of Subcribing my self a True Born American

      William Whitmarsh Junr.

      Left Marblehead the Place where I am Setled 8. June 1776. with Capn. Henry Johnson.
      Sir. Mr. Elbridge Gerry which was one of the Delagates of the Honorable Conteninl. Congress. and Lives in Marblehead in his fathers Mantion house Opposite myun.
      Pray. Sir Remamber me To Mr. Gerry—and he will forward the Same.
      Sir I Begg Pardon for Coaling you honor in Such a Manner. But To Make it appear that I was absolutely an American.


Title: John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 13 October 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Sirs
      Bordeaux 13 8bre 1778

     By Letters this day from Couronna we have advice that the 30th Ultimo arrived at that Port an American privateer of 20 guns. She left Boston 14 August. He reports that Adml. How with the reinforcement he had receivd went down to Rhode Island. He there found Comte D’estaing who on his approach stood out to meet him. A Gale of wind prevented their engageing. Both Fleets sufferd severely by the Storm many ships being dismasted. Admiral How was returnd to New York and Comte d’Estaing had retaken his Post before Rhode Island. New Port was invested by the American Army. The privateer in her Passage took two packet Boats One from New York to England the other from England to New York many officers of Rank on board. He has brought Prisoners into Couronna, four Colonels four Majors Eighty others of different degrees.
     A French Frigate has sent into Vigo a Lisbon Packet with fifty Thousand pounds Sterling in Specie.
     An Engagement betwixt a Spaniard and an English Privateer has occationd the sending from Ferol Two Spanish Frigates in quest of the Privateer with orders to bring her into Port if met with. I hope to be favor’d in course of post with the Letter of Marque for the Ship Livingston, requested by my last. Mr. Livingston writes me the Ship is in great forwardness. I should be sorry to have her detain’d. She will mount twenty Guns, is burthen 400 tons and will be mannd proportionally.
     The French Merchants are in a most Critical State. All their ships are on the Seas coming home without Convoy. Upwards of fifty Sail are already taken. The Loss is estimated at One Milion Sterling. Premiums on them are at from 45 to 60 per cent. Their west India Trade is attended at this day with Charges as heavy as to the American States and more exposed. We ought to benefit by the present Opening but so great a stagnation has taken place that we see not a trantient adventurer. There are in this Port four Virginia Pilot Boats which all will not carry one hundred and fifty Tons, they are to load Salt and some triffling stock of Habadashery.
     Had I your Commissions I could at this Day lay in a most Suitable Assortment of Coarse Woollens such as Blankets, Cloths, Moltens, Baizes, flannells, frizes, in short all articles of the most useful and highest Nessessity for this Winter the whole amounting to About Two hundred Thousand Livres. The goods are here in Store and could be Shipt in five Days, a most seasonable Supply it would prove to the States. Term for Payment say twelve Months if required could be obtain’d. All could be shipt without a days Delay as the object would be sufficient to load a Vessel which I could either Charter or purchase as you would most approve. Recommending this Humbly to your serious Consideration I am with due Respect Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Serv

      John Bondfield