Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Wilhelm Augustine von Steuben, 29 October 1779
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur l’ambassadeurCustrin, dans le marché neufle 29. 8bre. 1779.—
Vôtre Excellence voudra bien me pardonner avec bonté Si je recourre de nouveau à Elle. Mon fils frederic Wilhelm von Steuben m’à marqué quil s’étoit engagé en Septembre 1777. au Service amériquain en qualité de General, & il m’à addressé à Mr. de Beaumarchais. Cependant depuis lors je n’ay reçû aucune nouvelle ny réponce. Comme par ce moyen je Suis dans l’incertitude, je prie trés humblement vôtre Excellence d’avoir la bonté de m’apprendre par quelques lignes Si mon fils est encore en vie, ou ce qui en est avec luy. Il ne peut être autrement que ces Circonstances ne vous soyent Connuës. J’ay bientôt 81. ans & ma femme 73. ans Jespére que vous voudrés bien ne pas refuser cette grace à deux Viellards.
Je suis avec la plus grande Consideration De vôtre Excellence Le très humble & très obeisst. servt.
signé W.H. VON Steúben—Major & chevalier de l’ordre du Mérite.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 30 October 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr SirOctor 30. 1779
Since I wrote you by Mr. Luard the 8 & 12th. Int. (and in these letters took the liberty to introduce Mr Luard to you) Igave you a line by common post the 20th. past, giving an accot. that an amn. Privateer caled the Gen Glover was taken by the frigate wch. brot over Adml. Byron from Antigua abot. the 20th Sept.; This vessel soon after her sailing from No Carolina fell in with DEstaigns fleet & was with the fleet the 13. 14. & 15 Sept off the Coasts of No Carolina, 24 Ships of the line frigates &c— they had a fair wind, & were steering Noward. Byron is much blamd for not sending this prize Express to New York with advices that DEstaign was on the Coast & steering Noward. It seems that his appearance there will be a great surprize to Clintons army. The latest accots. from that quarter is the 17th. Sept. there were then 4,000 men ready for an Expedition soward— The intelligent here say that 2,000 of them were going to Quebec, and one to garrison Pensacola agt. the Spaniards. Notwithstanding DEstaigns move of situation we are much in fear for Jama. Two Regts. of the new raisd Corps will be sent there on bod. the fleet wch. sails abot the 12 or 15 next month Rodney with 4 or 5 ships of the line & abot 30 merchantm will compose this fleet, & the troops are to be put on board the common merchant ships.
Mr. S——y who was lately with you was detaind sometime on his way & only arrivd last week. He will go in a few days with a large Cargoe.
By this conveyance there will be forwarded some duplicates of letters from our friend DH which He supposes have not got regularly to hand, at least those wch. are the most material & which relate to the Excha. of Prisoners— The crew of the Genl Glover Privateer has added 60 to the numbers in Forton which make them 206 there and 193 at Plymo. As yet there is no appearance of the Cartel moving, & the agents say she is only stopt for want of the French passport— Mr. H and myself are in dayly hopes it will soon arrive; I am very much plagued with their solicitations, & in keeping them quiet. I believe had it not been for Capt C——m, many of those in mill prison would have enterd into the service of the navy here, to which they have had strong temptation from want & the large bountys offerd them.
I have forwarded & got supplyd to Capt. C——m thirty odd pounds. I wrote you before that I had drawn on G——d for fifty pounds the 27th last month for the purpose of help to Capt. C——m. G——d (altho I wrote him to present the bill to you) writes to the person who negotiated it here, that it was not paid or presentd for want of advice; and I am yet uninformd whether it is paid or not & consequently without the money. I remitted a second to the same bill abot. a fortnight ago, and wrote him as I had before done that my bills on you, were by Your order; and desird they might be presented to you before any Ansr. might be given as to protest or acceptance &c—this I thought was advice enough, but he does not seem to think so.
I now inclose You two american Loan Office Bills, the property of a man who is in want in mill prison. One is for 80 the other 36 Dollars making in the whole four hundred & Eighty Livres. If they are good, be pleased to mention so to me in a common letter directed Mr Wm. Singleton Church Nandos Coffee House; and Mr Luard will bear the amot. of them to me provided He has not left Paris—or I dare say Mr W——lp——e will take the trouble of it when He may return. By any such oppery. I should be glad of a name to direct to you under cover to Monr G——d, wch may be safer than your own. There are many little trifling occurrances here that may be useful for you to know, & wch I can communicate safely by that means, but when sent immedy. to You they will be stopt in the Post Office where letters lately have undergone a stricter scrutiny than heretofore. I should be very thankful for a line by common post as soon as this gets to hand, to know whether the poor Prisoners bills herewith inclosd are good or not. Yr. Letter may be directed a Monr. Monr. Wm Singleton Church, Nandos Coffee Ho.
I find by yours of the 7th (recd. since I sat down to write this letter) that some of my letters have miscarryd; for I think I have in two or three mentiond the particular situation and present treatment of Capt. C——m.— He was taken in May by an Engs Frigate, sent to & kept in Irons on board the sd. frigate at N York till put on board the Grantham Packet wch. arrivd at Falmo. the 8th July in a passage of only 17 days.—He was sent directly (Irond) to Pendennis Castle & denied pen  & Ink or to speak to any one but the Goaler. As a Mr Milligan from Maryld. was a passenger in the packet, I very soon heard of Capt C—— situation, & wrote four or five times to a friend of mine in Falmo. to give him every necessary help, but this could not be done there, as no one was allowd to speak to him, & my friend being fearful to trust the Goaler, & not on the spot while he was removing, He was put on board a Sloop of war much in want of Cloaths & refreshment. As soon as I was certain of His confinement & situation, I got a freind to solicit the Board of sick & hurt to have his Irons taken of & get him removd to Mill Prison; the request was granted, tho in such a manner as left me at a loss to know if he was gone a cruise in the ship from falmouth, or impressd as a Seaman; however he got a letter from me the 20th. of Augt. since which He has been as comfortably situated as his place of confinement will admit, & I have had many letters full of thanks from him, & the last very expressive of gratitude to You for yr. offer of assistance, which has been got to him by little & little above thirty pounds, & for which you shall hereafter have his receipts. As it has been principally laid out by a frd. of mine in Plymo. in purchasing Him Cloaths (of which He was extreemly bare) and other comforts, I have not yet recd the accots, & indeed shall not until I hear his wants have been amply satisfyd. He deserves this & much more from Me, & I most cordially wish I had it more in my power to comply with the frequent solicitations I have from that and another quarter. I have spent so much that I really must stop; This is the case with some others here, and as our Subscripn. is in the last fifty, God knows what will become of these poor fellows when it is gone & if the Cartel should be stopt. The last five rects and your intimation are before the Board of Sick & hurt, & we are hopeing dayly for an Ansr. I wish the Texel scheme may be acceptd, but altho humanity to the suffering Prisoners there may point it out, I have little Expectation it will; because the pride of these Gentry may prevent it.
I gave your message to Mr. R——pe & He was extreemly thankful. I did not observe by his manner that he meant soon to take a journey. By his recommendation a Mr. D. Williams sent me two books of His Lectures, which He requested might be forwarded to You. They are gone by a like conveyance to the two paper parcels I lately forwarded to Mr Grand at Amm. (who acknowleges the Rect. of them to Me) I mean those from Mr. V——n. When you get them, it will be a satisfaction to Mr. V. to hear they are got safe, & I shall be glad to hear of the safe arrival of the books.
I find by a letter from Mr. I——d He is now at Amm. ready to embark for Ama. I suppose in consequence of some late resolves. I am sorry for the motives or purposes for wch. He is going to Ama.; that Country has enough to do without entering into further & fatal broils— Some folks seem to like living in hot water.
His friend J. T——e is still here; I see him now & then, but can make nothing out as to what he is about. I beleive he brought over something like a whisper, and is now seemingly much displeasd at the manner it has been treatd. Our friend DH says he is perfectly honest and right, but in these times of peril & false appearances I keep a distance & live but among a few; one of these is honest little B——g——n who is in some expectation of hearing from you I beleive on the subject of some copper meddals. I wish you all success & happiness & am with the highest esteem Yr. very obligd & ob Sert.
Alexr. Hammilton

Addressed: A Monsieur Monsieur B. Franklin / Passy
Notation: Digges Oct 30 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François-André Méchain, 30 October 1779
From: Méchain, Pierre-François-André
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieurà paris le 30. 8bre. 1779
Je prens la liberté de vous adresser une lettre de M. le Marquis de la fayette en faveur de M. de Noemer Docteur en Médecine et Conseiller de la ville de Ziric-zée en Zélande; ce savant a dessein de s’établir dans les Etats unis de l’amerique, je crois même quil a deja eu l’honneur de vous etre presenté, Monsieur, par M. l’abbé rozier, pour vous supplier de vouloir bien lui accorder votre recommandation. Je me suis engagé de solliciter pour lui la même grace auprès de M. de lafayette, mais en attendant la reponse M. de Noemer a etè obligè de retourner en Zélande ou je dois la lui envoyer.
Je recois, en arrivant de la Campagne, les lettres de M. de la fayette qui Contiennent celle ci pour vous Monsieur, laquelle en renferme une autre de lui pour le Congrès Américain selon ce quil me fait lhonneur de me mander. Je vous supplie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien ordonner quelle soit remise à la poste à mon adresse, afin que je puisse la faire parvenir à M. de Noemer, pour qui sans doute, toutes difficultés seront applanies et qui sera certain dun plein succés si vous daignez joindre votre puissante protection à celle de M. de lafayette. J’ai trop craint d’abuser de vos momens precieux pour oser vous presenter cette lettre moi meme etant d’ailleurs encore plus admirateur des savans que Connu deux.

Je suis avec un très profond respect Monsieur votre trés humble et très obeissant serviteur
Mechainastronome hydrographe du Depôt de laMarine vielle rue du temple

Notation: Mechaine Oct 30 79.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Officers of the American Squadron: Affidavit, [30 October 1779]
From: Officers of the American Squadron
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[October 30, 1779]
The officers Who are Knowing to the following facts, Will please to mention them in full unequivocal terms in their Certificates.
1.   The Captain of the alliance did not take the Steps in his power to prevent his Ship from getting foul of the Bonhomme Richard in the Bay of Biscay; for instead of putting his helm a Weather, and bearing up to make Way for his Commanding officer (Which Was his Duty) he left the deck for to load his pistols.
2.  When in Chace of a Ship (Supposed an English East india man) on the Day of August 1779. Captn: Landais did not do his utmost to overtake that ship, Which he might easily have done before night; but put his helm a Weather and bore away Sundry times in the day after Alliance had gained the Wake of the chace and was overtaking her Very fast.—
3.  Captain Landais beheaved With Disrespect and Impertinence towards the Commander in Chief of the Squadron on frequent occasions—
4.  He disobeyed his Signals—
5.  He Very Seldom answered any of them—
6.  He Expressed his fears and apprehensions of being taken on the Coast of Ireland, and insisted on Leaving Sight of it immediatly When We had Cruised there only two days—
7.  His Separation from the Squadron the first time must have happened Either thro’ ignorance or design, because tho’ he distinctly Saw the Signal for the Course before night. Yet he altered it first two and then four points of the Compass before morning—
8.  His Separation from the Squadron the Second time must also have happened thro’ ignorance or design, because the Wind being at N.W. and the other Ships to his Knowledge laying too and being a Stern of the Alliance—What less than Separation Could be the Consequence of his obstinacy in ordering the Weather main brace to be hauled in and the Ship to be Steered S.W. and S.W.B.S. in the trough of the Sea, Which Was done from ten at night till morning: and he Would not then permit the Ship to be tacked in order to rejoin the Squadron as was proposed to him by the officers.—
9.  On the morning of the 23. of September When the B. h. R. after being off the Spurn Came in Sight of the Alliance and Pallas off flamborough head, Captn. Landais distinctly told Captn. Cottineau, that if it Was, as it appeared, a fifty guns Ship; they must run away: altho’ he must have been Sure that the Pallas from her heavy Sailing must have fallen a Sacrifice.
10.  In the afternoon of the Same day, Captn. Landais paid no attention to Signals, particularly the Signal of preparation and for the Line Which Was made With great Care and Very distinctly on board the B. h. R.—
11.  Altho’ the Alliance was a Long Way a head of the B. h. R., When bearing down on the Baltic fleet, yet Captn. Landais lay out of gun Shot to Windward, and until the B. h. R. had passed by and Closely engaged the Serapis, and then instead of Comming to close action with the Countess of Scarborough the Alliance fired at Very Long Shot—
12.  He continued to Windward and a Considerable time after the action began, fell a Stern and Spoke the Pallas; Leaving the Countess of Scarborough in the Wake of the Ships engaged, and at free Liberty to rake the B. h. R.—
13.  After the B. h. R. and Serapis Were made fast along Side of Each other, as in the margin (Which Was not done till an hour after the Engagement began) Captn. Landais, out of musquet Shot Raked the B. h. R. With Cross bar and grape Shot &ca. Which Killed a number of men, dismounted Sundry guns, put out the side Lights and Silenced all the 12. pounders—
14.  The alliance then Ran down towards the Pallas and Countess of Scarborough that Were at the time Engaged at a Considerable distance to Leeward of the B. h. R. and Serapis, and Captn. Landais hovered about there out of gun Shot and Without firing till Some time after the Countess of Scarborough had Struck, and then bore down under his top Sails and Spoke first the prise, and then the Pallas asking a number of questions—
15.  At Last Captn. Landais made Sail under his top’s Sails to Work up to Windward, but made tacks before he (Being Within the Range of grape Shot, and at the Longuest three quarters of an hour before the Serapis struck) fired a Second broadside into the B. h. R.’s Larboard quarter, the Latter part Whereof Was fired When the Alliance was not more than three points abaft the B. h. R.’s beam, altho’ many tongues had Cryed from the B. h. R. that Captn. Landais Was firing into the Wrong Ship, and prayed him to Lay the Enemy along Side; three Large Signal Lanthorns With proper Signal Wax Candles in them, and Well Lighted had also previously to his firing been hung over the bow quarter and Wraist of the B. h. R. in a horisontal Line, which Was the Signal of reconnaissance, and the Ships, the one having a heigh poop and being all black, the other having a low Stern With yellow Sides, Were Easily distinguishable it being full moon—
16.  The alliance then passed at a Very Considerable distance along the larboard or off Side of the B. h. R. and having tacked and gained the Wind ran down again to Leeward, and in Crossing the B. h. R.’s bow Captn. Landais Racked her With a third broad Side after being Constantly Called to from the B. h. R. not to fire, but to Lay the Enemy along Side.
17.  Sundry men Were Killed and Wounded by the broadsides mentioned in the two Last articles—
18.  Captain Landais never passed on the off Side of the Serapis, nor Could that Ship Ever bring a gun to bear on the Alliance at any time during the Engagement—
19.  The Leakes of the B. h. R. Increased much after being fired upon by the Alliance; and as the most dangerous Shot Which the B. h. R. received under Water Were under the Larboard bow and quarter, they must have come from the Alliance, for the Serapis Was on the other Side.
20.  Several people on board the Alliance told Captn. Landais at different times, that he fired upon the Wrong Ship, others refused to fire.—
21.  The alliance only fired three Vollies, while Within gun Shot of the B. h. R. and Serapis—
22.  The morning after the Engagement Captn. Landais acknowledged on board the Serapis that he Raked Each time With grape Shot, which he Knew Would Scatter—
23.  Captain Landais has acknowledged Since the action that he Would have thought it no harm if the B. h. R. had struck for it Would have given him an opportunity to retake her and to take the Serapis—
24.  He has frequently declared that he Was the only American in the Squadron, and that he was not under the Orders of Captn. Jones.
25.  In Comming into the texel, he declared that if Captn. Jones Should hoist a broad pendant, he Would to Vex him hoist another—

I attest the Articles Number 2. 4. 5. 10. 11. 15. 16. and 22. to be matters of fact, and I believe all the rest.
Robert Coram Midshipman of the late Ship of War the Bonhomme Richard

I attest the articles number, 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 11. 13. 15. 16. 17. 19. 21. 22. to be matters of fact, and I belive all the rest.
J. W. Linthwaite Midshipman of the Late ship of war the Bon Homme Richard

I attest the articles Number, 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 11. 13. 15. 16. 17. 19. 21. 22. to be matters of fact, and I believe all the rest.
John Mayrant. Midshipman of the late Ship of War the Bon H Richard

I attest the Articles Number, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 22. 23. & 24. to be matters of fact, and I believe all the rest.
Lt. Col. Wuibert. american Engineer and Commanding officer of the Volunteers on board Serapis late of the Bon Homme Richard.

I attest the Articles Number, 2. 3. 11. to be matters of Fact, & I believe all the rest.
Benjn. Stubbs Midshipman of the Late Ship of War the Bon H. Richard

I attest the Articles Number, 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 11. 13. 15. 16. & 17. to be Matters of Fact & I believe all the Rest.
Thos. Potter Midshipman of the late Ship of War the Bon H. Richard

I attest the Articles Number, 2. 3. 4. 5. 10. 11. 13. 15. & 19. to be Matters of Fact & I believe all the Rest.
Nathl. Fanning Midshipman of the late Ship of War the Bon H. Richard

I attest the Articles, 3. 4. 5. 10. 11. 13. 15. 16. 17. 19. & 21 to be Matters of fact & I believe all the Rest.
Thos. Lundy Midshipman of the late Ship of War the Bon H. Richd:

I attest the Articles Number, 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 11. 13. 15. 16. & 17. to be Matters of Fact and I believe all the Rest.
Beaumont Groube Midn. of the late Ship of War the Bon H. Richd.

We attest the Articles Number, 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 11. 12. 18.
   *N.B. The Alliance never pass’d on the offside of the Serapis
 20. & 21. to be matters of Fact.
James Degge Liet. John Larchar JUNR. Masters Mate on board the AllianceJohn Buckley Master

I attest the Articles 2. 3. 4. 5. 10. 11. 15. 16. 17. 18. 23. to be matters of fact
Stack Lt. of Walsh’s Regt. and Offer. of Volunteers on Board the Bon Homme Richard by congé from Court

I attest the Articles 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 11. 13. 15. 19. 23. 24. to be matters of fact
Macarthy offr. of Walsh’s Regiment and Lt of Voluteers on board the Bonhomme Richard

I atestte Les Articles 11. 12. 14. & 24. quant à l’article 4. j’ai connoissance quil à refusé d’obeir aux Signaux de se rendre à bord du bonhomme Richard, et relativement à l’article 9. je me rappelle quil me dit Si c’est un vaissau au dessus de 50 Canons nous n’avons que le parti de la fuitte.
De Cottineau De Kerloguen.Capne de La Pallas

I attest the Articles 2. 5. 11. 12. 20. 22. to be matters of fact.
M. Parke Capt. of Marines on board the American Frigate Alliance.

I attest the Articles 2. 3. 4. 5. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 21. to be matters of fact
Richard Dale, Lieutenant of the late Ship of War the Bon Homme Richard.

I Attest the Articles 2. 3. 4. 5. 11. 14. 22. to be matters of fact.
Henry Lunt Lieutenant of the late Ship of War the Bon HommeRichard

I Attest the Articles 2. 3. 4. 5. 10. 11. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 21. to be matters of fact
Samuel Stacy Master of the late Shipof War the Bon Homme Richard.

Notation: Articles respecting the behavior of Captain Landais since we left l’orient. October 30th. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas O’Gorman, 30 October 1779
From: O’Gorman, Thomas, chevalier
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Doctor and best of Excellencies.Tonnerre 30th. 8ber. 1779.
I embrace the first moment I have enjoyed since the vintage to present you my best respects and to acquaint you of the quantity and quality of our late crop of Wine. The quantity has not answer’d our expectations, the vintage affords not quite a one third of a full crop, but the quality is excellent.
As your Excellency flattered me with the hope of having the honour to furnish you duely with your provision of Wine, I shall let you have at the rate of 300 l.t. the muid or two casks the first growth of 1776 both of red and white wine such as I furnish to the nobility of England, and the second growth of Sd. year for your ordinary at 220 l.t. The first will amount to no more than 1 l.t. 2s. per bottle and the Second to about 15 sols delivered at your hotel at Passy.
I should be glad to know your Commands as soon as possible as I have wrote circular letters to all my correspondants with the intent to empty my cellars of all my old wine before my speedy departure for England.
I flatter my self that the Count Destaing, who I am credibly informed steared his course towards New York, has ’ere now sufficiently revenged on Admiral Colliers the destruction of the American fleet at Penobscot. I hope likewise that in Concert with General Washington he will oblidge the Royalist to evacuate New York & Rhode-Island. I beg you’l inform me of whatever good News you have from the other side of the Atlantic. You know my sincere good Wishes for the Cause and my ardent desire of becoming one day or other a good subject of yours. I hope you’l aid my endavours for that purpose and back my postulation with M. de Sartine. Please to present my best compliments to young M. Franklin and beleive me to remain with the greatest Deference Dr. Doctor your Excellency’s Most devoted and humble Servant
Le Chevr. O Gorman

  P.S. My Sister in Law presents you with her Respectful Compliments. She is well and amuses herself with embellishing her Domaine and preparing a good and Comfortable habitation for herself. She and I would be very happy to receive you and your grandson in this Country, but we can hardly expect a visit from you in your present Situation; when America is quite free, which I hope will be Soon, then you’l be able to take the amusement of a good vintage with us and make your observations on the Culture of vineyards./.
  his excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Chevr: Gormon Oct 13 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 31 October 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear, honoured SirLahaie 31e. Oct. 1779.
I send you herewith copy of the Letter I received yesterday, with a loose Seal, from his Exc. the french Ambassador, & which I forwarded the Same day with another of mine, of which also I join an Extract. If we can but get safe our Squadron to Dunkirk, then it must be acknowledged that the Sending of it in a Dutch Port, has produced an admirable effect, & does in every respect the greatest honour to the politic views of him who has imagined it. If our brave Commodore Should be taken or Killed, the same effect would subsist, but at a dear rate.
Our friend has not yet been able to procure me the Resolution, which I must have, to translate it, & then pay a visit to the g. P. He has sent me in the meantime another Resolution of late, 13 pages in folio, concerning the unlimited convoys, a matter, which I think will remain undecided, till this war is over. If I had any leisure, or rather the help of a Secretary, I should send you a translation of it, for it is a curious piece, which would give you a clear idea of the artifices of our cunctators, & of the marine circumstances of this rep.
Mr. Izard is at Amsterdam. I don’t know his business there. He & Mr. Neufville have exchanged a visit each. I have not seen him.
There is a vessel building at Amsterdam, after the pattern of Mr. Sayre, at the expence of some merchants there. Tuesday to come the States of Holland will resume their Assembly.
I think, Sir, I have forgotten to tell you of a very great desertion of people from the Serapis, not less than 25 Men at once. 15 of whom have been retaken on the spot before they reached te Shore, 5 are drowned, & 5 we have got arrested at Amsterdam by authority of the Magistrate, & sent them back on board. The Magistrate of Amsterdam, as well as the commanding Officer of the road have behaved very friendly on this occasion.
I am with very great respect, ever Dear & honoured Sir your most obedient & humble servant
Dumas
Passy à Son E. Mr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / B. Franklin, Esqr. Min. Plenip. / of the United States, &c. / Passy . / .
Notation: Dumas. Octr. 29. 1779


Title: Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1779
From:
To:

One new account begins during the period covered by this volume:
XXIV. Jonathan Williams, Jr.’s Account with Franklin for Officers’ and Soldiers’ Clothing, January 7, 1780, to May 31, 1781: National Archives, 44 pp.
This seems to be a complete accounting of Williams’ expenses incurred in procuring and shipping the congressional order for military uniforms and other supplies. The first two pages contain miscellaneous expenses; the only one relevant to this volume is the payment, on Jan. 10, of 14.1 l.t. to “a Lawyer for a consultation.” Following are statements of merchants’ names, quantities of supplies, voucher numbers, and charges. There are also a list of bills drawn on Le Ray de Chaumont, an account of the loss or discount paid on negotiating those bills, and an enumeration of the contents of bales and trunks shipped, along with their baling marks.
Account XVI (Franklin’s Cash Book, XXVI, 3) throws light on the running of the Passy press, with eleven entries in four months. Its staff went up from four to five, i.e., Hémery, still at 24 l.t. a week, Beauville (also spelled Beuville or Bieuville) at half that amount, Beauville’s brother, who may be the same person as Roque (also spelled Rocque or Rocq), whose salary was 3 l.t. per week, which made it equivalent to that of the female helper alternately called Woman or Madelon, and of the adolescent referred to as Boy, Giard, Garr, or Guard. The other press expenses included 198.16 l.t. paid to Hémery for “Lead & Regulus” and 372 l.t. paid to Fagnion on December 11 for sixty-two puncheons and matrices. Wood was also purchased.

Gratifications, known in France as étrennes, came due at the New Year: 220 l.t. went to “sundry,” a bonus of one week’s salary to “the Work folk” at the press, 384 to the servants of ministers, 48 to the Suisse at the Oeil-de-Boeuf, the King’s antechamber in Versailles, and another 48 to the servants in the Salle des Ambassadeurs. The domestics of M Tolozan and those of M de Senneville, who succeeded him as Introducteur des Ambassadeurs, were rewarded with a total of 72 l.t. for their services.
Charities were not forgotten: 24 l.t. to the poor on January 1st, 3 l.t. “to the poor Boy who was offered me as a Clerk,” and 48 on January 17 to Mr. Lea, “a poor Irish Gentleman who came with a Project.” On February 4 this same Mr. Lea received 72 l.t. “to help him home.”
Franklin purchased a telescope on December 25 from Ciceri (for 120 l.t.) and a blanket in late January. He indulged a number of times in the public baths, paying between 3 and 4 l.t. a session. On November 7 he reimbursed the abbé Morellet for nine volumes of the Arts et Métiers.
Account XVII (Franklin’s private account with Ferdinand Grand, XXVI, 3) records the amount of 3330 l.t. coming to him as income from his investment in the Caisse d’Escompte.
Account XXIII (William Temple Franklin’s account of family expenses, XXIX, 3) allows us to keep track of the Franklin household: Coitmet the cook, Joseph Bogay the garçon de cuisine, François and Arbelot, the grandfather and grandson’s personal servants, Henriette Terrier the seamstress, Mme Le Maire the washerwoman, plus the occasional helpers like Rogers the painter, Bernard the glazier, Maillet the blacksmith, and an unspecified number of gardeners.
The family renewed its subscription to the Mercure de France and the Journal de Paris; they also bought a Latin Bible, a three-volume Spanish dictionary as well as a Spanish grammar, a two-volume French-English dictionary, Sidney’s treatise, plus other books, unnamed. They paid 39 l.t. on November 19 to M de St. Aubin for portraits of General Washington et al., tipped Le Veillard’s servant who brought them cider, advanced 288 l.t. to Joseph Brown of South Carolina and, on February 7, hired a bed for L’Air de Lamotte who started his secretarial duties at that time. Banker Grand was reimbursed the 24 l.t. spent on a pair of furred boots and two pairs of flannel stockings for Franklin. The largest outlay was to their landlord Chaumont’s daughter for the hire of carriage and horses, 1,871 l.t.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Franz Anton Mesmer, [before 1 November 1779]
From: Mesmer, Franz Anton
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Excellence
[before November 1, 1779]
J’aurai l’honneur de vous recevoir avec le plus grand Empressement ainsi que Madame de Brillon, le jour que vous indiqués. Je Regretterai de ne pouvoir donner à cette dame toute la Satisfaction qu’elle desire, mon harmonica n’étant point monté et ne pouvant l’être d’ici à ce têms.
Je Serai flatté si je peux vous mettre à même de reconnoitre la Réalité et l’utilité de ma decouverte et vous donner des preuves du profond Respect avec lequel je Suis, de Votre Excellence, Le très humble et très obèissant Serviteur
Mesmer
M. franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cradock Taylor, 1 November 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Taylor, Cradock

Sir
Passy, Nov. 1. 1779.
I received yours of the 25th. Past, with Sundry Letters enclos’d from Mr. Fraser to you, and being now convinc’d that you are an honest American, and have not been a Volunteer in the English Service, I shall immediately endeavour to procure your Discharge. In the meantime, you may draw on me for five Louis d’ors, which I shall pay on sight of your Bill to assist you in going to some Seaport. You will not wonder at my Diffidence with regard to seamen pretending to be Americans, when you understand that no less than three Boats Crews of men who had been taken out of french Prisons & shipp’d by Capt. Jones under that Denomination deserted from him on the Coast of Ireland and England, carrying off his Boats, and declaring when they landed that they had shipt themselves with that intention, I am, sir, Your most obedient and most humble sert.
M. Cradock Taylor at Aix en Provence.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, 1 November 1779
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 1er novembre [1779] a la thuillerie
Me voila donc réduitte a vous écrire mon bon papa et a vous dire que je vous aime; il étoit plus doux sans doutte de vous le laissér lire dans mes yeux; comment vaisje passér les mercredis et les samedis—point de thé, point d’échécs, point de musique, point d’éspérance de voir, d’embrassér mon bon papa—il me semble que la privation que j’éprouve de votre eloignement suffiroit pour me faire changér d’oppinion au cas que je fusse porté au matérialisme; le bonheur est si incértain si rempli de travérses, que la pérsuasion intime d’éstre plus heureux dans une autre vie, peut seule nous faire passér sur les inconvénients de célle cy: en paradis nous nous retrouvérons pour ne nous plus quittér jamais! Nous n’y vivrons que de pommes roties; la musique sera composée d’airs écossois; toutes les parties seront remises aux échécs pour que pérsonne n’y ait de chagrin; on parlera la mesme langue; les anglois n’y seront n’y injustes, n’y méchants; les fémmes n’y seront point coquéttes, les hommes n’y seront n’y jaloux, n’y trop gallants; on laissera le roy jean mangér ses pommes en paix; il sera peut éstre assés honnéste pour en offrir a ses voisins, que sçait on, puisqu’on ne manquera de rien en paradis! On n’y aura jamais n’y goutte, n’y meaux de nérfs; mr Mesmer Se contera [contentera] de jouér de l’harmonica, sans nous ennuyér du fluide Eléctrique; l’ambition, l’envie, la prétention, la jalousie, la prévention, tout cela s’anéantira au son de la trompétte; une amitié sollide, douce, paisible animera chaques sociétés; on s’aimera chaques jours, pour s’aimér d’avantage le jour d’aprés, enfin l’on sera compléttement heureux: en attendant il faut tirér de ce bas monde tout le bien qu’on en peut tirér. Je suis éloignée de vous mon bon papa; je pense au moment de notre réunion, et je me plais a croire que vos regréts et vos désirs égallent les miens:
Ma mére et mes enfants vous présentent mil tendres hommages, nous voudrions tous vous posséder ici; oseroisje vous priér de nous rappeller au souvenir du petit fils:


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir, 1 November 1779
From: Lenoir, Jean-Charles-Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce 1er. 9bre. 1779.
Je reçois, Monsieur, la lettre que Vous me faittes l’honneur de m’écrire, et je donne sur le champ des ordres pour que le sr. smith soit observé avec la plus grande exactitude. Je charge même l’officier de police de se rendre chès vous pour vous prier de lui procurer les details qui pouraient lui être nécessaires, et prendre vos ordres.
Je suis avec un respectueux attachement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur.
Lenoir
M. francklin
 Notation: Le Noir 1 9bre. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 1 November 1779
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

    Amstm. the 1h Novr. 1779.
    High Honourable Sir.

Mr. Dumas left us last week, as he told us his presence should be required at the Hague from whence we gott his advice how to supply Mr Landay with money for his voyage to Paris, agreable to the orders of Your Excellency.

At the same time our homme d’affaires at the Helder mentiond some matters to us we thought best to look into ourSelfs, and have arranged them that the American Squadron shall be treated on the same footing as our own men of warr and that the English Spies Send there on purpose to hinder and embarass everything may do as little harm as possible.
We could wish to see the Danish pay soon, in their American possessions, for the irreverence shown to the colours of the United States at Bergen and their adopting the English party.
We have the honour to be always with the utmost Veneration and Esteem High Honourable Sir Your Excellencys most devoted and Obedien Servan
John DE Neufville & Son
 Notation: Neufville Joh & son 1. Nov. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Two Letters, 2 November 1779
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Dear & Hond. sir
Philadelphia Novr. 2, 1779
I did myself this pleasure, under different dates by the Frigate Confederacy, that sailed about a Week ago having on board Monsr. Gerard & Mr. Jay as Passengers— I now inclose you second Bills for another years Interest of your money in the loan office, amounting to 486 Dollars— I hope the safe arrival of the first Bills will render these useless— Sally and the Children are well, they join me in love & duty. We beg to be remembered to Temple— By a Gentleman lately out of New-york, we hear that his Father is well— I remain ever Dear Sir Your affectionate son
Rich: Bache
Dr. Franklin
 Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary from the United / States of No. America at the Court of [deleted: Versailles] / [in another hand:] a Passÿ pres paris
Endorsed: Presented 26. Decr 79.—

II.
Dear sir
Philadelphia Novr. 2, 1779
At the request of my Friend Mr. Mease, I take the Liberty of introducing to your Civilities the Bearers Mr. Robert Carson & Mr. Robert Gray, Gentlemen that have lived long in this State and have approved themselves good Citizens; they return to Europe upon a scheme of business, & may probably stand in need of passports from France to Holland or elsewhere; any services you can render them in this, or any other line, will greatly oblige Dear & Hond: sir Your affectionate son
Rich: Bache
Dr. Franklin
 Addressed: His Excelly. / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary from the United / States of No. America at the Court of / Versailles / Favored by / Messrs. Carson & Gray


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Cashinberry et al., [2 November 1779]
From: Cashinberry, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[November 2, 1779]
The Humble Petition of several of the private Men of late belonging to the Brig Cabot
  Sheweth
That your Petitioners have now been in Captivity three years the 22nd October last in the former Part of our Captivity we were Prisoners in Ireland along with Mr. George Thayer and after being in Ireland nine Months we were brought to Mill Prison were we still remain. Now Sir as we were in the Continential Service we humbly beseech your Honour to furnish us with a Small Sum of Cash whereby we may live and not die for our Donation is nearly all Expent and Times grows very hard & difficult.
Mr. Danl. Tillness of Providence in the State of Rhode Island was Agent for our Brig and if we have found favour in your sight so far as to have a little Money sent to us your Honour by transmitting the Account of it to him by which Means the Money your Honour is pleased to send will be Charged to each of our Names.
Your Honour in Granting this our humble Petition will greatly Oblige your Humble Petitioners
Peter CashinberryPaul MegeeDavid Covell

Mill Prison Novr. 2nd 1779
These are to Certify and make known to your Honour that the within mentioned Peter Cashinberry Paul Megee & David Covell were all taken in the Cabots Prize in the year 1776 October 22nd and I was Prize Master of said Prize and was carried into Ireland from thence made my Escape and entered on board the Lexington and was brought to this Prison were I met with my Ship Mates that were before carried into Ireland
George ThayrePrize Master

 Addressed: To / The Honble Benja Franklin Esqr. / at / Paris
Notations: Prisoners in Mill Prison Nov 2d 1779 / prisoner


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 2 November 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lahaie 2e. Nov. 1779
Dans la copie que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous envoyer, de l’avis du College d’Amsterdam, il y a une faute: au lieu du Placard de L. h. P. du 3 Nov. 1779, ce doit être 1756.
Mr. De Neufville me marque avoir été Samedi au Helder, pour y arranger l’avancement de diverses choses: “qu’il y a découvert les menées des Angl. pour y mettre de la confusion s’il étoit possible, & la façon dont se tient la correspondance secrette à Lahaie, savoir: que quelques matelots sont gagnés, pour se quereller de temps en temps avec les nôtres, & semer la discorde parmi les ouvriers, pour qu’ils travaillent le moins possible: qu’il y a un Espion qui sert d’Interprete, Commis de Maison Pye, Rich & Wilkieson, sous prétexte d’assister un des prisonniers Anglois, qui a un crédit de Hope & Compe. pour 1000 florins: qu’il y a une correspondance établie par la voie des bateaux pêcheurs le long de la côte hollandoise; que des vaisseaux armés, du dehors, entrent pour vendre du poisson & épier tout, convoient la Correspondance: Que, du reste, tout va bien, & que, pour ce qui dépend de lui, il croit que les navires pourront être prêts au commencement de la semaine prochaine, &c.”
Je ne suis pas content de l’Auteur des Lettres hollandoises: c’est un étourdi & un indiscret à la fois: il m’a nommé dans une de ses Lettres, & il m’attribue une fausseté puérile. Comme vous les lisez, Monsieur, je vous en parle, autrement je n’aurois pas daigné relever cela. Mr. De S— les reçoit aussi, à ce que l’auteur m’a dit.
Je n’ai pas encore la Résolution que je vous ai annoncée; & par conséquent je n’ai pas encore fait la visite. J’irai voir ce soir si notre Ami est arrivé. Je suis avec un très grand respect, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
 Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. plenip. des Etats-Unis / &c. / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas 2 Nov. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Court de Gébelin, 2 November 1779
From: Gébelin, Antoine Court de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur & T.C.F.
2e. 9bre. 79
J’esperois trouver le moment de vous rendre mes devoirs et de vous porter le 6e. vole. du Monde Prim. pour lequel vous m’avez fait l’honneur de souscrire, lorsque j’en ai toujours été empeché par une suite d’evenemens de toute espece. Je prens donc la liberté de vous l’envoyer, avec une reconnoissance pour le volume suivant.
J’y joins egalement un exemplaire pour M. Adams, avec une quittance, dans l’esperance que vous voudrez bien l’aquitter.
Je serai très flatté si ce nouveau Volume a l’avantage de vous plaire; personne n’etant plus jaloux de votre aprobation que celui qui est avec la plus haute estime & les sentimens les plus distingués Monsieur & T.C.F. Votre très h. & tr. ob. Serviteur
Court DE Gebelin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 2 November 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Havre 2d. November 1779
With a trüe satisfaction I have seen that the Royal influence in the irish parliament, fell very short of Ministerial expectations, and that some patriots Begin to speack a Bold language, and mention the Blessed words of independency and the Rights of Mankind— In the eyes of people that would be strangers to parliamentary Barking, such Speeches would be mistaken for a certain Signal of what they Call at St. james a Rebellion— However far I may be from earnestly Conceiving so sanguine hopes, I can’t help being heartly Rejoic’d with such an oppening of the session— The injures ireland has hitherto suffered, Its Commercial interests that are totally opposite to those of English sea-towns, the happy circumstance of theyr having troops on foot, the war Betwen france and great Britain, the exemple and Patronage of America, and the Blundering Tyrrannical Measures of our friend George the third, Are inducements that May Bring ireland to the sense of what they Can, and what they ought to do.
I want very Much, My dear Sir, to know your opinion upon a point which from My zeal to the Common Cause, and my principles on the Right of Mankind, you may judge very interesting for me— Do you Believe that a firm Reconciliation will take place Betwen these two parts of the British Empire? — Do you on the Contrary entertain hopes that the Revolution will be soon Ripe Enough?— Are you of opinion that We ought to pursue the Same Measures that had been entered upon in the Course of last summer?

I am not very found of seeing dukes and other lords at the head of the Business— Nobility is But an insignificant kind of people for Revolutions— they have no notions of Equality Betwen men, they want to govern, they have too much to loose— Good presbiterian farmers would go on with more spirit than all the Noblemen of Ireland— Don’t you think I am Right in this opinion?
By the News papers I see that Cunningam is going to be Exchang’d— Retaliation would teach politeness and humanity to these gentlemen, ten times better than the Remorse of theyr consciences or the speeches of theyr patriots.
The Conduct of the danes towards us seems to be dirty enough— I can’t help being angry with them, As far as one may feel anger against those one dispises— The time will come where the [they] may court the favor of the United States, who, I hope, will for a while consider themselves as not independant for them— In the mean while jones may By the way take some little Revenge on them, that will not be worth being Considered By Nations.
With a great impatience I waït for News from home and Beg you to forward me Any that May Come to hand.
With the most perfect Regard, and affection I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most obedient humble servant
Lafayette
My Best Compliments waït on Mr. J.H. Franklin
 Notation: La Fayette 2 Nov 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurence et al., 2 November 1779
From: Laurence, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it Please Your Excellency
Mill Prison Plymouth Nov 2. 1779
It is by the greatest restriction that your humble Petitioners endeavoured to once make mention of the reasons hereunto annexed, were it not out of the greatest, and most Substantial proofs of impulsion, and as it is the sole province of our design, to nudate the Identical interveiws, that your Excellency may have, when further Explicated.
Your Excellency’s humble Petitioners the subscribers, being the now unhappy and infortunate remaining Persons taken in the Brigantine Lexington, in the most Honourable Service of the United States; and have for twenty five months past, laboured under the most disagreeable State of Confinement, as poor indigent subjugated like Criminals, have during that Space of Time proved burdinsome to our Friends the Honourable Commitee, whom so bountifully subsisted in relieving us with necessary Support; but being informed that this Specimen being now exhausted, the Cartel Stopt, the Cold winter approaching, and hunger a severity inconsistent of humanity, there fore we beseech your Excellency, that you will be Pleased to Condescend, to relieve your unhappy Petitioners in their Critical Situation, with little money from our Prize money, or wages due.
Your humble Petitioners being informed that Jonathan Williams Esqr. Executed the Office of Continentel Agent at Nantz, to him we transmited our grevances, derogating a little trifle of help, to be deducted from our wages, but to make us more unhappy in our present Situation, we received neither response or answer, where as it has Caused us ever Since the most impasific State of Life; and that owing to the many jalous items of the Common hands, in as much as the disrespectful assurance that are to be aquired of our Agents, were they there present, when not at least Comunicating his either disapproved, other wise his non acceptance. But as your humble Petitioners are sensible of your Excellency is of a better humanity than to see your suppliants want, though they scarcely able to facilitate the Causes of their Complaint, but as we are Concious of your Excellency, not to have sucled the Breast of Tygarses, or yet of the tawny Lyones, but may have reason to think there may be found Commeseration, upon such an Occation.
May it Pleas your Excellency, your humble Petitioners have thus far attempted in Offering these few lines, though ignorant of the Sutable addresses which be respectfully due to your Excellency, there fore in hopes whatever Omission your Excellency may find in the preceding lines, you will look over it, and your Petitioners are with due respect bound to pray for Your Excellency’s Welfare and Continual happiness
Henry Laurence—Masters mateGeorge Thayer—Masters mateJames Dick—MidshipmanJohn Chester CarpenterJohn Hopes Captains ClerkAls [Also?] Eight Privates
P.S. May it Please your Excellency the aforegoing is Copy of what we wrote you with the Past, dated Oct. 29 and for any particulars, we refer your Excellency to Capt. John Calef the bearer of this, as he can give your Excellency a particular Account of our living in this place, he having had a long experience of it.

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin / Ambassador to the thirteen United States / of North America / at Paris
Notation: Prisoners in Mill Prison Portsmouth. 2. Nov. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Sarsfield, [2 November? 1779]
From: Sarsfield, Jacques-Hyacinthe, vicomte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce Mardi [November 2, 1779?]
Le Vicomte de sarsfield Envoije scavoir des Nouvelles de Monsieur francklin; il le supplie de remettre au porteur de ce billet La Lettre qu’il a Eü La Bonté de Luy promettre.
 Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / chez Monsieur de / chaumont / A Passy
Endorsed: Sir W York’s Memoire
Notation in William Temple Franklin’s hand: Notes of no Consequence


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Adams, 3 November 1779
From: Adams, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Mill Prison 3d November 1779.
Necessity forces me to inform your Excellency, that I am one of the unhappy Number, now in confinement in this prison, for what they please to style a Rebel, I was master of the Contl: Sloop of Warr, the Providence, John Pick Rathborn Esqr. Commr. & was so unfortunate as to be rose upon, in a Brigg, a Prize, on my Passage for Boston, Capt. Calef the bearer of this, will inform your Excelly. the partic: as also the treatment I have received since a Prisoner, my present necessity for Cloths, as also the real necessary’s of Life, as that allowed by Government, is really not sufficient, without some other assistance to support Nature, all those circumstance, with the gloomy prospect, of remaining here untill next Summer obliges me to beg your Excelly. to grant me that supply, I really stand so much in need of, nay without which I must suffer greatly.
I wrote some time past to Thos. Diggs Esqr London & represented my situation to him, he inform’d, he would let your Excelly know of my confinemt. also the distress I was in, but having no letter since from that Gent, induces me to think; his to you, must have miscarried, I must beg your notice to this, and a small supply of Cash if in your power— I am with the Greatest respect— Your Excellency’s most obt & most hum Serv.
James Adams
 Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Paris
Notation: James Adams mill prison Nov. 3. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William R. Boyd, 5 November 1779
From: Boyd, William R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Right Honorable Sir
Nantz Castle Novr. 5th: 79
I who is Confind here send these few lines to inform you how I came to be Confin’d. On the 18th. Octr. I Desartd from a Merchantman in Loriont call’d the Breton after sarving four months in the said ship. When I came to Nantz I ship’d with Capt. Smith being in hopes to get to my Natural Country. Likewise 4 more came with me from the said Ship and having a Pass the Said four took one of Capt Smith men with them & receiv’d a Guinia Unknown to me and Capt. Smith’s man receiv’d the Guinia in my Name who is Confin’d with me.

Right Honl. Sir
I hope you will look into this affair as I am Innocent of breaking out of Goal or wronging the Congress of their Money As I never saw the Money they receiv’d from the Agent. Likwise have been in America Service for some time likewise was taken along with Capt. Nathl Munro in a Sloop of 10 Guns 10 Swivels and Sufferd on board the sd. Vessel by receiving 3 wounds. Your Petitioner humbly Prayeth you will release him as I am Innocent. From Your most Loyal Subject to Command
Wm. R. Boyd

Addressed: the Right Honourable / Benjn. Franklin at Paris / Prime Minister of the 13 United States / of America
Notation: Wm. R Boy’d Nov 5. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 5 [November] 1779
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 5 [November 1779] a la thuillerie
Je paye éxactement mes déttes mon bon papa. Vous avés dû recevoir une léttre mecredi en voici une pour samedi; je ne suis pas de ceux qui disent, il faut se méttre a l’aise avéc ses amis. Si l’on ne leur tient pas ce qu’on leur a promis dans de petites choses, ils doivent éstre sur que nous ne négligerions pas les grandes—un grand sérvice est chose rare, et tous les jours on peut par mille attentions multipliées prouvér a son ami qu’on l’aime: prés de vous mon bon papa, tout vous dit en moi que je vous aime; loin de vous je vous l’écris, mon coeur sent une douce satisfaction en se disant, mon papa sera sensible a mon éxactitude, il m’aimera, me répondra; notre corréspondance adoucira les peines de l’absence:
Je ménne ici une vie uniforme, mais douce; je suis avéc ma mére que j’aime, avéc mon frére et mes enfants; tous les jours se passent si ce n’est avéc ce qu’on appélle plaisir, au moins sans trouble; si vous étiés avéc nous mon bon papa et quelques autres amis choisis que je regrétte je désirerois de passér ma vie ici; les ames sensibles me sembles faittes pour habitter la campagne. Le tumulte des villes; les grandes passions, ou les petites intrigues qui agittent les divérses habitants qu’elles renférment; fatiguent sans les intéréssér les éstres doux a qui le nécéssaire, le bon air, et l’amitié suffiroient pour estre heureux:
J’ai bien peur que vous ne soyés déja privé de nos bons amis le veillard, s’ils sont encore a passy voulés vous bien les embrassér pour moi.
 Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le docteur Franklin / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 5 November 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & honoured Sir,
the Hague Nov. 5th. 1779
Yr. Favour of the 29th. is just received, & the packet for the Commodore will be forwarded this very night, as were formerly yr. other Letters for the same, & for Capt. Landais without any Loss of time.
The Commodore is not yet quite ready to sail. They say it will be so in the week to come; & then the day depends from the wind.
I learn from Mr. De Neufville, that Capt. Landais was to set out from Amst. to Paris the 3d. inst. He has received from Mr. Neufville about 35 Louis dors for his Journey.
The English prisonners have made an attempt on the life of Commodore Jones, but were prevented. I know as yet no other particulars of this affair.
Mr. De Neufville complains to me that a Letter he has adressed to Mr. Grand at Paris for Mr. Ross, is not come to the hands of the latter.
Here are joined the Resolution I promised, & the new Memorial of British Don Quichotary. May they herafter have very frequent occasions to make such noise, pray’s heartily, Dear & honoured Sir yr. most respectful, obedient & humble servant
Dumas
Our friend told me some time ago, he had proofs that the Chevalier Gd. was not at all to be trusted, being a friend rather to the English than to the Americans. His Excy. Franklin

 Addressed: His Excellency / B. Franklin, Esqr., Min. Plenip. / for the United States, &c. / Passy./.
Notations in different hands: Dumas. Novr. 5. 1779. / 15600 660 15000


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Mitchell, 6 November 1779
From: Mitchell, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Grand Saint Meen Britagne the 6th Novbr. 1779
Your Excellency will I hope pardon the Libbertey I take in troubiling yough with a letter but As it is of Sum consequence to mee I hope Your Excellency will look over it in a more feavourable light. I have a Brother at Boston who has oft wright for Mee to Gover to him and Except of part of his Fortune which I have often tryd for Since my detention In france but never could Gain that Libbertey. I wright twist to Lord de Sarteen Minister of Stat but never have resceive’d aney answer. I nough shall beg Libbertey to trouble yough with a Short memorial and hops on the Examination of the inclosed letter Your Excellency will take my Sittuation into thought as I am well Assured Your Excellency has Intres a nuf at Cort to Obtain Mee that Libberty as nothing in life Would Give mee more pleasur then to see my native Contrey again a Contray is I may Cawl it I Sayled ought of it Since the Age of Eleven with my Father who I make no Doubt but your Excellency has often hard of as hee was Vearey Remarkable for the number of Pasanger hee Careyed over to Philadelphia New York and Virgine From Londonderry in Ireland. I Shall hear Finnish with beging Your Excellencys Pardon for the libberty i have taken and with Greater Respect Stile my self Your Excellencys Most Devouted Most Obt Humble Servant at Command
George Mitchell
P.S. I was taken on Board the Hawke Belonging to London By Oiseau Frigat on March the 23. 1778

Addressed: To / His Excellency Doctor Franklin / Ambassador to the Congress / in North America / A Paris
Notation: George Mitchell Nov 6 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 8 November 1779
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. sir
Philadelphia Novr. 8, 1779
At the Request of my Friend Colonel John Mitchell, I take the liberty of introducing to your Civilities, the Bearer Mr: John Rainey, who goes to France upon a Commercial Plan, should he require your Advice, or Assistance in procuring passports to Holland or elsewhere, I beg leave to recommend him to you for them—
The Family continue well and join me in Love & Duty— I am ever Dr. & Hond. sir Your Affect. son
Rich: Bache
Dr. Franklin
 Addressed: His Excelly. / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary from the / United States of No: America at the / Court of / Versailles


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 8 November 1779
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient Novr: 8th: 1779.
I have not had occasion to trouble your Excellency since I had the honor of receiving your Letter relative to Captain Conyngham.
The present serves to inclose a Bond for the purpose of obtaining a Commission or Letters of Marque for Arthur Kirk Commander of the Schooner Independance, lately arriv’d at Nantes from Baltimore, which I hope it will please your Excellency to grant, and forward under cover to Mr. Joshua Johnson at Nantes.— I remain with great respect. Sir Your most Obedt: Servt:
Jonatn: Nesbitt
 Notation: Jonat. Nesbit. L’Orient Nov. 8. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 8 November 1779
From: Capellen tot den Pol, Joan Derk van der
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
Zwol le 8 Novembre 1779.
J’ai eu l’honneur de recevoir le paquet que Vous m’avez expedié le 26 Sept.; mais je Vous Supplie d’avoir la bonté de m’envoier a l’avenir de telles Depeches Sous quelque addresse, Soit de Mr. Dumas, ou de quelqu’autre; du moins de ne plus les Signer de votre nom ouvertement Sur l’enveloppe, puisque cela ne peut qu’exciter la curiosité de ceux, par les mains desquels elles doivent passer. Ceci a été le cas par rapport au paquet Susdit, qui paroit clairement avoir été ouvert, peut étre plus d’une fois, Sans que l’on Se Soit donné la moindre peine de le deguiser, ou même d’ÿ remettre un Cachet quelconque.
Je crois, Monsieur, vous faire plaisir en Vous communiquant, que J’ai eu une Lettre du Collonel Diriks du 6. d’Octobre a 41 degrés de Latitude (la Longitude n’etant pas exprimée). Ils se trouvoit en bon état avec tous Ses Compagnons de voiage. Ils avoient essuié assiduement [du] tres mauvais tems, mais esperoient de gagner dans peu le port de Boston.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec beaucoup de respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeïssant Serviteur
J D Van DER Capellen
Son Exc: le Dr. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Charles William Blunt, 9 November 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Blunt, Sir Charles William

Dear sir
Passy, Nov. 9. 1779.
I received your favour by Mr. Luard and I am obliged to you for introducing me to the acquaintance of So agreable a Man. He has settled his affairs here, as I understand, to his satisfaction.— My services were not necessary this Court being well disposed to do what was requested. You may be assured however, that I did him no Injury.— You gave me great Pleasure in the information that the poor little Widows affairs were at Length settled. I had the same in learning that you and yours were all well. Be so good as to present my affectionate Respects to my amiable friend Dolly and believe me Ever, with sincere Esteem, Dear sir y. m. h. &
Sir Cha. Blunt, Bart.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis du Chilleau, 9 November 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Du Chilleau et d’Airvault, Marie-Charles, marquis

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 9. 1779.
The Person who proposes to have the honour of presenting this to your Excellency, is Mr. Langford Lovel, a Gentleman of Excellent Character and much respected by all that know him, and as he has some Property in the Island under your Governement, I beg leave to recommend him to your Excellency’s favourable Notice & Protection. With great Respect I am Sir, Your Excellency’s &c
his Excelly. M. Le Marquis du Milleau Governeur of Dominique.
mutatis mutandis. The Same to the Governor of Grenada Mr. Le Comte de Durat in favour of Richard Oliver Esqe. the Same to Govr. of St. Vincents in favr. of Do.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 9 November 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Digges, Thomas

Dear sir
Passy, Nov. 9. 1779.
I thank you for your favours of Oct. 8. and 12. and for the news Papers. I wrote fully to our friend Mr. B. about the Coppers. I hope you will soon be freed from the Trouble you have with the Prisoners by their Exchange, I can now only add that I am, with great Esteem Dear Sir, &c.
Mr. Digges


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 9 November 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Friend,
Passy, Nov. 9. 1779
I received your Favour of Oct. 26. containing Copies of sundry Letters you had before sent me, which you apprehended had not been receiv’d. For the same reason I send you herewith Copies of several I have sent to you. I am sorry my Proposition of Exchanging in Holland was not attended to. It would have prevented a good deal of Misery to those poor Prisoners. I hope the Passport for Morlaix is arrived, and that another Cargo is gone there. I expect to send you your Friend Stephenson in a few Days.— Believe me ever Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Capt Robertson is arrived here
D. Hartley Esqr
 Endorsed: DF Nov 9 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 9 November 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Novr. 9. 1779
The person whom you lately wrote to me to supply with necessarys for releiving his distresses in confinement, was servd as well as He could be by Agents on the spot & much to his satisfaction & wish. He got away with others of his Company (among them the owner of two bills for 60 and 36 Ds. lately forwarded to you for acceptance by a private hand) on wedy. last, and is to all appearance clear. It is more than probable he will be with you in a day or two after this reaches you. As yet I hear nothing of the 50£ bill, which is rather a disapointment as frequent calls leave me very poor. I cannot for some days render you any accot. I know as yet but of thirty guins being paid. This was the last sum & the other small advances I have no regular accot. of. By appearances and manner, I think the Gentn. may be soon in a way to riemburse his freinds and do the good he seems most to wish. I am yr very obt Sert.
Alexr. Hammilton
R——tt——r——m & Dun——ke. no arrivals from the wtward

 Notation: Nov. 9 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 9 November 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Havre 9h November 1779
We were thinking But of winter quarters for the troops, and preparing every thing for our Return to paris, when an extraordinary Courier Brought us the order of Being Ready to March at a Moment’s Warning— I Need not telling you how surpris’d I was of this Unexpected Resolution that I know to have been taken on a sudden By the Ministry, and I seize the opportunity of A private Courier for to ask you what is your knowledge or Opinion upon an order, the Meaning of Which is entirely unknown to every one at the havre, And to the eldest general officer who himself is more surpris’d than any one of Us— We impatiently Waït for a Courier from Versaïlles, that will at least Make us some Confidential oppenings on the kind and time of the Mouvement that has been Unexpectedly decided By the Ministry.
1sty. Are we desir’d By Spain to Make a show for some more weeks in order to Countenance theyr operations Against Gibraltar?
2ly Has any division of hardy’s fleet been sent to Gibraltar in Consequence of which an expedition Against England Might be thought proper?
3dly Is the island of jersay the little Cause of these great and extraordinary changement?
4ly Have they aknowledg’d that the troops at the havre were to far Advanc’d in the Channel, and determin’d theyr being sent to winter quarters in Bretagne which By the way will be much grieved By so Many troops.
5thly Do they want By our being in Bretagne to Countenance the independant Proceedings in Ireland.
6hly Have they a project of invasion into that kingdom which I think (if not Call’d for) would be improper?
7h Are they Call’d for By the independant party of Ireland?
Thus are, my dear Sir, the only projects that May have entered into Ministerial heads— Unless however they want to take Copenhaguen in Revenge of the Rascally Conduct of the foolish king of the danes, whom, in my Capacity of an American officer I Consider as an ennemy, and to whom American privateers and frigattes will I hope show But that portion of Respect which the Gentleman deserves.
But to take again seriously the subject of this letter I will add that Many of our ships are not fitt to go out from the havre, and that No orders are Arriv’d for the Navy, which assures us a Mouvement By land.
On the other hand the Brest fleet had no Notion of going out.
I am affraïd that too hasty Measures, too Great a Confidence in parliamentary disputes, or Advances from the leaders, Might hurt the delicate and tiklish affair of irish independency— My Military Countrymen don’t know how to Manage Republican interests, and I am of opinion that this must be treated with A great delicacy— I think it very important, My Good friend, that Your ideas on that head be followed By our Ministry.
My letter will Come By a private Courier and so will your answer be Brought to me— I wish You would Give me a full account of what you know on this affair, what you Suspect, and what is Your private opinion on the propriety of our Measures. You May depend upon your letter being safely handed to me, and you May intrust it to the Bearer.
Any news Concerning American affairs, and Count Destaing’s operations will also be very well Come.
From what you will know from the Ministers and other informations, You may judge Better than me when M. H. J. franklin is to join us— I will be very happy to Receive him, and procure him Any Agrement that will be in My power.
With the Most Sincere Regard and affection I have the hr to be Yours
Lafayette
 Notation: Lafayette. havre 9. novembre 1779.


Title: Intelligence from Madrid and Other Places, 9 November 1779
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The number of intelligence items Franklin’s friend the chevalier de Kéralio gathered for Franklin during the four months covered by this volume is more than twice that collected during the preceding four months. The fifty-seven items noted below eventually were forwarded to Congress and are presently in the National Archives. As is our practice, we print the first of these and briefly summarize the remainder.
A somewhat larger number of reports than usual are labeled as being from Paris, rather than from the French ports, from which Kéralio received most of his information. Some of the Paris items, however, merely forward news received from elsewhere. The earliest of these, for example, dated November 26, contains information from Brest, Bordeaux, and Cadiz, and recounts rumors concerning Ireland, England, Denmark, and Germany. The December 27 item discusses the publication or non-publication of various pamphlets and news reports about the war and tells of the King’s reception of Vice Admiral d’Estaing upon his recent return from America. D’Estaing and his unsuccessful attack on Savannah are the main objects of discussion in the reports of December 31 and January 2, although the latter also provides warship news from Brest, Cadiz, and Toulon; more news from Brest is given on January 6. The report of January 12 begins by recounting the interception of a Dutch convoy by the British fleet, continues with a variety of naval information, and concludes by criticizing pessimistic rumormongers. Six days later we learn of the departure of the remaining Spanish contingent from the previous year’s combined Franco-Spanish fleet. On February 7 separate items labeled Paris and Versailles give news from the West Indies, the latter also erroneously reporting that the Spaniards had captured Pensacola. Another incorrect story appears under a February 18 Paris dateline, that of the death of a British Admiral, [Hyde] Parker, in a battle off Martinique. The main subject of the next day’s report is a supposed threat delivered to the Dutch ambassador to the court of St. James’s. The final Paris report, dated February 22, admits that the last information had not been confirmed, but proceeds to give more unsubstantiated Dutch news (as well as news from Spain). In general the Paris reports do not differ greatly in style or accuracy from the reporting in American or British newspapers of the time.
The information which comes from the major ports used by the French navy is somewhat more substantial. As usual, the greatest share comes from the largest port, Brest. Ten such reports date from our period (November 22, December 22, 24, and 29, January 3, 17, 24, and 26, and February 2, and 6–11). These record the movement of ships in and out of port, the work of construction and repair in the dockyard, and personnel changes, particularly of warship captains. The last four, for example, discuss a convoy departing for the West Indies under the escort of a large squadron commanded by the comte de Guichen. Quite similar in content are the half dozen reports from the navy’s large Mediterranean base, Toulon (December 22, January 16–24, and 30, and February 17, 19, and 29). The navy’s third major base, Rochefort, is represented by only one such report, dated November 23.
From various French coastal cities and towns come twenty-two items. Dunkirk, a center of privateering, is represented by six reports (January 3, 8, 14, 15, and 21, and February 18), all of which, not surprisingly, discuss privateers operating out of that port. Two reports from Le Havre (January 2, February 19–21) discuss two separate arrivals of the Dunkirk privateer Marquise de Seignelay with prizes; the latter of these also lists French navy warships which have arrived. The four items from St. Malo contain not only naval intelligence, but also other information, that of November 18 the news that army units in the area have gone into winter quarters, those of January 1, 18, and 29 details of a massive prisoner exchange between Britain and France. First we learn that three ships have embarked 800–900 English prisoners there and that others have been embarked at Nantes and elsewhere. Next, a packetboat from England arrives with 106 French prisoners. Finally, in summary, it is reported that 1,000–1, 100 English prisoners at St. Malo alone have been exchanged for an equal number of French.
The great commercial ports of Nantes and Bordeaux provide five reports. From the former come a November 25 item relaying naval intelligence from Brest and an undated one, probably written on December 2, which reports the arrival from Philadelphia the previous day of the ship Comité. It had sailed from Philadelphia on October 26 in company with the American frigate Confederation, aboard which were ex-French Minister Gérard and an American minister bound for Spain. A final note from Nantes (January 11) briefly mentions the departure of one French Navy frigate and the arming of another. A November 23 piece from Bordeaux comments on peace rumors and speculates on their likelihood, while on January 8 the Spanish capture of Pensacola is reported erroneously. The latter item also recounts a fête there in honor of Admiral d’Estaing. A December 28 item datelined Rennes actually prints another letter from Bordeaux, describing the enthusiasm for the recently returned vice admiral.
The remaining French items come from a variety of locations. From the Breton town of Quintin are forwarded on November 24 news of naval movements in Brest and the contents of several letters from London speculating on British campaign plans. A brief January 10 item from the same town reports on preparations for an army encampment between Morlaix and Brest. A February 14 item from Lorient lists French ships of the line presently in the West Indies and reports on ship movements at Brest. Finally a February(?) 29 item from Morlaix says that the privateer Black Prince has arrived with two prizes and plans on sailing the next day with the Black Princess.
As usual a few items come from outside France, such as the one from Madrid that we print. Another Madrid item of December 20 says in its entirety, “Nous comptons que dans tout l’hiver, la paix se fera avec les anglois, et nous le comptons à raison des négociations qui sont entamées.” The correspondent from Cadiz reports on January 7 that several French warships have left there for various destinations and that the Spanish blockade of Gibraltar continues; on January 18, however, intelligence is sent from Madrid that all Spanish warships have been ordered to sea in pursuit of Admiral Rodney’s fleet, which undoubtedly is headed for Gibraltar.
The final two items come from the Netherlands. The first, sent from The Hague on December 25, criticizes Dutch inactivity and suggests they build thirty ships of the line and invite Prussia and Russia to make common cause with them. The other, sent from Amsterdam on February 24 reports (somewhat prematurely) an alliance of the Dutch with Sweden, Denmark, Russia, and Prussia on behalf of neutral shipping rights.

Madrid, le 9 Novbre.
Les Batteries devant Gibraltar sont, pour ainsi dire, achevées; cependant on doute que l’on débouche des Lignes de St. Roch. Dans le vrai, ces Batteries ne peuvent Servir qu’à protéger l’ouverture de la Tranchée. On dit qu’un Batiment hollandois chargé de Vivres est entré à Gibraltar.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon: Letter and Printed Bagatelle (“The Whistle”), 10 November 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

For once, one of Franklin’s bagatelles has left a trail of dated evidence long enough for us to follow it from first draft to the printing press. The piece, which has come to be known as “The Whistle,” was originally penned as an answer to the twice-weekly letters Madame Brillon wrote from her country residence for the days they would normally have seen one another. Franklin drafted it in English and translated it into French himself, noting that it was a “grande Exercise” (deliberately mistaking the gender) submitted for her corrections. His fair copy, in French, is document (I); her reply, praising his delightful anglicisms, is below, November 16.
Thereafter, Franklin became fond of telling the story of the whistle to his friends at Auteuil. The following spring he decided to print it as a dual-language bagatelle, with the English and French on facing pages (document II). Since Madame Brillon had not corrected the exercise, Franklin turned for help to Pierre-Georges Cabanis, the young medical student who was serving as secretary to Madame Helvétius. He gave Cabanis his draft, written in a double-column, bi-lingual format. On the right side, his English version is filled with interlineations and deletions, evidence of a labored composition. On the left side, his awkward French translation (which corresponds precisely to the fair copy, document I) is still visible beneath the numerous corrections in Cabanis’ hand.
Franklin must have set the type, incorporating the French corrections, at the beginning of April, 1780; he then submitted the proofs to Cabanis for review. The young man returned them on April 6, advising Franklin to proceed with printing. Despite this scrutiny, two typographical errors in the French version managed to slip by both pairs of eyes.
Franklin printed “The Whistle” in the petit romain that he would sell to New York printer Francis Childs in the spring of 1786. After the sale, when Childs complained that certain sorts were wanting, including lower case italic j’s and c’s, Franklin insisted that he had used the font in France and therefore knew that sufficient quantities had been cast. It was true, he wrote, that the font had been cast on English proportions, but even so, there were a sufficient quantity of j’s for printing in French (which uses a far greater number of them). To illustrate the point he sent Childs an imprint of “The Whistle,” marking the forty-one italic j’s in the French version. Childs found this printed evidence irrelevant, but was so taken with the piece that he published it in his newspaper, The New York Daily Advertiser. “Familiar Letter to a Friend, Written at Passy, in November, 1779,” appeared in the issue of May 10, 1786, and to our knowledge was the first public appearance of “The Whistle.”

I.
à Passy, ce 10 Nov. 1779
Je reçus les deux Lettres de ma chere Amie, l’une pour Mercredi, l’autre pour Samedi. C’est aujourd’hui encore un autre Mercredi. Je ne merite pas d’avoir une pour ce jour, parceque je n’ai pas fait reponse aux precedentes. Mais, indolent comme je suis, et averse à ecrire, la Crainte de n’avoir plus de vos charmantes Epitres, si je ne contribue pas ma part pour soutenir la Correspondence, me force de prendre ma plume. Et comme Mr. b. ma mandé si obligeamment qu’il part demain matin pour vous voir, moi, au lieu de passer ce mercredi au soir, comme j’ai fait si longtems de ses predecesseurs du même nom, en vôtre douce Société, je me mis à mon ecritoire, pour le passer en pensant de vous, en écrivant à vous, et en lisant et relisant ce que vous m’avez si delicieusement écrite.
Je suis charmé de votre Description du Paradis, et de vôtre Plan pour y vivre. J’approve fortement la Conclusion que vous faites, qu’en “en attendant il faut tirer de ce bas monde tout le bien qu’on peut en tirer.” A mon avis, c’est trés possible pour nous d’en tirer beaucoup plus de bien que nous n’en tirions et d’en souffrir moins de mal, si nous voulussions seulement prendre garde de ne pas donner trop pour nos Sifflets. Car il me semble que la plupart des Malheureux qu’on trouve dans le monde, sont devenue tels par leur negligence de cette precaution.
Vous demandez ce que je veux dire?— Vous aimez les Contes, et vous m’excuserez si je vous en donne une qui regarde moi-même. Quand j’etois enfant de 5 ou 6 ans, mes amis, un jour de Féte, remplirent ma petite Poche de Sous. J’allai tout de suite à une Boutique ou on vendoit des Babioles, mais étant charmé du Son d’un Sifflet, que je rencontrois en chemin dans le mains d’un autre petit garçon, je volontiers lui offris et donnai pour cela tout mon argent. Revenu chez moi, sifflant par toute la Maison, fort content de mon Achât, mais fatiguant les oreilles de toute la Famille, mes freres, mes Soeurs, mes Cousines, entendant que j’avoir donné tant pour ce mauvais Bruit, me dirent que c’étoit dix fois plus que la valeur; alors ils me faisoient penser du nombre des bonnes choses, que je pouvois acheter avec le reste de ma Monnoie, si j’avois été plus prudent; et ils me ridiculisoient tant de ma Folie, que je pleurois de Vexation; et la Reflexion me donnoit plus de Chagrin, que le Sifflet pouvoit me donner du Plaisir.
Ce, cependant, étoit dans la suite, de quelque utilité pour moi, l’Impression restant sur mon Ame, tant que quand j’étois tenté d’acheter quelque chose qui me n’étoit pas necessaire, je disois à moi-même, Ne donnons pas trop pour le Sifflet. Et J’epargnois mon Argent.
Quand j’ai vû quelqu’un qui, ambitieux du Faveur de la Cour, sacrifioit son tems en les Assiduités aux Levées; son Repos, sa Liberté, sa Vertu, et peut-être ses vrais Amis, pour obtenir quelque petite Distinction, J’ai dis à moi-même, Cet homme donne trop pour son Sifflet. Quand j’ai vû un autre, entété de se rendre populaire, et pour cela s’occupant toujours de Contestations publiques, negligeant ses Affaires particulieres, et les ruinant par cette Negligence, Il paye, ai-je dis, trop pour son Sifflet. Si j’ai connu un Avare, qui renonçoit à toute maniere de vivre commodement, à toute le Plaisir de faire le bien aux autres, à toute l’Estime de ses Compatriotes, et à tous les joyes de l’Amitié, pour avoir un monceau de Metal jaune, Pauvre homme, je disois, vous donnez trop pour vôtre Sifflet. Quand j’ai rencontré un homme de Plaisir, sacrifiant toute louable Perfectionnement de son Ame, et toute Amelioration de son Etat, aux Gratifications du Sense purement corporelles, et détruisant sa Santé dans leur poursuite, Homme trompé, ai-je dis, vous vous procurez des Peines au lieu des Plaisirs; vous payes trop pour vôtre Sifflet. Si je vois un autre entété de beaux Habiliments, belles Maisons, belles Fournitures, beaux Equipages, toutes audessus de sa Fortune, et pour avoir desquelles il fait des Dettes, et finit sa Carriére dans un Prison; Helas, dis-je, Il a payé trop pour son Sifflet. Quand j’ai vû une trés belle fille, d’une naturel bonne et douce, épousé à un homme feroce et brutal, qui la maltraite continuellement, C’est grande Pitié, ai-je dis, qu’elle a payé tant pour un Sifflet. Enfin, j’ai conçeu, que la plus grande Partie des Malheurs de l’Espéce humaine se derivent des Estimations fausses qu’on fait de la Valeur des choses, au moyen de quoi on est persuadé de donner trop pour les Sifflets!
Neantmoins je sens que je dois avoir de la Charité pour ces Gens malheureux, quand je considere, qu’avec toute cette Sagesse dont je me vante, il-y-a certaines Choses dans “ce bas monde,” si tentantes; par exemple les Pommes du Roy Jean, lesquelles heureusement ne sont pas à acheter, car s’ils etoient mises à l’enchere, je peux être très facilement mené à me ruiner par l’Achât, et trouver que j’avois encore une fois donné trop pour le Sifflet.
Adieu, ma trés chere Amie, et me croiez toujours le vôtre bien sincèrement, et avec une Affection indiminuable.

P.S. J’ai perdu vos voisines et les miennes; & quand je pense de vous je chante J’ai perdu mon Euridice, rien etc. Voilà une grande Exercice pour vos Corrections.

II.

Passy, November 10 1779.
I Received my dear Friend’s two Letters, one for Wednesday & one for Saturday. This is again Wednesday. I do not deserve one for to day, because I have not answered the former. But indolent as I am, and averse to Writing, the Fear of having no more of your pleasing Epistles, if I do not contribute to the Correspondance, obliges me to take up my Pen: And as M. B. has kindly sent me Word, that he sets out to-morrow to see you; instead of spending this Wednesday Evening as I have long done its Name-sakes, in your delightful Company, I sit down to spend it in thinking of you, in writing to you, & in reading over & over again your Letters.
I am charm’d with your Description of Paradise, & with your Plan of living there. And I approve much of your Conclusion, that in the mean time we should draw all the Good we can from this World. In my Opinion we might all draw more Good, from it than we do, & suffer less Evil, if we would but take care not to give too much for our Whistles. For to me it seems that most of the unhappy People we meet with, are become so by Neglect of that Caution.
You ask what I mean? —You love Stories, and will excuse my telling you one of my self. When I was a Child of seven Years old, my Friends on a Holiday fill’d my little Pocket with Halfpence. I went directly to a Shop where they sold Toys for Children; and being charm’d with the Sound of a Whistle that I met by the way, in the hands of another Boy, I voluntarily offer’d and gave all my Money for it. When I came home, whistling all over the House, much pleas’d with my Whistle, but disturbing all the Family, my Brothers, Sisters & Cousins, understanding the Bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth, put me in mind what good Things I might have bought with the rest of the Money, & laught at me so much for my Folly that I cry’d with Vexation; and the Reflection gave me more Chagrin than the Whistle gave me Pleasure.
This however was afterwards of use to me, the Impression continuing on my Mind; so that often when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary thing, I said to my self, Do not give too much for the Whistle; and I sav’d my Money.
As I grew up, came into the World, and observed the Actions of Men, I thought I met many who gave too much for the Whistle. —When I saw one ambitious of Court Favour, sacrificing his Time in Attendance at Levees, his Repose, his Liberty, his Virtue and perhaps his Friend, to obtain it; I have said to my self, This Man gives too much for his Whistle. —When I saw another fond of Popularity, constantly employing himself in political Bustles, neglecting his own Affairs, and ruining them by that Neglect, He pays, says I, too much for his Whistle. —If I knew a Miser, who gave up every kind of comfortable Living, all the Pleasure of doing Good to others, all the Esteem of his Fellow Citizens, & the Joys of benevolent Friendship, for the sake of Accumulating Wealth, Poor Man, says I, you pay too much for your Whistle. —When I met with a Man of Pleasure, sacrificing every laudable Improvement of his Mind or of his Fortune, to mere corporeal Satisfactions, & ruining his Health in their Pursuit, Mistaken Man, says I, you are providing Pain for your self instead of Pleasure, you pay too much for your Whistle. —If I see one fond of Appearance, of fine Cloaths, fine Houses, fine Furniture, fine Equipages, all above his Fortune, for which he contracts Debts, and ends his Career in a Prison; Alas, says I, he has paid too much for his Whistle. —When I saw a beautiful sweet-temper’d Girl, marry’d to an ill-natured Brute of a Husband; What a Pity, says I, that she should pay so much for a Whistle! —In short, I conceiv’d that great Part of the Miseries of Mankind, were brought upon them by the false Estimates they had made of the Value of Things, and by their giving too much for the Whistle.
Yet I ought to have Charity for these unhappy People, when I consider that with all this Wisdom of which I am boasting, there are certain things in the World so tempting; for Example the Apples of King John, which happily are not to be bought, for if they were put to sale by Auction, I might very easily be led to ruin my self in the Purchase, and find that I had once more given too much for the Whistle.
Adieu, my dearest Friend, and believe me ever yours very sincerely and with unalterable Affection.

A Passy, le 10 Novembre 1779.
J’ AI reçu les deux Lettres de ma chere Amie, l’une pour Mercredi, l’autre pour le Sammedi. C’est aujourd’hui encore Mercredi. Je ne mérite pas d’en avoir encore, parce que je n’ai pas fait Réponse aux précédentes. Mais, tout indolent que je suis, & quelque Aversion que j’aie d’écrire, la Crainte de n’avoir plus de vos charmantes Epitres, si je ne contribue aussi ma part pour soutenir la Correspondance, me force de prendre la Plume. Et comme M. B. m’a mandé si obligeamment qu’il part demain matin pour vous voir, moi, au lieu de passer ce Mercredi au soir, comme je l’ai fait si long-temps de ses Prédécesseurs du même Nom, en votre douce Société, je me suis mis à mon Ecritoire, pour le passer à penser à vous, à vous écrire, & à lire & relire ce que vous m’avez si délicieusement écrit.
Je suis charmé de votre Description du Paradis, & de vos Plans pour y vivre. J’approuve aussi très-fortement la Conclusion que vous faites, qu’en attendant il faut tirer de ce bas monde tout le Bien qu’on en peut tirer. A mon Avis il est trèspossible pour nous d’en tirer beaucoup plus de Bien, que nous n’en tirons, & d’en souffrir moins de mal, si nous voulions seulement prendre garde de ne donner pas trop pour nos Sifflets. Car il me semble que la plupart des Malheureux qu’on trouve dans le Monde, sont devenus tels par leur Négligence de cette Précaution.
Vous demandez ce que je veux dire? —Vous aimez les Histoires, & vous m’excuserez si je vous en donne qui regarde moi-même. Quand j’étois un Enfant de cinq ou six ans, mes Amis, un Jour de Fête, remplirent ma petite Poche de Sols. J’allai tout de suite à une Boutique où on vendoit des Babioles; mais étant charmé du Son d’un Sifflet, que je rencontrai en Chemin dans les mains d’un autre petit Garçon, je lui offris & donnai volontiers pour cela tout mon Argent. Revenu chez moi, sifflant par toute la Maison, fort content de mon Achat, mais fatiguant les Oreilles de toute la Famille, mes Freres, mes Soeurs, mes Cousines, entendant que j’avois tant donné pour ce mauvais Bruit, me dirent que c’étoit dix fois plus que la Valeur; alors ils me firent penser au Nombre de bonnes Choses, que je pouvois acheter avec le Reste de ma Monnoie, si j’avois été plus prudent; & ils me ridiculiserent tant de ma Follie, que je pleurois de cette Vexation; & la Réflexion me donnoit plus de Chagrin, que le Sifflet de Plaisir.
Cet Accident fut cependant dans la Suite, de quelque Utilité pour moi, l’Impression restant sur mon Ame; de sorte que, tant lorsque j’étois tenté d’acheter quelque chose qui ne m’étoit pas nécessaire, je disois en moi-même, Ne donnons pas trop pour le Sifflet: & j’épargnois mon Argent.
Devenant grand Garçon, entrant dans le Monde & observant les Actions des Hommes, je vis que je rencontrois Nombre de Gens qui donnoient trop pour le Sifflet.
Quand j’ai vu quelqu’un, qui, ambitieux de la Faveur de la Cour, consumoit son Temps en les Assiduités aux Levers; son Repos, sa Liberté, sa Vertu, & peut-être ses vrais Amis, pour obtenir quelque petite Distinction; j’ai dis en moi-même, Cet homme donne trop pour son Sifflet. —Quand j’en ai vu une autre, avide de se rendre populaire, & pour cela s’occupant toujours de Contestations publiques, négligeant ses Affaires particulieres, & les ruinant par cette Négligence; Il paye trop, ai-je dit, pour son Sifflet. —Si j’ai connu un Avare, qui renonçoit à toute Maniere de vivre commodement, à tout le Plaisir de faire le bien aux autres, à toute l’Estime de ses Compatriotes, & à tous les Charmes de l’Amitié, pour avoir un Morçeau de Métal jaune: Pauvre homme, disois-je; vous donnez trop pour votre Sifflet. —Quand j’ai rencontré un Homme de Plaisir, sacrifiant tout louable Perfectionnement de son Ame, & toute Amélioration de son Etat, aux Voluptés du Sens purement corporel, & détruisant sa Santé dans leur Poursuite, Homme trompé, ai-je dit, vous vous procurez des Peines au lieu des Plaisirs; vous payez trop pour votre Sifflet. —Si j’en ai vu un autre, entété de beaux Habillemens, belles Maisons, beaux Meubles, beaux Equipages, toutes au-dessus de sa Fortune, qu’il ne se procuroit qu’en faisant des Dettes, & en allant finir sa Carriere dans une Prison; Hélas! aije dit, il a payé trop pour son Sifflet. —Quand j’ai vu une trèsbelle Fille, d’un Naturel bon & doux, mariée à un Homme féroce & brutal, qui la maltraite continuellement, C’est grande Pitié, ai-je dit, qu’elle ait tant payé pour un Sifflet! —Enfin, j’ai conçu, que la plus grande Partie des Malheurs de l’Espece humaine viennent des Estimations fausses qu’on fait de la Valeur des choses, & de ce qu’on donne trop pour les Sifflets.
Néamoins je sens que je dois avoir de la Charité pour ces Gens malheureux, quand je considere qu’avec toute la Sagesse dont je me vante, il y a certaines Choses dans ce bas Monde si tentantes; par Exemple, les Pommes du Roi Jean, lesquelles heureusement ne sont pas à acheter; car si elles étoient mises à l’Enchere, je pourrois être très-facilement porté à me ruiner par leur Achat, & trouver que j’aurois encore une fois donné trop pour le Sifflet.
Adieu, ma très-chere Amie, croyez-moi toujours le vôtre, bien sincerement, & avec une Affection inaltérable.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 10 November 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Dear Sir,
Passy, Nov. 10. 1779.
My Answer to the Questions, contain’d in the Letter You have honour’d me with, must be very short. I can only Say, that I know nothing before [about] the Order you mention, and I now know nothing of the Reasons.— I can therefore give no Opinion having no Materials on which to form it.
A Vessel from North America arrived at Cadiz reports that Count d’Estaing’s fleet arrived off the Capes of Virginia the 14th of September; since which Date we hear nothing of him; and this account seems not very certain.
American News there is none,— but what we see in the English Papers. They talk of Clinton’s going with a Strong force to Charlestown. But possibly D’Estaign’s arrival may prevent that and I hope much good from his Visit to our Coasts. There are four Strokes for him to make, New York Rhodeisland, halifax, and Newfoundland,— if he is really gone there: But perhaps he went to Jamaica.
Gen. Prevost has certainly desired to be recalled, He Complains much of having been neglected; and not furnished with the Reinforcements, and other Aids and Necessaries that he had required, and that had been promised to him. We are in the Way of filling England with discontented Generals and Admirals.
Many many Thanks for your kindness to my Grandson. And may God’s Blessings ever attend you.— With the sincerest Esteem and Affection, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant
BF
Mr. Marquis de lafayette.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Landais, 10 November 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Landais, Pierre

Sir
Passy, Nov. 10. 1779.
Having not yet received from Commodore Jones, what he may have to offer in support of the Charges he makes against you, I find it proper to postpone for a few Days the hearing of your Defence, and I do therefore here by desire you to Stay in Paris till Monday next. When I hope the Hearing may take place.
I am, Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant.
Capt. Landais.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 10 November 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Havre 10h. November 1779
This letter will be delivered to Your Excellency By Mr. Smith who in compagny with Mr. Watts came from Virginia on commercial Business in which they have for a partner a good friend of Mine Bre [Brigadier] General Scott— Those two Gentlemen I Beg leave to present and most particularly to Reccommend to Yr Excellency that they Might apply themselves to You on occasions which may occurr and obtain for the present such letters as will Reccommend them to the American Agent and other American Gentlemen in Bordeaux— Mr. Smith is the more intitled to My good wishes and Services in this Country that Besides the Connection he has with Gal. Scott he has been himself an officer in our army and my own Division.
Before this Reaches Yr Excellency I hope I will have Receiv’d your Answer to my last since Which Nothing New happen’d in this part of the World, and new messengers from Versailles are impatiently waited for.
With the highest Regard and Most Sincere affection I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant
Lafayette
I have had the honor to see at havre Mr. Ross and Mr Craig and thought myself very happy to get the pleasure of theyr Acquaintance.

 Notation: La Fayette Nov 10 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 12 November 1779
From: Austin, Jonathan Loring
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston 12th Novr. 1779
I had the Honor of addressing your Excellency by two different Opportunities, which hope have reached your Hands; I am very sensible that your Excellency’s Attention is engrossed with important Concerns for your Country, yet permit me to express my Remembrance for Civilities received, by wishing you a long Continuation of Health & Happiness.—
My late Arrival from St Eustatia viz the 6th Inst., & my short Notice of this Opportunity for France, prevent my informing you of Occurrencies here; I beg leave to refer your Excellency to the Honble. Mr Adams who takes passage in this Vessel & with Compliments to Mr Franklin. I am very respectfully Your Excellencys most Obedient & very humble Servant
Jon Loring Austin
His Excellency Dr. Franklin

Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiare de l’Ame / rique a la Cour de France / Passy / pres Paris
Endorsed: Mr. Austin Boston
Notations: Austin Boston 12 Nov. 1779. / [by John Adams:] forwarded by, yr most obedient Sert. J. Adams


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 12 November 1779
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Boston Novr. 12. 1779.
My little Grandson Samuel Cooper Johonnot will have the Honour of presenting this to you. Mr Adams kindly indulges him with a Portion of that Care which he gives to his own Sons who are nearly of his Age. He goes to France with a View to acquire the Purity of the French Language in Speaking and Writing. Young as he is, he has learned long ago to repeat and respect your Name. I hope this Voyage will contribute something towards forming him for future Service to his Country. Your Goodness I am perswaded will afford him that Countenance that his Situation may require. He already loves his Country and it’s Right, and in Consequence has a particular Respect for France, which I wish to increase. I send him partly, as a dear Pledge of my own Esteem and Gratitude for a Nation to whom my Country is so much indebted, and of my sincere Inclination to act, even in the tenderest Cases, in the true Spirit of the Alliance. I am, my dear Sir, with every Sentiment of Respect and Affection Your obedient humble Servant
Saml. Cooper
His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr / Minister Plenipotentiary from the / United States of America / at the Court of Versailles.
Endorsed: Saml. Cooper Nov 12 1779