Title: To Benjamin Franklin from J. M. Couder and Other Offerers of Goods and Schemes, 6 December 1780
From: Couder, J. M.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

During the period of this volume merchants and manufacturers continued to offer their goods for the war in America, while other correspondents proposed a variety of schemes to benefit the cause and the country.
On December 6 master tapissier J.M. Couder of Nancy offers a full range of military camp equipment, from tents to folding stools and gun covers, all part of an unclaimed order for the Nassau legion. His letter, published below, may have been forwarded by Halder & Co. who write from Strasbourg on December 14 with an enclosure from one of their correspondents and their own offer of service of any kind.
At Liège on January 12 Louis Der Kenne signs by proxy for the widow Ph. Velart an offer of some two hundred thirty muskets à la prussienne. Though solid and suited to any task, the muskets, which normally sell for 6.10 guilders, can be had for five guilders apiece and will be sent postage free to Akker and Heineken, the firm’s correspondent at Amsterdam, where Franklin’s representative can examine them. Franklin’s note endorsed it for a reply: “Que je nai pas besoin mes Remerciments pour l’Offre.”
Jourdan, writing from Troyes on February 5, has a more domestic market in mind. His liquid white soap has superior spot-removal qualities, a great advantage in Boston, he thinks. Another variety he makes cuts laundering time in half. His candles burn for ten or eleven hours but smell more like wax than tallow. They are of great beauty, their light does not tire the eyes, and they cost but two or three sols more a pound than tallow candles. He will travel to Paris to demonstrate his products and pass on his recipes. He also has found a use for the stems and ribs of the tobacco leaf, a plant he hears grows widely in the immense colony of Boston. His secret can be put to use there or the castoff stems and ribs can be imported into France at five or six sols per livre.
Lars Falck, the proprietor of a large tannery erected at Stockholm twenty years earlier by an English house and still manned by English curriers, has heard that the Congress of the United American Provinces wants a quantity of shoes for the army. Writing in English, on February 16, he proposes to supply two thousand pairs a month, to be delivered at Helgoland to the American agent Mr. Greig. He assures Franklin that the quality of the shoes, made from Irish hides and skins, will equal “the shooing deliverrd to his Majestys Army.” He asks the same price as that paid by his government, six shillings sterling a pair. Messrs. Thourton and Baur, who carry his letter, will attest to the solidity of his house.
On March 26 Frederic Guillaume Kurlbaum, a textile manufacturer from Bielefeld, Westphalia, recommends his fabrics, toiles d’Hollande, de Wahrendorff, de Bielefeld, for sails as well as damask for domestic use. A certain Baron de Disbach had written him from Aix-la-Chapelle (Aachen) the year before to request samples of fabrics, saying that he was under contract to supply Franklin with eighteen to twenty thousand florins worth of fabric annually for America. When Kurlbaum sent the samples to a friend for forwarding, the answer came back that there was no such person there. Would Franklin now take on the business or supply the addresses of firms who would? Now that Holland has entered the war he has fewer outlets for his merchandise.
Sometime during 1780, but before news of Maria Theresa’s death on November 28 was widespread, Philippe Wallez, a merchant at Ghent, directed an undated memoir to Franklin with a proposal to open direct trade between the Austrian Netherlands and America. Firearms, hardware, hats, shoes, and textiles from Flanders could be exchanged for American tobacco, rice, and indigo. With the end of the war trade could expand to include cod, steel, planking, and other raw materials from America, and lace from Flanders. To ensure some measure of control over the price of its tobacco, the United States should establish an entrepôt at Marseilles, a free port, and another at Ghent or Ostend for even though the Empress Queen has forbidden all trade with America, it is likely that this barrier will be lifted once these commercial advantages are recognized. In addition, since the Austrian Netherlands has no merchant marine, the United States would be responsible for all transportation.
Lanblin of Lille offers an instrument he has designed to take a position on land or sea, with respect to the sun but not the horizon. Easy to operate, it can also trace Mercator projections. For two years now he has tried unsuccessfully to have it examined for use by the French navy. Six months after completing it he read in the February 19, 1779, issue of the Gazette de France that M. de Gaule, ingénieur au havre, had presented his azimuthal compass to Sartine. If his instrument, easy to use and accurate, were accepted he would turn his talents to producing one to measure longitude. In his travels to the islands in America he has seen nothing like it and therefore attributes his lack of success to his station, a simple jeweller without the funds to produce a prototype. He will send his instrument to Franklin and in return asks only for a position in his household until peace is reestablished and he can go to the United States under Franklin’s protection. His address is care of Mademoiselle Dormael, residing at Mr. J.B. Dupassez’s in Lille.
Another maritime scheme is proposed on January 26 by Jaques Bergeon & Co., bankers at The Hague. They want permission to have the “fameux Marin Le Sieur Paul Yones” take command of a Dutch fleet, organized by the citizens and patriots of the outraged Republic against Great Britain. They enclose a notice of their plan printed in a French gazette and a plan printed in Dutch. They wish Jones’s current address and advice on whether or not he might serve with the vessel now under his command as “Maître Grand Amiral hereditaire.”
On March 7 a M. de La Corbière advances his plan, “dans le Siecle des Emprunts,” to establish a lottery for the United States in Europe. Since such schemes in France are controlled by the King, he proposes that it be opened in Genoa and lots be sold throughout Europe. Though a resident of Paris he has come to Turin where he had hoped to initiate a lottery for an enterprise which has not been realized. He asks Franklin to write care of his wife in Paris and to send a duplicate poste restante to Turin.
Rabiqueau presents his offerings on January 21. Franklin’s natural affection for the sciences and arts, and his desire to see them bear fruit in America, gives Rabiqueau hope that his prospectuses, already presented to the King’s brothers, Monsieur and the comte d’Artois, will find favor.

Monsieur
Nancy Le 6 Decemb. 1780.
J’ay lhonneur de vous offrir un assortiment considerable de tentes et marquises Pour officiers Generaux, Colonels simples officiers, et soldats tant dinfrie. que de Cavalerie; de Lits de Camp tout garnis; de Malles a Lits, manteaux d’armes, tabourets plians Et autres Equipages de guerre Les plus legers et pourtant Les plus solides et les mieux Conditionés qu’on puisse Employer a la guerre. Ils ont été faits pour La Legion de nassau qui n’a point eû Lieu. La Cour de france En a repris une partie pour son compte; mais Je suis à portée de vous Completter Les nombres dont vous auriez besoin dans Chaque Espèce.
Par Le prix de la main d’oeuvre dans cette Province Et La facilité que Jay de m’y procurer des Toiles convenables, des Coutils et autres fournitures sans etre assujetti aux droits d’Entrée dans le Royaume, je puis Livrer tous ces articles a meilleur marché qu’aucun autre Entrepreneur. Vous en seriez convaincu Monsieur si vous avïez occasion de m’Employer, ou d’acheter ce que Jay en Magasin. J’auray à ce sujet Lhonneur de vous observer que Le traité que Javois fait avec Mrs. de Nassau ne montoit qu’à Environ 60 mille Livres, et que pour cette somme Je leur avois fait dans L’Espace de 3 mois tous les Equipages de Camp de 2000 hommes, de 150 officiers, de 100. Cadets Gentilshomes et d’un grand Etat major. Le tout traité et Executé sous Les yeux des officiers preposés pour Cela.
Si donc Monsieur Les Etats d’amerique avoient Besoin de quelques fournitures du genre dont Je fais depuis longtems un grand Commerce, vous pouvez disposer de moy, et compter d’etre bien et promptement servi, et de trouver toutes Les facilités que vous pourrez desirer. Je serois bien flatté d’avoir a Executer vos ordres, et au premier avis J’iray Les Recevoir de vous meme a Paris.
Je suis avec Respect Monsieur Votre trés humble et Très obeissant serviteur
J. M. CouderMaitre Tapissier a Nancy.
M. francklin—Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats-unis de L’amerique

Notation: Couder J. M. Mancy le 6. Decemb. 1780.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Margaret Stevenson and Mary Hewson, 7 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Stevenson, Margaret,Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson

Passy, Decr. 7. 1780
My dear old Friends will think I forgot them, if they do not hear from me now & then. They may be assured that my Friendship & Affection is unalterable, and that I long much to see & embrace them once more before I die— I thank Polly for the Prints of Mr. Hewson, which I think are like.— I wish that she would lay out the 4½ Guineas in English Books such as she thinks proper for a Boy of my Godson’s Age to read, the Books to be in Duplicates, so as to divide, by giving half of them from me to my Godson, and sending the other half to me for my Grandson, who is about the same Age & now at School in Geneva, where I am afraid he will forget his English. The Books to be the same to each. Polly is doubly interested in the Choice of these Books, the good Instruction of her Son-in-Law, being almost of as much Importance to her as that of my Godson. Adieu. The present bad times make it difficult to write and Send Letters to one’s Friends without exposing them to Inconveniencies, tho’ the Correspondence is of the most innocent Nature. Since Collinson refuses to take care of Letters, let me know how I should direct to you.
Yours ever
BF
Mrs. Stevenson, & Mrs. Hewson

Notation: BF Decr 7.—80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 7 [December] 1780
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce jeudi 7 [December, 1780] a passy
Vous ne serés pas étonné mon bon papa de l’humeur qui me tourmente lorsque je ne reçois pas de vos nouvélles: je suis malade depuis 69 jours, et l’amitié les preuves de l’amitié ont seules le pouvoir d’adoucir mes meaux; je vous aime, il est naturél que je désire d’éstre aimée de vous; tout ce qui augmente et confirme ce sentiment de vous a moi m’est chér, Ecrivés moi donc. Vous n’estes pas assés fort pour montér mon éscaliér n’y le matin, n’y le soir; je suis au lit toutes les aprés midi, mais le matin je pourrai vous reçevoir dans mon sallon; vous n’avés point de jambes et vous consérvés toujours une exéllente teste; moi mon ami puisqu’il faut l’avouér, je n’ai point de teste et consérve deux mauvaises jambes; qui le matin peuvent désçendres, surtout lorsque le plaisir d’allér vérs vous les poussera: si vous voulés lundi ou mardi prochain venir déjeunér avéc moi vous ferés une bonne action, a laqu’elle nos enfants ne s’opposeront point; je vous répond de mes filles et vous prie de demandér l’avis de mr votre fils:/: Vous trouvérés a ce que j’éspere mon écriture plus lisible, je l’ai fait grosse a cétte intention par l’avis de mr Franklinét: au surplus mon ami je me consolle en imaginant que ma mauvaise écriture ne vous fait pérdre que les phrases qui ne tiénnent qu’a l’ésprit, et que tout ce qui part de mon coeur, est entendu ou déviné par le vostre:/: Vous avés raison de dire que si j’étois journaliste vos oeuvres françoises vérroient le jour; j’ose ajoutter que mon journal par cétte raison feroit tombér tous les autres: vous appéllerés ma maniére de jugér partialité; je la nommerai raison et disçérnement; votre modéstie et mon amour propre nous forçent a ce jugement; vous, parceque vous vous méttés bien au dessous de ce que vous valés; et moi parceque je crois me connoistre en méritte; au surplus je pense que votre modestie est éxcéssive, et que ma portion d’amour propre est au plus juste dégré quand elle me sért a vous appreciér:/:
Mon gros mari vá vous voir souvent, il vous conte des histoires: je meure de peur qu’il ne m’en ait volé quelques unes de célles que j’amasse pour vous amusér au moment de notre réunion: adieu le meilleur des papa, et le plus aimé de la plus tendres des filles.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 7 December 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Amsterdam 7e. Decembe. 1780
C’est avec bien de la satisfaction que j’ai vu dans une de vos Lettres, que S. E. Mr. Adams vient de me communiquer, que non seulement vous êtes délivré de la Goutte, mais qu’elle vous a même laissé, en vous quittant, un surcroit de santé. Ainsi Soitil! pour le bien de l’Amérique, & pour le mien.

On m’assure, qu’outre le Courier parti pour Petersbourg avec la Résolution de L.h.p. pour accéder à la Neutralité armée, on en a dépêché d’autres aux Puissances belligérantes & neutres, pour leur communiquer cette résolution.
Ce n’est que depuis peu que L.h.p. ont communiqué aux Provinces le Mémoire insolent de Sir J. Y. Celle d’Hollde. a nommé un Committé, pour aviser sur la Réponse à y faire; & ce Committé ne se presse pas. Dans l’Intervalle, une Majorité des Villes d’hollde., excepté Dort & Harlem, a formé, & communiqué à Sir J. Y. une Résolution, où ils désavouent la conduite d’Amsterdam relativement au Traité éventuel projetté entre Mrs. W. Lee & De Neufville. Le but de cette Comédie est visiblement 1º de gagner du temps, en attendant que le Courier ait eu le temps d’arriver à Pétersbourg avec l’ordre aux Plénipes. de signer la Convention; & 2º d’ôter aux Angl. le prétexte d’attaquer la rep. à d’autre titre qu’en haîne de son accession. On assure que le R— de Pr—se [Roi de Prusse] se déclarera bientôt aussi, & que c’est lui qui a écrit si fortement à un grand personnage dans cette Rep., que ce dernier n’a plus osé prendre sur lui de traverser l’accession.
Daignez, Monsieur, quand vous écrirez au Congrès, vous souvenir de moi, & le disposer de donner un moment d’attention à mon sort, afin que je puisse mieux subsister & servir: car je m’apperçois, que je ne dois compter à cet égard sur l’appui de personne autre en Europe que Sur le vôtre. Je retournerai à la Haie dans 5 ou 6 jours. J’espere d’y recevoir vos Lettres & ordres concernant la Réclame du Vaisseau enlevé à Saba. Je crois que c’est le temps présentement de faire quelque démarche à ce sujet; En attendant que le Congrès en résolve une pareille pour les Vaisseaux & effets Am—— enlevés à St. Martin & pour un autre enlevé tout récemment à St. Eustache.

Je suis avec le plus respectueux attachement, Monsieur Votre très humble & très obeisst. Servitor
Dumas

Mr. Adams m’a communiqué la Lettre de Newport du 10 Oct. Je vais la publier avec quelques changemens necessaires. J’espere que vous aurez la bonté, Monsieur, de me faire parvenir aussi la relation détaillée, &c. de la trahison d’Arnold, dont vous faites mention à Mr. Adams.
Passy à Son Exc. Mr. B. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin / Mine. Plenipe. des E. U. / Passy./.


Title: Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, [on or after 8 December 1780]
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin

Gentlemen
Philadelphia [on or after December 8, 1780]
In pursuance of the Resolve of Congress hereunto annexed I have signed fifth sixth seventh and eighth Sets of Loan Office Bills of Exchange of the Numbers and Denominations following Viz.
No. 265. 1 Set for 60 Doll. in favor of Sarah Cheeseman dated Octr. 31. 1779

309. 1
  120
do.
do.

  919. 1
  120
do.
Sepr. 21. 1779

  767. 1
  12
do.
do.

  796. 1
  24
do. John Woodhull Februy. 2d. 1780

  824. 1
  12
do. Sarah Cheeseman March 2d. 1780

  2335. 1
  96
do.
do.  do.

384

Amounting to three Hundred and eighty-four Dollars the Original Draft, having been lost as set forth in the said Resolve of Congress.—
I have the Honor to be Gentlemen. Your very humle. Sevt.
Fras Hopkinson Treasr. of Loans
(7)

Addressed: To the Commissioner or Commissioners / of the United States of America / at / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 8 December 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir,
L’orient Decr. 8th. 1780
I am this day honored with your Dispatches of the 4. of which I will be particularly careful. I had the honor to Write you the 4. that M. Gourlade had informed me by Letter of your having confided three Large Packets of Publick dispatches to his care to remit to me; and I am very Sorry & Surprised that he has neither yet appeared here nor sent me these Dispatches.— The Wind has been Fair for these Nine Days past, but is now become Unfavorable.—
With perfect Esteem & Respect I am ever Your Excellencies Most Obliged and most humble Servant,
His Excellency B. Franklin &c.&c.

Notation: No. 42. Decr. 8— 1780 To Dr. Franklin—: Acknowledging the receipt of some dispatches &c


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 9 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Samuel

Dear Sir,
Passy Decr. 9. 1780
Since mine of the 2 Instant, your Grandson has desired me to order that he may have a Room & fire &c. to himself. This will cost 300 Livres a year more, and I have doubts about putting his Father to such an Additional Expence without knowing his Mind or yours. I should be glad to receive some general Directions. Mr. Adams told me he had none. The School he is in is well for the present, but a better may soon be wanted. One of my Grandsons, is about the same Age, and intending him for a Presbyterian & a Republican, I have sent him to Geneva, where he goes on well. Some of the Nobility here send their Sons to the same School, thinking the Education there better, as well as safer, with regard to morals, than at Paris. If you should approve of it, as I have Thoughts of making a short Visit to Geneva in the Spring, I would take your young Gentleman in my hand.
You mention that the Officers & men of the Alliance complain of being kept out of their Prize Money. They have some reason, but it has been impossible for me to help them. The Expedition was compos’d of the Alliance, & 5 or 6 French Vessels, some in the King’s Pay & some Privateers. When they were about to sail, the Captains entered into an Agreement, and named an Agent who was empowered to receive & sell their Prizes, and distribute the Produce of them agreable to the Articles. I had no hand in this Nomination, and have never touch’d a Farthing of the Money directly or indirectly. Quarrels have arisen among the Captains, and Suits at Law are commenc’d by some for Shares to which others say they have no right. These Suits not being yet decided, are said to cause the Delays complain’d of; and all the French Officers and Seamen have the same Cause of Complaint with those of the Alliance: I am persuaded that every one will obtain their Due in time, wherein I shall assist all in my Power. You did me Justice in pledging yourself that my Honour will appear clear thro’ this whole matter, and you will have no cause to be asham’d of your good Opinion of me.
With great Respect & Affection, I am ever Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin

P.S. If you have yet a Copy I sent you of my Correspondence with Dean Tucker, I wish you would send it me. You will much oblige a Friend of ours in London.—
Revd. Dr. Cooper.

Notation: Copy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 9 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Dear Sir,
Passy Decr 9. 1780.
I wrote to you per last Post, under Cover to M. Moylan. With this you will receive another letter or two for America. I have just received yours of the 4th. I am sorry you waited for the Pacquets by Mr Gourlade as they only contained News Papers; but you could not know that. A Gentleman who says he is to sail with you sets off tomorrow, and will carry some more Parcels of News Papers, which are too bulky for the Post. Be so good as to remember me affectionately to Mr Wharton, and tell him I am still in his Gouty Shoes, which I have worn this Week past; and thank him for the Comfort of them. I wrote to him with the Letter to you that was lost, and fear his Letter was lost also. Once more I wish you a prosperous Voyage, being ever with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedt and most humble Servant.
B Franklin
Honble Come. Jones.

Notation: No. 38. From Dr. Franklin complimentary to Mr. Wharton & wishing Capt Jones a good voyage


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 9 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Dear Sir,
Passy, Dec. 9. 1780.
I received your very kind Letter of the 9th of october, dated at the light Camp on Passaic River. It is the only One of yours that has yet come to my Hands. I lament with you the Circumstances that prevented the placing a Stronger naval Force in North America last Summer, and the Consequences of that failure; But am neverthless very sensible of the Advantages that attended the arrival of that we have. The Minister you Left in the marine Departement here, is since changed; but the good Disposition of the Court towards us remain the same. The faults Common Fame ascribes to him, are that he spent too much Money on his Fleet, and that to little was done by it. I hope his Successor will furnish you the addition you wish for.
There has been a kind of Fatality attending the affair of sending out the Cloathing. A Number of unforeseen & unaccountable Accidents have delay’d and prevented it from time to time. Part of it is however at length gone; and the Rest in a fair Way of going soon, with the Arms, Powder, &c. You may depend on my procuring and forwarding all I can, that is necessary for the Operations of our Army.
I congratulate you on the Escape from arnold’s Treachery. His Character is in the Sight of all Europe already on the Gibbet & will hang there in Chains for Ages.
I wish you had been more particular relating to the Plan you mention of the Eastern States; as I do not fully understand it.
You being now upon the Spot can easily obtain & send me all the authenticated Accounts of the Enemies Barbarity that are necessary for our Little Book, or What is better get some body there to write it, & send me a Copy that I may adapt the Cuts to it. I have found an excellent Engraver for the Purpose.
My best Wishes always attend you, being with the most perfect Esteem and affection, Dear Sir, Your &c

P.S. My Grandson presents his Respects.
M. Le Marquis de La Fayette.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 9 December 1780
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
LOrient Decr: 9th 1780
The three Letters for Henry Laurens Esqr. which I have the honor to inclose your Excellency were deliverd me some time past by Captain Isaac All of the Brigantine Virginia, and untill I heard of Mr. Laurens’ unfortunate Capture, it was my design to have sent them to Amsterdam.— At present I do not know any person to whom I can with propriety intrust them except your Excellency, and must request your excuse for not having sent them sooner, but in my hurry to dispatch several Vessells for America; I really either forgot, or mislaid them.
I have the honor to remain wth. Sentiments of the most perfect Respect for your Excellency Sir Your most Obedt humble Servt
Jonatn: Nesbitt
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr

Notation: J. Nesbitt. L’Orient Dec 9. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pothonnier & Cie., 9 December 1780
From: Pothonnier & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris Le 9e. Xbre. 1780
N/S Gourlade n’est pas encore party. Puisque vous avés une occasion plus prompte nous vous renvoyons trois de vos pacquets, il y en a un qui á eté Expedié et qui doit estre rendu a Monsieur Jones, M. Gourlade partira demain Sans faute. Il Compte rester Quatre Jours a Sa terre de St Vrain, Si dicy a ce tems, Il Se presentoit quelque Chose chez vous pour Lorient, vous pourries nous l’envoyer, et nous luy ferions parvenir. Dans toutes les occasions, nous vous offrons nos Services, vous priant de disposer Librement de ceux qui ont lhonneur de Se dire avec respect, Monsieur Vos tres humbles et tres obeissants Serviteurs
Pothonnier ET Comp
Mr. franklin a Passy./.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / a Passy
Notation: Pothonier et Co. Paris 9. Xbre. 1780.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 10 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

ce Dimanche 10. Xbre. 80
Je me rendrai chez vous, ma chere fille, demain matin, avec grand Plaisir; & si vous ne pourrez pas descendre sans Difficulté, peutêtre je serai assez fort pour monter votre escalier. Le Désir de vous voir me donnera quelque force de plus. Mon fils m’aidera volontiers, car il ne s’oppose jamais à mes propositions d’aller avec moi chez Madame Brillon.
Les Visites de votre bon Mari pendant ma Maladie, m’a été très agreable. Sa Conversation m’a soulagé & égayé. Je regrette qu’au lieu de la chercher quand j’ai été chez vous, j’ai perdu tant de temps à jouer aux echecs. Il a beaucoup des Contes, & toujours bien appliquées. S’il vous en a dérobé quelques uns, vous pourrez les repeter neanmoins, car ils me plairont toujours de votre bouche.
M. Pagin m’a fait l’honneur de me visiter hier. C’est assurement un des meilleurs hommes possibles; car il a eu la patience de m’entendre jouer un Air sur l’Harmonica & de l’entendre jusqu’a la fin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont: Letter and Memoir, 11 December 1780
From: Chaumont
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Monsieur le Docteur
Passi ce 11 Décembre 1780
Trouvez bon que je mette Sous vos yeux toute l’histoire de l’affretement de mon Vaisseau le Marquis de la fayette, les personnes à qui j’ai montré ma police trouvant mes prétentions Sans réplique. Mr. Votre neveu a pris la peine de faire des observations verbales à nos arbitres à Nantes, cela ne me parait pas juste puisque je ne leur avais donné a prononcer que sur la police et que je m’étais défendu même de leur écrire pour leur demander leur bienveillance; il me semble que Mr. Williams aurait dû en faire autant et ne leur rien dire qui put détourner leur unique attention sur la police qui fait notre loi; ainsi si je ne m’en rapporte pas à l’avis de ces arbitres, c’est qu’ils ne m’ont pas entendu et qu’ils ont entendu M Williams et que dans le vrai ils n’avoient besoin d’entendre ni l’un ni l’autre, aussi l’avis des négocians de Bordeaux differe totalement de celui des négocians de Nantes parcequ’ils n’ont jugé que sur la police sans Savoir même de quoi il était question relativement aux personnes.
J’ai l’honneur de vous remettre, Monsieur le Docteur, une lettre de M. Williams du 14 Novembre dernier et une autre de Mrs. Jauge de Bordeaux du 5. de ce mois avec une copie de la police d’affretement de mon Vaisseau le Marquis de la fayette sous un nom Supposé et l’avis des Négocians de Bordeaux Sur la dite police. Si vous jugez a propos de faire une consultation, je vous prie de ne pas perdre de tems, parceque mes interêts souffrent cruellement de tous ces retards, et je crois que vous pourriez lever ces difficultés sur la simple lécture de la dite police.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec le plus respectueux attachement Monsieur le Docteur Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
Leray DE Chaumont
Mr. Le Docteur franklin

II.
Mémoire.
[December 11, 1780]
J’ai fretté mon Vaisseau Le Marquis de la fayette aux Conditions Exprimées dans la Police cy jointe.
Je pouvois exiger dès le mois d’Août dernier le payement du fret de ce Vaisseau en Lettres de change à trois uzances sur Mr. Franklin.
J’avois chargé mes Correspondants à Bordeaux de terminer cette affaire avec Mr. William de Nantes.
Mondit sr. William m’a écri le 14e. 9bre. la Lettre ci jointe à laquelle j’ai répondu ainsi qu’il en est fait mention dans la Lettre aussi ci jointe de MM. Jauge de Bordeaux en datte du 5e. Xbre.
L’avis des Arbitres de Nantes inserré dans la Susditte Lettre sembleroit Condamner mes prétentions à exiger le payement du fret Comme acquis avant le départ de mon Vaisseau de la Rivière de Bordeaux; Si Mr. William s’étoit contenté de leur demander leur avis sur la police d’affrétement, sans leur avoir fait verbalement l’exposé de l’affaire que je n’ai pas été dans le cas de contredire puisqu’il ne m’a pas été Communiqué, et que j’ai même eu la delicatesse de ne pas écrire à ces arbitres afin qu’ils ne prononcent que sur la police d’affrettement, et non sur aucun autre exposé.
Messieurs Jauge de Bordeaux ont consulté la même affaire de leur office et Sans que je les en aye priés; L’avis de Neuf Négociants de Bordeaux, qui n’ont pas été instruits autrement que par la Copie de la police, est totalement Contraire à celui des deux Négociants de Nantes qui ont jugé Sur la police et sur l’exposé verbal de Mr. William. J’ay donc gagné mon procès à la pluralité des Voix, et plus parfaitement parce qu’il n’a été question que de la pièce qui peut fixer le jugement des Arbitres.

J’ose espèrer que Monsieur Franklin voudra bien me faire connoitre ses intentions sur cette affaire qui est d’autant plus délicate pour moi que j’ai commencé à Sacrifier au désir de lui être utile un Vaisseau dont la force et la Capacité m’assuroient des Succès plus Certains et moins perilleux en l’envoyant sous Convoy aux indes occidentales qui Sont Sous la domination de la france./.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Chaumont: Letter and Memoir, 11 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Chaumont

I.
Sir,
Passy, 11th. December 1780
It was because I know myself to be perfectly ignorant of Mercantile Affairs, that I left it totally to Mr. Williams to freight the Vessel wanted to transport our Merchandize, and to make the Agreement necessary for that purpose. It is for the same reason that I cannot take upon me to judge of & decide the Difference that has arisen between you & him upon that Agreement.— But to finish the Dispute in the most expeditious Manner possible, since your principal Objection to the Decision of the Arbitrators named by yourself to Mr Williams, is that they heard him without hearing you, I would propose to take no Advantages of the Opinion they have given, but to submit the Affair again to their Consideration, and that you should furnish them in writing with all your reasons in support of your Demand. If after being thus instructed, they determine differently, I shall willingly abide by their Judgment; & I hope you will do the same if they continue to be of the same Sentiment as express’d in the Decision already given.—
If you agree to this Proposition, we can each of us write to Nantes by to morrow’s Post. And you can write to your Correspondents at Bordeaux to act agreable to the Decision that may be forwarded to them from Nantes. This will save much time.
The Delays of which you complain, as so prejudicial to your Interests, are not owing to us, it appearing by the Letter of Messrs. Jauge & Fils which you have just communicated to me, that the Ship is not to this Day ready to sail, for want of Hands. But the long Delay of her Departure from Bordeaux has been infinitely prejudicial to our Affairs, the Troops in America being half Naked.—
With great Esteem & Respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most Obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
M. Le. Ray de Chaumont.

II.
Memoire, in Answer to the Memoire of M. de Chaut.
The Vessel called the Marquis de la Fayette was propos’d by M. de Chaumont to Mr Williams to be freighted for America. His Terms were agreed to without any Proposition of Abatement on the Part of Mr Williams.
The Agreement was made the 30th of August. M. de Chaumont had not then bought the Vessel. If I remember right (but perhaps I am mistaken) she was not bought till about the middle of September. However this may be, it is certain that by the Terms of the Agreement it was not suppos’d she could be ready to receive her Lading till the End of that Month or beginning of October; how then could M de Chaumont be entitled to exact the Payment of the Freight, from the Month of August, by Bills on Mr Franklin?
Mr. de Chaumont’s Agents at Bordeaux having made a Difficulty of permitting the Vessel to depart before Payment of the Freight, alledging that the Agreement required it, M. Williams who understood the Agreement differently, offer’d to submit it to the Decision of Merchants at Bordeaux. Those Agents wrote to Mr de Chaumont advising him not to submit it to Arbitration, but to adhere to the Agreement. M. de Chaumont, nevertheless, propos’d to submit it to two Merchants at Nantes his particular Friends, which Mr Williams agreed to. These Gentlemen decided against M. de Chaumont, that the Freight of Goods to be shipt at L’Orient could not be due till the Ship was charg’d with them; and for this plain Reason, parceque ce sont des Marchandises qui doivent le Fret.
The Agents at Bordeaux 7 Days after found nine Merchants in Bordeaux who signed a contrary Opinion. But the Affair was already decided and had not been submitted to those nine Gentlemen by either of the principal Parties, whereas both Parties had agreed to be decided by the two Gentlemen at Nantes. This makes a material Difference.
M. de Chaumont nevertheless supposes that because Nine is a greater Number than two he has gained his Process by Plurality of Voices. But in this Way the Process can not soon be ended: Mr Williams may in imitation of the Agents at Bordeaux, find 10 Merchants at Nantes of the same Opinion with the two first. The Agents at Bordeaux may then find 12 of the same Opinion with the nine & thus the two Parties may go on till all the Merchants of France are consulted.
But M. de Chaumont complains that Mr Williams was heard by those two Gentlemen at Nantes, & he was not; It has therefore been proposed by Mr. Franklin, not to claim any Advantage from their Judgment already given, but to resubmit the Dispute to their Consideration. After they shall have perus’d the Reason M. de Chaumont may write to them in Support of his Demand; and that their second Decision shall be final.
Mr Williams & Mr. Franklin constantly from the Beginning understood the Agreement as they now do, that the Freight was not demandable till the Ship was laden at l’Orient. And Mr Franklin supposes that Mr de Chaumont had himself the same Idea, till a contrary one was suggested to him by his Friends at Bordeaux; because during all the long Detention of the Ship there, he never demanded the Bills for the Freight nor ever mentioned the Nonpayment to Mr Franklin as a Cause of the Delay, but ascrib’d it to contrary Winds. And Mr Franklin never heard of that Demand till about two Weeks since from Mr. Williams, who first had it, not from M. de Chaumont, but from Bordeaux.
Mr Franklin is hurt by this Observation in M. de Chaumont’s Memoir, viz. “Cette Affaire est autant, &c (to the End). Because it was never his Desire that M. de Chaumont should sacrifice his Ship or his Interest in any respect; and if Mr de Chaumont had at the time he propos’d the Agreement mention’d his having an Opportunity of using his Ship to more Advantage, Mr Franklin would either have propos’d to make the voyage as profitable for the Ship as any other, or he would not have consented that Mr Williams should take her, & thereby deprive his Friend of that Profit.
Since the Agreement was made two other Ships, one at Nantes the other at l’Orient, have been offered to Mr Franklin, & refused in Expectation of this, both of whom might have been laden long since, & nearly in America by this time.
If any particular Exigency in the Affairs of M. de Chaumont, make it eligible for him to have the Bills now rather than wait the lading of the Vessel at L’Orient, or the second Decision at Nantes, in that case, Mr Franklin will give them without further Dispute on condition that Mr. de Chaumont will insure her Arrival & being fit to take in the Goods at l’Orient in a reasonable time; otherwise, if the Ship should be taken or lost in going from Bordeaux to L’Orient, he should not only incur a Loss of 200,000 l.t. but be guilty of an Absurdity which he could not justify to his Superiors, the having paid Freight beforehand for a Ship that never was in the Situation to take the Goods on board.
If Mr de Chaumont agrees to refer the Dispute again to the Gentlemen at Nantes, Mr Franklin proposes to send them this Paper as some Answer to the Memorial of M. de Chaumont. But he first communicates it to M. de Chaumont, that he may previously help Mr Franklin to correct any Mistakes in fact, if such there are; and also that M. de Chaumont may, in what he shall write, answer the Observations made herein, if he thinks proper.

Notation: Ansr to M. De Chaumonts Memoire


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Charretié, 11 December 1780
From: Charretié, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris Decbr. 11. 1780.
I take the liberty to request your Excellency to give the Bearer the Petition to the Minister of the Marine, and the report of the Committee of the house of Commons.
I Flatter my Self that your Excellency Will condescend to note at the bottom of the Petition that I Was recommended to her as a Man of confidence and probity, and that You Will be so good as give a Few lines of introduction to your Friends at Versailles, as I have no acquaintance there Whatever. I beg leave to observe to you, that Mr. Pecholier, Who I propose in the petition as my associate is one of the first houses in London.
Penetrated With the highest sense of Your Goodness and Generosity I am Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most humble Servant
John Charretié

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur B Franklin / Ministre des Etats Unis de / l’Amérique / à Passy
Notation: John Charrië Paris Decr. 11. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 December 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir
Nantes 12 Decr 1780
I have received your Favours of the 2d & 4 Inst.— My Disputes with Mr de Chaumont were indeed, ended, & if I had had only him to deal with, I beleive I should never have had any, but his Bordeaux Correspondents have acted very different from my Ideas of fair Dealing & this is the mildest Construction I can place on their Conduct, for after the Gauge of the Ship was settled on their own Terms & after the Fret was determined to be aquit only at L’Orient, by two Gentlemen appointed by Mr de Chaumont himself, they pretend to chicane me again & dispute all these Points by the Opinion of God knows who partially collected at Bordeaux. I have answered them as I thought they deserved, and I send you a Copy of my Letter: Nº 1. I could not avoid letting them see my Opinion of them.

I have since a Letter from Mr de Chaumont which informs me that he expects the Marquis de la Fayette is sailed by this Time so I suppose he has at once obviated every Difficulty by his absolute Order & indeed without such a Step it does not appear to me that Ship would ever reach L’Orient.—
I cannot yet inform you the Quantity of Arms the Mars has on board as the List is not yet returned to me, as soon as I receive it you shall have it. I do not however beleive she has taken more than 60 Tons, the weight in Addition to her Guns Water Provision Ammunition &c being more than she could Carry, the remainder has been filled up with fine Goods at 8 prct Freight on the Value which taking little room or Weight, have amounted to about ten thousand Livres (10,000 l.t.) this Freight has been paid here but it is 14 or 15000 Livres short of what the Ship has contracted by her Outfitts, so that the 12.000 Livres you proposed to assist her with will hardly wipe off all, & I suppose I must pay the rest. You are not by your Promise obliged to pay all the 12.000 Livres as you made it on Condition of her taking 100 Tons & the ship has taken but about Sixty as I am informed; but, 60 Tons at 200 l.t. will make 12000 Livres, & you could not get Freight in any other Vessell under 300 l.t. pr Ton. I hope therefore you will assist the State and free them from the Burden of this Debt, & me from the disagreable necessity of paying it out of my Pocket, for every thing that has been supplied has been on my Credit, & I cannot in honour refuse to see the People paid; This will fall very heavy on me unless you consent to pay the whole 12000 Livres, & even after that I expect I shall not be made quite whole.— If I had not acted as I have the Ship must have been sold to pay the People, for nobody but me would meddle with the Business, & I had for my only motive the Honour & advantage of the State:— It will be very hard for me to be the Dupe of my good Nature, & I hope you in Answer will agree to Accept Mr Austins Bills for 12.000 Livres on Accot of the Massachusetts State.
The Mars sailed last Tuesday 12 Instant, there were none of Mr Chaumonts Cloths on board because they have been these 3 months at L’Orient waiting for the Marquis de la Fayette. If I had not depended on this Ship I would have loaded the Mars entirely with them.

Your desire about sending some things for aunt Mecom came too late, as the Ship was cleared & every Person gone on board ready to heave up the Day your Letter came to hand, if I had thought it possible to have sent the Goods on board pr Express in time I would have done it.— I am glad the Claret is arrived and hope you like it, the Vidonia has been a long time delayed in going up the River against Wind & Current but I hope you will now soon receive it.
I had this Letter thus far written when Mr de Chaumonts express arrived, I therefore close it & refer you to what I write by the return of the Express.
I am ever with the greatest Respect Your ever dutifull & Affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

Endorsed: Mr Williams Dec. 12. 1780 Fresh Difficulties Started at Bourdeaux


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 13 December 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia December 13th. 1780.
I did myself the honor of writing to you a letter from Camp, wherein your Excellency will find an account of some late transactions on this side of the water— I am now to inform you, that our Army are gone into winter Quarters, & by their position effectually cover the State of New Jersey, as well as our Works on the North-River— From the insular situation of the Enemy, and their Naval superiority in these Seas, it became impossible for our Troops to force them to an Action, which they have constantly refused— But while we were offering to them every opportunity of meeting us with equal force, and on equal grounds, we have improved every occasion of defeating their projects, and stricking at them, upon a Smaller scale.

Some days ago Major Tallmadge of Sheldons Light Dragoons, having crossed over to Long-Island (at a place where the Sound is 20 miles wide) attacked with Sixty Men a Fort of the Enemies, that was Garrisoned by an equal Number whom he either killed or Took, and after having destroyed a Magazine of three hundred Ton of Hay and a Vessel loaded, he landed safe on our Shore with four Officers and fifty privates prisoners.—
A letter from Major Genl. Gates dated Novemr. 14th. mentions a new advantage obtained in South-Carolina, By Sumpter, who defeated one Major Wemyh, and took him prisoner, with twenty five Men of his party— Genl. Gates informs also that the Enemy do not now possess a single Post east of George Town, or North of Camden and that their communication is constantly interrupted by our Militia.—
The British Corps under Genl. Leslie have evacuated Portsmouth in Virginia, where they had began to Fortify themselves, and it appears that having abandoned their Schemes of a junction by land (with Lord Cornwallis) they are gone by Water to Charles-Town—so that every one of their Plans for this Campaign has been defeated by repeated disappointments—
The several States are exerting themselves with Vigor, in order that pursuant to the Resolution of Congress an Army for the War be soon compleated.

A Number of Generals, Colonels, and other Officers from the American and French Army have come together to this place, and propose soon to rejoin their respective Commands—
With the highest Regard I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obt. Huml Sert.
Lafayette
His Excellency Doctor Franklin1st. Letter

Notation: La Fayette Decr 13 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 14 December 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Amst. 14e. Dec. 1780
Je viens de recevoir l’honorée vôtre du 3e. Je verrai demain Mr. A—s [Adams], & je lui promettrai les copies qu’il desire, qu’il aura dès que je Serai de retour à Lahaie.
Pour de réponse au Mémoire insolent, je sai de notre ami, qu’on n’en fera pas du tout: & c’est, je pense, ce que l’on peut faire de mieux dans ces circonstances. Dans ce moment j’apprends, que S. J. en vient de présenter un second, tout aussi doux, ou il est dit, que Si L.H.P. ne procurent la Satisfaction & punition demandée, son Maître, comme garant de la constitution Batave, se la procurera lui-même. Ceci renferme une menace tacite contre la Ville-même d’Amst. Au reste, la punition d’un citoyen quelconque d’une ville d’hollde. n’appartient pas à L.h.p. mais à la province.
Le gd. F——r part aujourd’hui de Lahaie pour Paris, où il passera quelques semaines. Il m’a dit que j’avois bien fait de m’absenter de Lahaie dans ces temps. Je lui ai présenté Mr. Searle; & nous avons eu une conversation importante tous trois, qu’il a promis de faire valoir. Je retournerai à Lahaie la semaine prochaine. Comme on ne sait pas ce qui peut arriver de la part de certaines gens, des Amis de poids m’ont conseillé ce que j’ai déja dans l’idée depuis longtemps, pour ma Sureté, Savoir, de vous demander, Monsieur, comme au seul Mine. Plenipe. reconnu près d’une Puissance Européenne, de recevoir mon serment d’Allégeance en qualité de Sujet des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique afin qu’étranger, comme je le Suis, je puisse être protégé & réclamé à ce titre en cas d’accident. On m’a dit que vous pouviez nommer quelqu’un ici, Mr. Adams par exemple, ou Mr. Searle pour en votre nom recevoir mon serment, & moi-même comme sujet Américain. Ayez donc la bonté Monsieur de m’expédier le plutôt le mieux ce qu’il faut à cet égard. Je n’ai jamais prêté serment de fidélité à aucun Etat, Excepté au Très-hon. Congrès Même, dans ma premiere Lettre, écrite au Committé des affaires étrangeres en réponse à celle qui me fut écrite de la part du Congrès le 9–12 Dec. 1775. ayant quitté l’Allemagne ma patrie, avant l’age de Majorité.
Je suis à la hâte, avec un très-grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S. E. M. B. Franklin

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


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Faneuil Jones, 14 December 1780
From: Jones, Peter Faneuil
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sr:
Dunkerque Decr: 14th: 1780
Necessity Obliges me to Trouble you for some Assistance After stateing my Case to you, your Exellency will be Able to Act According. I sail’d the 27th: Decemr: last in the Continental Frigate Alliance Commanded By John Paul Jones Esqr: and on the 8th: Jany: we fell in with and Captur’d a Dutch Brig Call’d the Burke Bosch from Liverpool bound to Leghorn With an English Cargo said Brig Capt: Jones thought propper to give me the Command off with Orders to proceed to Philidelphia But Distress of Weather and a Leakey Vessell Obliged me to Shape my Course for Martinico but I was Unfortunately Taken on the 10th: March last by the Gray hound Frigate and Savage Sloop of War and Carried to St: Lucia from thence to Barbadoes then to St: Christophers then to Jamaica from thence to Portsmouth where I found Means to give them the Slip and got over to flushing and Travelled to this place haveing But three Shillings and sixpence when I sett off from flushing and the Cloaths I had on my Back; and as I was in the Congress Service I hope your Exellency will be pleased to send me some Assistance to Replace the Cloaths and Navigation Books and Instruments which I have lost your Complying with this Request will be Ever Acknowledged By him who is, with the Greatest Respect Your Most Obedient & Most Humble Servt:
Peter Faneuil Jones
To his Exellency Benjn: Franklin

Addressed: A Son / Excellence Mr. Bn Franklin / Ministre plenipotentaire des Etats / unis de L’amerique A la / cour de france / a Passi Pres Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 December 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond. Sir—
Nantes 14th. December 1780
I received your favour of the 12th. inst. after I had written my Answer to yours of the 2d: & 4th. so I let that go as it is and you have it accordingly inclosed—
Immediately on the arrival of Monsr. de Chaumonts Courier with his and your Packets Mr: de Montaudoin sent for me to Answer his Interrogatories & justify my cause,—I took my Papers in my Pocket & my Letter Book under my Arm and in two minutes was at his House— He presented me Monsr. de Chaumonts Memoire and asked me if I would write an Answer, I told him I required no Reflection on the Subject & could answer it verbally—Article by Article.— The first Position “que Mr de Chaumont pouvait exiger des les mois d’Aout dernier le payment du fret de ce vaisseau” I contented myself to deny, and as a proof I represented that if it had been the Case the payment would have been required, for is it common Sense, that a Man who could have commanded so considerable a Sum would have suffer’d his Credit to have been wounded by the suspension of his payment, and would he before he was reduced to that extremity have made Use of my Friendship to raise Cash on a Negociation for him? I would not have given this Answer to any body but Mr. de Montaudouin & you, & I wish for Mr. de Chaumonts sake it may not transpire— He then says “J’avais Chargé mes Correspondts. a Bordeaux de terminer cette Affair avec M. Williams a Nantes.” This is true & I appointed Persons in my behalf at Bordeaux, but Mr. de Chaumonts Correspondents were afraid of an Arbitration & would not consent.
The 3d. position is that “L’avis des Arbitres de Nantes semblerait condamner mes pretensions a exiger le payment du fret comme Acquit avant le depart de mon Vaisseau de Bordeaux. Si M Williams était contenté de leur demander leur avis sur la Police d’affrettement sans leur avoir fait verbalement l’exposé de l’affaire que Je n’ai pas eté dans le cas de contredire puisqu’il ne m’a pas eté communiqué & que J’ai eu meme la delicatesse de ne pas ecrire a ces Arbitres a fin qu’ils ne prononcent que sur la police d’affrettement, & non sur aucun autre exposé.” If this means any thing it means that I have endeavoured to influence the Gentlemens Opinion by representing only one side of the dispute; for my justification in this point I appealed to the Gentlemn. themselves, And Mr. Montaudouin acknowledged that I had concealed nothing from him that could make against me, for instance the Cannons Shipp’d at Bordeaux was exposed to him in my first conversation. And as for Mr. Rozé I never saw him but at the Chambre de Lecture in Company with a number of Gentlemen, & had not ten minutes Conversation with him on the Subject. I was very delicate in this Business & ’till now did not expose half my Reasons on the subject. And now I have the Champ libre I have not required a moments reflection but immediately went to answer Interrogatories without putting pen to Paper— As to the Bordeaux consultation & the “pluralité de Voix” I pay no kind of attention to it, as there was no previous Consent on either part; And I suppose the same Gentlemn might have obtained in the same manner an opinion conformable to their own on any subject. They appeal to my Friends at Bordeaux for the impartiallity of their Conduct And the letter I have received this day from these same Friends shows how very partial they have been, you have a Copy of this Letter under this Cover No 1. As to the plurality de voix, I suppose after the signature of Montaudouin I could very easily have obtained a thousand on ‘Change to the same opinion, and that without begging them, as it appears these Bordeaux Gentlemen have done—
To finish this Affair I now send you a second Determination (No 2) & I hope now I have it doubly in my Favour it will be no longer disputed—

I return you the Letter & Memoire inclosed & am with the greatest Respect Your ever dutifull & Affectionate Kinsman—
Jona Williams J

Endorsed: Mr Williams Dec. 14. 1780 Acct of his Hearing by Mr Montaudouin The Awards, &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 15 December 1780
From: Coffyn, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dunkerque 15. Decr. 1780
Your Excellency has given me too many proofs of his goodness towards me, to allow me to hesitate troubling him on a matter which occasions me Some uneasiness, and on which I now take the liberty to ask his candid oppinion. Your Excellencys kindness towards M. Saml Wharton of which I was a wittness during my last stay at Paris, inspired me with So much confidence, that I readily gave way to a proposal this Gentm. made me, for the purchase of a parcill of Flanders Linnen to be Sent to America, in which he was to be concerned for one third, Dr. Ingenhousz for an other third, and Dr. Bancroft & myself for the remainder. Accordingly the goods were bought, and forwarded to L’orient, about nine months ago, part of which arrived safe by the ship Luzerne, Some were taken, & the remainder are now on their way to America. M. Wharton promised then to write to his house at Philadelphia, to send me immediately a remittance for his share, which amounts to about £13000. Tours. but till this day I have nether received the bills, nor any letters from him.
As I had not the advantage of knowing M. Wharton before I met him at Paris, and having nobody to apply to, of whom I may expect to know the circomstances of this Gentleman, I make bold to request your Excellencys oppinion respecting his solidity & punctuality in business; I look’d upon him as a man of too much honnor to enter into an engagement which he should not be able to fullfill, yet the unexpected delay in his remittances creates some uneasiness in me, which nothing but your Excellencys candid answer is able to dissipate: I therefor hope your Excellency will excuse the freedom I take, and be persuaded that whatever your Excellency shall be pleased to mention will remain secret.
I have the honnor to Subscribe myself with profound respect Your Excellencys most obedient & most humble Servant
F. Coffyn

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, / En particulier.
Notation: F. Coffyn. Dunkerque Dec 15. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Court de Gébelin, 16 December 1780
From: Gébelin, Antoine Court de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
16: Xbre. 80
M. L’Abbe Robin, de la Loge des IX. Soeurs, s’embarque dans deux jours pour l’Amerique Septentrionale où il va remplir la place d’Aumonier auprès de M. Le Comte de Rochambeau. Comme il Seroit charmé de parcourir ces Contrées & d’y être bien annoncé, à qui pouroit-il mieux qu’à vous, Monsieur, demander quelques lettres de recommandation? C’est un homme de lettres non moins estimable par ses connoissances que par ses vertus: il est digne à tous egards que vous vouliez bien prendre quelqu’interêt à lui: & je verrai avec la plus vive reconnoissance tout ce que vous ferez pour lui rendre son nouveau sejour plus agreable. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec un respecteux devouement Monsieur Votre très humble & très ob. Servitr.
Court DE Gebelin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Peters, 16 December 1780
From: Peters, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada. Decr. 16. 1780
I have just heard of an Adventure of mine out of which I directed you to be paid being captured by the Enemy on its Way to France. I am much chagrined that owing to this Dissappointment you have not received the Money. I sent £30 Sterg & now remit in a Bill for 200 Dollars £45 Sterg. This with Chevr Trecesson’s Bill will make up the £100 Sterg advanced for me & when the whole is settled I shall beg you to accept of the Interest. I took much pains to have it in my power with propriety to pay Mr Trecesson. I wrote to him to the West Indies giving him a Credit on a House in Martinique. I have heard from my Friends there that the Chevalier recieved my Letter he being at Guadalope in the Regt of Armagnac but that he knows Nothing of the Bills. In the mean Time a genuine Bill was presented to me but as the Chevalier said he had never seen or heard of the Bills I have Reason to doubt the Authenticity of the Endorsement. I proposed to the Holder to send the Bill to the W Indie. & let the Chevalier acknowledge the Endorsement or recieve the Money from my Friends at Martinique & give a Reciept or if the Endorsement be genuine let the Order of the Indorsee recieve it there. If I cannot get the Matter adjusted in some such Way I must I believe remit you the Money. There have been so much Delays & Difficulty in sending you this Money that I pray you to advance no more even if your Goodness should incline you so to do. I expect speedily to remit you some Money to be applied as the former. But I should be extremely obliged by any Intelligence from or concerning my Father from whom I have not heard for three Years not having recieved the Letter you mention nor any other. I believe you are acquainted with his Hand writing—
I am with the most sincere Esteem & Respect Your very obedt & obliged hble Sert
Richard Peters

Be pleased to present my Compliments to W. T. Franklin. Mrs peters sends her respectful Compliments
  Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Minister Plenipotentiary of / the United States / Passi / near Paris / [in another hand:] Pr Ship Franklin / Capt Angus
  forwarded by yr. most obt. Humble Servt. L’Orient 24 Jany. 1781Js. Cuming


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Waterhouse, 16 December 1780
From: Waterhouse, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Very Respected Sir
Leyden 16th. December 1780
The enclosed letters I brought with me from London—several circumstances concurred to detain me in England longer than I wished or expected, or there would not have been so long a space between the date of these letters and their delivery— Dr. Fothergill would have written to you long before, but deferred it, for obvious reasons, untill some safe oppertunity by a private hand occured. The Doctor still continues anxiously concerned for the wellfare of our Country, but does not believe that it is in the power of any simple individual in England to do us any service. His opinion of the rulers of G. Britain is, I am persuaded the same as yours, and therefore he dispairs seeing any good from them, but he has far different ideas of the European powers at large, he thinks they are growing better, and, as I have heard him say, he hopes yet to see the crown’d heads of Europe combining & forming as it were one grand Tribunal before which all national differences may be adjudged & settled, and thereby prevent the necessity of having recourse to the ultima ratio regum.
I quitted England in hopes of returning to my own Country by some ships from Amsterdam, but came too late. I am therefore settled down again at Leyden and shall embrace the first oppertunity in the Spring— I wish to go to Boston where I propose to exercise my profession— During the time I have lived with Dr Fothergill he hath taught me the necessity of stripping our Art from those ribbons and feathers that have so long disgraced her, and sometimes rendered her ridiculous, and of reducing it to simple nature & common sense. With this idea I go over, together with a firm resolution of being honest if they will let me— I am in hopes that my countrymen will in time be convinced that it is not so necessary for a man to come to Europe to learn to cure the diseases of his next-door neighbour as they imagine—on the contrary, I hope they will recollect that Nature with her open volume stands courting the attention of her sons in that country as well as in Europe, with this difference only that there we shall trust to our own eyes, here too much to others— The little book which you gave me I have read with much satisfaction and find it very different from any french medical work I ever met with—
With many thanks for your politeness towards me while at Paris I remain with the greatest respect Your friend & Countryman
Benjn. Waterhouse
To Doctor Franklin

Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plénipotentiaire des / Etats Unis de l’Amerique / Aupres de la Cour de France / a Passy / près Paris
Notation: Watherhouse Bn. Leiden 16. Dec. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont, 18 December 1780
From: Chaumont
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur le Docteur,
Passi ce 18. Xbre. 1780.
M. Grand vient de me dire qu’il falloit que J’escrivis a Bordeaux qu’on envoyat a M. William a Nantes les polices d’assurance Sur mon Vau. [Vaisseau] le Marquis de la fayette, et qu’ensuite M William tirera sur vous a mon ordre Le montant du fret. Touttes ces Longueurs ne peuvent S’arranger avec mes Bezoings d’argeant et Je vous offre Bonne Caution pour ces Deux Cents mil Livres dont J’ay Bezoing, Si mieux vous n’aimez que Je vous fasse Le transport d’unne obligation que J’ay a mon proffit de plus de deux Cents mil Livres dont vous pourez toucher le montant Si mon Vaisseau tomboit entre les Mains de L’ennemy ou perissoit avant de Se Rendre a L’orient. J’ay toujours fait etat que Je toucherois Ces Deux Cents mil Livres dans ce mois cy, ils Sont echeus du dix. Je me Suis asseuré que les fonds en avoient été faits non par motif d’aucun Soubçon mais pour determiner M. Cottin a prendre des arrangements qui pussent me tranquiliser parcequ’on avait attaqué mon Crédit a L’epoque de la Revocation de M. de Sartines, M. Le Comte de Vergennes eut la Bonté alors d’asseurer M. Cottin que Nous pouvions Compter L’un et L’autre Sur ces deux Cents mil livres. D’après Cela M. Cottin a agi, et je touche a L’epoque ou Je dois Remplir L’engagement que J’ay pris avec luy, Je vous prie de me mettre a mesme de le Remplir en acceptant Les Seuretées que Je vous offre. Vous ne pouvez me Refuser qu’autant que vous n’auriez pas Cette Somme a vostre disposition, et en Ce Cas Je vous prie de me permettre de m’en prevaloir pour demander du Secours afin que mes engagements ne Souffrent pas.
Je Suis avec Respect et amitié, Monsieur le Docteur votre tres humble et tres obeissant Servr
Leray DE Chaumont

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / franklin / a Passi
Endorsed: M. de Chaumont Dec. 18. 1780 Pressing for 200,000 livres & offering Surety to refund in Case his Ship should not arrive at Lorient from Bordeaux.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Chaumont, 18 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Chaumont

Passy ce 18. Xbre. 1780.
Le Contrat pour le fret a été fait, entre vous, Monsieur, et Mr. Williams. Par ce Contrat, c’est lui qui doit tirer les Lettres de Change sur moi, quand le Vaisseau sera prêt a partir de l’Orient; Je n’ai rien a faire dans toute cette Operation que d’accepter ces traittes qui suivant le Contract doivent être tirées à trois usances et de les payer lors qu’elles seront échues. Les longueurs dont vous vous plaignez ne viennent pas de notre Part. Vous sçavez que j’ai des Ennemis qui sont partis d’ici et qui sont actuellement en Amerique prêts à me denoncer et à me perdre, si je leur en donne la moindre Occasion. Cette affaire regardant mes commetants, je ne puis me mêler de votre Contract avec M. Williams en donnant des Traittes avant le tems specifié, sans prendre les Cautions que vous m’offrez, je serois accusé et regardé comme coupable de n’avoir pas pris ces Precautions. Mais desirant vous aider, Si la Caution dont vous faites mention est jugée suffisante par leur Banquier M. Grand je n’hesiterai pas d’accepter ou de faire des Billets payables en trois mois, pour la Somme de 200.000 l.t.
Je suis avec beaucoup de respect et d’amitié, Mr., &c
M. Le Ray de Chaumont.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 18 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hodgson, William

Dear Sir,
Passy, Dec. 18. 1780.
I received your Favour of the 4th. with the Account of the Expenditure of the 100£ in supplying the Wants of the Prisoners, which is very satisfactory. I beg you to accept my thankful Acknowledgements of your kindness to & Care of those unfortunate People, & let my Blessings be mix’d with theirs. By next Post I shall send you 150£ more, requesting you will continue your charitable officers in properly distributing it. I wrote some time since to a Friend that I wish’d the allowance per Week to be doubled. As you inform me that the Donations are like to fail, I pray that during the Months of January, February, & March, the Sum to each Man may be equivalent to 18. pence a Week in money, Provisions or Cloaths, as the Necessities of each may require, and at your Discretion or that of our good Christian Friends who are on the Spot. I regret much the Loss of our Friend Bentley. He was a worthy, useful & amiable Man. Be pleased to present my affectionate Respects to the Rest of that valuable Society. My sole Reason for giving you the Trouble of the Letter under your Cover, was the not knowing the Person’s Address. I beg you will excuse it, & I shall avoid doing it hereafter. Tho’ you may be assured that if I held any improper Correspondence in England, I would not by my Letters, hazard the occasioning any Embarrassment to you, being with the greatest Esteem & regard, Dear Sir,
Mr. Wm. Hodgson Mercht.


Title: Franklin’s Journal, [18 December 1780–29 January 1781]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[December 18, 1780–January 29, 1781]
Dec. 18. 1780
Gave an Order to Major Broughton of Marblehead, a returning Prisoner, for 5 Louis, to help him down to a Seaport.
Certified Capt. Jasme la Clause’s Commssion & other American Papers.
Wrote to Mr Hodgson, London, that I had recd. his Acct of the Expenditure of the 100£ on the Prisoners, & promis’d him 150£ more.

Gave a Letter of Recommendation of L’Abbé Robin to Mr Williams of Boston: & sent it after him by an Officer, who is to go if he can in the Ariel. Sent by the same Person some Newspapers to Congress—
Consented in Conversation with Mr Grand, that Mr Williams, on being put in Possession of the Policies of Insurance of the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, for 200,000 Livres, should draw on me for the Freight to that Amount.
Mr Chaumont writes pressing an Advance of the Money on Security.
Reply’d, that if the Security was such as the Congress Banker approv’d of I would advance the Sum.
Heard that Transports are taking up here for America. And that Bank Bills in England had been counterfeited to a great Amount.

Dec. 19.
Went to Versa[illes]. At M Vergennes much was said to me in favour of M de Chaumont’s Demand. It was own’d that he had been wrong in demanding as a Right what [he] ought to have ask’d as a favour: but that those Affairs among Friends shd. not be transacted with Rigour but amicably & with indulgent Allowances. I found I had been represented as unkindly exact in this Business. I promis’d to do all in my Power to make it easy to Mr Chaumont.— He came to me in the Evening after my Return; with much heat ag[ainst] M. Grand, which I endeavoured to allay, as it was really very unjust.— Offer’d him to accept his Bills drawn on me, as the Operation thro’ Mr Wms. at Nantes would take too much Time to suit with his Exigencies. He said he would consult with his Banker. Exclaim’d much against the Judgment at Nantes. &c.
Requested Mr Grand to transfer out of the public Cash the Amount of the several Ballances of my private Accounts with the Congress, and give me Credit for the same in my particular Account.—

Dec. 20. 1780
Certified, or as they call it here, Legaliz’d the Papers relative to the taking a Portuguese Ship by the Mars of Boston; & sent them to the Porte. Ambassr.
Accepted M. de Chaumonts Drafts dated Nov. 10. for the 200,000 l.t. Freight at 4 Usances; & he gave me his Engagement to return the Money in Case the Ship Marquis de la Fayette did not arrive at L’Orient to take in our Goods.—
Prince de Montbarey, Ministre de la Guerre, resigns.— His Successor not yet known.

Dec. 21.—
Wrote to M. de Chaumont pressingly for his Acct. with the Congress, that it may be settled now Mr Deane is here. M. de Segur succeeds the P. de Montb[arey.]

Dec. 22
Recd an Acct. between Mr Chaumont & Mr Deane, which includes Congress Artic[les]. Copy it, as it must be sent to Mr Deane.

23d
Hear by Letters from L’Orient of the Departure of Capt. Jones in the Ariel, the 18th.

24th
Recd. Gourlade & Moylan’s Acct of fresh Expences, upward of 20,000. l.t. by Capt Jones.— 2 young Englishmen Scot & William[s] would go to America, discouraged them.—

25th
Gave an Order to Mr Grand to remit 150£ Sterling to Mr Wm Hodgson, Lon[don,] for the Relief of American Prisoners. Recd Information from a good hand, that the G. Pensionaire had been with Sir J. Y. and acquainted him that an Answer would be given to his Memorials; but that it could not be precipitated contrary to the Constitution: It was necessary to have the Advice of the Provinces.— The S. H. has behav’d well in the Resolutions for arming. The Duke a g. C. The Pensionary of Amsterdam a brave steady Man—

26th December 1780
Went to Versailles to assist at the Ceremony of Condoleance on the Death of the Empress Queen. All the Foreign Ministers in deep mourning, flopp’d Hats & Crape, long black Cloaks, &c. The Nuncio pronounc’d the Compliments to the King & afterwards to the Queen in her Apartments. M. de Vergennes told me of the War declar’d by England against Holland.— Visit at the new Ministers of War & Marine. Neither of them at home. Much fatigu’d by the going twice up and down the Palace Stairs, from the tenderness of my feet & weakness of my Knees: Therefore did not go the Rounds.— Declin’d dining with Mr de Vergennes, as inconsistent with my present mode of Living which is simple till I have recover’d my Strength.— Took a Partridge with M. de Chaumont.— No News yet of Count d’Estaign.

27th. Wednesday—
Much Talk about the New War. Hear of the Hurricane in the West Indies. English Fleet under Adm. Darby put into Port. Wrote to J. Williams at Nantes, to send Advice to America by every possible Opportu[nity], of the English Declaration against Holland.

28th. Thursday—
Mr Grand had some time since carried an Advance of my Salary for one Quarter (15000 l.t.) out of the publick Monies, to my private Account; and I afterwards gave him a Receipt for that Sum, which should have been mentioned befor.

29th Friday
Went by particular Invitation to the Sorbonne, to an Assembly of the Faculty of Physick in the College Hall, where we had the Eloge of my Friend M. Dubourg, & other Pieces. Suffer’d by the Cold.—
M. de Chaumont has [return’d] J. Williams’s Draft on me for 428000 l.t. on Acct. of the Cloth, but declines [torn] & why) presenting it. I ought to give him a [torn]
Breakfasted at Made. Brillon’s. Receiv’d of M. Grand 4800 l.t. on private Account, which was put into the Hands of W. T. Franklin to pay Bills & Family Expences.

Sunday 31.
Much Company at Dinner, among others M. Perrier & M. Wilkinson ingenious Mechanicians. M. Romayne of Hackinsack in the Jerseys. No News—

Monday Jan. 1. 1781.
News that an Expedition is on foot against Jersey & Guernesey.— Some Frigates with Transports & 2500 Men having sail’d from Granville the 26th past.
Mr Dana is return’d from Holland, which he left the beginning of last Month. Mr Adams remains there, who writes me Dec. 1. that there is little or no Hopes of a Loan there.

Tuesday Jan 2.
Went to Versailles. No Foreign Ministers there but one or two; The rest having been there yesterday. Visited the new Secretary at War, who was very polite. Wrote at M. de Castries Minister of the Marine. Not strong enough to go up to M. de Maurepas. Visited M. Le Roy, & dined with M. & Made de Renneval. News of Disappointment of the Jersey Expedition. Wind & Tide contrary.— Etren[nes] the Offices in [part].

Wednesday Jan 3.
Letters from Holland. The Dutch seem not to have known on the 28th past, that War was actually declar’d against them. Inform’d here that the English Court had sent Copies of the Papers taken with Mr Laurens to the Northern Courts with aggravated Complaints against the States General; and that the States had also sent them Justification. Important [News] expected by the Return of the Courier.

Thursday Jan. 4.
Learnt that the States had given Orders for building 100 Ships of War. Gave an Order on Mr Grand, [for] paying Sabbatier’s Ballance, the Sum 3526 l.t.18.6 being for Carriage of the Cloathing.—

Friday Jan 5. 1781
Signed Recommendations, to the Ministers, of M. de la Neuville, Officer formerly in the American Service.

Saturday Jan 6.
Accepted a Number of Loan Office Bills this Day, and every Day of the past Week.— No News yet of Count D’Estaign, wch begins to give great Uneasiness, as his Fleet was not provided for so long a Voyage.—

Sunday Jan 7.
News of the safe Arrival of Count d’Estaing at Brest. More Accounts of the terrible Hurricane in the West Indies. Accepted a vast Number of Loan Office Bills.— Some of the new Drafts begin to appear.—

Monday Jan. 8.
Accepted many Bills. Hear from Holland that they had but just receiv’d News of the Declaration of War against them. And that the English Church was burnt at the Hague, unknown by what means.

Tuesday 9.
Count D’Estaing arrives at Passy. Hear of Ships arriv’d at L’Orient from America. No Letters come up. Indispos’d, & did not go to Court.

Wednesday 10.—
Letters arrive from Philadelphia. Reports there of Advantages gain’d to the Southward: And that Leslie had quitted Virginia. Inform’d that my Recall is to be mov’d for in Congress. News that the Troops have made good their Landing in Jersey, & taken all but the Castle.—

Thursday 11.
Gave Mr Dana Copies of the Letters between M. de Sartine & me concerning Mr. Dalton’s Affair. Propos’d to him to examine audit the Public Account now while Mr Deane was here, which he declin’d.

Friday 12
Sign Acceptation [of? var]ious Bills. They come thick.

Saturday Jan. 13. 1781
Learn that there is a violent Commotion in Holland: That the People are violently exasperated against the English, have thrown some into the Canals; and those Merchants of Amsterdam who have been known to favour them dare not appear in the Streets. That the Return of their Express to Russia, brings good Accounts of the favourable Disposition of the Empress.

Sunday, Jan. 14.
Mr Grand acquaints me that he learns from Mr Cotin Banker of Mr de Chaumont, that the Marquis de la Fayette will be stopt by Creditors of M. Chaumont, unless 50,000 Crowns are advanc’d, & submitted it to my Consideration whether I had not better buy the Ship. Vex’d with the long Delay on so many frivolous Pretences, & seeing no End to them, & fearing to embarras myself still farther in Affairs that I do not understand, I took at once the Resolution of offering our Contract for that Ship to the Government, to whom I hop’d it might be agreable to have her as a Transport, as our Goods would not fill her, she being gaug’d at 1200 Tons. Accordingly I requested Mr Grand to go to Versailles, & propose it to M. de Vergennes.

Monday Jan 15.—
Sign’d an Authority to Mr Bondfield to administer [an] Oath of Allegiance to the United States, to Mr Vaughan.
Accepted above 200 Bills some of the new.
Mr Grand calls in his Return from Versailles, & acquaints me, that Mr Vergennes desires the Proposition may be reduc’d to Writing; Mr Grand had accordingly made a Draft which he presented for my Approbation.

Tuesday Jan 16.—
Went to Versailles, & perform’d all the Ceremonies, tho’ with Difficulty my Feet being still tender.
Left the Pacquets for Mr Jay with M. de Renneval, who promised to send them with the next Courier.
Presented Mr Grand’s Paper to Mr de Vergennes, who told me he would try to arrange that Matter for me. I acquainted Mr de Chaumont with [this] Step, who did not seem to approve of it. Heard of the ill Success of the Troops in Jersey, who were defeated the same Day they landed, 150 kill’d, 200 wounded, the rest taken Prisoners.—

Wednesday, Jan. 17. 1781—
My — Accepted many Bills:— and wrote som Letters.—

Thursday, Jan 18. 81—
Mr Grand informs me, that he has been at Versailles, & spoke with M. de Vergennes & M. de Renneval. That the Minister declin’d the Proposition of taking the Vessel on Account of the Government, but kindly offer’d to advance me the 150,000 l.t. if I chose to pay that Sum. He brought me also the Project of an Engagement drawn up by M. Cotin, by which I was to promise that Payment, & he & Co. were to permit the Vessel to depart. He left this Paper for my Consideration.

Friday, Jan. 19.
Considering this Demand of Messrs Cotin & Jauge as an Imposition; I determin’d not to submit to it, and wrote my Reasons.
Reliev’d an American Captain with 5 Guineas to help him to L’Orient.—

Saturday Jan 20.—
Gave a Pass to a Bristol Merchant to go to Spain. He was recommended to me as having been a great Friend to American Prisoners. His Name

Sunday, Jan 21.
Mr Jauge comes to talk with me about the Ship; and intimated that if I refus’d to advance the 150,000. l.t. I should not only be depriv’d of the Ship, but lose the Freight I had advanc’d. I absolutely refus’d to comply.—

Monday Jan. 22.
Mr Grand informs me that Mr Williams had drawn on me for 25000 Livres to enable him to pay return’d Acceptance of M. de Chaumont. I order’d Payment of his Drafts. Recd a Letter from Mr. Williams, & wrote an Answer; which Letters explain this Affair. Letter from Mr Chaumont informing me he had receiv’d Remittances from America. I congratul[ate h]im.

Tuesday Janr. 23.
Went to Court, and perform’d all the Round of Levees, tho’ with much Pain & Difficulty, thro’ the Tenderness & Feebleness of my Feet and Knees. Mr. Vergennes is ill, and unable to hold long Conferences. I din’d there, & had some Conversation with Mr Renneval, who told me I had misunderstood the Proposition of advancing the 150000 Livres, or it had not been rightly represented to me. That it was not expected of me to advance more for M. de Chamont; that the Advance was to have been made by M. Vergennes, &c.— I see clearly however that the Paper offer’d me to sign by Messrs Cotin & Co. would have engag’d me to be accountable for it.— Had some Conference with the Nuncio, who seem’d inclin’d to encourage American Vessels to come to the Ecclesiastical State, acquainting me they had two good Ports to receive us, Civita Vecchia & Ancona, where there was a good deal of Business done, & we should find good Vente for our Fish &c. Hear [?]

Wednesday, Jan. 24.—
[Signed] a great Number of Bills. Visit at M. de C’s in the Evening; found him cold & dry.— Receive a Note from Mr Searle, acqu. me with his [Arri]val from Holland on Saturday last.

Thursday Jan. 25.—
Hear that [M. de] Chaumont pays again, being enabled by his Remittances.— [Signed] Bills.— Holland begins to move, & gives great Encouragement [to priva]teering. Mr de C. comes to see me, & demands Breakfast; chear[ful] & frank. Authorise Mr Grand to pay the Balance of Messrs Jay & Carmichael’s Salaries; and Mr Digges’s Bills.

Friday Jan. 26.
Went to Paris. Visit Princess Daschkaw, not at home. Visit Prince and Princ[ess] Masserano. He informs me that he dispatches a Messeng[er to Madrid] on Tuesday. Visit Duke de Rochefoucault & Made la Duchesse d’Enville. Visit Messrs Dana & Searle; Not at home. Leave Invitations to dine with me on Sunday. Visit Comte D’Estaing. Not at home. Mr Turgot, not at home.— Accept Bills.

Saturday Jan 27.
Write to Madrid, and answer all Mr Jay’s & Mr Carmichael’s Letters received during my Illness.—

Sunday, Jan 28
Mr Dana comes, Mr Searle excuses himself. Invite him for Tuesday.

Monday Jan. 29. 1781
Hear of the Arrival of the Duke of Leinster, with Mr Ross at Philadelphia, which gives me great Pleasure, as she had much Cloth, &c for the Congress.— Dispatch my Letters for Madrid—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Ferdinand Grand], [18 December 1780]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[December 18, 1780]
Mr De Chaumont m’apportat hier à 9 heures du soir La reponce qu’il avoit recü de Monsr franklin & me dit que la Caution quil offroit etoit son Gendre.
Il me demanda en Consequence si je la trouvois bonne je repondis, oui il me demanda de plus si Je lui donerois de Largent sur les Billets de Monsr franklin, Je lui repondis quil falloit que je vis la situation de ma Caisse pour pouvoir lui dire combien Je pourrois lui donner d’argent mais que d’avance je ne prevoyois pas pouvoir lui faire les 200/ mle [200,000] en totalité, il me repondit que si Je ne pouvois prendre tous les Billets de Mr franklin il les refuseroit & se plaindroit au Ministre de Ce que Mr franklin avoit employé une Somme qui lui etoit destinée & qu’il auroit du recevoir le 10 Xre icie Etc, Et beaucoup dautres propos pareils. Il est bon d’observer qu’il ne reste en Caisse que pour payer les acceptations du mois prochain qui doivent aller avant tout Et que pour arranger touttes Choses il faudroit que Monsieur Franklin optint de M. De Vergennes demain un ordre pour que le tresor royal fit lavance de 200 mille sur le quartier prochain.
M De Chaumont attend une reponce positive a dix heures.
On pourroit lui dire quon ne peut la lui faire quau retour de Mr. franklin de Versailles ou il espere d’arranger touttes Choses.

Endorsed: Note from M. Grand without Date relating to the Bills M. de Chaumont had obtain’d from M. Franklin for the Freight before it was due by the Award of his own Arbitrators.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 18 December 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir
Ariel L’Orient Decr. 18th 1780
I have duly received your Excellencies dispatches of the 4th and 9th Current.— The Wind is Fair, the Pilot on Board, and the Ship will be under Sail at day Break.— Mr. Gourlade nor M. de La Grave have not yet appeared.— I will Steer as directly as possible for our Ports.— Enclosed is a receipt from Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan for all the Arms that were taken on board the Ariel from Port Louis. When I sailed before, not only the Hould but the between Decks was filled up— The people were obliged to hang their Hammocks under the quarterdeck and gangways, where it is impossible for them to Lodge at this Season of the Year; and I have been obliged to leave a good part of the between Decks clear for their accommodation— I had formerly only nine weeks provision for the Voyage, which is universally thought too little in the Winter, therefore I have increased it to Ninety days Provision.— I find the Hould full, though all the spare Sails and Rigging and even part of the Firewood and provision is between Decks.— Had Mr. Lee and his Cabal in the Alliance been in Heaven, the Ariel would have been no additional Expence, and with the Alliance would have carried out the greatest part of the Winter Clothing for our Army. At present I can only lament that I cannot do more. It is not surprising that after our disaster Some of our Men should desert in spite of our utmost Watchfulness. The few we have lost are supplied by others who having engaged on the same footing, have of course received the same advance.— I enclose a List of our present Crew. Mr. Wharton received the Letter you sent with mine that was lost: He returns his Compliments and wishes you a perfect recovery.— I heartily join him in that and every good Wish for your Happiness, being with the truest esteem and respect Your Excellencies most obliged and most humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. American Ambassador at Versailles

Notation: Capt. Jones. Decr. 18. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Destouches, 19 December 1780
From: Destouches, —— (f. 1780–1782)
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur
Dunkerque le 19 xbre. 1780
J’ai l’honneur d’informer Votre Excellence que le cutter Le franklin est entré hier en ce port. Il fait l’admiration d’un chacun, on n’en a vu, ni n’en peut voir de plus beau, Et le nom de Votre Excellence ajoute encore à son Interêt. Le batiment frappe ici tous les yeux et son armement fait la plus grande sensation. Je vous fais son Eloge par le plaisir que je ne doute pas que vous prenez à ce qu’on peut en esperer de Succès. Nous n’avons pas de nouvelles du Cape. [Capitaine] Courter, mais M. Salomés a un autre excellent Sujet americain en vüe. Il aura l’honneur de vous adresser incessamment copie de sa police pour Ceux de vos amis qui voudroient s’y interesser, et qui doivent se presser parceque l’expedition n’en tardera pas, et que les interets commencent à se remplir.
Je suis avec un très profond respect Monseigneur de Votre Excellence Le très humble et très obeissant serviteur
DESTOUCHES

Notation: Des Touches Dunkerque le 19. xbre. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 December 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes Decr 19. 1780.
I have this day sent Mr Chaumont a Draft on you at 10 days sight for the amount of his Goods £428,330.2.8 Tournois [l.t.] payable in your Bills on the Congress of which I sent you a Model in my Letter 7 November last, This is the amount of the Invoice exclusive of Charges—which I will Furnish you a duplicate as soon as I can, the Reason I have not yet done it is its great length & as I cannot know all the Charges till I go to L’Orient it is impossible to close it exactly, but as to the purchase of Mr de Chaumont you may depend it is right & may safely give Bills according to Agreement. I look on this Bargain as concluded when the Charterparty of the Ship was signed 31 Augt 1780. All Charges therefore subsequent to that Date I think should belong to the Purchaser and not the Seller and so I have settled it.
I am with the greatest Respect Your ever dutifull & Affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

Endorsed: Mr Williams Dec.19.1780 Draws on me for 428.330,2,8 for the Cloth—mentions Model of Bills to be drawn on Congress—and when Bargain concluded


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 20 December 1780
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Decr. 20th. 1780.
I had the pleasure of writing you a day or two ago by the Shelala Capt. Holmes, on board of whom I have put 2 Barrels of Pippins & one large Barrel of Nuts, I also sent you the 2d. Sets of your Interest Bills; I now inclose you the third.
We are just informed that Capt. Smith in the Kensington is arrived at Boston, having been chased in there, by a Frigate, the next Post will bring his Letters, when I hope to hear from you— Sally & the Children are well, they join me in Love & Duty— I am Dear & Hond. Sir Your affectionate Son
Rich: Bache
You will herewith receive the Gazetts & Journals, the Advertiser, & Dutch papers I sent per Shelala—Dr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Passy / per Ship Franklin / Capt. Angus


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 20 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
New Windsor 20th. Decr. 1780
A few days since—by the Chevr. De Chatteleaux I had the honor to receive your favor of the 19th. of March introductory of him, and thank you for bringing me acquainted with a Gentleman of his merit, knowledge, and agreeable manners.— I spent several days very happily with him at our Camp near the Great Falls of Passaic in New Jersey before the Army removed to its places of Cantonment the principle of which is at West point in the vicinity of this Village where I make my Quarters.—
Disappointed of the second division of French Troops— but more especially in the expected Naval superiority which was the pivot upon which every thing turned, we have been compelled to make an inactive campaign after a flattering prospect at the opening of it, and vigorous struggles to make it a decisive one on our part.— Latterly, we have been obliged to become spectators of a succession of detachments from the Army at New York in aid of Lord Cornwallis, while our Naval weakness and the political dissolution of a large part of our Army puts it out of our power to counteract them to the Southward, or take the advantage of them here.—
The movements of Lord Cornwallis during the last Month or two, have been retrograde—what turn the late reinforcements which have been sent to him may give to his affairs—remains to be known— I have reinforced also, principally with Horse, but the length of the March is so much opposed to the measure that every Corps, in a greater or lesser degree is ruined that encounters it.—
I am happy however in assuring you that a better disposition never prevailed in the Legislatures of the several States than does at this time.— The folly of temporary expedients are seen into & exploded—and vigorous efforts will be used to obtain a permanent Army & carry on the War systematically if the obstinacy of Great Britain should compel us to continue it.— We want nothing but the aid of a Loan to enable us to put our Finance into a tolerable train.— The Country does not want Resources—but we [lack] the means of drawing them forth.
It is unnecessary for me to go into a more detail acct. of our Affairs as you are doubtless officially advised of every material occurrence.— I shall therefore only add my compliments to Mr. Adams—and the strongest assurances of being With the greatest esteem & respect—Dr: Sir Yr. most Obt. & H: Ser
Go: Washington
The Honble Doctr. Franklin Ministr. Plenipy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 21 December 1780
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Madrid 21st. Decr. 1780.
I am afraid you will think me a troublesome correspondent, because I have no Opportunities of amusing or of giving information that will be agreable to you.— Our Necessities & difficulties are the themes for my Letters & be assured that it is not less disagreable for me to write on these Subjects than for you to be obliged to read what I write— Premising this you will not be surprized to hear that Mr. Jay is constrained to draw on you for his Support as well as mine for 600 Louis dors, Mr. Grand did not sufficiently explain to the Marquis D’Yranda the arrangement you have made with him on this & the subject of the Bills drawn on Mr Jay by Congress for 25,000 Dollars some of which have been accepted & have been paid— This had induced Mr. Jay to dispose of his Bills to another House altho’ I must do the Marquis D’Yranda the Justice to tell you that he seems disposed to accommodate us, notwistanding He did not think himself authorised by Mr. Grands Letters— This matter being cleared up to the Satisfaction of the Marquis, I am persuaded Mr. Jay will be happy to avail himself of his good Will & reputation here, which is not greater than he merits in every respect.— Indeed He is the only Spaniard, except the Prince Massarano whom I did myself the honour to introduce to your notice, who hath given me unequivocal proofs of his Friendship & Politeness, for which I beg you to express my thanks to Mr Grand to whose good offices I am certainly indebted for the Marks of distinction with which I have been received in the House of his Correspondent— Mr. Jay had been enabled to pay the first Bills at six months Sight that have became due & hope that neither France or Spain will suffer our Credit to be ruined for the Sum in Question.
Mr. Cumberland is still here & daily expects his Coadjutor the Abbé or what is equivalent, further Instructions—
It is necessary to inform you that I have received but a 600 pounds of my Salary more than 100 of which I have been obliged to leave for the use of Mr. Jay & 70 pounds more to pay the first Bill of Congress at 2. months Sight that became due when we were as we are at present without funds for that Purpose— I am therefore obliged to live on Fich [Fish?], as they say in England & of Course spend my Income at a great Loss. I intreat you to present the proper Compliments for me to my Acquaintance at Paris and to believe me with much Respect Your obliged & humble Servt.(signed). Wm. Carmichael.
His Exy. B. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 21 December 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Amst. 21e. Dec. 1780
Je profite de la Lettre que Mr. De Nle. vous écrit aujourd’hui. Autrement j’aurois différé d’un ordinaire, afin de pouvoir vous apprendre ce qui se sera passé aujourd’hui à Lahaie au sujet du second Mémoire de Sir J. Y.— Il y a grande apparence, que la résolution qui sera prise à ce sujet ne plaira guere à ce dernier.
Les Libelles séditieux de la part des Anglomanes se multiplient en ce pays, à mesure qu’ils se voient frustrés dans leurs attentes. Il y en a Qui manifestent des intentions atroces. J’ai parlé à Mrs. Adams & Searle du conseil qu’on m’a donné de me passer Sujet des Etats-Unis dans toutes les formes; & ces Messieurs n’ont fait aucune difficulté de m’en administrer le Serment, & de m’en délivrer le certificat, dont je joins ici une Copie, afin que vous ayiez la bonté de la garder. J’espere qu’on ne m’inquietera point à Lahaie. Cependant comme il se pourroit qu’on me fît des questions embarrassantes & captieuses, je suis plus tranquille présentement, d’avoir ma réponse toute prête, qui seroit, que je suis sujet des Etats-Unis, sans produire cependant ce certificat; car il suffira, pour la preuve, de renvoyer les curieux à Votre témoignage, s’il en est besoin: ce qui peut-être n’arrivera pas.
J’espere que votre Santé se raffermit, & vous souhaitant de tout mon coeur d’agréables fêtes & toutes sortes de satisfactions & de prospérités pour la nouvelle année que nous allons commencer, je Suis avec tout le respectueux attachement qui vous est voué pour la vie Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S.E. Mr. B. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / B. Franklin Esqr. Min. Plenipe. / of the United States &c. / Passy./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, [on or after 21 December 1780]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[on or after December 21, 1780]
Mr. Grand a Lhonneur d’envoyer a Monsieur Franklin le projet de decharge qu’il Croit necessaire de transcrire sur Chacun de Ses Comptes, pour le Signer. Voici aussy Les 2 Billets de M De Chaumont. Mr Grand n’a point trouvé avoir payé un Mandat de 240/m [240,000] l.t. mais bien les 200/m [200,000] de traittes de M De Chaumont ainsy Il ne voit point de Double Employ a Cet Egard.

Addressed: Monsieur Le Dr Franklin
Notation: Mr. Grand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Leendert de Neufville, 21 December 1780
From: Neufville, Leendert de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 21 Dcr 1780
Mr Jhe Temple charged me when in Londn with a letter of introduction to your Excellency fr the Princess Descau which he told me to be a favorite of the Empress. She had insisted on having Such a letter it was not however before this day that I discovered from the Prins of Gallitzin where she was & added in consequence a few lines of apology for Mr Temple & myself upon the occasion: At the Same time I imagined that it could not prove disagreable to Your Excellency to know the fate of it.
Mr Digges I Suppose has wrote to your Excellency before this: I left him in a disagreable Situation from the circumstance of Mr Trumbulls being taken up & make no doubt accordingly of Your Excellencys being perfectly ackquainted with every circumstance relating to it.
I beg leave to add that I feel very happy in this opportunity to assure your Excellency that I have the honour to be with the greatest Veneration & Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Very humble Servant
L: DE NEUFVILLE Son of jn


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 22 December 1780
From: Price, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Decr. 22 1780
I have received with particular pleasure your letter by Dr H—— and I cannot help returning by him a few lines to thank you for remembering me and to express the satisfaction with which I have heard, that you are recover’d from a fit of the gout which you think has been of service to you— May your life be preserved to do good to the world, & to see the end of the present struggle. I cannot describe to you the feelings with which I view the progress of it. God grant that the issue may prove favourable to public liberty & the general rights of mankind— You cannot imagine how much I have been lately abused & threatened. My enemies by their charges against me make me of much more consequence than I am.— I feel easy.— There is nothing in the conduct of my life that I reflect upon with more satisfaction than the part I have taken in the dispute with A—— a and the endeavours I have used to warn & serve my country, & to communicate right sentiments of Government and civil & religious liberty— On the subject of Toleration I have writ a good deal; but the friend who told you that I had published on this subject was mistaken— When you see Mr. T——t deliver my best respects to him & my thanks for a kind letter with which he has lately obliged & honoured me— Dr. P—— lives at Bir——m and has lately been invited to preach in the afternoon to a congregation there.— His health is better, but he was last week alarmed by some Symptoms of a return of his bilious disorder. He has just finished another volume upon air— With the greatest respect & affection I am, my dear Friend, ever yours—
Dr. Fothergill is relapsed into the disorder (a suppression of urine) which brought him to the brink of the grave last winter, & lies now dangerously ill.— I shall take care, that the letter to Mr. J——s be safely deliver’d. He is now in the country.
The war spreads— What will become of us?—

Endorsed: From Dr Price


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 December 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir
Nantes Decr 23. 1780
This serves to inclose an Accot furnished by Mr DeSegray & Co for the Expenses which have attended the Saltpetre, which please to return me with your Approbation at the Foot of it & I will pay accordingly.
I also inclose Extract of a Letter I have receivd from the Commr of the Genl Mifflin Privater with Copy of his Prisoners Paroles of which you will make such use as you think proper. I am ever with great Respect Your dutifully Affct Kinsman
Jona Williams J