Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1779: résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, January 9, 1779: Yesterday the convoy for the French islands sailed, accompanied by three small cutters for the United States. From a vessel arriving out of Edenton I have learned that tobacco is £10 per hundred weight in American currency. American prices are extraordinarily high because of the excessive emission of paper money. The motives which produced the excess are no longer present, there being ample supply for all emergencies.
A reduction in the quantity of money in circulation is essential to the preservation of credit. A dangerous situation is developing whereby America’s indebtedness abroad will become impossible to repay without exorbitant taxation. The amount of circulating currency in the U.S. has recently been put at about seven hundred million livres, and given the prices at 20 for 1, it is probable that the sum of 35 millions [in specie] does exist. The difficulty is to sink the excess 19/20ths in circulation. In the present course of things foreigners become creditors of consequence, and in time their respective governments may form a national debt of it, demanding reimbursement that we would find difficult to achieve. Considerable purchases of continental paper have been made by men of distinction in this country, and it is from these circumstances that I warn of the danger. If capital of two millions could be granted and appropriated to the end of sinking the continental paper rather than paying the interest to foreigners, I dare say it would sink thirty million of paper. Over a few years this would change the face of the country.
Certain operations now underway may, if successful, put America many millions in debt to France. If continued this will create a debt America will find it difficult to cancel.
Two injured young men, former captives, arrived today; I will try to procure them passage to America. The initial payment, 24,000 l.t., for the cannon you ordered will fall due in February. Reports from Nantes indicate that the Governor Livingston and the Chasseur are almost loaded; please advise me about the status of the convoy.>


Title: Vergennes to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 9 January 1779: résumés
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

I.
<Versailles, January 9, 1779, in French: I have received your undated letter. We will take its contents into consideration as much as circumstances permit. You can rely on the King’s sincere interest in the prosperity of the United States.>

II.
<Versailles, January 9, 1779, in French: I have communicated to M. de Sartine your request for an escort for the convoy bound to the United States. He replies that although an escort cannot be provided for the entire voyage, the ships will be convoyed to where they will be safe from enemy privateers. Please indicate the ports in which the departing ships can be found so he can give the necessary orders.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Greenleaf, 9 January 1779
From: Greenleaf, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most hond. Sr
Boston Jany. 9th. 1779
Mr. Williams favours me with an opportunity of addressing a few lines to you upon a subject very interesting to me— I have an only son, by name Thomas, who is now a prisoner in Portsmouth gaol, & has been so for several months.
My request to you is, for your Influence to get him exchanged, if possible, & put into such public service as he is capable of; He has served his country in capacity of Capt. in a train of Artilery to good acceptance & I dare pronounce him capable of a higer station. Should he be released, and could return home in some public Vessel, so as to save him the expence of a passage (if he cannot be employ’d) it will be receiv’d as a favour.— Perhaps you may not recollect me, my son is a Nephew of the hon. Robt. T. Paine Esqr. with whome you are acquainted.— I need make no appology for troubling you with this epistle, because, I am well assured, that it always gives you pleasure to have an opportunity TO DO GOOD.
I am Sr. your most obd. huml. Servt.
Jos Greenleaf

P.S. I have wrote to Mr. Adams on the same subject.—

Addressed: To / The hon. Benja. Franklin Esqr: / Plenip. from America at the Court / of France / favd. by Mr. Williams
Notations: Greenleaf 9 Janr. 1779. /Jon Greenleaf Boston 9e. janvier 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Holtzendorff, 10 January 1779
From: Holtzendorff, Louis-Casimir, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris January 10th: 1779./.
Your intention being to Shew to them other Gentlemen, your Collegues, the Papers I had the honour to give you yesterday, may it please you, Sir, to communicate to them also Gnl. Washington’s letter & my Congé I do myself the honour to send you hereby upon the other side of my letter.
I join also my declaration made to all american officers in the charlestownes news paper, before my leaving your country, concerning the general Essay on the Prussian Tactics I proposed to Gnl. Washington when I found that your officers were in need of learning their metier.

With very much respectful Sentiments I have the honour to remain Sir Your most obdt. humble Servant
Baron DE HoltzendorffMajor d’Infanterie au Service de france—ruë du fbg. St. denis./.

Notation: Baron D’holkendorff Paris 10. Janvier 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 11 January 1779
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Jan. 11. 1779
About a month ago I received a letter from you without a date, for which accept my thanks. We were happy to hear you were well, but my mother was much mortified that your letter was not addrest to her; it appears to me of no importance which of our names is superscribed, to her it is of great. However, you hurt her, not only by not writing to her immediately, but by not answering some particulars that she wrote to you, and which I have repeated. She never could learn whether you received your sword, your white cloaths & the saddle for Temple, all which she sent by Mr Petrie, according to your desire. She paid for the saddle & sent you the receipt. Mr Collinson gave me notice of the £55 and Jonathan has received his note in consequence. I am still in your debt the four guineas and half I told you of once before. So much in way of business. I have quite writing enough about money tho’ I am not much accustomed to receiving it. I might indeed hope to have some soon, for the Lawyer is employed to make the deeds, but I cannot help looking for some disappointment. I find I cannot get out of business even in this letter, for the uncertainty of my own affairs will rush upon my mind; and I must answer your question about our friend Viny. You say how came he to break? Not by extravagance I think I can safely answer; and the trade he says has been as successful as they could expect; but the brother Jacobs, whose private circumstances were bad, attempted to make an unreasonable advantage of the patent. Viny’s friends would not lay down the sum he required for it, he became a bankrupt & Viny followed of course. The manufacture still goes on for the benefit of the Credrs. and they allow Viny a handsome stipend for his superintendance. This is as clear an account as I can give you. There are some intricacies relating to the patent which I cannot explain. Viny’s name was not in it, and Jacobs disputes his right to a share, this point I believe is to produce a legal contest. Viny has found many friends, but the Jacobses have behaved unkindly.
I thank you for saying you should be glad to see us in France. Such a trip would give me great pleasure but whatever airy schemes I may sometimes form I do not think I shall ever undertake it. These dreadful hostilites would form a bar were there no other. I who have no political animosity cannot rejoice at the success of either nation, but feel for all the evil that the war produces.
You & I can never meet on this side the grave, for I do not expect such a settlement of public affairs as shall bring you hither, or make it eligible for me to carry my family to America. I must do the best I can for my little folks here. I have determined to send William to School within this fortnight. I have hitherto kept him at home because of the uncertainty of my affairs, but my friends think they will be settled to my satisfaction, and if it should prove otherwise I shall I hope know it time enough to alter my plan before I am too far involved. The dear boy continues healthy and strong, his understanding good, and his disposition amiable. I have attended to his reading, and have endeavoured to improve his mind in those things that were within his comprehension, so I flatter myself he has not lost much by not going to School. My little Tom is a smart little fellow, & thanks to Mrs Barbaud’s little publication he now begins to read. So does Elizabeth, but not quite so well. She is a fine bouncing girl, too great a romp to sit still, but has an excellent memory, & catches what she hears amazingly quick. They all of them talk of you, & are now full of the thought of celebrating your birthday. Your Godson particularly desired me to let you know we are to keep it. Many happy years to you! my dear Sir.
I really felt a pleasure in hearing the fine young Queen was become a mother, notwithstanding she is said to be an enemy to this country.

Addressed: Dr Franklin / Mr. Maxwell / at Messrs. Delessert & Co / Rue Mauconseil / Paris
Endorsed: Mrs. Hewson Jan 11. 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Abbé du Bois, 12 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dubois, abbé ——

Passy ce 12 Janv. 1779
Le grand nombre d’affaires dont je suis chargé, Monsieur, ne ma pas permis de repondre plutost a l’honeur que vous m’avez fait et de vous remercier pour mon pays de la fable ingénieuse que vous m’avez addressée; je n’ai pas assez d’usage de vostre Langue pour sentir tout le mérite de la poësie, mais l’idée m’en paroist excéllente et l’application tres juste, je me felicite de trouver un si grand nombre de partisans chéz la nation réspéctable qui m’accueille aujourdhui et je suis tres parfaitement Monsieur vostre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
M. L’abbé du Bois rue de la Boucherie Nancy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sube and La Porte, 12 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sube, A.,Laporte, —— (f. 1778–1779)

Messieurs
Passy 12 Janv. 1779
Rien n’est plus flatteur pour ma nation que de rencontrer un aussi grand nombre de partisants chez celle a qui tant de motifs l’attachent, jay lu avéc grand plaisir les statuts de vostre fondation et les jolis vers que vous m’avez envoyés, et je suis on ne peut pas plus sensible aux honeurs que j’ay reçus de la joyeuse societé des amis de l’amérique a Marseilles; j’espere que l’alliance entre la france et mon pays sera éternelle et qu’elle augmentera le commerce et la prosperité de vostre ville; je suis tres parfaitement Messieurs Vostre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Mrs. Sube et laPorte libraires au parnasse francais a la cannebiere a Marseille.


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 12[-14] January 1779: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, January 12[-14], 1779: The States of Holland reassemble tomorrow. The French ambassador has received an express message from his court. January 13: I learn that Amsterdam will have permission to trade with the French West Indies, and I have been authorized to inform certain friendly merchant houses of this. January 14: The assembly sought today to obtain a four-months’ delay in convoying ships’ timbers, but was blocked by the town of Alkmaar. The Grand Pensionary attempted unsuccessfully to engage the delegates of Alkmaar to accede to the sentiments of the majority. The resolution will not pass until next week and will be protested by Amsterdam, Haarlem, and perhaps Alkmaar. The opposition is growing and eventually will prevail. An English fleet for New York was almost completely destroyed in a storm on New Year’s Day. May God grant America a glorious peace and you gentlemen prosperity.>


Title: Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 12 January 1779
From: Izard, Ralph
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen/
Paris 12th. Jany. 1779
I had the honor of writing to you, in the 2d. instant informg. you that the credit wch. I had receivd from the Commissioners was exhausted, & that I should be obligd to you if you woud let me know whether it was most agreeble to you to renew it, or that I shoud draw on you for what money I might have occasion for. As this matter appeard to acquire no great deliberation, I expected to have been favord with an immediate Answer I find myself in arrear with the Banker to the amount of 2 or 3000 Livres & think it proper that the Account shoud be settled. I have therefore drawn on you for 500 Louisdores payable to his order, & you will be pleasd either to accept it immediately or inform me that you will not do it, that there may be no time lost in laying the matter before Congress— I have the honor to be Gentlemen yr. most obed. & Hbl. Servt.
Signd. Ra. Izard
Hoble. Benjamin Franklin, Arthur Lee & John Adams Esqrs.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dr. Joseph Jeffries, 12 January 1779
From: Jeffries, Dr. Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

London Jany 12th 1779
Dr Jeffries, who saw a letter to a common friend, in wc it was said, I desire to be remembered to the Society wc you know I love & esteem, with pleasure takes this oppertunity of assuring you, in their name & his own,— that their love & esteem of you is not in the least abated since you left them.

Notation: [A?] Dr Jeffries to B. F.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Maire de Gimel, 12 January 1779
From: Le Maire de Gimel, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Nantes le 12. Janvier 1779.
Il est arrivé à Mindin samedi dernier a neuf heures du matin un accident funeste, le feu prit à la Sainte Barbe du Navire le flaman, Capne. Blondeau, apartenant à M. de Montieux, cent dix hommes d’equipage ont sautés, ce Nre. etoit monté de 26. canons en batterie.
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous ecrire diverses lettres pour vous prier de m’honorer de vos ordres pour les Etats unis, particulierement pour M. le gouverneur de la Virginie dont vous eute la bonté de me promettre la reponse aux lettres que je vous ai aportées emanées de lui, je ne puis m’imaginer quelles peuvent etre les raisons de vos refus, serois je assez malheureux pour qu’on m’ait desservi dans votre esprit, Je puis vous dire avec certitude, Monsieur, que personne ne vous est plus sincerement attaché que moi: Veuillez donc je vous prie m’honorer d’un mot de reponse.
J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec un profond respect: Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
J. Le Mairecapne. de Dragons rue de laCasserie à Nantes

Notation: Le Maire Nantes 2. Janvier 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 January 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes Jan. 12. 1779.—
My Project of going to America has met with a very severe check— One of the richest Ships to my address with her Cargo & upwards of 100 men on board is blown up, & every Soul, Perished & not a Farthing saved.— Mr de Chaumont has lost by this accident upward of 100,000 Livres, & I fear Mr Montieu more than twice as much, by a fortunate neglect, I had nothing on board except a Cask of Queens China which Mr Holker presented me with.
I wait to hear more of Mr Chaumonts & Mr de Montieu’s Intentions, before I finaly determine as to myself, in the mean time I go on in my other affairs, as if nothing was on the Carpet.—
Misfortunes have some times the same Effect as Faults & People take Business away from a Man who is called unlucky, as they would from a Man who acts imprudently; I hope Mr de Chaumont will not do so by me. I am sure in this Instance every motive would justify my putting on board more instead of less value if there had been room.—
Excuse my abruptness & believe me with the greatest Respect Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin. / ministre plenipotentiare / des Etats unis / en son Hotel a Passy / prés Paris.
Notation: Jona Williams 12. janvier 1779.


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 13 January 1779
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir
Passy, Jany. 13 1779
We have the Honour of your Excellency’s Letter of the 9th of this Month, requesting to be informed of the Port where those Vessels are which have occasion for a Convoy to America.
These Vessels are at Nantes where they wait for the Convoy, which We hope may be ordered there immediately, as a Letter We received yesterday from a large Number of Gentlemen at Nantes informs us that many Vessels with valuable Cargoes have been waiting a considerable time for the Convoy.
We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect Sir your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants
B FranklinArthur LeeJohn Adams
M. Le Comte de Vergennes.


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 13 January 1779
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

I.
A Versailles le 13. Jer. 1779.
J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 2. de ce mois. Je sais que vous chargés vos Agens dans differens Ports du Royaume de fournir aux prisonniers Americains echapés, ou revenant d’angleterre, les objets dont ils peuvent avoir besoin à leur arrivée; mais il ne paroit pas que vous ayez donné des ordres dans aucun des ports de Normandie, et je suis instruit qu’il s’est presenté dans ce Departement quelques Prisonniers qui ont reclamé des Secours. Il me paroit necessaire que vous prenniez à cet égard les Precautions générales que vous croyez convenables, Je vous ferai passer les comptes de la Depence qui peut avoir été faite jusqu’au dernier Decembre.
J’ai donné ordre dans tous les Ports de recevoir les Prisonniers Anglois qui y seront conduits par les Sujets des Etats Unis, de les tenir dans les Prisons destinées aux Prisonniers et de leur fournir la ration ordinaire. Il sera tenu un Etat particulier de cette Depense; vous pouvez en Consequence, Messieurs, donner des Ordres à vos Agens dans tous les Ports de remettre ces Prisonniers à leur arrivée à la Disposition des Intendans Commissaires generaux et officiers des Classes.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec une Consideration tres distinguée, Messieurs vos tres humble et très obeissant serviteur
(signé) De Sartine
Mrs. Les Deputés des Etats Unis.

II.
Versailles le 13. Janvier 1779.
Mr. Le Prince de Lambesc, Messieurs, me marque qu’il est obligé d’envoyer en Irlande les nommes Villeneuve piqueur, Aumont et Zilman Palfraniers de la Grande Ecurie du Roy, pour y achetter des chevaux pour le Service de sa Majesté. En conséquence, je vous prie, Messieurs, de vouloir bien m’envoyer un Passeport ou une recommandation de votre part, afin que les Corsaires des Etats unis laissent librement passer trente chevaux d’Irlande destinés pour le Service du Roi. J’ignore le nom du Capitaine et du Bâtiment, et je vous prie de vouloir bien le laisser en blanc.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la consideration la plus distinguée, Messieurs, Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
(signé) De Sartine
Mrs. Les Deputés des Etats Unis.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 13 January 1779
From: Sayre, Stephen
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Copenhagen 13th. Jany. 1779
I am honor’d with your Letter of the 25th. decr; also with your Excellencey’s Opinion, approving the proposition I had made. But, unfortunately it came too late— the Ship intended for the Voyage was sold at public auction, not many days before the answer was received.
As my Letter went from hence the 7th of novr. there was full time enough, & I lament the delay of your Reply. As it was long suspended, & as the Danish Envoye gave his Opinion that no Answer would be made, the Ship was advertised & sold for the India Trade. Your Excellency may suppose me greatly mortified at such a disappointment, which under present appearances, I deem important. Having no Evidence to produce, as to your good Opinion or confidence, I was left without an Argument for further delay— And I own my feelings were exceedingly distressing, till the Reply reach’d me: for tho’ I was not permitted to write it, the fact is, the Ship would have been, bona fide, the property of the Government— The name of Mr Fabritius, as a Merchant, might have been prudently used as a Cover &c &c &c— At the same time let me add, that your Letter has given me uncommon satisfaction; because I now find myself possess’d of your favourable Opinion, & such, as I thought, I deserved. As this is the only Line I have had the honor to receive, and as it makes the infinite difference between insupportable Contempt, & an honorable Correspondence, I return your Excellency my unfeign’d Thanks, with an earnest Request, that hereafter I may be favour’d with a share of your Attention— I can plead some public Service, even under every disadvantage, since I came here; for a proposition made to the Ministry at my first arrival last winter is at last fully adopted; which was to make St Thomas a deposit for all such Articles as America may want. The Island is rented of the King for 20 years— a Company, aided with 500,000 Rixdollars from the Treasury, have already ship’d above 200,000 in Sail Cloth, Cordage &c &c An Intendant for regulating their affairs sails from hence by the first fair wind— Three Frigates are order’d to protect the port & the King has promised to re-emburse every Merchant, whose goods are with-held, under pretence of being American Property, looking to Great Britain for redress himself. &c &c If our Ships have been discouraged from a trade to St Croix, it was owing to a prevailing policy here, to send that Island all Supplys from hence. I don’t say there is much merit in opening this port; but I hope it will in a considerable degree lower the price of such Commodities, when different nations unite in sending them so near our Country— A Voyage directly to America is now given up,—they suppose all will come of course thro’ St Thomas’s.—
I shall probably set out for Stockholm next week, for I am made to understand that a great deal may be done there—perhaps my coming may be requested— if so I mean to make the journey; and tho’ I am fully sensible America can do very well without the good will of any more European Powers, yet that is no reason why any thing should be neglected. I trust you will countenance me while there with your Correspondence— I ask no more. Any Letters committed to the care of Frederic De Coninck Esqr. of this City, or, Conrad Fabritius, Esqr will come safe. Mr F Lewis writes me, that I may rely on his utmost Interest to promote my wishes, as to some Employment in Europe. In the mean time I must look on myself as a modern Don Quixote, going about to protect & releive the virtuous in distress— Yet I hope the ardour of Knighthood will not do me real prejudice in your opinion—
I am with real Respect your Excellencys most obedt & humble Servant
Stephen Sayre
To his Excellency B: Franklin Esqr. &c

Notation: Sayre 13. Janr 1779. Mr Sayre


Title: John Adams and Arthur Lee to Ralph Izard, 13 January 1779
From: Adams, John,Lee, Arthur
To: Izard, Ralph

Sir
Passy Jany 13 1779
We had the Honour of your Letter of Yesterdays date, on the same Day, informing Us of your having drawn a Bill upon Us, for five hundred Louis D’ors. We have the Honour to inform you that the Bill, being presented to Us, was accepted the same day by, Sir your most obedient &c
Hon. Mr Izard.


Title: The American Commissioners to Benjamin Gunnison, 14 January 1779
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Gunnison, Benjamin

Sir.
Passi Jany. 14th 1779
We have written to Mr John Daniel Schweighauser of Nantes, to receive your Cargo and dispose of it; but he writes us that he is apprehensive you will require a Letter from us to you.
This is therefore to authorize and direct you to deliver, the Cargo of the Morris to Mr. Schweighauser or his Agent, and to follow his directions concerning your future Conduct, provided they be consistent with any orders you may have from Congress, or any Committee of Congress. We are Sir your most obedient & very humble Servants
B FranklinArthur LeeJohn Adams
Capt. Benja. Gunnisson of the Morris


Title: Franklin’s Draft Memoranda to Congress, 15 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

I.
Passy, Jany. 15. 1779
As I find I have given great Offence to the honble Mr Izard & perhaps to the honble Mr Wm Lee by refusing my Assent to the Payment of their Late Drafts on the Commissioners; & as considering my Age it is probable I may never have an Opportunity in Person of explaining my Conduct in that Business to the Congress, and it may be subject to great Misrepresentation,— I think it right to put the Facts & Reasons down in Writing while they are fresh upon my Memory, for the future Consideration & Judgment of that respectable Body.—
In February 1778. the Commissioners receiv’d from Mr Wm. Lee, the following Letter viz.

II.
Passy, Jan. 15. 1779
It being undoubtedly our Duty to give the clearest Account to Congress of the Disbursement of their Money intrusted to us; and as I apprehend our advancing to Mr William Lee & Mr Ralph Izard, so large a Sum as Four Thousand Guineas at once in Feb. 1778 without any Order of Congress for so doing, and at a time when Money was much Wanted to fulfil their actual Orders in the Purchase of Arms &c. may subject the Commissioners to Censure, I think it right & necessary to relate the Circumstances, that they may be communicated to our Constituents.
Those Gentlemen, then, having represented to Mr Deane, Mr Lee & myself, that tho’ they had received Commissions to go & reside at the Courts of Berlin, Vienna, & Florence, no Provision had arrived for their Subsistence, that they were nearly ready to set out for their respective Destinations, but wanted Money to defray the Expence of their Journeys: for which they therefore requested us to furnish them with a Credit on our Banker. The Commissioners, fearing that the Publ Interests might possibly suffer, if those Journeys were delay’d till the necessary Provision or Orders should arrive from America, thought they might be justified in giving such a Credit for the Expence of those Journeys: and Mr Lee being ask’d what Sum he imagin’d would be necessary, said justly that the Expence of his Journey could not be exactly ascertain’d beforehand, but if he were empower’d to draw on our Banker, he should certainly only take from time to time what was absolutely necessary, & therefore it was of little Importance for what Sum the Credit should be order’d, it would however look handsome & confidential if the Sum were Two Thousand Louis. We thereupon confiding that no more of this Money would be taken out of our Disposition, than the Expences of the Journeys as they should accrue, did Frankly but unwarily give the Orders.

Mr Deane & myself were however soon surpriz’d with the Intelligence, that the Gentlemen had gone directly to the Banker, & by Virtue of these Orders had taken out of our Account the whole Sum mentioned, & carried it to their own; leaving the Money indeed in his Hands, but requiring his Receipt for it as their Money, for which he was to be accountable to them only.
This enormous Sum having been received by those Gentlemen not above ten Months, I was still more surpriz’d when the following Letters were communicated to me by my present Colleagues,
My Colleague, Mr Adams, was at first as much surpriz’d as myself.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lavabre, Doerner & Cie., 15 January 1779
From: Lavabre, Doerner & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris le 15. Janvier 1779.
Le 5. Novbre. 1777. nous payames de vôtre ordre a Monsieur Grand la somme de six cent Livres Tournois, & vous eutes la bonté décrire a Monsr. Pre. Tymothy a Charlestown, de payer cette valeur a un Jeune homme en Caroline nommé Colomb de Nismes qui entra au service des Etats unis de L’amerique dans le Regimt. de Savanah en Georgie, comme il est a presumer que vôtre ordre ne soit pas parvenu audt sieur Tymothy puisqu’il n’a Rien payé audt. sieur Colomb; nous vous prions Monsieur de nous faire Randre cette petite somme, puisque desormais l’ordre que vous expediates Reste annullé & comme non avenû; en attendant nous avons lhonneur d’etre avec toute la Consideration possible Monsieur Vos tres h: & obts: serviteurs
Lavabre Doerner & CompRuë du Mail
Monsieur le Docteur francklin

Notation: LaVabre Doerner Paris 15. jr. 1779.


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16[-18] January 1779: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, January 16[-18], 1779, in French: The French ambassador has informed a number of high officials that Dutch shipping except for that of Amsterdam henceforth will be excluded from French trade privileges. These officials expressed their displeasure, claiming it was unprecedented that France should treat with only one town. He replied that no treaty or convention with Amsterdam exists and that the republic should deem itself fortunate not to be excluded entirely. January 17: I gave the ambassador an account of my meeting with our friend. January 18: The States of Holland will reassemble tomorrow.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 16 January 1779
From: Pickerin, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Brest: 16th. Jany. 1779
I writ you the 30th. Ulto. advising you of my Proceedings, and the two Captors I had made since I Left Brest on the 1st. Ulto. Vizt. a Brigantine Laden with dry Codd Fish, from Nw.fd.Land a Dutch Dogger from Barcelona with Nutts &c. Bound to London the Cargoe by the Captains Declaration was the Property of some Merchants there—
The Court of Admiralty here has not as yet Condemn’d the Cargoe, notwithstanding the Captn. of the Vessel has receiv’d a Letter from his Owners Immediately to receive his Freight and proceed to some other port for another where he may think fitt.
This Circumstance as well as every other, plainly, disscovers to me as well as many Gentlemen here, that She is a Lawfull Prize— I am now almost ready to proceed again on another Cruize with my Ship, and should be glad you would please to send me the Court of Paris’s Purport, Relative to her Condemnation—
Your Kind Compliance herein will Oblidge Yr Most Obedt. hble. Servt
Thos. Pickerin
To the Honble. Bn. Franklin

Addressed: To / The Honble. Benjn. Franklin / Ambassador for the / United States of / America / De Presant à Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 January 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir—
Nantes Jan. 16. 1779.—
Agreeable to my promise I send you two of your Chapters. I have but 3 & take the Liberty to keep one for myself which hope you will permit.— The wind & weather has been the best possible for outward Bound Ships these 15 Days past, had I been under Sail I should be at least onehalf the Distance between this & America. I impatiently wait the arrival of Monsr. de Montieu.—
I am ever (in haste) Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona. Williams J

Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiare/ des Etats Unis / en son Hotel / a Passy prés Paris.
Notation: Jona Williams Nantes 16. Janvier 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 17 January 1779
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

dear & Honoured Papa
Philadelphia, Jany. 17. 1779
I did myself the pleasure of writing a long letter to you very lately, but am afraid it is taken as I beleive many of yours are, I am unwilling to think you neglect us, tho Mr Ingersolls coming from France without letters from you has given me great uneasyness, he lodged too in the same house with little Ben, and not a line from him, I hope soon however to be made happy with letters from you all— The present you sent me this month two years I receivd a few weeks ago, tis a prize indeed, it came open without direction or letter and has come through three or four hands. I have receiv’d 6 pair of Gloves nine papers of Needles, a Bundle of thread and five papers of pins, I beg if you or Temple remember what was sent you will let me know, the last person to whose care they were given left them at a hair dressers with directions not to send them to me till he was gone, their being all opened makes me suspect I have not all, what I have receiv’d has made me rich I thought them long ago in the Enemies hands, the Prices of every thing here is so much raized, that it takes a fortune to feed a Family in a very plain way, a pair of Gloves 7 dollars one yard of Common Gause 24 dollars, and there never was so much dressing and pleasure going on, old Friends meeting again, the Wigs in high Spirits, and strangers of distincion among us, I have taken the liberty of sending a small list to you by Coll Crenis, Mr Bache has sent Bills to Jonathan Williams for many things for me and the Family, but I have had some other little Wants since that time, the Minister was kind enough to offer me some fine white flannel, and has spared me eight yards I wish to have it in my power to return as good to him, which I beg you will enable me to do. I shall have great pride in wearing any thing you send and shewing it as my Fathers taste I have dined at the Ministers, spent an evening at Mr. Holkers, have lately been several times invited abroad with the General and Mrs Washinton, he allways enquires after you in the most afectionate manner and speaks of you highly we danced at Mr. Powels your Birth day or night I should say in company together and he told me it was the aniversary of his marriage it was just twenty years that night— My Boy and Girl are in health the latter has ten teeth, can dance sing and make faces tho she cannot talk, except the word no, and be done which she makes great use of, she is ben over again except a larger mouth, how happy I should be to see her seated on your knee, she is just such a play thing as Will was when you came home last, I must tell you a little anecdote of him, and ask your opinion if it is not time to teach him a little religion, he had heard a foolish Girl that lived with me say that there was a death watch in the room, and one of the Family would soon die, he had not been long in bed before he came down in his shirt screaming I soon sent him up, and asking him in the morning how he could behave so and what was the matter, he told me he thought death was coming I was so frightned says he that I sweat all over and I jump’d out of Bed and pray’d up to Herculas, I ask’d him what he said, down he went on his knees with uplifted hands, I think I never saw such a picture of devotion, and repeated the lords prayer, now wether tis best to instruct him in a little religion or let him pray a little longer to Herculas, I should be glad to have your oppinion— Mr Duffeilds Family desired when I wrote to remember them to you, the youngest daughter I have introduced this winter to the Assembly she is like the mother, the Ambasador told me he thought her a great acquision to the Asembly, they lodge with us when in Town— I have a peice of American silk which I shall send to you for the Queen it will make me happy if she condecends to wear it, it shall come by the first safe oppertunity, I shewed it to M. Gerard, whose oppinion was that it would be aceptable, I wish much that he had brought his Lady with him, I should be tempted to learn French if she was among us, he is very much beloved here, I feel a Veneration for him mixed with so much Affection that when he was confined by indisposition I went uninvited with Mr Bache to see him. Mr. B: wrote to you this morning, my Brother was well at N York about a week ago if Coll Crenis does not go away early I will write to Temple, this is all the paper I have and it is sunday, remember me to dear Ben I long for another little French Letter.
I am my dear Sir with great Affection your Dutiful Daughter
S Bache

Addressed: His Excelly / Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary from the / United States of America at the / Court of Versailles
Notation: Bache Philadelphie 7 jr. 1779.


Title: Richard Price to the American Commissioners, 18 January 1779: résumé
From: Price, Richard
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<London, January 18, 1779: Dr. Price returns thanks for the invitation from Congress to become a member of the United States and assist them in regulating their finances. Honored as he is at their favorable opinion of him, he knows himself not qualified, and is at such an advanced age that he cannot move from a country to which he has been so long connected. He requests his reply be transmitted to Congress and looks to the American states as the hope and future refuge of mankind.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François Nicolas, 18 January 1779
From: Nicolas, Pierre-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
paris ce 18 janvier 1779.
Je prends la liberté de vous addresser un exemplaire de ma dissertation chymique sur les eaux minerales de la Lorraine; la theorie que je donne de la formation du Gas dans ces eaux et de cet être singulier que les chymistes pneumatiques nomment air fixe, air Méphytique &a &a. a tant d’analogie avec vos propres idées que je la regarde en quelque sorte comme votre ouvrage. Oui, Monsieur, c’est la lecture de votre sublime traité de L’electricité qui m’a fait ouvrir les yeux sur les disputes elevées entre les chymistes sur la nature des differends Gas. J’ai vu avec peinne que l’amour du vrai ne les a pas toujours Guidé, et qu’ils ont mis trop d’opiniatreté dans leurs opinions. Vous verez, Monsieur, si vous daignéz jetter un coup d’oeil sur ce petit ouvrage que je ne les ai point imité, j’ai toujours marché à la lueure du flambeau de l’expérience et que quand il a cessé de m’eclairer je n’ai point enfanté de sistemes, n’y rougis de convenir de mon ignorance.
J’ai lu il y a quelque tems dans les papiers publiques d’angleterre qu’on accorderoit une gratification honnête a celui qui découvriroit un procédé sure pour appliquer une couleur noire solide sur les cotons; je me suis occupé de cet objet et je crois avoir réussis comme vous pourez vous en convaincre par l’echantillon cy joint. Si cette Découverte pouvoit etre de quelque’utilité à votre patrie j’en traiterois avec vous à telles conditions vous jugeriez a propos; le procédé que j’indique est simple d’une execution facile et peu dispendieux. Quant au noir on peut le porter au plus grand degré de perfection.
Personne ne scait mieux que moy, Monsieur, combien vos moments sont precieux, c’est la crainte de vous en faire perdre quelques uns qui m’a empeché d’aller vous rendre mes devoirs et de vous assurer de vive voix de la vénération et du profond respect que [qu’a] pour vous. Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
NICOLAS

Demonstrateur royal de Chymie en l’université de nancy, de l’academie royale des Sciences, arts et belles lettres de Dijon, hotel de la croix de fer rue St. Denis vis a vis St. Leu.

Notation: Nicolas ce 18 janvier 1779. Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price: Two Letters, 18 January 1779
From: Price, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
N—— Jany 18th: 1779
The Bearer has been recommended to me; and, I believe, he has no improper views. He has urgent reasons for going abroad; and if Dr F——n will be So good as to enable him to get access to the persons he wants to See, he will oblige one who is, with great affection and respect, his very Humble Servt: and Friend
R.P

II.
Jany: 18th: 1779
I am not personally acquainted with Mr Norris the bearer of these papers; but I have been assured of his care and fidelity, and therefore have determined to convey these papers by him not knowing how long I Should be obliged to wait for So good an opportunity.
A merchant of a fair character (as far as I know) and once wealthy but now embarassed, is deeply concerned in Mr Norris’s business, which is no more than to procure Some passport by which he may get to America. I hope, therefore, he will give Dr. F—— but little trouble.— He knows nothing of the contents of these papers, or of the resolution of Congress.

Notation: Dr Price Jan. 15. & 18. 1779
Addressed: To, / Dr F——n


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19[-24] January 1779: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, January 19[-24], 1779, in French: The only thing that happened at the Assembly of Holland was the reading of the ambassador’s latest memorandum. I met five times today with the French ambassador and as often with our friend. January 20: The pensionaries of Amsterdam have expressed to the ambassador their hope that the other Dutch towns will not be deprived of the favors Amsterdam enjoys. The representatives of the other towns treat the Amsterdam representatives with much respect and seek their intercession. The new French regulations will be promulgated on January 26 unless the king receives the response he requests. January 21: The admiralty extends the granting of convoys (although excluding ships’ timbers), but not until crews have been assigned; this is just playing for time. The assembly has delayed everything until tomorrow. The Grand Facteur asked me to report on what I learned. January 22: The Grand Pensionary proposes delaying the resolution on convoys until the 26th; Amsterdam objects and Haarlem proposes amendments. January 23: The terms are still being debated; a messenger has been sent to Paris to obtain a delay of a week. January 24: I send this via Rotterdam to confuse curious gossipers. [P.S.]: Amsterdam declares it will stand firm.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 19 January 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
La Haie 19 Janvr. 1779
Je vous prie de n’avoir aucun égard à une Lettre ouverte, qui vous sera peut-être présentée de ma part, par un Mr. Poirier Avocat de Dunquerque. Je l’ai vu fréquemment tous ces jours passés à l’hôtel de france. Il est ici pour réclamer diverses prises faites par des Armateurs de Dunkerque, reprises dans les Eaux de Zélande par des Pirates Anglois nichés à Flessingue. Il m’avoit témoigné sa surprise, de ce qu’il n’y avoit personne à Dunkerque pour y ménager les Intérêts des Américains. Il alloit, disoit-il, à Paris, obtenir du Ministere un Agent de France, qu’il iroit installer en Zélande; il profiteroit de cette occasion pour vous aller offrir ses services en faveur des Américains à Dunkerque, sans prétendre aucune retribution, jusqu’à ce que l’Amérique, pacifiée, le voulût alors nommer son Consul à Dunkerque. Je n’ai pu honnêtement me défaire de ses importunités, qu’en lui remettant une Lettre qui, dans le fond, ne dit rien. Mais l’ayant fait épier, les rapports, & les discours qu’il m’a tenus lui-même, m’ont convaincu que ce n’est pas un homme à qui l’on puisse confier des affaires. C’est un jeune homme glorieux, grand parleur, éventé, qui se vante par-tout de ce qu’il fait & de ce qu’il ne fait pas. Contre mon expresse défense, il a fait parade de ma Lettre susdite; & j’ai tout lieu de croire, que l’affaire-même dont il est chargé ici, est en pauvres mains.
Je suis avec le plus respectueux attachement, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas

P.S. Un homme de votre connoissance, & de la connoissance de vos intimes amis en France, qui m’en a fait voir des preuves, m’a assuré que les Américains ne manquent pas d’amis bien plus solides que celui qui voudroit se présenter. Il compte d’aller à Paris dans quelque temps d’ici, vous présentera quatre lignes de ma part, & vous dira le reste de bouche.
Passy à Son Exc. M. Franklin M. P. des E. U.

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, Esqr. / Ministre Plénipotentiaire / des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique / à Passy./.
Endorsed: Dumas concerng one Mr. Poirier
Notation: Dumas 19 Janr. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Gillon, 19 January 1779
From: Gillon, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Worthy Sir
Brest the 19th. Jany. 1779
I crave your Pardon for the freedom I preuse in addressing the inclos’d to your Excellency, you will greatly favour me in communicating its contents to their Excellencies your Colleagues, particularly to Mr. Izard, if he is with you. I hope soon to have the satisfaction of assuring you in Person, with what Respect I am—Your Excellencies Most Obedt. hble Servt
A. Gillon
To His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqre Commissioner from the United States of America at the Court of Versailles

Endorsed: Capt. Gillon


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 19 January 1779
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur.
à L’école Rle. mre. [Royale militaire]19e. janr. 1779.
J’ai L’honneur de vous adresser une Lettre sur quelques objets d’Electricité que M. Le prince de Gallitzin m’a chargé de vous faire parvenir. Vous verrés dans la copie de celle qu’il m’a adressée les secours qu’il attend de vos bontés.
Notre bonne amie dans toutes ses Lettres me recommande toujours de vous parler de sa tendre amitié.
Ci-joint tout ce que j’ai reçu de plus intéressant. Je suis avec la plus profonde vénération, Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur.
Le CHR. De Keralio

Notation: Le Chlier. De Keralio Paris 19 jr. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Mammès Pahin Champlain de La Blancherie, 19 January 1779
From: La Blancherie, Claude-Mammès Pahin de Champlain de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur le Docteur
Paris le 19. jvier 1779.
Jai l’honneur d’envoyer à Votre Excellence, le nouveau plan de l’établissement que je dirige tel que la consistence que votre protection lui a donnée, a exigé qu’il fût rédige. C’est mercrédi 20. de ce mois à cinq heures après midi l’ouverture de la premiere assemblée dans le beau logement que l’on m’a donné et arrangé pour cela j’ose esperer que Votre Excellence m’accordera ce nouveau témoignage de sa protection en voulant bien l’honnorer de sa présence avec m. Adams et m. son petit fils. J’attends de ce bienfait que je la supplie de ne pas me refuser, toute ma gloire et tous mes succès.
Je suis avec un profond respect Monsieur le Docteur Votre très humble et très obeisst serviteur
La BlancherieAgent général de correspondancepour les sciences et les arts ruede Tournon.
m. Franklin. à Passy

Notation: La Blancherie 19 Janvier 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard, 20 January 1779
From: Izard, Ralph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris 20th. Jany. 1779
You promised in the presence of your Colleagues Mr. Lee, & Mr. Adams to send me a copy of the Letter which you wrote as an answer to mine of the 2d. instant, & to which those Gentlemen did not think proper to sign their names. This promise was made eight days ago, & I call upon you to fulfil it. If you will at the same time favour me with all your reasons, in writing, for disobeying the Resolution of Congress of 7th. May 1778, I should be obliged to you. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obt. hble Servt.
Ra.. Izard.—
Honble B.. Franklin Esq.

Addressed: To / The Honble Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / Commissioner from the United / States of America / at Passy.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ralph Izard, 20 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Izard, Ralph

Sir,
Passy, Jan. 20. 1779
If the Promise I made you had not been before the Witnesses you mention I should nevertheless have fulfill’d it. I now repeat it under my hand. You shall have a Copy of the Letter I propos’d to be written to you, and some farther Reasons in Addition. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
To the honourable Ralph Izard Esqr


Title: Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 20 January 1779
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John

Gentlemen/
Chaillot Jany. 20th. 1779
My fever not being yet sufficiently removd to permit me to come to you; I write to you to submit the absolute necessity there is of informing the Minister without delay of the State of our Finances & that the Supply we have askd is immediately necessary. It is possible they may wait for such information before they put the intention we are told they have of supplying us in execution. We wrote them we shoud pay the Bills drawn by order of Congress as long as our funds lasted; & they will naturally expect to be advisd, when these are so nearly exhausted, as to demand a farther Supply.
I have the honor to be with great respect Gentlemen Yr. most Obedt. Humble Servt.
Arthur Lee

Notation: Hon. A. Lee Jan 20. 1779.


Title: Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 20 January 1779
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

A Versailles le 20. Javr. 1779
Vous avez bien voulu minformer, Mrs., que les batiments destinés pour l’amérique et pour lesquels vous avez demandé des convois, se trouvent dans le port de Nantes; j’en ai prévenu M. de Sartine, et ce Ministre vient de me faire à ce Sujet la réponse dont vous trouverez la copie ci jointe.
MM. franklin, Lée et adams


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hezekiah Ford, 20 January 1779
From: Ford, Hezekiah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hon. Sir.
Chaillot Jan. 20th. 1779.
Notwithstanding I am confident I left the papers containing the Resolves of Congress in your Book at Passi, after I had finished the Copy for M Lee; Yet I have made diligent search for them; and I do assure you they are not at Chaillot. I have therefore only to request, that you woud be so kind as to reexamine your papers, & I have no doubt but that you will discover them now concealed between the blank leaves of your Book. However shoud that not be the Case, and you are in immediate want of them; I will transcribe a fair Copy and send it to you.

I have the honor to be with real respect & Esteem, Sir Your Most faithful & affectionate Hble Servt.
H. Ford.
Hon. B. Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: Honble. / B. Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary / Passi
Notation: H. Ford Chaillot 20 Jr. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [20 January 1779?]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Paris— Wednesday in the afternoon[January 20, 1779?]
We will expect you, M. D’arcy and I, at his House friday next at twelve o’clock to try the gun of M. Belton— I’ll be very glad if you can come to the rendez vous— M. D’arcy hope you will dine with us. I long much to see you my Dear Doctor—for it is a long time since I have had that pleasure accept my Dear Sir of my best Compliments.
Le Roy

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin deputé / du Congrès en Sa maison / A Passy / Mercredy après Midy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Parny des Falines, 21 January 1779
From: Parny des Falines, Jean Baptiste Paul de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris, le 21. Janvier 1779.
Mes chargés d’affaires ont déposé dans le trésor public de charles-town, une somme de Vingt mille pounds, portant intérêt de 7%, et remboursable au 7 Janvier 1779. Ils m’en ont fait passer les Contrats. Mon intention étant de les réaliser en argent, je vous prie de vouloir bien me faire sçavoir si le Congrès a pris quelques arrangements en france pour le remboursement de ces effêts; et quels sont les débouchés qu’on peut sen promettre. On m’a assuré que Mr. le Couteulx, Banquier à Paris, payoit les lettres de change tirées de L’amèrique.
J’ai lhonneur detre très respectueusement, Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeïssant serviteur:
DE Parny.Ecuyer de la Reine, rüe danjou, au marais—

Notation: De Parny 21. janvier 1779. Paris.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 22 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Jan. 22, 1779.
Dr Franklin presents Compliments to Mr. Adams, and requests that all the Public Papers may be sent him by the Bearer. Dr. Franklin will undertake to keep them in order; and will at any time chearfully look for and furnish Mr Adams with any Paper he may have occasion for.
Mr Adams on receit of this put all the Public Papers, then in his Possession, into the hands of W T Franklin.

Notation by Franklin: Notes between Mr. Adams & me (BF) about the Papers Jan. 22. 1779


Title: Robert Niles to the American Commissioners, 22 January 1779: résumé
From: Niles, Robert
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, January 22, 1779: When I arrived here Mr. Dobrée informed me that, according to you, I claimed to have been captured by a privateer which was partially owned by his father. He asked me for a written statement of what the captain had said, but I preferred to send it to you, as a representative of the country to which I am accountable. I shall now relate the matters, and am prepared to swear to them. Captain de Lagarde of the privateer cutter Mars accidentally told me that Dobrée of Guernsey was one of his owners. I told him that I knew Dobrée’s son in Nantes, who had married Schweighauser’s daughter; this he confirmed. I told him that I would acquaint the commissioners of this as soon as I arrived in France. These are the undeniable facts.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 22 January 1779
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce vendredi 22 janviér [1779]
Non mon papa, vos visittes ne m’ont jamais causés aucuns désagréments tout ce qui m’entoure vous respecte vous aime, et se trouve honorés de l’amitié que vous nous accordés; je vous ai dit que dans le monde on avoit critiqué l’espece de familliarité qui régnoit entre nous, parcequ’on m’en a avértie: je méprise les médisants, et suis en repos avéc moi mesme, mais cela ne suffit pas, il faut se souméttre a ce qu’on appélle bienséance: (ce mot varie dans chaques siécles, dans chaques pays!) pour me méttre moins souvent sur vos genouils, je ne vous en aimerai cértainement pas moins, nos coeurs n’en seronts n’y plus n’y moins purs, mais nous férmerons la bouche aux méchants, et ce n’est pas peu mesme pour le sage, que de les faire taire:
Vous me demandés si mon mal n’étoit que corporél; mon áme mon papa y entre toujours pour quelques choses; née avéc une sensibilité éxcéssive, votre fille est souvent victime d’une áme trop tendre et d’une imagination trop vive; la raison, l’occupation la soutiénnent en état de santé: malade elle se trouve soumise a la douleur et a la mélancolie—j’ai été violément attaquée de cétte dérniére crise, je suis encore souffrante et bien affoiblie j’ai un besoin extréme d’estre aimée, surtout d’éstre aimée de vous; venés demain prendre le thé, venés tous les mércredis et samedis, venés tant que vous voudrés, mon coeur vous appélle vous attends, vous est attaché pour la vie: adieu je ne vous ai pas dit la moitié de ce que j’aurois a vous dire; mais ma teste est trop fatiguée pour en écrire davantage:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Carloman de Rulhière, 22 January 1779
From: Rulhière, Claude-Carloman de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 22 janvier 1779.
Monsieur franklin a eu la bonté de me promettre un livre qui a paru nouvellement en Angleterre sur le grand evenement de la liberté Americaine, et qui a eté composé en grande partie d’après des memoires que lui même avoit donnès autrefois à un homme qui dans ce tems là etait membre du parlement. Je crains qu’il ne m’ait òublié, ce monument est trop precieus pour que je n’aye pas la plus grande impatience de le possedes. Je lui demande la permission de lui rappeller sa promesse:

Je le prie d’agrées l’hommage de mon respectueuse attachement
Rulhiere.

Notations: The historian / Jany 2 79


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, January 23, 1779: While visiting you on January 9, I inquired about the convoy we requested. I must also request passes by return post for four of our vessels, the Molly, the Chasseur, the Governor Livingston, and the Mary Fearon, all the property of James Price, William Haywood, and John Bondfield. Letters from Cadiz report the capture of an American ship loaded with tobacco and rice, sent into Gibraltar. Also reported is an engagement between d’Estaing and the English fleet at the end of November. Letters from Martinique report ports blockaded by English cruisers. The British are daily in expectation of d’Estaing. You will have learned of the arrival of a vessel at Morlaix.>


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, January 23, 1779: I have not received an answer to my request of December 12, 1778, concerning the incorrect shipment by Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. of Simeon Deane’s goods. It was mistakenly supposed they belonged to the commissioners, and they were delivered to Mr. Schweighauser. One of the thirteen cases remains with him. Please order that case returned to me and request Messrs. Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. to replace the rest to my care. Schweighauser’s receipt for the arms magazine I enclose; I need a further receipt from him for the remainder of the gunstocks to allow me to pay the man who repaired them. Please instruct him so that the transaction may be concluded. I have delivered to Montieu’s ships sundry articles from the magazine. He wishes to settle with you directly.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Girard, 23 January 1779
From: Girard, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Rennes Ce 23. Janv: 1779.
Je Reclame votre justice, pour obtenir Celle qui m’est dûe par Lun de vos Compatriotes appellé Vinzandt. Ce M: qui passa icy au mois d’aout 1777. etoit Descandu Chez L’un de nos Negts. quand il y eût fait ses affaires qui Ly avoient amené et quil fut à la veille de son depart, M: de la Croix Chez Lequel il etoit descandu veint avec Lui me demander une voiture a Louage pour se Rendre, me dit-on auprès de vous; M: de la Croix me dit que Cet etranger Lui etoit adressé par M: Dessegrais Beaugeard De st. malo, que je pouvois en toute seurté Lui donner une voiture je my prêtai Dautant plus facilement qu’il majouta quil alloit vous Rejoindre pour affaires importantes. Je m’accordai de prix a 84 l.t. pour le Voyage. M: De la Croix me paya Cette somme quelques jours apres. La voiture Devoit m’être Rendue six semaines après et Cela n’est pas encore fait. Je me suis adresse plusieurs fois a M: De la Croix pour avoir des nouvelles de ma Chaise. Il m’a dit quil nen avoit point a me Donner, non plus que de Celui qui L’avoit emmenée, que depuis quil etoit parti dicy il n’en avoit pas entendu parler. Il m’a Renvoyé vers M: Dessegrais Beaugeard. Je m’y suis adressé. Dabord on m’a Donné La plus grande Confiance Dans Ce M: qui a ma Chaise je me suis Repose sur Cela et comme je nai point vu se Realiser Les Esperences quon m’avoit Données, apres Beaucoup de temps je suis Revenu à la Charge Vers M: Dessegrais, qui se trouve icy dans Le moment De la tenue Des etats. Je lui ai parlé aujourdhuy et jai trouvé toutes ses idées Changées sur le Compte de mon debiteur neanmoins il m’a proposé De me Donner Deux Cent quelques livres pour ma Chaise. C’est a peu pres La moitie De Ce qu’elle vaut. Je nai eu garde d’acceder à Cette proposition, tandis que j’avois La Ressource De Votre autorité pour avoir justice. Je vous La demande, Monsieur, et je L’attends avec toute La Confiance que donne Votre Nom. Cette Chaise et quelques autres que je Donne à Louage sont à peu pres ma seule aisance, c’est Ce qui me fournit Les moyens de me soutenir et D’ellever ma famille: si ma Chaise m’etoit Revenue, Comme on me L’avoit promis, elle auroit fait Bien des Voyages depuis, on doit m’en payer Le Loyer a Compter du temps qu’elle devoit m’etre Rendue et si on ne me La Rend pas, on doit m’en payer Les Loyers et la valeur. Veüillez Monsieur Vous interresser pour moy et me faire obtenir de M. Vinzandt satisfaction entière.
Jai L’honneur Detre avec Le plus profond Respect. Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur.
Girardmtre. CellierRue de Bordeaux.

Endorsed: Girard 23 Jan. 79. relative to Vandzant


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Two Letters, 23 January 1779
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Dear Sir
Jan 23 1779 London
I have communicated yours of Janry 1st. 1779 to the Board of Sick and Hurt and have received the following answer—We are taking measures for the immediate sending to France the number of Americans first proposed to be exchanged and we shall be much obliged by your continuing to impart to us such farther particulars as you may learn respecting the number and places of Confinement of the British prisoners in France taken by American ships.—
Whatever information you may have to communicate upon that head, I will transmitt to the board and will contribute every endeavour in my power from time to time to expedite the Exchanges.
I am My Dear Sir Your Most affecte
DH.
To Dr Franklin

Addressed: To Dr Franklin

II.
My Dear friend.
Jan 23 1779
You know my constant and earnest desire for peace. You are so fully possessed of my principles upon these subjects, that you cannot doubt but that the sentiments expressed in the 4th letter on the American war lately written by a member of parlt. in this Country to his Constituents do perfectly accord with mine.— In your letter of 26 octr 1778 you seem to express that a visit from a friend wd not be unwellcome, if that friend were in a character of a plenipotentiary, to treat of a sincere peace between all parties. You must know from the course of public transactions in England, that the alliance between France & America is a great stumbling block.— Whatever engagements America may have entered into, they may at least by consent of parties be relinquished, for the purpose of removing so material an obstacle to any generel treaty of free & unengaged parties. If the parties cd meet for the sake of peace upon free & open ground, I shd think that a very fair proposition to be offered to the people of England, and an equitable propositon in itself. The universal destruction attending war to all parties, ought to be a motive for the restoration of peace superceding all minuter considerations. Knowing the sincerity of your desire for peace, I throw out to you the Cursory thoughts wch present themselves to me, to take the chance of starting any idea wch may lead to that blessed end. I am yrs affectely.
G.B.

Addressed: To Dr Franklin


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 24 January 1779: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

<Passy, January 24, 1779: We received your letter of the 20th enclosing M. de Sartine’s answer relative to the convoy we requested. We do not understand his reference to the four vessels supposedly mentioned by us and fear he has been misinformed. On December 29 we asked for a convoy. You asked on January 9 where the ships were collected, and on the 15th we told you they were at Nantes. We subsequently have been informed there are about fifteen vessels; the gentlemen at Nantes have been at considerable expense awaiting a convoy, which we beseech you to grant immediately.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 24 January 1779
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir/
Chaillot Jany 24th 1779
Mr Monthieu’s Accounts & papers were at Passy when I saw them last.
The public Accounts were there also & if they do not remain there still, I apprehend Mr Grand has them, the large one being signd by Mr. Deane which he therefore wished to keep. But I am confident you had a copy of it, & that he will tell you the same. The only public Papers in my possession of those you request are Mr Deane’s Remarks which I have the honor of enclosing.
I have the honor to be Sir, your most Obedt Hble Servant
A. Lee


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 25 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Passy Jany. 25. 1779.
I a long time believed that your Government were in earnest in agreeing to an Exchange of Prisoners. I begin now to think I was mistaken. It seems they cannot give up the pleasing Idea of having at the End of the War 1000 Americans to hang for high Treason. You were also long of Opinion, that the Animosity against America was not national or general: But having seen the exterminating Proclamation of the Commissioners approved by King Lords & Commons, and that not attended with any Marks of Popular Disapprobation, perhaps you too begin to think that you were mistaken. I thank you for writing those excellent Letters to your Constituents. I like all but your Reflections against the King of France for assisting us. In my Mind, the Coming to the Relief of an innocent People under the bloody Oppression your Ministers were exercising over them, and exposing himself and Nation, to a War on their Account, was not only what any Prince had a Right to do for the sake of common Humanity, but was a magnanimous & heroic Action, that is admired at present by the wise & good through all Europe, and will hand his Name down with Glory to Posterity! Our different ways of thinking in this particular will not however diminish our private Friendship, nor impair those Sentiments of sincere Esteem and Respect with which I am ever Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servt.
B Franklin
David Hartley Esqr.

Endorsed: D F January 25 1779 by Mr Lloyd


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Margaret Stevenson, 25 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Stevenson, Margaret

Jan. 25. 1779.
It is always with great Pleasure when I think of our long continu’d Friendship, which had not the least Interruption in the Course of Twenty Years (some of the happiest of my Life) that I spent under your Roof and in your Company. If I do not write to you as often as I us’d to do when I happen’d to be absent from you, it is owing partly to the present Difficulty of sure Communication, & partly to an Apprehension of some possible Inconvenience that my Correspondence might occasion you. Be assured, my dear Friend, that my Regard, Esteem, & Affection for you are not in the least impair’d or diminish’d, and that if Circumstances would permit, nothing wuld afford me so much Satisfaction, as to be with you in the same House, & to experience again your faithful tender Care & Attention to my Interests, Health & Comfortable Living, which so long & steadily attach’d me to you, & which I shall ever remember with Gratitude.
I thought I had mention’d to you before; (and I believe I did, tho’ my Letter may have miscarried) that I had received the white Cloth Suit, the Sword, & the Saddle for Temple, all in good Order. I mention them now again because Polly tells me you had not heard of their Arrival. And I repeat my Thanks for your Care in sending them. I wore the Clothes a good deal last Summer.— There is one thing more that I wish to have, if you should meet with an Opportunity of sending it. I mean the Copper Pot lin’d with Silver to roast Fowls in by means of a Heater. I should also be glad of the Piece of Elephant’s Tooth. It is old Ivory, perhaps of the Time before the Flood, & would be a Rarity to some Friends here: But I doubt you will not be able to send them.
I rejoice to learn that your Health is establish’d, & that you live pleasantly in a Country Town with agreable Neighbours, & have your Dear Children about you. My Love to every one of them. I long to see them and you; but the Times do not permit me the Hope of it.— Why do you never write to me? I us’d to love to read your Letters, & I regret your long Silence. They were season’d with good Sense and Friendship, & even your Spelling pleas’d me: Polly knows I think the worst Spelling the best. I do not write to her by this Conveyance: You will let her know that I acknowledge the Receipt of her pleasing Letter dated the 11th Instant. I shall now only observe upon it, that I wonder how the Patent came to be taken out in Jacobs’s Name. I am sure he had no Claim to it; for when I first propos’d to him the making such Wheels, at Mr. Viny’s in the Country, he objected to it as impracticable. But Mr. Viny, who seiz’d the Thought & carried it into Execution, had certainly the best Right to the Patent.— I wish he would send me a good Drawing, with the Proportions, of the little Carriage without Horses, which his Children came once in to see us. How do they all do? & particularly my little Patient Bessum? Since my coming here, I have been told, that Mr Henley the Linen Draper had said, on my going to America, that I had gone away in his Debt. I can hardly believe it. Let me know if you have heard such a Thing, & what is the meaning of it. I thought he had been fully paid, & I still think so, & shall till I am assurd of the contrary.— Let me know at the same time how my Account stands with you.
You wish to know how I live. It is in a fine House, situated in a neat Village, on high Ground, half a Mile from Paris, with a large Garden to walk in. I have abundance of Acquaintance, dine abroad Six Days in seven. Sundays I reserve to dine at home, with such Americans as pass this Way; & I then have my Grandson Ben, with some other American Children from his School: If being treated with all the Politeness of France, & the apparent Respect & Esteem of all Ranks, from the highest to the lowest, can make a Man happy, I ought to be so. Indeed I have nothing to complain of but a little too much Business, & the Want of that Order and Oeconomy in my Family, that reign’d in it when under your prudent Direction. My Paper gives me only Room to add, that I am ever Yours most affectionately

Notation: To Margaret Stevenson


Title: Alexander Gillon to the American Commissioners, 25 January 1779: résumé
From: Gillon, Alexander
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brest, January 25, 1779: I arrived here today from our continent via Havana. I embarked for Spain on November 17; on the 19th instant I encountered a small fleet about fifty leagues east south east of Cape Finisterre commanded by de Grasse, who suggested that I make for Brest with the frigate Fortunée, Capt. Marigny. To expedite the business I am sent on I accepted the offer, a further evidence of French good will. The only letters I have for you are introductions, hence I will proceed to Nantes to ascertain what property has been shipped from South Carolina and what dispositions should be made. Since it will be February 6 before I can leave there I would appreciate news sent in care of Messrs. H. Q. Chaurand frères, particularly any information from America after July 23 when I first set out. A long stay at Havana and contrary winds protracted my voyage.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Josiah Darrell, 25 January 1779
From: Darrell, Josiah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Nants Jany. 25th. 1779
Josiah Darrell of the Brig Polly, from Charles Town, declares, that after having ship’d a few Men, and with great Difficulty and Trouble made up a Complement of Sailors, (with those, he had on board, that came with him from Charles Town;) that there is a great Likelihood of his losing the cheifest Part of his Men, by Reason of his not being able to get any Justice done him here in Nants, with Regard to two of his Men that have enter’d on board a French Privateer in this River, now laying at Paimboeuf.— Viz Wm. Stibbins a Bostonian, & Johan Lendstrom a Sweed; he further declares that as soon as he understood that they were ship’d on board the Privateer, that he imediately applied for a Guard of Men, took them up and put them in Goal, where they remain’d six or seven Days, then were taken out by Mons. Tessier, the Owner of the Privateer, that they had ship’d on board of, before they were taken up, according to the Goaler’s, Declaration, who he went to directly, as soon as he understood that the Sailors were at Liberty who wou’d give him no other Satisfaction, than that he had delivered them to Mr. Tessier who had paid their Goal Fees, he furthermore declares that he imediately went to the Commissary, where he found the Owner of the Privateer, and after relating, his Greivance to the Commisary, Mr. Tessier was call’d in, and ask’d by the Commisary, if he had taken those two Men out of Goal, to whom he replied in the Affirmative, he then was ask’d by the Commisary by what Authority he took them out, who answer’d, that he found that the Goaler had no Orders from the Admiralty or Procurer du Roi to keep them in Goal, and cou’d let them out if he choos’d, then the Comissary told me that the Goaler cou’d not be answerable for those Men, because he (the Commisary) coud not grant Permission or Orders, for the Men to be kept in Goal more than twenty four Hours, that before the Expiration of that Time, an Order shou’d have been obtain’d from the Admiralty, to keep them in Goal, ’till such Time as it suited me to carry them on board which Laws I being ignorant of I then Ask’d the Commisary if I must lose those two Men, and told him that it wou’d be the Means of my losing more after the same Manner, and that it was very difficult in replacing other Men in their Room, as American Sailors were very scarce, and that an American was not allow’d to ship a french Sailor by any Means, the Commisary then told me to take up those two Men where ever I found them and put them in Goal again, I imediately went in Search of them, and coud not find, nor hear any thing of them, for two Days, when I heard they were, gone to Paimboeuf on board the Privateer, I imediately applied to Mr. La Bouchere, (a Man to whom I am address’d), to apply to the Commisary for Permission to take them out of the Privateer, which he accordingly did but, coud not get Permission so I am likely to lose the cheifest Part of my Men, for upon the Strength of that, three others have deserted, two of which sued me for their Wages were cast, and sentenc’d to go on board and proceed the Voyage, but since they find there is protection for them on board of french Vessells, they have ship’d on board of some Vessell or Vessells, the third is at Law with me now, which I fear I shall lose, he having been to the Kings Surgeon, and got him to declare that he is unable to proceed the Voyage with me, on Acct. of his having the venereal Disease, which I can have him cur’d of, that makes five Men I am likely to lose, after having had a great deal of Trouble with them, for I have had five Law Suits, three of which I have got the better of, another not decided yet, and one I have lost which I think very unjust, which is this. A Woman (Madam Lain) brought an Account to me of seven hundred & fifty eight Livres, which I refus’d to pay, because when I first arriv’d hearing of the Trouble that Masters of Vessells had with Sailors, I hired a Trumpeter to go round the Town and give Notice to People, that no body might be ignorant, that I wou’d not be answerable for any Debts my Sailors contracted without an Order from me, notwithstanding that, she has credited them, to the Amount of the above Sum. Sued me for it, and has cast me,
Josiah Darrell.Commander of the Brig. Polly—

Notation: Josiah Darrells Declaration. 25. Jan. 79.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Felix Wuybert, 25 January 1779
From: Wuybert, Antoine-Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 25. Janvier. 1779
D’après Votre ordre, Je me suis rendû chez Mr. Lee, que l’on m’a dit etre trés-dangéreusement malade, sur quoy Je suis revenu à Paris chez ma Soeur où Je loge Laquelle est aussi trésmalade. J’ose me flatter, Monsieur, que Vous Voudrez bien m’Excuser si Je n’ai pas retourné chez Vous pour Vous rendre reponse; ma soeur à qui je rends mes soins et attentions, en l’absence de son mary, en est le seul motif Vû la confiance qu’elle a en moi et que Sa Domestique est très nouvelle; mais sitot que mon beau-frere sera de retour de la campagne Je n’aurai rien de plus Empressé que d’aller Vous assurer de mon trés humble respect.
Je suis dans mon ancienne Patrie, Monsieur, cela est bien Vrai, et dans la dure circonstance où je me trouve Je prefererais d’Etre en Amérique qui est ma Veritable contrée, puisque toutes mes facultés y sont, et que Je ne possede pas un sol en france; cela est trés vrai, trés exact, mon pere surchargé de famille me fait toujours des reponses trés-peu satisfaisantes “Je n’ai rien mon fils, ce que Jay Je le reserve pour Vos Soeurs que Je suis sur le point d’Etablir, Vous êtes homme, Vous avez un Etat et un rang distingués, c’est à Vous a repeter Vos droits; et de grace n’affligez pas ma Viellesse de ce que Vous avez souffert et de Vos besoins actuels.”
Depuis 16. ans aussi, Monsieur, J’avais quitté La france, Il ne m’est pas possible aujourdhuy de retrouver mes anciens amis; Il en coute beaucoup pour se faire de nouvelles connaissances, c’est à dire de chauds et de véritables amis. Je voudrais en posseder un, je ferais volontiers un Emprunt de 6. ou 700 l.t. que Je lui rembourserais sitot mon arrivée à Philadelphie: mais Je ne le peux pas.
A qui donc avoir recours? Sans ressource, sans appuy, Je ne vois que Vous, Monsieur; Vous etes ici ma seule ancre d’Esperance, mon seul protecteur, mon pere meme puisque Je me trouve denûé de protections et que ma famille ne peut m’obliger dans une affaire aussi importante et délicate. Je suis singulierement Jaloux de travailler, Jay encore plus à coeur de me Vanger de toutes Les barbaries que Jay souffert de la part d’un Ennemy que toutes Les nations detestent; et Si Vous n’avez la bonté de m’aider, J’aurai, toute ma Vie, a me reprocher de n’avoir pas repris ma revanche, Dieu quelle honte . . . quel chagrin pour moi! Car Je brule pour retourner à mon service.
Je suis bien au desespoir, Monsieur, d’Etre dans le cas de Vous devenir si Importun; mes besoins m’y forcent, et il est, Je Vous assure, bien désagreable à un gallant homme, Lorsqu’il va rendre ses Devoirs à un Superieur, de n’avoir rien autre chose à lui parler, que des affaires d’Interet; Je souhaite bien sincerement à l’avenir de ne plus me présenter chez Vous sur ce pied, mais sur celui d’un partisan, d’un Vrai fils meme de notre chere Liberté.
Je suis avec un profond Respect Monsieur Votre tréshumble et trés-obeissant serviteur
Lt. Col. Wuybert

Notation: Wibert Paris 25 jr. 1779


Title: The American Commissioners to John Gilbank, 26 January 1779
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Gilbank, John

Sir
Passy January 26. 1779.
We have received your Letter of the twenty first of this Month, and in Answer to it, We assure you that We cannot indorse your Bills, as you propose. We are your humble servants
Mr John Gilbank.


Title: The American Commissioners to Gentlemen at Nantes, 26 January 1779: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Gentlemen at Nantes

<Passy, January 26, 1779: We received your letter of January 21 yesterday. You ask which ports are free pursuant to the treaty. As yet none have been specifically designated. All French ports are open to all American vessels, and it would not be politic to apply for any further distinctions, unless there were the possibility of relief from import and export duties, which we doubt. Goods, however, might be brought into such ports from abroad and stored there temporarily without the burden of subsequent export tax. Only you can judge the advantage of this, and we should be glad of your advice. We regret not being able to give you satisfactory information on the article relating to Barbary corsairs. We have corresponded with the French government on this subject, have written Congress, and now await their instructions. As soon as circumstances permit (two of us having been ill for a fortnight) we will try to have the Minister clarify the question of duties, and will then so inform you. Sartine’s answer to our convoy application indicates that he had misunderstood the situation; we have written again.>


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27[-29] January 1779: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, January 27[–29], 1779, in French: Yesterday the States of Holland resolved to annul the resolution of November 18, which excepted ships’ timbers from convoy protection, and to protect their commerce to the fullest extent guaranteed by the treaties [with Britain]. Tomorrow the assembly will work on the response to the French ambassador. Our friend will leave the next day. This has been a great victory over English influence. January 28: Today the States General adopted the same resolution. January 29: The Admiralty’s response is so ambiguous that Amsterdam threatens a new protest, claiming all that was needed was to communicate to France the resolution of the 26th; the assembly will be prolonged until next Tuesday or Wednesday [February 2–3].>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from de La Plaigne, 27 January 1779
From: La Plaigne, Emmanuel-Pierre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur
Limoges 27 janvr. 1779
D’après l’usage reçu en france d’assurer, au renouvellement des années, ses protecteurs, bienfaiteurs, &c, des souhaits de santé, & prospérité; je n’eusse pas manqué d’assurer votre Excellence des voeux sincères que j’adresse au Ciel pour vous & pour l’empire naissant que vous Representez; mais un malheureux erésipelle, accompagné de fiévre, m’en a privé jusqu’a ce jour, & m’oblige même encore pour vous en assurer par écrit d’emprunter la main de ce frère infortuné, compagnon de mes malheurs, & co-partageant dans mes pertes, que j’ai eu l’honneur de présenter à Votre Excellence qui étoit revétu d’une des Commissions de lieutenant, dont l’honorable Congrès de Géorgie m’avoit fait le dispensateur. Il en étoit revêtu par moi, abstraction de la qualité de frère, je l’avois reconnu digne & capable d’en remplir les fonctions. Il m’est parvenu que le sr. de foucherolles avoit tâché de le noircir ainsi que moi auprès de votre Excellence. Je ne crains pas les traits d’un Etourdi & d’un imposteur devant le tribunal de votre Excellence; car il seroit, je pense, presque le seul dont j’avois à me pleindre. Ce qui m’afecte le plus en même tems c’est que par une lettre de Monsieur Aubert, ingénieur Géographe où il me fait part de l’honneur qu’il a eu de se présenter à vous, Monseigneur, conférance dans laquelle votre Excellence avoit desaprouvé son Dessein formel de tanter un autre passage pour savanna, de plus que votre Excellence m’avoit conseillé de rester en france. Comme il ne [me] souvient point, Monseigneur, que votre Excellence m’aye jamais donné un tel conseil, que j’ai été & suis toujours prêst à obéir à vos ordres, veuillez-bien Monseigneur, me faire part de vos vrayes intentions à ce sujet pour pouvoir régler mes affaires en conséquence & parer aux lettres qui m’accablent de toutes parts des proselytes du parti américain. Fasse le Ciel que vous puissiez couronner ce Grand Oeuvre que vous avez commencé; puisse-t-il bénir vos jours, ceux de vos honorables coagents, ce sont les voeux bien sincères & ardents que fait à Dieu tous les jours Monseigneur De Votre Excellence le Très humble très obéissant & respecteux serviteur
E. P De LaplaigneCapt. d’inf. R. de georgie
Sous l’enveloppe de M. Renouard de vallière sécrétaire à l’intendance de Limoges

Notation: De La Pleigne Limoges 27. janvier 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Guillaume Le Veillard, 27 [January] 1779
From: Le Veillard, Louis-Guillaume
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend
The Wednesday 27 [January, 1779]
Madame Bouffé beseeches you to put again to Wednesday third of February the dinner that you should make at her house the tuesday second; or, if you cannot at Wednesday tenth; do me knowing, I pray you, your determination, and write it upon your books.
I say you and I will say this night that I respect and Love you more than everybody
Le Veillard

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin députe / des etats unis d’amérique / Passy
Notation: Le Veillard.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Soller, 28 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Soller, ——

Sir
Passy, Jany. 28. 1779
As the Commerce is now open between France and America, the Residents here no longer make Purchases of Goods for that Country, but leave those Matters entirely to private Merchants. I thank you nevertheless for your kind Offers of Service, and I have sent your Proposals to Mr Jonathan Williams, an American Merchant establish’d at Nantes, who may possibly have in time a considerable Demand for your Manufactures. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
M. Soller.


Title: Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 28 January 1779: résumé
From: Gentlemen at Nantes
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, January 28, 1779: The memorial from the undersigned American gentlemen, merchants and commanders of vessels at Nantes, shows that merchants now incur an inconceivable expense in outfitting their vessels, many of which may not sail because of the unjust conduct of the seamen and lack of an official to arbitrate disputes between American captains and sailors. Seamen are encouraging one another to leave their vessels, taking their two months’ advance, and enter French service. The memorialists have applied to the Commissary of Marine who, though full of zeal, had no jurisdiction and referred them to you, as did Schweighauser. According to the 29th article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, consuls and agents are to be appointed in each port. They request your Honors to appoint consuls and to invest someone with the power to arbitrate these cases. They refer you to the enclosed case of Josiah Darrell.>


Title: Rïou to the American Commissioners, [c. 28 January 1779]
From: Rïou, Pierre
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Messieurs,
[c. January 28, 1779]
Jay Lhonneur de vous prevenir que la Vante de La Prise faitte par Le Corsaire Le hamden sest faitte aujourdhuy Deux heures apres Midy! Quelle a eté Notre Surprise quand Messieurs Les acheteurs de La Prise, La Constance, Dont La Cause est en vos Mains ont signifié des arrests Conservatoires en Mains des achetteurs de La Dte. prise et sa Carguaison aux Risques de Mr. Lavau de Bordeaux. Sur quoy Messieurs de Lamirauté ont ordoné de verser au Greffe de Leur Siege Le produit de La Dte. Vante.
Vous Jugez Messieurs quel obstacle cette opposition va Causer au Depart du Dt. Corsaire Le hamden qui a Besoin de Lhonneur de votre Puissante Protection pour ordoner La Levée des Dits arrets et Luy Laisser La Libre Disposition du produit de La Dte. Vante.
Jay Lhonneur Detre avec un Profond Respect Messieurs Votre tres humble S[erviteur]
Rioucorrespondt. du Capn Pickeren

Notation: Riou. concerning a Prize made by the Hampden Capt. Pickerin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 28 January 1779
From: Pickerin, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Brest: 28th: Jany. 1779
This will Inform you that I arriv’d here on the 6th Octor. last from a Cruize from the Port of Pisscataqua in the State of New hamshire N. America. that in the Course of my Cruize I fell in with a French Ship called the L’Constant from St. Domingo bound to Bourdeaux. Which sd. Ship, had been taken four days before by a Guernsey Privateer. The Ship I retook again & sent in here. That when I came in I apply’d to Monsr. Peter Riou Kings Lingester. who Immediately told me the Ship was a Lawful Prize to the Ship Hampden, as wel as several other Gentlemn here which told me the same.
Some few days after several Gent. apply’d to me to Purchase Ship & Cargoe. as being a Lawful Prize, (as they declar’d She Certainly was according to the Laws &c. of France) On this I agreed with sd. Gentl. & sold Ship & Cargoe for the sum of £12,600 Sterlg. On Condition that they should indemnify me from all Damages and Incumbrances whatsoever that should attend the Sale thereof; (if any should Arise,) and they to abide by the Consquence.—
Also in regard of the Cargoe of the Ship, as she was Leaky when I retook her, in this also I was to be Clear & free from all Damages therein.— Since this I have been here and Repair’d my Ship; and sail’d on a Homeward bound Cruize to America; the 9th. Decemr: Last, but meeting with strong Gales of Wind and Excessive bad Weather on the Coast, and also being Chac’d by two Ships in the Channel, which I took by their Signals to be English Cruizers, but afterwards prov’d to be two French Frigates.
And in Order to prevent being taken, I Crowded so much Sail on my Ship that I carried away my Fore Top Mast & sprung my Bowspritt and a Leak, that I was Oblig’d to put in here to repair my Ship again.—
On my Passage Inwards I retook a Brigg from Newfd.Land. Loaden with Fish, which had been taken before by an English Frigate.— I also took and brought in here a Dutch Dogger from Barcelona Loaden with Nutts bound to Londo. and by the Captains Declaration to me when I took him, was an English Property.—
You will please to Observe further that since I have been here I have repair’d my Ship and am now ready for Sea. The Brigg & Cargoe are now sold at Vendue; and the Dutch Vessel remains as She was.—

Notwithstanding all this the Gentlemen which Bought the Prize L’Constante have stop’d the Mony in the Gentleman hand which purchas’d the Fish & Brigg; and also stop’d the Ship Hampden, so that I cannot proceed to Sea, neither do any thing concerning this Case, before your answer whether the Ship is a Lawful Prize or not.—
My Ship Lays here with 120 Men on Board at a vast Expence.—
Must Humbly request you to send your Ansr. Immediately whether She is a Prize or not. Your kind Compliance hearin wil greatly Oblidge Yr Most hble. Servt.
Thos. Pickerin

Endorsed: Capt. Pickerin’s Acct of his Cruize
Notation: 28. Jany. 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Adamoli, 29 January 1780 [i.e., 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adamoli, ——

Sir,
Passy, Jan. 29. 1780. [i.e., 1779]
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 22. Instant, with a Copy of the Vessels in which I find myself mention’d but too advantageously.— Please to accept my thankful Acknowledgements.—
I do not perfectly comprehend your Plan of finding the different Relations of Weights, Measures, &c. by means of Compass. But I believe the English Society of Emulation makes no Distinction of Nations in the Premiums they offer. I should however think that as there is a Society of the same kind existing in France, it might be well to propose it first to them. But of this you can best judge. The English society have lately offered a Reward for the Discovery of a fixed universal measure. I enclose a Copy of the Papers; and have the honour to be with great Regard, sir, &c.
M. Adamoli, Rue des Vieux Augustins, hôtel de Chartres


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 29 January 1779
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble. Sir,
Philada. Jan 29th. 1779
By the way of Martinique I send you a large Course of News Papers. In those of later date you will see that the Enemy are exerting their Force but too successfully in Georgia. We hope the Count D’Estaing will be able to operate with us by a Detachment from his fleet, so that we may wrest from our foes the Fruits of their present success. You will know by letters from Martinique whether those our hopes are well or ill founded.
We have not had a Line from you since the short letter of information respecting Byron’s sailing which you signed jointly with Mr. Adams. I hope this does not arise from any other Circumstance than want of a good conveyance for important Dispatches. We have had a few short letters with Gazettes from Mr. Adams.

Late as it is, I inclose a 4plicate of your credentials and I wish you Success & every Satisfaction in your important Agency being with much Respect Sir Your most humb Servt.
James Lovellfor the comtee. of for. affrs.
Hon. Doctr. FranklinCopy

Addressed: Honble. / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States of America / Paris
Notation: James Lovell Philadelphie 29. jr. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 29 January 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
La Haie 29e. Janv. 1779
Je desire fort d’apprendre si vous avez reçu une Lettre que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire le 25 de ce mois; & ce que vous pensez de son contenu. Cette Lettre du 25 doit vous avoir été remise par l’un de vos meilleurs amis. J’ai besoin de vos sages avis dans une carriere qui devient de plus en plus glissante. Comptez sur mon sincere & respectueux dévouement, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S. E. M. Franklin, Esqr. &c.

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Esqr. M. P. des E. U. de l’Am. / à Passy./.
Notation: 29 Jan 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Christophe Pelissier, 29 January 1779
From: Pélissier, Christophe
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lyon 29 janvier 1779
En décember dernier j’eus L’honneur de Vous Remetre triple les copies de trois certifficats des fournitures faittes en 1776 par Mr. Laframboise aux trois Riviéres en Canada à l’armée des états de l’amerique Montants ensemble à la somme de deux mille deux cent cinquante cinq chelins et dix neuf sols ou copres de la province de quebec, faisant 376 piastres d’espagne.
Vous Voulutes bien, Monsieur, me prometre de les acheminer pour L’amerique et d’en faire ordonner le payement par le congrés pour que je pu le Recevoir à paris.
J’ay L’honneur de Vous informer que les originaux de ces certifficats que je Vous montray à passi, je les ay Remis à Mr. j. f. perregaux Banquier à paris avec priere de Vous les representer lorsque Vous jugerés à propos.
Permetés moy, Monsieur, de Vous prier de nouveau de Vouloir bien me procurer le plustot possible la Rentrée de ces effets, que j’ay acheté pour mon compte en les acceptant en payement.
J’atend cette année des Nouvelles du Canada, lorsque j’aprendray quelque chose que je croiray devoir meriter Votre atention, je ne manqueray pas de Vous en faire part.

Je m’estimeray fort heureux si je peux Vous etre util à quelque chose. Disposés donc, je Vous prie de celuy qui est trés Respectueusement Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obéïssant serviteur
C. Pelissier
chés mon frere Receveur à L’archevéché à Lyon

Notation: Pellissieu Lyon 29e jr. 1779.