Title: “The Deformed and Handsome Leg” and “La Belle et la Mauvaise Jambe,” [before 23 November 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

This lesson in personal happiness may have been written down at the urging of a young man who evidently spent many hours at Franklin’s bedside during his recuperation. Twenty-three-year-old Cabanis had worked with Franklin on the translation of his dialogue with the gout, sent to Madame Brillon on November 17, above. He also, according to Franklin, translated this bagatelle. As his “Notice sur Benjamin Franklin” makes clear, the poet-turned-medical student was an eager audience for any personal anecdotes or moral tales that his mentor might relate. We suspect that he felt inspired in the same way as Georgiana Shipley, who reminisced about her relationship with Franklin when she received her copy of this bagatelle. Reading “La Belle et la Mauvaise Jambe,” she told him, reminded her of “those happy hours we once past in your society when we were never amused without learning some usefull truth, & where I first acquired a taste pour la conversation badinante et reflechie.”

I.
[before November 23, 1780]
There are two Sorts of People in the World, who with equal Degrees of Health & Wealth and the other Comforts of Life, become, the one happy, the other unhappy. This arises very much from the different Views in which they consider Things, Persons and Events; and the Effect of those different Views upon their own Minds.
In whatever Situation Men can be plac’d, they may find Conveniencies and Inconveniencies: In whatever Company, they may find Persons & Conversations more or less pleasing: At whatever Table they may meet with Meats and Drinks of better and worse Taste, Dishes better and worse dress’d: In whatever Climate they will find good and bad Weather: Under whatever Government, they may find good and bad Laws, and good and bad Administration of those Laws: In every Poem or Work of Genius, they may see Faults and Beauties: In almost every Face & every Person, they may discover fine Features and Defects, good & bad Qualities. Under these Circumstances, the two Sorts of People above-mention’d fix their Attention, those who are to be happy, on the Conveniencies of Things the pleasant Parts of Conversation, the well-dress’d & well-tasted Dishes, the Goodness of the Wines, the Fine Weather, &c. &c. &c. and enjoy all with Chearfulness. Those who are to be unhappy think and speak only of the contraries. Hence they are continually discontented themselves, and by their Remarks sour the Pleasures of Society, offend personally many People, and make themselves every where disagreeable.
If this Turn of Mind was founded in Nature, such unhappy Persons would be the more to be pitied. But as the Disposition to criticise and be disgusted is perhaps taken up originally by Imitation, and unawares grown into a Habit, which tho’ at present strong, may nevertheless be cured, when those who have it are convinc’d of its bad Effects on their Felicity, I hope this little Admonition may be of Service to them, and put them on changing a Habit, which tho’ in the Exercise is chiefly an Act of Imagination, yet it has serious Consequences in Life, as it brings on real Griefs and Misfortunes. For, as many are offended by, and nobody well loves this sort of People, no one shows them more than the most common Civility & Respect, and scarcely that; and this frequently puts them out of humour, and draws them into Disputes and Contentions. If they aim at obtaining some Advantage in Rank or Fortune, nobody wishes them Success, or will stir a Step, or speak a Word to favour their Pretensions. If they incur public Censure or Disgrace, no one will defend or excuse, and many join to aggravate their Misconduct, and render them compleatly odious.
If these People will not change this bad Habit, and condescend to be pleas’d with what is pleasing, without fretting themselves and others about the Contraries, it is good for others to avoid an Acquaintance with them, which is always disagreeable, and sometimes very inconvenient, particularly when one finds one’s self entangled in their Quarrels. An old philosophical Friend of mine was grown from Experience very cautious in this particular and carefully shun’d any Intimacy with such People. He had, like other Philosophers, a Thermometer to show the Heat of the Weather, & a Barometer to mark when it was likely to prove good or bad; but there being no Instrument yet invented to discover at first Sight this unpleasing Disposition in a Person, he for that purpose made use of his Legs; one of which was remarkably handsome, the other by some Accident crooked and deform’d. If a Stranger at the first Interview, regarded his ugly Leg more than his handsome one, he doubted him. If he spoke of it, and took no Notice of the handsome Leg, that was sufficient to determine my Philosopher to have no farther Acquaintance with him.
Everybody has not this two-legged Instrument, but everyone with a little Attention may observe Signs of that carping fault-finding Disposition, and take the same Resolution of avoiding the Acquaintance of those infected with it.
I therefore advise these critical, querulous, discontented unhappy People, that if they wish to be loved & respected by others and happy in themselves, they should leave off looking at the ugly Leg.

Notations in different hands: The Ugly & Handsome Leg / By Dr Franklin In his Own hand WV

II.
La Belle et la Mauvaise Jambe.
Il y a dans le monde deux sortes de gens, qui avec un égal partage de santé, de richesses et de tous les autres biens de la vie, sont les uns heureux et les autres malheureux: cela vient sur-tout de la maniere différente dont ils considerent les choses, et de l’effet que produit sur leur ame cette maniere différente de voir.
Dans quelque position qu’on place les hommes, ils y trouveront des biens et des maux; dans quelque compagnie qu’ils soient admis, ils y trouveront des personnes et des conversations plus ou moins agréables; à quelque table qu’ils soient assis, ils y trouveront des mets et des boissons du meilleur et du plus mauvais goût, des plats le mieux et le plus mal préparés. Dans quelque climat qu’ils soient transportés, ils y trouveront du beau et du mauvais temps; sous quelque gouvernement qu’ils vivent, ils y trouveront de bonnes et de mauvaises loix, une bonne et une mauvaise administration de ces loix. Dans quelque poëme ou ouvrage de génie que ce soit, ils trouveront des défauts et des beautés; sur presque toutes les figures, dans presque toutes les personnes, ils découvriront des traits agréables et des défectuosités, des bonnes et des mauvaises qualités. D’après cet état des choses de ce monde, les gens dont il est parlé ci-dessus, fixent leur attention; ceux qui sont destinés à être heureux, sur le côté satisfaisant des choses, sur ce qu’il y a d’intéressant dans la conversation, sur la table bien servie, sur les mets bien préparés, sur la bonté des vins, sur le beau temps, &c. &c. et ils en jouissent avec une pleine satisfaction. Ceux qui sont destinés à être malheureux, ne jettent les yeux que sur le mauvais côté de tout, et ne parlent que des inconvéniens: de-là ils sont toujours mécontens, et par leurs remarques aigres sur les plaisirs de la société, ils blessent personnellement beaucoup de gens et se rendent désagréables par-tout.
Si cette tournure d’esprit étoit naturelle, ces malheureux seroient plus dignes de pitié; mais comme la disposition à critiquer et à être dégoûté de tout se contracte peut-être originellement par l’imitation, et se change, sans qu’on y pense, en habitude, qui, quoique déja fortifiée, est pourtant susceptible de guérison, quand ceux qui l’ont prise sont convaincus de ses mauvais effets sur leur bonheur; j’espere que ce petit avertissement leur sera de quelque utilité, et les engagera à quitter cette habitude, qui, bien qu’elle ne soit dans la pratique qu’un acte d’imagination, a pourtant de sérieuses conséquences dans la vie, attendu qu’elle cause des chagrins réels et même des malheurs; car comme elle blesse tout le monde, et que personne n’aime ceux qui l’ont contractée, personne ne leur montre que la politesse et le respect le plus ordinaire, et même encore avec la plus grande économie: cet accueil excite leur humeur et les pousse dans toutes sortes de disputes et de constestations. S’ils ambitionnent ou des honneurs ou de la fortune, personne ne leur souhaite du succès, et ne fait un pas ou ne dit un mot pour favoriser leurs prétentions. S’ils encourent la censure publique ou le déshonneur, personne ne les défend, ne les excuse, et beaucoup de gens joignent leur voix pour aggraver leur mauvaise conduite et les rendre complettement odieux.
Si cette sorte d’hommes ne veut point changer une si mauvaise habitude, et ne peut se résoudre à trouver agréable ce qui l’est effectivement, sans chagriner les autres, et eux-mêmes, par les contraires affligeans, il est bon pour les autres d’éviter de former avec eux une liaison, à coup sûr, désagréable, et qui peut devenir dangereuse, sur-tout lorsqu’on se trouve mêlé dans leurs quérelles. Un Philosophe de mes anciens amis étoit devenu par expérience très-attentif sur cela en particulier, et évitoit avec le plus grand soin toute liaison avec ces personnes. Il avoit comme les autres Philosophes, un thermometre pour lui marquer le chaud et le froid, et un barometre pour lui indiquer les probabilités du beau et du mauvais temps: mais comme il n’y a point d’instrument pour découvrir à la premiere vue dans les personnes la disposition désapprobatrice; il faisoit pour cela usage de ses deux jambes, dont l’une étoit fort belle, et dont l’autre étoit devenue, par quelque accident, tortue et difforme. Si un étranger à la premiere entrevue jettoit plus souvent les yeux sur la mauvaise jambe que sur la belle, il entroit en soupçon; s’il lui en parloit sans faire mention de la belle, cela suffisoit pour déterminer mon Philosophe à n’avoir plus aucune relation avec lui.
Chacun n’a pas cet instrument à deux jambes; mais chacun peut, avec un peu d’attention, observer les signes de cette disposition pointilleuse, qui ne trouve que les défauts, et prendre la résolution d’éviter ceux qui en sont infectés.
J’avertis donc ces gens désapprobateurs, quérelleurs, mécontens et malheureux, que s’ils désirent se voir aimés et respectés et vivre paisiblement avec eux-mêmes, ils doivent cesser de regarder toujours la mauvaise jambe.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 23 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir
Passy, Nov. 23. 1780.
Mr de Chaumont informs me that it has been agreed between your Excellency and him, that I should write you a Letter, requesting your Assurance of Payment here of the Bills I am to draw in his Favour upon the Congress for 500,000 Livres, in case they should not be paid in America. He has accordingly furnished me with the Project of such a Letter, which I have copied and send inclos’d. I have no Pretensions to ask this Favour of your Excellency; and if there should be any Mistake in it, I hope you will excuse me. With the greatest Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
M. Le Comte de Vergennes.


Title: Franklin: Receipt for Chaumont to Sign, 23 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Passy, Nov. 23. 1780
Received of Benjamin Franklin Esquire Minister in France of the United States of America, a Set of Bills of Exchange drawn by him on the President of Congress for Four hundred Thousand Livres Tournois, being on Account of Cloth sold to him by me for their Use. And also another Set of Bills of Exchange drawn as aforesaid, for One hundred Thousand Livres Tournois, being so much advanced to me on Account of the Freight of my Ship the Marquis de la Fayette.

Notation in Franklin’s hand: Receipt wrote for M. de Chaumont to sign, when I should deliver him the Bills of Exchange Novr 23. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Marie Guyétand, 23 November 1780
From: Guyétand, Claude-Marie
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Jeudy, 23 Novembre 1780.
Permettez moi de vous présenter un faible ouvrage que je vais publier, dans lequel j’ai osé placer votre nom. Ce Sont mes premiers vers; ils Sont dédiés à la liberté, ils ont droit de vous plaire. J’ai dit un mot de la grande révolution du nouveau monde, c’est à Son auteur que j’en dois l’hommage.
Je suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur, Votre très-humble et très-obéissant Serviteur
Guyétandau Caffé du parnasse,Quay de L’Ecole.


Title: [To Marat], 24 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 24. 1780
I received your obliging Invitation to attend your curious Experiments, on some Day between the 21st & 30th of this Month: But as I am laid up with the Gout, and see no Prospect of being able to go to Paris within that time, I can only return you my Thanks. If you have any Description of those Experiments written, I should be glad to see it, unless inconvenient to you. With great regard, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 24 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 24. 1780
I received the Letter your Excelly. did me the honour of writing to me the 22d. Instant, concerning the Complaint of the Sieur Rasquin against Mr. Williams, together with the Exposition des Faits as stated by the said Rasquin, which I return inclosed. In September last I received a Letter from the same Person with the same Complaint, which I immediately communicated to Mr. Williams. In answer he sent me Copies of 6. Letters he had written to the said Rasquin, by which it appears that the Orders of Williams were very precise and exact, and that Rasquin was continually endeavouring to impose upon him, great Quantities of things beyond his Orders, or that he had not ordered at all, and this notwithstanding repeated Admonitions to the Contrary.— That Rasquin had alledged in his Excuse, that he did it in conformity to Orders he had received from a Mr. Mercier; which Orders Williams asserts he never had authorised Mercier to give.— I have always found Mr. Williams to be very just, upright and correct in his Dealings: But he is willing and ready to submit to the Laws of the Land, & to the Decision of your Courts of Justice, I thought it best not to make myself Judge in a case wherein I might be supposed somewhat interested, but to leave Mr. Rasquin to the Remedy he might conceive himself entitled to in those Courts.— I send enclosed the above mentioned Copies of Mr. Williams’s Letters, for your Excelly.’s Perusal, tho’ I am sorry you should be troubled with such trifling Matters.
With the greatest Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt. & most humble Servt.
B Franklin
M. le Comte de Vergennes

Endorsed: M. de R.
Notation by Gérard de Rayneval: Envoyé une note conseqte a cette Lettre à M. Rasquin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Walter Williams and Helenus Scott, 24 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Walter,Scott, Helenus

Gentlemen,
Passy, Nov. 24. 1780.
I received the Letters you did me the Honour of writing to me on the 27th. of Last Month, and beg you will accept my Thanks for your good Will to the American Cause. Having the most positive orders from Congress not to give the smallest encouragement to any Persons whatever to go to America with Expectations of military Preferment, (the Army of the United States being more than fully officered) It is impossible for me, Gentlemen, to grant you the Pasport you desire. And as many excellent & experienced officers, who have been to America to offer their Services, are returned from thence, the Congress not having Employment for them, I should not if you were my Brethren advise you pursue your last Project, but rather to continue the first or return to England. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, your &c.
Messrs. Williams & Scott.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 24 November 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam Novr. 24th. 1780.
The Letter which your Excellency did me the Honour to write me on the thirteenth is recieved, and I have accordingly accepted the Bills, and shall draw upon your Excellency about the Time they become payable, for Money, to enable me to discharge them, provided I should not succeed in my Endeavours to borrow it here.
I have hitherto no prospect at all. When I first arrived here, I had such Informations as made me believe that a Sum of Money might be had, upon the Credit of the United States: but the News from Carolina and New York and the West Indies, but above all the Affair of the Burgomasters and Sir Joseph Yorke’s Memorial have struck a Panic which must have Time to wear off. At present I meet with only one Gentleman who thinks any thing can be done, and I fear that he decieves himself.
I hope by this Time, your Excellency’s Health is restored, and have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant
John Adams
His Excellency Dr. Franklin

Notation: J. Adams Nov. 24. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Harmon Courter, 24 November 1780
From: Courter, Harmon
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient. Novr. 24. 1780.
Your favours of the 15th. & 18th. Instant together with sundrie inclosed came duly to hand for which am much Oblidged, the proposals from Dunkirk will not suit on acct. of its being too great a distance from this to travel— For the offer of Mr. Chaumont am much Oblidged, my men would not be willing to go to Bordeaux, as sundrie small vessels are here from America in which I can dispose the Whole & Which Commanders they prefer, if I could have had the Command of the Ship they would have travelled to Bordeaux with pleasure & I can still Command most of them for the Course of Eight or ten days, but as materials of my Ship will be sold in Course of that time & business Setled, & Charges of supporting them heavy, will then be Oblidged to dispose of them in the different Vessels for America in one of which Expect will take passage myself— By information many Americans may be Shipped at Bordeaux but they give preference to American Commanders if the Commander of the Ship is not Possitively Engage’d & Mr. Chaumont think Proper to give her in my Charge (in which Command I would not doubt of Success & Dispatch) should be glad to know immediately, & both my Officers & Men would then undertake the Journey with Pleasure— I am Sir Your Most Obedt. & Hble Servt.—
Harmon Courter
The Hono. Benjn. Franklin Esqre.

Addressed: His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary of the United / States in America.— / Passy, Near Paris
Notation: Harmon Courter. L’Orient Nov 24. 1780—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [before 25 November 1780]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[before November 25, 1780]
J’ai Lhonneur de vous envoyer Monsieur et Illustre confrère cet extrait de la lettre de mon cousin Destouches auquel j’ai mis un petit preambule que je vous adresse afin qu’on sache qui est ce M destouches. Comme il est bon que vous lisiez la lettre Originale de M Destouches et qu’il y auroit peut être quelque circonstance Intéressante que j’aurois pu oublier Je vous l’envoye vous me la rendrez ce Soir afin que j’y réponde. J’ai Lhonneur Mon cher Docteur de vous souhaiter bien le bonjour. Jespere que La Goutte ne vous a rien dit cette nuit et quoique vos dialogues avec elle soient fort agréables pour les autres Je souhaite fort pour vous qu’ils soient finis.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Destouches, 25 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Destouches, ——

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 25. 1780.
I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me the 20th. Instant. I had regularly communicated to Capt. Courter your preceding Propositions, but having never received any Answer from him, I think his Compliance is not to be depended on. As the Vessel he Commanded was a Private Ship of War, & not belonging to the Government of America, I have no Authority to give him Orders, and probably he has entred some other Engagement. I shall however forward to him at L’Orient your last Letter, and desire him to write to you directly. If he accepts your offer he has already an American Commission, which would be convenient, as I can grant no new Ones here to Vessels fitted out by the king’s Subjects. I thank you for the offer of being interested in your Ship, but I have constantly declin’d such offers, and cannot engage in any Enterprise of that Nature. I am very sensible of the honour you propose to do me, by giving your Ship my Name, but as I cannot be of any Service to the Undertaking, I beg leave to decline that also.
With great Regard, and best Wishes for your Success, I have the Honour to be, Sir, &c.
M. Destouches, Negociant, Dunkerque.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 25 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Dear Sir,
Passy, Nov. 25. 1780.
I received the honour of yours of the 17th. Instant. I was dissatisfied with Mr. Moylan’s Proceedings in going on with so great & unexpected an Expence for the Ariel, & never giving me the last Notice of it, till he drew upon me for the Amount, near 100,000 Livres, drawing too before sending the Account; and when the Account on my demanding it was sent, it came only when the last Bills were presented, and their Acceptance demanded, which I must either refuse, or take the Account as it stood without Examination, or a Possibility of Examination, the Vouchers not accompanying it. And if I accepted the Bills, it would be to little purpose afterwards to dispute the Articles I might object to. However, on its being made appear to me by Mr. Gourlade, that you had ordered the Things I objected to, and supposing that If I refus’d paying for them, he would sue and embarras you, I some time since accepted all his Bills. But tho’ I suppose you thought it for the Good of the Service, as you say you did, to order that great Quantity of Medecines, for the 74. Gun Ship, yet after what I had written to you of my Difficulties, it Still seems to me that you ought not to have done it without informing me, and obtaining my Consent; and I have only to be thankful that you did not order all her other Stores, Sails, Rigging, Anchors, Powder &c. I think you must be sensible on Reflection that with regard to me it was wrong, and that it ought not be expected of me to be always ready & able to pay the Demands that every officer in the Service may think fit to saddle me with. This Affair however is now done with, & I shall say and think no more about it.—
I understand from Mr. Moyland that the Arms must be left for cleaning. You can take on board some of the other Goods from his Stores in their Room. Your Bread too he tells me is damaged. I have not time to write to him by this Post, but leave it to him & you to supply that Loss in the frugallest Manner possible; and I am with sincerest Wishes for your Health, Honour & Hapiness, Dear Sir, Your assured Friend, and most obedient humble Servant,
B Franklin
Comme. Jones

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Come. Jones / chez M. Moylan / Negt / à L’Orient
Notation: No. 38. Novr. 25h. 1780 from Dr. Franklin respectg. Moylands draught on him for 100,000 livres


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Christophe Valmont de Bomare, 25 November 1780
From: Valmont de Bomare, Jacques-Christophe
To: Franklin, Benjamin

monsieur
Paris ce 25 9bre. 1780.
Vous aurez peut être appris le malheur qui m’est arrivé et qui ma empêché de vous aller voir à Passy—j’ai perdu ma femme il y a quelques mois, et j’ai été livré à toutes les horreurs de la justice. Vous avez vû un moment cette femme et je vous assure que j’ai fait une perte réelle. J’ose me flatter que vous m’avez toujours conservé votre estime et votre amitié—voici le moment qui arrive où je vais ouvrir mon cours, ce Sera le samedi deux decembre prochain. Je vous prie d’honorer encore de votre presence mon auditoire, pendant le discours que je prononcerai Ce jour là à onze heures et demie très précises—tachez d’arriver à onze heures un quart, pour que je vous place près de moi.
Je suis avec un très respectueux attachement Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeisst. serviteur
Valmont DE Bomaredemonstrateur d’histoire naturellerue de la verrerie, vis â vis la ruedes deux portes.
Mr. Franklin

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur de Franklin, / ministre plénipotentiaire / des Etats unis de l’Amerique / a Passy./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 25 [November] 1780
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce samedi 25. [November, 1780]
J’envoye sçavoir de vos nouvélles mon bon papa; lès miénnes sont meilleures mais je suis encore loin du but: je comptois vous envoyér mes nottes; des amis ont pris le tems que je vous résérvois en venant causér avéc moi; ils ne m’ont point empêchés de pensér a vous et de vous aimér, nulle puissance n’en viendroit a bout! Mais je n’ai pû vous écrire: adieu mon bon ami, a nous deux nous ne ferions pas deux instruments a bonnes et mauvaises jambes, car j’ai bien peur que nos quatres n’en valent pas une médiocre.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de La Charce, [25 November? 1780]
From: La Charce, Jean-Frédéric de La Tour du Pin, vicomte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a passy Ce Samedy Matin [November 25, 1780?]
Mr. le Victe de Lacharce chargé par Mde. la Mise. [Marquise] de rochambeau la mere, qui est a vernon ches S. A. S. Mgr. le duc de pinthievre; de luy envoyer les nouveles qu’il pourait Sçavoir ayant rapport a mr de rochambeau fils, et a mr. de ternay; quoy que n’ayant pas Lhonneur destre Connu de monsieur le docteur frankelin, il espere qu’il voudera Bien luy mander ce qu’il aura Sçu par L’officier arivé hier a versalie de la part de Mr. de ternay.

Notation: Vte. De Lacharle.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 26 [November] 1780
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce dimanche 26 [November, 1780]
Voici mon bon papa des nottes sur votre charmant dialogue, j’ai voulu prouvér que vous disiés mieux que tout autre, mesme dans une langue que vous ne sçavés qu’imparfaittement: quélques puristes pourroient nous chicanér, parceque ces éspéces d’animeaux pésent les mots a l’alembic d’une froide érudition; moi qui ne les pésent, n’y ne les comparent; animal fémmélle que l’instinct du sentiment guide, comme vous me paroissés vous énonçer plus énérgiquement plus fortement qu’un gramairien, ma sensibillité juge pour vous, contre tous les sçavants passés, présents, et futurs: adieu mon ami, je pourrois peut estre, avéc mon instinct faire de longues dissértations pour appuyér mon opinion et peut estre mes raisonnements, ne seroient pas plus déraisonnables que ceux de la pluparts de nos admirables, illustres;— Encyclopédistes—Economistes—moralistes—journalistes—théologiens—athées—matérialistes et sçavants en tous les istes possibles! Mais il n’y a pour moi qu’une chose importante a vous prouvér; c’est que pérsonne au monde ne vous aime plus tendrement et d’une maniére plus vraie que moi:/:
Je vous demande mon ami une copie du dialogue que je vous renvoye, vos ouvrages en tout genre me sont prétieux, et je n’oublie pas la promésse que vous m’avés faittes de me donnér vos oeuvres imprimées que j’aurois déja s’il ne m’étoit plus doux de les tenirs de vous:/:


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph-Mathias Gérard de Rayneval, [26 or 27 November 1780]
From: Gérard de Rayneval, Joseph-Mathias
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[November 26 or 27, 1780]
J’avois prié Mr. de chaumont, Monsieur, de me renvoyer Le paquet que je lui avois addresse pour Vous ou de vous redemander les deux lettres qu’il renfermoit; mais il ne m’a renvoye que celle qui le concernoit. Je vous prie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien me renvoyer également La Seconde; je Suis obligé de la mettre sous les yeux du Ministre ce matin à 7. heures.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un parfait attachement, Monsieur, votre très-humble et très-obeissant Serviteur.
DE Rayneval

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / ministre plenipre. des Etats / -unis / à Passy de Vergennes
Notation in William Temple Franklin’s hand: Recd Nov. 27. 1780. at 5 OClock A.M.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mademoiselle de Kalbe and Other Favor Seekers, 26 November 1780
From: Kalbe, Mademoiselle —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Money, once again, predominates among the concerns Franklin is asked to address between November 15, 1780, and April 30, 1781. The letter from Mademoiselle de Kalbe, sister of the Baron de Kalb, pertains to his inheritance, to which she thinks she has a claim.
A similar hope for an inheritance animates the plea that Lieutenant Woedtke addresses to Franklin on March 10. Writing from Treptow on the Rega (in Pomerania) the writer, who is himself in the Prussian service, mentions two of his brothers, both professional officers. The brother who is a major in the Prussian forces has heard from an American colonel who had fought for Prussia during the Seven Years’ War that their third brother, Friedrich Wilhelm had died in Philadelphia, serving as an American colonel. It is of the utmost importance that Franklin procure a death certificate as quickly as possible. It should also be discovered whether this brother made use of a different name in the service. In its hour of need, the family does not know where to turn if not to Franklin.
Two sailors are in financial trouble. In an undated and erratically spelled letter, Jean Thuard, originally from Charleston but currently residing in Dunkerque, claims the prize money owed him by John Torris of Dunkerque and Comflam (Coffyn?) of Calais for his service on their ship, which made huge profits. He begs Franklin to call both of those men to account. He also mentions his time on the Sempeur (Sans Peur, i.e., Fearnot), Captain Réne (Ryan).
A professional sailor born in Switzerland, Jean Meulÿ, explains that he has sailed all over the world, notably on John Paul Jones’s Bonhomme Richard. He was wounded in the fight for the Serapis, which he later helped to bring into Dunkerque. After recovering he embarked on the Sans Peur, Capt. Ryan, took a prize into Cherbourg, but fell ill again in Paris where he had gone to attend to family matters. His money is all gone and he begs Franklin, whose kindness is so well known, to help him reach Lorient where an important armament is taking place.
A merchant from Auray (Brittany) named Guérin currently living in Paris reminds Franklin of the difficulties they had jointly faced in the purchase of Lambert Wickes’s prize cargo, back in 1777. Now he is writing about his son, Hercule-Marie Guérin, who, along with his cousin Jean-Pierre Trevien Bonnard, has been captured June 23 on the Fargès, off the Azores. Admiral Graves probably carried the French ship to North America and Guérin fears that the two young officers have been despoiled of all their possessions. Could Franklin hasten their liberation and advance to each a sum of 600 l.t. which Guérin will reimburse in Paris either in advance or at the time of their exchange?
The destitute are not the only ones appealing to Franklin for help. On January 23, M. d’Aubenton who is conseiller d’état and a former intendant de la marine sends a memoir on behalf of “highly respectable” people in the King’s service. They are an aristocratic family comprising the comtesse de Cherisey, author of an undated memoir that explains the situation, the marquise de Pradel, and the Valmeniers. They jointly own an estate in Martinique and directed their manager to ship raw sugar to the United States. In November, 1779, the manager sent thirty barrels of raw sugar, ten each on the Marie-Françoise, the Liverpool, and the Intéressant, all of it to the address of John Benezet, a merchant, on the recommendation of William Bingham. The value of that consignment was to be invested in bills of exchange given by the American Congress, to be forwarded to the comtesse de Cherisey and cashed by Franklin in Paris. All three vessels arrived safely in Philadelphia on June 9, 1780, but no word has been heard and no money received since then. Could Franklin kindly inquire? Whatever enlightenment he can give on this affair will make the writer ever so grateful.
Franklin must not have answered immediately. D’Aubenton sent an anxious follow-up on Feb. 24, and Franklin answered on March 8, below.
A similar problem is related on April 14 by the vicomte de Bondoire, capitaine commandant au 4e. régiment de chevaux-légers, who is writing from Rilly par Bar, on the Seine. More than a year ago, his father-in-law, M. d’Admirat, who lives on Guadeloupe, shipped a quantity of sugar to New England but neither news nor money has been received in Europe. Franklin is respectfully urged to look into the matter; he has also written to Beaumarchais.
Writing from Boston on February 8 to the American Commissioners, Benjamin Jepson explains his problem in English. On November 1, 1780, he sent two sets of bills to George Gartner, one for sixty dollars and the other for eighteen. The first and second bills of those sets were taken in the mail and brought to New York. He now takes the opportunity of Captain Barry sailing on the Alliance to ask that payment be stopped on those bills if they are presented. The third and fourth bills of each set have been forwarded to a merchant firm in Amsterdam and the writer hopes they will be duly honored. According to a notation on the letter, the bills were accepted on April 10.
Antoine Gonnet sends an undated letter from Paris. His problem is that, as a favor, he has endorsed a 1,500 l.t. letter of exchange emanating from O’Dunne, formerly a captain in Walsh’s Irish Regiment. But now that letter has been protested and no word has come from O’Dunne. Could Franklin see to it that the sum be kept from O’Dunne’s pay and that the 1,500 l.t. be returned to Gonnet? It is his entire capital.
A Paris merchant named Du Castel needs assistance with American paper money. He is in possession of 50 pounds, of which he encloses a sample, but is ignorant of how to convert them into French currency. Could Franklin guide him or, better still, take care of the transaction himself? His letter is dated April 4.
In an undated message that bears no address, Mesdemoiselles de Cambray beg Franklin’s intercession in favor of the chevalier de Cambray, their close relative. A lieutenant-colonel of artillery, he was captured in Charleston, whose fortifications he had re-established with such ability that a medal was struck in his honor. He had not been exchanged as of last November and has no resources. Franklin will remember that de Cambray had gone to America under the recommendation of the Boulainvilliers and Tonnerre ladies.
Within a week of one another, in November, three Frenchmen from different regions turned to Franklin for help in emigrating.
The first was Fleury le jeune, a pharmacist writing from Avranches in Normandy, on the 21st. He wants to live in a free country. His motto has always been Ibi Libertas, ibi patria. He hopes that his training in pharmacy will be of some use in a country still ravaged by war. With Franklin’s recommendation he could find a position with the army or in some hospital and get away from vegetating in France. He is 34 years old and well-respected in his town. Should his government object to emigration, he will take all precautions indicated by his hoped-for patron.
On November 24, a letter was sent from Lille by Pierre Deloigne fils, a commissionaire de voitures. He wants permission to emigrate for a young man of twenty-two, well trained in arithmetic and writing (by which he probably means calligraphy). This young man could teach French in America, as well as the other two topics. Please answer.
Finally, on the 27th, Harmand, a Parisian, personally delivers his request and is waiting at the door for an answer. He is tall, strong, and full of goodwill. Had he the means, he would have gone to America years ago, but now some unforeseen circumstances make it imperative. Not that he is fleeing “mauvaises affaires” or trying to hide. No, his conduct is good even though his studies were rather bad, but that is a defect of youth. He anxiously hopes for Franklin’s protection.
Of all the requests on Franklin’s desk the easiest to fulfill must have been forwarding mail in his diplomatic pouch. On an otherwise undated Monday morning, the duc de La Rochefoucauld asks him to send on to America a letter destined for Colonel Galvan.
On December 23 Tarrachon, whose address is at the Arsenal in Paris, begs Franklin, on behalf of the comtesse de Preysing, to forward a letter to the chevalier de La Luzerne, the King’s minister in the United States.
Franklin’s colleague at the Academy of Sciences and at the Lodge of the Nine Sisters, the astronomer Joseph-Jérôme de Lalande, on March 31 asks his “frère et confrère” to pass on certain letters to astronomers in America.

Writing from Alligny on the Loire on February 17, the abbé Pochard pleads the cause of a family that needs the presence or the power of attorney of M. Vaillant, his friend in Philadelphia, if they are to avoid huge procedural expenses. He hopes that Franklin will forward the enclosed letter and transmit to him the answer. He expresses his fond wishes for America’s freedom and sends greetings to Temple, Dumas, and a couple unknown to us named Bedelic.
On a subsequent Saturday evening, the abbé thanks Franklin for having agreed to forward the letter in question. He would have brought it himself had he not been called to Tours on important business. His address is at the house of Madame Greuze in Montmartre.
An intriguing request for the forwarding of two letters is made in an undated memoir by a M. Chrestien, who claims to have been the secretary of the Order of Malta. He begs Franklin to address them to his son or son-in-law, to be remitted personally to Henri Chevalier who lives in Philadelphia at the corner of the dock on Third Street. These letters should be handled only by honest persons as the young recipient is in disguise for good reasons and has received no news from his family in three years. He is 27 years old, at least six feet tall; his hair is blond, his eyes blue, his nose aquiline, and his mouth quite small. He is a Frenchman from the edge of Lorraine. To make sure that no error is made, the bearer should ask to be shown his family’s coat of arms before the documents are delivered; it should match that on the letters. This would be an important favor for a respectable family.
From Montélimar in the Rhône valley comes on April 23 a breathless, name-dropping letter (all aristocratic names) from a Madame de St. Auban. She thanks Franklin for having reassured her that a certain de Maxwell is part of the American army. Not that she knows him, but now, with Franklin’s help, she will be able to send him more letters in order to discover if he belongs to the Maxwells who counted among them a colonel of the 20th English regiment. This colonel died some years ago in Gibraltar. Those events are so hard to follow in the Courier de l’Europe … Anyway, she now has the needed information from its true source and she wishes the Americans all the best.
Two appeals come from a practitioner of the recommendation network. A man named Franquelin who holds the position of royal usher writes on January 19, 1781, from Hesdin (Artois). He paid the minister a visit on October 2, 1780, and, pointing out the similarity in their names, asked for his kind protection—a favor that Franklin graciously granted, he says. Now, counting on the Doctor’s generous soul and immense credit, he informs him that there will soon be a local vacancy in the royal tax collecting system. The sieur de Ribeaucourt, present occupant of the position, is gravely ill and has no sons. If Franklin would just use his influence with the Director of Finances or anyone else he thinks proper, Franquelin could raise his little family with more ease and honor, and would be eternally grateful.
Receiving no reply Franquelin repeats his appeal on March 22, insisting that on January 24 Franklin specifically promised an answer to his brother-in-law M. Mansel, the bearer of the January 19 letter. He enlarges upon the ease with which Franklin could obtain the coveted post for him, given his prestige, and states that the curé of Fontainebleau, a native of Hesdin, is on his side.
As in previous volumes, a number of people expected Franklin to serve as detective and find lost friends and relatives in America.
A M. Cuillié, who describes himself as Chief of the Royal Bureau for national and foreign correspondence in Versailles, asks for help on March 15. He has been entrusted with the task of discovering the whereabouts of a M. Le Brun de Bellecour who has served in America under General Washington and as aide-de-camp to General Lincoln. It is said that he was present at the Battle of Savannah but since then his father, who is the King’s attorney at the Présidial of Coutances in Normandy, has not received any news of him. The navy authorities were of no help in the search and advised Cuillié to turn to Franklin which, with many apologies, he is now doing.
Cottier, a lawyer at the Parlement of Doullens (Picardy), relates on February 1 that he has been entrusted with the care of a demoiselle du Buisson, who is thirty-two and of slender means. Five days ago the Mercure de France reprinted from the Pennsylvania Gazette a letter written from Charlotte, North Carolina, by a chevalier du Buisson. Could this man, she wonders, be her father, who left for the West Indies around 1757? There was a rumor of his death the following year but despite an intensive search, nothing has ever been ascertained. He must currently be between 50 and 60. Could Franklin find out something more about the chevalier mentioned in the Mercure, who seems to be in service of the United Provinces? This would be one more proof of his compassion for the unfortunate, so well known throughout France.
Mademoiselle Ogant who lives near Clermont in Beauvoisis reminds the Doctor on March 16 that in the course of the previous autumn she sent him a little memoir about her brother. She believes him to be a general in the armies of the United States. Franklin promised to enquire and said he would probably have an answer for her by January. She apologizes for importuning him and wonders whether any news has arrived.
On April 30, M. Brillon handed Franklin a message coming from one Philippe Dieffenbach born in Alsace near Haguenau. The writer wonders whether his cousin, George Mengs, born in the same place and currently in his mid-thirties, is established in Philadelphia, as is generally believed. Should that be the case, he wishes that the enclosed letter be forwarded to Mengs. And what about his uncle, Michel Dieffenbach, who settled in Philadelphia twenty-five or thirty years ago? Is he still alive? And if not, what kind of fortune did he leave? To whom? Franklin noted in the margin that he was to inform Brillon of the result of his inquiries.
Some correspondents seek information.
In an undated note in English John Holker père states that he would like to look at some current prices and asks Franklin to lend him for a few days the latest issues of the Journal de Paris.
A very polite request about the workings of the Franklin stove is sent on January 22 by B. (baron?) de Grandclos who lives in St. Prix near Franconville. Invoking Franklin’s amour du bien public, he asks by what means the stove’s smoke can be converted into fire. The writer would like to know whether it would be possible to use that smoke efficiently in a kitchen chimney in order to diminish the consumption of wood.
We are tentatively ascribing to 1780 a message from the comte de Richemont concerning a new model of gun-carriage submitted to Franklin by a M. Marcet who worked under his supervision Franklin, he says, promised Marcet that he would apprise Congress of this model and would likely receive an answer in about eighteen months. Two years have elapsed by now and the writer wonders whether Franklin has any orders to give him. The bearer, who is a good friend, will bring back the reply.
A variety of favors are requested by the following people.

Henry Jasme La Clause writes from Morlaix on December 11 that he has served in the United States from March, 1776, until July 26, 1780, when his health failed him. He left Philadelphia in September of that year with the agreement of his superiors, after receiving from Congress several marks of their approval, all of which he is now enclosing. As those documents are in English, he begs Franklin to examine them closely and to affix his seal with a certification in French. Two scars on his face will be proof that he spilled his blood for freedom. He hopes Franklin will satisfy his wish promptly since these certificates could be of great use to him any day.
A merchant from Le Havre, Louis Le Grand, refers on February 23 to a visit he paid Franklin on Tuesday the 13th of that month. Not finding him at home, he explained his request to Temple, who promised to communicate it to his grandfather. Still, it was only on the 16th at midnight that Le Grand received the four documents he had solicited, whereupon he left posthaste for Le Havre. He is enclosing a copy of what he obtained and trusts that His Excellency will now deliver the requested passports for the American vessels.
On January 29, M. Daubert of Caen says he would consider it a great favor if Franklin deigned to cast a glance at the sonnet he composed in his honor, the occasion being the celebration of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin. The poem in question, enclosed, has just obtained first prize at the University of Caen. It is an attack on British arrogance, now humbled on the seas thanks to the “Reine des Cieux.”
After praising Franklin’s valiant fight against despotism and congratulating him on his alliance with the highest Bourbon houses, Herr Johann Thaddeus von Esch offers his services and those of his six sons, no less. They are all trained to act competently as commercial agents or political chargés d’affaires. As to the writer, he is a Councillor in book-keeping and the auditor of court records—meaning he occupies a high position with good connections throughout Germany and the rest of Europe. He will await Franklin’s instructions and promises absolute discretion. His letter (in German) comes from Augsburg and is dated December 4.

  Monsieur
Schmohr dans la Vinilie marche pres de Stendel. le 26. de Nov. 1780.
J’ai eté bien sensible de voir par les Gazette la mort de mon Frere unique le General de Kalbe, plusieur Anées d’eloignement n’avoit pas eteinte en moi l’Amitie que je lui conserverés toute ma Vie. Etent la seule proche Parente quil a dans ce Païs, Pere et Mere et un autre Frere touts etent mort, j’ose Monsieur m’adresser a Vous pour Vous prier de me doner quelque avis du bien quil a put laisser en Amerique, et sil n’y a pas eté marie, et de la fascon dont je doit m’y prendre pour recueillir sa Succession, eient come j’ai deja eut l’honneur de Vous le dire sa seule heritiere. Vous Escuserés Monsieur la liberté que je prent de Vous incomoder avec ce detail, votre bonté et humanité et si bien conuë de tout le monde, que cela me fait esperer mon pardon, tcut come aussi la faveur d’une reponsse, j’ose Vous suplier de me la faire tenir a l’adresse si jointe, par Monsieur le Marquis de Pons. J’ai l’honeur d’etre Monsieur Votre tres humble Servente
DE Kalbe
Mon adresse et A Mademoiselle de Kalbe a remetre a Berlin chez S. E. Madame la General de Meyerinck

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / Ministre Plenipc tentair / des Etats unis de l’Amerique / Septentrionale à / Passy pres de Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 26 November 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Versailles le 26. 9bre. 1780.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avèz fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 19 de ce mois; elle étoit accompagnée des Résolutions par les quelles le Congrès a ordonné qu’il seroit fourni de nouvelles traites sur vous pour environ 1400. M. Tournois [1,400,000 l.t.]. Vous avèz pu juger par vous même de l’étonnement que m’a causé la demande que vous faites des fonds necessaires pour l’Acquittement de cette Somme, parceque vous avèz une parfaite Connoissance des Efforts extraordinaires que j’ai faits jusqu’a présent pour vous soulager et pour soutenir votre crédit, et que vous vous serez surtout rappellé les demandes que vous avèz faites en dernier lieu. Cependant, Monsieur, Je suis très disposé à vous aider à Sortir de l’embarras où vous jettent les traites accumulées du Congrès, et je vais tâcher pour cet Effet, de vous procurer pour l’Année prochaine les mêmes Se-cours que je vous ai procurés dans le courant de celle-ci. Je me persuade, Monsieur, que le Congrès sera fidele à la promesse qui vous est faite, que d’orénavant il ne donnera plus de traites sur vous, ou qu’il vous fera parvenir les fonds nécessaires pour les acquitter.
J’ai l’honneur d’être tres Sincerement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur,
(signé) De Vergennes
Copie d’une Lettre de son Exce. Mr. le Comte De Vergennes à Mr. Franklin.

Endorsed: Letter from M. de Vergennes Nov. 26 1780 Disapproves the Drawing on me, but will assist.


Title: Chaumont: Memo of a Conversation with Franklin, 26 November 1780
From: Chaumont
To:

Du 26 9bre. 1780
M. franklin m’ayant dit hier quil n’entendoit que moitié de Ce que Je luy disois en Causant avec luy. Je m’explique Sur des faits importants pour qu’il m’entende Bien.
Il me dit hier qu’il n’avait Jamais Compris pourquoy J’avais voulu qu’on tirat Sur moy pour L’habillement des troupes du Congrès, mais qu’il voyoit qu’il Restoit pour des Sommes Considerables de traittes de M. William a acquitter Sucessivement Jusqu’en Janvier.
Les fournisseurs qui Connoissent moins les facultés de M. William que les miennes et qui ont en general unne idée Mediocre de La fortune des americains et de leur Solidité a Remplir leurs engagements, Sont venus presque tous a moy me demander Conseil et Si je voudrois estre Caution, il y en a mesme qui ont été Jusqu’a m’offrir unne Commission de Cautionnement, J’ay Repondu a tous Ceux qui Se Sont adressés a moy, que ma Confiance etoit Si Bien etablie que J’accepterois Les traittes de M. William, et Jay dispensé Ceux qui Mont offert unne Commission de Cautionnement, en Leur disant que n’y ayant pour moy aucun Risque Je ferois un guain illicite. J’ay effectivement Receu de M. franklin des assignations de fonds Sur M. grand avant L’echeance des dernieres traittes de M. William mais non avant leurs acceptations epoque ou je Suis engagé personellement Je ne pouvois me dispenser Ces fonds parceque M. franklin n’avait pas d’autres Epoques pour Recevoir Les fonds qui m’etoient Necessaires pour faire face aux traittes de M William. Il Sembleroit Cependant Rezulter que J’aurois eu unne Jouissance intermediaire de Ces fonds a prendre de L’epoque ou on me les a Compté Jusqu’a Celle ou Je les employ a payer Les engagements de mes acceptations sur Les traittes de M. William. Mais Lorsque M. franklin ordonna au Commencement de Cette année Des habillements pour les troupes americaines et qu’il me priait de m’en mesler, il fut dabord Convenu que Cet habillement Seroit porté a douze Cents mil Livres, et depuis a un Million et encore depuis a huit Cents mil livres, M. de la fayette dailleurs pressoit Beaucoup pour Cet habillement. Et J’escrivis des les premiers Moments pour faire passer la majeure partie des etoffes Necessaires a Nantes, mais M. William ne les a pas employé, parcequ’il a preferé de Consonmer Celles qu’il avait achepté de Son Costé, et il aimat mieux faire porter Sur moy les Retranchements faits par M. franklin sur les habillements, Je n’ay Sceu cet arrangement que Lors du dernier voyage de M. William a Paris, Si Je L’avais Sceu plutost J’aurois fait partir Ces étoffes par L’Escadre de M. de ternay et Sans Murmurer de Ce Retard pour moy et Sans Exiger qu’on me payat Ces etoffes puisque je les avais ordonné pour L’habillement des troupes americaines. Je me Suis Contenté a les Cedder a M. franklin pour me les payer au prix Coutant en Ses traittes Sur le Congrés. Ainsy si J’ay eu quel-ques Jouissances intermediaires d’argeant a Compter de L’epoque ou J’ay Receu Comparativement a Celle ou je paye Les traittes de M: William Ces Jouissances sont moindres que le prix des etoffes que J’ay Ceddé et qui est Resté dans L’inaction. Je n’ay donc pas le moindre Scrupul a avoir sur Ces minces Jouissances. J’ay encore eu par dessus la Consolation en Laissant Ces etoffes dans les mains de M. William de luy avoir Laissé un gage pour L’acquit de ses traittes Sur moy, sans qu’il me L’aye demandé et Sans que J’aye Jamais songé a luy en donner un, mais quelques evenements qui Sont Survenus m’ont fait Connoistre qu’il etoit heureus que J’eus Cette Ressource pour estre parfaittement tranquil Sur tous Les aspects de L’affaire dont il Sagit.
M. franklin m’a dit ensuitte, mais quand Je vous auray fournimes traittes Sur le Congrés, M. William n’aura plus Ce gage des Marchandises pour Les traittes Sur vous Restantes a acquitter.
J’ay Repondu a M. franklin que la Negotiation de Ces traittes servant a mes payments du mois de Xbre. ou nous entrons, Les traittes de M. William echeants en ce mois seroient acquittées avec. Et J’ajoute que Celles echeantes en Janvier Seront plus que Couvertes par Ce qui me sera dues par M. franklin par L’excedant de Jeauge du vau. [vaisseau] que Je luy ay fretté au dela de mille tonneaus et par les Marchandises que M. William a pris dans mes Manufactures pour L’habillement des troupes americaines dont il ne m’a pas fourni Les Comptes. Ce n’est pas que je Compte Sur ces deux objets pour acquiter Les Lettres de M. William echeantes en Janver. puisque Je Scay que M. franklin n’a pas d’argeant a toucher dans Ce mois, et que Je me Suis proposé d’attendre autant que Je le pouray ses Commodités audela des Lettres de Change que Je luy demande des a present et des deux Cents mil Livres pour L’affrettement de mon Vaisseau.

Endorsed: M. de Chaumont’s Explanations of his Conversation Nov. 26, 1780 Draft for the Cloth  Usage of the Money


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 27 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Price, Richard

Dear Friend,
Nov. 27. 1780.
I thank you much for the Pamphlets, you have sent me from time to time. They contain much important Information, and are written in that true Publick Spirit and sincere zeal for the Welfare of Mankind, by which your Character has ever been distinguished.— I rejoice to hear that your Health is better, I hope it will enable you long to continue your Usefulness. I have lately had a severe Fit of the Gout which confined me six Weeks, but I think it has done me much Good. Please to present my Respects and best Wishes to Dr. Priestly, & belive me to be with the Sincerest Esteem & affection. Your ever
Dr. Price.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington: Instructions, 28 November 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

These instructions do not reveal that in conjunction with them various members of Congress had opened a campaign to undercut Franklin’s authority as minister to the French court. This was the first concerted attack upon him since the failed recall attempt in the spring of 1779. On November 22 Congress had resolved to appeal to Louis XVI for a loan of at least 25,000,000 l.t. in specie; President of Congress Huntington here encloses a copy of the resolution, but he does not tell Franklin that on the same day Congress had received its first nomination for a secretary to “the Embassy at the Court of Versailles” and that the election was scheduled for December 2. The title is significant; hitherto Congress had been concerned merely with providing Franklin a personal secretary. There was support, moreover, for further broadening the powers of the new position; on November 30 James Lovell told Elbridge Gerry, “There has been much Manoeuvre you know, for a Resident instead of Secretary to Doct. F——, and since you left us, for an Envoy extraordinary. The Cat is out.” He implied that Franklin’s failure to communicate with Congress was responsible, pointing out that Congress had received only two letters written by the minister in 1780, those of March 4 and May 31. Perhaps more important than the scarcity of letters was the contents of the ones that did arrive. In his communication of March 4, Franklin reported his failure to obtain most of the military supplies he had been ordered to request from the French government. On May 31 he reported on the supplies he did manage to procure, but when few of them reached America his reputation in Congress suffered. One indication of this is the implicit criticism of him in this letter. Another is the creation by Congress of a rival authority at the American mission in France to procure both money and supplies. The election of a secretary was postponed and then not held; on December 8 Congress instead resolved to elect an envoy extraordinary to proceed to Versailles “for the special purpose of soliciting in conjunction with our Minister Plenipotentiary at that court the aids requested by Congress, and forwarding them to America without loss of time.” Within a month Congress would give a more elevated title to its representative and eliminate the reference to Franklin.

In Congress November 28th 1780.
1. The letter to his most christian Majesty which accompanies these Instructions you will deliver without loss of time. You will on all occasions and in the strongest terms represent the unalterable resolutions of these United States to maintain their liberties and Independence and inviolably to adhere to the Alliance at every hazard and in every event. That the misfortunes of the last campaign instead of repressing have redoubled their ardor: That Congress are resolved to employ every resource in their power to expel the enemy from every part of the United States, by the most vigorous and decisive co-operation with the marine and troops of our illustrious Ally: That they have called for a powerful army and ample supplies of provisions; and that the States are disposed effectually to comply with their requisitions: that if in aid of our own exertions the Court of France can be prevailed on to assume a Naval superiority in the american seas: to furnish the arms, ammunition and Cloathing specified in the Estimate herewith transmitted and to assist us with the loan mentioned in the letter. We flatter ourselves that under the divine blessing the war must be speedily terminated with glory & advantage to both nations. To procure these necessary aids you will employ unremitted attention & your utmost abilities. Your own knowledge of our circumstances and the facts suggested in the letter will supply You with abundant arguments to enforce our requisition.
2. You will give Col. Palfrey lately paymaster General for our armies and now our Consul in France all the support which is necessary for the exercise of his Consular functions; as well as for the effectual execution of the special authority and instructions which he will communicate. The sufferings of our army for want of the cloathing & arms which the grant of his most christian Majesty & your own dispatches gave us reason to expect; and the absolute & encreasing necessity of their being immediately forwarded to give efficacy to our future operations; will sufficiently impress upon you the dangerous consequences of a further disappointment.
3. With respect to the loan we forsee that the sum which we ask will be greatly inadequate to our wants: we wish however to depend as much as possible on our internal exertions. In this negotiation the state of our finances requires that you should endeavour to procure as long a respite after the war for payment of the principal as may be in your power. You may agree for an Interest not exceeding the terms allowed or given on National security in Europe endeavouring to suspend the discharge of the Interest for two or three years if possible.
You are hereby empowered to pledge the faith of the United States by executing such securities or obligations for the payment of the money as you may think proper And also that the Interest shall not be reduced nor the principal paid during the term for which the same shall have been borrowed without the consent of the lenders or their representatives.

You are to stipulate for the payment of both principal and Interest in specie.
The loan must prove ineffectual unless the specie is Actually remitted. Experience has shewn that the Negotiation of bills is attended with unsupportable loss & disadvantage. His most Christian Majesty we are persuaded will see in the strongest light the necessity of dispatching an effective naval armament to the American seas. This is a measure of such vast moment that your utmost address will be employed to give it success. By such a conveyance the specie may be remitted in different Ships of War with a prospect of safety.
4. We have received a letter from Monsr. Stephen D’Audibert Caille at Salé, of which the enclosed is a copy wherein he stiles himself Consul for unrepresented Nations at the Court of the Emperor of Morocco. If you shall see no objections to the contrary you will correspond with him & assure him in the name of Congress, and in terms the most respectful to the Emperor that we entertain a sincere disposition to cultivate the most perfect friendship with him; and are desirous to enter into a treaty of commerce with him; and that we shall embrace a favorable opportunity to announce our wishes in form.
By order of Congress
Samuel Huntington PresidentCha Thomson secy.
(Copy)

Instructions to the honble. Doctr. Benjamin Franklin Minister plenipotentiary for the United States at the Court of Versailles.

Notation: Copy of Instructions to Docr Franklin In Congress 28th Novr: 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 November 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir
Nantes Nov. 28. 1780
I have the pleasure to inform you that the dispute between M. de Chaumont & me is terminated (as I was sure it would be) in my Favour. Two Gentlemen of his own appointing (M. Rozée & M. Montaudouin) have decided the Freight to be payable only after the Goods are loaded at L’Orient, & Messrs Jeauge & Co (Mr de Chaumonts Correspondents) of Bordeaux have of their own accord reduced the Measurement of the Ship to a reasonable Tonnage.
Please to send on your Dispatches for the Mars by the return of Post as she will by that Time be ready to sail, the Hercules Capt Carey bound to Baltimore of 16 Guns & 80 Men will sail with the Mars.
I am as ever Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

Endorsed: Mr. Williams Nov. 28. 1780 Messrs Rozée & Montaudouin have decided the Freight not to be due till the Ship is loaded at L’Orient


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Madame Brillon], [29 November 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

[November 29, 1780]
Esperant de jour en jour d’être bientot en Etat de visiter ma trés chere Fille, j’ai omis d’écrire: car j’écris avec difficulté. Il vous coute moins de remplir une feuille toute entiere que moi un Billet de quatre Lignes. Mais comme j’entends dire que vous vous fachez un peu contre moi, à cause de ma Silence, me voici la plume à la main.
J’etois charmé de vos Criticismes sur les Corrections de mon Dialogue. S’il y en a, i.e. de vos Remarques, qui ne sont absolument justes, au moins ils sont amicales, & marquent une Partialité pour moi qui me flatte extremement. Si vous êtiez Journaliste, j’oserois presque prendre la Resolution de faire imprimer & voir la lumiere quelques unes de mes Oeuvrets françoises. Mais cela n’etant pas, ils dormiront dans les tenébres, ils resteront en paix, & moi avec eux.
Vous me faites beaucoup d’honneur en demandant ceux de mes Ecrits qui sont traduites en vôtre langue sur l’Anglois. On m’a promis d’avoir une Copie bien rélié a la fin de cette semaine, quand j’espere d’être assez fort de me rendre chez vous, & d’avoir le Plaisir de vous voir (O! qu’il soit en Santé!) au même tems que je le presente.
C’est Mercredi au soir, c’est une de ces deux petites Portions de la Semaine qui me seront toujours cheres. J’ai grande Envie de vous visiter; mais comme je ne suis pas encore assez fort de monter votre Escalier, & vous êtes trop foible de le descendre, il faut pour le present renoncer à ce plaisir, & tacher d’avoir Patience.
Adieu ma chere Fille. C’est ne pas necessaire de vous dire que je vous aime bien tendrement.
Donnez-moi de vos Nouvelles.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Ferdinand Grand], [29 November? 1780]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce mecredy [November 29, 1780?]
Comme Cest aujourdhuy le Courrier de Nantes Mr Grand croit devoir envoyer cette reponce par Exprès a Monsieur Franklin pour qu’il puisse en faire usage encorre aujourdhuy. Il à Lhonneur de lui observer en meme temps qu’il na point encorre reçu de reponce de Versailles sur le projet de Lettre pour Le Congrés; Et de Lasseurer de Son respect.

Notation: Grand.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georges-Louis Le Rouge, 29 November 1780
From: Le Rouge, Georges-Louis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

29 9bre 80
Je Vous prie Monsieur de vouloir bien me renvoyer cette premiere epreuve corrigée le plustot possible. Vous obligeres Monsieur celui qui se dit avec respect Votre tres humble et tres Obeist Serviteur
Le Rouge

Notation: Le Rouge 29. 9bre. 1780.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 30 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy Nov. 30. 1780.
I have had a severe Fit of the Gout which has confined me six Weeks; but is now going off, and I flatter myself that it has done me a great deal of Good.
I have just received a Letter from Dr Ezra Stiles, of which the inclosed is an Extract. Please to communicate it to Mr Searle, and then give it to M. Dumas if you judge it proper for Publication. I have also a large and particular Account of Arnolds Treachery. There is not time to transcribe it for this Post, but you shall have it per next. I have the honour to be with great Esteem Sir Your Excellency’s most obed. & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Enclosed is a Letter for you which came by the same Ship.His Exy J. Adams Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Searle, 30 November 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Searle, James

Dear Sir,
Passy, Nov. 30. 1780
I received your kind Letter of the 20th. and am very sensible of your Friendship. Arnold’s Baseness & Treachery is astonishing! I thank you for the Acct you give me of his preceding Conduct, which I never knew before, and shall make a proper Use of. I have just receiv’d a very particular Acct. of his Plot, which is too long to transcribe by this Post, but you will see it by the next. In the meantime Mr Adams will communicate to you an Extract of a comfortable Letter to me from Newport. General Washington was at Bergen near New York the 9th of October. He must be in Force to offer himself so near the Enemy. I hope your Fears that there may be American Arnolds at Paris are groundless: But in such Times one cannot be too much on one’s Guard, and I thank you for the Caution. With great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin

Addressed: To the Honourable / James Searle, Esquire / at / Amsterdam
Endorsed: Dor. Franklin 30 Novr. 1780 recd. 5. Decr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams: Two Letters, 30 November 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Sir,
Amsterdam Novr: 30th. 1780
I was duly honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the eighth of October by Mr. Searle.
I thank You, Sir, for inclosing the Resolution of Congress respecting my Salary and Mr Dana’s. I wish I could see a prospect of relieving You from this Burthen, as well as that of the Bills of Exchange drawn upon Mr. Laurens, but at present there is not a prospect of obtaining a Shilling. What Turn Affairs may take, it is impossible to foresee. Some Gentlemen tell me, that a few Months or indeed Weeks may produce Events which will open the Purses to me: but I think that our Want of Credit here, is owing to Causes that are more permanent. I never had any just Idea of this Country until I came here; if indeed I have now.
I have received money of the House of Horneca, Fitzeau and Grand, on account of Mr. F. Grand of Paris, for my Subsistence, and if You have no Objection, I will continue in this Way.

Mr. Searle’s Conversation is a Cordial to me. He gives a charming sanguine Representation of our Affairs, such as I am very well disposed to believe, and such as I should give myself, if interrogated, according to the best of my Knowledge. But We have an hard Conflict to go through yet.
The Correspondence You mention, between his Excellency the C. de V. and me, I transmitted regularly to Congress in the Season of it from Paris, and other Copies since my Arrival in Amsterdam, both without any Comments.
The Letter, I mentioned, I believe was from your Excellency to Mr. Dumas, who informs me, that there has been none to the Grand Pensionary, but the one which your Excellency wrote when I was at Passy, which I remember very well.
The Republick, it is said, for it is hard to come at the Truth, have on the one hand acceeded to the Armed Neutrality, and on the other have disavowed the Conduct of Amsterdam. This it is hoped will appease all Nations for the present, and it may for what I know. We shall see.
I should be the less surprised at Great Britain’s treating the United Provinces like an English Colony, if I did not every day hear the Language and Sentiments of English Colonists. But if She treats all her Colonies with equal Tyranny, it may make them all in time equally independent.
A Gentleman here has recieved a Commission from England, to hire as many Vessels as he possibly can, to carry Troops to America. This I have certain Information of. It is also given out, that Sir Joseph Yorke has demanded and obtained Permission of the States to do it: but this I believe is an English Report. It is also said that the Burgomasters of the City have signified abroad that it would be disagreeable, if any body should hire the Ships. But this may be only Bruit. It shews the English want of Shipping— their Intention to send Troops, and their Cunning to get away from this Nation both their Ships and Seamen.

I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your Excellency’s most obedient Servant,
John Adams
His Excellency Dr. Franklin.

Notation: J. Adams Nov. 30. 1780

II.
Sir
Amsterdam Nov. 30. 1780
I have already accepted Bills drawn upon Mr Laurens, to the Amount of Thirty four Thousand three hundred and fifty Eight Guilders. How many more will arrive I know not. I shall inform your Excellency from Time to Time, as they appear, and I accept them.—
This Republick is in a violent Crisis.— If a certain Party prevails, We Shall raise no Mony here. If they do not We Shall raise very little. Patience is recommended to me and Delay in hopes of a Turn of affairs.— I am advised to do nothing: to attempt nothing: not even to choose an House, at present.
I am vexed and grieved beyond measure at the Fate of poor Trumbull and Tyler.— It will have one good Effect, however. It will be a warning.— It will break up a weak Communications that common Discretion ought to have prevented long ago.— I have the Honour to be, Sir, your respectfull humble sert
Dr Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Harmon Courter: Two Letters, 1 December 1780
From: Courter, Harmon
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Sir,
L’Orient Decr. 1. 1780.
Yours of the 25th. Ulto I Just received. & those of a later date I answered the 24th Ulto. I could not Consistant with the Interest of my owners keep my Crew untill this date at their expence while so many American vessels being here, in which I have distributed most of them & Expect to take passage in one my self, will sale in about ten or twelve days— however if the Gentln. thinks well to give me the Command of the Cutter mentioned & I can get an answer before I sale for America, I will set off for Dunkirque with my Officers immediately & would not doubt of meeting with Success & Dispatch.— Am sir your Most Obedt. & Hble. Servt.
Harmon. Courter
The Hono. Benjn. Franklin Esqr.

II.
Dear sir,
[c. December 1, 1780]
My being well acquainted with the Coast of America, should therefore prefer the Ship if the Command of her could be obtained for me.— Your Hble servt.
Harmon. Courter
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary for the United states / in America. / Passy Near Paris
Notations: Harman Courter. L’orient Decr. 1. 1780. / 2


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 1 December 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Amst. 1 Dec. 1780
Je profite de quelques moments qui me restent avant le départ de Mr. Dana, dont je n’ai rien su jusqu’à celui où je prends la plume; pour m’informer de votre santé. J’espere que la Goute est passée, & qu’elle ne vous a pas fait trop souffrir.— Vous aurez déjà appris l’accession de la Rep. à la Neutralité armée, par une pluralité de 6 Provinces. Celle de Zélande, où certain gd. Perse. est tout puissant, a seule été d’un avis contraire. On a tout de suite expédié un Courier à Petersb. avec cette Resolution.— La Province d’Hollande, à la pluralité de 15 villes contre 3, a pris la résolution singuliere, de désavouer & désapprouver la conduite d’Amstm. par rapport au projet du Traité éventuel trouvé parmi les papiers de Mr. Laurens & de notifier ce désaveu à S. J. Y.— L’insolent Meme. [Memoire] de S. J. Y. n’a été communiqué par l.h.p. à la province d’Hollde. (& aux autres) que depuis peu de jours; & l’Assemblée d’hollde. délibere à présent sur la reponse à y faire.
Je retournerai dans peu de jours à Lahaie, où je serai charmé de recevoir de vos bonnes nouvelles, surtout de votre rétablissement.
Je suis avec un grand respect, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S.E. M. Franklin

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


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 2 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Samuel

Reverend and dear Sir,
Passy, Decr. 2d. 1780
I received your kind Letter of the 8th. of September, and am much oblig’d by the Intelligence it contain’d.— Please to make my Compliments of Congratulation acceptable to Mr. Hancock, on his being chosen the first Governor of his free Countrymen. I am persuaded he will fill the Seat with Propriety and Dignity.
Dr. Lee’s Accusation of Capt Landais for Insanity was probably well-founded; as in my Opinion would have been the same Accusation, if it had been brought by Landais against Lee: For tho’ neither of them are permanently mad, they are both so at times; and the Insanity of the latter is of the two the most mischievous.
Your little Grandson is a fine Boy, behaves genteely and, takes his Learning admirably. Mr. Adams being gone to Holland, has left him in my Care.— He does not seem well satisfy’d with his School: and the Master and Mistress complain of his being turbulent and factious, and having in him too much of the Insurgent. I give him occasionally my best Advice, and I hope those little Unpleasantnesses will by degrees wear off. I have paid his last Quarter.
The English in a late Memorial have treated the Dutch with much Insolence. Some imagine it must produce a War. Others relying on the Batavian Flegm & Patience, think it will pass. Holland has however at length acceded to the arm’d Neutrallity.
At the Request of the Abbé de Raynal I send you the enclosed; and I wish you or Mr. Bowdoin would answer the Questions.
I beg the Continuance of your useful Letters.— I shall soon write to you more fully; remaining with the most perfect Esteem and Respect Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 2 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Huntington, Samuel

Once Ferdinand Grand received Vergennes’ acceptance of the proposal to repay French loans by supplying Rochambeau’s troops in America, he drafted, in French, a “Projet de lettre” for Franklin to send Congress. Grand forwarded the “Projet” to Vergennes on November 25, explaining that Necker and Franklin had both approved it, and that Franklin would incorporate any changes that the minister might suggest. Grand added that the plan was essentially the same as the one Franklin had proposed on September 26. Vergennes replied on November 29 with only one suggestion: that Franklin should place more emphasis on the reciprocal nature of the advantages. That undoubtedly explains the first few words of the present letter, which is not a translation of Grand’s “projet,” but is entirely Franklin’s own.

Sir,
Passy, Dec. 2. 1780.
The many mutual Advantages that must arise from carrying into Execution the Proposition already communicated to Congress of furnishing Provisions to the King’s Forces in America, to be paid for here have, I make no doubt, already induced them to begin that Operation. But as the Proposition has lately been renew’d to me, on Occasion of my requesting farther Aids of Money, to answer the unexpected Drafts upon me ordered by the Resolutions of May & August last; which Drafts it is absolutely necessary I should find Funds to pay; and as the Congress have long desired to have the Means of forming Funds in Europe; and an easier, cheaper & safer Method cannot possibly be contrived; and as I see by the Journals of February, that the several States were to furnish Provisions in Quantities instead of Supplies in Money, whereby much will be in the Disposition of Congress, I flatter myself that they will not disapprove of my engaging in their Behalf, with the Minister of the Finances here, that they will cause to be delivered for the King’s Land & Sea Forces in North America, such Provisions as may be wanted from time to time, to the Amount of 400 thousand Dollars, value of 5. Livres Tournois per Dollar, the said Provisions to be furnished at the current Prices for which they might be bought with Silver Specie.— I have constantly done my utmost to support the Credit of Congress by procuring wherewith punctually to pay all their Drafts, and I have no doubt of their Care to support mine in this Instance, by fulfilling honourably my Engagement; in which Case Receipts in due Form should be taken of the Persons to whom the Provisions are delivered in the several States, and those Receipts sent to me here. With great Respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant.
B Franklin

P.S. This Value of 400,000 Dollars, is to be considered as exclusive of any Provisions already furnished; but the Receipts for those should also be sent me, if not paid for there.
His Excellency, Samuel Huntington Esqr. President of Congress.

Notation: Decr: 2d: 1780 read Feb 19. 1781 proposal of agreement to furnish fr: Fleet and army with provisions to amount of 400,000 dollars Specie to be pd. in France.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Lovell, 2 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lovell, James

Sir
Passy Decr 2. 1780.
I duly received your several Favours of Augt 15 & Sept. 7. with the Resolves of Congress for drawing on me Bills extraordinary to the Amount of near 300 thousand Dollars. To keep up the Credit of Congress, I had already engag’d for those drawn on Mr Lawrens. You cannot conceive how much these Things perplex and distress me. For the Practice of this Government being Yearly to apportion the Revenue to the Several expected Services, any After-demands made, which the Treasury is not furnish’d to Supply, meet with great Difficulty and are very disagreable to the Ministers. To enable me to look these Drafts in the Face, I have agreed to a Proposal contained in the enclosed Letter to the President, of Furnishing Provisions to the Kings Forces in America, which Proposal I hope will be approved and executed; and that the Congress will strictly comply with the Assurance you have given me, not to draw on me any more, without first knowing that they have Funds in my Hands.
I write to you more fully by Capt. Jones. He sailed some time since in the Ariel, but met with a severe Storm that entirely dismasted him, and obliged him to put back for France. He has been long refitting, but will sail again soon. Every Thing goes well here.
With great Esteem I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
Honble. James Lovell Esqr.

Endorsed: Decr. 2d. 1780 Doct: Franklin to J L recd march 13


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Charretié, 2 December 1780
From: Charretié, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
Hôtel de Tours, Rue du Paon le 2d. Decbre. 80.
I take the liberty to Send you the Report from de Committee of the house of Commons relating to the French and Spanish prisoners. If you Will condescend to peruse it, but espeacially the 49th page you Will find that the Memorial Which I had the honour to present to you is exactly agreeable to the truth.
If thro’ your good offices and Kind interest I am happy enough to obtain the Agency for, or the Inspection of the prisoners in Great Britain it Will be an additional pleasure for me in the Society of your Worthy friends in London to be enabled to declare to them my obligations to you and the gratitude I owe you.
I have the honour to be With the greatest Respect and Veneration Sir Your Most humb. & obt. Servant
John Charretie

M. Bousie desired me to request that you Would be so good as send the four bills of Exchange by the Bearer.

Addressed: Sir B: Franklin.
Notation: John Charritié. Hotel de Tours Decr. 2. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Castries, 3 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Castries, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix, marquis de

Sir
Passy Decr. 3. 1780.
The Arms for the Exportation of which Mr Williams has requested Permission, do really, belong to the Congress, being Part of a Quantity of old Arms purchased by us near three Years since, and repaired at Nantes. Your Excellency will much oblige me by granting the Passport required.

With great Respect, I am, Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servt.
B Franklin
His Exy M. le Marqs de Castries.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 3 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir,
Passy, Dec. 3. 1780.
I have before me yours of the 9th. & 16th. of November, which I think are the last I received from you.
With regard to Augmentation of your Salary, I would not have you place too great a Dependance on it, lest a Disappointment should thereby [be] rendred more afflicting. If a good Peace were once established, we should soon be richer and better able to reward those that serve us. At present, the Expence of the War hangs heavy on the united States, and we cannot pay like old & rich Kingdoms.
Mr. Lee, has as you observe acted very imprudently in that affair: But perhaps some Good may come of it.
Mr. Adams has written to me for a Copy of a Letter I formerly wrote to 873, 373, 657. If you have such an one please to give it to him. I remember of but one, which went with a Copy of 873, 897. 948 337. I imagine that he rather means a Letter I wrote to you, in which I represented our Girl as a Jolly one, and who would be a good Fortune in time, &c. I have no Copy of that. If you Still have that Letter, please to give Mr. Adams a Copy of that also—
I wish much to see the Answer, that their H.H.M.M. Will give to the insolent memorial presented by Sir Joseph York. If they comply with it & punish or censure the Pensionary of Amsterdam, I shall think it a Pierre de Touche for us as well as for the King of England; and that neither Mr. Adams will be safe at Amsterdam, nor our Ships in any Port of Holland. Let me therefore know by the earliest means the Turn this affair is like to take, that I may advertise our Government, & our Merchants.
With great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, &c.
M. Dumas.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Lunier, 3 December 1780
From: Lunier, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your excellency
havre de grace the 3d. day of xber 1780 at theSign of the Sacrifice of abraham on the quay— h.
A Succession of four years misfortune and confinement puts me under the necessity of calling for your excellency’s protection and assistance. The 2d. day of January 1777 I embarked on board of the State brig the Notre dame Cap. Rob. Cockran bound to Charlestown South Carolina, the 31st of the Same month we took a prise, I went on board of her and the 8th following we (the prise) were taken and Carried into antigua and from there to England. Few months after I was committed to forton gaol where I have laid eversince till the 22d. ult. when after many unsuccessful attempts to get my liberty I slipt along the french prisonners of war and arrived Safe with them at la hougue in the dove Cartel Capt liley(?).
The Small stock of money I had has enabled me to get to this place where I expected to See an american agent who would procure me a Small Sum of money on my note upon Capt. Cockran in whose hands are actually and have been these four years a Small venture and all my effects. But being disappointed in my expectation and of course reduced to the most perplexing distress I lay under the necessity to address myself to your excellency for a succour Sufficient to get to Nants or to any place where there is any vessel belonging to the continent of america to whom I beg leave to offer my Services.
I dare to presume that your excellency will not question my Sincerity and integrity. However I here inclose a certificate of my long confinement and of the manner I have been taken signed by four american officers my fellow sufferers. I would have joined one from the Rev. mr Wren, had not my departure been So precipitate as not to admit to Ask the addition of that favour to the many I have received from that gentleman in the most anxious expectation of a speedy assistance I beg leave to Subscribe myself, of your excellency, the most devoted and most obedient humble Servant
J. Lunier


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Mouret, 3 December 1780
From: Mouret, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
havre de grace december 3d 1780
I depend upon your goodness to Excuse this Liberty, and to grant me the favour I am Soliciting which is the Cause that Urges me to it.
Been Just arived here, from English prison where I have been Confind Since the 28 of august last, captured In a Briganting Caled the Retaliation Phylip Kolock Comd. belonging to Messrs. Moris—& Ord—in Philadelphya Bound to Amsterdam, In which I had embarqued in Jully last, after obtaining Leave from The Navie Board for Eight monts for The intended voyge, after having been 19 monts Surgeon of the Shyp morris & Sloop west Florida Wm. Pickles Esqr—Comd. (Now in England) Both of the united states of america, & Which Salerys are stills dew—& not having Any Other methot of Subsisting thens throw my prophation, & the want of employ, enduce me to applyd to you for Succour— as well as for the Service I may render the Commun cause In my Capacity which I hoppes to receive your Comands. I have the Honour to be with Respect Sir your most humble & most Obedient Servt.
Jno. Mouret
The Honorable Benjn. Frankling Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Hilary Andoe, 4 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Andoe, Hilary

Sir,
Passy Dec. 4 1780.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 28th. past. The Mr. Lea you mention came here from Dublin expressly, as he assur’d me with many extravagant asseverations, to communicate a Project he had formed of defeating the Fleets and armies of Britain, by playing Water upon them from such Engines as are used to quench Fires. & thereby wetting their Powder. &c. He seem’d to have great Confidence in this absurd Scheme, and wanted to be introduced to the ministers. I advised him not to expose himself farther, but to return to home as soon as possible. As to his Russian Pretentions the Account he gave me was this, that he had furnished the Story of an Estate left him there, partly to disguise his Intention of coming to France, lest he should be stopt by the English Government, If that were known, and partly to obtain some Assistance of Money from his Friends, whom he intended to repay out of the Reward he expected for his Invention. I suppose his Desire of going to Madrid is owing to his being still possessed by the same Strange Fancy, that he shall be made rich there for his Discovery. Certainly I never advis’d him to go thither nor to sollicit the Russian Ambassador at that Court, on an affair which he had own’d to me, was a Fiction; and which if it had been a Reality would rather have required his going directly to Russia then to the other Extrem of Europe. But as Old Age & Poverty when they meet in [the] same Person, tho’ mixt with Folly or even with some Vice, have nevertheless a Strong Claim to our Compassion, I did assist him with a few Guineas towards enabling him to go back to Ireland; and I should think a Subscription among his Country men at Bordeaux to procure a Passage for him thither would be a Charity well apply’d: But for his going on to Madrid there does not seem to me the least Occasion. Your Expressions of Regard to me are very obliging, Please to accept my Thanks with my best Wishes for the entire Liberty & prosperity of your Nation, which I much respect, having been Treated in England with great kindness. &c.
M. Hilary Andoe, Bordeaux.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gourlade & Moylan, 4 December 1780
From: Gourlade & Moylan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honord Sir
L’Orient 4th. Decr. 1780
Commodore Jones has been ready to sail since last friday, he has had intelligence from paris that your Dispatches for him wou’d come to his hands this day, on wch. acct. he has delay’d his departure; they are not yet arrived and as the wind is favourable he appears very uneasy, we therefore pray (if you have not already forwarded them) to dispatch them as soon as possible, in ordre to enable him to benefit of the present favourable weather.
We have the honor to be respectfully Honord Sir Your most obt. & most humble Sts.
Gourlade & Moylan
The Honorable B. Franklin Esqr. American Ambassadore at the Court of Versailles./.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire des états unis / De l’amérique en la cour de france / à passy / près paris
Notation: Goulade & Moylan 4 Decr. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 4 December 1780
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
London 4 Decemr. 1780
I rec’d your favor of the 24th Octr with the accot of Prisoners Released which I laid before the Board of Sick & Hurt & they are allowed in Acc’t, there remains due from you 41 Prisoners to make up the Number of the last Cartel, & untill that Debt is paid it is in Vain to expect any more exchanges.
Inclosed you have an Acc’t of the expenditure of the one hundred pounds Rec’d from Mr Grand for the Relief of the Prisoners distresses— There have been lately near one hundred more committed to Forton, the publick Subscription is in a manner exhausted, so that very little more future help can be expected from that Quarter— Mens Minds seem more & more soured in this unhappy contest, insomuch, that to have even common Sentiments of Humanity towards Americans, is sufficient to expose such as possess them to obloquy & Reproach, However upon that Ground no Reproaches shall alter my Resolution to do all that in me lies, consistent with the Laws of my Country to alleviate their distress, persuaded that by so doing, I shall have the perfect complacency & Satisfaction of my own Mind— At the same Time it is not only necessary to act perfectly right, but is also necessary to avoid all cause of Censure by avoiding every concern but what Relates to the Objects which have hitherto been the sole purpose of our Correspondence, in that Line or in any conciliatory Measure you may freely command me, I decline no difficulty because upon that Ground I can face any Man or body of Men—I am with great Respect Dr sir your most Obedt. Hble serv
William Hodgson

P.S. Am sorry to acquaint you our old Friend Mr Bentley died last week much regretted by the old Club— Your last inclosure was forwarded as directed alltho I have not the least doubt but that it was of a Nature perfectly innocent, yet in future I wish you to avoid that mode of Conveyance.

1780

March 31.
Cash to Mr Wren at Portmo
  £ 21—

Do Mr Heath at Plymo
  10.10

May 31.
a distressed American Capt
  4. 4

Oct.
Cash Mr. Wren
  20

Sundry Clothing to Portmo & Plym
  37. 9.6

Cash & Cloths to some prisoners in Wood st Compter
 6.16.6

  £100.

Addressed: Dr. Franklin / Passy
Notation: Hodgson William. London Decr. 4. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 4 December 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir,
L’Orient Decr. 4. 1780
The 30 Ult. I recd. a Letter from M. Gourlade, in which he says “l’honorable M. Franklin m’a remis ses depeches en trois Paquets que Je vous remetrai”— I have Understood he is on the Road, and his People expect him here every hour.— For these Five Days past I have been ready for Sea, notwithstanding the preceeding Rains, and have been waiting only for your Excillencies Dispatches.— I hope also M. La Grave or some other person will immidiately arrive here with dispatches from Court in consequence of the Advices received from Rhode Island by the Amazon Frigate arrived here. The Wind has been Fair for five Days past. With profound respect, I am ever Your Excellencies most Obliged and most humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. American Minister at Versailles

Notation: Capt. Jones. Dec 4. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 5 December 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Digges, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Decr. 5. 1780.
We have inquired at the Bureau des Diligences de Flandres, and can learn nothing yet of the Picture which chagrines me greatly, A Portrait in of G.W. came to Hand, I now not from whom, executed with admirable art. I shall transmit it by the first good Opportunity, after I receive orders so to do.
The Bill you drew on me for Expences on the Prisoners is accepted. Having mislaid some of your Letters I find myself at a Loss in some Parts of the Account between us; & some of the Things you have sent being for other People, I wish you would be so good as to send me out of you Broks [your books], a Compleat Copy of your account from the begining, which will much oblige me. To add a Little to the relief of the unfortunate Americans still in Prison, I request you would from the time you receive this, & during the Months of Jany. Feby., March and April, give them double the allowance I formerly directed per Week: but manage it prudently, and order it so as to do them in your Opinion the most Good.
That Man’s castrating himself was perhaps not amiss. There are in the World too many of the Race of Fools.
The Privateers from Dunkirk, tho’ call’d american are the Property of French Merchants, and follow their orders in ransoming, which I cannot prevent. But the Pilgraim [Pilgrim] ought to have delivered her Prisoners here.
I send herewith an Answer to the Parole Prisoners who have written to me.
I find no Letters of yours dated oct. 31. But perhaps I have that you mean, containing an Extract of one from a Capitive.
I have done the Business for your Friend: But having never had the Satisfaction to hear of the arrival of one of these undertakers except Mitchel at Boston who was seized there, I begin to suspect unfair Dealing.
I have a particular Acct. of Arnold’s Treachery, and find no Mention of his having any Accomplies, or that any other officers have since gone over to the Enemy has been reported in the Newspaper.
I have been long ill of the Gout, or should have written sooner. I am getting well, and ever, Your most obedient Servant
signed, Francis Lynn.
M. Digges.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, [5 December 1780]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce Mardi [December 5, 1780]
M. Grand a l’honneur de présenter son Respect à Monsieur franklin & de lui demander S’il a quelque objection a faire Sur cette Lettre afin qu’il les communique à M. le Directeur General en lui remettant les duplicats qu’il demande & que Monsieur franklin voudra bien envoyer à Monsr. Grand le plutot possible il n’y auroit point d’inconvenient d’en donner deux au lieu d’un.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur / Franklin / Passy
Notation: Grand. 5. Xbre 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 6 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam Decr. 6. 1780
I congratulate you, on the Return of your Health and thank you for the Extract from Dr Styles, which I have communicated to Mr Searle and Mr Dumas as you desired.— Shall be happy to See, the detail of Arnolds Conduct.

As long, as Congress and Courts Martial, inflict So gentle Punishments upon flagrant Criminals, and then entrust them with Commands and Employments as if nothing had happened, So Long we may expect to see Examples of Treachery, Desertion, and every other Villany. What an Instance of Bravery, and Baseness, this Man has exhibited.!
There is one Measure, however, that would Scatter more Knaves than all the Discipline of the Army, or than all Committees of Enquiry, which ever Sat.— It is a civil Action. Let the united States Sue, at common Law, every Man who has abused the publick Confidence, and let a Jury determine. I warrant you, a Jury would turn many a one out of his Charriot, into the Dirt.— Arnold was accused of Plunder or Peculations rather, by the Executive Council of Pensilvania. He ought to have been sued. If he had, he would never have had a Command again.
There are confused Rumours of Gates’s having obtained Advantages of Cornwallis, but as We have nothing from England for three or four Posts knew not their origins, or Credibility.
It is Said in the Papers that M. Rochambeau, is come to Solicit for more Troops.— More Troops would do no harm, that I know of, but they are not wanted.— All We want is Money and Ships.— Men We have enough, and willing ones too.— Without ships, Troops will do no good at all.— Untill the Courts of France and Spain, shall see the Policy and Necessity of keeping a naval superiority in the American Seas, one little rascally Nation, will continue to make Sport of all the Nations of the Earth.
I have the Honour to be, with great Esteem, sir your most obedient sert
John Adams.
His Excellency B. Franklin Esq.

Notation: J. Adams. Dec. 6. 1780