Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 17 June 1779
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My very dearest sir,
June 17, 1779
In about 3 weeks time I hope to send you every thing complete, relative to a certain collection. There will be an engraving of the head of the party, taken from the larger medallion, of which you sent a miniature-size to Miss G: S.— The motto, given by her father at my request, is “His country’s friend, but more of humankind.” I wanted something that should answer to “complectitur orbem”; which this does only in one sense of “complectitur”: however it is infinitely the more important sense, and that which will most please you; and I like it too the better, as it will look with some, like making friends with England; which kind of incidents I always take in.— The above stands round the engraving;—in the title page you know comes, “hominum rerumque repertor,” from Virgil.— We have got the preface to G:’s speech, all but the epitaph; which is promised me, as I suppose from Mr Wharton and is much wanted. My negligence in not asking for this in good time, as I thought it might be had at any time, is inconvenient to us a little.— As to G. himself, I have not yet been able to see him; but I shall probably see him today, as his examination I believe continues to day at the house. He answered almost every single question of Lord G. G:’s, in the affirmative. He said that at the taking up arms, only 5 were for independence; but that the party had begun in the chief towns, ever since 1754 for in order to abuse the Howe’s for not quelling the revolt, they seem to consent to acknowledge that they made it. But it is impossible to go into the particulars of what he said, they were so very multiplied; but it turned out, that in fact your people had “recruited” at least on as good terms as ours, whether in America or even almost in England; and that your bounty money for “substitutes,” as it was called, was less than the Liverpool & Manchester people gave for their regiments in many instances.— The Spanish manifesto’s being announced, as yet has had little effect; for the people seem to feel as if they had acquitted themselves of “being afraid of foreign enemies,” by their pannic a year ago; which they take for granted has been proved needless, by the event and the folly of their enemies. The ——— seems to think he has made way both at home & abroad; and all, the CONSEQUENCE of his firmness; and as the prospect now is not held so black as it was a year ago, you may guess whether he is likely to be moved by the present prospect. I think nothing but mobs & events will move him. They tell me he has even signified, that if the Marlboroughs & Bedfords (at present a split party in several shapes) leave him, he will be the same: and in consequence, Ld. Denbigh & the Duke of Chandois, (notorious court lords) have given Ld Sandwich the first commendations in the house; the meaning & source of which you will easily understand.— He thinks not only the people subdued, opposition subdued, but the navy subdued, and Mr Keppel put by for ever: as to the Irish, I believe he hardly thinks much about them. Indeed my own opinion is, that good sense might bring that matter lastingly to rights; but that these people will not impossibly blunder it into an insurrection, if not a rebellion. Prey Burn this scrawl.

P.S. The letter of Govr. F. was stated to contain accounts of the difficulty America found in getting and supporting an army. He is since stated to be a firm-govt man, and to be the man likely enough to have a considerable civil command in our expected conquests. But this is mere vulgar town-talk; and I have no authorities.

Notation: Vaughn June 17th: 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Vesey et al., 17 June 1779
From: Vesey, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hounnered Sr.
Bouling 17th of June 1779
We that Have our Name Hear prescribed Have hade the Misfourten To Be twise taken the first time Taken By the english when we wase Bound from Boston to Cape fransaay & Carried to Jemac’a & then Sent Horn prisoners to england & after making our eskeep we got to London where we had got a voyage for Hallifax in Hopes of geating to our own homes But fourtun Would Have it So that we most fall in with Two french Cutters Wo Carried us in to Bouling Wher we are in Prison. And if you Pleas to Clear us we are willing to go on Board aney American Ship. This is from your most Obedint Humbel Servants.—
Peter Wesey Boren in Boston Wif & 2 ChildersJohn Cern Boren in Do.—Hennery Bringwal Boren in Neubory Port.Peter Williamson Boren in Newyork was Living in BostonThomas Bleke Boren in Newyork was Living at the east eand of Long islandHennery Williams Boren in Newyork

Honnered Sr. we Desire the favour you Would Send us Two Lines from your hand To Let us No whether you will exept of our Servise or No.

Addressed: To / His Excellency Sir Pitter / Frankling / A / Parris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Baudouin, 18 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Baudouin, ——

Sir
Passy, June 18. 1779.
I shall write immediately as you desired to the Capitain of the American Privateer forbidding him to meddle with the Pacquets betwen Dover and Calais. I did not attend much to the Capitains Letter, supposing that if they were under the protection of the Governement they would if stopt by him produce that protection, and that he would of course discharge them. Please to assure M. De Sartine of my Respects, and believe me to be with great Esteem, Sir,
Mr. Baudoin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Torris and Francis Coffyn, 18 June 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Torris, John,Coffyn, Francis

Sir
Passy, June 18 1779.
I received the Letters you did me the honour of writing to me the 20th. of May and The 8th. Instant. I did not immediately forbid Capt. Merchant’s intercepting the Dover Pacquets supposing that if they were protected by this Governement, he would, on their showing him their Passports, discharge them, and if not protected there would be nothing improper in taking them.— But as I now understand that such an Interruption of the Correspondence between the two Nations would be disagreable to the government as being prejudicial to Commerce, I do here by desire you would acquaint Capt. Marshal, that he will not be contenanced in that Entreprise that if he should take any of the Pacquets they will not be condemn’d to him, and that he is strictly for bidden to meddle with them. With much Esteem I have the honour to be, Your most obedient et most humble Servant
BF.
Mr: Torris or Mr Coffin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 18 June 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
June 18. 1779
My letters under the dates of the 11th. & 15th. Inst— will inform You very fully of the final conclusion of the business I was lately upon, and I make no doubt but the rejection has been lamented by another party concernd fully as much as by me & my friends.
The Books You orderd are already Shipd on board the Dutch Ship Anna Maria Captn. Christiaan Roeloffs which will sail for Amsterdam in six or seven days. There is a mark on the box in which they are packd thus  and a card is also naild upon it directed thus (Books) For Messrs. Horneca Grand & Co. Merchs. Amsterdam. I will accompany it with a line or two to them Gentlemen giving information that the books are forwarded to their care by your order, as by so doing it may save a custom house search of the box & the unpacking the Books. I have not yet got the bill of the exact contents of the box or the amount of the Cost &ca., but I shall do it soon and repay myself as you direct— In this way or whatever other You may please to command Me I shall be ever ready and willing to serve You or Yours.
As Your letter of the 30th. May informs me You had paid Brehons Bill, I am in expectation that the other drawn in favr of Mr Panchaud will be soon returnd to me. The want of the usual intercourse as to negotiation of bills inducd me (from Yr. mentioning You would pay the money advancd to Brehon & others) to get Mr. P. to carry the bill to Paris & to remit me the 20 £ to his friend in London, & I unluckily gave him the bill but a very few days before I found from Yr. letter that You had paid it.
We are all in an uproar here about the late maneuvere of Spain, & the word perfidious is now transferd from the Court of Versailles to that of Madrid. The notification was given to the House of Commons last Wedy. with a smiling face from our Primier who was pretty severely handled for treating lightly so momentuous a matter. It was read yesterday to the Commons, & long, tho not very spirited or interesting debates ensued thereon; the house of Lords treated it in a higher stile & there has been much commendation on the speeches of Lord Shelburne and the Duke of Richmond. In both houses many hints were thrown out about the propriety of withdrawing the Army from America in order that the whole force might act directly against the house of Bourbon. It will be a sad effort for this Ministry to abandon intirely the prospect of subduing America, but nevertheless there was a hint from the Treasury bench (from W Ellis) that the withdrawing the army might be adopted as a future measure and that the Independence of America was no very improbable event. It apears to me that one of the Ports of N York or R Island will be soon evacuated not unlikely the former as the later being an Island may be longer tenable. I have no doubt this would have been a measure some time ago adopted had not fresh proofs of disunion & discontents in Ama given ministry some hopes of subduing the Country—they are now seeking these proofs to the eternal disgrace of this Country, by the evidence of Torey Refugees who never again can go to Ama. I suppose Galloways evidence will finish this night. Lord S. has been finely baited for not having the fleet out (28 sail of the line & 6 frigates) before yesterday. I understand two of them are put back. It is said here that the Spanish fleet saild twelve of the line & frigates &ca on the 27th May and 20 sail of the line &ca. on the 2d. June. The Brest fleet of 28 sail of the line & several frigates on the 3d. June. This is generally beleivd, & the consequence of such apparent superiority causes much discontent & a general gloom upon the faces of every one. The ministry are yet haughty & carry it with a high hand, & talk of being equal to all this force even if joind by Holland & Portugal.
It appears pretty clear that the 2000 men wch Saild from NY the 5 May, are gone to Chesepeak said to be in support of a party of discontents to the Congress measures on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. There appears to be no line of battle Ship in Ama. & but few frigates, there was but three of the line went with Arbuthnot, and four of Byrons fleet unfit for active service are now on their way home.
Much alarm as to an invasion of Ireland, but the most general receivd opinion as to the Brest fleet is, that it is gone Southward to join the Spaniards.
Mr. Hartley gave notice yesterday he would make a motion to bring in a bill to lead to some terms to be offerd Ama. It was to be debated upon to day, but put off till Monday on accot of Lord N non attendance on acct of his having lost an infant Son. He read to the house some articles for pacification or negotiation six in number, which he mentiond as terms he thought probable America would not totally reject, & of which the Minister had had some confidential information about & had rejected. This Gentn. is indefaticable in his laudable endeavours to do good, but from the present lethargic disposition of all ranks of men there seems little prospect of success.
I am in hopes the late movements in Spanish affairs here will induce some of my acquaintance’s near You to take a journey soon; I am the more anxious for it, as I am certain You Sir will be left more at ease and to your wish, setting aside the public Good. I cordially wish you happiness & Success and am with great truth and Sincerity Your Obligd & Obt. Servant
W.P.——

Notation: June 18. 79 Digges.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baronne de Frëý, 18 June 1779
From: Freëý (Frey), —– Parien de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A paris le 18 juin 1779
Cest Madame de Fréÿ epouse de Mr le baron de fréÿ premier Capitaine de la légion de pulauswki au Service des etats unis de l’amerique, qui a l’honneur de vous ecrire pour vous prier Monsieur de vouloir bien faire parvenir à Son mari la lettre cy jointe.
Je prends Monsieur la liberté de m’adresser à vous parce que de 6 a 7 lettres que jai ecritte à mon mari depuis Son depart aucune ne parois lui etre parvenue, et que la Seulle lettre que jai recue de lui est Celle qui m’est venue par Monsieur Le Marquis de la fayette quoique Suivant Cette meme lettre il me marque m’en avoir ecrit plusieurs aûtres en se plaignant de mon pretendu Silence.
Permettez moi Encore Monsieur de profiter de Cette occasion pour vous Suplier d’accorder à mon mari l’honneur de votre protéction immédiate Si Comme jai tout lieu de le penser le Congreés est Content de ses services, les bontées dont il me marque que Monsieur le Marquis de la fayette l’honnore est un titre pour autoriser cette liberté.
Des raisons tres fôrtes Monsieur m’empechent d’avoir l’honneur d’aller vous faire moi même ma priere et mes excuses, Monsieur de Malésieu veut bien avoir la bonté de vous presenter mon paquet Si vous aviez quelques choses à me faire dire au Sujet de Mon Mary vous pouvez le dire Monsieur en toutte Confiance a Monsieur de Malesieu.

Je Suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissante Servante
Parien DE Frëý

Notations in different hands: Madame de freÿ rue des deux porte st. severin. vis a vis l’hotel d’orléans / De Frey Paris 18. juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, [18] June 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
In Congress Philadephia June [18] 1779.
I enclose you Acts of Congress of the 5th. and 18th. Instant respecting Bills of Exchange for two Million four hundred thousand Livres Tournois Principal and four hundred thirty two thousand Livres Interest drawn on you in Favor of Monsieur de Beau Marchais, and payable in the several Sums and at the respective Periods specified in the enclosed Schedule. Sensible of Monsieur Beau Marchais’s Efforts to serve these United States and of the seasonable Supplies he has from Time to Time furnished Congress are earnestly disposed to make him this Payment. They would gladly have done it in Produce; but the State of our Finances, and the hazardous Navigation render it impracticable. We flatter ourselves that you will be able to discharge the respective Drafts with Punctuality. If Difficulties occur you will have Time to represent them to Congress who will exert all the Means in their Power to prevent any Loss or Disappointment to Monsieur de Beau Marchais.
I have the Honor to be Sir with great Respect and Esteem Your most obedt Servant
John JayPresidt.
To The Hon’ble Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States of America at the Court of France.

Endorsed: Letter J. Jay Esq Dated June 1779 with Papers relative to M. Beaumarchais’ Affairs. recd. June 12. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Allemand with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 22 June 1779
From: Allemand, ——,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
à Paris le 22 Juin 1779.
J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser la Note que vous m’avés demandée; je me reproche la peine que vous voulés bien prendre pour coopérer à la perfection de mon ouvrage sur les Canaux. C’est un tribut d’estime que je paye à votre Nation, et dont je me plais à m’acquitter, en la proposant pour exemple à ma patrie.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un très-profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur.
Allemand
M. allemand, ancien Conservateur des eaux et forêts de l’Isle de Corse, rue Guénegaud, hôtel d’artois

Endorsed: No Canals have hitherto been constructed in the Countries of the United States, unless that called the Thorough Fare, of Duck Creek in Delaware State, should be deemed one. It is said to have been made in one Night by a Number of People concern’d in the Navigation of the Creek, which formerly had such a Turn in it, that after sailing 40 Miles one came round to within a Mile of the same Part of the Creek that had been passed. As the Ground of the Isthmus was flat & soft, and some high Tides nearly cover’d it, Proposals had often been made to the Owner of the Land to permit for a Sum of Money, a Cut to be made there, which he had also refused.
Notation: Allemand 22 Juin 1779.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 22 June 1779
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 22 June 1779
The Union of the two Fleets which took effect at Currona the 13 Instant leaves no longer in doubt the resolutions of Spain, it is said the Spanish Fleet saild from Cadiz the 11th Inst. Letters of the 9th from Cadiz say they only waited a fair Wind. Letters from Madrid say they are at Sea.
A Vessel of 28 Guns is arrived at Bilboa from America but we are without the Name of the ship or the place she saild from on her passage she took four prizes two with provisions that she sent to America the other two with Salt wch. she destroy’d they have many Prissoners. Captain Jones in his new Ship has convoyd into this port many coasting Vessels he has besides his Ship two Frigates in Concert I expect we shall soon hear of his feats he has on board they tel me Eleven hundred Men which certainly are not intended to be inactive.
The Buckskin saild yesterday for Mary Land. The pilot Boat William, with the General Mercer Cap Robinson will sail on Saturday for Philadelphia they will convey inteligence of the junction of the Fleets. I [coud?] wish before they sail to see some publick Act to transmit of the event. I have the honor to be with due respect Sr your very hhb Servant
John Bondfield
His Excellency B. Franklin Passi

Addressed: His Excellency B Franklin / plenipotenre. des Etats Unies / a / Paris—

Notations in different hands: Bourdeaux / J. Bondfield. Bordeaux 22. juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 22 June 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lahaie 22e. Juin 1779
La grande nouvelle que nous reçumes hier par la malle d’Angleterre, & qui nous a été confirmée par les Lettres de france aujourd’hui, de la Déclaration & jonction de l’Espagne à la France, & par conséquent à l’Amérique, est trop importante pour ne pas m’empresser de vous en complimenter de tout mon coeur.
Vous aurez compris, Monsieur, par ma derniere de Vendredi dernier, que toujours fidele à mon grand principe, de subordonner tout au service de l’Amérique, j’ai cru devoir vous précautionner contre l’ambition d’un particulier, qui peut être très-utile à l’Amérique en s’évertuant dans sa sphere, qui est la mercantile, mais qui ne seroit ni capable, ni à portée, ni propre à la servir dans le politique, & qui ne penseroit certainement qu’à convertir à son propre avantage les pouvoirs dont on le révêtiroit.
There is another Gentleman, living constantly on his country-seat in a remote province. I know the former has made, or will make mention of him to you. But I don’t see by his political and other circumstances that he can be useful at all. His having declared himself a friend to the Americans some years ago, must not distinguish him from many others in this Country, so much as to be entitled to more than to the esteem and friendship of the Americans. He has attacked, without any aparent hope of success, some darling prerogatives of a Great personage in this Country, who, for this reason, looks on him as his personal enemy. Therefore, all what should be proposed by such a channel, would be very unwelcome. We want here water to be poured in the fire, not oil. This young gentleman is too restless & too hot. When things will be brought to maturity, I hope we will have here a wise American, pietate gravem ac meritis virum quem, doctum regere dictis animos, & pectora mulcere. Till this time I think I must carry on the business as hitherto with our friend alone, without communicating any thing of it with the Gentleman. I beg this Letter may not be seen by any body.
J’ai eu l’honneur de présenter ce matin Mrs. Pringle & Stockton à Son Exc. Mr. l’Ambr. de Fce.
Je suis avec un très grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
D

Je ne saurai que ce soir, de notre ami, si je pourrai partir avec la fin de ce mois, comme je me l’étois proposé. Pour peu que je voie de pouvoir être utile, j’attendrai que l’Assemblée d’hollde., qui rentre demain matin, se sépare.
Passy à Son Exc. Mr. Franklin

Addressed: To his Excellency / B. Franklin, Min. Plenip. / of the United States / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas 22. Juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Magellan, 22 June 1779
From: Magellan, Jean-Hyacinthe de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur & cher confrere
Londres 22 June—79
Celle-ci est pour un acte d’amitié & d’humanité, auquel je suis sur que vous prendrez tout parti, & vous employeres pour reussir. C’est en faveur d’un ami, de celui que vous connoissez & voyez à Passy. Son frere Richard Nairne, capitain du vaisseau Marchand nommé the generous Friends., en venant de Newfound Land, fut pris par la Fregate Flora, commandée par le Marquiz de Castellan dans le 30 Mars dernier: & fut amené à Toulon. Ce Monsr. Richard Nairne se trouve actuellement sur parole à Aix en Provence, chez Messrs. gregoire. Vous n’avez qu’à dire à la personne que vous savez le nom de ce Monsr., qui est frere de celui du meme Nom, faiseur d’Instrumens de Mathematique, & deja Membre de la Soce. Rle. qui demeure vis à vis la Bourse de Londres, & qui est son antien & bon ami: & je suis persuadé qu’il fera tout ce qui sera en son pouvoir pour obtenir la Liberté de son frere. Monsr. Nairne Lui meme a eté ce matin avec moi pour cet affaire: mais il n’a pas jugé de bien faire en ecrivant en droiture à la Personne que vous savez. Ainsi je vous recommande cet affaire de coeur. L’humanité et amitié m’engage et je comte sur la votre. Vale & ama tuum
Magellan

N.B. Il ne m’a pas été possible de trouver l’ouvrage de Home sur le croup.

Notation: Magellan 22. Juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 22 June 1779
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Rue L’Universite Hotel de Rome June 22d. [1779]
Mr. Wharton presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin & sends the News Paper, containing the Spanish Declaration of War. Mr. W’s Friends write Him, That the Merchants & Stock Jobbers keep the Price of Stocks, from an Opinion, That Spanish War was a good Thing & would produce great Quantitys of Silver & Gold.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Marchant: Two Letters, 23 June 1779
From: Marchant, Stephen
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
  Sr/
Black prince Cutter Road of Morlax June 23d. 1779
I set Sail on My Cruize June 12th. after taking in my propper Stores for the same, and Steered to the Westward from the Road of Dunkirk at 11 in the Morning fell in with a portuguese brig having English Manufactured Goods on board. I took her and sent her to Calais being the nearest port and at one Next Morning took a prize as I Imagined she being bound from Denmark to Dublin laden with Lumber I took her to Calais road and According to My Instructions Applyed to the Court of Admiralty when the two brigs were discharged they not being deemed Lawfull prizes to the United States so I weighed Anchor and Stood out to Sea Cruized for three or four Days and met no Enemy Spoke to several Neutral Ships when upon the 16th of this Instant June being with in a few Leagues of Beachy on the English Shore at 2 OClock in the Morning Discovered 6 Sail—5 of them Brigs and one Dogger Spoke to the Dogger Chased the 5 Brigs and about 8 in the Morning came to an Engagemt. with them and wd. certainly make a prize of them but it being a Small bay and almost with in Shot of an English Fort on Shore I being in 4½ Fathom Water was Obliged to be Satisfied with running them on Shore, about 10 Oclock I stood out to Sea Saw Several Armed Vessels Convoying a fleet of Coasters, along shore, about Noon I perceived an Armed Vessell in pursuit of me she Coming up Very fast upon me I fought my Stern Chases for half an hour when she came up and poured in upon me a whole broadside which I returned with Interest by giving his for the space of an hour 4 Guns for her one I wd. surely make her a prize only she Sheered off I wd. pursue but seen an English Frigate under my Starboard Bow so I set out to Sea and Stood to the Westward on the 17th Inst. I spoke to a Spanish Ship on my lee Quarter an English Frigate on my Weather Bow the Spaniard Informed me that the Spanish Fleet had Set Sail on the 18th Instant my Course S by E Ile of Wight bearing N.E distant 4 Leagues Poverin point N. distance 4 Leagues sale the English Fleet of Men of War Sailing to the Westward Bearings from me N. NEast distance 4 Leagues the 19th. Inst. Course S:W: b W Wind Westwardly fine Weather at 8 in the Morning 20th June saw an English Frigate on my Weather Quarter I steered S: E and b E untill I got clear then tacked and Steered N: W & b W saw Several Ships in Sight mostly Frigates & Men of War Sailing Westerdly, at 6 in the Evening Close to the Lands end I saw the English Fleet the Lands end bearing N.NW. Wind North Easterly distance from Lands end 6 Leagues. At 8 O Clock in the Evening close to the Lands End took an English brig called the blessing in ballast from Tinby bound sent his to France— At 9 in the Evening took another brig called the Liberty Bound to Milford sent her to France at 11 in the Evening took a Sloop the Sally Laden with Coals from Swansey to Falmouth sent her to France 21st June at 2 in the Morning took a brig the Hampton laden with Coals and Earthen Ware from Liverpool to London sent her to France at 3 in the Morning took a Sloop the Elizabeth from Caermarten in Wales to Falmouth laden with Coals Butter and Oats sent her to France at 12 Oclock took a brig the 3 Sisters in ballast from Bideford to Swansey she being but a poor Vessell and unwilling to Weaken my Crew to much by sending her to France and having a prospect the same Night of more prizes According to Instructions I ransomed her for 70 Guineas at 2 in the Evening still Coasting at the Lands end took a Brig the Orange tree from London to Cork Laden with Kings Stores sent her to the nighest Port of France Likewise at 4 in the Evening took a brig the good will from London to Waterford laden with Porter Iron and dry Goods sent her to France. At 6 in the Evening Wind Northerly Stood out to Sea and Sailed for the French Coast 22d June Course SSE fair Wind an English Frigate near the French Shore gave us chase I sent away our brig prize that was in Company with me being to Windward of the Frigate he Chased us in Vain for 6 Hours and better untill we got Clear of him—
23d Course W, Wind S: S: East [torn] the Morning taked [tacked] and stood for the French Shore with a fair Wind saw one of my Prizes the sloop Elizabeth in Company with the English Frigate who Attempted to Chase me but soon gave it over I being near the French Shore was in great fear of my prizes being taken by the frigate. At 4 in the Evening my Prize the Good Will brig and us came to Anchor in Morlax Road, when to my Grief I found that six of our prizes were retaken by the English together with 21 of my Men, having so many Prisoners and my Crew being weakened by sending them in the Prizes I was Constrained to sett Some of them at Liberty and put them in the ransomed Brig Aforesd. kept 21 Prisoners which I have brought in my Cutter to France this is a brief Account of my Cruize from the 12th untill the 23d Inst June— I remain with all respects to yr Excellency Yr Excellencies Most Obedient humble Servant
Stephen Marchant

Addressed: To / His Excellency Benjamin / Franklin Minister of the United / States of North America at the / court of France, Passy / by / Paris
Notation: Capt. Merchant—June 23. 1779

II.
Sr/
On board the black prince cutter Morlax Road June23: 1779
In my other Letter bearing an equal date with this I did Acquaint yr Excellency in a brief Manner the transactions that has happened since the 12th. untill the 23d Inst June, in this I acquaint yr Excellency with the Names of the Prisoners I have taken and their Quality, as likewise the Names of 21 of my Men who have been made prisoners by the English, being in my 6 prizes that were retaken their Names as follows—

Americans taken by the English
English taken by me

Viz.
William Reed Junr Capt,
Brig Named Blessing

Bryan Rooney
William Reed

Gunners Mate
Senior Owner
do.

Edwd. Duff
John Davis

Boatswains Mate
Mate
do.

Richard Molloy
Jerimiah Webb
do.

Michael Doran
William Thomas
do.

John Watson
William Pritchard Capt.
Elizabeth Sloop

John Herrin
John Hughes Mate
do.

John Mc.Fadan
William Power Capt.
Brig Goodwill

Terence Kearney
James Currin Owner
do.

Hugh James
William Hederinton Mate
do.

Luke Aver
John Burness
do.

James Collins
Luke Morrissy
do.

James Markin
Richard Williams
do.

James Longwell
James Kenedy
do.

Maurice Creemon
William Knighton Capt
Brig Hampton

Edwd. Brangan
John Kingwell
do.

John Connelly
George Closen
do.

William Griffiths
William Wogan Mate
Brig Liberty

Jacob Wood
Peter Babb
do.

John Hore
Robert Rossitter Mate
Orange tree brig

Robert Wild
William Bale
Sally Sloop

Charles Provoy

Yr Excellency sees there is an Equal Number of Prisoners on both sides the Men I sent in the diferent prizes were good Men I am a great Loss for them which will a while retard my Cruize I having a fine prospect before me of Distressing the Subjects of Great Britain and to Maintain the Honour of the United States, yr Excellency may be Assured I never will as long as Congress permits me to have my Commission never to Derogate from that noble Spirit of an American Still means to Act with prudence and Caution will knowing my own force and that of the Enemy whom I hope to Harris greatly, I hope yr Excellency will use yr. Influence and Authority in having an Exchange made of the Prisoners taken by me and my Men taken by the English there being an Equal Number and I being Retarded from pursuing my plan of Opperation untill I get my Men Exchanged makes me so Solicitious with yr Excellency to use yr Endeavours as Soon as possible to have the Cartel made, I remain with all respects yr Excellency’s most Obedient humble Servant
Stephen Marchant

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin / Minister of the united States / of North America at the Court / of France, Passy / by Paris
Notation: Capt. Merchant June 23. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 23 June 1779
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Brother
Warwick June 23d—1779
As I would not omit writing you by an opertunity which I expect espeshal care will be taken to Deliver, I have complied with a Request made me by Mr Casey whose son I wrot by last fall, in favour of a Mr Elkanah Wattson, Conl. Wattson’s son of Plimoth. I have given him to understand I will Inform you what he says of the young Gentileman (which is that he served an Aprentisship with Mr John Brown of provedence who gives him a very good Charrecter & that His Father is a man of a plentifull Estate) & I tell him if he has merritt He may be able to Recomend Himself.
I have wrot you many Leters (some of which I hope you have recd) Informing you of Every thing concerning me worthy yr atention, I have not yet recd. a line from you since that by Mr Simeon Dean, but bless God I now & then hear of yr helth & Glorious Achievments in the political way, as well as in the favour of the Ladys (“since you have rub’d off the Mechanic Rust and commenced compleat courtier”) who Jonathan Williams writes me clame from you the Tribute of an Embrace & it seemes you do not complane of the Tax as a very grat penance.
We have Just heard that the Fleet of Transports from France are arived at Baltimore where I hope my Poor unfourtunate son in law Collas is so far saif among them, & as I heard Jonathan Williams was coming with them hope for leters from you by Him, we have Grat News of the Defeat of the Britons at Carolina; which we hope is trew but have had no pointed acount of it yet.
God grant this may put a final Stop to these Ravages, my Grandson whome I am with lives where we have frequent alarmes they have come & taken of the stock about 3 quarters of a mile distant & burnt houses a few miles from us, but hitherto we are preserved.
I have as much helth as can be Expected in comon for won of my years & live in a very Pleasant place tho not Grand as I sopose yrs is it gives me grat delight the Famely is kind & courtious; my Grandson is a man of sound sense, & solid Judgment, & I take much Pleasure in his conversation tho he talks but litle, they have won child which they call Sally. Govr. Greene & famely are well I had wrot you there Eldest Daughter was married to Govr. Wards Son they have now a fine son, Ray is still at Mr Moodys scool a promising youth.

I see few persons hear of yr acquaintance which deprives me of much pleasure I used to have in conversing about you but I now & then see somthing in the paper which pleases me in perticular there Placeing you alone in won of the Arches at the Exhibition made on the Aneversary of the French-Trety. Mr Casey calls for the Leter & that puts all Els I designed to write out of my mind only to beg to hear perticularly about Temple & Ben & that I am Ever your affectionat sister
Jane Mecom
the Inclosed coppy comes to my hand which I send least you should not have recved the other


Title: Invitation to an Independence Day Celebration, [before 24 June 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Franklin’s celebrated press at Passy has left surprisingly few traces beyond the now-rare imprints which were its products, and even those are sometimes impossible to date. No one knows precisely when the press was established, or from whence Franklin procured the initial printing equipment. We do know that he had met Jean-François Fournier fils in the summer of 1777, and ordered from him fifty pounds of type. Fournier tried to convince the American that he needed a full font, at least fourteen times that amount. Franklin settled on a modest 261 pounds of gros romain or 18-point great primer, roman and italic, which was delivered in October, 1778. Why we have no evidence of any printing activity before mid–1779 remains a mystery. This particular blank invitation form for a dinner celebrating the anniversary of American Independence, printed in Fournier’s gros romain, is the sole surviving example of the earliest Passy imprint that can be dated with any certainty.
The occasion for which Franklin seems to have inaugurated his press was a special one; it was his own formal introduction to the American community as sole minister plenipotentiary. A year earlier, he and John Adams had hosted a similar dinner in Passy on the fourth of July, to which they invited all the Americans in the vicinity of Paris, and a few local French “Gentlemen.” The animosity which Franklin felt toward certain of those Americans, especially Ralph Izard, had reached such a pitch that he refused to invite them; they would not have attended had Adams not insisted upon issuing invitations in his name alone. A year later, exuberant in his post, Franklin printed his own invitations, setting his name in capital letters, and sent them to those very Americans remaining in Paris who had worked so hard for his recall. Although none of the issued invitations has survived, a partial guest list can be compiled from the replies now among Franklin’s papers, the first of which is dated June 24. The celebration itself, delayed by one day since July 4 fell on a Sunday, will be discussed in volume 30.

[before June 24, 1779]
Dr. FRANKLIN, presents his Compliments toand desires the honour
of  Company at Dinner, on Monday the 5th of July; in order to celebrate the ANNIVERSARY of the DECLARATION of AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.
Passy,  1779.
An Answer if you please.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 24 June 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
La Haie 24e. Juin 1779 au matin
Je fus mardi au soir chez notre Ami. Nous nous félicitames réciproquement du grand événement qui vient d’avoir lieu. Quant à l’Affaire des Convois, les deux Villes privilégiées (who, as I have said already, have reason to sit down contented) ne peuvent rien de plus, que d’appuyer les villes souffrantes: c’est donc le tour de celles-ci d’agir: nous verrons comment elles se comporteront.— Quant à la déclaration d’Espe., si la Cour d’Angle. demande secours ici, comme il y a apparence qu’elle fera, je sai positivement que les deux Villes ne souffriront jamais qu’on l’accorde, & que, sans daigner entrer dans l’examen du cas, elles se contenteront de dire, que, comme l’Angle. a allégué, que la convenance & la conservation de soi-même la dispensoit d’observer ses Traités, les mêmes raisons existent pour la rep.
J’ai été franc avec notre ami sur le chap. de N——. Il a convenu qu’il étoit remuant & trop ambitieux, ainsi que le Bar—— de C——: & de mon côté j’ai été de son sentiment, que, comme Négociant, Démagogue à la Bourse, Anti-Angl. &c. &c. le premier peut être plus utile que d’autres; qu’il est bon, par conséquent, tout à la fois, de le ménager & de le contenir dans sa sphere.—Quant au B—— de C—— He has no power (being now excluded from any share in the Government of his little Province), & too much rashness, to do good. He is busy with publishing some Letters he has received from Govr. Trumb——, Govr. Livingst——, & Genl. Gates, who, he tells us, cannot but have written them by consent of Congress. His friend, Lt. Col. Diriks, of the regt. of Proctor, has brought over a plan for a Loan, framed, they give out, by authority of Congress, by one Erkelens, a Dutch Merchant establish’d some years since in America; & he proposes it, I fear, very imprudently, for, besides what he has told me of himself, I have found it the matter of conversation in our public boats.
Je viens de témoigner ma joie, & offrir mes services à Mr. le Comte de Herreria Env. d’Espe. Il a accepté compliment & offres avec politesse & plaisir, me disant, Je sai que vous en avez rendu de grands. Il m’a averti qu’on m’espionnoit beaucoup. Je lui ai demandé s’il ne paroîtroit pas bientôt un Traité d’Amitié & de Commerce entre l’Espe. & l’Am——, & si je pouvois lui présenter les Américains qui me seroient adressés de bonne part? Il m’a remis, pour s’expliquer, au temps où il aura reçu ses instructions, qu’il attend.

24e. au soir
La Province d’Hollande vient enfin de prendre une résolution très-vigoureuse & unanime, telle qu’Amsterdam l’avoit avisée, selon ma Lettre du 14e., c’est-à-dire, de donner aux autres Provinces le terme d’un mois, au bout duquel, si elles ne se conforment pas à la Résolution du 30 Mars, la Prov. d’Hollde. déliberera sur les mesures qu’elle aura à prendre séparément pour la protection de son Commerce. Le Gd. Pe. a déjà distribué pour cet effet les Lettres circulaires, conçues dans des termes aussi forts, dit notre ami, que nous eussions pu le faire nous-autres. Cependant, comme on n’a pas voulu autoriser, dans la Résolution, la Ville d’Amst. à la médiation qu’elle avoit offerte pour faire suspendre l’Edit & le Tarif, suspension qu’elle garantissoit en ce cas, elle n’a pas laissé de faire insérer dans les Actes l’annotation dont je vous ai parlé, en témoignant d’ailleurs être contente de la Résolution. Ceux de Dort & de Rotterdam, de leur côté, ont aussi fait insérer une annotation pareille. Voilà donc Amsterdam triomphante, justifiée par ses rivales-mêmes, & couverte de gloire. Sir J., au milieu de tout cela, fait triste figure, d’autant plus triste, dit notre Ami, qu’il va se plaignant de nous autres à tout le monde. C’est un grand personnage qui seul a empêché que la motion, pour obtenir la suspension, n’a pas été adoptée. Il l’a fait pour conserver son crédit, non seulement en Angleterre, mais aussi, & surtout, dans les autres provinces, où il est tout-puissant, & où il voudroit toujours l’être.
Mrs. De N—— viennent de m’écrire qu’il leur est arrivé deux petits Sloops de l’Amérique (en voilà donc 7 à Amst——) Le Diamant Cap. Joseph Cook, & la Diane, Cap. Wm. Klaydon. Les Anglomanes sont furieux de cela: Hier, étant en bourse au milieu de ses Américains, les Anglomanes lui crierent; Now you may stand upon your toes. Ces derniers-venus ont apporté les nouvelles suivantes:
Boston 22 Avr. Le Navire du Continent entra vendredi dernier. Il avoit pris un Corsaire Anglois de 14 pieces, par lequel ils eurent connoissance de la prise de 8 Vaisseaux de vivres & fournitures destinés de N. York pour la Géorgie. Le convoi étoit de 10; ainsi 2 seulement échapperent. Les chargemens seuls de ces prises sont estimés £80 m. st.; encore cette perte n’est rien en comparaison du malaise où elle aura laissé les royalistes en Géorgie. Le Jason Cap. Rotterfield [Porterfield], Esqr. de 20 pieces, la Marie de 16, & le Hibernian de 8 pes., en étoient.
Bost. 26 Avr. Jeudi dernier entra la Frégatte du Continent la Reine de France, Cap. Orney [Olney], avec la prise la Marie de 16 pes., trois Brigantins, & le Hibernian, qui entra le dernier des 8 prises faites par le Warren, la Reine de France, & le Ranger.

Je prévois que je n’arriverai pas assez tôt à Passy pour y célébrer le 4 Juillet: patience; je ne puis me résoudre à laisser ces gens assemblés ici. Je crois devoir vous apporter la fin du roman, & sacrifier plutôt mon plaisir; for my heart was set upon it. La raison pourquoi j’avois pensé à me procurer un gîte près de Mr. Bancroft, c’est que j’espérois de pouvoir vous approcher en sa compagnie plus souvent & sans cérémonie, &c. car on m’avoit dit (peut-être à dessein) que je ne pourrois avoir que rarement audience, & toujours en la faisant demander avec apparat. On m’avoit dit aussi, que vous étiez allé demeurer dans l’Hôtel-même de Mr. De Ch——. Mr. Pringle vient de m’assurer le contraire. Disposez donc de moi dans quelque endroit de votre hôtel qu’il vous plaira; j’y attendrai les moments de loisir où vous me ferez appeller, avec ce respectueux dévouement que j’aurai toute ma vie pour vous, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur,
D

Mrs Pringle & Stockton sont partis pour Amst., où ils s’embarqueront dès qu’ils pourront. Je les regrette tous deux. Je m’étois fait une douce habitude de la société du dernier, le trouvant aussi prudent que zélé pour sa patrie. Cette Lettre ne peut partir que demain 25.
Passy à Son Exc. Mr. Franklin

Notation: Dumas 24. Juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from C——, 25 June 1779
From: C——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend.
June 25. 1779
Your Letter of the 17 April gave me infinite Pleasure & I am more exceedingly obliged to you for the very kind reception you gave my Son, as well as your warm commendations of him.
I wish this detestable war was at an End, that Friends who love each other might cordially meet & embrace, & I am sure you wish you could put an End to it.
All your Friends here besides the Two particular ones you mention love & esteem you equally, especially those who were once of the Family of Sugar Loaf Hall Hampstead. You shall have the London Chronicle soon.
We have not seen good Mrs. Stevenson these 100 Years nor Mrs. Hewson.
My whole Family unite in cordial & affectionate wishes for you, & I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant.
C

P.S. Kind regards to Mr Temple.
As no more Packets are to go between Dover & Calais— you had best apply to the Postmastr. of Calais (Monsr. Caffieri) for the Chronicle.

Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. B. Franklin / a Passy / pres de Paris.
Notation: No Name.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 25 June 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

25th. June 1779
I am happy to inform You that I have found out Mr. Peters after I had given over hopes of Him & supposing Him dead. He desires of me to place the remittance intended for him in the hands of Messrs. Fuller & Co. Bankers in London to whom I have applyd to accept my bill on You for the one hundred pound you limit Me to go to, but they being unusd to negotiate French Bills desird me to look out among the French Merchts. to get the Bills negotiated & the amount paid to Fuller & Co. for Mr Peters’s use. I think of looking after this business before the next packet sails & if it can be done I will draw the Bill on You payable at the House of Monr. Grand & advice You thereof by next packet.
The box of books were sent as you directed and I shall by first oppery. send You the Bill of Parcells wch. amount to £9:19:6 the Charges of Cocket &ca. &ca. two or three shillings more, so that I shall make my draft on You an equal ten pounds: It will be better I include this sum in Peters’s Bill & make it one hundd & ten pounds but I shall inform You in the course of Post if this mode is adopted. M. Peters writes me he is old & rather infirm and lives near Nottingham. My two former letters to that quarter miscarryd by being directed to Mrs. Roberts’s but I have wrote to him to find them out. I am &ca &ca &ca.
——
Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Green, 25 June 1779
From: Green, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bourdeaux June 25th 1779
I sailed from Philada: 2nd. May last Commander of a new Brigt: named the Nesbitt bound to France laden’d with Tobacs. and on the 1st of June before day light fell in with a British Cruzer of 18 six Pounderes about 23 Leauges to the Westward of Bell Ilse who overpowered us with sail & Took and carryed us into Falmouth, on the 13th Inst: made my Escape and arrived here last night on board a Burning Brigt: my hands that were on board my Vessel was delivered up to the press gang at Falmouth and sent on board the Tender in order to sent on board a Man of Warr—
I had no Dispatches from Congress but was given four Packages from Mr. Holker directed for the Minister of France with orders to commit them to the Deep rather than they should fall into the hands of the enemy. I had several other Letters all of which shared the same fate—
A few days before I left Philada: an express arriv’d to Congress from Capt: Hopkins of the Ship Warren of his taking 7 Sail of Transports under Convoy of a 20 Gun ship & an armed Brigt laden’d with provisions and accoutrements for 250 Horse with dry Goods to the amount of 52 Thousand sterlg. some Officers and several Merchants whom sailed from New York and bound for Georgia, there was in Compy. with Capt: Hopkins the Ship Queen of France & Ranger when the above Fleet was taken—
It was believed the Brittish troups would soon evacuate Georgia the loss of the Troupes would [be] greatly felt a Sloop arrived in Philada from the inhabitants of Bermudas beging assistance from Congress that several hundreds of the Inhabitants had already perished for want of food, that many had not tasted bread for several weeks, it was mentioned in Philada that some assistance would be given as soon as possible—
Several privateers are swarming from south Carolina to New York and has taken many of our Vessells, but I’m in hopes they are all destoyed before this as several Continental Vesselles were ordered to cruize on the coast—A large Brigt. sailed in Compy. with me from Philada: bound to Martinico laden’d with flour lost her Mainmast on the same Day & was oblidg’d to put back—The Coast of France from Ushant down to Bell Ilse are many British privateers, 3 Large Cutters & 2 Guernsey Luggers spoke us—
I hope in a short time the Ship Dean Capt Nicolson will be in France and I believe Mr: Carmichael will come in her, she lay in the Delaware when I came a way.
I am with Respect you Humble Servt.
Jno Green

Addressed: The Honourbl: Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Plenipotentiary to the United / States of America / at the Court of / a Pasy pres paris
Notation: Jn Green 15. Juin 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bennett Lloyd, 25 June 1779
From: Lloyd, Richard Bennett
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London 25th June 79—
I beg pardon for giving you this trouble but as the enclosed Letter is of some consequence to the writer of it, I take the liberty of placing it under your care—. Mr. Stephenson is the Gentleman who waited on you at Passy about eighteen months ago— He is a Friend to our Country and a particular Friend of mine— I flatter myself I shall be favoured with a Letter from you by this Day’s mail, and I am, with very great respect, your obt. and most humble Servant
R. B. Lloyd

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / à Passy
Notation: R. B. Lloyd Londres 25 juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Steele, 25 June 1779
From: Steele, Joshua
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Howland Street, Tottenham Court London 25th. June 1779—
The political difference between our Nations, can not make me forget or suspend the Affection & Esteem that grew out of an acquaintance with private worth: I therefore take the opportunity of conveying to you, by the favour of Ser. Anduaga secretary of the Spanish Embassy, my friendly & Affectionate Respects: And tho’ I must suppose you are much employed in affairs of the greatest moment, yet as I know human Nature requires relaxation, from such heavy Cares, by light Amusements, I send you, by the same opportunity, some printed papers, being forty Copies of an Abstract of the Claims of five Candidates for the premiums offered by the Society (of which you are a perpetual Member) for an invariable Standard for weights or Measures.
During the public Misfortunes of my Country, which I was in no capacity to prevent, I have endeavoured to divert my thoughts by these & such like philosophical speculations.
I will beg the favour of you to present one parcel of them to the Royal Academy of Sciences, requesting them to make them as public as they can, & I could wish some of them were sent to Geneva & Switzerland; The Rest are at your own Disposal, for America or where you please.
This premium has been continued five years, at first annual, then Biennial, as the first year produced nothing worth notice: And you will see by two Copies, of the Claims made in 1777, wch. I send you, how little our desideratum was then understood.
We have made some Trials on the apparatus of Candidate E, which have answered exactly, according to what he has advanced; But we are preparing for more accurate ones, in which we shall try what difference, moisture, dryness, Heat, and Cold, will make in the Horsehair: And we hope good Experiments will be made in several other places; & that this will set other Heads at work to improve it, or to find out something better.
I have one more hope, that is, that a Ray of good Sense may enlighten us, so as to bring back peace, & put a Stop to miseries that degrade & disgrace us.
I am, dear Sir, wth. perfect Esteem, Your most Affecte. friend &ca
J Steele.

Addressed: To His Excellcy / Dr Franklin / paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 26 June 1779
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 26 June 1779
Captain John Green arrived here the 23d Inst. to which port he had been carried by a privateer that took him on his passage from Philadelphia, he destroy’d all his Letters & papers these miscarriages cruelly suspend the execution of the proposed Operations of our friends on the other side whose disapointments as well as Loss’s come heavy.
A Courier from Madrid past thro’ this City yesterday in the afternoon with dispatches for Versailles by the last advices The French & Spanish Fleets were stil at Couronna. We are without any interesting occurences on this Coast. I have the Honor to be respectfully Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield

the Captain had Letters for Mons De Vergennes & the Comte D’Arranda wch he destroy’dPassi His Excellency B Franklin Esq

Addressed: His Excellency Benj Franklin / Esq / Plenipoty. from the United States / at / Paris
Notations in different hands: Jonh. Bondfield. 26. juin 1779. / Bourdeaux


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph and Alice Izard, 26 June 1779
From: Izard, Ralph,Izard, Alice
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 26th. June 1779.—
Mr. & Mrs. Izard present their Compliments to Dr. Franklin, & will have the honour of waiting on him to dinner on Monday the 5th. of July.—

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis de l’Amerique / à Passy.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Couteulx & Cie., 26 June 1779
From: Le Couteulx & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 26. Juin 1779.
Nous avons l’honneur de vous remettre avec la presente une lettre de Mrs. P: M: de Murquia et Isidore de la Torre Membres de la Compie. des Assurances de Cadiz.
Quoique nous pensions inutile de joindre nos Sollicitations a celles de ces Messieurs pour vous determiner a acquiescer a leur demande, nous venons vous prier de vouloir bien appuier leurs pretentions de votre Recommandation aupres du Congres; et de nous marquer ce que vous jugez convenable de faire en cette occurrence pour accelerer la Justice qu’ils ont droit d’attendre d’un Corps aussi recommandable et respectable a tous egards.
Comme la lettre et les pieces cy jointes vous informront de l’objet en question, nous pensons que le Detail que nous pourrions vous en faire seroit superflu & nous nous bornerons a vous assurer que nous avons l’honneur d’etre avec le plus profond Respect. Monsieur Vos tres humbles et obeissans Serviteurs.
Le Couteulx & Comp.rue Montorgueil

Si par hazard vous aviez besoin de la traduction des pieces cy incluses vous pouvez nous les retourner et nous nous ferons un vrai plaisir de la faire de suitte.
Passy les Paris Mr. Le Docteur franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 26 June 1779
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris June 26th 1779.
Mr A. Lee returns his Compts to Dr. Franklin; & will have the honor of waiting upon him on the 5th. of July.
Mr Lee will be very much obligd to Dr. Franklin, if he will order an authenticated copy to be made for him, of the Letter, from the Commissioners, to Count de Vergennes, on the agreement with Hortalez & Co., dated Passi Sepr. 10th. 1778 with a copy of his Excellency’s answer which Mr. Lee does not remember to have seen.

Notation: A Lee. Paris 26. juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Montgomery, 26 June 1779
From: Montgomery, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Alicante 26th: June 1779
I find Myself under the Necessety of Troubling your Excellency to Inform you, that Notwithstanding I have Every time that the foraigne Merchants Established here ware Called by the Governour to Declare of what Nation they ware, always declared and Subscribed Myself a Subject of the Thirteen United States of North America yet Yesterday on A proclamation of war being Made here Against England I was Arrested my Property Seized and House filled with Soldiers, I Immediately produced My Certiffcate and Passeport Given Me, by you Mr Lee and Mr Adams when I had the Honour of Attending you at Passy Last August on My way to this Place, but have had No Answer nor Relief in Consequence of them, I Insisted to Know if Spain had Declared war Against the States of America to which Am Answerd in the Negative but without Any Relief or Apearance of it. And as I know myself Guilty of No fault; but the Exect Semillarity between us and the English (Except in Sentiment) I Must Request your Excelly will Immediately write the Count De Ricla Minister of War at this Court, that he may Consider Me, As I am, a Subject of the Allies and Order the Embargo to be taken off My house and Business, please Also Indicate to Me who is Charge des Affairs for the States at Madrid, if yet Appointed that I may Appley to him in future Should Any Simoller Injustice be done Me, I Rely Entirely on your freindship and Justice for the Releif I Claim from My Present distressed Situation, and dont dout to have Your Ansr. as it will Otherways be Very Deficult for Me to Extricate Myself and Save the Credit and Perhaps Ruin of Your Excellys. Most Obedt humble Servent
Robt Montgomery
Benjaman Franklin Esqr,

Addressed: To / His Excellancy Benjamin Franklin Esqr: / Plenipotenciary from the / united States / Passy / Paris
Notation: Montgomery 26. Juin 1779.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Petrie, 26 June 1779
From: Petrie, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Rue Ste: Anne. Saturday June 26. [1779]
Mr. Petrie presents his Compliments to Dr: Franklin &, if he is able, will have the honour of waiting on him, Monday se’nnight.

Addressed: Son Excellence le Ministre / Plenipotentiare des Etats Unis / de l’Amerique.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, [after 26 June 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Deux-Ponts, Marianne Camasse, comtesse de Forbach

[after June 26, 1779]
I received my dear Friend’s kind Present of the Scissors, which are exactly what I wanted, & besides their Usefulness to me have a great additional Value by the Hand from which they came. It is true that I can now neither walk abroad nor write at home without having something that may remind me of your Goodness towards me; you might have added, that I can neither play at Chess nor drink Tea without the same Sensation: but these had slipt your Memory. There are People who forget the Benefits they receive, Made [Madame] de Forbach only those she bestows.— But the Impression you have made on my Mind as one of the best, wisest & most amiable Women I ever met with, renders every other means to make me think of you unnecessary.— My best Wishes will attend you to Germany, & wherever else you may happen to be, being with the sincerest Esteem & Respect, (will you permit me to add Affection) Your most obliged & obedient humble Servant.

Notation: Franklin rough copy of letter to Mme. de Forbach


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 27 June 1779
From: Chalut, abbé ——,Arnoux, abbé ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

passy dimanche 27. juin [1779]
Les abbés Chalut et Arnoux assurent de leur respect Monsieur franklin, ils auront l’honneur de se rendre à son invitation pour Celebrer l’heureuse et éternelle independence de l’amerique.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ministre / plenipotentiaire des états / unis d’Amerique / à Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 27 June 1779
From: Lee, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Frankfort 27th. June 1779
By the Letter you did me the Honor to write to me the 17th. instant, I perceive you are still under a mistake relative to the Contract made with D’Acosta & Co.— There never was to my knowlege any Contract made with that house for the same things that I requested you to apply for to the French Ministry on account of the State of Virginia.
D’Acosta & Co. contracted to send some thousand fusils & other triffleing Articles for the State of Virginia, which they expressly stipulated to ship from France before the end of last September, otherwise the Contract was to be entirely void.
This House fail’d to comply with their Contract, and even without making any Apology, or giving any reason for so doing; which I have since thought a most fortunate circumstance not only for the State of Virginia but indeed for America, having authentic information, that within the course of 12 Months past, many thousand fusils have been sent from Leige to a Clerk of that house, many of them of so base a quality as to cost only Seven Livres the fusil & bayonet.
In my Judgement it is an unpardonable cruelty to put such instruments into the hands of brave Men who are not only fighting for their own Lives, but in defence of the Liberties of their Country.
The most important part of the Supplies that the French Ministry were requested to furnish for the State of Virginia are the Canon, Howitzers, Mortars, Powder Ball & Shells; none of which have ever been contracted for with any one, & if they shou’d be sent to Boston or Charles Town for Congress, they cannot be of any more use to Virga: while the War continues & the Enemy have the Superiority in the American Seas, than if they were in France; & as the principal Military operations this year, will most likely be in the Southern States, there is much reason to apprehend that the want of fusils will be severely felt in that quarter. I therefore hope you will endeavor to get the Supplies requested sent to Virginia as soon as possible, since they may be even now got there before the Campaign is ended.
In doing this you will certainly render an essential Service, to the Common Cause & highly oblige him who has the Honor to be with very great respect Sir Your most Obliged and Obedient Humble Servant
W: Lee
Honorable Benjamin Franklin Esqr. &c &c &c

Addressed: The Honorable / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Minister / Plenipotentiary, to the Court of / Versailles, from the United States / of America. / at Passy / near Paris
Endorsed: Wm Lee Esqr about the Arms


Title: “The Morals of Chess”, [before 28 June 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Franklin and chess have long been associated in the popular mind largely because of this bagatelle, which was the most widely reprinted product of his Passy press. Made public for the first time in 1786, it would be reprinted at least a dozen times by the end of the century, and translated into French, German, and Russian.
Franklin played chess with a single-mindedness that threatened to exclude all else. The story has already been told in these volumes of Mme. Brillon’s being detained in her tub while he, oblivious, played chess in her bathing room well into the night. Tales of Franklin’s chess games became magnified over time. Le Ray de Chaumont’s grandson Vincent maintained that the Doctor’s tireless passion for late-night games was checked only by his supply of candles, and that once, at the home of a French minister, Franklin refused to receive an important dispatch from Congress until after a match had finished.
“The Morals of Chess” poses certain infuriating problems for the textual editor. No manuscript copy has survived, and although we know that Franklin printed the bagatelle on his Passy press, not a single imprint has surfaced. Because he sent the essay to Barbeu-Dubourg in June, 1779, its composition has commonly been dated circa that time. However, we believe that the essay was originally formulated as early as 1732, and that Franklin in the spring of 1779 was once again recalling material from his earlier life for the amusement of his circle at Passy.
Our evidence comes from the commonplace book that Franklin kept from 1730–38. He used it primarily for two purposes: composing pieces which would find their way into the Pennsylvania Gazette, and drafting rules, procedures, and papers which he would present to his secret society, the Junto. A sketchy outline of “The Morals of Chess” appears in the commonplace book between a fictitious letter for the Gazette and a set of private proposals and queries to be asked the Junto, dating from June, 1732. Based on Franklin’s mandates that every Junto member “produce Queries on any Point of Morals, Politics or Natural Philosophy” at each meeting, and four times per year address the group on a subject of his own choosing, we suspect that Franklin originally drafted this essay for presentation to his club of leather apron men.
What might have brought the essay to mind in 1779? Franklin was certainly playing chess with his Passy neighbors and friends (Dubourg, Le Veillard, Mme. Brillon and the duchesse de Deux-Ponts, among others) but even more important was his recent sifting through the early papers he had with him, looking for previously unpublished material to add to Benjamin Vaughan’s edition of his writings. One of the pieces Franklin sent to London, probably in the spring of 1779, was a list of standing queries for the Junto. This suggests that Franklin either had his commonplace book with him in Passy, or that he had copies of early papers relating to the club. One of those may well have been his “Morals of Chess.”
In the absence of the original manuscript or Passy imprint, we publish the text of “Morals” as it appeared in the 1786 Columbian Magazine because we believe that the magazine reproduced most closely the essay as it was issued from Franklin’s press. One of the magazine’s editors, Mathew Carey, had worked for a short time as Franklin’s printer in Passy, in 1779. Years later, when Carey and his fellow editors were soliciting contributions for the first issues of The Columbian Magazine, they naturally turned to their famous Philadelphia neighbor. Carey may have either procured a copy of “Morals” from the author in 1786, or else have published the essay from an imprint he had kept since his days in the Passy shop. Either way, Carey’s text is certainly authoritative.
What little else we know about “The Morals of Chess” is from Franklin’s own hand. He ought to dedicate the piece to Mme. Brillon, he told her, because its best advice was based on his observations of her generous and magnanimous way of playing. He, on the other hand, was not famous in Passy for the courtesy and fairness advocated in this bagatelle. According to Chaumont family legend, he grew impatient at the slowness of his partners, was prone to rearranging the board when his opponent left the room, and, as Chaumont once pointedly remarked, often drummed his fingers on the table.

Sir,
[before June 28, 1779]
Playing at Chess, is the most ancient and the most universal game known among men; for its original is beyond the memory of history, and it has, for numberless ages, been the amusement of all the civilized nations of Asia, the Persians, the Indians, and the Chinese. Europe has had it above 1000 years; the Spaniards have spread it over their part of America, and it begins lately to make its appearance in these northern states. It is so interesting in itself, as not to need the view of gain to induce engaging in it; and thence it is never played for money. Those, therefore, who have leisure for such diversions, cannot find one that is more innocent; and the following piece, written with a view to correct (among a few young friends) some little improprieties in the practice of it, shows at the same time, that it may, in its effects on the mind, be not merely innocent, but advantageous, to the vanquished as well as to the victor.
The MORALS OF CHESS.
The game of Chess is not merely an idle amusement. Several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired or strengthened by it, so as to become habits, ready on all occasions. For life is a kind of chess, in which we have often points to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with, and in which there is a vast variety of good and ill events, that are, in some degree, the effects of prudence or the want of it. By playing at chess, then, we may learn:
1. Foresight, which looks a little into futurity, and considers the consequences that may attend an action: for it is continually occurring to the player, “If I move this piece, what will be the advantages of my new situation? What use can my adversary make of it to annoy me? What other moves can I make to support it, and to defend myself from his attacks?
2. Circumspection, which surveys the whole chess-board, or scene of action, the relations of the several pieces and situations, the dangers they are respectively exposed to, the several possibilities of their aiding each other; the probabilities that the adversary may make this or that move, and attack this or the other piece; and what different means can be used to avoid his stroke, or turn its consequences against him.
3. Caution, not to make our moves too hastily. This habit is best acquired by observing strictly the laws of the game, such as, if you touch a piece, you must move it somewhere; if you set it down, you must let it stand. And it is therefore best that these rules should be observed, as the game thereby becomes more the image of human life, and particularly of war; in which, if you have incautiously put yourself into a bad and dangerous position, you cannot obtain your enemy’s leave to withdraw your troops, and place them more securely; but you must abide all the consequences of your rashness.

And, lastly, we learn by chess the habit of not being discouraged by present bad appearences in the state of our affairs, the habit of hoping for a favourable change, and that of persevering in the search of resources. The game is so full of events, there is such a variety of turns in it, the fortune of it is so subject to sudden vicissitudes, and one so frequently, after long contemplation, discovers the means of extricating one’s self from a supposed insurmountable difficulty, that one is encouraged to continue the contest to the last, in hopes of victory by our own skill, or, at least, of giving a stale mate, by the negligence of our adversary. And whoever considers, what in chess he often sees instances of, that particular pieces of success are apt to produce presumption, and its consequent, inattention, by which more is afterwards lost than was gained by the preceding advantage; while misfortunes produce more care and attention, by which the loss may be recovered, will learn not to be too much discouraged by the present success of his adversary, nor to despair of final good fortune, upon every little check he receives in the pursuit of it.
That we may, therefore, be induced more frequently to chuse this beneficial amusement, in preference to others which are not attended with the same advantages, every circumstance, that may increase the pleasure of it, should be regarded; and every action or word that is unfair, disrespectful, or that in any way may give uneasiness, should be avoided, as contrary to the immediate intention of both the players, which is to pass the time agreeably.
Therefore, 1st. If it is agreed to play according to the strict rules, then those rules are to be exactly observed by both parties; and should not be insisted on for one side, while deviated from by the other: for this is not equitable.
2. If it is agreed not to observe the rules exactly, but one party demands indulgencies, he should then be as willing to allow them to the other.
3. No false move should ever be made to extricate yourself out of a difficulty, or to gain an advantage. There can be no pleasure in playing with a person once detected in such unfair practice.
4. If your adversary is long in playing, you ought not to hurry him, or express any uneasiness at his delay. You should not sing, nor whistle, nor look at your watch, nor take up a book to read, nor make a tapping with your feet on the floor, or with your fingers on the table, nor do anything that may disturb his attention. For all these things displease. And they do not show your skill in playing, but your craftiness or your rudeness.
5. You ought not to endeavour to amuse and deceive your adversary, by pretending to have made bad moves, and saying you have now lost the game, in order to make him secure and careless, and inattentive to your schemes; for this is fraud, and deceit, not skill in the game.
6. You must not, when you have gained a victory, use any triumphing or insulting expression, nor show too much pleasure; but endeavour to console your adversary, and make him less dissatisfied with himself by every kind and civil expression, that may be used with truth, such as, You understand the game better than I, but you are a little inattentive; or, You play too fast; or, You had the best of the game but something happened to divert your thoughts, and that turned it in my favour.
7. If you are a spectator, while others play, observe the most perfect silence. For if you give advice, you offend both parties; him, against whom you give it, because it may cause the loss of his game; him, in whose favour you give it, because, though it be good, and he follows it, he loses the pleasure he might have had, if you had permitted him to think till it occurred to himself. Even after a move or moves, you must not, by replacing the pieces, shew how it might have been played better: for that displeases, and may occasion disputes or doubts about their true situation. All talking to the players, lessens or diverts their attention, and is therefore unpleasing; nor should you give the least hint to either party, by any kind of noise or motion.— If you do, you are unworthy to be a spectator.— If you have a mind to exercise or show your judgments, do it in playing your own game when you have an opportunity, not in criticising or meddling with, or counselling, the play of others.
Lastly. If the game is not to be played rigorously, according to the rules above mentioned, then moderate your desire of victory over your adversary, and be pleased with one over yourself. Snatch not eagerly at every advantage offered by his unskilfulness or inattention; but point out to him kindly that by such a move he places or leaves a piece in danger and unsupported; that by another he will put his king in a dangerous situation, &c. By this generous civility (so opposite to the unfairness above forbidden) you may indeed happen to lose the game to your opponent, but you will win what is better, his esteem, his respect, and his affection; together with the silent approbation and good will of impartial spectators.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 28 June 1779
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon cher Maitre
ce 28e. juin 1779
J’ai l’honneur de vous renvoyer cy joint votre manuscrit sur la morale des echecs dont j’ai gardé copie, que j’enverrai au 1er. jour a imprimer dans le journal de Paris, si vous ne vous hâtez de me le defendre. Et apres en avoir laissé gouter au public le plaisir pur, je pourrai bien le lendemain ou surlendemain le faire suivre de mes petites reflexions, car il m’en roule par la tête quelques unes à ce sujet; et quand elles s’eloigneroient un peu de votre opinion, vous m’avez deja passé plus d’une fois de semblables ecarts qui ne peuvent porter aucune atteinte a l’inviolable attachement que je vous ai voué
Dubourg

Notation: Dubourg Paris 28 juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Coffin, 28 June 1779
From: Coffin, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 28th June 1779
I Refer your Excellency to Mr Sayers Letter Which he Says will apologize for my Addressing you: Tho I am Conscious that a disposition to Render To Our Country, is always Sufficient ground for it. I have myself been made a Prisoner & it may Soon Be my Lot Again Consequntly I feel most Sensibly The Superiority of the English at Sea. It is Therfore With Great Plesure I have Examined A modle of A Ship Contrived By Mr Sayer, Which must hearafter if Adopted give us infinite Advantage in Our Commerce.
But the Subject of this Letter is Chiefly to assure your Excellency That Mr Sayer Can Construct a Ship On A New princeble, Which Cannot, under any Circumstance Be Taken, Nor Can Any Ship in the Kings Navy escape Capture or resist her force many minutes, the plan is the most Simple & the Effects are the most Evedent of any Thing in Nature, I am Astonished that No man has heretofore Thought of it for I Will Venture to pronounce the Fleet of England good for Nothing, the moment America has Ten of those Ships: They are built for half the money & in half the time Necessary in the Old Construction. Do not Suppose me Carried away With Warmth of Imagination. I Know I am right a Child Would See the Effects.
Mr Sayer is going from here for America he may be made prisoner— I hope for the Good of my Country you will in that Case instantly Effect his Exchange. I Trust too your Excellency Will also think me of Some Consequence, being made acquainted With the principles Suggested Especially In Case of Mr Sayers death. He means to go Over With me.
I Congratulate your Excellency present good Appearances for Our Country & for the World at Large. & am most you Obedient Humble Sert.
Alexr. Coffin

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Benj: Franklin Minr / Plenipotentiere / de le Etat Eunis de / Amerique / a Paris
Notation: Coffyn Alex: 28. Juin 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 28 June 1779
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

High Honourable Sir!
Amsterdam the 28th. Júne 1779.
We hope yoúr Excellency may have approved of the plan of the Loan which we had the honoúr to convey by oúr last; or that we may come to some alterations, which should prove agreable and practicable at the same time, bútt we heard the former loan should not you be shúre, before we should attempt to any further measúres this we should be glad to know exactly, how it stands, for certainly, this is not a mere cúriosity, bútt as we are persuaded Y E. herself will be convinced of, of the greatest conseqúence.
Now we begg annew the favoúr of the Speadiest expedition for the inclosed, oút of the 8 Aman. vessells now in port we gott 4 to oúr consignment, in the futúre we may expect more to us in proportion, may we throúgh the means of YE. be usefúll likewise to the publicq. May we begg leave again to recomand oúr Selfs to her powerfúll inflúence!
This last brigg which arrived ús yesterday clear’d fr. St Eústatia, she comes fm. Boston, and tho’ Known to be called Amsterdam She is the fast sailing and brave General Arnold now commanded by MacGee, we keep this with the utmost Secrecy.
As we will pútt always the útmost reason for pride to be honourd With Any Commands from yoúr Excelle. We will be always with the útmost Regard and Veneration High Honourable Sir! Yoúr Excellencys most devoted and obedient servants.
John DE Neufville & Son.

Mr. John Tempel Esqr. did ús the honoúr to dine with ús he Came over by Capn. MacGee and desired his Compliments to Y E.

Addressed: To his Excellencÿ / B: Franklin Esqr. / ambassador & Minister plenipotentiaire / of the thirteen united states of america / &a &a &ca / at Passi
Notation: Neufville John & Son 28. June 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Amiel, 29 June 1779
From: Amiel, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir
Nantes the 29 June 1779
Capt: Jones haveing granted me leave of absence for to stay at L’Orient: to settle my private Affairs; since his departure, Monsieur De Chaumont has been so kind as to offer me appartements in his Chateau, this Sir is to beg it as perticular favor that you’l be so kind as to extend my leave for his Place. I am Honored Sir your Respectfull Humble Servant
Peter Amiel
To The Honorable B: Franklin Esqr:

Notation: Amiel Peter 29. June 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 29 June 1779
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 29 June 1779
Refering to what I had the honor to write you last post this serves only to advise you that in consiquence of my engagements that become due in the course of next month for the fifty six pieces of artillery I have drawn in favor of Messieurs Bory freres & Co at four Months from this day for ninteen Thousand eight hundred Livres in the following Sums

    29 June to Bory
    freres & Co at 4
    Uzce.

    do . . . . . . . . .
do . . . . . . . . .
do . . .
3000 l.t.

do . . . . . . . . .
do . . . . . . . . .
do . . .
3200 l.t.

do . . . . . . . . .
do . . . . . . . . .
do . . .
3400 l.t.

do . . . . . . . . .
do . . . . . . . . .
do . . .
3600 l.t.

do . . . . . . . . .
do . . . . . . . . .
do . . .
3800 l.t.

do . . . . . . . . .
do . . . . . . . . .
do . . .
2800 l.t.

  19800

To which you will please to give due honor.
The Spanish Fleet from Contrary Winds are prevented from getting out of Port both at Corronna & Cadiz. I have the honor to be with due Respect Sr. your very hhb Servant
John Bondfield
His Excellency B Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency B Franklin / Esq / Plenipotene des Etats Unies / a / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Gillon, 29 June 1779
From: Gillon, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Nantes 29th. June 1779
By Letters lately recd. from So. Carolina I am well acqd. with its Situation & therefore take the liberty to address your Excellency thereon requesting you will weigh how far America is Interested in that States success or misfortunes & that if the Object you have in view for the Continental Ships & Vessels of War in Europe is not superior to that of the relief of the Bleeding Inhabitants of So. Carolina & Georgia you will please to consider whether the Fleet I lately saw at L’orient might not to immediately proceed to the relief of them States. I know the force of the Enemy there & know the Exact Force of the Fleet you had fitted out at L’Orient thus am Convinc’d it is equal to the purpose requird. You know I have wav’d every impediment to a proper Harmony subsisting between officers going on such an Expedition by preparing to go as a Volunteer on a former similar Expedition & that my officers wou’d do the same but if it is thought that the Plan can be better Executed without any of the officers (presence) from that State we in such case wou’d be glad to point out the method we shou’d adopt was we to Command which your officer may accept or reject, I trust your Excellency will not judge me capable of attempting to dictate to you on this business. Far be such an Idea from me I only address you as the Superior Naval American officer in Europe fixd as such by the Laws of our Land & my Commission also as a Citizen to point out to you the danger of those States & the way to Shun it by the means you have at your Command, which I presume will be sooner prepar’d than any Vessels I cou’d Purchase or fit out for that Plan I therefore beseech your Excellency will be pleas’d to enable me to relieve that besieged Country by furnishing me with the means now under your direction or that you will direct the commanding officer of Your Fleet to proceed as soon as possible to So. Carolina if your prefer the later I can furnish him with a pretty true list of the Ships & their Station on that Coast, they are so few that by my last advices frm there it was expected that if I arrd. with the three Frigates I was order’d to procure I shou’d be an equal force to the British Navigation there or in Savannah River— You know I have some money of the State here, that I also have a power to purchase or Build & therefore cou’d remove every difficulty of any of these Vessels being own’d here or of any part of them because I cou’d on the States acct. purchase out any Owner who may be concern’d that disapproves of this Expedition, but if any Such owner I think I could point out advantages that wou’d arise to him on such a Voyage that might Induce him to hold his concern, I have lately made such offers that I trust will be deem’d very beneficial thus I am not without some hopes of getting the three Frigates I was sent for, permit me to mention them to you for your opinion & that if you think proper you may mention it to Mr Chaumont or any of your friends that you think likely to hold A Share therein—it is to raise a sum not Exceeding 15 a Ls. [l.t.] 1,800000 by subscription throughout this Kingdom Holland &ca 12 a 1500,000 of which is for to Build three Frigates & is on acct & risque of the State conformable to my Powers, the Surplus of a 600,000 may be laid out in merchandise & 3 fast sailing Ships to carry them all on acct. & risque of the Subscribers with Vessels & Goods I promise to Convoy to the State of So. Carolina & to their Address, I also promise that the State will within six months after our arrival there Convoy the Vessels with the proceeds of these Goods to St. Domingo Martinico or Guardaloupe wherever there may be A French Convoy ready, or that the State will within 12 Months after my arrival there order me to Convoy the Sd Ships & Effects to any Port of Europe. I propos’d to pay Seven per Ct. Interest per annum for the advance made for the State to pay full & ample Commsons. to the House that Under took the business & to repay such advance in two & three years & to make it Still more beneficial I advice that half of the Nett proceeds of these Goods should be put out at Interest of 7 per Ct. in the State & that if the owners chuse they may refit the Ships I Convoy to here & send these out again under my Convoy with very trifling Cargoes to bring home to here the such half that was at Interest, this divides the risk & I presume is one of the best Voyages any Speculators to our Continent can make from Europe.
In hopes of these proposals being accepted I am preparing to build here & in the Vicinity have therefore tho’t proper to write to Mr. de Sartine to day to Craving he will Grant me permission to Build three Frigates in this Kingdom & to fit them out, in all of which I will rigidly adhere to the Laws of his Country, will you be pleas’d to support that request that I may be fav’d with A Speedy reply. I will thank you for yours hereto, directed to me under Cover to Messrs. H. L. Chaurand freres merchts. here, & if you have or do receive any Letters for me I will Esteem it as a favour if you will please to send them to me as above, please present my respects to your worthy Grandson & assure yourself that I am with every Respect—
Your Excellencys Most Obedt. & most hble Servt.
A. GillonCommodore of the Navy of the State of South Carolina
His Exclly Benja Franklin Esqre Minister Plenepotentiary at the Court of Versailles Passé

Notation: A. Gillon Nantes 29. juin 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 June 1779
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear friend
June 29 1779
In the course of a negotiation lately on foot I had at one time entertained hopes of Success. I am still inclined to hope that something is gained, perhaps in the minds of men, wch may hereafter serve as a reference to form some future basis of accommodation upon, when a more fortunate hour may come. You understand that neither of the parties is formally committed by what has passed. A private person being a well-wisher to peace & to the rights of mankind, has endeavored to offer a mediation, & to devise terms upon wch the parties might approximate to each other. Some recent events wch have just happened may for a time suspend propositions of peace, but the principles upon wch I have endeavored to mediate seem to me still to remain the same, & perhaps the time may come when those principles may be more favorably received. Whenever that time shall come, I shall be ever upon the watch to meet it; but be assured of this, that I will never be the instrument of any fallacious negotiation, if I have reason to suspect insincerity.— In our late business I did entertain considerable hopes of success at one time, & I am inclined to believe that many persons of high description on this side of the water, were well disposed to the terms proposed, & therefore I am at a loss to account for the sudden breaking off of the treaty. The suddenness of the delivery of the spanish rescript was a surprize to me, tho I had always taken account for a spanish interference in case of the continuance of the American & french wars. This event therefore does certainly suggest some conjectures to my thoughts & now that I have seen the spanish rescript itself, & find in it a declaration many months ago, that they wd certainly require a settlement of their own matters in dispute, before any final settlement of the then subsisting disturbances between the contending parties shd be suffered to take effect, I can easily imagine that spain might think it necessary to accelerate its pace, if any idea had got abroad of any possible settlement between Great Britain & France and America being on the carpet. I can have no reason but mere suspicion to impute any such consideration as a ground of their conduct, but the appearance of the rescript itself does by no means seem to militate with such a conjecture, because that rescript does not proclaim or make good any justifiable or ostensible causes of war. It is a mere bundle of shallow and empty pretences importing only this; we will pick a quarrel with you because we will.
No man conversant in political life & events, need be surprized at such conduct, because I believe most European nations wd have done the same thing; but to me who keep in view at all times Peace with america as the polar star to steer by; I reason thus; that there seems to be nothing american in the motives of the Court of Spain, & consequently, that, the ground of any negotiation between GB. France & NA remains as it did respecting america. Whatever engagements America may have formed they will doubtless observe them most faithfully, nor wd I ever make a proposition to them to committ any breach of honour. But Peace & settlement are and ought to be their objects. There is no common sense in their entangling themselves in all the Gothic crusading follies of European nations amongst whom the only definition of man seems to be, a fighting animal, or the Gladiator of God’s creation to mangle & to destroy his works.— I have said it, & repeat it again to keep clear of the suspicion of tampering; Engagements ought to be most religiously observed, but those being religiously fulfilled, nations ought to look to the permanent interests of their respective communities. The argument is very fair & avowable from America to the H. of Bourbon, thus; we will perform any engagements according to the obligation contracted to your full & just content, But if France & Spain from seperate motives of their own, are bent upon war indefinitely with Great Britain, upon the memory of old resentments & jealousies, why shd we be dragged as parties thro such a war, if any opportunity shd occur to us of making terms satisfactory to ourselves, & consistent with our original views & engagements. Fight on & destroy each other if you think that either the laws of god or man can justify you in so doing, in the dregs of your old Gothic world. But leave the new world at peace, to encrease & to multiply, to subdue the Earth & to fertilize it. Withhold not your consent to our entering into a ten years neutrality till your madness has spent itself.— In this argument you see that I conceal nothing. I wd avow it openly. The proposition is fair & equitable from America to the H of Bourbon, & if they shd withhold their consent, or grudgingly oppose such a proposition, if I were an American I shd not mark such conduct with the term of magnanimity. I have not by any means lost my hopes that the proposition just now alluded to of a neutrality for a sufficient length of term, for America, may be consented to at some future time. You may be assured that if I cd bring to effect such a sentiment & proposition, I shd do it not only with the most cordial inclination, but as the first of public duties. Here let matters rest between us for the present, only remembering that if ever I shd at any time herafter make any similar proposition to you, that I never mean to throw out any secret dishonorable suggestion, but what I now avow as being my settled principle of thinking & reasoning upon principles of national justice & honour. My only view for my own Country is this; To lay a foundation for an eventual national reconciliation & good correspondence between Great Britain & North America. Peace and good will between us.—Yrs &c
DH
To Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cradock Taylor, 29 June 1779
From: Taylor, Cradock
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Aix in Provance the 29th. 1779 June
I make no doubt but by this time Mr. Frazer has acquainted Your Excerlency in what Manner I came into the British Navy but for fear he Shod. not I take the liberty to Acquaint you that I was against my Inclination taken out of a Nuteral Vessel & Compeld. to serve his Britanick Majesty. I Now embrace this oppertunity of Returning to my Native Cuntry America an oppertunity I long have wished for I hope your Exerlency will take my case into Consideration as I have no Friends in this place (& what is still worse no Money) but have been Oblig’d to live upon my 12 Sols per. day tho not without Contracting some Small Depts now Sir if your Excerlency will be so kind as to obtain me my liberty to Return to my Native Cuntry (which I make no doubt but you can from the Aliance betweeen France & America) it will ever be esteemed as the greatest favour that could be conferd on your most obedient & greatly Obligd. Humbl. Servt.
Cradock Taylor
[In the margin:] I have taken the liberty to send a copy of part of this letter to the French Minister—

Addressed: aix / a Son Excellence / Monsieur Le Docteur Franklin / ambassadeur des Etat unis de / L’amerique, a la Cour de france, / à Paris.
Notation: Cradock Taylor, Aix in Provance, June 29. 79