Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Robert Morris?], 21 December 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morris, Robert

Dear Sir,
Paris, Dec. 21. 1777
I remember that long before I was ordered here, you once did me the Honour to say, you should not dislike being sent to France with me. Since my being here, I have frequently wish’d that Appointment had taken place. I think I should have pass’d my time more comfortably. We are now five of us in this City, all honest and capable Men (if I may include myself in that Description) and all meaning well for the Public, but our Tempers do not suit, and we are got into Disputes and Contentions that are not to our Credit, and which I have sometimes feared would go to Extremes. You know the natural Disposition of some of us, how jealous, how captious, how suspicious even of real Friends, and how positive, after suspecting a while, that the Suspicions are certain Truths, “Confirmations strong, as Proofs from holy Writ.” You will therefore, I am persuaded, if Complaints of one another should come to your hands, make due Allowance for such Tempers, and suffer no Man to be condemn’d unheard. I do not write thus on my own Account, as I am not apprehensive of your receiving any Complaints of me; for tho’ it is difficult to live in peace with such Characters, how much soever one esteems them for the Virtues and Abilities they otherwise possess, I have however done it tolerably hitherto; but as I am not sure it can last, I wish most sincerely that we were separated; for our being together seems of no Use, and, as we hinted formerly in a joint Letter, is attended with many Inconveniencies. Such Inconveniencies being formerly experienced by other States, is, I suppose, the Reason, that no Power in Europe, for a Century past, has sent more than one Person to one Court. Possibly this desirable Event may soon take place; for if France and Spain acknowledge us as independent States, the other Courts will follow, and receive our Envoys.
I have the Pleasure to assure you, that all Europe is of our side except the King of England and his Placemen and Pensioners, Contractors and Expecters. There is however a furious Ferment in his Parliament about his Measures; and if you could be fortunate enough to treat Howe as you have done Burgoyne, he would be in danger of two old Houses falling on his Head. All s[eems t]o be going here as you could wish it. And I am ever, with sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant


Title: Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, [21 December 1777]
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas

Sunday Evening 6 OC. [December 21, 1777]
Mr. Lee’s Compliments. Mr. Girard appeared much surprizd at the doubt about the frigate, as he had sent the necessary Dispatches to Passi yesterday which made it plain that no alteration had taken place respecting the frigate at Bordeaux.
He thinks Mr. Beaumarchais shoud be desird to bring in his Account, and that we shoud send it to Count V. who will determine who is to pay it. The english Squadron will be taken care of.
Mr. Lee begs to know when Mr. Deane will set out, having yet some Dispatches to make up. No News at Versailles.
The weather is such as to render the coming to you in a Carriage impracticable.

Addressed: To the Honble / Benjamin Franklin / & / Silas Deane Esqrs / Passi
Notations in different hands: Ar. Lee to BF & S.D. / A Lee to BF: & Sil Deane


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 December 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Nephew.
Passy Decr 22: 1777
I received yours of the 15th and am concerned as well as you at the Difference betwen Messrs. Deane and Lee but cannot help it. You need however be under no concern as to your Orders being only from Mr. Deane. As you have always acted uprightly and ably for the public Service, you would be justified if you had had no Orders at all: But as he generaly consulted with me and had my Approbation in the Orders he gave, and I know they were for the best and aim’d at the public Good, I hereby certify you that I approve and join in those you received from him and desire you to proceed in the Execution of the same. I am ever Your affectionate Uncle (signed)
B Franklin
Mr WilliamsCopy of a Letter from Doctor Franklin to Jona Williams

Addressed: A Monsr / Monsr Williams / Negociant / a Nantes
Notations in different hands: Dr. Fr. to Mr. Wills. / Benjn. Franklin to Mr. Williams (22 Decr. 1777)


Title: John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 23 December 1777
From: Jones, John Paul
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Nantes December 23d. 1777.
Your esteemed favor of the 17th. I have recived. I wish to leave the Ranger in such a situation as to expect to find her nearly ready for Sea on my return, as I think it will be for the intrest of the Service that I should then proceed with her alone Unless an Additional force can be very soon procured. Should circumstances Admit, an Additional force may be prepared, in my Absence, without any foundation for suspicion. These sentiments I submit to you with becoming deference to your Superiour Wisdom. I shall have the honor of paying you my personal respects soon after the Appearance of this; therefore shall only add that I am Gentlemen, with Sincerity, Your very Obliged very Obedient most humble Servant
Jno P Jones


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 23 December 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

I.
Honorable Gentlemen.
Nantes Decemr 23. 1777.
Capt. Nicholson is gone to Painbeuf to see his Ship. I inclose a Letter he has written to Mr. Dean, since which I find the expected orders are arrived and we are now to meet no Difficulties.
Your orders relative to M. Montieu’s Cloaths are too late as they are already gone on board. I had not your decision about them before, and I could not delay other operations; besides which I have already observed to you that in many Bales the 3 Sizes are mixed together, the seperating them therefore would necessarily occasion unpacking them, and of course much delay our Business. I think M. Montieu should either take them on his own account, or make you an abatement in the price, according to their quality; the smaller Sort may possibly be pushed off among the smallest of our Troops tho’ I think they should have been larger and were it a Business not yet compleated I think they should be refused. Their being on board, the necessity of our Country and the Delay unloading them now would occasion, are reasons which incline me to let them pass, and I hope will operate with you to acquit me from a Breach of Duty.
I shall make a calculation of what will remain after loading the three Ships, and shall then take up the first good Vessell that offers.
I have just met with 9 americans who are arrived from Dunkirk and 10 arrived yesterday from St. Malo’s, these I shall take on board the Frigate and supply them with necessaries.
I have written to Mr. Lee as you observe to be proper, I should have done it before did I not suppose it was communicated to him through his Partner which I thought the proper Channel for the Business. I have the honour to be most respectfully Your obedient Servant
Jona Williams J

Addressed: To / The Honble The Commissioners / of The United States
Notations in differents hands: Montieu’s Uniforms / Decr. 23d. 1777 J Williams Letter Nantes Montieu’s Coaths bad / Jona. Williams to Honble Commrs: U. S. (Decr: 23 1777.)

II.
Honorable Gentlemen
Nantes Decmr 23: 1777.
The present serves to convey you a Deposition made by Captain Benet who was lately taken within a mile of the point of Croisic which is at the entrance of this River. I thought it my Duty to have this Deposition registered at the admiralty with the proper Forms and transmited to you in hopes that Satisfaction for the Injury may be obtained or at least that our Enemies may be in future kept at a greater distance. I have the honour to be with greatest Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant
Jona Williams J
The Honourable The Commissioners of the United States.

Addressed: The Honble / The Commissioners of / The United States
Notation: Decemr. 23d. 1777 J Williams Letter Nantes


Title: Madame Brillon to William Temple Franklin, [23 December 1777]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, William Temple

Ce mardi soir [December 23, 1777?]
Je suis on ne peut pas plus faché de ce que votre bon papa a du monde le jour de noël qui l’empesche de me faire l’amitié de venir disnér avéc moi; je me faisois la plus grande féste de passér cétte journée avéc lui, j’esperois qu’il seroit libre: il me fera le plus grand plaisir de venir a 6 heures aprés midi jouér aux échécs avéc moi, je lui promést de la musique, du thé, tout ce que j’imaginerai pouvoir lui faire plaisir. Adieu monsieur, faittes je vous prie les plus tendres amitiées de ma part a votre papa, et croyés que je vous aime comme son petit fils. J’ai été ce soir pour vous voir tous deux.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin le fils / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Walpole, 23 December 1777
From: Walpole, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London 23. Decr. 1777.
I thank you for your very kind remembrance of me, and for your valuable present to my Son. He is extremely flatter’d with it and as his desire to preserve an impression of your person shew’d some virtuous disposition in him, I hope he will study and imitate your conduct if he should ever be called to the service of his Country. The Confidence which the legislative and executive Powers have put in the present Ministers, has wrought the most dismal effects, and as I think after such experience no people can long trust their liberty and property in the same hands, we may hope that a speedy alteration may restore peace and harmony to the two distressed Country’s. I have had some conversation very lately with Lord Chatham on this Subject, and I am certain he would consider everything necessary for the security of America and begin the business at the right end as you may Judge by his motion, for a Cessation of arms and recalling the Troops. He and Lord Camden desire their best compliments to you, are heartily sorry with me that it is useless to say anything more at present on this very interesting Subject. I am with the sincerest regard and esteem, Dear Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant
Thomas Walpole

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at / Paris
Notation: Thos Walpole Ld. [London] 23 Decr 77


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 23 December 1777
From: Wright, Patience
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bath th 23d Decmbr 1777
The Barer of this is Mr. George Searle at whos request I gave him this, your address. He is the Person that has advanc’d the Twenty guineas for my Bill on you, of this date, drawn for the Use of Mr. Platt and is otherways our good Friend, and I have once more the honour to Subscribe my Self your honor’s most oblig’d humble Servant
Patience Wright
To the Right Honrable Dr B: Franklin at Passy near Paris.

Addressed: To / Miss Phebe Wright / at the waxwork / Pallmall / London
Endorsed: Mrs Wright 28 Decr: 1777.


Title: The American Commissioners to Bérard frères, 24 December 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Bérard Frères

Beaumarchais’ letter above to the commissioners of December 6, with a copy to Vergennes, brought to a head the dispute about the cargo of the Amphitrite. In the background was the larger question of whether the French government was providing supplies as a gift or expected Hortalez & Cie. to be paid for them. On the 7th Beaumarchais, whom Vergennes had apparently tried to soothe, answered that he knew the men involved better than the Minister did: “j’ai toujours mis une grande difference entre l’honnête député Deane avec qui j’ai traité et l’insidieux politique Lee et le silentieux docteur Franklin.” On the 13th he wrote again to tell Vergennes that the commissioners had not answered him, and that conflicting orders from the government left him at his wits’ end. On the 21st Lee showed Gérard a letter from Beaumarchais, presumably that of the 6th, and was told that the Minister would decide the matter of payment when all the facts were before him. On the 24th, according to Lee, he and Franklin met with Beaumarchais at Passy; other business kept Deane away. The Frenchman based his case on an agreement, which he showed them, made with Deane before the commission was created. Franklin and Lee assured him that until that moment they had known nothing of such an agreement, and would immediately order the cargo delivered to him. This they did in the present letter. He went on to press his claim to be paid for all the supplies sent; he was, he said, on the verge of bankruptcy. They answered that Deane had kept them completely in the dark; they had understood, and had informed Congress, that they were not answerable for payment. An explanation of the whole business was set for the 30th, but on that day Lee’s diary made no mention of the subject. It was not settled even if it was discussed, and remained to make future trouble.

Gentlemen:
Passy, December 24th, 1777.
Mr. De Beaumarchais having satisfied us that he had a prior claim upon the cargo of the Amphitrite, according to an agreement between him and Mr. Deane, we desire you to deliver the cargo or the produce into his hands, or into those of his agents, at his disposition, with any deduction for the advances you may have made on account of the frigates. We are,
B. Franklin,Silas Deane,Arthur Lee.


Title: ——— Boux to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1777
From: Boux, ——
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Messieurs
A Paris le 24 Xbre. 1777.
Vous voudrés bien prendre en récommendation que J’ai quité Le service du roy auquel J’etois attaché pour entrer à celui des Etats de l’amerique septentrionale. Je me suis rendu en conséquance à vos ordres, et relativement au grade de lieutenent de Vaisseau dans la marine de Etats unis En Hollande pour y diriger la construction d’un Vaisseau que vous y faisiés faire; que maintenant je suis à paris par une suite de vos ordres pour me rendre ou votre service m’apellera.
Ma fortune et mon metier ne me permet pas de faire isy un long séjour. Permettez qu’en Conséquance je vous réitere mes prieres, pour déterminer ce que je dois faire, et si vous ne pouvez pas dessider dans ce moment La mission que vous voudriez me donner, Je vous prie de me permettre de partir pour lorient, ou J’ai quelques affaires qui demende ma présence.
La J’attendrai vos ordres et serai toujours disposé à suivre avec zelle le service des Etats. Je suis avec respect Messieurs Votre tres heumble obeissant serviteur
Boux Neveu

Notation: 24 Decr. ’77


Title: John Ross to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1777
From: Ross, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
Nantes 24th. December 1777
Your very respected favour of 18th Inst: I received by Capt: Nicholson. Contents thereof I duly Note.
The Safe arrival of the Hamburgh vessel, you may suppose gave me pleasure, and tho at L’orient when I had advice of it, I embrace’d the first post to give you the earliest Notice, recept of which you acknowledge in this now before me.
I must take the liberty to observe to you, that it woud be no less agreeable to have your Answer in course to my former of 2d. Inst: Your sentiments in particulare being indeed essentially necessary for me in my situation at the time, on the Purport of my letter, not only to satisfye me with your Opinion, but to vindicate me in point of attention to the business under my care, in case of accidents.
Captain Greens ship arrived at Penbeufe last Friday, hope if the weather permit, chiefe part of her Cargo may be on board next week. (I much approve of the Arrangement proposed by you in forming a Convoy of some force, to depart together, and might answer the best purposes had that Secressie been preserved by those to whom it has already been Communicated Proper on the Occasion. It is the public talk of every person here on change, and I dare say will be known in a few days all over France and England.)
Whatever views you may have respecting this plan, it is best you keep it private, untill you are advised that all the vessel’s are intyrely ready, and fit for Sea. Before then, hope the Subject may be forgot. When all you know of, and wish to join, are ready, Commit your order’s to some friend, who may hand them to those under Your Care.
You may depend I have already Solicited the Committee of Congress for remitance’s to pay off the sums mentioned by You, and my own demands beside, which I shall find soon exceedingly inconvenient, unless Supplys appear in a short time, or that I obtain the assistance of some friends, untill property reach me from America. The unhappie Situation of the Country for several months past, Plead a sufficient excuse for the backwardness of remitance’s, and tho I am much in want of money at this very instant, I cannot blame our distant friends, from my real knowledge of every inclination on their Part, were it Practicable to effect it. I have the honour to be with Particulare Esteem and respect Honorable Gentlemen Your very obedient Servant
Jno. Ross


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Ballainvilliers, 24 December 1777
From: Ballainvilliers, Simon-Charles, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Le 24. xbre 1777.
J’ai l’honneur de vous addresser, Monsieur, une lettre pour Monsieur De La fayette mon ami. Si vous voulez bien la lui faire tenir je vous en aurai, Monsieur, la plus grande obligation. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec des sentimens d’estime et de respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur.
Ballainvilliers
Cons. au Parliament

Endorsed: Ballainvilliers 24 xb. 77


Title: Stephen Sayre to the American Commissioners, 25 December 1777
From: Sayre, Stephen
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Copenhagen 25th decr. 1777.
When I left Berlin, I meant to have come to Paris by the way of Hambourg, and from thence to Rouan by sea; but on my arrival at Hambourgh, I saw more propriety in coming here. I have reason to think I shall remain here the Winter, therefore beg it as a great favour, that you will send such Letters, as are now under your care, to the Danish Minister at Paris, who has directions how to convey them with safety to me. If you see any impropriety in this mode, I hope you will send them in some other way; for as I have nothing else to call me to Paris, I hope you will not refuse to do me the justice of forwarding them here.
It is most probable I shall go, by the first spring ship to the Island of St. Croix, and from thence take a passage for some part of America. As far as I have been able to learn the disposition of the Court here, it is extremely favourable to the States of America, but of this I will inform you fully in a short time. I beg the favour of your correspondence; and am very respectfully your most obedient and most humble Servant
Stepn Sayre
Ben: Franklin Silas Deane & Arthur Lee Esqrs


Title: Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, 25 December 1777
From: Thompson, Thomas
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
L’Orient Decemr. 25th. 1777.
Besides the general Letter which I wrote you respecting our Business with Gourlard, Berard & D. Montplesire, I cannot in Justice to Mr. Berard to whose particular management all the Business which concerned the Raleigh was left omit giving this particular Letter. He has transacted every matter to my entire satisfaction like a man of Honour, a Man of Business, and an able Merchant setting aside Dispatch which was not in his Power to Command owing to the Customs of the Port. From his proceeding with us I have no reason but to recommend future Business to his House, Should you have occasion to transact any at L’Orient, which Port I must recommend as a safe Harbour and Easy of Access, and were it to be much frequented by Americans, Business would become more Easy and Expeditious. The Business of the Alfred was left entirely with Mr. Goulard and D. Montplasier of whose management Capt. Hinman can give you the best Account. I am with due Respect. Your most Humble Servant
Thos: Thompson
To The Honb Commissioners

Addressed: To / The Honb. / Doct. Benja. Franklin, Silas Deane / & Arthur Lee Esquires / Commissioners &c. / At / Paris
Notation: L’Orient Decr 25th 1777 Lettr from Capt. T Thompson


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Baudouin, 25 December 1777
From: Baudouin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris ce 25. xbre au soir [1777]
Je recois la lettre que vous me faittes l’honneur de m’ecrire avec celle qui y etoit jointe, je vais la traduire aussitot et je l’enverray demain a Mr. de Sartine par son courier. Dans cette occasion comme Dans toutte autre, vous me trouverés toujours pret a vous convaincre de toutte la veneration et du respect avec lesquels je suis Monsieur votre trés humble et très obeissant serviteur
Baudouin

Notation: Answer of Mr Baudoin Secy. to M. de Sartine To B Franklin Decr 25. 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Estaing, 25 December 1777
From: Estaing, Charles-Henri, comte d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Thursday, at Passy Xbre. 25th 1777
Count d’Estaing presents his dutys to the truly right honourable Benjamin Franklin and desires, if it is possible, the favor of his Excellency’s presence but for Nonday near only: he begs pardon for that trouble, Mr. Franklin will be so good as to guess the reason of it: the other Excellency is very deep upon the Punctilio, and it is probable his Higness of Bragance must be too a Visitor.
Do you can read my brooked English?


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 25 December 1777
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Golden Square Dec 25 1777
I thank you for your very friendly and prudent consideration of my situation in this Country with respect to correspondencies on the subject of the unfortunate differences between the Country and America. Free communications on this subject are by Law interdicted which I think to be one of the greatest misfortunes of the present times. If those who are lovers of peace and of mankind and of friendly dispositions to both Countries were allowed to communicate for accomodation, much blood and misery might be saved. A correspondence set on foot with a view of procuring relief to the unfortunate prisoners on each side and of setting a new example of benevolence in the world, to civilize even the laws of war where the case will admit is not only irreproachable but stands in the highest degree of humanity and merit. Such a proposition recommends itself to a reception with a double share of good will and alacrity not only for the humanity of the immediate object the softening the rigours of Captivity, but likewise for the farther and more enlarged view of consequences by introducing one act of communication between this country and America which shall not be a matter of exasperation. Mutual acts of generosity and benevolence may soften animosities and by disposing the respective parties to a favorable opinion of each other may contribute to bring forward some reasonable plan of accommodation. Upon these views and principles I have made application to Ld. North that the two parties shall mutually send or employ a commissary to take care of the unfortunate prisoners. I did my endeavour to recommend it to Government as a national Act of generosity and liberality to be avowed as such in preference to my private Subscription for their relief, however large or munificent, from a full conviction (whatever may be the fate of War) that Acts of national kindness and generosity alone can make any impression upon the heart of America. I am now expecting with anxiety the event of my application which I will subjoin to this as soon as I receive it. Mr. Thornton’s visit to the prisoners will be very much to your satisfaction. You will have heard of a very large private Subscription for the immediate relief of the prisoners which does much honour to the humanity of individuals. If government will consent to the proposed permanent Establishment in their favour I shall consider it as an auspicious omen.
You know that from the beginning of these unfortunate disputes I have allways kept my eye upon every possible chance of reconciliation and peace. I have wished to have had some specific propositions from America. It has been a great argument against all propositions which have been made in Parliament. How do we know that if we were content to receive such or such propositions upon your recommendation that America would accede to them? What assurances on that head can you give? This objection has weakened the effect of proposals for peace even in the minds of many people, who were well disposed and who would perhaps have Stretched a point if they could have been assured of peace in consequence. The events of War do so affect the claims and pretensions of parties that we lose every fixed point Dum loquimur fugit. We should therefore settle some point of departure. Even in the buying of an horse if all things are afloat a man does not know himself what he would give or what to offer, but if a price is fixed, the difficulty is reduced to the difference between the buyer and the Seller. A Man may say what signifies a little matter. If I stretch a point I shall have the finest horse in the Country. I know his pedigree to be good, and why should I let him go into the hands of a stranger who would neither know his value nor use him well? I can easily suppose that objections may occur to making explicitly the first propositions; so it is in all treaties, but still there may be found reasonable and impartial people to conceive something like the terms that the parties might meet upon in the nature of preliminaries. Perhaps a friend might suggest a proposition to lay a foundation in Good will even previous to preliminaries, viz. that whenever or whatever terms are finally settled it shall be understood that the two Countries shall allways be mutually naturalized, that every person born in either Country shall be considered as a natural born Subject throughout Great Britain and America as before the troubles. If preliminaries could be so far adjusted as once to settle a suspension of hostilities, there still are strong marks left of a secret lurking affection between the parties, which might smoothen the way to a full and final accomodation. If the points of Independence and of the Commercial System could be accorded between the parties as preliminaries in the Gross, I should hope that all minuter points might be easily and amicably adjusted.
It frequently happens between contending parties that meaning the same thing they lose their object from want of understanding each other. Let us try to bring the parties together. Let them have a talk together. There is no risque in the case. If they fail they are but where they were, while they keep aloof and shy. They can have no idea how the first concession on either side would open the heart of the other. If it comes to a parly common friends may easily join their hands.
There was a time when America wished nothing inconsistent with the dignity and Welfare of the state from which they derive their origin. I hope the same dispositions still continue. Some events which have recently happened give a very high Idea of their national character; The present hour is very Important. Perhaps you may have seen in the public papers that we are to expect some propositions to settle the troubles in America. Nothing is yet known with respect to these propositions. But if any idea of the dispositions of the other side could be conveyed in trust, some material good towards the great object of peace might result, if the difference (supposing any) should be thought surmountable. The Ballance must in my Opinion be very great between the Scales if peace thrown in on either side would not make the other kick the beam, more especially if fundamentals can be once settled. The Constancy of your attention to every chance of procuring peace, and of forwarding the Cause of humanity will allways ensure to so respectable a character the truest regard and affection from their friends. This comes from a sincere friend of peace and of peace makers and much yours &c.

Notation: David Hartley to B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Webb, 25 December 1777
From: Webb, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London decr. 25th: 1777.
The Bearer of this is a particular Friend of mine. A Mr. Roegler of Leipsig. A long Acquaintance with him myself, as well as the general Sufferage of More who have that Pleasure, confirm me in the Opinion of his being a particularly worthy Character. As such, I take the Liberty to recommend him to an Honor he was very desirous of; that of being introduced to you in his way through Paris. Mr. Roegler’s reputation as a Scholar in the University of Leipsig is on the most respectable footing. I am Dear Sir Your Most obedient humble Servant
Benj: Webb.

Notation: B. Webb


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lavabre, Doerner & Cie., 26 December 1777
From: Lavabre, Doerner & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris le 26. xbre 1777
Messieurs Lavabre & Doerner ont l’honneur de presenter leurs obeïssances a Monsieur le Docteur francklin et luy envoyent cy inclus une Lettre pour luy qui leur est venuë par le Courier d’amsterdam.
Ils prient en même tems mondit sieur francklin de vouloir bien Remettre au porteur les Lettres de Recomandation qu’il a eu la bonté de promettre au sieur Doerner le Jeune pour le Congrés et pour Ses amis a Charles Town et la virginie et il les obligera tres sensiblement. Le dit sieur Doerner étant deja parti pour Bordeaux et comme le Courier part demain matin ils luy feront passer les dites Lettres; si par contre les dits sieurs Lavabre & Doerner peuvent etre utiles en quelque chose a mon dit sieur francklin il aura la bonté de leur Comander.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur francklin / Passy
Notation: Lavabre, Paris 26 xb. 77


Title: The American Commissioners to William Temple Franklin, 27 December 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Franklin, William Temple

Sir,
Passy, Decembr. 27th. 1777
As an acknowledgement for your services as Secretary to us, we desire you will accept one hundred Louis-dores which Mr. Grand will be so good as to pay you on receipt of this. We are, Sir, Your most Obedient Servants
To William Franklin Esqr.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 December 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen.
Nantes Decemr 27. 1777.
The Credit you have been pleased to establish for me at M. Grands being all employed, I have to request you to give me another Letter of Credit on him. I cannot fix the precise Sum that will be necessary but I imagine about 200,000 Livres will be sufficient for the completion of what Business I have at present in hand. Be that as it may the Funds shall be all regularly accounted for. I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect Honorable Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant
Jona Williams J
The Honble The Commissioners of the United States.

Addressed: The Honble The Commissionners / of The United States.
Notation: Mr Williams Decr. 27. 77.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Banchars & Cie., 27 December 1777: résumé
From: Banchars, Jean, & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Prague, December 27, 1777, in French: We offer you the services of our glassworks. They turn out glass for windows, the table, wine bottles, mirrors and frames, floors, chandeliers, and for ornamenting carved wood and ironwork. We export through Hamburg to the Mediterranean and the north as well as to Spain, and should be glad of your orders together with specifications of what you want. Here is a sample of very good cloth priced at 5.12 l.t. the ell.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, [27 December 1777]
From: Deux-Ponts, Marianne Camasse, comtesse de Forbach
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris samedis 27 [December, 1777]
Accablée d’affaire Monsieur, et obligée d’aller a Versaille, il ne m’a pas ete possible de trouver un instent de libre pour avoir l’honeur et le plaisir de vous aller voir cette semaine. Je me dédomagerez de cette privation. Mais en attendent je vient vous rapellér la promesse que vous m’avéz fait de m’accorder un jour dans la semaine prochaine pour venir diner avec moi et mes enfants. C’est un grand plaisir que vous me feréz, et vous n’en douteriez pas Monsieur, si vous scaviez combien je vous respecte et vous aime. C’est avec ces sentiments que j’ai l’honeur d’etre Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissante servant
M: Douairiere DU S[erenissi]meDuc DE Deuxponts Ctesse. DE FORBACH

Milles amitiez je vous prie Monsieur a Mr votre petit fils. Il sait [s’est] chargéz d’une Comission pour vous, je desir bien que la chose puisse s’arrangér et de voir a votre service quelq’un qui m’appartient.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Millener, 27 December 1777
From: Millener, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
The 27 Decmr 1777
I think it proper to a quant you of my Bad Misfortune. I sailed from Virginea in a sloop Called the adventure to Martineco and on my passage holm was taken by a frigate Called the Boreas Commanded By Charles Thompson. He did not give me time to get aney of My Clothes out of the sloop and was brought to England in plymouth and Was put on board of a guarde ship for about a Month. Then the admiral gave orders to Discharge Me and my Boy. I was put on shoer. I had but Very little Money With Me. I Met With a Gentle Man that gave me 2 guineas to pay My passage to france. I am now in Granwelle and has agread to go to amarica with Mr. Deslandes. He gives me 12 guines and my boys Passage. It is not enuft to suplye Me with Clothes the Marchant Will suplye me with more if I Can get orders from you. Your Humble Servant
William Millener
Sir I do Exspect that we shall sail for aMarica within A bout 10 or 12 Days
  Mr. Franklen / Doctor Franklen

Addressed in another hand: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklan / Chef Du Congrés / a Son hotel / a Paris
Notation: Wm Milliner Prisoner escd.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ebenezer Smith Platt, 27 December 1777
From: Platt, Ebenezer Smith
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir,
Newgate Decemr. 27th: 1777.
I beg leave to make you an humble tender of my most Sinceer, and Unfeigned Thanks, for your great Goodness in taking Notice of, and Releiving me under my present sufferings in the Glorious Cause of American Liberty. And beg the Continuance of your favour towards me in future, that if any Exchange should take place between the English Prisners, and the Americans now Confined in England, that I may be Included therein, so as to be thereby enabled on any future Occasion, to render to my Country all the service in my Power; As the only hope I have now left, of obtaining my Liberty depends intirely upon that, or the Successes of my Country. I remain Sir, with the sinceerest Respect Your most Obliged, and Verry Humble Servant
Ebenezer S. Platt
Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Paris
Endorsed: Eb. Smith Plat


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts], 28 December 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Deux-Ponts, Marianne Camasse, comtesse de Forbach

Madam,
Passy Sunday Decr. 28. 1777
I received your obliging Invitation of dining with you some day this Week. As I find all the Days engaged but Saturday, I cannot sooner have that Pleasure. We will then talk about the Affair of the young Gentleman, who by his Letter appears to be sensible and promising. With sincere Esteem and a good deal of Affection I have the Honour to be, Madam, Your &c.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 28 December 1777
From: Alexander, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Sir
Dijon 28 Decr 1777
I wrote you two letters last Summer in which I mentioned the feu Gregois and the Comte de Rostaing. I wish I had known by a single line That They came Safe to Hand.

This goes by that Gentleman who is a Genl. officer of Artilery, and a Man of great Worth. If You will venture to take a friend of my recommending I recommend Him to you. He was sent out as Commander in Chief of Artilery in the War 1743 to the East Indies, where he shewed a fertility of resource not inferior to Robinson Crusoe, which fix’d his Military Character as an Ingeneer where it now stands. But it is as a friend not as a soldier I introduce Him to you, because I Suppose nothing less than positive orders from His Court would induce him to stir from France.
We hear of great victories you have obtaind in America. I hope you will use them as a Philosopher and not grow Insolent as our Country is apt to do. I have also been gaining victories, but am doubtfull if the Enemies of Either are yet sufficiently humbled to grow reasonable. I hear often of your welfare, and Pray God it may Continue, and that you may live to see Peace and prosperity restord to both Countries.
I intended to have been in Italy this winter, but two more of my litle family who were Intended of the Party and whom I had orderd to be here in Augt. arrived only about 6 weeks ago, so that we shall now winter here, and if we do not setle an Advantageous peace [?] in the Interim shall proceed in April next.
You were so obliging as to offer an Introduction for my Son to the Bishop of St. Asaphs Family, and I will be obliged to you for it. I beg my Compliments to your Son, and believe me with the warmest Affection My Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
W. Alexander
A letter addressed to me at this place will Come Safe.

Endorsed: Alexander 28. Decr. 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Cantini, 28 December 1777: résumé
From: Cantini, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Paris, December 28, 1777, in French: I enclose a letter for you from a merchant of this city, and will forward your reply.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [d’Haudouin], 29 December 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Haudouin, —–, chevalier d’

Sir
Passy, Dec. 29. 1777.
No Orders are received from America to send an Officer to replace M. de Coudray. There is no doubt but his Place is long since filled; and I cannot give the smallest Encouragement to any Person to go over with that Expectation. My Thanks however are due to the Gentleman for his obliging Offer. And I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant.
B Franklin


Title: James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 29 December 1777
From: Moylan, James
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
L’Orient 29th. December 1777
The Ships Raley and Alfred are now at Sea. They parted this afternoon about three o’Clock with a fair wind which appears likely to continue, and will I hope enable them to get well clear of the Land before day light tomorrow. Captain Holmes in his Sloop went under their convoy, and a French Sloop of War saild at the same time, the Commander of which told Captain Thompson, that he had orders to accompany Him a certain Distance and render him every service he cou’d.
I thought it prudent to be silent on the subject of my errand to this place untill the accounts of those Ships were closed. That being now don, I will endeavour to effect it, and have the honor of communicating to you in course my success, being with the utmost respect, Honorable Gentlemen Your most obedient humble Servant
James Moylan

Addressed: The Honorable the Commissioners: / of the United States of America
Notation: 14 Decr. 29th 1777 Jas Moylan Esq Lettr. L’Orient


Title: Ingenhousz to Baron von Pichler, 29 December 1777: Extract
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Pichler, Carl Joseph, Baron von

This letter paraphrases what must have been a long one from Franklin, now missing, that was written shortly after he received the news of Saratoga. The paraphrase makes clear that Austin, the carrier of that news, had brought a great many more details about the campaign, some of them anecdotal, than appear in the dispatches we publish; these Franklin forwarded along with his own view of developments. Ingenhousz had asked for just such material, to be communicated to Maria Theresa. He was at the moment in the Netherlands, furthermore, among fellow countrymen avid for any word from America, and was on his way to England, where he might put inside information to good use.

Dec. 29, 1777
J’ai reçu aujourd’hui en arrivant en cette ville une longue lettre de Mr. Franklin datée Passy le 21 Dec. accompagnée d’un bon nombre des relations de ce qui s’est passé en Amerique, et dont les Gazettes Angloises ont donné des detailles, qui different entierement de ce qui reellement s’est passé entre les deux armées. Mr. Franklin a bien voulu me les communiquer pour me donner une idée exacte des affaires presentes. Quoiqu’il n’ignore pas que, quelque persuadé que je sois de sa droiture, je ne puis envisagér la resistance des Americains au Gouvernement Britannique comme necessaire, il ne s’en fache cependant pas. Il dit, qu’il voit avec autant de douleur que moi la ruine dans laquelle se plonge cette nation qu’il a jadis aimé aussi sincerement que moi. Mais, il ajoutte, que cette même nation en persistant toujours dans cette guerre cruelle et barbare a forcé sa Patrie a la dure necessité de l’humilier, ou de perir avec elle, que dans cette dure alternative il n’est pas etonnant que l’Amerique prefere de voir la ruine de la Grande Bretagne que sa propre destruction. Il pense que la Grande Bretagne humiliée et dechue de sa grandeur altiere en deviendra elle même plus heureuse en devenant plus traitable, moins insolente, moins querelleuse, qu’elle jouira de plus de tranquilité et que le reste de l’Europe s’en trouvera mieux, en participant avec les Anglois les avantages du commerce de l’Amerique et en n’etant plus si souvent entrenée dans les malheurs de la guerre que cette nation entreprenoit souvent sans autre raison reelle que pour humilier ces nations, qu’ils appellent leurs ennemis naturels.
Il croit que ceux qui semblant vouloir insinuer que l’Amerique devenu libre deviendra un peuple trop puissant et redoutable a l’Europe dont elle pourroit envahir les possessions dans les deux indes, sont des politics qu’on pourroit confondre par une seule question. Si l’amerique sans l’angleterre pourra devenir redoutable, que deviendroit l’Angleterre combinée de nouveau avec l’Amerique? Ceux donc qui connoissent l’insolence naturelle a la Nation Britannique penseront que l’interest commun de l’Europe est de tenir ces deux nations separees.
Il me communique entre autre quelques anecdotes, qu’il tient de l’expres envoyé du congres en france pour lui porter ces importantes nouvelles, deja rependues, et qui prouvent, selon lui, la dureté avec laquelle la Gr. Br. continue encore de traiter l’amerique, et la generosité des Americains vis a vis les Anglois. Le general Burgoyne en avancant dans le pays ravagea en general touttes les maisons distribues par les campagnes. Cependant le General gates lui accordoit genereusement des conditions honorables. Mais le Gen. Gates demandoit au Gen. Burgoine comment il pouvoit obtenir de son coeur la resolution de bruler les habitations des campagnes et cela justement a l’approche de l’hiver qui est des plus rudes dans ces pays sur quoi il repondoit qu’il l’avoit fait par ordre du Roy. General Burgoyne avoit brulé entre autres la maison de campagne du General Schuyler et tous les moulins qui y appartenoient, a Saratoga. Lorsque, etant prisonnier de guerre, il arriva a Albany, ou le general Schuyler reside communement en hiver, il fut reçu poliment par ce general, qui lui fournissoit outre cela de touttes choses necessaires et agreables dans son voyage pour Boston. Etant a table avec le Gen. Schuyler, il se montroit un peu honteux du tort qu’il lui avoit fait en detruisant sa maison. Schuyler lui prioit de ne pas se mettre en peine au sujet de la perte de sa maison, car, dit-il, je me compte heureux de trouver l’occasion de pouvoir vous montrer des politesses ici dans une meilleure. Quelques uns du petit peuple de la milice sollicitoient le general schuyler de delivrer le general Burgoine dans leurs mains pendant le tems d’une heure. Surpris de cette proposition il leur demandoit ce qu’ils en voudroient faire, sur quoi ils repliquoient, qu’il n’avoient aucune intention de lui fair du mal; mais que, comme il etoit entré dans leur pays en menaçant les habitants de les reduire par touttes sortes d’executions, ils vouloient le dishabiller, le goudronner, le rouler dans des plumes, le mettre dans cette condition sur un tonneau et le forcer de réciter lui-même la proclamation qui contenoient ces menaces. Le general les reprimandoient severement en leur donnant pour lesson, qu’on ne doit jamais fair la moindre insulte a un prisonnier de guerre.
Mr. Franklin ajoutte que l’Amerique n’a jamais ete si bien pourvue de toutte sorte des munitions qu’a present, et que par consequent mylord Stormond a ete très mal informé, en assurant positivement comme il faisoit il y a deux mois que par defaut de munitions l’amerique se Trouvera certainement en necessité de mettre bas les armes. Nous sommes, ajouté il, toujours prets de faciliter la paix sous des termes honorables, quoique pour le present nous ne soyons pas encore disposer de la demander a ce gouvernement hautain et mechant.
Il ajoute encore que de 398 Hessois et Brunswicois fait prisonniers de guerre par la milice de Bennington, 370 ont supplié le gouvernement de la Nouvelle Angleterre de ne pas les echanger mais de les permettre de rester dans le pays. On leur a accordé leur demande. On croit que le 2000 qui sont fait prisonniers a Saratoga suivront leur exemple ou deserteront.
Tout ceci me semble indiquer assez clairment que la Gr. Bretagne, qui a entrepris cette guerre sur des notions erronées des affaires de l’amerique et sur la maniere de penser des Americains, continue encore a être egalement aveugle au sujet de la façon de penser des Americains actuellement. On espere en vain de contraindre ce peuple trop irrité à l’obeissance ou de les persuader par la douceur a accepter de nouveau un joug qu’ils ont secoué avec tant d’opiniatreté.
Mr. Franklin commence a paroitre plus en publique, et je ne serois pas etonné que ses raisonnements, dont la solidité est communement si forte qu’on ne sauroit s’empecher de s’y rendre, n’entrainassent la France a la fin a prevenir la gr. Bretagne en declarant l’Amerique un peuple independant. Mais quoique je sois assuré qu’il n’a pas manqué d’y travailler, il ne m’a pas avoué qu’un traité est en agitation, mais il ne me l’a pas nié non plus. Les raisons que la France a pour s’allier avec l’Amerique sont trop fortes pour pouvoir y resister longtems.
Les pieces que Mr. Franklin m’a envoyé pour me mettre mieux au fait de ce qui se passe en amerique qu’on ne sauroit l’être en lisant les relations des Anglois seront jointes ici, copiées par les secretaires du Pr. de Starhemberg, sous les N. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 et 8. Elles contiennent quelques faits rectifiés de derniers evenemens.
En passant en Angleterre, ma correspondance avec Franklin sera interrompue, car son nom commencé à être trop odieux à tous ceux qui l’envisagent comme le chef de cette fatale insurrection pour paroître avec tranquilité avoir quelque liaison avec lui.


Title: The American Commissioners to Comic, Veuve Mathurin & fils, 30 December 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Cornic, Veuve Mathurin, & fils

Gentlemen
Paris Decemr 30 1777
We have to thank you for the Account you gave us of Capt. Johnson’s Escape and should have acknowledged the same sooner but were in hopes it would have been confirmed by his Arrival, but unhappily your Intelligence was premature and he unhappily remains still a prisoner. In Behalf of Doctr. Franklin and Self I am with much respect Your most Obedient and very humble Servant.
Vve Mon Cornic & Mn Fils


Title: The American Commissioners to Rocquette, Elsevier and Rocquette, 30 December 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Rocquette, Jacques, Elsevier, T. A., & Rocquette, Pieter Th.

Gentlemen
Paris Decemr 30: 1777
Your Favors of the 1st and 4th Inst. are before us and woud sooner have been replied to, but we were in hopes to have recd. the Samples of Indigo referr’d to in yours of the 1st. They are not arrived. We are not however the less sensible of your Kindness and for the Intelligence given us of the Qualities of Indigo, and at the same time of the price of several Articles of the produce of our Country. Any Service towards increasing the Commerce of America with your Port, you may depend we shall be ever ready to give whenever in our Power. I have the Honor to remain in Behalf of Dr. Franklin and myself Gentlemen Your most Obedient and very humble Servants
Monsr. J Rocquette A Elsivier & Co Rotterdam


Title: William Carmichael to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777
From: Carmichael, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Nantes Decembr. 30th 1777
I arrivd at this place last night in forty four hours from Paris. The Vessels which it was intended I should stop saild eight days ago, and it is most probable that the court knew of that circumstance because it is confidently asserted a french Frigate convoyd them as far as Ushant.
Mr. Williams immediately took the proper steps to profit by your advices had they been in time and will inform you of his success. No orders have been receivd here respecting the Ship which Captain Nicholson is to command. Indeed was this Ship or any other ready to sail, it would be highly imprudent, as it is well known here that 4 English frigates with several vessels of smaller force wait to intercept them as they did the Hancock and Adams which left this about ten days ago.
I shall be happy to receive the promisd dispatches and to be able to quit soon this place for America in the manner proposd. I have the Honor to be with much respect Gentlemen Your most Humble Servant
Wm. Carmichael

Addressed: The Honorable / Benjamin Franklin Silas Deane / & Arthur Lee Esqrs. / Commissioners for the United States / of North America / Paris
Notation: Wm: Carmichael Esqr Lettr Nantes 30th Decr. 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Le Franq, 30 December 1777: résumé
From: Le Francq, François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Montreuil-sur-Mer, December 30, 1777, in French: It would be glorious for me if my son, Antoine-Maximilien-César, should distinguish himself in the American service. The young man of twenty-one left Martinique last February for New England as second in command of an American ship, and wrote me from Baltimore in May that he had accepted a second lieutenancy in a galley with a French captain; but he did not tell me the name of the ship or the man. I have heard nothing since, and the long silence worries me; I should suffer less from knowing that he had done his duty and lost his life than I do from this uncertainty. I ask your protection for him, and a recommendation to Congress. He is honorable, a well trained seaman, and eager to make a name for himself. May all things combine to bring you the due reward for your rare and sublime virtues!>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Conway, 31 December 1777
From: Conway, Françoise-Antoinette-Jeanne Langlois du Bouchet, comtesse de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear americain father
To auxerre 31 Xbre. [1777]
I am happy to have room to Congratulate you on Late Success of our arms in america and feel a double satisfaction to find by the papers publick that my husbend has been fortunate Enough to exceeded his zeal et bravery on Some occasions. If it true that mr. alien hath one letter for me, of my husband, I not had she, and I desire with all my heart receiving.
Receive dear father my Complims on the new year et my most Sincere wishes for a happy Conclusion of yours affairs in america in which I consider the happiness of my Self. Reiceive also, all my wishes particular. I wish you, good Sanité [Santé] and all your desire. I am dear father with the Sentiment of a daughter your Servante.
B. Conway

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le docteur / francklin / A passi prés / paris / A passi
Endorsed: Made Conway


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, 31 December 1777
From: Deux-Ponts, Marianne Camasse, comtesse de Forbach
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris Le 31 Xbre 1777
Mad. de forbach s’empresse de faire un Milion de remerciement a Monsieur francklin de l’exelant livre qu’il a bien voullu lui envoyér, et de l’honeur et le plaisir qu’il veut bien lui faire, de venir diner samedis prochain chez elle. Elle espere qu’il voudra bien lui amennér Monsieur son petit fils. Elle serois tres aise que Messieur dean et Lee voullusent lui faire le meme honeur. Elle embrasse de tout son coeur son cher et respectable docteur franckin et fait les voeux les plus vifs pour son bonheur et la prosperites de ses braves compatriotte et ce seront les voeux de toute sa vie.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur francklin / A passis / Chez Mr de Chaumont


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac-Jean-Georges-Jonas Grand, [December? 1777]
From: Grand, Isaac-Jean-Georges-Jonas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Friday Morning [December, 1777?]
George Grand’s most respectfull Compliments to Dr. Franklin and many thanks for the Book he was so good as to send him. The dinner appointed at the Chancellor Abbé de Breteuil is for Monday next at two o Clock precisely and at his own house rue st. honoré près de l’assomption. Mr. Grand desires the Dr. not to forget the paper he has left him yesterday and to Settle with his Collegues, Mr. Boux’ affair.

Addressed: To / the Honble. Dr Franklin / Passy
Notation: Sr G Grand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés Arnoux and de Chalut, [late 1777?]
From: Arnoux, abbé ——,Chalut, abbé ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This is the first extant communication, if we are correct in our guess at its date, from an inseparable pair of abbés. They were “elderly but spritely enthusiasts for the American cause,” in Lyman Butterfield’s words, and the following spring they tried to serve it by teaching John Adams French. Arnoux was fifty or sixty (guesses differed) and Chalut, the brother of the farmer general, Chalut de Vérin, was about seventy-five. They lived near Franklin in Passy, and also had the run of the farmer general’s house on the Place Vendôme. Franklin may have met them through Chalut de Vérin or through mutual friends in Passy; in any case the relationship continued for years.

[Late 1777?]
M. d’Armand officier françois au service des Etats unis a passé en amerique sur le vaisseau commandé par Anderson. Ce vaisseau après une resistance opiniatre contre des forces superieures, dans la crainte de tomber sous le pouvoir des Anglois se fit sauter. M. d’Armand et quelques personnes qui avoient été envoyées a terre dans une chaloupe furent les seuls sauvés de l’Equipage.
M. d’Armand et ceux qui étoient avec lui dans la chaloupe, arriverent à philadelphie, le Congrès leur donna de l’emploi. La mere et l’oncle de M. d’Armand en demandent des nouvelles.
Les abbés de chalut et arnoux prient Monsieur franklin de demander dans les premieres depeches qu’il enverra en amerique, des nouvelles de M. d’Armand. Ils prennent le plus grand interest au sort de cet officier.


Title: Editorial Note on Undated Letters Assigned to 1777
From:
To:

The undated and, at least as yet, undatable material from the French years is massive. Taking notice of it all together at this point would be in keeping with our general policy of assigning each document to its earliest plausible date. Doing so, however, would not only produce a headnote of stupendous length and dullness but also, more important, would foreclose the possibility that clues will later turn up for at least conjectural dating. We have therefore decided on a compromise; we résumé at the end of each year material that seems to us, from internal evidence, more likely to belong to that year than to any other; occasionally we offer a group of letters that, taken as a whole, is of special historical interest; finally at the end of the French mission we shall print or otherwise notice individual documents which we cannot date or group.
Many letters likely to have been written in 1777, such as those from commission-seekers, we have incorporated elsewhere in our annotation of this and the two previous volumes. The few that remain, a miscellaneous lot with little significance, are summarized here.
The first in alphabetical order is from Barbeu-Dubourg, who wants to call between nine and ten that morning or, if Franklin is coming to Paris earlier, to know where he can meet him. Marcoul Brisson offers to provide flints, the finest in France and perhaps in the world, from the flint works at Meûnes; he has estates there and lives in the neighborhood, an advantage possessed by no others in the trade, and the stones can be carried by water to Nantes. He has brought samples with him to Paris and will gladly discuss prices; dealing with him will avoid the middlemen. Silas Deane writes at six A.M. on a Saturday asking to see Franklin that morning in Paris, and again on a Monday asking for a place in his carriage to Versailles. Ferdinand Grand writes twice, once on a Wednesday evening, to ask for the loan of Franklin’s carriage, again to go to Versailles. On a Monday the banker sends an extract of accounts, to be signed if satisfactory. A one-sentence note encloses the draft of a memorandum he has prepared in the light of conversations at court the day before. Another single sentence, not in Grand’s hand but from his family, is a dinner invitation for Sunday. The baronne d’Holtzendorff asks Franklin to forward a letter that she encloses. Mrs. Lee (presumably Hannah, William’s wife) asks for the address of the chandler who made Franklin’s candles. The comte de Lismore, of the O’Brien family, a French colonel who has wasted his time and lost his fortune in the Bavarian service, wants an unspecified “concession” in one of the American states; the comte de Maillebois supports him. Nicholas, or perhaps Michael, McCormick addresses Franklin as “President of Congress” and announces himself as a poor Franciscan friar; he is going home to Ireland and needs money. A Captain Pock, an American, writes or has written for him a request in French to the commissioners to have his ship, the Benjamin, armed and commissioned as a privateer, to operate apparently in the Mediterranean; he promises to furnish bond for whatever conditions they may set. A memorandum in an unidentifiable hand offers 10,000 infantry fusils, model 1763, to be delivered at Nantes at 24 l.t. apiece, half immediately and half in three to four months, and also 6,000 uniforms at 40 l.t. apiece, in good condition and any desired color; a third of the payment will be on receipt and the rest in six to nine months. The last document is an unsigned memorandum from some one about the descendants of Claude Franquelin, a merchant who settled around 1710 in Voyennes, near Ham in Picardy. Franklin is said to have inquired about them from a local man of the same name, but no relation, who kept the inquiry to himself; further genealogical information can be had from the curé at Voyennes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Bansais, [1777?]
From: Bansais, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Begging is the common theme of a number of undated letters like this one. The writers run the gamut of occupation and social status, from unemployed sailors to gentlefolk; most want a donation, but a few offer to sell some remaining treasure. None of these appeals seems to have received a response; those that elicited anything, even a few livres, we handle separately. None has any clue to its date, except perhaps the day and month, so that all we know is that they belong to the years of the French mission; a few cases where internal evidence narrows the period we also handle separately. The rest we summarize here in alphabetical order.
The widow Bastide, in Passy, throws herself on Franklin’s mercy. She is in a strange city, without relatives or friends or even clothes to wear when looking for work; she is starving and in despair. Her landlady has taken her in out of charity, but is too poor to help her; for the second day she is living on a half-pound of bread. She would have killed herself had she not heard that her woes might touch Franklin’s heart. The chevalier de Burecourt, at eighty-five, has lost the use of his legs and is bedridden for the rest of his life. All that he has is gone; he lacks even the bare necessities. Helping him would be meritorious in God’s eyes. The bearer is faithful and to be relied upon.
Pierre Croize sends his wife to explain “ma position actuel pour servise randu,” whatever that may mean, and to ask for help. Mme. or Mlle. Deville, on the advice of some one who knows Franklin, prostrates herself at his feet and appeals to his humanity. Hear the prayers of a woman in tears, whom he may have seen when she still enjoyed an enviable position; do not dismiss her with the contempt shown here for impostors, who crowd the doors of the rich in search of a charity they do not need. Keep her alive by buying, for four louis, a ring set with what looks like an old man’s head, a freak of nature; it was among her curios in a happier time, and selling it will raise her from the bed in which she has suffered for the past six months. Lawsuits and other misfortunes account for her present distress.
The wife of Ignace-Adolphe Dumay, an Englishwoman née Esther Brickland, has two children and no money; she wants to join her husband in Metz, and asks for money enough to buy food on the way. F. Feval Dunousquet, a poor gentleman weighed down with unmerited misfortunes, appeals for two infants in the cradle who are without bread; his wife has abandoned him, and he has nothing. John Fox petitions in English for help: during this war he has suffered for the rights and freedom of America, where he has a poor wife and family; he is in great distress. Jean-David Gonther, from the canton of Bern, has had a long illness and needs money to get home. Marie Noëlporion, a poor weeping widow with children, has been utterly ruined and does not know how to tell him the woes that have broken her maternal heart. Look on her with compassion.
Mme. Perroy has lost a fortune at sea, has sold everything for bread, and is now with three children destitute. She is a stranger from Martinique, without relatives, friends or succor, dying from hunger and cold. Save the lives of three innocents, who stretch out their hands in their misery! On September 9 Mme. de Robert explains that she was born in Paris to M. de Launai, physician in ordinary to the King, and is the estranged wife of M. Robert, an engineer in Port-au-Prince (she puts “américaine” after her name). He ordered her back to France, where grief has brought her to her deathbed. A small pension goes unpaid, and she is destitute. Her conduct, her strength in bearing the disgraces heaped upon her, warrant Franklin’s help, which she will be sure to publicize. The widow de Rouen, incapacitated for the past month by a fall, also has three children on her hands and lacks both bread and fuel; help her.
Salvioni or Salviony is the one incomprehensible beggar. He sends two appeals, undated but a year apart. The language is ostensibly Latin, interspersed with some Italian; and the phrasing and syntax are strange enough to suggest that he is slightly insane. All we can understand of what he says is that he would like a donation. On April 13 a Mlle. Williams writes to offer, for two louis, a portefeuille of her making. The offer is painful, but Franklin’s acceptance would make her happy. She is an American by birth, unfortunate beyond belief and not made to be so. Please send his answer by post, well wrapped. A second note, with no date, complains that he has not returned her work and must expect her to send for it; this, she implies, is an imposition.

Monsieur,
[1777?]
A qui doit s’addresser, et de qui doit attendre des secours, l’ame sensible et délicatte, quand la force du bésoin la presse, quand son embarras est extrême? A la Vertu douce et bienfaisante, au coeur heureusement né, à vous même, Monsieur. Permettés moi d’après vos facultées, de me flatter du succés d’une demande dont l’effet me devient si preçieux, qu’un refus mettroit le comble à mon malheur; sans doute la cruauté de ma position présente vous touche, fixe votre attention; trouvés donc bon, qu’en qualité d’homme, je reclame ici le coeur d’un Illustre Philosophe, dont le Génie honore l’humanité, éclaire les nations. Venés à mon secours, je vous en conjure, aidés un être infortuné, dont la Naissance, les moeurs, et quelques talens méritent des egards; suivés, Monsieur, je vous supplie, votre penchant, obligés l’infortune. Après que mon besoin vous est connu, que ne dois-je pas attendre de la délicatesse de vos sentimens? Helas! Tout. Voila mon espoir, ma consolation, et la fin de mes peines; vous êtes juste, vous êtes compatissant, mes meaux vont finir, je marcherai même vers le bonheur.
Agrées, je vous supplie mes voeux sincères pour une santé aussi precieuse à l’humanité, que chere à la Gloire triomphante de la Patrie. Plein d’admiration, pénétré d’une eternelle reconnoissance, Je suis avec Respect, Monsieur, Vôtre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
De Bansais

Endorsed: Bansais, no date.


Title: Editorial Note on Four Undated Letters from Madame Brillon, [1777?]
From:
To:

We summarize these brief notes here, on the highly questionable assumption that they were written late in 1777. Their tone suggests an early phase of the relationship, but they reveal almost nothing else about it. One, with no date, is an invitation to tea with her and her family. Another, dated eight o’clock Thursday, explains that she cannot come to see him because her younger daughter is slightly ill; neither can she come tomorrow, but on Saturday will set a date for early next week, and meanwhile assures him “de ma tendrésse et de mes regrets.” The third, Saturday morning, asks him to pick her up for dinner with Mme. Dutartre and return her to Passy (if he takes the large carriage, her daughters and Temple will get on famously in back) because her husband needs their horses today; Temple adds a note that he has agreed, and promised to be at her house at one-thirty. The fourth, Wednesday morning, is a request to Temple to remind “son papa” of promising to come for tea and a game of chess that evening, which she awaits “avec l’impatience de l’amitié.” All four are in the third person and refer to Franklin as “papa”, a style of address that first appeared, as far as we know, in her letter above of Nov. 30.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Croÿ, [1777]
From: Croÿ, Anne-Emmanuel-Ferdinand-François, duc de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This undated note, lost in our files under the wrong year, has just come to light. We should otherwise have published it in Volume XXIII under the conjectural date of January 23, 1777, where we believe it belongs. The Duke was curious about Franklin, who he had heard was difficult to see, and took the direct approach of calling at his hotel and announcing himself, we assume, with this request for an interview. He was immediately received. Franklin impressed him by his bearing and his flowing white hair; “un peu la tournure de quaker.” They avoided politics, and talked of electricity and the climate of Philadelphia; the Delaware, more than twice as wide as the Seine, could freeze over in a single night. The American spoke with animation and in fairly good French. Croÿ called again in February when they did talk politics; thereafter the two continued to meet from time to time.

[1777]
Le Duc de Croÿ amateur des sciences, est venu pour avoir l’honneur de voire Monsieur de franquelin et voudroit bien qu’il lui donna un quart d’heure de conversation, pour un ouvrage dont il est occupé. Rue du Regard f[aubourg] St g[ermain].

Endorsed: Rue de Regard Fauxb. St. G.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [c. 1 January? 1778]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[c. January 1, 1778?]
Mde. Brillon est bien sensible a l’attention de son bon papa et de mr. son fils; elle a été obligée de gardér le lit depuis deux jours pour un Rhume des plus considerable, elle est un peu mieux aujourd’hui; elle embrasse le bon papa et son petit fils de tout son coeur elle leur souhaitte la meilleure année possible.

Addressed: A Fran-Monsieur klin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Chase, 1 January 1778
From: Chase, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Gentelmen
Paris January the 1st 1778
These are to Request you to give your asistance To Benjamin Clark William Folger John Locke Frances Macy John Headon Thorndrick Chase Reuben Chase John and Numbers of others Americans Now Prisoners in Different Prisons in France Dinant Mayenne in Britange &c. which I Think are as good Subjects as any America has as I know thay given Numbers of donations to asist the Americans in England Such as has got out of fourtune Prison and Else whare and done all that is in there power to get them To France. And I am Very Certain that they would be Very glad to go in the American Service as I know the greatest part of them has been obliged to go in the English Service being first Taken by and ceeped [kept] On Bord of Man of War and gard Ships for a number of months Some longer Some Shorter. If you will be so kind as to get them Clear of Prison you Much Oblige your Humble Servant
Joseph Chase
Honerable Comissioners of the United States of North America

Notations in different hands: M. Chases Request concerg. Americans / Mr Chases Request concerning Americans


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Goudar, 1 January 1778: résumé
From: Goudar, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Aubenas, January 1, 1778, in French: A select company in the Vivarais has instructed me to express its admiration for the virtues of the incomparable Washington, which combine so well with your own talents. If anything made in Languedoc is of use to you or your countrymen, we will carry out your orders without charge. Please send me a print of the great General; such a present coming from you will be infinitely precious.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Claude Julien, 1 January 1778
From: Julien, Claude
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Paris le 1er. Janvier 1778.
Je m’estimeray bien heureux si vous récévés avec bonté l’hommage de mon respect, et de mes voeux á ce renouvellement d’année, et si pendant son cours, j’ay le bonheur de mériter l’honneur de vôtre protection, et de vôtre confiance. J’ay celluy d’etre avec un trés respectueux attachement Monsieur Vôtre trés humble et trés obéïssant serviteur
Claude Julien
Banquier Ruë des vieilles Thuilleries.

Notation: Claude Julien 1. Janr. 1780. [sic] Claude Julien


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pétronille Le Roy, 1 January 1778
From: Le Roy, Pétronille
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A paris ce 1 de l’an 1778
Je m’etoit flaté mon respectable papa que j’aurois eue l’avantage de voire chez moy d’apres ce que vous m’avez promis. Voyla un mois que je suis a paris sans avoire jouit du plaisire de vous y recevoire. Je vous avoue que cela me fait baucoup de painne par le sinsaire atachement que je vous ai vué. Je m’etois flaté que vous aviez de l’amitier pour moy par celle que j’ay pour vous. Je sai que vous avez baucoup d’affaire mais je sai que vous venez souvent a la capital. Un petite marque de votre souvenire auroit flaté mon coeur. Je contais vous enbracé mercredy mais je ne l’ai pue ayant eue baucoup affaires chez moy. A passi mon mari etoit presse et je n’ai pue vous voire une minute ce qui m’a fait du chagrin parce que je voulois vous dire de vive voix tout ce que mon coeur vous souhaite d’heureux dans cette nouvelle année une longue vie une santé parfaite enfin tout ce que vous pouvez desire. Sur tout chose menagé votre belle santé. Ne mange pas trop, vous savez combien cette belle santé nous interesse par notre atachement pour vous et combien elle est presieuse a une nation qui tindera toute sa gloire et son bonheur de vous. Aux [O] respectable papa songe que se sont tous vos enfans et que vous avez des amis dans notre nation qui sente tout le pris de vos vertus et de votre merite et que votre petite femme de poche les sai mieux appressier que personne et que toute sa vie elle se fera gloire d’avoire un papa aussi digne d’aitre aimé que vous. Mon cher papa mr. le conte de milly me charge de vous engagé a diné chez luy et de vous demandé votre jour. Il m’a dit que comme j’etoit une bonne parante qu’il esperoit obtenire par moy cette faveur de votre part, que je feroit les honneur de son dine ce que j’ay accepté dans l’espoire que vous accepterez la proposition par son interprette, ce que luy fera le plaisire le plus sensible. Il fera le conte que mr. votre fils voudra bien aitre de la parti; bonsoire mon cher papa reponse s’il vous plait et quel soit satisfaisante je luy en feray part sur le champ.
Si je n’ai pas l’avantage de vous voire d’icy aux jour que vous luy donneray voyla sa demeur mr. le conte de mily rue dauphine chez mr. joubert libraire. Mon mari me charge de vous dire mil chose de sa part incy que mon frere que j’ay depuis quatre jour et la petite famme de poche vous enbrace de tout son coeur.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / franklin chez Mr Le / Ray de Chaumont / A passy
Endorsed: Me. Le Roy


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 2 January 1778
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Lahaie 2e. Janvr. 1778
Rendu compte des mêmes rapports de la Lettre précédente. Prié encore qu’ils m’écrivent des choses obligeantes pour Mr. Van Berckel. Instruction pour conserver le beurre. Demandé des nouvelles de Mr. Symeon Deane.
Paris à l’hon. Comm. Pl. des Et. U. de l’A. s.


Title: James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 2 January 1778
From: Moylan, James
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
L’Orient 2d: Janua 1778
I had the honor of advising you the 29th. ultimo of the departure of the Raleigh and Alfred Frigates.
I am now to inform you, that in consequence of your power to me dated December last, I apply’d to Mr. Gourlade of this place on the subject of it; as much from a desire of complying with your and Mr. Chaumont’s intention, as judging him worthy of that preference. This gentlemans occupation being entirely in the East India commerce, he proposed to assotiate Mr. Montplaiser (a particular friend of his) with me, and to assist us with his advice, but as his India bussiness is sufficient to employ his Capital to much greater advantage, he coud not make any advance that the public Bussiness may occasionally require without having a proper reimbursement pointed out to us with a surity, (such as Mr. Chaumont) for the regular discharge of our bills for such advance, that in case of private consignments from America, he wou’d advance the value of them if it shou’d be necessary to dispatch the returns, before the sale of said consignments here.
I must beg leave to repeat, that as this gentleman has been candid in the explination of his intentions, so he merited by his general good Character and connections, to have been the first apply’d to on the subject of your letter to me; but as I do not conceive his proposals equal to the intention of it, I request you to inform me, whether I am to accept of them, or procure a different connection here that will enable me to comply therewith.
Your letter, address’d to the Captains of Ships that may arrive here from America on the public service, desiring them to be directed by me for the conveyance of Dispatches and transacting their Bussiness, will be necessary, and facilitate your receiving such Dispatches without loss of time. Your compliance and answer, will oblige him who has the honor to be with utmost respect, Honorable Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servant
James Moylan
To The Honorable The Commissioners of the United States of America.

Addressed: The Honorable The Commissioners / of the United States of America
Notations in different hands: Letter from Mr Moylan 2d Jany 1778 / Opened by Mr. A. Lee


Title: The American Commissioners to Boux, 3 January 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Boux, ——

Sir
Paris 3d. Jany. 1778
We have wrote Capt. Nicholson who will procure you a Passage to America and we hope it may be such a one as will be agreable. Inclosed you have a Letter for the Hon’ble the Marine Board which you will send to them and attend their future Orders. Capt. Nicholson will give you notice where to meet him, or the Ship in which you can have a passage. We are wishing you much Success Sir. Yours &c.
Lt. Boux


Title: John Ross to the American Commissioners, 3 January 1778
From: Ross, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honourable Gentlemen
Nantes 3d January 1778
I had the honour to address you on the 24th Ultimo. Since without the pleasure of any of your favours. The Scarsity of many necessarys in America, and the practibility of adopting plans less inconvenient and expensive to the Country then have been pursued for some time past to the manifest prejudice of the United States in numberless respects, I shoud be glad to know if you Honble: Gentlemen are at liberty to afford encouragement and protection to private adventurers, disposed to risque their own property from England, coud they but obtain your passports to give them a Safe Admittance to the ports of the American Independant States, and protection against the Cruisers in case of need.
The apparent Scarsity calls for your attention to any thing which may tend towards a speedy relief, and as Independent free States, it is in my Opinion policy to encourage and invite Adventurers of all Countrys to Trade, no matter whether from Friends or foes, if our wants can but be Supplyed in our present Situation. Forreigners of different Countrys tradeing our way impose the English manufactorys on the Country, in open Voilation of the resolves against the merchandize of England. As we therefore find manufacturies employed in consequence of the considerable demand for English goods shipped off at different ports in Europe, with the deception of Forreign stamps and Leads, It is infinitly more consistent, and of greater Advantage to the States, to encourage Adventurers inclined to proceed direct from England with this merchandize which Forreigners Supply very Scantly, and at exorbitant advanced prices. I shall be exceedingly glad you consider of the propriety of Some encouragement in this way, and give me your Sentiments to be communicated to my Friends in England &ca. I have the honour to be with particular respect Honourable Gentlemen Your very obedient Servant
John Ross

Addressed: To / The Honble: / Benjamin Franklin, Siles Deane / and Arthur Lee Esqrs / Commissioners of the United Independant States of America, at / Paris
Notation: Jany. 3d. 1778. Lettr. from Mr Jno Ross Nantes


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 3 January 1778
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 3e. jr. 1778
  Monsieur franklin est prié de se trouver lundi a midi chez M. Jeuneux a l’hotel de Chavigny rue d’Enfer dans la Cité, pour y voir de nouvelles machines et de nouvelles experiences, outre un cabinet tres curieux. Il y sera attendu par son tres humble serviteur qui n’a point eté lui faire de compliment de nouvelle année; mais qui n’en fait pas moins en touts tems pour sa santé, sa prosperité et celle de sa patrie les voeux les plus ardents et les plus sinceres.
Dubourg
De là nous irons diner ensemble chez M. Brisson a qui M. f. l’a promis.

Addressed: To / Dr. franklin / Passy by favour of M. hutton


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, 3 January 1778
From: Hutton, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This is, as far as we know, the first communication since 1772 between Franklin and the Moravian leader. Hutton, when he first learned of his old friend’s arrival in Paris, resolved to have nothing to do with him until the troubles were over, but reconsidered after the news of Saratoga reached London on December 2. The next day he wrote some one, clearly high in the British government, to ask leave to visit Franklin. His excuse would be to request help, as this letter does, for the American Moravians against persecution as conscientious objectors; his real motive would be to explore the possibility of a negotiated peace. Whitehall gave him leave. Before his departure, he said, the King talked with him for an hour and showed himself well disposed to any terms short of independence. Hutton arrived at Ferdinand Grand’s house in Passy on December 31, and that evening had his first interview with Franklin.
Other meetings followed, and Chaumont kept Vergennes informed of them. By the 5th they seemed to be fruitless; Franklin told his friend that the Americans, left with the alternatives of perishing under British rule or fighting it, had chosen to fight. But two days later, Chaumont reported that the negotiations had revived; “je vois bien de l’Empressement à Ecouter les propositions et j’ai peur.” Vergennes quoted this remark to his ambassador to Spain, and complained that the commissioners had withdrawn their confidence; they had told him nothing about Hutton’s arrival or their conferences with him.
French worries were groundless. A little more than a fortnight later the emissary was back in London with nothing of substance to show for his mission. He did, however, have an odd story to tell. On the 21st he had been at the house of an unnamed American commissioner, who had showed him a paper that he was not allowed to keep. Its purport was that he should obtain from the King within ten days a formal agreement to independence; when the commissioner was armed with that document he would go to Congress, and try to work out an Anglo-American alliance. He urged Hutton to return immediately—“have wings” was the phrase—and the Moravian left the next morning.

Dear old Friend
Passy Jan. 3. 1778
According to accounts I rec’d. from New York I heard that Bethlehem had been at one time attack’d by some violent people not commissioned thereto by any of the Powers in Being, in order to destroy every thing. This mischief was prevented by those worthy convalescent Soldiers who had been in the Military Hospital there and were not yet gone to join their Regiments.
Another time, certain violent people, without any Commission whatsoever, it is said, draggd a certain Boemper at a Horse tail from Bethlehem to Easton.
As you are a humane Man and know my people at Bethlehem, I heartily wish and beg of you to write to Pensylvania to your friends there to desire their Influence to prevent any unauthorized Violences of these kinds.
I do not wish that my people be exempted from any Burthen which the present Constitution of the Country shall subject them to, unless the Ruling Powers for the time being should think fit to shew them any kindness by some Exemption in their favour; if it shall seem to them, right so to do. As I verily believe my People will never meddle against the present Constitution, neither by writing nor acting, but act out of the Principles they were known to have from the beginning and before these Troubles, I think they may be look’d upon as worthy of that kindness which I hope their good behavior will render them in some degree worthy of. I recommend them to your Heart according to the Knowledge and Belief you may have of them and to the Kindness of your Friends as far as may be consistent with the present measures. It was for this that I came hither and am glad that this has given me a fair occasion to embrace and to assure the Man whom I have always loved and honoured, that I am His most affectionate Friend and Servant
James Hutton
To Dr Franklin

Endorsed: Mr Hutton’s Note
Notation: Jan. 3d 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel Wharton], 3 January 1778
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend
Jany 3 1778.
I have sent you two other Parcels of News papers by Mr. Thornton. I am with the Sincerst Regard dear Sir Yours most affectionately.


Title: William Stevenson and the American Commissioners: An Exchange of Three Letters, 4 January 1778
From: Stevenson, William,American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To:

We print the letters together because they are an entity: the first elicited the second, the second the third, all on the same day. The first was to the commissioners; the second was from, and the third to, Franklin and Deane alone. This was the second quarrel between Lee and his colleagues over who should carry copies of the commissioners’ dispatch of December 18 to the committee for foreign affairs. Carmichael had originally been chosen, and been hurt when Franklin and Deane, without consulting Lee, replaced him with Simeon Deane. Now much the same thing was happening with a duplicate of the dispatch. On January 1 Lee recommended as bearer William Stevenson, whom he knew well and considered trustworthy and respectable; according to him his colleagues consented. Stevenson soon learned that they had withdrawn their consent and fixed on Carmichael instead. Hence the anger in the first letter, which the recipients answer in kind. Stevenson is as specific as Lee in claiming that they had picked him, and they are equally specific in denying it; each side, between the lines, calls the other a liar. Regardless of who was right, the harm was done. Stevenson’s resentment in itself might have been insignificant, but Lee fully shared it, as witness his letter to his colleagues below, January 7. The minor episode had repercussions that were far from minor.
For the moment Deane and Franklin had their way: Carmichael carried the dispatch; Stevenson, who sailed with him, had to content himself with carrying private letters from Lee and others. Both couriers made future trouble, the first because he was troublesome by nature and the second because of what he carried. Carmichael was no admirer of Lee, but his particular bête noire had now become Deane; before taking ship he spread reports in Nantes about the commissioner’s misconduct, and once he reached Congress he had a far better audience for his purpose. Lee’s letters that went by Stevenson were explosive. One to Samuel Adams denounced both Carmichael and Deane; another to R.H. Lee, a member of the committee for foreign affairs, accused Deane of misusing public funds and of securing Franklin’s connivance by favors to young Jonathan Williams. These and other letters from Lee induced Congress, at his brother’s instigation, to call for Carmichael’s view of the charges. That young man had his opportunity, and the fat was in the fire. The quarrel over who was to carry dispatches, in short, completed the rift within the commission, and paved the way for a Congressional inquiry.

I.
Paris Sunday Morng. [January 4, 1778]
Mr. Stevensons Compliments wait on the Commissioners and as He clearly understood He was to take in charge and deliver Their Dispatches to Congress, He cannot think of being merely the Bearer of Them to any person whatsoever at Nantz. Mr. Stevenson wou’d most certainly have rejected every idea of that sort had it been propos’d in the first instance, but He must think Himself still more ungenteely treated in having that proposal made after waiting several Days and being Just on the point of setting off. Any alteration therefore of the Commissioners intentions must appear the more extraordinary and will Justify Mr. Stevenson in begging to be excus’d from having any thing to do with Their Dispatches under these circumstances, tho’ as He is going to America He shou’d have been very happy to have deliver’d Them in person to the Congressand shou’d the Commissioners think proper to revert to Their former intentions on this matter, He still holds Himself ready to take charge of Them.

II.
Passy, Sunday Eveg: 4th. Jany 1778.
  Messrs. Franklin and Deane present their Compliments to Mr. Stevenson. His Supposition that they have changed their Intention of sending their Dispatches by him to Congress is a Mistake, as they never had or express’d such an Intention, having before engag’d Mr. Carmichael to undertake that Service. As the carrying them to Nantes is a Matter of considerable Trust, they would have been glad if Mr. Stevenson had been kind enough to have perform’d it for them: and are sorry he should have refused it on a Supposition of their having treated him ungenteely, a Supposition that they think has no Foundation.

III.
Paris Hotel Vauban Sunday Night 4 Jany. 1778.
  Mr: Stevenson returns His Compliments to Messrs. Franklin and Deane and as He is well assur’d Mr. Arthur Lee has already done Him the Justice to acknowledge that He told Mr. Stevenson He had propos’d His taking charge of and delivering the Commissioners Dispatches to the Congress, which had been agreed to; Mr. Stevenson flatters Himself Messrs. Franklin and Deane will do Him equal Justice, in acquitting Him of the charge, that it was any supposition of His that They had chang’d their intention.
From what pass’d at Mr. Deanes Lodgings when Mr. S: call’d with Capt. Jones on Thursday Morning Mr. S. had no reason to imagine that it was meant He shou’d carry the Dispatches to Nantes only. On the contrary when Mr. Lee told him a few hours after that the Commissioners had agreed to his carrying their Dispatches to Congress, He reply’d that He had just understood the same from Mr. Deane. Mr. S: concluded it was so determin’d by the Commissioners: Mr. Stevenson readily acknowledges that nothing pass’d on the subject between Docr. Franklin and Him, but He is persuaded Messrs. Franklin and Deane will now be convinc’d that Mr. Ss refusal to carry the Dispatches to Nantes did not arise merely from a supposition of His being ungenteely treated and if there was any misapprehension about the matter, it did not originate with Him: Mr. Stevenson will venture to say that no Person wou’d be more happy to serve His Country on every occasion, without any views of Self Interest and He has only to regret that His ability to render it essential Services is not equal to His wishes. Had any pre-engagement been hinted on the first mention of this Business, Mr: S: wou’d certainly have given neither the Commissioners or Himself any trouble upon the occasion. Mr. Stevenson will only add that He is extreamly sorry He shou’d become the subject of an altercation on this occasion, as it is His constant wish to avoid every thing of that kind, but He thought it highly necessary in vindication of His conduct, to endeavor fully to explain the matter and He trusts that Messrs. Franklin and Deane will candidly acquit Him of having acted merely on supposition, as His expectations must appear to be well founded.

Notation: Notes from Mr Stevenson to Commrs & Answer from BF. SD.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Rolandeau, 4 January 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rolandeau, Louis-François

Sir,
Paris, Jan. 4, 1778
I can no otherwise give an Order for your Passage gratis, than by giving an Order to our Correspondent to pay the Money for you on my Account, which seems too much to be reasonably expected of me. And as you left the Service of the States in America without Leave, to come home upon your own private Affairs, it seems right that you should be at the whole Expence of your Voyage, and not put them to Charges arising wholly from your Irregularity; which it is sufficient if they excuse. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B. Franklin
M. Rolandeau

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Rolandeau / Officier, chez M. Dessan, Capitaine, / Ruë St. Jambes / à Bordeaux


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to de Tavarez, 4 January 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Tavarez, Daniel Nunez de

Sir,
Paris, Jan. 4, 1778.
The account given in the Newspapers of my having furnished the Physicians with a receipt against the Dropsy is a Mistake. I know nothing of it, nor did I ever hear before that Tobacco Ashes had any such virtue. I thank you for your kind congratulations on our late successes and good wishes for the Establishment of our Liberty. I have the honour to be respectfully, Sir, your most obedient humble Servant,
B. Franklin
A Monsieur de Tavarez, Seigneur de Relaar, Docteur en Droit et en Médicine, à Zwolle en Hollande.


Title: Gustavus Conyngham to the American Commissioners, 4 January 1778
From: Conyngham, Gustavus
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
St. sebastian Janry. 4th. 1778
Since I wrote you last I went on a Cruze and fell in with the Brig Gracieux Mr. Augustin Letournois from London Bound to Spain with A Cargoe of Dry Goods the most of the Bills of Lading Consignd to Order. On my Asking the Capt. if he new that his Cargoe was British property or not he made Answer. I seen where he Loaded and that I had a Good prize. On this Answer I askd him if he was Willing to proceed to America he said his Vessell was not in condition but would Agree to Go to any port in the Bay I proposd. What port he said Nants? I Objectd, he then Mentiond Bilboa. I agread. He then demanded one hundred pounds his Vessell ensured and the ten per Cent primage. This I agread too and Obligd to give him from Under my hand in Writing before he would proceed. When Going Away he Desird I should Assist him with Some hands as he Was only seven in Number And the Vessell Made much Watter that the sand had got to the pumps and they often got choalkd that if a gale of Wind should happen he would Lose his Vessel and we our Cargoe. On this I let him heave five men with Orders to Obey the french man as he was still master of the Vessell and had Agread to Deliver the Cargoe to me in Bilboa, that it Can not be said we offerd any insult to the french flag that for a sufficient proof he Brought his Vessell to St. sebastian instead of Bilboa that he might as well have Gone to his first Desird port. The Cargoe is taken into the hands of the admiralty. What will be the result I know not. I have Claimd the Cargoe that is Consingd to order the rest is but little and addresd to Spaniards. I have not [claimed it], altho by a British Act of parliament All America produce Or any Nation Trading with them Only On Suspicion if they can be brought into their ports they are condemned. Gentlemen I must beg of you to make strickt enquiry and find out Any foreign Vessell that english has took for having Americane produce On board Or they have took On Suspicion of Going or Coming from America or prizes that has been sold by the Americans to french or Spaniards and afterwards taking by the english On Suspicion that they had been prizes. I do beg you will find some of them or the most parellel circumstance with Our Case And have it Drawn in form and sent imeadtly Under Cover to Mr. Leraldo in St. Sebastian Who is the Gentlemen Mr. Gardoqui recommended me to And I find is Verry Deligent in business. I am Gentlemen your most obedient and humble Servant
G. Conyngham

Addressed: To / Mr. Sileas Dean / Paris
Notation: St Sebastians 1776 4th. Jany Letter from Capt G Cunningham


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Philip Gibbes, 4 January 1778
From: Gibbes, Sir Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris January 4. 1778.
  Sir Philip Gibbes presents his respects to Doctor Franklin. He will be glad to pay them in person to Doctor Franklin at any hour to day, that he will be pleased to name.
Rue Richelieu chez M. de Turlow Baigneur.

Notation: Sr. P. Gibbs


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 4 January 1778
From: MacMahon, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
At the Military School Jany. the 4th. 1778
Chevalier De Keralio who had the pleasure of dining with you yesterday, sent me the inclosed news this morning. Though I believe you may be already informed of the contents, I thought it proper to transmit them to you. I see, notwithstanding all the boastings of Lord Sandwich, that he has not chased the American Privateers from the coasts of Europe and that they’ll give him still work enough. I lay hold with great pleasure of this and every other opportunity of asuring you of the respect, admiration and unparalleled esteem with which I have the honour to be Sir your most humble and obedient Servant
J. MacMahon
To Doctor Franklin

Notation: M. McMahon


Title: John Jay to the American Commissioners, 5 January 1778
From: Jay, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Poghkeepsie 5th: Jany 1778
Your favors of the 2d. 8th: and 10 June last have been recd. and Copies transmitted to the Committee. The subject of them certainly merits their Attention, and I hope your Advice will be litterally complied with.
As I have not now the Honor of a Seat in Congress, having been called to an office which will confine me in this State, any Information I can give You will be far less satisfactory than what you will receive from the Committee. This Letter will therefore be less prolix than those I usually wrote to Mr. Deane.
By a Letter recd. sometime past from my Brother, I find he was lately in Paris, and may be so still. If you have heard or seen any thing of him, you will oblige me greatly by sending the enclosed Letter to him. I am Gentlemen with great Respect and Esteem Your obedient and humble Servant
John Jay
The Hon’ble Benjamin Franklin & Silas Deane Esqrs.

Notation: J. Jay 5. Jany. 1778.