Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Continental Congress: Commission and Instructions, [28 September 1782]
From: Continental Congress
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
[September 28, 1782]
The United States in Congress Assembled— To all who shall see these presents send Greeting—
It having been represented to Congress by their Minister Plenipoy: at the Court of Versailles, that the King of Sweden has signified by his Ambassador at that Court to our said Minister, his desire to enter into a treaty with the United States in Congress Assembled, and We being willing to promote the same, for establishing harmony & good intercourse between the Citizens of the United States, and the Subjects of the said King Know Ye therefore that we confiding in the integrity, prudence and ability of the honorable Benjn. Franklin Esq have nominated, constituted & appointed and by these Presents do nominate, constitute and appoint the said Benjamin Franklin our Minister Plenipotentiary, giving him full Powers general and Special to act in that Quality; to confer, treat, agree & conclude with the Person or Persons vested with equal Powers by the said King, of and concerning a Treaty of Amity & Commerce between the United States in Congress Assembled, and the King of Sweden, and whatever shall be so agreed & concluded for us and in our Name to sign and thereupon to make such Treaty, Conventions & Agreements as he shall judge conformable to the ends we have in view; hereby promising in good faith that we will accept, ratify & execute whatever shall be agreed, concluded & signed by our said Minister: And Whereas it may so happen that our aforesaid Minister may die or be otherwise incapacitated to execute this Commission We do in that case by these presents Constitute and appoint the honble. John Adams our Minister Plenipotentiary for the purpose aforesaid. And in case of his Death or incapacity We appoint the honorable John Jay our Minister Plenipotentiary for the purpose aforesaid. And in case of his Death or incapacity also We do appoint the honble. Henry Laurens our Minister Plenipotentiary for the purpose aforesaid, with all the Powers herein before Delegated to the honble. Benjn. Franklin.
In Testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these Presents. Witness His Excellency John Hanson Esq. President of the United States in Congress Assembled the twenty Eighth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty two—and of our Sovereignty and Independence the seventh.
Form of Commission to B. Franklin for negotiating Treaty with Sweden & Instructions.—

II.
[September 28, 1782]
I.
You are to negotiate & conclude the proposed treaty of Amity & Commerce with the Person or Persons that shall be appointed by his Swedish Majesty, at Paris, and not elsewhere, unless some other place should be fixed on for negotiating a General Peace, in which case you may negociate and Conclude it at the same Place.
2.
As we shall be better able to Judge by experience, What Commercial Regulations will be most beneficial for the Citizens & Subjects of the Contracting Powers; it is our desire that the treaty be made for twelve Years only.
3.
It is possible that the 4th Article in the Plan of a treaty may be objected to on the part of the King of Sweden as unequal he having more Ships of War than the United States & not being engaged in any War which may render protection necessary to the Ships of his Subjects. He may also apprehend that the giving Protection to our Vessels may involve him in a War with Great Britain. To this it may be answered, that the 15th Article is as unequally in favor of Sweden, giving her the benefit of the carrying Trade, which cannot be enjoyed by the Citizens of the United States. Therefore the one Article may be set against the other. But as the direct & essential object of the treaty is to obtain the Recognition of our Independency by another European power— You are instructed not to adhere to the 4th Article so as to prevent the conclusion of the Treaty. Upon the same principle You may also use Your discretion in extending the Term of the Treaty to twenty Years but no farther.
You are also at liberty in case it be found necessary to recede from the stipulation proposed in the 9th Article that whatever shall be found laden by the Subjects & Inhabitants of either party on any Ship belonging to the Enemies of the other shall be subject to Confiscation.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Grant, 28 September 1782
From: Grant, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
paris Street anjou st. honoré 28—7bre. 1782:
I am extreamly oblidg’d to you for the Book you was so Kind as to lend me, it has much contributed to augmente my desir to go next spring to america, I only wish to find means to be usefull either in the field of war, either as citizen of the world, and particularly as an admirer of the laws who established security in general, and conserve liberty: with them a considerable new soil wich offers immense ressources to a lover of agriculture. There the objets of my wishes, for which I shall continue to ask, sir, your Kind good offices and protection, begging youl be persuaded of the true sentiments of veneration and respect with which I have the honour to be sir Your most obedient and humble servant [illegible]
Vte. de vaux-Grant.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 28 September 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Philadelphia. 28 Sept. 1782
In my Letter of yesterday, I have dwelt on the resolutions of Congress, in the manner requir’d by my duty as their Servant. I will now add a few hints, as Your friend. Your Enemies industriously publish that your age & indolence have unabled you for your station, that a Sense of obligation to France Seals your lips when you should ask their aid, & that (whatever your friends may say to the contrary) both your connections & Influence at Court are extremely feeble. I need not tell you that Messieurs Lee & company are among the foremost who make these assertions, & many others not worth mention, I should not have given you the pain of reading even these but that (as you will see from the resolution of the twenty third instant) Congress have believed your grateful sensibilities might render you unwilling to apply with all that warmth which the sense of their Necessities convinces them is necessary. In addition to the general reflection how envy has pursued superior merit in all Ages, You will draw a farther consolation from this, that many who censure you are well disposed to cast like censure on France, & would fain describe her as acting only the part of self interest, without a wishe to render us effectual aid. You will I am sure attribute what I now say to a friendly desire of apprizing you of things useful for you to know, & you will so act, as to convince every man that your exertions are what I verily believe them to be.
I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant
Robt Morris
His Excellency Benjm. Franklin Esqre.1st

Endorsed: Mr Morris Officer of Finance Sept. 28. 1782 on Personal or private Affairs
Notation: (By C No. 4)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 30 September 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Brest 30th. Seper. 1782
Upon my arrival here I waited on the Count De Hector and delivered him a letter which the Marquis de Castres gave me, in which he requested that I might receive all the assistance necessary to enable me to pursue Such Measures as I Should think proper in Expditing the American Supplies from hence, and on this Occasion I received every assurance on the part of the Count that I could wish. Here the matter must rest for the present, for there is not a Vessell now in this harbour, unemployed, that is fit for so Important a business; and I trust we Shall not here be in the Situation I was in at Holland, of dividing the goods by various Conveyances some of which were not very desirable ones. Mr. Franklin was so Kind as to give me a hint about the manner in which the Vessells were to be ingaged, and refered me to the Marquis de la Fayette with whom I had several Conversations, and who was so good as to promise that if any farther interpossition of the Marquis de Castres was wanting, I Shou’d have it, and his idea was that the Business was to be done at the expence of the Court of France. It was Never my Intention to Interfer farther than to urge the Shipments on, as fast as I Cou’d, and I Supposed that the presence of a Servant of Congress, whose peculiar duty it is to attend the forwarding the Supplies, might be a Means of attaining an object of so much Consequence. Yet Still, if it can not be done in the line we wish your Excellency will Considere whether Some other Cannot be pursued— There are two Vessells at Nantes which I am told wou’d Suit, but when I conversed with the Owner of them, he did not Seem willing to engage them. However when I get there I Shall See farther about them, the Ships st. James, Washington and Queen of France are at L’Orient in 34 days from Philadelphia— The St. James is a very fine Ship of 20 Nine pound Cannon, and would be Suitable for our purpose, were the goods at L’Orient I am pritty Certain a part might be Ship’d by her at a reasonable freight payable in America, but I do not think it wou’d be by any means proper to remove any of them as long as there is a probability of the Court of France Sending them. I need not give you any farther trouble at present—after Seeing my family a few days at L’Orient I Shall proceed to Nantes, and if any thing occurs to your Excellency on this or any other Subject to which you think my attention Necessary I Shall be glad of your Communicating it, I need not, to you Sir, say how Indispensibly Necessary it is that the Supplies shou’d be got out in time for the Next Campaign, and I am in hopes Some way or other may be fallen on, I very Sincerely wish you a Speedy recovery from your Indisposition and remain with great respect Sir, Your Most Obed. and Most Huml Serv.
Thos Barclay
His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqe.

Notation: T. Barclay Brest 30h. Septr. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Barrett, 30 September 1782
From: Barrett, Nathaniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
L’Orient sept 30 1782
I was renderd very unhappy just now to be informd by my friends Messrs Cumming & Maccarty, that they had recd a Letter from Monsr. Jolley de fleury Minr. of Finance handing them a Determination respecting a Cargo of sugars which I brot with me from the Havanna in the Briga. Genl Galvez.
These sugars being the product of Cape Francois I took in at the Havanna, being apprehensive of a difficulty attending the Importation of those of foreign Growth, & in full Confidence that evry Indulgence would be granted & no greater Duties woud be requird of me, as an Inhabitant of the American Colonies than of a Subject of this Kingdom coming directly from Hispaniola.
The whole matter has been layd before the farmer Genl—by Mr Vincen, banker, of Paris— & Encouragement was given that No more Duties would be requird than on sugars direct from the Cape— In Consequence of wch. I have laid in a Cargo for my Brig & She is now ready for sailing, but if the whole Duties as on foreign Sugars is insisted on it will take more than one third of the sugars to pay them—& must ruin my Voyage.
I have therefore most earnestly to request your Excellency’s Interposition with the Minister in whose Department this Matter rests that Leave might be granted to ship off to some foreign friendly port, the whole of these sugars which thro’ Ignorance of the Customs of this Country I have brought into it—freed from the Duties which are demanded which will greatly alleviate my Distress. I beg the favour of a Line from you on the subject as soon as possible that I may not be detaind here so long as to ruin myself & those who are concernd with me.

Acknowledging my Obligations for the Civilities recd at passy I remain with the utmost Respect Your Excellencys most obd hum servt.
Nathl Barrett
His Excelly B Franklin Esqr. Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 30 September 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Office of Finance 30th September 1782
I have received and already acknowledged your Letters of the 9th January, two of the 28th January, those of the 30th January, 4th March 9th March and 30th March. The Acknowledgement of the three last was by mine of the first of July. I am now to acknowledge yours of the eighth of April and twenty fifth of June. I have written to you since the Ninth of March (which you acknowledge the Receipt of in yours of the twenty fifth of June) on the twenty second and twenty third of March, on the seventeenth of April, on the seventeeth, and twice on the eighteenth and twenty third of May, also on the twenty ninth of May, twenty sixth of June, first and fifth of July.
It is in some Respects fortunate that our Stores were not shipped, because, as you observe, they might have been taken; but I hope they are now on the Way, for if they are to lie in France at a heavy Expence of Storage &c while we suffer for the Want, it will be even worse than if they were taken. You will find by the Letters which are to go with this, that Mr. Barclay is prohibited from making any more Purchases on Account of the United States. I confess that I disapprove of those he has made: for the Purchase of unnecessary Things, because they are cheap, appears to be a very great Extravagance. We want Money as much as any Thing else, and the World must form a strange Idea of our Management, if, while we are begging to borrow, we leave vast Magazines of Cloathing to rot at Brest, and purchase Others to be shipped from Holland. I have said Nothing on this Subject to Mr. Barclay, because the Thing, having been done, could not be undone, and because the pointed Resolutions of Congress on the Subject will prevent any more such Operations. What I have now said however will, I hope, lead you to urge on him the Necessity of making immediate Shipments of all the Stores in Europe. A Merchant does not sustain the total Loss of his Goods by their Detention, but the Public do. The Service of the Year must be accomplished within the Year by such Means as the Year affords. The Detention of our Goods has obliged me to purchase Cloathing and other Articles at a great Expence, while those very Things were lying about at different Places in Europe. I am sure that any Demand made for Money on our Part must appear extraordinary, while we shew so great Negligence of the Property we possess. The Funds, therefore, which were obtained for the Year 1781, are not only rendered useless during that Year, but so far pernicious as that the Disposition of them will naturally influence a Dimunition of the Grants made for the Year 1782.
You mention in yours of the twenty fifth of June, that you would send enclosed the Account of the Replacing of the Fayette’s Cargo, if it could be copied in Season. As it did not arrive, I shall expect it by the next Opportunity.
I have received Mr. Grand’s Accounts, which are not stated in the Manner I wish; and in Consequence I have written to him by this Opportunity to alter them. I have desired him to give your Account Credit for every Livre received previous to the current Year, including therein the Loan of 10.000.000 l.t. in Holland, tho a Part of it may not have been received until this Year. I have desired him to debit your Account for every Expenditure made by your Order, which will include all your Acceptances of Bills &c, and of Course Mr. De Beaumarchais’ Bills, if they shall have been paid. Finally, I have desired him to carry the Balance of your Account to mine, in which he is to credit all Monies received for the current Year: for Instance the six Millions (and the other six, if they are obtained) together with such Monies as may come to his Hands from the Loan opened for the United States by Messrs Willink Stapherst &c.—
I did expect to have had some Kind of Adjustment made by this Time of Captain Gillon’s Affair, but Congress referred much of it to a Committee with whom it has long slept; but I have informed Mr. Gillon that I must have a Settlement, and at present I wait a little for the Determination of Congress.—
You mention to me that the Interest on the 10,000.000 l.t. Dutch Loan is payable at Paris annually on the fifth of November at four per Cent. I must request you to send me the particular Details on this Subject, such as who it is payable to, and by whom, that I may make proper Arrangements for a punctual Performance, so as not to incur unnecessary Expence. I presume that the first Year’s Interest may be discharged before this reaches you; but at any Rate I enclose a Letter to Mr. Grand, to prevent any ill Consequences which might arise from a Deficiency of Payment.
I informed you in mine of the first of July, that Congress had resolved to appoint a Commissioner to settle the public Accounts in Europe: This is not done, but they have reconsidered and committed the Resolution. Where the Thing will end I do not know. I think however that eventually they must send over some Person for the Purpose.
The Appearances of Peace have been materially disserviceable to us here, and general Cautions on the Subject from Europe, and the most pointed Applications from the public Officers, will not prevent that Lethargy which the very Name of Peace extends thro’ all the States. I hope Measures will be taken by our public Ministers in Europe to prevent the People from falling into the Snares which the Enemy has laid. Undue Security in Opinion is generally very hurtful in Effect; and I dread the Consequences of it here if the War is to be carried on, which is not improbable.
I am, Sir, Your most obedient & humble Servant,
Robt Morris
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire.

Endorsed: Office of Finance Sept. 30. 1782 Various Subjects


Title: The American Peace Commissioners: Commission for William Temple Franklin, [1 October 1782]
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To:

The present document, penned by William Temple Franklin on October 1, was most likely signed by Franklin the same day. It was eventually signed by all the peace commissioners, but not without hesitation (on the part of John Jay) and outright hostility (on the part of John Adams). Its history reflects not so much the other commissioners’ feelings about Temple as their relationship to his grandfather.
In January, 1782, Jay had reassured Franklin that he would support the appointment of Temple as secretary of the peace commission. Franklin brought up the subject again in mid-September, suggesting to Jay that they fill in a commission for secretary with Temple’s name. The negotiations were at that time stalemated over the wording of Oswald’s commission, and Franklin and Jay disagreed about whom they could trust and how best to proceed. Why, then, draw up this document? Franklin may have been motivated by his ill-health; in mid-September he was suffering such acute pain from bladder or kidney stones that he feared for his life. Evidence suggests that Jay was helping Franklin revise his will at this time, and despite private misgivings he obliged Franklin in this request. On September 18 Jay told Ridley that the secretary’s commission had been filled in, and that the document was in Temple’s possession.
Oswald’s revised commission arrived on September 27, allowing negotiations to resume. On October 1, Oswald and Jay exchanged copies of their respective commissions; Franklin, not well enough to make the trip into Paris, was not present. That exchange of commissions is mentioned in the present document. According to Matthew Ridley’s diary, that same day Franklin sent Temple to meet with Jay and urge him to begin drafting the preliminaries. He also, according to Ridley, suggested that Temple’s commission as secretary “might be filled up.” We suspect that Franklin sent Temple to Paris with the fair copy of this commission in hand, signed and sealed by Franklin, in order for Jay to sign it. Jay deferred, having told Ridley that he did not see that there would be enough work to employ a secretary. “Indeed,” wrote Ridley, “it is plain [Jay] wishes he had not made the promise.” We have no evidence of when Jay did affix his signature to Temple’s commission, but we assume that it must have been fairly soon thereafter, probably when he next visited Passy. Before signing he evidently made Temple swear an oath he had composed. That oath, in Jay’s hand, is among Franklin’s papers at the American Philosophical Society.
The other two peace commissioners added their signatures long after they joined their colleagues in Paris. Henry Laurens arrived on November 28, just in time for the final peace negotiations. His health had so deteriorated by early January that he determined to return to Bath. He signed the present commission on January 10, the day before leaving Paris.
The day after Laurens signed, Temple brought the commission to John Adams. Rather than getting a signature, he received a lecture. Adams was furious and, in his own words, “considered myself as directly affronted in this Affair.” Considering that Congress had originally appointed him as sole peace commissioner, and that he had been named “at the head of the new Commission,” he thought he should have had a say in the selection of a secretary. But “without saying or writing a Word to me, Dr. Franklin had wrote to Mr. Jay at Madrid and obtained a Promise from him.” He told Temple that “I thought my self Ill treated in this as in many other Things. That it was not from any disrespect to him, Mr. W.T.F., that I declined it.” It was not until after the Definitive Treaty was signed nearly nine months later that Adams added his name to the bottom of this commission.

[October 1, 1782]
To ALL TO WHOM these Presents shall come, Benjamin Franklin & John Jay send Greeting.
Whereas the United States of America in Congress assembled did on the 15th June in the Year of our Lord 1781. appoint and constitute the said Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, & John Adams, Henry Lawrens and Thomas Jefferson Esquires, and the Majority of them, and of such of them as should assemble for the Purpose, their Commissioners & Plenipotentiaries to treat of and conclude Peace in their Behalf. And whereas the said United States in Congress assembled, did on the 26th. June in the Year of our Lord 1781. appoint Mr. Francis Dana, untill he could proceed to the Court of Petersburgh, either in a Public or Private Capacity to be Secretary to the said Plenipotentiaries for negociating a Peace with Great Britain, And in case Mr Dana should have proceeded or thereafter proceed to Petersburgh or to any Part of the Dominions of the Empress of Russia, the Ministers appointed by the Said Act of Congress of the 15th of June 1781. or a Majority of such of them as should assemble, should be & thereby were authoris’d to appoint a Secretary to their Commission, and that he be entitled to receive in Proportion to his Time of Service, the Salary of one thousand Pounds Sterling per Annum allow’d to Mr. Dana. And whereas His Britannic Majesty hath issued a Commission dated the 21 Sept. 1782 to Richard Oswald Esquire to treat of and conclude Peace with any Commissioners or Persons vested with equal Powers by and on the Part of the thirteen United States of America. And whereas the said Richard Oswald is at Paris, ready to execute his said Commission, and hath exchanged with the said Benjamin Franklin & John Jay, Copies of their respective Commissions, and enter’d on the Business of the same, Whereby the Appointment of a Secretary to the American Commission hath become necessary. And the said Mr Dana now being at Petersburgh, the Right of appointing such Secretary hath in pursuance of the afore recited Act of Congress, devolved on the said Commissioners and on the Majority of them and of such of them as have assembled for the Purpose of executing their said Commission. And whereas Mr. Jefferson one of the said Commissioners hath not come to Europe, and Mr. Lawrens, another of them, hath declined to accept the said Office, and Mr Adams another of them is at the Hague, so that, the said Benjamin Franklin and John Jay are the only Commissioners now assembled to execute the said Commission.
Now Know Ye that they reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Ability & Integrity of William T. Franklin Esqre. to perform and fulfil the Duties of Secretary to their said Commission have appointed and constituted And by these Presents do appoint and constitute the said William T. Franklin, Secretary to the said Commission. In Witness whereof the said Benjamin Franklin & John Jay have hereunto set their Hands and Seals this first Day of October in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty two and in the seventh Year of the Independence of the said United States.

[seal]
B. Franklin

[seal]
John Jay

Approved on my part Mr. Franklin having acted with propriety as Secretary to the Commission from the time of my arrival here. Paris 10th January 1783.

[seal]
Henry Laurens.

Approved on my part, Mr Franklin having acted with Propriety as Secretary to the Commission from the Time of my arrival here. Paris 8 Septr 1783

[seal]
John Adams.


Title: Franklin: Discharge of Captain Fage’s Parole, 1 October 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Passy, Oct 1st. 1782.
Being informed by Richard Oswald, Esqr., Minister Plenipotentiary. from His Britannic Majesty to treat here of Peace, that General Conway desires much to have an English Officer, Capt. Fage of the Artillery, absolved of his Parole, having occasion for his Service as Aid de Camp; and Application being made to me for obtaining such Discharge: And being farther of Opinion that it will be pleasing to Congress that General Conway should be obliged in that Respect. I do hereby, as far as in my Power may lie, absolve the Parole of the said Capt. Fage; but on this Condition, that an Order be obtained for the Discharge of some Officer of equal Rank, who being a Prisoner to the English in America, shall be named by the Congress or by General Washington for that Purpose; and that three Copies of such Order be transmitted to me.

  (L. S.)
  (signed) B. FranklinMinister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America at the Court of France

Notations: Discharge by Dr. Franklin of Capt. Fages Parole 1st. Octr. 1782 / Copy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 1 October 1782
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond: Sir
Philadelphia October 1st. 1782.
We were happy in hearing from you by the Eagle Frigate; you honored me likewise by her with an Introduction to the Prince De Broglii & Count De Segur; these Gentlemen set off immediately for Camp, but as probably they will spend the Winter here, I hope to have an opportunity of shewing them every Civility in my Power—the latter strikes me, as a very amiable young Gentleman.
You request to know Ben’s age, he was thirteen last 12th. August— I am afraid the disturbances at Geneva will prevent for some time his progress in his Studies, I find by his Letters, he is quite the Frenchman, but I flatter myself he will soon recover his English.
In looking over some of your papers I find a Note from William Pritchard, who went to Canada with you, for ten Guineas, he is now married & settled here, upon my applying to him, he did not at first recollect that he had given any such Note, but afterwards said he did recollect it, & that he had paid you the Money, but that he had no receipt to shew— I should be glad to know whither you remember its being paid.
I am informed your Friends I-z—d & L— continue their old game of trumping up charges & insinuations against you, they never can forgive your being such a Favorite at the Court of France—they may grin—but I trust they cannot bite.
Sally and the Children are perfectly well, Debby, a sweet little Girl, is a year old this day, her Mother has just weaned her—You have our joint Love & Duty, we beg also to be remembered to Ben.
I am ever Dear Sir Your affectionate son
Rich: Bache
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 1 October 1782
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Papa
Philadelphia October 1st. 1782
I should think it wrong to let any opportunity slip without informing you of the Welfare of my little Family, they are well and lovely the Youngest, one Year old this day, and as an infant she is perfect, I have just weaned her, Willy a fine tall straight Lad, this week he began to go to dancing School, Betsy and Lous go to my Old Madam Marsh, how happy should I be to see you surrounded by them, but that’s a thought I must put a stop to—
It is something remarkable that we have not had six hours rain at a time since the twenty fifth of may, the People in the Country have something in reality to complain of there will be little or no Buckwheat or Turnips—
William has wrote to you and his Brother he still goes to the Acadimy which has had its name changed to the University, the French Acdimy is where he goes every other evening to learn to dance— Betsy is too Young to go yet.
The Mr Barckly and his Lady who are with you in France are the same who receiv’d me and treated me with so much hospitality when the British turnd us out, little Betsy was not two weeks old when we made the second move from Mr Duffields to Mr Barcklys where the whole Family was three months, Mrs Meaze and Mrs Barckly were to me as two Sisters, when she saild I had lain in with Deby but a day or two and they would not let me write, since which I have mentioned her in several letters but know not wether or not you receiv’d them, I am sure as an American if she comes to Parris you will notice her but I wish you to look on her as one of my best Frends, and one whom I am under obligations to that I could never repay, I mean both for never was a better hearted nor a more hospitable man in the World than Mr Barckly—
Mr Bache will write, the Children join in duty with Your Afectionate and dutifull Daughter
S Bache

Addressed: Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 1 October 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,—
Office of Finance 1st October 1782—
In my Letter of the twenty seventh of September last I express my Wish “that the Court of Spain should give Orders for the Shipment of a Million of Dollars at the Havanna free of Duties, and to be convoyed by One or more Ships of the Line to an American Port, &c.” Upon farther Reflection I am induced to believe that the Court of Spain will not readily go into the whole of this Arrangement; for altho they may & probably will agree to so much of it as will procure them an Equivalent in France for the Million Dollars to be shipped from the Havanna, yet there are Reasons to doubt whether they will convoy the Washington hither. I wish you therefore (should you meet with Difficulties in that Quarter) to apply to the Court for such Convoy. I wish it may consist of a Ship of the Line, because none but Frigates will cruize on this Coast during the Winter, and therefore One Ship of the Line will afford more Protection than two or three Frigates. However this will depend entirely on the Convenience or Inconvenience which may attend the Business. I shall communicate both this Letter and that of the twenty seventh to the Chevalier de la Luzerne, on whose Representations I rely much, as well for procuring the Aid asked for, as for accomplishing the necessary Arrangements after it is procured.
I am, Sir, Your most obedient & humble Servant
Robt Morris
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.—

Endorsed: Office of Finance Oct. 1. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Caleb Whitefoord and Richard Oswald, 1 October 1782
From: Whitefoord, Caleb,Oswald, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 1st October [1782]
Mr Whiteford & Mr Oswald present their best respects to Doctr Franklin & will do themselves the honour to wait of him to Dinner on Friday next.
Mr Oswald begs leave to Send the Letter he mentioned Respecting Capt Blair, & will call on the Doctr to morrow in hopes of having a favourable answer to General Conways Request. Mr Fitzherbert is to dispatch a Courier to morrow night, who will carry the Doctors Commands on that head or any other.

Upon looking back upon Mr Hyndmans Letter I observe Capt Blair was an Officer of one of our Regiments

Notation: Mr. Whiteforth & Mr. Oswald
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy


Title: Bettally & Noseda to William Temple Franklin, 1 October 1782
From: Bettally & Noseda
To: Franklin, William Temple

This document concerns an invention that Jean-François Pilatre de Rozier had described and announced for sale in the previous day’s Journal de Paris: bougies phosphoriques, or self-igniting candles. A precursor to matches, bougies phosphoriques were the first instruments capable of generating a flame without the arduous use of flint and tinder. The public response was overwhelming, and manufacturers had trouble meeting the demand. As the present document indicates, when Temple inquired about buying bougies phosphoriques from Bettaly & Noseda, dealers in scientific instruments, they had only one left, and Pilatre de Rozier—their supplier—had none. The following day Pilatre de Rozier published a statement begging the public to be patient: his stock was depleted and he was waiting for more. He apologized for the manufacturing defects in the first batch of bougies phosphoriques, announced a price reduction on future sales, and promised compensation—either in cash refunds or in additional candles—to those who had purchased candles at the higher price.
The inventor, referred to as an anonymous “amateur” in Pilatre de Rozier’s article, was Louis Peyla of Turin, who made his first successful bougies phosphoriques in 1779. News of his invention reached France in 1782 through the pamphlet of one comte de Challant, who claimed to have made significant improvements. Peyla’s own memoir establishing himself as the inventor and describing his manufacturing technique was published in the October, 1782, issue of the Journal de physique. His bougies, hermetically sealed in close-fitting glass tubes, were reed-thin wax tapers, four to five inches long, whose wicks were infused with a mixture of phosphorus and sulfur. The glass tubes were scored in the middle where they were to be snapped open. The user would warm the wick end of the tube, break off the opposite end, and quickly extract the candle from its casing. If the atmosphere was dry and the air not too damp, the candle would ignite spontaneously and burn long enough to light several other candles or a lamp in the dark.
Many people began making bougies phosphoriques and improving the technique. In his initial Journal de Paris article Pilatre de Rozier wrote that he himself had suggested improvements to the two manufacturers who sold them at the Musée. Bettally & Noseda, finding that their customers complained of low success rates, soon began selling bougies phosphoriques of their own manufacture. In a November 6 letter to the Journal de Paris they explained that they had learned the secret of a successful phosphorus mixture. Their bougies worked in any weather, even in below-freezing temperatures. They also addressed the recently published complaint of a user who had suffered severe burns when excess phosphorus spilled onto his hands. That was due to poor manufacturing, they explained; in their own candles, not a speck of phosphorus could possibly escape.
Franklin was so impressed with these devices that he included bougies phosphoriques among the recent scientific developments he described to François Steinsky and Jan Ingenhousz. When Thomas Jefferson arrived in Paris in 1784, he was likewise amazed by these “phosphoretic matches” and planned to send some to America. He later learned that they were already being sold in Philadelphia.

Monsieur
Paris ce pre. octobre 1782
Nous nous trasportame á L’instans che Mr. Desrosierre pour avoirs Des Bougie Fosforique. Il nen avait pas de Fait. Nous en avons eut un que Nous vous envoions vous aure Soin Pour en voir Leffet De Le Casser á Lá Marque du papier e Lescouer aussi tot il S’enflamerá.
Demain Nous en aurons D’autre. Si vous avez ocasion D’envoier Nous en Remeterons La Douzaine.
En atendent L’honeur Des vous ordre Nous Avont Celui Detre parfaittement
Monsieur Votres heumble Serviteur
Bettally & Noseda

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Le Fils / A Passÿ
Notation: Bettaly & Noseda 1er. Oct. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rolland frères, 2 October 1782
From: Rolland Frères
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Marseille Ce 2e. 8bre. 1782
Le Navire Wolf appartenant au port d’Edenton et Commandé par le Capne. Sam Butler chargé de 138. boucauds de Tabac de la Virginie et quélqúes Milliers de Merin [merrain]; est arrivé dans Ce port depuis quélqúes jours, ce Capne. qui N’avait aucune Connaissance dans Ce paÿs a bien Voulû s’adresser à Nous, et comme les Administrateurs de la ferme Généralle ne luy ont offert que 60 l.t. le quintal de Son Tabac poids de marctare d’usage, nous allons le faire Mettre en entrepôt et pour en rendre la Vente plus avantageuse et Exiter la Concurence; Nous en avons donné avis à nos correspondants des principalles Villes d’Italie & de piemont ou Cette marchandise pourait Convenir, afin de donner de L’emulation aux administrat. de la ferme Généralle. Ce Navire etant armé en Guerre et Marchandise et ayant un Equipage Nombreux: Nous avons Compté au capne. l’argent qu’il Nous a demandé pour faire faire a Son Vaisseau les reparations Utiles et Nous luy fournirons Egalement tout Celuy dont il aura besoin pour accellerer son retour Sans Nuire A sa Vente, et par ce Moïen Eviter un trop long sejour qu’un Nombreux Equipage rendrait fort dispendieux.
Nous sommes tres flâtté: Monsieur, que le premier Navire des Etats unis arrivé dans Ce port nous soit adressé et Nous procure l’occasion de presenter nos homages au liberateur de L’Amerique, et à l’auteur de la plus heureuse révolution que le Globe ait Jamais Eprouvé; Nous avons une fabrique de draps tres Considerable dans le languedoc, et Nous Nous Estimerons heureux si nous pouvions être de quélqúe utilité pour Cet Objet et pour tout autre a Votre Excellance et à sa Nation.
Nous Avons L’honneur de Vous adresser Monsieur, une lettre du Capne. Sam Butler, son Navire est tres bon Voillier, il y a un Excellent Equipage, et il parait homme à Tirer de l’un et de l’autre toutes les ressources dont il peuvent être susceptible, ainsi si Votre Excellance avait quélqúe chose à faire passer en Amerique, Nous Croyons qu’elle pourrait l’en Charger avec dautant plus de Confiance que les risques dans la Mediterannée et aux detroits Sont actuellement bien Moindres qu’à la sortie des ports du Ponant.
Nous sommes avec un tres profond respect De Votre Excellance Les Tres humbles Et Tres Obeissant Serviteurs
Rolland FRERES &CE

Notation: Rolland & freres 2. Octr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rodolph Valltravers, 2 October 1782
From: Valltravers, Johann Rodolphe
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
From Vienna, in Austria, Octr. 2d. 1782.
None of the five Letters, which I had the Honor to write to Your Excellency in the Year 1778, from Switzerland, having been so happy, to meet with the Favor of a Reply: I could not know, how to account for My Misfortune.—
Having since that Time left my native Country, to sollicit in person in Germany, several Sums due to me, from several Courts, as well as Persons, expended in their Service, and Commissions, whilst in England, and France: I forbore to trouble Yr. Excy. any further, as my Letters were then more exposed than ever, to be intercepted; alltho’ I much wished to impart many valuable Intelligences, in suport of yr. great Cause, the reasonable Liberties of Mankind.
Monsr. Lieuthaud, a dramatic french Author, and well versed in french and german Literature, on his present Return to Paris, being so obliging, as to take particular Charge of this Letter, and to afford me a long wished for opportunity, of conveÿing a Renewal of mÿ sincere Respects, with a Tender of every good office in mÿ Power, to your worthy self, in Safety: I once more venture to beg ÿour kind Acceptance thereof.
All Attempts, both by Law, and by my humble Petitions and Remonstrances, to recover my sacrificed Propertÿ, from these german Vulturs, proving all vain: I now prepare for a Journey to Venice, towards the latter End of this Month, where I shall be happy, to recieve the Honor of yr. Excellcy’s. Commands, under Cover of his christian Majs. Minister, Monsr. le Presidt. de Vergennes, Brother to the King’s Minister at Versailles, my old Patron, when ambassador in Switzerland. Or, if ÿr. Excy. had anÿ Commands for this Place, previous to my leaving it, theÿ might still reach me in Time, conveÿed for me, to Baron Fichtl, Agent for the holÿ roman Empire, at Vienna.
If your Exccy. thinks, I might be usefull to his Constituents, in Sounding the general Dispostion of the Venitian State, towards the free States of America; in bringing that respectable Common Wealth over to the Suport, Independence and Prosperity of their new-born Sister-Republick beÿond the Atlantik; in forwarding an early Connection, Friendship, Trade, and defensive Alliance between both; or in raising at, least, Some, under Hand, pecuniary Assistance, of Cash, Shipping, and Merchandise, if over-awed bÿ Great-Britain: Yr. Exccy’s. Instructions on these Objects shall be received with Joy, managed with Prudence and Discretion, and obeÿed with Punctuality, Zeal, Fidelitÿ and Dispatch.—
Mr. Jas. Creassey (Surveÿor, lately returned from the East-Indies, with heavy Complaints against the Brittish Companÿ’s Depredations and the Treachery & Tÿranny of their Servants;) having made me a Cession of Part of his Lands, in the North-Part of the Province of New-York, along the Mohawk River; and being promised a Similar Cession in Georgia, from Genl. Oglethorpe: I consider mÿself as a Fellow-Citizen of ÿours, in the new World, and am not a litle proud of that Honor.—
A Tour made thro’ Hungaria, a most fertile Country, ill-peopled, wretched, and ill-cultivated, from the slavish Condition of theirs Husbandmen, has convinced me more & more that legal & equal Liberty alone, is the Soul of Industrÿ, Diligence, Wealth & Happiness.
I am with everlasting Veneration, Gratitude and Attachment, Sir! Your Excellence’s Most devoted hble. Servt.
Rodh. Valltravers.

P.S. yr. friend, Dr. Ingenhuÿs, continues well, & indefatigable in his instructive Labors.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, [3, 10, or 17 October 1782]
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

	  Paris Thursday Evenig [October 3, 10, or 17, 1782]Sir,

I have the honor to Enclose for your Excellencys perusal the Speches of Mr. Fox &c &c which I am well assured are Genuine—
The London paper of the 1st Instant, has done me the honor of mentioning that I Breakfasted with Mr Laurens—
The same paper contains the Important resolutions of the most respectable Volunteer Corps against the raising of the fensibles, & the very proper Contempt they shewed Mr Dobbs, upon his treachery in accepting of so disgracefull a Commission; Each resolution is Copyed from that of my Corps—
I have the Honor, to be, with Every sentiment of Respect & Esteem your Excellencys most Obt: & most Hbl: Sert
Edward Newenham

Notation: Newenhay


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Ponteney, 3 October 1782
From: Ponteney, ——, comtesse de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
paris 3. 8bre. 1782
Jait Eü lhonneur il Lia quatre ans de diner avec vous la veille de mon depart pour Litaillie rue du Bacq chez Mr. de la faye. Je suis de retourd depuis plusiers semaines. Le 12 du Mois passé jeü lhoneur de remettre a la Reine une lettre que la Reine de Naple luy a Ecrit an ma faveurs. Je suis obligee dailler demain Vendredy a la muette et Comme jignore le tams que je serois obligee dattendre je desireroit savoir Monsieur si sans vous aincomoder vous voulies me permettre dattendre chez vous le tams que je seres dans le Cas dattandre la reponse de S.M. qui Mautorisse(?). Jen serois dautant plus charmee que jorois locasion de vous renouveller les sentiments respectueux avec la quelle jait lhoneur detre Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeisente servante
LA Comtesse DE PONTENEYrue du Bacq hotel de Nevers.

Notation: La Ctesse. de Ponteney 3 8bre. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, 4 October 1782
From: Mercy-Argenteau, Florimond-Claude-Charles, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Le 4 8bre. 1782
L’ambassadeur de LEmpereur aura grand soin de faire parvenir Le Paquet adressé a Mr d’Ingenhouse, que Monsieur Franklin Lui a fait l’honneur de lui envoÿer, il a celui de lui offrir ses hommages tres humbles.

Notation: de l’Empereur. 4. Oct. 1782


Title: Preliminary Articles of Peace: First Draft Treaty, [5–7 October 1782]
From: Oswald, Richard,Jay, John,Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[October 5–7, 1782]
Articles agreed upon, by & between Richard Oswald Esqr. the Commissioner of his Britannic Majesty for treating of Peace with the Commissioners of the United States of America, on the behalf of his said Majesty on the one part, and Benjn. Franklin, John Jay [blank] of the Commissioners of the said States for treating of Peace with the Commissioner of his said Majesty on their behalf, on the other part. To be inserted in, & to constitute the Treaty of Peace propos’d to be concluded between the Crown of Great Britain and the said United States. But which Treaty is not to be concluded, untill his Britannic Majesty shall have agreed to the Terms of Peace between France and Britain, proposed or accepted by his most Christian Majesty; and shall be ready to conclude with him such Treaty accordingly. It being the Duty and Intention of the United States, not to desert their ally, but faithfully and in all things to abide by, and fulfil their Engagements with his most Christian Majesty.
Whereas reciprocal Advantages & mutual Convenience are found by Experience, to form the only permanent Foundation of Peace and Friendship between States, it is agreed to frame the Articles of the proposed Treaty, on such Principles of liberal equality and Reciprocity, as that partial Advantages (those seeds of Discord) being excluded, such a beneficial & satisfactory intercourse between the two Countries may be established, as to promise & secure to both the Blessings of perpetual Peace & Harmony.
1.
  His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the said United States viz, Newhampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Mariland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, to be free, Sovereign & independent States; That he treats with them as such; and for himself his Heirs & Successors relinquishes all Claims to the Government Propriety and territorial Rights of the same, and every part thereof. And that all Disputes which might arise in future on the Subject of the Boundaries of the said United States, may be prevented, it is hereby agreed and declared, that the following are, and shall remain to be their Boundaries, Viz:
The said States are bounded North, by a Line to be drawn from the Northwest Angle of Nova Scotia, along the high Lands which divide those Rivers which empty themselves into the River St. Laurence, from those which fall into the Atlantic Ocean, to the northernmost head of Connecticut River, thence down allong the Middle of that River, to the forty fifth Degree of North Latitude, and thence due west in the Latitude forty five Degrees North from the equator, to the Northwestermost Side of the River St. Lawrence, or Cadaraquii; thence straight to the South End of the Lake Nipissing, and thence Streight to the Source of the River Mississippi: West, by a line to be drawn along the Middle of the River Mississipi from its Source, to where the said Line shall intersect the thirty first Degree of North Latitude. South by a Line to be drawn due east from the termination of the Line last mentioned, in the latitude of thirty one Degrees North of the Equator to the Middle of the River appalachicola or Catahouchi, thence along the middle thereof to its Junction with the flint River; thence Straight to the head of St. Mary’s River; and thence down along the middle of St. Mary’s River to the Atlantic Ocean. And East, by a Line to be drawn along the middle of St. John’s River, from its Source, to its Mouth in the Bay of Fundy; comprehending all Islands within twenty Leagues of any Part of the Shores of the United States, and lying between Lines to be drawn due East from the points where the aforesaid Boundaries between Nova Scotia on the one Part, and East Florida on the other, shall respectively touch the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean.
  (2)
  From and immediately after the Conclusion of the proposed Treaty, there shall be a firm and perpetual Peace, between his Britannic Majesty and the said States; and between the Subjects of the One & the Citizens of the other. Wherefore all Hostilities both by Sea and Land, shall then immediately cease; All Prisoners on both Sides shall be set at Liberty; and his Britannic Majesty shall forthwith and without causing any Destruction withdraw all his Armies Garrisons and Fleets from the said United States and from every post, Place & Harbour within the same; leaving in all Fortifications the American Artillery that may be therein. And shall also order and cause all Archives, Records, Deeds and Papers belonging to either of the said States or their Citizens, which in the Course of the War may have fallen in to the hands of his officers, to be forthwith restored and delivered to the proper States and Persons to whom they belong.
  3
  That the Subjects of his Britannic Majesty and People of the said United States, shall continue to enjoy unmolested the Right to take fish of every kind, on the Banks of Newfoundland and other Places where the Inhabitants of both Countries used formerly, Viz: before the last War between France and Britain, to fish; and also to dry & cure the same, at the accustomed places, whether belonging to his said Majesty, or to the United States: And his Britannic Majesty, and the said United States will extend equal Priviledges and Hospitality to each other’s Fishermen, as to their own.
  4.
  That the Navigation of the River Mississipi from its Source to the Ocean shall for ever remain free & open, and that both there and in all Rivers, Harbours, Lakes, Ports and Places, belonging to his Britannic Majesty, or to the United States, in any Part of the World, the Merchants and Merchant Ships of the one and the other shall be received, treated and protected like the Merchants and Merchant Ships of the Sovereign of the Country. That is to say, the British Merchants & Merchants Ships on the one hand, shall enjoy in the United States & in all Places belonging to them, the same Protection & commercial Priviledges, & be liable only to the same Charges & Duties, as their own Merchants & Merchant Ships. And on the other hand, the Merchants & Merchant Ships of the United States shall enjoy in all Places belonging to his Britannic Majesty, the same Protection & commercial Priviledges & be liable only to the same Charges & Duties as British Merchants & Merchant Ship Saving always to the chartered trading Companies of Great Britain, such exclusive Use & Trade of their respective Posts & Establishments as neither the other subjects of Great Britain, nor any the most favoured Nation participates in.

N.B. Mr. Oswald objecting to the Eastern Boundary of the United States as described in the first Article it was agreed to substitute the following vizt.
East by Nova Scotia the true Line between which & the United States shall be settled by Commissioners as soon as conveniently may be after the War.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 5 October 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Office of Finance 5th. October 1782.
I have the Pleasure to enclose you the Copy of an Act of Congress of the ninth of September last. I shall make no Comments on this Act which as it relieves you from farther Trouble and Anxiety on the Subject it relates to will I am sure be agreable.

I am Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant
Robt Morris
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Endorsed: Office of Finance Oct 5. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Powel Griffitts, 6 October 1782
From: Griffitts, Samuel Powel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir,
Lyons October 6th. 1782.
I arrived here Yesterday from Geneva, where I left young Mr. Bache very well the Day before. He, as well as his School-Mate, Mr. Johnnot were very happy to hear from you: They both appear to be contented with their Situation & what is more Monsieur Marignac seems very well satisfied with their Conduct— He treats them as Friends, & they repay him with Respect and Attention— The City is at present very still & free from Disorders.
Mr. Mayo joins with me in Compliments and best Wishes for your Health— We should both be very happy to hear of its being perfectly re-established— With the greatest Respect & Consideration, I remain Your much obliged hble. Servant
Saml. Powel Griffitts
His Excelly. Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 6 October 1782
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ever Dear Brother
Warwick Rhoad Island octr 6—1782
I hear Freequently of the Arival of Vesals From France to all Parts of America but not won Scrape of a Pen has your Sister Recived from you two-years & half Past. Thank God I hear of you by others that you are in Health and spirits, Sill Labouring in the way of Duty for our poor Country; and that is a comfort to me, but I can’t help wishing, tho I have all most given over Expecting, a Leter from you; I have however acording to your Desier in a former leter keept on writing tho I recved no Ansure, & want to comunicate to you my fealings at times, some times the Sorrows I am Exercised with, but mor Frequently my Gratitude for the comfortable Circumstances that have atended my Old Age throw your means, which I Reflect on as the Foundation of all under God. But as no Temporal Injoyment is Permanent I have mett a Severe Lose in the Death of my Grandaughter, her temper, and Sentements, were so agreable to me & she was so Tender of me on all Ocations, I have wrot you wons Since her Death & so many times before I cant Sopose they have all miscarried,—if this should Reach you do let me know from your own Hand you have not Loste the Affection you Used to have for me and it will be a comfortable soport under my Present Berevement.
I am still with the children and Husband of the Deceas’d who behaves wery Affectionatly to me, & wishes my continuance with them, and I know nothing to the conterary at present but where Ever I may be your Leters would find me Directed to Cousen Williams’s or Governer Greenes. I beleve your Publick Business is Fatigueing anouf, but I hope you have some time for Relaxation & that your Life and Health will be Preserved till you see an End to those Dreadfull Wars.

I have not had a Line from Mr Bache or cousen sally these two years Past, I have no Idea of the cause I have wrote to them twice in the time.
Thus far I had wrot when I rec’d a Leter from cousen Williams Informing me He was going to France & wish’d to be the Barrer of a Leter from me to you, Glad as I am to have it go by won who I know will Deliver it saif if he gits there I can’t be Reconciled to his going till the War is over for my own sake as well as His & his Famelies, he has allways been a valeuable Friend to me, I shall mis Him very much in His Absence I dont know the Person that can suply his Place & would do it so Respectfully & affectionatly. But Pope says Submit in this & Evry other Sphere, Secure to be as Bles’d as thou canst bare, that sentence has been often a humbling to me to vew my self to be of so weak & low a mind that could bare so litle besides croses & afflictions.
My Friend the Governers wife has wrot you several times & has had no Ansure I am sorry If the Politeness of the French Ladies Lessen your old American acquaintaince in your Esteeme this you will Excuse from your Ever affectionate sister.
Jane Mecom
His Excellency Dr Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at Pasy / In / France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 7 October 1782
From: Lee, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Bruxelles 7 Oct. 1782.
I have the Honor to send you herewith, Copy of a Letter from Mr. Robt. R. Livingston Secretary of Congress for Foreign Affairs—of the 18th. of July last, & of an order of Congress of the 2d. of the same Month, to which be pleased to refer.
As you inform’d me in you Letter of the 25th of August last, that you had a copy of the order of Congress of the 12th. of Septr. 1781. ascertaining the Ballance due to me, to be Forty two thousand, one hundred & eigty nine Livres, with 6 per Ct. per an. Interest from that time ‘till paid, I have only to observe that the Interest for 19 Months added to the principal debt amounts to Forty six thousand one hundred & ninety six Livres, nineteen sols; for which sum I have this day drawn on you the following Bills payable to my own order the 12th. of April next, viz one for £12000 [i.e. 12,000 l.t.]— one for £12000 [i.e. 12,000 l.t.]— one for £12000— & one for £10196.19s. [i.e. 10,196 l.t. 19 s.]
These Bills will be presented to you for acceptance with which I hope you will honor them, as I have drawn them at so long a date, in order to accommodate you in the most convenient manner; but if you choose to pay the money at a shorter Period, be pleased to signify your wishes in a letter to me, sent to the care of Mr. Grand in Paris, that I may give him orders to receive it.
I am most Respectfully Sir Your most Obedt. & most Hble Servt.
W: Lee.
Turn Over if you PleaseHis Excellency, Benjamen Franklin Esq. at Passy.

Endorsements: W Lee Esqe / Answer’d 21st.
Notation: Wm. Lee 7. Octr. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 7 October 1782
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient Octor: 7th: 1782
I receiv’d in course the honor of your Excellencys Letter of the 30th Ulto: inclosing one for the Captains Cain Josiah & Deale, which I have deliver’d them.— They are extremely sensible of your Excellencys attention to their request, & beg that you will accept of their most sincere thanks.— Inclosed, I have the honor to transmit you a Letter from them.— I likewise take the Liberty to trouble you with Seven pices relative to the Prize Ship the Lion which I request you will examine, & order every thing necessary to be done, to accelerate her speedy Condemnation.—
There are now three American Ships of Force in this Road, that will Sail for Philadelphia between the 15th. & 20th Inst. Any Dispatches that your Excellency may have to send shall be taken the utmost care of.
I have the honor to remain with the utmost respect. Sir! Your most hble & Obedient Servant
Jonatn: Nesbitt
His Excellency Benja: Franklin Esqr.

Notation: J. Nesbit 7. Oct. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 7 October 1782
From: Wright, Patience
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir
London octobr 7th 1782
With most Sincere Distress of mind I herd last from France You was ill and Since not had the good news of your Recovery I beg Mr Thare the Barer of this may give me the Early Inteligence of your helth and wellfare— My hopes are Placd high on your life health and Situation— May almighty Ruler of Kings give you the blessing of long life is the Prayer of dr Sir your Estemd Friend and very humbl Serv
Patience Wright

my Dear Wm.
with dificulty am Silent I Returnd from Bath when the Spirit of the times made it very Entertaining being Company from all Parts &c. would to god you was their with others now on their way to that blessed Water
  mrs Wright Respectful Complents To Doctr Bancroft to hold him Self Ready to meet us:

Addressed: His Exelency B Franklin Esqr / Passy France / (per Mr Thayer.)
Notation: Wright Oct 7. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 8 October 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Brest 8th. October 1782
I had the honour of addressing your Excellency the 30th. Past, Since which I have taken as much Information Concerning the probability of Sending the Supplies forward at the expence of the Court of France as I could, and I do not find that there is the least. The Intendant Informs me that the want of Transports for the Kings Service is So great that Gouvernment Cannot afford the least assistance to America, beyond that of furnishing men for any vessells we can engage in the Service, or Shipping the goods for us round to L’Orient without any Expence. I think it probable that if the goods were there, various Shipments might be made (of part of them) by different Vessells bound to Philadelphia &c. at a reasonable freight payable in America. If you Shou’d approve of this Method I will order Such of them round as I can agree for by the Ship st. James, washington and Queen of France all of which Vessells are now at L’Orient. The Ship Baltimore and Brigantine Nancy are now taking in Salt here for Cheseapeak Bay the former is a stout vessell of about 270 Ton, will Sail I believe very well, Mount 8 Twelve pound Caronades, and four Swivills, the Brigantine is about 180 Ton unarmed except Sufficient to Keep off Boats in Cheseapeak Bay. If you Chuse it about 100 Ton of the Supplies may be put on board the Ship and about 50 Ton on board the Brigantine the freight paid at the usual rate in America. I should think it right to put Some of the Blanketts on board each Vessell, and if you approve of it I will return from L’Orient and See it done, or give the Necessary Instructions about it, but it will be Necessary for me to have your Excellencys determination by return of Post addressed to me at L’Orient, as both Vessells will go as soon as they are loaded without waiting for Convoy.

There is also a Brigantine Cutter here that will be fitted for Sea in about a Month, by whom 100 Ton of Goods may be Shipped to Philadelphia, She will be unarmed except a few Swivills, but I believe She is Noted for being a fast Sailling Vessell. It were to be wished that the Supplies, expecially if there is a prospect of an other Campaign in America, Could be sent by more Suitable Conveyances, but indeed I See not the Smallest chance of Succeeding other ways, without the Command of Finances which Seem to be out of reach— I was once in hopes of procuring a Frigate which lyes here, but after being in Suspence Some days, I found it could not be done. There is a Ship at L’Orient of 500 Ton, and the Frigate Flora of Some what Greater dimention lyes at Bordeaux, Either of these Vessells I believe might be got to come here for about 200 livs. per Ton, if you wou’d accept bills for the freight at 3. 6, 9, & 12 Months after the bills of Lading were Signed. I have the pleasure to Inform your Excellency that Captain Grinnell arrived at Boston in 40(?) days from Amsterdam with about 2500 suits of the Cloathing which I Shipped and as Smedley Sail’d at the Same time I hope we Shall Soon hear that he is arrived also— I Sincerely wish that this will find you perfectly restored to your health, bing with great respect Sir Your Excellencys Most Obed Huml Servant
Thos Barclay
Inclosed I send you two printed paragraphs from a Boston Newspaper of Sepr. 9thHis Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqre

Notation: T: Barclay. Brest 8th. October 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 8 October 1782
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Forbach, le 8e. 8bre. 1782.
Après cinq mois de course et de travaux, monsieur et respectable ami, je suis arrivé avant-hier chès nôtre céleste amie, et déja nous nous sommes beaucoup entretenus de vous; inquiets de votre santé qui a été altérée pendant l’été dernier, nous supplions monsieur votre petit fils de nous en donner des nouvelles: recevés en même temps le tendre hommage de la Dame du chateau, et de ma part celui de la profonde Vénération que je me ferai toujours gloire d’avoir pour Vous.
Vous connoissés mon patriotisme et mon attachement à la Cause commune: aussi ai-je bien souffert des facheuses nouvelles que j’ai apprises depuis mon départ de paris; mais je n’en espere pas moins qu’enfin le jour de la paix dont nous commençons à voir l’aurore éclairera les deux mondes.
J’ai appris avec grand plaisir que trois navires américains arrivés de philadelphie à l’orient, avoient amené deux prises dont une estimée 600,000 l.t. Les piqures répétées font de grandes blessures.
Je ne cesserai d’être avec l’attachement le plus inviolable et le plus tendre respect, monsieur et digne ami, votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Le CHR. De Keralio

Mille et mille amitiés, S’il vous plait, à Mr. votre petit fils: notre amie qui lui dit mille belles choses lui enverra incessamment Un paquet pour son fils et le prie d’avance de l’expédier pour L’amérique, quand l’occasion se présentera.

Notation: Le Chr. de Keralio Forbac le 8. Oct 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John and Sarah Jay, 9 October 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jay, John,Jay, Sarah

Passy 9. Oct. 1782.
Dr. Franklin regrets exceedingly that his Health does not permit him the honour & Pleasure of waiting upon Mr. & Mrs. Jay, according to their obliging Invitation.— He hopes Mr. & Mrs. Jay will condescend to indemnify him for the Loss he sustains, by honouring him with their Company at Dinner on Saturday next.— The Dr. would be happy to see Mr. Murowe at the same time.

Endorsed: From Doctr Franklin 9 Octr. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Kennan, 9[–12] October 1782
From: Kennan, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bourdoux 9[–12]th. October 1782
I the subscriber your Excellencies most Humble Pettioner, an American Subject, my place of residence, when at home, is in Orange County North Carolina, where I have resided for a number of years past, till Cornwallis, attacked General Green at Guilford Court House, then I went out to the West Indies, with a small property on my own Accot.; and traded among the French West India Islands, but very unfortunately, a little time before St. Kitts was Captured by the French, on my passage from Bassterre Guardaloupe, bound for St Thomas, I was taken by a Privateer and carried into St. Kitts, when I lost every thing in my possesion, even my wearing Apperal and remained a prisioner, till Count De Boulia Governor of Martinico took that Island, After which I went down to Cape Francois where I entered on board a French Mercht. Ship bound for this port to do a little business in the writting way, Just for a support, and my wages being very small which is now all expended. And no American Ships here that will sail for those some months to come, having little or no Cash to support me, and few wearing Apperal, quite a Stranger, no friends nor Acquaintances, Therefor I am under the real necessity of giving your Excellenci, this trouble, and Pray’s your Excellenci out of your great goodness, would be pleased to render me Some Assistance in my present distress, without which I must unavoidably suffer in this Strange, Country, your Excellence’s immeidately, ordering me whatever you’ll please to see proper will for ever Oblige, Your Excellencis, most humble petitioner
Anthony Kennan

I purpose taking the first oppty, for America, that Offers, for Philadelphia Maryland. Virginia, or North Carolina

Bourdoux 12th. October
I have omitted a few lines which —— Pray Turn Over to [read?]. —— I am at present quite out of Cash, and has been, for some days past, but very lucky meeting with one Mr. De Pass living opposite the Augustin whom I am inform’d has been always a very good friend to the Distressd Americ[ans] tho: a man of a large family, and has but little property, for my own part I must say so with great propriety, he uses me very kindly, and can, have no Expectations from me, in the least, without your Excellences pleases immeidately to Order me some Assistance, when I may have it in my Power to return him payment for his, Expence & trouble wt. me. I most humbly pray your Excellence will be Pleas’d to order me some reliefe from my Present unhappy situation, which will Oblige your Excellence’s most humble Pettioner
Anthony Kennan
To His Excellence Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Williams, Moore & Co., 9 October 1782
From: Williams, Moore & Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
L’orient le 9. 8bre. 1782.
Le Corsaire ameriquain Le Ciceron, Capitaine hill a nôtre consignation, est arrivé ce matin en ce port avec deux prises venant de la Jamaique; Sur une desquelles ce Sont trouvés Le lieutenant en pied & 29 hommes de L’Equipage du Vau. du Roy Le Romely, qui avoient été Sauvés par Cette prise Lorsque le Général Gaÿes qui le Commandoit, avoit Jugé a propos dy mettre Le feu, quoiquil ne nous paroit pas Juste que cet officier et les hommes de l’equipage sauvés du dit Vaisseau, Soyent regardés Comme prisonniers, nous n’avons pas ausé prendre Sur nous de leur donner leur Liberté Sans auparavant avoir reçu vos ordres a ce Sujet.
Nous avons Lhonneur dêtre avec Respect Monsieur Vos très humbles & très obeissants serviteurs
Williams Moore & Co

Notation: Williams Moore 9. Octr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Arendt, [10 October 1782]
From: Arendt, Henry Leonard Philip, baron d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Jeudi [October 10, 1782]
Baron Arendt, qui est arrivé icy de L’amerique par Londres & la Nouvelle York, ayant eù le malheur d’avoir été pris par Les Anglois souhaite avoir l’honneur d’assurer ses respects a Son Excellence Mr. Le Docteur Franklin pour Lui remettre une Lettre de La part du Mr Robert Morris, et se presentera demain le Vendredi chés Lui vers Le Midi.
Le Baron a joint a cette Lettre quelques gazettes de Londres.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cuming & Macarty, [before 12 October 1782]
From: Cuming & Macarty
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
[before October 12, 1782]
Permit us to request your Excelleny to Transmitt us the Necessary Order’s, for the Sale of the Two Prizes, mention’d in the Papers herewith Inclose’d—

We are very Respectfully your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Very Humble Servts.
Cuming & Macarty

Notation: Cuming & Maccarty


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Regnier, 12 October 1782
From: Regnier, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris le 12 Octobre 1782.
Pendant que je m’occupois à ramasser et à mettre en ordre la suite des Constitutions des Etats-unis de l’Amerique j’ai appris que M. le Duc de la Rochefoucault s’amusoit à traduire le Recueil imprimé par ordre du Congrès. Ce Seigneur, auquel j’ai eu l’honneur de presenter mon premier volume, et à qui j’ai fait voir ce que j’avois déja ramassé pour former le Second, a eu la bonté de me dire qu’il comptoit remettre à votre Excellence, vers la st. Martin, sa traduction, et qu’il verroit avec plaisir publier la suite de cette sage Législation.

Les pieces que Votre Excellence ainsi que M. Jay ont bien voulu me communiquer, et celles que j’ai recueilli avec Soin dans les Journaux, pourroient former un Second Volume considerable et interessant; mais désirant completter a present cette collection et la publier dans le meilleur Ordre possible, je Supplie Votre Excellence de vouloir bien me permettre de tirer copie des pieces qui pourroient me manquer et de Soumettre à Sa Sagesse et à ses lumieres l’Ordre et le plan que je me propose de donner à ce Recueil.
Daignés recevoir avec bonté l’hommage du respectueux dévouement avec lequel je Suis, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Regnier
hôtel de la Guette, rue du four fauxbourg st. GermainM. Franklin, Ministre plénipotentiaire des Etats-unis.

Endorsed: Regner 12 Oct. 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gérard de Rayneval, 13 October 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gérard de Rayneval, Joseph-Mathias

Sir
Passy, Oct. 13. 1782.
With this you will receive the Copy you desired of Mr Oswald’s Commission.
I request your kind Care in forwarding the enclos’d Letter to Spain, by your first Courier.

I have the honour to be with sincere Esteem & Attachment Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
M. de Rayneval


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 14 October 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 14. 1782.
I have but just received Information of this Opportunity, and have only time allow’d to write a few Lines.
In my last of the 26th. past I mentioned that the Negociation for Peace had been obstructed by the Want of due Form in the English Commissions appointing their Plenipotentiaries. In that for treating with us, the Mentioning our States by their public Name had been avoided, which we objecting to, another is come of which I send a Copy inclosed. We have now made several preliminary Propositions, which the English Minister, Mr. Oswald has approved & sent to his Court. He thinks they will be approved there; but I have some Doubts. In a few Days however the answer expected will determine. By the first of these Articles the King of Great Britain renounces for himself and Successors all Claim and Pretension to Dominion or Territory within the thirteen United States; and the Boundaries are described as in our Instructions; except that the Line between Nova Scotia & New-England is to be settled by Commissioners after the Peace. By another Article the Fishery in the American Seas is to be freely exercis’d by the Americans wherever they might formerly exercise it while united with Great Britain. By another, the Citizens and Subjects of each Nation are to enjoy the same Protection & Privileges in each others Ports and Countries, respecting Commerce, Duties &c. that are enjoy’d by native Subjects. The Articles are drawn up very fully by Mr. Jay; who I suppose sends you a Copy. If not it will go by the next Opportunity. If these Articles are agreed to, I apprehend little Difficulty in the rest. Something has been mention’d about the Refugees and English Debts; but not insisted on, as we declar’d at once that whatever Confiscations had been made in America, being in Virtue of the Laws of particular States, the Congress had no Authority to repeal those Laws, and therefore could give us none to stipulate for such Repeal.
I have been honour’d with the Receipt of your Letters No. 14 & 15. I have also received two Letters from Mr. L R. Morris both dated the 6th. of July and one dated the 10th. of August inclosing Bills for

68,290.
Livres

  71,380

  9,756

In all
  149,426.
Livres

being intended for the Payment of Ministers Salaries for the two first Quarters of this Year. But as these Bills came so late that all those Salaries were already paid, I shall make no use of the Bills, but lay them by till farther Orders. And the Salaries of different Ministers not having all the same Times of falling due, as they had different Commencements, I purpose to get all their Accounts settled & reduced to the same Period, and send you the State of them; that you may be clear in future Orders. I see in one of the Estimates sent me that a Quarter’s Salary of a Minister is reckoned at 14,583 Livres; in the other it is reckon’d 16,667 livres. And the Bill for 9756 Livres is mentioned, as intended to pay a Ballance due on the Remittance of the 68,290. Livres. Being unacquainted with the State of your Exchanges I do not well comprehend this, and therefore leave the whole for the present as I have said above. Permit me only to hint for your Consideration, whether it may not be well hereafter to omit Mention of Sterling in our Appointments, since we have severed from the Country to which that Denomination of Money is peculiar; and also to order the Payment of your Ministers in such a Manner that they may know exactly what they are to receive, & not be subject to the Fluctuations of Exchange. If it is that which occasions the Difference between 14,583 for the first Quarter, & 16,667 for the second, it is considerable. I think we have no right to any Advantage by the Exchange, nor should we be liable to any Loss from it. Hitherto we have taken 15,000 Livres for a Quarter (subject however to the Allowance or Disallowance of Congress) which is lower than the Medium between those two Extreams.
The different Accounts given of Lord Shelburne’s Character with respect to Sincerity, induced the Ministry here to send over M. de Rayneval, Secretary of the Council, to converse with him, and endeavour to form by that Means a more perfect Judgment of what was to be expected from the Negociation. He was five or Six Days in England, saw all the Ministers, and return’d quite satisfy’d that they are sincerely desirous of Peace; so that the Negociations now go on, with some Prospect of Success. But the Court & People of England are very changeable. A little Turn of Fortune in their Favour sometimes turns their Heads; and I shall not think a speedy Peace to be depended on till I see the Treaties signed.
I am obliged to finish. With great Esteem I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Robt. R Livingston Esqe.

Endorsed: Letter 14 Oct 1782 Doct Franklin so far as relates to the mode of paying the salaries of Ministers referred to Mr Osgood Mr Rutledge Mr Wharton Dec. 27. 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris: Extract, 14 October 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morris, Robert

Ocr. 14th. 1782
The three millions you mention previous to 1778 were two of them given & the third was an Advance on a Contract with the Farmers general of tobacco.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 14 October 1782
From: Chalut, abbé ——,Arnoux, abbé ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 14 8bre 1782
Les abbés de Chalut et Arnoux assurent de leur amitié leur respectable ami. Ils lui envoyent quatre lettres de recommandation pour M. le Chevalier Neuvenham. Ils sont à ses ordres dans toutes les choses qui dependront deux.
Mille amitiés au cher petit fils.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 14 October 1782
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
London 14 Oct 1782
I have recd your two favors of the 25th & 30th Ultimo, it rejoices me much to hear you are getting the better of your late Complaints, the World cannot afford to part with you yet— You must not sing the Nunc Dimittis, untill you have compleated that great & glorious work which is to teach future Kings & Ministers that the Liberties & propertys of Mankind are not to be trifled with for their sport & Amusements.
By this Conveyance you will receive another Box of pepper Mint Drops each parcell cost 8 s.— the whole of course 16 s.

I have been at the Secretarys Office relative to the Exchange of Americans here for those you furnish me a List of that are carried into LOrient— I was told that your request shou’d be complyed with & that as soon as a Vessell cou’d be got ready the Americans here shou’d be sent to LOrient I believe that there are about 120 prisoners here at present most of the persons you enquire after went in the last Cartells to America Capt Houston has left Forton without Leave Mr Wren had recommended him to me before I recd your Letter & I advanced him £10 10 s. on his Bill on Messrs Cummins & Macartny of LOrient (at my own Risque) & I now inclose you the said Bill to gether with a Letter which I have written to the above Gentlemen, wherein I request the favor of them to give me some Information in a matter in which I am interested, if you will be so obliging as to second my request to them I shall esteem it a favor.
If the above Bill in LOrient is honored you will please to apply the whole or what part you please to Mr Wright for the Picture, which when proper Opportunity offerrs, I am expecting, I thank you for your hint about publick Affairs—I cannot see that the French Minister will be warranted in continuing the War, for Interests foreign to the Original Dispute with you & your Affairs once agreed upon I woud hope other lesser Matters will be adjusted, not but to be sure it will be a work of some Time, I shall depend upon your Kindness for future necessary Information of the progress of Things.
I have nothing new to inform you of— You woud no doubt be surprised at reading Carlton & Digbys Letter because you woud see that they therein mention certain propositions & Terms relative to the Exchange of Prisoners that have not the least Foundation in point of Fact. Where the Blunder lies is difficult to say, but the Minister was much hurt at it, I am with the greatest Respect & Esteem Dr sr your most obliged & Hble Servt
William Hodgson

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Benj Franklin Esqr / á Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 15 October 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Passy, 15 Oct. 1782.
A long and painful Illness has prevented my corresponding with your Excellency regularly, but I paid the Bill you drew upon me and advised me of in your last Letter.
Mr Jay has I believe acquainted you with the Obstructions our Peace Negociations have met with, and that they are at length removed. By the next Courier expected from London, we may be able perhaps to form some Judgment of the Probability of Success, so far as relates to our Part of the Peace. How likely the other Powers are to settle their Pretensions, I can not yet learn. In the mean time America is gradually growing more easy, by the Enemy’s Evacuation of their Posts; as you will see by some Intelligence I enclose.
I have had the Happiness formerly to help your Excellency in the Discharge of the Public Demands upon you. I am now obliged to recur to you for the same kind of Assistance. Notice has been given me that the Interest of the Ten Millions borrow’d in Holland under the Guarantee of this Court becomes due the 5th. of next Month. My Funds here are all engaged by Bills accepted and expected. I must therefore request that you will undertake the Payment of that Interest, which at 4 per Cent amounts to about 400,000 Livres Tournois.
With great Respect, I have the honour to be, Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. J. Adams Esqr.

Endorsed: Dr Franklin 15 Oct. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Preble, 16 October 1782
From: Preble, Joshua
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir.
Tenterton October th16 1782
Haveing the Misfortune to be Capturd by the Intriped of Sixty four Guns in the Ship Called the Retaliation Merchantmen my father in Law the Principle Owner Liveing at Newbury Port his Name is Stephen Cross Esqr Hond Sir I am on my Parole of Honour and Should beg the favour of your Kind assistance in Supplying me with ten or twelve Pounds Sir I will Give my Honour that I will remit it to you as Soon as I get my Self Exchang’d and would Pay you what Intrest you think Propper I was Capt of the Ship and Sir My Drawing on you was by my Fathers Desire If incase I was Carried into England my Own father Lives at Falmth Casco Bay in the State of Massachusetts in New England his Name Is Jedediah Preble Esq He is one of the Council at Boston.
Sir I am Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
Joshua Preble

Addressed: Honrd Doctor Frankling Esq / at / Paris in France
Notation: J Hall


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Cie., 18 October 1782
From: Girardot, Haller & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris Le 18. 8bre 1782
Nous avons Lhonneur de vous presenter mr Housberg chef d’une manufacture de fonte de fer a qui nous donnâmes il y a Trois ans une Lettre d’introduction auprès de vous Monsieur. Nous Serons charmés si Les propositions quil a vous faire peuvent vous Etre agreables c’est dans cette vue que nous nous sommes prêtes à L’instance de mr housberg.
Nous avons Lhonneur d’être avec La consideration La plus distinguée Monsieur Vos très humbles & très obeissants Serviteurs
Girardot Haller ET Co
Mr Le Docteur francklin à Passy

Notation: Girardot & Haller 18. 8bre. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 18 October 1782
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear sir.
Philade. Octr. 18th: 1782
It is very long since I have had the Satisfaction of a Line from you. This I attribute to the great Uncertainty of Opportunities. The last Letter I received from you mentioned an Electrical Battery, which you said was in the Hands of Mr. Coombe. I have at last got the Battery you mention, & found five of the Bottles broke. The Rest are in good Order. All your Philosophical Apparatus in my hands hath been carefully preserved, & shall at any Time be delivered in good Condition to your’s or Mr. Bache’s Order, to whom I have given a Receipt for every Article I have borrowed. The Use of them has afforded much Amusement & some Instruction to me for which I heartily thank you.— I wrote to you some Time ago requesting you would enter me as a Subscriber to an Encyclopaedia now publishing at Paris; as I understand the Price will not be very great I am desirous of having it— I leave this to your Discretion.—
I enclose for your Amusement a Piece I wrote to save the Trees of this City from being all cut down agreeably to a Law passed for that purpose. This together with some Petitions, saved the Trees & the Law was repealed. I thought a Piece like this a more rational Trifle than the abusive paragraphs which fill our Papers—in which I assure you I have no Part.
I have only Room to request my respectful Regards to Mr. Jay if yet in paris, & also to Mr. Adams— And to assure you (for which I have always Room in my Heart be the paper as scanty as it may) that I am ever your affectionate friend & very humble servant
F. Hopkinson

Addressed: Honourable / Doctor Franklin / at Passey / near Paris
Endorsed: Mr Hopkinson Oct. 18. 1782 With a Paper in favour of the Trees.
Notation: Hopkinson, Phila. Octr. 18. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 18 October 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Head Qrs. State of New York 18th. Octr. 1782.
I have been honored with two favors of Your Excellency—one presented by the Count de Segur, of the 2d. of April—the other delivered by the Prince de Broglie of the 8th.—both which were rendered doubly agreeable, by the pleasure I had in receiving them from the hands of two such amiable & accomplished Young Gentlemen.—
Independent of my esteem for your Excellency—be assured Sir, that my respect & regard for the French Nation at large, to whom this Country is under so great obligations—as well as the favourable impressions I have conceived for these particular Characters, will secure my warmest attention to the persons of these distinguished young Noblemen.
I am much obliged by the political information which you have taken the trouble to convey to me—but feel myself much embarrassed in my wish to make you a return in kind.— At the first of the Season the expectations of America were much raised, in consequence of the change of the British Ministry & the measures of Parliament.— But events have shewn, that these hopes have risen too high— The Death of the Marqs. of Rockingham, the advancement of the Earl of Shelburn, and the delays of Negociation, have given us very different impressions from those we at first conceived— We now begin again to reflect upon the persevering obstinacy of the King, the Wickedness of his Ministry, & the haughty pride of the Nation, which ideas recall to our Minds, very disagreeable prospects—and a probable continuance of our prest. troubles.
The Military operations of the Campaign, are drawing to a close, without any important events on this side the Water unless the evacuation of Charlestown, which is generally expected, but not yet known to me, should take place and form a paragraph in the page of this years history.
The British Fleet from the West Indies, still continues in New York— I have not been able yet to decide on the Enemy’s intentions there— It is generally thought that a detachment of their Troops will sail with them when the Fleet returns to the West Indies, where it is conjectured their efforts for the Winter, will be prosecuted with vigor.
I have the honor to be. with great esteem & Regard Sir Yr. Excelly’s Most Obt Se
Go: Washington
His Excelly. Doctr. Franklin. Minister at the Ct. of France.Duplicate


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 October 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir
L’Orient Octor. 18. 1782
I came hither on the Business of our House having 5 rich Jamaica prizes to our address, with upwards of 2000 hhd Sugar & 400 hhds Rum. The Alliance is just arrived with 4 more, & she has sent 5 into America, two have got into Nantes so we know of 16 taken; I have another privateer which I hourly expect will bring in 2 or 3 more.— I have advice from my Father of the Reception of Johonnotts & Warrens Bills, but no accot of the payment yet.— I shall carry Mrs Williams to her Friends to pass the Winter, for I fear her Health will never be perfectly established at Nantes, I hope at same Time to pay my Duty to you and to see you much better than I hear you have been. I am most dutifully & affectionately ever Yours.
Jona Williams J

Addressed: a son Excellence / M. Le Docteur Franklin / Ministre americain / en son Hotel / A Passy prés / Paris.
Notation: J. Williams, Oct. 18. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Mathews, 19 October 1782
From: Mathews, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Belone [Boulogne] the 19 day of October 1782
Sir I have taken this oppertunity of wrighting These few lines to let you know the sewerahson [situation?] that i am in i belong to a meracahn ship belonging To the congres my ship left me behind i had the Misfortune of looseing my Cloathes the ship Left me at haver de grass and i went down to belone for to get a shipe and the comeserey Wou’ld not let me pass without a pass port ware Can i get pass and i have no bodey for to get one from. The comeserey put me in preson he gives me bread Aand waghter He has forst me to go on board of A loger [lugger] belonging to the king wich i doant like. I want to sare [serve] no other nesion [nation] but the one. The loger is cald the belone comanded by Captain banstable: she is going to breast. I hope your honir will let me free. If you please to dereck the letter for brest— We espect to sale frome belone a thusday or On wednesday i have no frends to helpe me if you Doant i have not a farthing to helpe me. I have no Cloathes and no friends at present. Bread and waghter is verey low diat for a man. I hope you will helpe me i belong to boston.
I am your most humble sarvant
James Mathews


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Penet, 20 October 1782
From: Penet, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Belft. [Belfort] 20. 8bre. 1782
Si jai tardé dinformer Son Exélance du malheur qui m’est Survenu dans le momen ou je devais my attendre le moins c’est que javois espoire de pouvoir remédier a une événement occationné par la mechansté et chalousie cruel de gens qui depuis que je Suis dans les affaires de L’amerique ont chergé a me nuire.
Je representerés Seulement a votre Exelance que le Sujet qui ma obligé de Suspandre mes payements et me retirer afin de nêtre pas exposé a la volonté et méchansté de partie de mes créantiers viens d’une lettre de change que javois reçu en payement pour Solde de mes avances d’un vaisseaux armée que j’ai fais construire a Nantes pour compte de la maison Stiven Houper et Co. de Nieuberyport, cette maison ma remis des Effets pour mes avancés Sur L’espagne que j’ai fais passer a mon chargé d’affaires a Paris, cet homme vient a mourir a laissé des enfans mineur il fut nommé un éxécuteur testamanthére le quèl ayant pris connoissance des affaires du défun, a trouvé que de tous les Effets que je lui avois fait passer, un Seule d’environs 10 mille livres tournois na point êté accepté ny payé. Sans autre forme obtient Santance contre moi l’envoit a un chargé de procuration a Nantes gens de mes Enemis qui la garterent pendant quinzejours attendant linstans que je Suis absans, font une dessante dans ma maison avec quatre husier Sans prevenire ny Comis, ni Domestiques, font Saisire méttent arét Sur mes Effets et laissent une garde. Ce qui fut connu dans la place et au Loins, de maniere que tous ceux aux quèls j’avois à faire tant pour les Etats que particuliers, Croyant que je devois des Sommes imances ont obtenu Santance et meussent fait arrêter Si je n’avois pris le partie de me retirer.
Je Suis occupé àprendre des arrengements pour que mes créantiers maccordent du terme pour leurs remboursements qui tous Seront Satisfait avec les intéréts même de leurs avances, les propositions que je leurs fais Sont fontée Sur lEquité nayant jámais eu dautres principes. Mais mes Enemis et chaloux font linpossible pour me contrarier, et faire Echouer mes propositions.
Je Suplie donc Son Exlance et j’ai déjas occation de lui démoigner ma reconnoissance dans le Compte qu’elle à rendüe a ceux qui Sont venü aux informations chés elle de vouloir bien me Continuer Ces bontés, et protecxions, ce Serat rendre la plus haute justice au plus inosans des hommes et a celui qui dans Son Etat C’est le plus Distingué dans les affaires qui lui ont êté confié tant des Etats unies, que de la Nation, et particuliers dont il à les plus grandes preuves et temoigniages. Cy joint une lettre, de la quelle je prie Son Exelance de vouloir bien prandre connoissance, elle voirat que dans touttes les circonstances je me Suis comporté en homme D’honneur.

J’ai fais un mêmoir qui doit avoir Eté presenté au Ministre à fain qu’il m’obtienne de la bonté du Roy un Saufe Conduit pour par moi même regler mes affaires.
Si prés de Son Exelance on venoit aux informations je Soumet tout a Sa justice, et ne Cesserai de faire des voeux au Seigneur pour la conservation des jours de Votre Exelance Le très humble et très Obeissant Serviteur
P. Penet./.

adressé a Belfort en Alsace ches Mr Dartus chevalier de St louis, qui me fairat parvenire les lettres de Son Exelance, Si elle me renvoy la lettre cy incluse./.

Endorsed: Penet


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Lee, 21 October 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lee, William

Sir.
Passy Octr. 21st. 1782.
I receiv’d the Letter you did me the Honor of writing to me the 7th. instt., inclosing a copy of an order of Congress with a copy of a Letter to you from Mr. Secretary Livingston, & informing me, that you had in consequence drawn on me for £46196..19 [i.e., 46,196 l.t. 19 s] payle. to your order the 12th. April next. This is to acquaint you that I have accepted the said Bills hoping to have by that time Funds in my hands for payment: But as that is uncertain, I confide that you will not hazard the credit of congress by indorsing any of them to others, ’till you have heard from me that I am likely to be in Cash, of which you shall be inform’d in the month of January next. I have the Honor &c—
(Sign’d) B. Franklin.
Honble. Wm. Lee Esq.—Bruxelles(Copy) No 2


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deacon M. Auer, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 21 October 1782
From: Auer, Deacon M.,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur!Ebingen pres de Bahlingen en Wurtemberg, le 21 obr: 1782.
Rien n’est plus genereux, que l’Action, que Vous venez de faire, Monseigneur! La pauvre Veuve Hoeklin se croit heureuse. Elle a reçu un Billet que Son Excellence, Votre Beaufils aye accepté 200 Pound de Mons. Schneider a Germantown. Mons. Richard Bache a ecrit lui meme. Mais a cette heure nous sommes en peine. Permettez donc, je Vous supplie, de Vous demander a) par quel Moyen nous pourrions recevoir cette Somme et b) combien elle soit selon notre Argent.
Nous nous addressons directement a Votre Excellence, parceque je n’ai de confience, qu’en elle. Daignez donc jetter les yeux Sur la Veuve. Le grand Dieu recompensera tout, il Vous comblera de toute Sorte de Bonheur devant Son Trone. Je suis avec un parfait devouement et une Veneration profonde Monseigneur, de Votre Excellence tres humble Valet,
M. Auer,Pasteur.

Notation: Auer. 21 Oct. 1782.
[In Franklin’s hand:] That I have receiv’d from Mr Bache [blank in MS] Livres which lies in the Hands of Mr Frederic Grand Banker in Paris from whom it may be drawn by Mrs Hoeklin in such manner as she shall be advis’d.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Christophe-Claire] Danyel de Kervégan et al., 21 October 1782
From: Danyel de Kervégan, Christophe-Claire
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Nantes 21. Octobre 1782./.
Le Régisseur des Octrois de cette Ville veut contraindre les Négocians de L’amérique Septentrionale établis à Nantes, à lui payer, sur les Tabacs qui leur sont adressés vingt sols par quintal comme droguerie, au lieu de trois sols par fardeau de 150 livres pesant comme marchandise prohibée; Il s’est élevé un procès à ce sujet, parcequ’il se trouve une contradiction manifeste dans les articles 13 et 22. de L’arrêt du Conseil du 14. 9bre. 1741. qui fixe ces deux perceptions.
Pour faire terminer plus promptement cette contestation, nous avons adressé au Ministre des finances, une Requête que nous présentons au Roi et à son Conseil, tendante à ordonner que les Tabacs soyent rangés dans L’art. 13, et assujetis à trois sols seulement comme marchandises prohibées.
Nous nous sommes faits un devoir de venir au secours de ces Négocians et de les favoriser autant qu’il nous a été possible: outre l’inclination naturelle qui nous y porte, nous ne vous dissimulerons point, Monsieur, que l’intérêt particulier du Commerce de cette Place, nous y a aussi engagés.
Si d’un côté Messieurs vos Compatriotes trouvent beaucoup d’avantages et de facilités à demeurer en cette Ville, à cause de la bonne foi avec laquelle on y traite les affaires, la commodité de la Loire et la proximité de la mer; d’un autre, ils ne doivent point y être plus maltraités qu’ailleurs. Or il n’est dû aucuns droits Sur les Tabacs ni à L’orient, Bordeaux, La Rochelle ni au havre.
Nous espérons que ces considérations et celles qu’il vous plaira d’y ajouter, vous porteront, Monsieur, à faire toutes les réprésentations et les démarches que vous jugerez convenables, pour faire affranchir les Négocians, Sujets des Etats unis de L’amérique, qui résident ici, du droit de vingt sols par quintal sur les Tabacs, aux offres qu’ils font de payer celui de trois sols par fardeau, comme marchandises prohibées.
Nous sommes avec un profond Respect, Monsieur, Vos très-humbles et très-obéïssants Serviteurs, Les Juge et Consuls de Nantes./.
Danyel DE KerveganMosneron L’ainéGeslinPlumard DE Rieux
Mr. franklin, Ambassadeur des Etats unis de l’amérique septentrionale. à la Cour de france.