Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Aimé (Amé)-Ambroise-Joseph Feutry, 9 March 1782
From: Feutry, Aimé-Ambroise-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris, ce 9 mars 1782.
Pardonnez mon laconisme à La douleur qui m’oppresse. Je perds un vrai mécene, et J’ose le dire, un ami qui me chérissoit depuis plus de 20 ans. J’aurai L’honneur, Monsieur, D’aller bientôt vous Faire un instant ma cour, vous remercier de toutes vos bontés, et vous en demander La suitte. Vous connoissez Les sentimens de reconnoissance et de respect avec lesquels Je serai toujours Monsieur votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur &c.
FEUTRYhôtel de lyon, vis-à-vis deSt. Yves, Rue St Jacques. / .

P.S. J’etois revenu ici de châtillon pour voir M de Puységur dans sa maladie. Et je repars prochainement pour aller m’enterrer dans ma retraite, où je compte travailler beaucoup. Les vers— ci-joints, vous feront juger de la triste situation de mon ame.

Notation: Feutry Paris ce 9. mars 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 9 March 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia, 9th. March 1782
The enclosed Letter from the Superintendant of finance was written in consequence of the resolutions of which I sent you a copy in my last— I then detailed so fully on the Subject that I can give you no further information on that head— than is contained in the enclosed, which as I was just going out of Town I have requested Mr Morris to put in his Cypher.
I have the honor to be, sir With great respect & esteem Your most obedient humble servant
Robt R Livingston
His Excellency B Franklin Esqr.No. 10 Copy 3plicate

Endorsed: Mr Secy. Livingston No 10 March 9. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 March 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir.
Nantes March 9. 1782
I have in Company with a Friend just bought an exceeding fine new Brig, calculated for a remarkable good Sailor, never yet at Sea. I have called her the Spry and given the Command to Capt Robeson. My Intention is to send her immediately to Boston, and I hope to get her away under the Convoy of the Alliance, for this Purpose I request you to favour me with such Notice of the intended movements of that Frigate so as I may not lose so fine an Opportunity. Will the Alliance wait for the Return of the Marquis or not? and in either Case when is she to depart? will she go to Brest or sail from L’Orient and to what part of the Continent is she bound? I make you these Questions freely because I flatter myself you will indulge me & so far as anything political may be comprised in the Information I trust you will without Difficulty depend on my Discretion. I send you a Bond properly executed for which please to favour me with a Commission & Instructions for Capt. Robeson.
As you mentioned some Time since that American shipping would be wanted in Brest and desired to know the Terms I think it my Duty to make you an Offer of as much as I can take in the Brig (which will be from 80 to 100 Tons) at as low conditions as I can consent to, though I do not doubt you will think them high; the Reason of this is the high Price a Vessell costs, the great Expense of sailing her, the exorbitant Rate of Insurance, and the rich private Freight of which I can load the Vessell @ 10 per Cent on the Value. My Terms are in one Word £400 per Ton of 42 Cubic Feet taken on the measurement of the Goods, payable in Cash or Bills @ 2 Usance on the Day of the Ships Departure for America. 15 Days to be allowed for loading from the ships arrival in Brest, and if the Delay should exceed 20 days a Demurrage of 5 Louis d’ors per day, for every Day she may lay in Port— To go under Convoy which you will procure all the Voyage, & to be destined to the northern states, say Rhode Island or Boston.
I have got off with the Farmers for about 4 or 5000 Livres in full for all the claimed Duties on the late Cloathing, which I think doing well, I have paid the money from my own Funds and to replace it shall take the Liberty of drawing on you in favour of Mr Grand.
The Ice in the River & the foul Weather since has hitherto prevented the delivery of the Seeds, but no Time that can be avoided shall be lost. I have lately received some Cramberrys from Boston, I am afraid They are not good but if it is possible I will pick out enough to make you a few Cramberry Tarts. Billy tells me you insist on paying me for the Wine &a, I have no Objection to your paying for everything else, & in future I will let you pay for all the good Things I may send which cost me Money, but I gain so handsomely by a considerable Purchase of this Wine that I can well afford a Present, and were I to make you Pay I should be puzzled to fix a Price. I therefore beg you will in this Instance excuse me.
I am as ever most dutifully and affectionately Yours
Jona Williams J

I beg your Answer immediately to Govern myself with the Persons who are pressing me to take Freight on board the Brig, I do not wish to fatigue you with details therefore commission Billy if you please to write me more fully than you perhaps may have leisure for. My Compliments to Mr Young.
If the Goods for the Brig can be shipped here & the Convoy equally sure I will take 50 Livres per Ton less.
If your Public Goods are at L’Orient it will suit me as well as to take them at Brest, I will be content with the Alliances Convoy, and if it is material I will consent to let the Vessell go to Phila—provided however the destination is declared before we begin to load.
JWJ

Notations in different hands: ansd by WTFs Letter of the 13 Mar. 82 / J Williams 9. May 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 10 March 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam March 10th. 1782.
Should the British Forces now in New York and Charlestown evacuate those Places and go to the West India Islands, they might give a good deal of Trouble to the French and Spanish Possessions there. It would cost those Powers many Men and Ships and a great deal of Money and Time perhaps to manage them: whereas a Fleet and a Sum of Money now well directed would infallibly make Prisoners of the whole.
After the Address and Resolutions of the Commons, can it be thought they will be so stupid as to keep those Armies inactive in New York and Charlestown? If they do it will be merely to protect Commissioners whom they may send to propose Terms of a seperate Peace to Congress. In this Case the short and easy Method with the Dissenters is to take Warriors and Peacemakers altogether Prisoners in New York.
With great Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant
J. Adams.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esq

Endorsed: answd March 31
Notation: J. Adams, March 10. 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., 11 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Fizeaux, Grand & Cie.

Gentlemen,
Passy, March 11. 1782.
Messrs. Laswood, Van Hasselt & Van Suchtelen, have in their Possession a Number of Bills, of which the Enclosed is a List, drawn by Fra: Hopkinson Treasurer of Loans, on Mr. Laurens, in favour of John Ross amounting in the whole to 40,958 Bank Florins. I have wrote to them to apply to you for Payment, and I have at the same time desired Mr. Grand to send you the Funds for so doing: But I omitted to require that they should be seen and accepted by Mr. Adams, which I think is necessary. I therefore now write to desire you would see that this be done before Payment. I have the honour to be, with great Esteem, Gentlemen, &c.
Messrs. Fizeaux & Grand.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ferdinand Grand, 11 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand

Sir,
Passy March 11. 1782.
This is to desire you would as soon as may be possible furnish Messrs. Fizeaux & Grand at Amsterdam with the Sum of Forty Thousand, nine hundred and fifty eight Bank Florins in order to discharge the Bills drawn in Favour of Mr. Ross, and which will be due the 19th. of this Month. Place the same to the public Account of Sir, Your &c
M. Grand.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Larwood, Van Hasselt & Van Suchtelen, 11 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Larwood, Van Hasselt & Van Suchtelen

Gentlemen,
Passy, March 11. 1782
I received your respected Favour of the 4th. Instant, containing a List of the Bills in your Possession drawn in favour of Mr. Ross amounting to 40,958. Bank. I shall take Care by the next Post to place Funds in the Hands of Messrs. Fizeaux & Grand for the Payment of those Bills, to which House in Amsterdam you will be pleased to apply, with great Regard I have the honour to be Gentlemen, Your most obt. &c.
Messrs. Lawood, Van Hasselt, Van Scutelen.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henri-Léonard-Jean-Baptiste Bertin, 11 March 1782
From: Bertin, Henri-Léonard-Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris le 11 Mars 1782.
Notre ami Mr. hutton, Monsieur, vient de m’adresser les Passeports qui lui ont été accordés par vous et par mr. le mqs. de Castries pour l’expédition du batiment destiné à sa mission du Labrador qui fait ses delices, et il me prie d’en solliciter de nouveaux pour le même objet, même batiment, même Nom, même capitaine, et même nombre d’hommes d’equipage, en m’observant néanmoins que ce batiment ayant éxigé des réparations on l’a allongé de dix pieds pour l’empêcher de baisser du devant Coe. [comme] il le fesoit, et qu’au lieu de quatre vingt Tonneaux il pourra en contenir Cent ou environ. J’espère, Monsieur, que vous voudrés bien expédier Ce Passeport, dont vous connoissés parfaitement l’objet qui est une bonne œuvre digne d’encouragement et d’interret. Je viens de faire la même demande à M. le marqs. de Castries en lui faisant repasser Comme à Vous, Celui qu’il avoit accordé lannée derniere.
J’ai l’honneur dêtre avec un très parfait attachement Monsieur, votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur.
Bertin

P.S. Je vous serai très obligé de m’adresser ce Passeport pr le fre passer à M. hutton. /.
  M. francklin. / . ministre Plénipotentiaire des Etats unis d’amerique, a Passy. /.

Notations in different hands: Mr. Bertin Paris 11. Mars 1782. / Ansd. 14th.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Palteau de Veimerange, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 11 March 1782
From: Palteau de Veimerange, Gabriel-Claude,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris le 11. Mars 1782
Les perquisitions que j’ai fait faire pour trouver des Navires propres à transporter en Amérique, les differens effets qui ont été rassemblés à Brest, pour le Service des Etats unis, n’ont pas été heureuses jusqu’à présent. J’ai la certitude qu’il n’en pourra être fourni aucun de Nantes et de l’Orient; il n’y a pas lieu d’esperer qu’il puisse S’en trouver à Bordeaux.
Un Négociant de Brest Se trouve avoir cent Tonneaux de libres dans un Batiment qui doit partir pour l’amerique septentrionale, avec le prochain convoi. Il offre de céder ces cent Tonneaux pour être employés à transporter une partie des effets appartenant aux Etats unis, à la condition qu’il Sera payé du fret au prix qui Sera reglé pour les autres Navires qui pourront être frêtés pour le même objet. Je prie votre Excellence de me faire connoitre Si Elle est d’avis de faire usage de ces cent Tonneaux, ou Si vous avez lieu d’esperer que le département de la Marine vous fera fournir les Navires Nécessaires, pour Embarquer ce qui ne pourra pas être placé sur la fregatte l’alliance. Je n’ai point encore avis que cette fregatte Soit rendue à Brest. Il est à désirer qu’elle y arrive promptement, afin de pouvoir profiter de l’escorte du prochain convoi.
J’ai L’honneur d’être avec une respectueuse considération de Votre Excellence, Monsieur, Le très humble et très Obéïssant Serviteur
Veimerange
M. franklin a Passy.
Endorsed: That the Capt. of the Alliance has refused to go to Brest, and is probably sail’d without taking any of the Goods.
That I rely wholly on the Assistance of the Department of the Marine; who will probably engage the 100 Tons proposed if necessary.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 12 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, March 12. 1782
Having concluded to provide for the Payment of the Bills drawn on Mr. Laurens in favour of Mr Ross, which were presented to you last Year, this is to request that you would examine and accept the said Bills, and keep an Account of them. I have ordered Money into the Hands of Messrs Fizeaux and Grand for the Payment of those that are in the Possession of Messrs Larwood & Co. at Amsterdam. With great Regard I have the honour to be Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. J. Adams Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 12 March 1782
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend,
London, March 12, 1782.
Enclosed with this I transmit to you the public parliamentary proceeding respecting the American war. If you will compare these proceedings with some others in several of the counties of this kingdom about two years ago, you will at once see the reason why many persons who from principles of general and enlarged philanthropy do most certainly wish universal peace to mankind yet seem restrained in their mode of endeavouring to obtain that object. We must accommodate our endeavours to practicabilities, in the strong hope that if the work of peace was once begun, it would soon become general. Parliament having declared their sentiments by their public proceedings; a general bill will soon pass to enable administration to treat with America and to conclude. As to the sincerity of ministry that will be judged of by their conduct in any treaty. The first object is to procure a meeting of qualified and authorized persons. You have told me that four persons are empowered by a special commission to treat of peace. Are we to understand that each separately has power to conclude, or in what manner? The four persons whom you have mentioned are in four different parts of the world, viz. three of them in hostile states, and the fourth under circumstances very peculiar for a negociator. When I told Mr. Laurens that his name was in the commission I found him entirely ignorant of every circumstance relating to it. I understand that the ministry will be ready to proceed towards opening a negociation as soon as the bill shall pass, and therefore it is necessary to consult of time, and place and manner and persons on each side. The negociation itself will speak the rest. I have been informed that some gentlemen in this country (not in administration) have lately entered into a correspondence with Mr. Adams relating to his commission of treating for peace, and that their previous enquiries having been spoken of in public, the ministry have been induced to make some enquiry themselves from Mr. Adams on that subject. In whatever way a fair treaty may be opened, by whomsoever or with whomsoever, I shall heartily wish good success to it for the common good and peace of mankind. I know these to be your sentiments, and I am confident that they will ever remain so, and hope that you will believe the same of me. I am ever, your most affectionate,
D. Hartley


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 March 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir
Nantes March. 12. 1782
I have this day sent to the Marquis of Castries a Plan of An Enterprise which if undertaken cannot fail of being very distressing to England, and of high Importance to France & America,— what this Plan is I cannot at present tell you because I have left the Communication entirely to him, & in all probability he will lay it before you; When he does please to let me know, and I will give you further Information relative to the american Advantages of the Undertaking, which I am sure will strike you forcibly.
I am as ever your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis / a Passy / prés Paris.
Notation: J. Williams, Nantes March 12. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, [13 March 1782]
From: Grand, Henri-Maximilien (Henry)
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce Mercredi [March 13, 1782]
M. Grand a payè au Cape. de Frey 2500 l.t. Sur lordre de Monsieur Franklin du 10 de ce Mois, mais il n’a pas reçu du Cape. les 20 Louis que Monsieur franklin lui chargeoit de payer à M. Grand qui s’empresse de l’en prevenir en l’assurant de son Respect.
M. de frey s’est contenté d’observer qu’il s’acquitteroit personnellement envers Monsieur franklin.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjn. Franklin / en son Hotel / Passy / Grand
Notation: Mr. Grand.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 13 March 1782
From: Houdetot, Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde, comtesse d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a paris Mercredy 13. mars 1782.
La Longeur De La Maladie De Mon frere Et la perte que j’en ay faitte M’ont Empeschée Mon Cher docteur de suivre Le projet que J’avais fait D’aller vous Chercher. J’Envoye Sçavoir Sy Vous Voulés me Recevoir Demain Jeudy Sur les onze heures du Matin Et me donner du thé Et des tartinnes. Sy ce jour ne Vous convenait pas je Vous prirais de M’indiquer une autre Matinée dicy au Vingt pour avoir le plaisir de Vous Voir; Jauray l’honneur de Vous presenter aussy un Ameriquain que jay deja Eû Celuy de Vous Recommander Et pour qui Vous avéz Eû des Bontés dont nous desirons L’un Et L’autre de Vous Remercier. Vous Connaissés mon Cher Docteur mes Sentimens D’attachement Et de Veneration
La Ctesse DHOUDETOT

Notation: La Cesse. Houdetot


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Bertin], 14 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bertin, Henri-Léonard-Jean-Baptiste

Passy, 14 Mars 1782
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 11e. de ce Mois, le Passeport que j’avois donné dans l’Anné quatrevingt à M. Hutton. Vous trouverez cyjoint, Monsieur, un nouveau Passeport pour le meme charitable Objet, avec les Changemens que vous paroissez desirer.
Je profite avec bien de l’Empressement, de cette occasion pour vous renouveller les Assurances du sincere & respectueux Attachement, avec le quel j’ai l’honneur d’etre, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
B. Franklin

Notation: mr. desvoyes (?)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame de Chaumont, 15 March 1782
From: Chaumont, Madame de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Chaumont ce 15 Mars 1782
Mille graces, Monsieur, vous avez résolu ma question, comme je le désirois, en préférant que vos amis suivent le penchant qu’ils ont a sentretenir avec vous, a la discretion de ceux qui sen privent dans crainte de vous importuner, cette décision est tellement de mon goût, que je l’estime autant, ne vous en déplaise, que toutes celles que vous avez données en phisique, et en politique, vous me trouvez bien Egoiste, celà est vrai, je le suis même au point de désirer que vous partagiez la paine que j’ai d’étre eloignée de vous, aussi qu’elle joye jaurois ressentie, si vous aviez passé un semestre yci. Je vous proteste que ma reconnoissance sera éternelle de lempressement que vous aviez dy venir, comment en pourai-je douter, j’ai vû votre cœur, il ma bien exprimé son désir, et on ne se meprend point a son accent, lisez, lisez, aussi dans le mien, vous y trouverez des sentimens dont vous serez contant puis qu’il sont digne de vous.
Vraiment je ne suis pas la seule, Monsieur, qui aye ressenti la privation de ne vous pas voir, les Bénédictins qui tiennent le Colège de Ponlevoi, qui est à ma porte, se sont occupés tout le tems que je vous ai attendu a exercer, a exciter lémulation de leurs écoliers, pour bien apprendre des exercices dont vous seriez Spectateur, enfin il a bien falut les faire executer sans vous, ils ont duré trois jours, et on na rien loüé, n’y admiré, sans ce refrain, il est bien fâcheux que M. franklin ne soit pas venu. Vous ne vous attendez pas a la conclusion de ses fêtes, la voici, je me suis trouvez si touchée de leur Zèle, de leur vénération pour vous, que j’ai demandé à être affiliée à leur ordre, mais vous ne m’entendez pas, vous êtes un profane, un hérétique, aussi ne seriez vous pas reçu affilié, ah, que j’ai mauvaise grace à vous dire des injures, car, je parirois quils ne m’ont affiliés que parceque je me suis vantée, que vous avez de l’amitié pour moi, vous verrez ma bulle et mes patantes d’affiliations, voilà un long circui de paroles pour vous dire que je suis aimée de ses Bénédictins, et qu’ils viennent de m’en donner une preuve, leur Maitre d’Anglois a ecrit a mon fils, il y a deux mois, une lettre d’une impertinence final le prieur étoit malade, ils en ont un nouveau depuis quatre jours, dont le premier acte à été de Chasser le Maître. Il désire beaucoup en avoir un de votre choix, je me joint a lui pour vous prier de leur en chercher un, vous éprouvez Monsieur qu’inspirer un grande confiance, est souvant a charge. Il nest pas possible que je m’entretienne de politique avec vous, parce que vous en savez tant que vous êtes obligé de vous taire, et moi je n’en scai pas assez pour vous en parler quoi que jentrevoye trés bien, que jamais il n’y eu tant de choses a dire, n’y autant a se réjouir, cest sur la joye que je ne mais pas de discrétion. Je ne vous quitterai pas sans vous avoir averti que je ne reconnois pas votre superiorité en tout, et que je pretend bien l’emporter sur vous en amitié, et etre en état de vous en donner des léçons, si vous voulez me prendre pour Maîtresse comme vous avez fait pour la lécture des livres françois. Je m’appercoi que jabuse de votre décision, et je crains bien que vous ne finissiez par dire, qu’il vaut mieux ne pas écrire, que décrire de si longues lettres, il est vrai, cest le deffaut de toutes les épitres des Solitaires, sur tout lorsqu’ils sentretiennent, avec ceux qu’ils respecte, aime, et honore de toute leur ame. Voilà mes enfants, Monsieur, qui ne finissent pas non plus de dire, qu’ils voudroient bien vous voir, tourner autour de vous, faire le Thé, vous le presenter, et surtout vous embrasser sur les deux joues, je leur repond qu’ils ne sont pas dégoûté, que j’en voudrois bien faire autant, le tout après vous avoir assuré de leur profond respect.


Title: Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1782
From:
To:

During the period of this volume, Franklin attempted to settle his accounts with his landlord, le Ray de Chaumont. We publish the successive versions of these accounts, and we provide an overview of the dispute in a headnote to the first of them, [before April 26].
The following previously identified accounts still apply: VI and VII (XXIII, 21); XII (XXV, 3); XVII (XXVI, 3); XIX and XXII (XXVIII, 3–4); XXV, XXVII, and XXVIII (XXXII, 3–4). We offer here a summary of items which have not found a place elsewhere in our annotation, but which provide insights into Franklin’s private and public life.
Account XVII (Franklin’s Private Accounts with Ferdinand Grand, XXVI, 3) gives insight into Franklin’s personal and household affairs. On April 5, Franklin withdrew 7,000 l.t. in cash, and on July 29 he purchased seven shares in the Caisse d’escompte. Mlle de Chaumont was paid in March, June, July, and August. Campo-de-Arbe, the maître d’hôtel, received 3,011 l.t. 10 s. 6 d. for household expenses on June 17, and a final salary payment on June 21. He was replaced by Duchemin, who was paid monthly thereafter. The cook, Coimet, received one payment in June; Frémont, who supplied linen, collected his annual payment in August. On April 3, Franklin resubscribed to the Gazette de Leyde, and on July 2 a case of books was delivered. On March 28, Franklin paid the abbé Rochon 510 l.t. This entry may represent the purchase of Rochon’s micrometer.
Franklin himself drew a quarter’s salary on April 4 and July 4, and on July 13 deposited thirty-two coupons from the Caisse d’Escompte. The account received its quarterly review on July 17, when it was signed by both Grand and Franklin.
Account XXV (Account of Postage and Errands, XXXII, 3) was at this time being kept by L’Air de Lamotte, based in part on monthly bills from Berthelot, the postman, and Julien, the commissionaire. The gardener, Jean-Nicolas Bonnefoÿ (Bonefoi), was also paid for errands. On March 31, Moses Young was sent by carriage to Paris with dispatches. On April 25, taxes were paid at Customs for three cases sent to Rochefort. The deliveryman who brought a case of limes received a gratuity on July 2. July 6 saw the highest volume of mail for a single day: packages and letters amounted to 112 l.t. 16 s.
Account XXVII (Accounts of the Public Agents in Europe, XXXII, 4) lists the payment of L’Air de Lamotte’s salary. Pissot’s bill for books was settled on September 10, when the bookbinder Gauthier was also paid.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 18 March 1782
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr Sir
Madrid 18 March 1782
All our Trouble and anxiety abt the Bills payable here this Month has been in vain they are protested. The following are the Reasons which I have desired the Notary to recite exactly in the Protest vizt (here insert Reasons verb. [verbatim]) It is proper you shd be informed that Mr. Garbarrus [Cabarrus], some Months ago voluntary offered (thro Mr. Carmichael) to furnish me even with 100,000 Dollr. per Month provided the Minister wd agree to put it on the same footing on which he had contracted to furnish certain Supplies to Govt.— I need not observe that this did not take place. You know that Mr Cabarrus had advanced about 30,000 Dollars towards our Bills. The Minister lately gave him an order for 26,000 Dollars being somewhat more than the Ballance due on the 150000 Dollars of which my former Letters have often made mention so that my Debt to Mr Cabarrus has been considerably diminished. This Gentleman has also often authorised Mr Carmichael to assure me of his Readiness to advance what might be necessary to pay the Residue of our Bills if the Minister or the Embassador of France wd. become responsible for the Reimbursmt. with Interest in a convenient Time. The twelve Day of the Month he renewed this offer to me in very express Terms telling me he would wait ten or twelve Months for the Money.
On the 15th. Inst. the Minister consented that Mr Cabarrus shd. supply me to the Amount of 40 or 50 thousd. Current Dollars on these Terms. But Mr Cabarrus then insisteed that the Rents of the post office shd be charged with the Repaymt of this Sum at the Rate of 200,000 Reals of Vollon pr. Month. With this new Condition the Minister refused to comply—and the protest of the Bills became inevitable.
This is a Subject on which I could make some interesting Remarks & add some Singular Circumstance but they must be deferred to another opportunity.
Wd it be posible to take up & pay these Bills at Paris?

I am Dr Sir with sincere Esteem and Regarrd your obliged & obt Servt
J J.
His Exy Dr FranklinTo Dr. Franklin 18 March 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 20 March 1782
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 20 March 1782
Within this month past have arrived from Ireland upwards of Thirty Captains Officers and Seamen who by bribing the Centeries or out the Hospitals have escaped by Neutral Vessels and come safe off. The reports they make of the misery they endured and that of their fellow Companions is incredible they have requested me to represent their sufferings to you tho. I have assured them of your repeated application to obtain redress they persist in requiring that I write you on the Subject and streniously request your outmost exertion to obtain an exchange or a mitigation of treatment during their imprisonment some that are here have been eighteen months confined in various prisons & prison Ships naked without a change of Linnen to preserve them from the inclementcy of the Weather or from filth a power [poor?] worthy Captain Lewis had only a thin pair of Linnen Breeches wrent & slit from top to bottom— I have also had complaints of late from Seamen taken by force in the West Indies being in the service of American Vessels put on board french Merchantmen and sent to Europe this is a greivance of a momentary nature tho attended with Injury to the individuel publick service may be supposed renderd nessessary and may not be again repeated.
Our Neutral Consuls give a latitude to the late resolves in parlement that their Flag is intitled to transport Goods to the United States under the privalidges and restrictions observed in Europe and at present in the West Indies please to give me your construction by which I may be governd not only for my private intruction but to serve to the Trade here who will apply to me for information. I dined yesterday with the prussien Consul who is ready to embark deeply in conections with us so soon as licence is Granted we have upwards of one hundred sail of Neutral Vessels now in this Port. I have the Honor to be with due respect Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield

Addressed: Son Excellence / Son Excellence Benj Franklin Esqr. / Ministre pleinipenta des Etats Unies / de l’Amerique / a / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Hubbart, 20 March 1782
From: Hubbart, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored sir
Mill Prison March 20th. 1782
I Wrote you the thirteenth of Feby. last by Capt. J. Foster Williams, wherein I informed you of my situation being taken by his Majestys Ship Recovery & Carried into Ireland, & from thence Conveyed within these Walls & being destitute of both Money & Cloths do therefore take the Liberty to write you for some, & am in hopes of your granting my Request. My Fathers family was well when I left home together with my Uncle Greenes & Mrs Mecom, if you will comply with my Request You will most greatly oblige your most Hble Servt.
Saml Hubbart

Addressed: To / The / Honble / Benja: Franklin Esqr / Embassador at the Court / of France. Paris.
Notation: Hubbart M. Samuel March 20 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 21 March 1782
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend,
London, March 21, 1782.
You will have heard before this can reach you, that Lord North declared yesterday in the House of Commons that his Majesty intended to change his ministers. The House is adjourned for a few days to give time for the formation of a new ministry. Upon this occasion therefore I must apply to you to know whether you would wish me to transfer the late negociation to the successors of the late ministry; in these terms; (vide yours to me of January 15, 1782) viz. “that you are empowered by a special commission to treat of peace whenever a negociation for that purpose shall be opened. That it must always be understood that it is to be in conjunction with your allies conformable to the solemn treaties made with them. That the formal acknowledgment of the Independence of America is not made necessary.” And may I add that upon these terms you are disposed to enter a negociation. It is not known who will succeed the late ministry, but from the circumstances which preceded its dissolution we are to hope that they will be disposed to enter into a negociation of peace upon fair and honourable terms. I have no doubt that there were some persons in the late ministry of that disposition.
I told you in my last letters to you of the 11th and 12th instant, that I had received information, whilst I was in the course of correspondence with the ministry myself on the subject of peace, that some part of the ministry were transmitting some communications or enquiries upon that subject with Mr. Adams, unknown to me. I had informed the ministry from you the names of the four persons empowered to treat. I saw the minister upon the occasion (I should now call him the late minister). I took the liberty of giving him my opinion upon the matter itself. So far as it related personally to me, I expressed myself fully to him that there was no occasion that such a step should have been taken unknown to me, for that I was very free to confess that if they thought my partiality towards peace was so strong that they could drive a better bargain through another channel, I could not have any right of exclusion upon them. I relate this to you because I would wish to have you make a corresponding application to your own case. If you should think that my strong desire for peace, although most laudable and virtuous in itself, should mislead me, and that my being so as you may suppose misled, may be of any prejudice to the cause committed to your trust, I desire by no means to embarrass your free conduct, by any considerations of private or personal regard to myself. Having said thus much, I will now add that I am not unambitious of the office of a peace maker, that I flatter myself the very page which I now am writing will bear full testimony from both sides of the impartiality of my conduct. And I will add once more what I have often said and repeated to each side, viz. that no fallacy or deception, knowing or suspecting it to be such, shall ever pass through my hands.
Believe me I sympathize most cordially and sincerely with you in every anxiety of yours for peace. I hope things are tending (although not without rubs) yet in the main to that end. Soon! as soon as the course of human life may be expected to operate on the great scale and course of national events, or rather in the creation and establishment of a new world. I am sometimes tempted to think myself in patient expectation the elder sage of the two. I say the elder, not the better. Yours, &c.
D. H.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Jackson, 21 March 1782
From: Jackson, William (1737?–1795)
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Calais 21st. March 82.
Although I cannot boast the happiness of being personally known to you, yet I flatter myself that my name as formerly conductor of the Public Ledger, and the literary efforts I made in favor of America, must be familiarized to your mind.
I was at Paris in the month of May 1777, and, a fortunate concurrence of circumstances enabled me to communicate to Mr. Carmichael, some very important intelligence relative to the secret correspondonce carried on, between Maurepas and Lord Mansfield. I afterwards accompanied Mr. Carmichael to Dunkirk, where I dictated a series of such facts as he deemed worthy of record, and, for which, I recieved from him letters expressive of gratitude on my return to England.

I am now, Sir, at Calais, on a visit to the Duchess of Kingston. It is possible I may accompany her to Petersburgh, and, if there be a service which could be rendered America at the Court of Russia, I should be singularly happy to be employed and empowered on the occasion. The Connection of the Duchess with the Empress, might surely be improved to advantage; and the sphere in which she moves, must afford opportunity for elevated observation.
To a Man of your experience and penetration it would be impertinent to say more. I will only beg leave to add, that I have suffered inconveniencies even to the being deprived of an income by my attachment to the cause of America; but, I think myself amply honoured by the privilege I now assume, of professing my sincere veneration for the character, conduct, and abilities, of Doctor Franklin.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Most Devoted, And obedient Hble Servt.
Wm. Jackson.
A Letter will come safe addressed to Me at The Duchesses House.His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Jackson 21. March 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Larwood, Van Hasselt & Van Suchtelen, 21 March 1782
From: Larwood, Van Hasselt & Van Suchtelen
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honnourable Sir!
Amsterdam the 21st March 1782
We are honnoured with your Excellency’s much respected favour of 11th Instt. and well observe the Contents, for which please to accept our Thanks; the honnourable John Adams Esqr. hath accepted the 51 bills in question to gether f. 40958:—Bank & in consequence thereof these bills have been duely paid to us.
We beg leave to make Your Excellency an offer of our best Services here & we have the honnour to remain most sincerely Honnourable Sir! Your Excellencys Most Obedt & most humble Servants
Larwood VAN Hasselt VAN Suchtelen

Addressed: The Honnourable Benjn: / Franklin Esqr. / Commissioner for the United States / of North America / at / Passy / near Paris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Shelburne, 22 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shelburne, William Petty, Earl of

Passy, March 22. 1782.
Lord Cholmondeley having kindly offer’d to take a Letter from me to your Lordship, I embrace the Opportunity of assuring the Continuance of my ancient Respect for your Talents and Virtues, and of congratulating you on the returning good Disposition of your Country in favour of America, which appears in the late Resolutions of the Commons. I am persuaded it will have good Effects. I hope it will tend to produce a general Peace, which I am persuaded your Lordship, with all good Men, desires, which I wish to see before I die, & to which I shall with infinite Pleasure contribute every thing in my Power.— Your Friends the Abbé Morellet & Madam Helvetius are well. You have made the latter very happy by your kind Present of Gooseberry Bushes, which arriv’d in five Days, and in excellent Order.— With great and sincere Esteem, I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Lord Shelburne

Endorsed: 22d. March 1782 Dr. Franklin
Notation: Rd. by Earl Cholmondeley. Entd.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 22[–26] March 1782
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam, March 22[–26], 1782.
I left England a few days back, and until my conversation and some consultations with Mr. Adams on a matter which will be mentioned to you by him, and more particularly explained in this letter, my determination was to have seen you, as well on that business as on a matter of much consequence to my private reputation. I feel the disadvantages under which I labour when writing to you on a matter which cannot be explained or cleared up but by personal conversation. I do not give up my intended purpose of personally speaking to you, but it being found better and more convenient to my purpose to return immediately hence to England, and from thence to Paris, in preference of going first to Paris, it must be unavoidably delayed for some days.
It would take up more than the length of a letter to explain the whole opening and progression of a matter I am here upon, which was and is meant to be jointly communicated to you with Mr. Adams; I will therefore take the liberty to give you an abbreviation of it in as few words as I can.
About a fortnight ago a direct requisition from ministry, through Lord Beauchamp, was made to Mr. R. Penn to know if he could ascertain that any person or persons in Europe were commissioned by Congress to treat for peace, whether they were NOW willing to avail themselves of such commission, and of the present sincere disposition in ministry to treat, and whether they would receive an appointed commissioner to speak for a truce, and mention a place for the meeting, &c.
Mr. Penn’s referring Lord Beauchamp to me, as knowing the nature of Mr. Adams’s former commission, was the sole cause of my being privy to or a party in the matter. I had various meetings with Lord Beauchamp in company with Mr. Penn on the subject; the particular memorandums of which, and Lord B.’s statement of what the ministry wanted to obtain, together with every other circumstance relative to the matter, I regularly consulted Mr. Laurens and Mr. D. Hartley upon; and the result was my taking the journey hither, and to Paris in order to put the questions (as they are before stated from Lord B. to Mr. Penn) and to bring an answer thereto. I am well convinced by Lord Beauchamp’s pledge of his personal honour, as well as from Mr. Hartley’s telling me he knew the matter to come directly from Lord North (for he visited him more than once to ascertain the fact) that it is a serious and sincere requisition from ministry, and that they will immediately take some steps to open a treaty provided I go back with assurances that there is a power vested in Americans in Europe to treat and conclude, and that they are willing to avail themselves of such power when properly applied to.
I have stated the whole transaction to Mr. Adams, read every memorandum I had made, informed him of every circumstance I knew, and when I put the questions (as they are before stated from Lord B. to Mr. Penn) he replied, “that there were certainly commissioners in Europe, of which body he was one, who had powers to treat and conclude upon peace; that he believed them willing to enter into such a treaty, provided a proper offer was made; but that no questions now or to be made in future could be answered by him without previously consulting his colleagues, and afterwards acquainting the ministers of the belligerent powers thereof.” Mr. Adams recommended that any future questions might be made directly to you, for that the present, as well as any subsequent propositions would be immediately communicated to you and Mons. de Vergennes.
His answers to my questions were nearly what I foretold and expected, and is substantially what Lord Beauchamp seemed so anxious to procure. When I relate this answer to his Lordship my business will be finished in that quarter. I will here explain to you my only motive for being a messenger from him whom I had never known or been in company with before. It will enable me to say, I have done one favour for you, and I claim of you another, viz. to obtain a restoration of my papers from Lord Hillsborough’s office, which were in a most illegal and unjustifiable manner seized from me near a twelvemonth ago, and are yet withheld notwithstanding the personal applications for them from Lord Coventry, Lord Nugent, and Mr. Jackson, each of whom have explained the injury and very extraordinary mischief the want of my papers for so long a time has and is now doing me.
On my first conversation with Mr. Adams I had concluded to go to you, partly by his advice to do so; but as the expence of two journies where one may serve is of some import to me, and from supposing your answer would be substantially the same as that from Mr. Adams, I have thought it better to go back immediately to London, and then set out for Paris with the probability of being able to bear my papers.
I will take the liberty to trouble you with another letter if any thing occurs on my arrival in London. I am to leave this with Mr. Adams for forwardance; and for the present I have only to beg a line acknowledging the receipt of it. If your letter is put under a cover to Mr. Stockdale, Bookseller, Piccadilly, London, it will the more readily get to hand. I am, with great respect, Sir, your very obedient servant,
T. Digges.
Ostend, 26th March.

On my last visit to Mr. Adams, Friday evening, to explain to him the substance of the foregoing letter, and ask his forward-dance of it to you, we had some farther conversation on the matter, the ultimate conclusion of which was, that it was thought better I did not send the annexed letter to you, or mention my business with him until my going in person from England. Mr. Adams’s reasons were these. That if I made the communication then he should be necessitated to state the matter in a long letter to you and others of his colleagues; that the matter as it then stood was not of such importance but he could save himself the trouble of the explanation; and that as he recommended any future questions or applications to be made directly to you, your situation making it more convenient sooner to inform the French court thereof, he thought my letter had better be postponed, and the substance of it given in person as soon as I could possibly get from London to Paris. I acquiesced, though reluctantly, and having thought much on the matter on my journey hither, I have at length determined to forward the foregoing letter with this postscript, and at the same time to inform Mr. Adams of my exact feelings on the matter, viz. that my wishes and intentions when I left England were to see, and make known the matter to you; that through Mr. Hartley or some other channel you must hear that I had been at Amsterdam, and my seemingly turning my back upon you might be thought oddly of; and finally that I could not answer for carrying the inclosure from Mr. Hartley back to England, not knowing the consequence it might be of. I hope and think I have done right in this matter. The purpose for my moving in the business I went to Mr. A. upon, has, I own, been with a double view of serving myself in a matter of much consequence to me, for after delivering the explanations I carry, I can with some degree of right and a very great probability of success, claim as a gratuity for the trouble and expence I have been at, the restoration of my papers; the situation of which I have already explained to Lord Beauchamp, in order to get him to be a mover for them, and I have very little doubt that a few days will restore them to me, and give me an opportunity to speedily speak to you on a matter which gives me much uneasiness, vexation, and pain. Excuse the hurry in which I write, for I am very near the period of embarkation. Paul Wentworth embarked this day for England, I trod on his heels chief of the way from the Hague which he left suddenly. General Faucit is on his road hence to Hanover.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from René-Georges Gastellier, 22 March 1782
From: Gastellier, René-Georges
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur et très illustre docteur
à montargis ce 22 mars 1782
Je viens de recevoir une lettre de Mademoiselle de fay par la quelle J’apprends avec un plaisir vraiment indicible que vous aviés bien voulú jetter un Coup d’oeil favorable sur les deux ouvrages qu’elle vous a presentés en mon nom. Ma satisfaction seroit Complette si j’etois persuadé que vous les avés trouvés dignes sinon de votre suffrage aumoins de votre indulgence: tels qu’ils sont daignés les agréer Comme un bien foible hommage des sentimens de respect et de veneration dont votre celebrité m’a penetré pour toujours.
L’acte d’association dont vous faites esperer m’honorer un jour fera une des époques les plus agreables de ma vie, j’en apprendrai la réalité avec autant de joye que de réconnoissance.
Je suis avec le plus profond respect Monsieur et très illustre docteur votre trés humble trés obeissant serviteur
Gastellier

Notation: Gastelier, Montargis 22 Mars 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 22 March 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Office of Finance Philada March the 22d. 1782
The Bearer of this Letter Monsieur le Baron d’Arndt will shew you a Certificate for Two Thousand Nine hundred & Ninety Seven Dollrs. & 37/90ths signed by Joseph Nourse Esquire Register of the Treasury of the United States and issued by Virtue of a Warrant this Day from me. This Money is on Interest at six per Cent from the Eighteenth Inst. and is the Ballance still due after a partial Payment, Should it be perfectly convenient to you it will be a great Favor to him and agreable to me that this Balance be paid to Monsieur le Baron d’Arndt taking his Receipt in full of all Demands against the United States on the Back of the Certificate with three Copies thereof signed by him and sending them by different Opportunities. I mention the Balance as it stands in the Certificate without noticing the Interest because in Case of Payment by you the Transaction will be substantially as if I had given him here a Bill of Exchange.
I have the honor to be sir Your most Obedient & most hble Servant
Robt Morris

PS On the final adjustment of the Baron’s Acct I find the balance larger than was expected, therefore it is probable that a partial Payment from You may answer his purpose, the Receipts to be indorsed on the Certificate & Copies transmitted as already mentioned.
R M
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georg Wilhelm von Pachelbel and Other Favor Seekers, 22 March 1782
From: Pachelbel, Georg Wilhelm de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

During the period of this volume Franklin is frequently asked to forward mail or to help in obtaining information about relatives in America. The letter from Georg Wilhelm von Pachelbel, printed below, is the earliest and briefest of these requests. He is minister plenipotentiary to the court of France for the duc de Deux-Ponts and chargé d’affaires for the Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt.
On April 23, M. Faucon writes from Riom, in the Auvergne, to ask Franklin’s assistance in obtaining news of his twenty-six-year-old son, Julien, reportedly living in Boston. Julien made several crossings as an apprentice pilot on ships belonging to the Bordeaux firm of Reculès de Basmarein & Raimbaux. When that firm went bankrupt, he took passage in 1780 on the “Boxquine” or Buckskin, a frigate out of Baltimore. Julien’s last letter to his father, dated July 21, 1780, was written as the ship headed out to sea from Bordeaux. His uncharacteristic silence since then greatly worries the father. Julien’s younger brother, living at Paris and employed as an assistant to M. de Celse, director of the tollhouse Saint-Jacques, can provide more details.
Franklin receives two letters concerning the effects of Mrs. Battier, recently deceased at Ghent. Mlle Murray, who nursed Mrs. Battier through her final illness, writes from Ghent on April 25. In her last days Mrs. Battier suggested that Franklin, who had shown her great kindness, might be willing to forward to her father, Thomas Ivers of Boston, a small box containing a gold chain and a miniature portrait surrounded by small diamonds. Mlle Murray is settling her friend’s estate, as none of the London relatives bothered to come. Fortunately, she has inherited all the lady’s effects and silver, and can sell a watch to cover the funeral expenses. Franklin may reply to Mlle Murray “chez Milady Findlater a son hôtel a Bruxelles.” On May 14, B. C. Cutler writes in English from Paris. He understands that Miss Murray asked Franklin to forward the portrait to him to send to Boston. Since he is on the point of leaving Paris he asks Franklin to forward it directly to Mr. Ivers.
Franklin receives another pair of requests to forward letters to General von Steuben. On June 8, the general’s father, writing in German from Cüstrin, congratulates Franklin on America’s successful prospects. He encloses yet another letter to his son from whom he has had no word for a year. Three days later Major General de Bouvinghausen writes from Stuttgart, enclosing a letter for the general in answer to one from him dealing with family affairs.
Captain Vernié of the Royal Regiment of Hesse-Darmstadt writes on June 27 from Hennebont, in Brittany, to inquire about the fate of his brother, Major Pierre-Joseph-François Vernié. Could Franklin tell him what he knows or direct him to someone who can inform him?
In a letter dated only “Juillet 1782,” the sieur d’Averton writes from the château de Bonnevaux near Milly, in the Gâtinais, to inquire after his son, the chevalier Charles-François d’Averton, an officer who left his regiment in 1778 to serve in the “états unis de La nouvelle Angleterre”. His family has not heard from him since. The sieur humbly beseeches Franklin to forward whatever information he can to him at his château.
Seven months to the day after his first request, Andreas Bermbach writes Franklin in German on August 8, from Niederselters. He asks him to forward a second letter to Theodor Mieger, care of the magistrate at Philadelphia.
A smaller number of correspondents seek Franklin’s assistance on a variety of projects, most of them commercial. Dutch recognition of the United States prompts Etienne Caÿrol & Cie. to establish an entrepôt at Amsterdam for textiles from its royal manufactory of Gobelins. On May 4, and again four days later, the firm requests a letter of introduction to John Adams for its agent at Amsterdam, Paul Charlé, in the expectation that Adams will promote its textiles among American speculators.
The firm of B. Gannan & Zoon (Son) writes from Ostend on June 25 in excellent English to inform Franklin that it is fitting out one of the fastest-sailing cutters ever built in England, the Maarstrand, to sail to Philadelphia under Imperial colors. The vessel has just crossed from there in seventeen days, fully loaded with tobacco shipped by Samuel Inglis & Co. The captain, “born English & naturaliz’d Imperial”, desires the protection of the American Ministers. Franklin is offered the opportunity to send dispatches or goods. The Gannans, residents of Dunkirk, are well known in the bureau of the marine at Versailles as well as among many Americans. Franklin endorsed the letter, “Answer refus’d.”
Franklin’s support is also sought for two projects less obviously commercial. The Italian Anton-Benedetto Bassi, who wrote Franklin twice in 1780, writes again on May 6. Just as Franklin’s election to the Padua Academy has brought honor to the Academy, so too Franklin’s subscription to Bassi’s Recueil complet des plus beaux morceaux de poésies italiennes will bring luster to that work. He enclosed an eight-page prospectus and a subscription form. On August 8, when this attempt has gone unanswered, Bassi writes that he is unable to complete his work because of illness. He recalls Franklin’s help with his earlier publication and implores his aid anew. The bearer will await Franklin’s answer.

On May 7, M. Le Roux solicits Franklin’s support for a work by his father-in-law. He promises that the prospectus (not found) is full of useful discoveries which Franklin is bound to appreciate. Le Roux’s praise of his father-in-law, who has saved the life of Le Roux’s wife and whose work has benefitted humanity, suggests that he has something to do with medicine.
As always, people seek Franklin’s assistance with financial matters, in particular with payment of money owed to them. On May 10, Denis Baucher, a sergeant of the French marines, recounts his service as a volunteer on the Bonhomme Richard in 1779. Having lost a foot and several fingers on his right hand in the fighting against the Serapis, he was discharged and remains unable to work, confined to his bed, and entirely dependent on the charity of others for his livelihood. He has heard that the crew of the privateer Grandville has been awarded its part of the prizes. He hopes that the claims will be settled so that he might receive the three shares of the prizes promised him when he signed on at Lorient. He hopes also that Franklin will provide for him in his present circumstances.
A Monsieur de Beauquesne writes on July 17 from Paris. He was a commanding captain of a volunteer corps stationed in Senegal when he obtained permission to return to France for health reasons. Captured on his return voyage, he was robbed of almost everything and detained at Kinsale. Later, the neutral ship bringing him to France sank within sight of Havre de Grace and again he lost everything. Now lodged in a commercial hotel with his 15-year-old daughter whom he feels he cannot leave, he sends Franklin an unnamed project. On August 11, he sends an expanded copy of the project, saying that the marquis de Castries will also receive a copy presented by the chevalier de Beauteville, lieutenant general in the French army, former ambassador to Switzerland, and ami intime of the marquis. He himself should have gone to Versailles long ago to seek reparations for his losses, but his financial straits have inhibited him. If Franklin will lend un petit secours, he will soon be in a position to repay him.
Franklin receives applications from a steady number of people wishing to emigrate. The earliest of these is a merchant named Trouillot, writing on April 26 from Lyon. The fifth living son of a former notary, he knows something of agriculture, has a small inheritance as well as some merchandise, and has a brother in commerce at Bordeaux with whom he could work. Several of his friends are prepared to accompany him to America. He left his studies three years ago to throw himself into commerce, without success. He is 23 years old, has no physical defects, and stands five feet, eight inches. These details, he explains, will help the minister to advise him whether to go or to stay.
M. Imbault, an employee at the bureau général des fermes in Orleans, has until now been discouraged from emigrating by the cost of the voyage. But prospects abroad have brightened, especially for French immigrants, he feels, so on May 4 he asks whether Franklin would favor his passage from Europe. Perhaps it would help if he told the minister that for seven years he has been “vegetating” in an office where fortune has served him poorly, and that his promotion depends on the passing into eternity of one or two of his colleagues, something they have no intention of doing and which he cannot decently suggest they do. Nonetheless, he wishes to enlarge his sphere of activity, and in America he can live free and try out various professions forbidden him in France by his parents’ prejudices.
A 38-year-old widower and father of eight healthy children (the eldest son is 16), Alard du Perier writes from Grenoble on June 12. He has money, and experience both in manufacturing and in agriculture, and he is willing to go over with his family in exchange for citizenship and a plot of uncleared land. He can supply a certificate of good citizenship and good morals.
Franklin’s goodness of heart and charity toward all have determined one stranger, the abbé de Klinglin, to write on June 29, from his sickbed at Paris. He requests a letter of recommendation for one La Coste, who goes to Philadelphia to establish a business. Franklin evidently told Mme de La Coste, who delivered the abbé’s letter, to apply for the recommendation on July 4. On that day, Mme de la Coste, writing from Paris, follows his orders by sending for the promised recommendation, on which she places all her hopes.
Three people apply to Franklin for the post of consul or agent. C. Barthélemy Martin fils aîné, writing from Cette (Sète) on April 14, reiterates a request he made in February. Addressing Franklin this time as “Milord”, Martin is eager to smooth the way for American merchants in the lucrative market of Languedoc and to extend a helping hand in case of need. He prays for the Supreme Being to bestow His most holy blessings on Franklin’s worthy person.
James Price, an American merchant in partnership with John Bondfield at Bordeaux, writes in English from that city on April 20 to recommend as agent for the relief of American prisoners Anthony Lynch, a partner in the house of V. & P. French & Nephew.
Laurence Joseph Wagner, the Dutch consul general at Trieste, Fiume, and other Austrian ports on the Adriatic, begs Franklin to forward to Congress his offer to represent the commercial interests of the United States as well. He offers the double advantage of being a native of Trieste and a master of English, as his July 26 letter in English demonstrates.

Monsieur,
Paris ce 22 Mars 1782
La lettre ci-jointe m’a été envoïée de Ratisbonne, avec la Requisition de vous prier de vouloir bien la faire passer à son adresse. Pardonnez, Monsieur, si j’ose en conséquence vous importuner à ce sujet, n’aïant pû me refuser à cette demande qui m’a été faite de si loin.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un attachement respectueux, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéïssant serviteur
DE Pachelbel

Notation: Pachelbel Paris 2 Mars 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 23 March 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Ghent 23d. March 1782
I left Amsterdam the 10th. and have been here ten days; I Came on the incouragement given me by a Merchant of this City, that he wou’d exchange the products of the Netherlands, for such British Manufactures as wou’d suit him, chosen from those in my hands belonging to the United States, and which I Cou’d not ship to America unless I did it in Contradiction to a Resolution of Congress in the View of all the Trading people of Amsterdam who are interested in the Commerce of that Country, The amount of those goods is about a Hundred thousand Guilders, I did every thing in my power to dispose of them or exchange them at Amsterdam but to No purpose, the determination in America against receiving such goods has operated against them to such a degree in that place, as put it out of my power, and it being equaly necessary that both parties shou’d see the goods they were to receive, the person from hence is to meet me at Amsterdam this day two weeks, when I doubt not but we shall settle the Matter finaly— I have taken some Samples of the goods which he is to furnish me with, amongst them are white & Check’d linen shirts for Soldiers and Seamen— The former at 31 stivers Dutch Money, about 2/7 d [2 s., 7 p.] sterling, greatly supperior to those worn by the Imperial troops, and the later at 27½ stivers equal to ⅔ sterling— Of those I expect to get part ready to send by the ship General Sulivan, which was not got to Amsterdam when I heard from thence last post— I have taken the opportunity of being here to Examin Mr. Deanes Accounts agreeable to a Resolution of Congress, they are Very long as You will Naturaly immagine, and are Comprised under four heads— His personal Expences of every kind for about four Years— A Salary of about Twelve thousand livres per annum for some time— Twenty thousand livres paid the French Officers going to America, and a Commission of 5 per Cent on all the Goods purchased by Mr. Beaumarchais, Mr. Montieu, and Mr. Chamont, the amount of the supplies sent by Mr. Beaumarchais is about five Million of livres, on which He had charged a Commission of 10 per Cent, so that the whole Commission on that account amounts to Upwards of 15 per Cent.
I shall transmit to Congress the particulars of Mr. Deanes Accounts, recommend to them to appoint a Committee to make a report upon them, to state their objections and allow Me to settle them in Europe by an Arbitration of four or five Men of Charracter— If the Matter is ever to be ended I see no better manner, for it is of so Complicated a Nature that I can do nothing farther untill I have particular orders from Congress— I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient Huml Servant
Thos Barclay
His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqre.

Endorsed: March 23


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 23 March 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Office of Finance, Philada. March 23d. 1782.
Applications being frequently made by the several Loan Officers for Orders to Renew Setts of Exchange in consequence of proof made to them by the Proprietors of Interest bills, that the first Second, third and fourth bills have been lost and destroyed, or by Accident prevented from reaching the Persons to whom they were Remitted, and as it is but just in such Instances to Renew the Same, I have Caused a Number of Bills to be Struck of the same denomination and in the same Stile, Manner and Tenor except that they are fifth, sixth seventh and eighth Bills and when made use of will be filled up in the same Manner as the first four were and Issued from the Same office.
I give you this Notice that you may direct the Banker to pay due honor to any one of these bills in all instances where no One of the Sett Consisting of Eight, has before been paid and of course he will before such payment always Satisfy himself that none of the others have been honored. This general Advice will I think answer the purpose and render unnecessary particular advice with each Renewed Sett of Exchange.
I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Humble Servant
Robt Morris
His Excellency Benjm. Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 24 March 1782
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 24 March 1782
Mr. William Vernon Junr of Boston son to the president of the Navy Board of the Eastern department having been with me these three Years past intending to return shortly to America is desireous to pass a few Days at Paris. Permit me to introduce him to your Civilities his Prudent conduct in the midst of sceenes of disipations has procured him very respectable conections at this City which I flatter myself will correspond with the Wishes and Views of his Father.
I have given him a draft on you for two Thousand four hundred livres which I request the favor of you to pay him and pass the Amount to the debit of my account.
I have the Honor to be with due respect Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield

I have receivd a large Caise which by the Acquit a Caution contains hats addrest to me by Mr Des Arneaux by order of Mr Regnier by your directions. I have not any instructions pr Letter from Mr Regnier. I have lodged the Case in Store until further orders— If you see Mr Regnier please to inform him not having the Honor to know him or his address.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benj Franklin / Esq / Passi


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste-Jacques Elie de Beaumont, 24 March 1782
From: Elie de Beaumont, Jean-Baptiste-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 24 mars 1782.
Il y a bien longtems que je n’ai pu avoir l’honneur de vous voir. Vos occupations pour une portion du monde, et les miennes pour quelques individus souffrans nous tiennent respectivement Eloignés. Je vous rends dans mon Cœur l’hommage que je ne puis gueres vous offrir par mes visites. Voici cependant une occasion que je m’empresse de saisir en presentant a Votre Excellence un memoire dont le sujet a quelque droit de vous interesser: je desire qu’il puisse obtenir quelques uns de vos moments.
J’ai aussi l’honneur de vous adresser une lettre qui est deja d’une ancienne date et qu’on m’a prié de vous faire parvenir. Je me le proposois de jour a autre mais l’incertitude de vous trouver et mes occupations m’en ont jusqu’ici empêché. Je desirerois sçavoir s’il y a un jour fixe dans la semaine ou l’on soit sur de vous trouver a passy. J’aurois grand plaisir a vous y renouveller de vive voix le respect et l’attachement avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Elie DE Beaumont.

Madame de Beaumont a l’honneur de vous faire bien des Complimens. Je vous prie de faire agreer les miens a Monsieur votre petit fils.

Notation: Beaumont, Elie de Paris 24 Mars 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Hazlehurst, 24 March 1782
From: Hazlehurst, Isaac
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Nantes 24th. March 1782
The very polite attention that you did me the honor to shew me during my stay in Paris, claims my warmest acknowledgements & a due sense thereof will always be held in gratefull remembrance.
I promis’d to inform Your Excellency in what vessel I propos’d to embark for America, it is the Brigantine Betsey Capt. Gallagher, I expect she will sail by the first of next month, If I can take charge of any papers you may be sure of the utmost care or if in any other mode I can be serviceable, I hope you will command me. I am with great respect Your Excellcys. Most obt. humle. serv
Isaac Hazlehurst

Addressed: His Excellency / Benj: Franklin Esqr. / Passy
Notation: Haslehurt Nantes 24 March 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Job Whipple and Elijah Lewis, 24 March 1782
From: Whipple, Job,Lewis, Elijah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir
Nantes 24 March 1782.
We beg leave to inform you that we are two of those fortunate Persons who lately made their escape from Kingsale Prison in Ireland. Before we effected it the Prisoners of War confined there requested us to lay before your honor a state of their wretched disagreeable situation, praying you to redress their grievances as soon as in your power lieth.— The most nay every one of them is destitute of cloathing not sufficient to keep them warm from the inclemency of the Weather in a cold Prison without fire— Beg your honor will take it into consideration and appoint such ways and means as in your Wisdom shall seem meet to supply them with Cloathing and other necessaries.
We need not say any more on the subject resting assured you’ll do what is possible in the Premises— We are with the utmost respect possible your Hble Servts
Job WhippleElijah Lewis
The Honble. Benja. Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: The Honble / Benja. Franklin Esqr. / Paris
Notation: Lewis, Elija, Nantes 24 March 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cuming & Macarty, 25 March 1782
From: Cuming & Macarty
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient 25th. March 1782
We take the Liberty of Inclosing your Excellency a Copy of a Letter we have received from a certain Mr. Bright (Son to a respectable Citizen of Philada) who has lately made his Escape from Fortune Prisson in England where he has been detaind since January 1781. This Young Man was taken at the same time with our WM to whom he was particularly recommended— We have Constantly supplyd him with Money wich has Facilitated his getting away.
We have wrote to the Commandant at Brest, requesting His and a Mr. Woods. discharge (he is also of Philadelphia) but least we shoud not Succed, we beg leave to request, Your asistance, in returning those two Young Men to their Families, by procuring leave for their coming here to Embark in the Helena for Philadelphia.
We have the Honour to be with great respect Your Exellencys— Most Obedt. Humble Servt.
Cuming & Macarty

Notation: Cuming & MacCarty L’orient 25 March 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 March 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir.
Nantes March. 25. 1782
I embrace the Opportunity the departure of Mr Meyers gives me to send you two Bottles of Cramberrys: I will send you more by the first messagerie.
I beg leave at the same time to introduce Mr Meyers to your kind Notice and Friendship.
I am as ever your dutifull & affect Kinsman
Jona Williams J

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin &c &c.
Notation: J. Williams, Nantes March 25. 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 26 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: ——

ce 26 Mars 82
J’ai reçu, avec ma petite Dialogue, votre charmante Epitre & Puisque je trouve que Madame la Goutte est de votre Connoissance, ma tres chere Amie je vous prie de grace que quand elle me fait une autre Visite, vous voudriez bien l’accompagner. Votre Présence me dedommagera de la sienne. Avec une telle Garde, la Peine deviendra Plaisir.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 26 March 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
The Hague March 26. 1782
One day, last Week, I recd at Amsterdam a Card from Diggs, inclosing two Letters to me from Mr David Hartley. The Card desired to see me upon Business of Importance: and the Letters from Mr Hartley contained an Assurance that to his Knowledge the Bearer came from the highest Authority.— I answered the Card, that in the present Situation of Affairs here and elsewhere, it was impossible for me to See any one from England without Witness, but if he was willing to see me in Presence of Mr Thaxter my Secretary and that I should communicate whatever he should Say to me to Dr Franklin and the Comte de Vergennes, I would wait for him at home at ten O Clock, but that I had rather he should go to Paris without Seeing me and communicate what he had to say to Dr Franklin, whose situation enabled him to consult the Court without loss of time. At ten, however he came, and told me a long story about Consultations with Mr Pen, Mr Hartley Lord Beauchamp and at last Lord North, by whom he was finally sent, to enquire of me, if I, or any other, had Authority, to treat with Great Britain of a Truce.— I answered, that I came to Europe last with full Powers to make Peace, that those Powers had been announced to the public upon my Arrival, and continued in force untill last Summer, when Congress Sent a new Commission, containing the Same Powers to five Persons, whom I named.— That if the King of England were my father, and I the Heir apparent to his Throne, I would not advise him to think of a Truce, because it would be but a real War under a simulated appearance of Tranquility, and would end in another open and bloody War, without doing any real good to any of the Parties.
He Said, that the Ministry would send, Some Person of Consequence over, perhaps General Conway, but they were apprehensive, that he would be ill treated or exposed.— I Said that if they resolved upon such a measure, I had rather they would send immediately to Dr Franklin, because of his Situation near the French Court.— But there was no doubt, if they sent any respectable Personage properly authorised, who should come to treat honourably, he would be treated with great Respect.— But that if he came to me, I could give him no opinion upon any thing without consulting my Colleagues, and should reserve a Right of communicating every Thing to my Colleagues, and to our Allies.
He then Said, that his Mission was finished. That the Fact to be ascertained was Simply, that there was a Commission in Europe to treat and conclude, but that there was not one Person in G. Britain who could affirm or prove that there was such a Commission, altho it had been anounced in the Gazettes.
I desired him and he promised me not to mention Mr Laurens, to the Ministry without his Consent, and without informing him that it was impossible he should Say any thing in the Business, because he knows nothing of our Instructions, because altho it was possible that his being in such a Commission might induce them to release him, yet it was also possible, it might render them more difficult concerning his Exchange.
The Picture he gives of the situation of Things in England, is gloomy enough for them. The Distresses of the People and the Distractions in Administration and Parliament, are such as may produce any Effect, almost that can be imagined.
The only Use of all this I think is, to Strike decisive strokes at New York and Charlestown. There is no Position so advantageous for Negotiation, as when We have all an Ennemies Armies Prisoners. I must beg the favour of you, Sir, to Send me, by one of the C de Vergennes’s Couriers to the Duc de la Vauguion, a Copy in Letters of our Peace Instructions. I have not been able to decypher one Quarter Part of mine. Some Mistake has certainly been made.
Ten or Eleven Cities of Holland, have declared themselves in favour of American Independence, and it is expected that to day or tomorrow, this Province will take the decisive Resolution of Admitting me to an Audience. Perhaps Some of the other Provinces, may delay it for, three or four Weeks. But the Prince has declared that he has no hopes of resisting the Torrent and therefore that he shall not attempt it. The Duc de la Vauguion has acted a very friendly and honourable Part in this Business, without, however doing any ministerial Act, in it.
With great Respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant
J. Adams
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Labat de Mourlens, 26 March 1782
From: Mourlens, abbé —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur
Toulouse ce 26 mars 1782
Pour remplir la tâche dont j’ai ete chargé par ma Compagnie, j’ai du Celebrer la gloire et les vertus du roi mon maitre. J’ai du aussi y rendre un juste homage à la nation genereuse que vous representés à la Cour de france. La reunion de Ces deux Circonstances m’engage à prendre la liberté de vous presenter cijoint un éxemplaire de mon ouvrage.
Je suis avec respect Monseigneur de votre éxellence Le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
L’abbé DE Mourlens

Pour Monseigneur francklin ministre plenipotentiaire des états unis de L’Amerique Septentrionale à passy près paris.

Notation: Mourlens M. L’abbé de 26 Mars 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Lafayette, 28 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Dear Sir,
Passy, March 28. 1782.
I have considered the Proposal of getting the American Prisoners out of Forton Goal & bringing them over in Companies to France in smuggling Vessels; but as to effect this there must be some Place found on the Coast where the Prisoners may assemble to wait for the Vessel may lye to wait for the Prisoners, as the Case may happen, without Danger of being discovered and seized, (it being hardly possible to regulate & time the different Operations by Land & Water so as to meet exactly at the same time) and there being I imagine, no such Place on that Part of the Coast, I apprehend the Project to be impracticable. Mr. Young may however, makes the Enquiry he proposes at Dunkirk of Mr. Coffyn, in his way to Ostend, and writes to us the Opinion of that Gentleman. With great & sincere Esteem & Affection, I am, dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servt.
Mr. De la Fayette.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Veuve de Précorbin and Other Commission Seekers, 28 March 1782
From: Précorbin, Veuve —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Even as the peace negotiations were getting under way, Franklin continued to receive letters soliciting commissions in the American army. The earliest of these, printed below, is from a widowed mother of four who seizes on Franklin’s reputation for generosity toward the unfortunate to plead the case of her irresponsible eldest son. Franklin’s endorsement indicates a negative reply.

On April 5, two young officers write from Donaveschingen (in the small German principality of Fürstenberg), where one, Ferdinand de Rembau, is a lieutenant in the Hohenzollern Cavalry Regiment in the service of the circle of Swabia, and the other, Dupont d’Aisÿ, from Normandy, is in the 6th Regiment of Light Cavalry. Their greatest desire is for glory and thus they seek to serve the American cause. They expect to receive a rank higher than their present one, though to prove their sincerity, they will accept short term appointments as gentlemen cadets. Since neither of them has come into an inheritance yet, they will also require pay suitable to their station. Extracts of their baptismal records and certificates of nobility and conduct will be forwarded on request. They await Franklin’s orders impatiently and would prefer to embark at Ostend.
The chevalier O’Gorman recommends Dr. O’Connor on April 11 for service in the American army or its hospitals. Both he and Dr. MacMahon have a high opinion of the doctor: he studied medicine at the University of Paris, has practiced in military hospitals in France and the West Indies for nine years, and his doctor’s certificates are in order. O’Connor himself will deliver this letter.
On June 4, the sieur de La Bassée, captain of dragoons and chevalier de Saint-Louis, presents his respects and the service of one of his sons, who for the past four months has pestered him to be allowed to serve America. While he could call on any number of influential people to press his case, he has allowed himself to write only his relative M. de Saint-Paul, a high official in the bureau de la guerre. The young man, eighteen years old, is strong, handsome, and very brave, and he has served as an officer on different privateers out of Dunkerque and Boulogne. The father received favorable reports on his son’s conduct from each commanding officer.
On June 16, the prince de Sulkowski writes from Paris to “l’Ami de l’Humanité” to introduce a Polish gentleman for whom he is confident Franklin will find a place in the American service. The attached memoir describes M. de Kurowski as a young infantry officer who advanced through the ranks to become captain and aide-de-camp to Lieutenant General comte de Stipkowski. Seeing that further advancement would be very slow, Kurowski obtained the Polish King’s permission to resign and seek his fortune abroad.
From Simmern near Mannheim on July 20 the baron de Strasser relates in what he admits is “unfirm” English a tale of romance and disappointed expectations. As an ensign in the Hessian service when war with America was declared, he was one of the 12,000 auxiliaries to enter British pay for service in the colonies. In Charleston, S.C., he managed to win the heart of Miss Nancy Elliott, descended of Bernard Elliott, whom Franklin must have known. The “handsome and lovely Nancy” promised to help him obtain a commission in the continental service and gave him several letters to carry to Generals Moultrie, Lincoln, and Scott, held on parole at Haddrel’s Point. The generals assured this German auxiliary that he would be appointed major of a brigade. He obtained his discharge, but was imprisoned, sent to England, and returned to his native country, where he has no employment and is “deprived of the Sweet hopes to accept the advantageous match with miss Nancy Elliott”. He begs Franklin to support his petition to rejoin his regiment at his former rank. The baron de Siking, ambassador of the Elector Palatine, well acquainted with his uncle, baron de Ritter, minister at Vienna, will inform Franklin of his family background.
A low-ranking officer of a distinguished Languedoc family writes on July 23 from Paris where he is staying with relatives on the chaussée d’Antin. This Dupuy, in service to the German infantry regiment of Laczj, has done his utmost to distinguish himself, but only a very small number of individuals are able to advance in times of peace. He wishes a position at his current rank in one of the French or German units serving in America and hopes that Franklin will write letters on his behalf to Washington. He has all the necessary supporting documentation as well as 18 years’ tactical experience in the best troops of Germany. His desire for honor and to serve honorably will compensate for his lack of fortune. Wishing no longer to impose on his relatives, he urges Franklin to grant him an interview as soon as possible.
Next come two letters from the south of France. On July 28, Henry O’Neill, writing in English from Tournay, is furious with Franklin for obstructing his military career. He is on his way back to Ireland from Madrid where he failed to obtain even a lieutenant’s commission, and accuses Franklin of thinking it in the interest of America that the Irish be ill-treated in Europe so that more of them will emigrate to America. He holds the French ministry and the conde de Aranda responsible as well. His own family, now ruined by service to the French and Spaniards, had deposited a sum of money in the Irish community in Paris sufficient for two of the name and family to be educated on the interest. If O’Neill carries the story of his mistreatment back to Ireland, his countrymen may be moved “to joyn Sincearly with England and supply thire Armies and navy with numbers of brave men.” Under this threat Franklin is directed to let O’Neill know if something can be done for him.
The vicomte de Lomagne writes from Berenx on August 12 hoping to enlist Franklin’s assistance in obtaining a rank in the French army equal to the one he held in the American army. The long memoir he encloses recounts his five years of service in the United States, beginning with Lafayette’s recommendation for a commission in February, 1778, and a promotion two months later to major in Colonel Armand’s legion. In May, 1781, von Steuben sent him to Philadelphia where he contracted smallpox. Congress granted him permission to recuperate in France and he arrived finally with the marquis de Chabert. He is mortified now to find that other French officers with much less experience and rank in the American service might be given positions of higher rank than he. He also wishes Franklin to help him receive payment for a loan office certificate left with Jonathan Williams, Jr.

Monseigneur
a Caen rüe St Etienne ce 28 mars 1782.
La veuve d’un gentilhomme, qui avoit servy sa patrie avec honneur, chargée de quatre Enfants prend La Liberté de s’adresser à vous, sans en Etre Connüe; parcequ’elle sait quelle est La sensibilité de vôtre Coeur, et vôtre inclination à secourir les malheureux. Mon fils ainè, nommè alexandre, felix, moisson, apres avoir été Elevé à L’Ecole Royal militaire, Etoit entré dans Le Rgmt. de Neustrie; des discussions avec ses Camarades L’ont engagé à en quitter; et il se trouve aujourdhuy sans Etat. Son pere Etoit chevalier de st. Loüis pensionnaire de sa majesté, et Lieutenant de Nos SS. Les Marechaux de france à Caen, sa fortune Etoit au desous de La Mèdiocrité; ses pensions sont Eteintes avec Luy, et il ne reste à ses Enfants, que le souvenir cruel d’estre sorty de luy sans pouvoir L’imiter. La derniere avanture de Lainé le prive de toute resource, sy vôtre, exelence, ne daigne Luy subvenir, en ayant La bonté de luy procurer D’occasion de servir la juste Cause des Etats unis de L’amerique; et de luy menager un pasage dans vôtre patrie et luy procurer un grade qui le mette en Etat de supsister.
Daignés Monseigneur, ne pas refuser une veuve Desolée, et l’honorer d’une reponce favorable.
Je suis avec un profond respect, Monseigneur, Vôtre tres humble et tres obeissante servant
Ve. De PRÈCORBIN

Notation: Precorbin Mde. De 28. Mars 1782.
Endorsed: The Armies of America full Not possible


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 March 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir.
Nantes Mar. 28. 1782
I have received your Favour 23 Inst and perfectly agree in Opinion with you. I thank you very much for your kind Expressions of Friendship which I will always study to deserve. The Seeds you will before this have received, I hope in good Order.
I beg leave to introduce to your Notice my Friend Mr William Vernon of Boston. You will find him worthy of your Friendship & I request you will show him every mark of Civility, which will highly oblige Dear & hond sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / en son Hotel / a Passy / prés Paris
Notation: J. Williams, Nantes March 28 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 29 March 1782
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
La haie 29e. Mars 1782
Il ne me reste qu’un instant, pour vous communiquer ma joie de ce que vous lirez dans ma Lettre au Congrès, dans le paquet ci-joint, qu’il importe de faire passer le plutôt possible, & de la maniere la plus sûre en Amérique. Dans environ un mois tout sera fait avec cette Rep. à notre satisfaction, c’est-à-dire l’admission de Mr. Adams. Nous demeurerons ici & vivrons heureux ensemble dans la Maison que je lui ai achetée. La semaine prochaine j’aurai l’honneur de vous écrire plus amplement, & de justifier mon silence depuis quelque temps, qui étoit nécessaire: car je suis toujours de coeur & d’ame avec l’attachement le plus respectueux, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas

Nous venons de remporter la plus noble victoire ici sur l’Anglomanie, grace sur-tout à mon excellent Ami Mr. Gyzelaer digne pensionaire de Dort.
Vous voudrez bien, Monsieur, avoir la bonté de bien cacheter le paquet.
a Son Exc. Mr. B. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Rousseaux, 29 March 1782
From: Rousseaux, Jean
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur.
Brest Le 29. Mars 1782
Je me Suis fait Lhonneur de vous Ecrire deux Lettre par Les quelle je vous priay de vouloir massiste dans Le besoin ou jette et vous demandant une Chose que jay Bien garnie [gagnée] a La Sueur de mon Cord. Je crois Monsieur que Je ne vous demande pas une chose qui met pas deu [qui ne m’est pas due] informe vous a Monsieur Cornic a qui jay mene une prize a Morlaix et je vous avez Envoye meme de Dunkerque La Lettre de mr. Cornic qui vous prouvoit le juste et vous Mave fait reponse a Dunkerque. Jespere Monsieur que vous vouderee Mesurer dun mot de lettre mon adresse est Chez Mr. Latapie Dantiste du roy rue de riche a Brest.
Jay Lhonneur Dettre avec respect Monsieur Votre tres heumble et tres obs. Serviteur
Jn. Rousseaux
Ne Moublie pas je vous prie Monsieur.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Doctheur / frankelin Embassadeur / Du Congray a Passy / Par Paris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 30 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,
Passy, March 30th. 1782.
In mine of the 9th Inst. I acknowledg’d the receipt of yours of Jany. 7. & I have not since received any of later Date.
The Newspapers which I send you by this Conveyance will acquaint you with what has since my last passed in Parliament. You will there see a Copy of the Bill brought in by the Attorney Genl: for impowering the King to make Peace with the Colonies. They still seem to flatter themselves with the Idea of dividing us; and rather than name the Congress, they impower him generally to treat with any Body or Bodies of Men, or any Person or Persons &ca. They are here likewise endeavouring to get us to treat separately from France, at the same time they are tempting France to treat separately from us, equally without the least Chance of Success. I have been drawn into a Correspondence on this Subject which you shall have with my next. I send you a Letter of Mr Adams’s just received which shews also that they are weary of the War, and would get out of it if they knew how. They had not then received the certain News of the loss of St Christophers; which will probably render them still more disposed to Peace.— I see that a Bill is also passing thro the House of Commons for the Exchange of American Prisoners, the Purport of which I do not yet know.
In my last I promised to be more particular with respect to the Points you mentioned as proper to be insisted on in the Treaty of Peace. My Ideas on those Points are I assure you full as strong as yours. I did intend to have given you my Reasons for some Addition, and if the Treaty were to be held on your side the Water, I would do it; otherwise it seems on second Thought, to be unnecessary, and if my Letter should be intercepted may be inconvenient. Be assured I shall not willingly give up any important Right or Interest of our Country, and unless this Campaign should afford our Enemies some considerable Advantage, I hope more may be obtained than is yet expected.
I have purchased for you all the Books you desired, except four which we have sent for to England. I shall request our excellent Friend the Marquis de la Fayette, to take them under his Care, and I hope they will get safe to hand.— The others shall follow by the first Opportunity after I receive them.
Our Affairs go on generally well in Europe. Holland has been slow, Spain slower, but Time will I hope smooth away all Difficulties. Let us keep up not only our Courage but our Vigilance, and not be laid asleep by the pretended Half Peace the English make with us without asking our Consent. We cannot be safe while they keep Armies in our Country.
With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. Robt. R. Livingston Esqre.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 30 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morris, Robert

Sir,
Passy, March 30. 1782.
With this if it comes to Hand you will receive Copies of several preceeding Letters to you which went by the Alliance, Capt. Barry, who sail’d the 15. without taking any of our Supplies, conceiving his Vessel not fit for such Service, and I am still uncertain whether any Part can go by the Convoy. If the St. Domingo Fleet, which has long been expected, were arrived, Transports would not be so scarce. Capt. Barry tells me there is Aboundance of Arms & ammunition at Boston, and the Capture of Cornwallis having furnished more, I hope those Articles will not be much wanted; I have also been informed, that the Cargo of Clothing sent by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, is arrived with you from neutral Ports, & offered at a low Price. If this be true, the unavoidable Delay of the Goods we have here on hand will not on the whole be so prejudicial to our Affairs.— We do not however rely on these Informations, but press continually for the Aid of Government to get them transported safely. Mr. Barclay is still in Holland, endeavouring to ship the unfortunate Purchase left there by Gillon; and if his Ships go safe, you will be furnished from thence with something considerable.
Since my last I have paid in Holland a Number of Bills of Exchange drawn in favour of Mr. Ross amounting to 40,958 banck Florins, and by that Means prevented their Protest. No Demand has been made on me by Mr. Wm. Lee. I do not know where he is; and I think he did so little for the 3000 Guineas he receiv’d, that he may wait without much Inconvenience for the Addition. I have paid Capt. Frey and taken the Receipts you required. In the other Dispositions you have ordered, I shall do the best I can.
Before I was sufficiently assured myself, or could assure Mr. Jay of having herewithal—to assist him in discharging his Acceptations, I heard he had began to suffer some of them to be protested. As soon as I found it was possible for me to help him, I wrote to him to draw upon me for the Sum he wanted, being near Thirty Thousand Pounds Sterling, which will put a Stop to those Protestations, and enable him to pay all honourably.
By the News-Papers I send to Mr. Secy. Livingston you will see the Change of Sentiment respecting us in the English Nation. I do not know whether this will diminish your Expence for the coming Campaign, because while they have an Army in our Country, I do not think their proposed Inactivity is to be trusted, tho’ it is said that after such Resolutions of Parliament, no Minister will dare to order offensive Operations. Their Papers say that Orders are given both in England and Ireland to stop the Embarkation of the Troops intended for North America; but what I rely on more, is some Information I have just received from Germany, that the March of Recruits there to the Seaside is also countermanded. If from what it is their Interest to do, one could conclude what they will do, I should imagine that alarmed with the Loss of St. Christopher, they would withdraw their Troops from the Continent in order to defend their remaining Islands. But this Ministry have hitherto so constantly acted contrary to the true Interest of their Nation & so inconsistantly with common Raison & Judgment, that one cannot fairly draw such a Conclusion.
The Goods for replacing the Cargo of the Marquis de La Fayette had been purchased long before we knew that you could have wished it otherwise. I hope the Invoice you sent me of Goods to be bought by Mr. Barclay & Ridley, will be partly rendered unnecessary by the Purchase, because I see no Possibility of paying the Sum, required for the Invoice viz, near Two millions, having received the most explicit & positive Assurances, that more Money than I have mentioned cannot this Year be obtained.
Permit me to hope also and for the same Raison that the Bills you will find yourself obliged to draw on me may not amount to a very large Sum. Hitherto I have accepted & paid all Drafts upon myself, and enabled my Colleagues to discharge those upon them, with Punctuality & Honour, the few abovementioned on Mr. Jay only excepted. I wish to finish this Part of my Emploiment with the Credit I have hitherto supported both for myself and for my Constituants. I must in June next pay M. Beaumarchais near 2,500,000 Livres. I have often been in great Distress & suffered much Anxiety; I still dread at times the same Situation: But your Promise that after this Month no more Bills shall be drawn on me, keeps up my Spirits, and affords me the greatest Situation [Satisfaction?].
I am extreamly pleased with the various prudent Measures you have with so much Industry put in Practice to draw forth our internal Strength, I hope they will be attended with the Success they merit; and I thank you for the Communication.
Our former Friend Mr. Deane has lost himself entirely. He and his Letters are universally condemned. He cannot well return hither, and I think hardly to America. I see no Place for him but England. He continues however to sit croaking at Ghent, chagrin’d, discontented, & dispirited. You will see by the enclosed what Mr. Barclay says of his Accounts. Methinks it would be well to have them examined, and to give Orders for the Payment of what is found justly due to him. Whether the Commission he charges on the Purchases made by Mr. Beaumarchais, comes under that Description I cannot say; the Congress will judge.
I will endeavour to send the Books with the Marquis, who does not go yet for 3 or 4. Weeks. I shall write farther by that Opportunity. At present I can only add, that I am ever, with the sincerest Esteem, & Respect, Dear Sir, Your &c—
Robt. Morris Esq. Supt. of Finances.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Guillaume St. John de Crèvecœur, 30 March 1782
From: Crèvecœur, Michel-Guillaume St. John de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris 30th. March 1782.
You’ll not think it Improper, I flatter myself, if I beg you’d direct me how to send some letters, either to Philadelphia or to Boston, those Last are for the Honoble. John Hancock; so many have hitherto miscaried for want of care in those in whose hands I had Placed them, that I find myself forced to ask you, what means I shall make use of & whether you’d not permit me to send them to your office, whence in due Time & more safely, they might be conveyed to America; my frequent disappointments on that head are the Cause of my Taking this freedom, which I beg you’d Excuse.
You had great reasons for doubting the other day the Taking of St. Christopher. It was then primature, but now, happily confirmed: Permit me to felicitate you on this Conquest.
I am with unfeigned Respect sir Your very Humble Servant
St. Jean DE CrevecœurHôtel Turgot Isle St. Louis Paris

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin

Addressed: A / Son Excellence Benjamin Franklin Ecuyer / Passy
Notation: Crevecœur M. St. Jean de Paris 30 March 1782.