Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 26 July 1778
From: Genet, Edme-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A V[ersai]lles ce 26. juillet 1778.
Je suis bien faché que le n° 49 ait paru hier. J’y aurois inséré avec le plus grand empressement le § 1er de la lettre du Dr. Cooper, que j’ai l’honeur de vous renvoyer ici en original, et tous mes lecteurs à Paris et dans le Royaume y auroient vû avec plaisir la cargaison de la Duchesse de Grammont, heureusement arrivée a sa destination, et dont le prix coûtant en France, a eté de huit cents mille livres. Personne ne doute ici de l’avantage que nous procure le commerce de l’amérique, mais ce sera toujours faire plaisir à notre nation que de lui en articuler les détails, pour lui donner la jouissance de s’applaudir de ce qu’Elle a fait. Le n° 50. ne tardera point à paroitre, et vous y verrés cette cargaison, avec l’extrait convenable de la lettre du Dr. Cooper et les passages interessans de la gazette, que vous avés aussi communique a Msgr. le Cte. de Vergennes, et que vous trouverés pareillement ici. J’attens au surplus ceux qu’il vous plaira encore de m’envoyer. Je vois, Monsieur, dans la lettre du Dr. Cooper que deux imprimeurs de Boston veulent y faire une gazette pour laquelle ils compteroient principalement sur des articles de France capables d’entretenir l’union et la satisfaction des deux nations. Je me félicite d’avoir conçu ici un projet tout semblable, dont j’ai déja eu l’honeur de vous parler plusieurs fois. Je ne l’ai pas encore mis formellement sous les yeux de Msgr. le Cte. de Vergennes, du ressort de qui seroit l’execution, et qui me paroit disposé à y consentir. Je serois infiniment flatté que sa derniere détermination fût motivée par le suffrage des Honorables plénipotentiaires et l’encouragement particulier que vous daigneriés y donner. Je prens la liberté de mettre le plan en substance sous vos yeux et d’y ajouter
Premierement que le privilege me rendant le Chef de l’entreprise, je puis répondre aux honorables deputés que ce ne sera point tant une affaire de marchandise, que de sentiment, c’est à dire
2° que tout y sera calculé pour cimenter l’union des deux Païs, et le contentement qu’ils doivent avoir l’un de l’autre
3° pour promouvoir entre eux l’industrie et le commerce jusqu’au plus haut dégré possible, et surtout du coté de la France pour reduire le monopole, et établir le concours qui assure la bonne foi etc.
4° que cette gazette angloise sera vendue à l’amérique presque pour le prix du papier, qui encore ne sera pas de la plus chere qualité.
J’entens que j’ai la parole des libraires imprimeurs mes associés, qu’ils ne chercheront le profit par le débit en Amérique que sur le grand nombre, et que par conséquent le prix sera d’un bon tiers au dessous de ce qu’il seroit en France, s’il s’y en place quelques exemplaires ce qui est croyable dans les circonstances actuelles
5° que ce sera le seul papier de cette espece qui sortira de France, ainsi que le garantit le privilege exclusif qui me sera donne; d’où doit résulter
6° que l’amérique n’en recevra que ce qui est nécessaire pour donner une nouvelle vie a ses propres gazettes, qui pourront réimprimer, commenter, répondre etc. et augmenter par là la curiosité de leurs lecteurs, sans que le débit de cinq ou six mille copies, de la notre, fut presque sensible sur toute l’étendue de ce vaste continent et leur porte préjudice.
Je souhaite, Monsieur, que ce plan vous soit agréable [et] à vos honorables collègues, et je recevrai avec reconnoissance ou vos observations pour le changer, ou votre agrément donné sous la condition du bon plaisir du Ministre. Je suis avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Genet

P.S. Je songe Monsieur, que vous pourriés avoir régulierement les deux gazettes que vous désirés, par ce moyen ci. Il faudroit que vous eûssiés la bonté d’écrire à un de vos amis à Londres, de mettre à la poste les dites deux gazettes par chaque ordinaire avec addresse, à moi, en ces termes—à Monsieur Monsieur Genet à Versailles. Sans autre chose. Je connoitrai en ouvrant le paquet qu’elles sont pour vous et je vous les enverrai sur le champ. Recommandés qu’on n’en envoye pas d’avantage, parce que je reçois déja des paquets, francs de port comme le seront ceux là. Vous payerés à Londres les deboursés de votre ami et vous n’aurés rien à me rendre. Mais cela ne durera qu’autant que les ports de Douvres et de Calais resteront ouverts pour la correspondance. Il faudra après un autre arrangement par Ostende.
P.S. 26 july. As it is seriously my résolution that the paper shou’d be sold to the Americans at the lowest price possible, and that with that view, it shall be printed upon a very cheap sort of paper, that contrafaction may not take place in america, unless with disadvantage. Your Honour will oblige me particularly, if you don’t think the quantity of five or six thousand in the whole continent won’t find a sale, to let me know your fears and apprehensions on the subject. Besides I must tell your Honour that we intend only to try with three or four numbers and let it alone till we receive answers from america with orders to the printers, and if there is no hopes of a large Sale, and that on the contrary we find the americans disposed to get the Sale intirely for themselves by reprinting we’ll give it over.
The Booksellers are agreed to receive the returns, not in money, but in goods of the country such as find a vent in ours, and they’ll chuse to have five or six Booksellers in the principal Seaport towns along the coast to be their retailers. I beg a thousand pardons for this further importunity. You’ll surely approve of the motive, which is the want of being here to save ourselves on the quantity, by contenting ourselves with the smallest profit.

Notation: Genet Juillet 78


Title: The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 27 July 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir
Passy July 27. 1778
We recd. yours of the 22d Inst. acquainting us that Capt. Reed in the Baltimore has bro’t from 40 to 50 hhds. of Tobacco consigned to you by the Committee of Commerce. We have advice of the same from the Committee, who let us know that the Qty. is 49 hhds. which they have order’d to be sold and the Money held at our Disposition. But as we have long since enter’d into a Contract with the Farmers General for Tobacco’s we desire this may not be sold but deliver’d to their Agent at Nantes or whoever may be appointed by them to receive it in part of whatever we are to furnish. We thank you for your care in forwarding Capt. Barnes to paris and are Sir your most Obedient &c.
Mr. Schweighauser


Title: Exchanges with Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy: Six Letters circa July 27, 1778
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt,Franklin, Benjamin

As is often the case with the Doctor’s much-admired neighbor in Passy, chronology hangs on tenuous clues. Franklin, who sometimes showed irritation toward people who did not date their letters, slipped into that habit himself when addressing her. In this instance, where a number of documents obviously belong together, only one of them provides a month and a day, July 27, but no year. We have opted for 1778. Whereas July, 1777, seems too early in their acquaintance for such frivolous banter, anything later than 1778 would be too late, since after September of that year their roles as father and daughter had been solidly established.
For all the tender jesting, these letters reveal a relationship in crisis. The man is demanding what the woman is not willing to yield. The woman demands an emotional monopoly that the man, under the circumstances, is not ready to grant. Some four years later, Franklin will evoke the longing he had felt for her, calling it “une jolie Passion.” That longing, to the best of our knowledge, remained unfulfilled.
The first two exchanges of letters seem perfectly in place from a psychological point of view, setting the stage, as they do, for the exchange that follows. There is a possibility, however, that the second pair belongs to a later period. Franklin’s copy of his letter (IV) may have been made on a letterpress, an instrument that was not in use before 1780. We have decided to print them here, anyway, on the assumption that this correspondence was such a jeu d’esprit, with many hands and translators taking part, that an early letter may well have been translated and copied on the letterpress at a later date.

I.
ce jeudi matin
Vous m’avés délaissée hiér mon chér papa, et pendant ce tems la, je m’occupois de vous, et de vos plaisirs; je demandois les livres que vous avés désiré et que je vous envoye; toute la bibliothéque de mr. du Bospin est a votre sérvice, il est de mes amis: je ne vous vérrai donc que samedi? Vous vous passés donc aisaiment de moi un mércredi? Et vous dirés aprés cela, je vous aime furieusement, trop: moi mon bon papa qui ne vous aime pas furieusement—mais trés tendrement, pas, trop; je vous aime assés pour éstre fâché de ne vous pas voir toutes les fois qu’il m’est, ou a vous possible de le faire; qui aime le plus, et le mieux de nous deux? Jugés cela mon bon ami non en homme intéréssé dans cétte affaire, mais en homme juste, en docteur Franklin.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy

II.
J’ai été bien mortifié hier au soir de n’avoir pas pû me rendre chez ma chere Amie. J’avois une Visitation qui à durée jusqu’à onze heures.
Bien des Remerciements pour votre soin obligeante en me procurant ces livres. Je les retournera bientôt en bon ordre. Je suis bien obligé aussi à M. de Bospin.
C’est vrai que j’ai souvent dit que je vous aime trop, et j’ai dit la verité. Jugez vous, après une Comparaison que je va faire, qui de nous deux aime le plus. Si je demande d’un Ami, J’ai besoin de vos Chevaux pour faire une Voyage, pretez les à moi; et si il repond, je serois bien aise de vous obliger, mais je crains qu’ils seront gatées par cette Voyage et je ne peux pas me resoudre de les preter à personne;—ne dois-je pas conclurre que cet homme aime ses chevaux plus qu’il ne m’aime? Et si dans le meme Cas je voudroit volontairement hazarder mes chevaux en les pretant a lui, n’est il pas clair que je l’aime plus que je n’aime mes chevaux, et aussi plus qu’il m’aime. Vous sçavez que je suis pret a sacrifier mes beaux et grands chevaux.

III.
Sçavés vous mon bon papa que vous m’avés joué un mauvais tour, vous demandés votre voiture a huit heures, et a sept et demie vous vous envollés pour me punir de m’estre énnuyée a promener des dames, tandis que je me serois amusée a rester avec vous; le grand voisin aussi nigaud que le grand cousin n’a pas eu l’ésprit de vous offrir des dames de bois en m’attendant, je suis remonté, je me suis mise en colére, j’ai juré contre les dames, contre le voisin, contre vous contre tout le monde, contre moi, contre tout ce qui m’a privé du plaisir d’estre avéc vous que j’aime du fond de mon coeur. Une autre fois songés que c’est un gros péché de causer du mal a son prochain et restés jusqu’à huit, neuf, ou dix heures.

Notation: Madame Brillon

IV.
  [Vendredi matin]
  2  Vous aviez tort, ma chere Amie, de vous mettre en colere et de jurer contre tout le monde pour ce que je m’ai oté une demieheure plutôt qu’á mon ordinaire. Une demie-heure avec un Viellard qui ne peut pas en faire la meilleur Usage, est une très petite chose, et on ne doit pas se mettre en colere pour des petites choses. Sammedi au soir, je resterai jusques vous souhaiterez ma depart, et malgré votre politesse usuelle en phrase de mots, je sçaurai le tems par votre refus d’un Baiser.

  1  J’avois été debout Mecredi Matin a quatre heures, je n’avois pas fait mon post-scriptum, j’avois travaillé beaucoup, j’avois diné à Paris, et j’étois très fatigué, et fort disposé à dormir après votre descente dans le Jardin, et je commençois à le faire sur le banc pendant qu’on parloit à moi. Ainsi je le trouvois plus decent de me retirer: et je m’etois couché devant huit heures. Il faut donc pardonner le grand Voisin et tous les autres et avouer que

V.
ce 25 a passy
Vous me demandés la liste de vos péchés mon chér papa; elle seroit si longue, que je n’ose entreprendre ce grand ouvrage; vous n’en faittes pourtant qu’un; mais il a tant de branches, il se répétte si souvent, qu’il faudroit des calculs infinis pour en trouvér le nombre juste; et vous voulés aprés cela que je vous pardonne, moi qui suis votre diréctrice: si j’etois homme, c’est tout ce que je pourrois faire; mais je ne puis en vérité suivant ma consçience, et mon intérest surtout, tolérér le systéme dangereux “que l’amitié qu’on a pour les fémmes, est divisible a l’infini.” C’est ce que vous cherchés a prouvér tous les jours mon chér papa, et ce dont je ne m’accomoderai jamais: mon coeur capable d’aimér beaucoup a choisi peu d’objéts pour reposér sa tendrésse; elle les a bien choisi, vous éstes a la teste: en éparpillant votre amitié comme vous faittes mon amitié ne diminuera pas, mais j’essayerai d’estre un peu plus sévére sur vos fauttes que par le passé, pour voir si je rattraperai par la une partie de ce que je crois devoir m’appartenir pour prix du sentiment que j’ai pour vous; voila mon sistéme a moi; guérre ouvérte la dessus je ne vous passerai plus rien. J’y suis décidé, oui tout aussi décidé qu’a vous aimér toujours: j’ai l’honneur d’éstre mon chér papa: Votre trés humble et trés obéissante sérvante
D’hardancourt Brillon

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin Franklin / A Passy

VI.
Passy, July 27
What a difference, my dear Friend, between you and me! You find my Faults so many as to be innumerable, while I can see but one in you; and perhaps that is the Fault of my Spectacles. The Fault I mean is that kind of Covetousness, by which you would engross all my Affection, and permit me none for the other amiable Ladies of your Country. You seem to imagine that it cannot be divided without being diminish’d: In which you mistake the nature of the Thing and forget the Situation in which you have plac’d and hold me. You renounce and exclude arbitrarily every thing corporal from our Amour, except such a merely civil Embrace now and then as you would permit to a country Cousin; what is there then remaining that I may not afford to others without a Diminution of what belongs to you? The Operations of the Mind, Esteem, Admiration, Respect, and even Affection for one Object, may be multiply’d as more Objects that merit them present themselves, and yet remain the same to the first, which therefore has no room to complain of Injury. They are in their Nature as divisible as the sweet Sounds of the Forte Piano produc’d by your exquisite Skill: Twenty People may receive the same Pleasure from them, without lessening that which you kindly intend for me; and I might as reasonably require of your Friendship, that they should reach and delight no Ears but mine.
You see by this time how unjust you are in your Demands, and in the open War you declare against me if I do not comply with them. Indeed it is I that have the most Reason to complain. My poor little Boy, whom you ought methinks to have cherish’d, instead of being fat and Jolly like those in your elegant Drawings, is meagre and starv’d almost to death for want of the Substantial Nourishment which you his Mother inhumanly deny him, and yet would now clip his little Wings to prevent his seeking it elsewhere!
I fancy we shall neither of us get any thing by this War, and therefore as feeling my self the Weakest, I will do what indeed ought always to be done by the Wisest, be first in making the Propositions for Peace. That a Peace may be lasting, the Articles of the Treaty should be regulated upon the Principles of the most perfect Equity and Reciprocity. In this View I have drawn up and offer the following, viz.
Article 1.
  There shall be eternal Peace, Friendship and Love, between Madame B. and Mr. F.
  Article 2.
  In order to maintain the same inviolably, Made. B. on her Part stipulates and agrees, that Mr. F. shall come to her whenever she sends for him.

  Art. 3.
  That he shall stay with her as long as she pleases.
  Art. 4.
  That when he is with her, he shall be obliged to drink Tea, play Chess, hear Musick; or do any other thing that she requires of him.
  Art. 5.
  And that he shall love no other Woman but herself.
  Art. 6.
  And the said Mr. F. in his part stipulates and agrees, that he will go away from M. B.’s whenever he pleases.
  Art. 7.
  That he will stay away as long as he please.
  Art. 8.
  That when he is with her he will do what he pleases.
  Art. 9.
  And that he will love any other Woman as far as he finds her amiable.
Let me know what you think of these Preliminaries. To me they seem to express the true Meaning and Intention of each Party more plainly than most Treaties. I shall insist pretty strongly on the eighth Article, tho’ without much Hope of your Consent to it; and on the ninth also, tho I despair of ever finding any other Woman that I could love with equal Tenderness: being ever, my dear dear Friend, Yours most sincerely
BF


Title: Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 27 July 1778: résumé
From: Simpson, Thomas
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brest, July 27, 1778: I wrote you from Nantes that I was planning to sail on the Providence. Mr. Livingston arrived from Paris informing me that you had appointed him to command the Ranger, but gave that post to me when Capt. Jones delivered up my parole. Your letters to Capt. Whipple and Mr. Schweighauser also arrived; Whipple ordered me on the 24th to go immediately to Brest and ready the Ranger for sea with no less than three months’ provisions. Mr. Schweighauser provided a letter for a friend here who could supply me with every necessary. I left Nantes the evening of the 24th and arrived here the 26th; the ship seems nearly ready, wanting some stores and her bottom cleaned, which will take only a few days. Capt. Whipple and Mr. Schweighauser recommended that I take 30 or 40 of the prisoners to serve on the Boston, which I shall do. I will send an accounting of the Ranger’s stores as soon as possible. The prizes are not yet sold, but if their value can be determined Mr. Schweighauser has kindly agreed to advance the money to the crew. I am pleased to inform you that your appointment of me met with the greatest satisfaction of the officers and men.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Plombard & Legris, 28 July 1778
From: Plombard & Legris
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Nantes Le 28 Juillet 1778
Nous Vous remettons cy joint Monsieur, une Traitte sur Vous de £900 par Le President Henri Laurens a 30 Jours de Vüe, passée a L’ordre de nos Messieurs du cap par Monsieur Colson que Nous Vous prions de Nous renvoyer acceptée. Comme Notre maison du cap français a St. Domingue a de fortes Liaisons d’affaires avec L’amerique Septentrionale, que Nous avons meme une maison Etablie a charlestouwn Notre Sieur Plombard y Estant actuellement et Tres connu dans Le pays, pourrions-Nous Monsieur Nous flatter que Vous Voulussiez aggréer L’offre de Nos Services, dans Notre Ville de Nantes, pour Les Expeditions que Vous pouvez avoir a faire faire Pour Votre pays. Nous Nous ferions un vray Plaisir de Vous Etre de quelqu’utilité et de Vous donner de frequentes preuves de Notre zele et de Notre Devouement. Nous avons L’honneur d’Estre avec une haute Consideration Monsieur Vos tres humbles et Tres obeissans Serviteurs
Plombard ET Legris

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin franklin / agent des Etats unis de L’amerique / A Paris
Notation: Plombard et legris / Nantes 28. Juillet 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas Moreau, 28 July 1778
From: Moreau, Nicolas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur
Cadiz 28 juillet 1778
La declaration que notre Roy tres Chrétien a fait faire a la Cour de Londres par son Embassadeur Monsieur Le Marquis de Noailles ou on i voit un traitté d’amitié et de commerce avec les etats unis de l’amerique septentrionale que votre Grandeur represente m’a toujours donné esperance que les Marchandises qui etoient chargée en angleterre sur les navires francois pourroient naviguer avec sureté et sans interumption. Cepandant avec peine je vois que le Navire la fortune Capitaine Y. Bertrand Kenguen sorti de londres pour cadiz portant des mdises [marchandises] pour compte de francois a qui elles sont consignés par le connoissement, le dit navire a eté pris par les americains et conduit a Boston suivant la lettre du Capitaine du Navire la fortune arrivé a Brest datté du 28 juin ecrit a Monsieur Gregoire alvares verjusti Negt Espanol dont inclus V.G. [Votre Grandeur] a la Copie. Il paroist que l’on a rendu que les deux objets la sienne et mdises apartenant a Messieurs desomberger Reiter et Compagnie qui sont allemans etabli a Cadiz. Comme il paroist par la lettre du Capitaine qu’il a eté debouté de ses demandes en reclamation dans les tribunaux inferieurs et qu’il reste notre recours au Conseil du Congré j’espere que votre Grandeur voudera bien etre mon protecteur aupres de ce Conseil pour que le montant de mes mdises me soient payé. Elles concistent en deux Caisses Bas de laine marque  lb. 1. 2. chargé a londres par Mr. joseph denison sur le Navire la fortune et ma con-signation. Ils montent a £st.391:17 i compris les frais de Chargement a Londres. Comme Votre Grandeur est protecteur de la justice entre les americains et notre Nation française je fairay la justification de la proprieté de la mdise ou elle l’ordonnera ou si Votre Grandeur veut bien me le permettre je lui envoirai les lettres et factures qui constent que la mdise est de mon Compte. J’espere que le traitté d’amitié et de commerce que vous avez signé avec sa Majeste s’etendera aussi sur ces sujets qui commercent hors du Royaume et son etablis chez les allies a qui on a rendu, ou payé le Montant de Leurs Marchandises. Je crois que la Loix doit être Egal pour les francois. J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec un tres profond Respect Monseigneur Votre tres humble et obeissant serviteur
Nicolas Moreau

Notation: Nicholas Moreau Cadiz 28 Juillet 1778


Title: The American Commissioners to the Committee of Commerce, 29 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Committee of Commerce

<Passy, July 29, 1778: We have received your letter of May 28 by Captain Reed [Read]. We rejoice at the arrival of even 49 hogsheads of tobacco, but wish for more. As we are under contract with the farmers general to furnish 5,000 hogsheads, for which we have already received a million livres, we have consigned this small amount to them, rather than disposing of it at private sale. We have no further directions for Capt. Reed other than your orders to receive goods from Schweighauser. Your orders of May 16 will be attended to. We learn from Mr. Lovell’s letter of April 16 that Mr. Bingham is authorized to draw on us for not more than 100,000 livres. We will honor his drafts whenever we receive the order of Congress, but are anxious about our funds.>


Title: The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 29 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Committee for Foreign Affairs

<Passy, July 29, 1778: We received your letters of May 14 and 15. We congratulate you on the general good appearance of our affairs and are happy you are determined to accept no peace terms contrary to our alliance with France. We have not received from Congress the authorization we need to remove articles 11 and 12 from the treaty; the count de Vergennes has expressed complete willingness to agree to the change. We have not yet seen Mr. Beaumarchais but shall attend to the business with him as soon as possible.>


Title: The American Commissioners to the Massachusetts Council, 29 July 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Massachusetts Council

Gentlemen,
Passi July 29 1778
We have received the Honour of your Letter of June 9, by Captain Corbin Barnes of the Schooner Dispatch together with three Packetts, directed to Us. We shall leave the Captain to his own Discretion concerning the Port he may return to. It is at present a Time of Scarcity of News, but We expect hourly important Intelligence from America, as well as from the french and English Fleets, which are both at Sea, and very near each other. The War is commenced in Germany between the Emperor and King of Prussia, but no Event of great Importance has yet taken Place. We are informed that the British King and Council have determined to offer Independance to America, provided she will break her Treaty with France, which We look upon to be a symptom of Despair and the last Effort of Deception, Seduction and Division. We have the Honour to be
The Hon. Council of the Mass Bay.


Title: The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 29 July 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: President of Congress

Sir
Passy July 29 1778
Mr. Livingston received a Commission from us as first Lieut. of the Boston and made a Cruise in her in which she had the good Fortune to take four prizes. He is now obliged to leave the Ship, but we have the pleasure of a Letter from Capt. Tucker in which he gives us an handsome Character of Mr. Livingston and of his Conduct during the Cruise. We have also a good Opinion of him and recommend him to the Favor of Congress. We are &c.
Honble President of Congress


Title: The American Commissioners to Thomas Read, 29 July 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Read, Thomas

Captain Read,
Passi July 29. 1778
You will take on Board your Vessell such a Cargo, as you shall receive from Mr. Schweighauser, out of such Merchandises belonging to the Public as he has in his Hands. You will get loaded and to sea with all possible Dispatch and return to such Part of America as you shall judge safest. We propose to send Dispatches by you, which We shall forward in season, but dont wait, after you are ready to Sail for any Dispatches from Us, without further orders from Us. We are &c.
Captn. Read of the Baltimore


Title: The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 29 July 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir
Passi July 29. 1778
We have directed the Captain’s Read and Barnes to apply to you for such Cargoes as they can take for America, and for such Necessary supplies as they may demand, which We desire you to do with all possible Expedition and Frugality. We are &c.
Mr. Schweighauser.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Carmichael, 29 July 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Carmichael, William

Dear Sir
Passy, July 29. 1778
Yours of May 14. gave me great Pleasure, as it inform’d me of your safe Arrival and Welfare. And I hope that as soon as you have seen your Friends and settled your Affairs, You will return again to Europe, where your Abilities may be greatly useful to your Country. I continue in the same or rather in a more uncomfortable Situation than that in which you left me. If ever any Man was most cordially hated and detested by Persons whom he never desired to offend, I am so by two of our Countrymen here, for which I can give no kind of Account, unless it be that I am too much respected, complimented and caress’d by the People in general, and a Deference a little too particular paid me by some in Power, the whole indeed far above my Merit, but which I do not seek and cannot help. By these Gentlemen I am reviled and abused wherever they can get any body to hear them, and I have received from them near a Dozen very angry and provoking Letters, some very long and very bitter, all which I lay aside without Answering, and oblige my private Feelings to give way to the Calls of Publick Character, showing nearly the same Civilities to their Persons when we meet in Public as if we lived on good Terms; because I know that an open Quarrel would grieve and hurt our Friends and our Cause, and please none but our Enemies.
I thank you for the curious Facts you observed relating the Sucker Fish and the dead Whales. I suppose the Oil of the Whale was diffus’d on the Surface of the Sea, either by means of Sharks tearing its Skin and Flesh, or by their dissolution.

Every thing goes well at this Court. The Fleets of the two Nations are at Sea, and we hope soon to hear good News from ours. With great and sincere Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obliged and most humble Servant
B Franklin
M. CarmichaelW. Carmichael EsqrCopy


Title: John Ayres to the American Commissioners, 29 July 1778: résumé
From: Ayres, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, July 29, 1778: I arrived yesterday in 26 days from Boston with a packet for you which ill health prevents me from delivering personally. Mr. Texier, a friend of Mr. Bondfield, has agreed to deliver it. I trust I shall soon recover and will be glad to serve in my capacity as captain in the continental navy. If not, I will await your orders. P.S. Mr. Texier disappointed me by not going to Paris, so Mr. Pauly is the bearer.>


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 29 July 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

A Versailles Le 29 juillet 1778
J’ai recu, Messieurs, La Lettre que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’ecrire Le 16 De Ce mois. Sa majesté compte beaucoup sur les secours en vivres que Le gouvernement de la Baye de Massachusset pourra procurer aux isles St. pierre et Miquelon.
Les difficultés que les Corsaires des Etats unis ont Eprouvées jusqu’a ce jour dans les ports de france soit pour la vente de leurs prises, soit pour la garde de leurs prisonniers doivent cesser par le changement de circonstances. Je ne doute pas, d’un autre Côté que Les Etats unis ne procurent dans Leurs ports les memes facilités aux Corsaires françois. Pour remplir ce double objet j’ai fait rediger un projet de Reglement que je m’empresse de vous communiquer. Je vous prie de L’Examiner, et de me marquer ce que vous en penserés, ou meme de m’indiquer d’autres moiens pour atteindre Le meme But, afin que je puisse prendre Les ordres de sa majesté. J’ay L’honneur d’Etre avec un sincere attachement, Messieurs, votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
DE Sartine
Messrs. Les deputés des Etats unis de L’amerique


Title: Philip Hancock: Receipt, 29 July 1778
From: Hancock, Philip
To:

Amsterdam 29 Juillet 1778
Recu de Messieurs Horneca Fizeaux & Cie. d’ordre et pour Compte de Messieurs Les Commissionaires du Congrés La somme de deux Cent florins Argent Court d’hollande fait a double ne Servant que pour une
Philip Hancock


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Pelletier, 29 July 1778
From: Pelletier, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Paris ce 29 Juillet 1778.
Quoique ces essais ne contiennent que des idées très simples, l’utilité dont je crois qu’elles pourroient être à vos compatriotes et l’intérêt que leur courage inspire à tous ceux en qui la corruption n’a point éteint les sentimens de la nature, m’engagent à les mettre sous vos yeux. Si elles étoient adoptées, le tems actuel est peut être celui dans lequel il seroit le plus important de former les établissemens que je propose. Ce seroit le moyen de porter le crédit public à son plus haut dégré, par la confiance qu’inspireroit une telle administration et par la facilité avec laquelle l’Etat obtiendroit les finances qui lui seroient nécessaires. Cette administration pourroit n’être qu’agréable aux peuples et ne pourroit que leur assûrer encore plus cette liberté inestimable qu’ils défendent si généreusement. Les Asyles augmenteroient certainement l’attachement et le courage des Troupes, et seroient des moyens assûrés pour attirer les étrangers, par la certitude dans laquelle chacun seroit d’avoir toujours des retraites honnêtes, et de ne jamais manquer du nécessaire. Ce seroit enfin un moyen sûr pour établir des manufactures dans toutes vos Provinces, et pour rendre en peu d’années votre Etat le plus fort, le plus heureux, le plus peuplé et le plus florissant de la terre.
J’aurai l’honneur de passer chez vous d’ici à quinzaine, et si vous jugez que mon travail ne soit bon à rien, je vous serai obligé de vouloir bien me le faire remettre. En attendant, Permettez que j’aie l’honneur d’être avec la plus grande estime, Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Pelletier


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Reinhold Forster, 30 July 1778
From: Forster, Johann Reinhold
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London July the 30th 1778.
Give me leave to present You with a Copy of the Observations made during my late Voyage round the World, and I hope You will favour me with the acceptance of them. These Observations contain a variety of Philosophical Subjects, and the last Chapter contains useful Directions for preserving the lives of mariners on long Voyages. Humanity prompted me to publish them, and as I consider mankind everywhere as my Brethren, I hope they may by Your means, become useful to my Brethren in America, who are obliged to go on long Voyages. I envy the good luck of my Son, who so often enjoyed the pleasure of being in Your company during his Stay at Paris. My Daughter at Vienna has likewise the pleasure of being often in company with Mr. Lee; and I wish ardently Providence may bless You with health Contentment of mind and long life and that You may be long useful to Mankind and be an honour to Your Age and Country. I am with the duest regard Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
John Reinold Forster
Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Hancock, 30 July 1778
From: Hancock, Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir
Amsterdam July 30: 1778
The Reason I have Presum’d to take the Liberty To Address you, was to Inform you My Motive for Comming with M. Welsh Was By the Advice of many Friends To That Noble Cause you Are Engaged In, to Inform you of those Past Proceedings And Glad to have Your Instruction How to Act for The feauter [future]. Therefore As we Could not give your Honor Any Information By Letter without Danger Thought it the most Prudent methood for one of us to Come to Parris and Beg the favour of a Personal Interview Which if your Honor will Pleas to grant me hope Shall Be Able to Inform Your Honor of Som Things That wont make my Visit at Parris Desagreeable. I Remain with Due Respect Your Exelency Most Obedient Servant
Philip Hancock

Addressed: Honb. Benjman Franklin / Parris
Notation: Philip Hancock Amsterdam July 30 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Holker, 30 July 1778
From: Holker, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur et Respectable ami
Rouen le 30 Juillet 1778
Mr. Lalanne negociant au havre, mon ami, et encore plus l’ami de mon fils, m’a recommandé d’une maniere particuliére Monsieur Le Baron de Reuschenberg qui vous remettra la Presente. Il désire passer en amérique, pour y trouver de l’employ et y finir sa carriere et m’a demandé une lettre de Recommandation pour vous, digne et Respectable ami. Je n’ai pu la lui refuser surtout m’etant presenté par un aussi bon ami que M. Lalanne, c’est ce motif qui me fait prendre la Liberté de vous prier d’éclairer Monsieur Le Baron de vos Bons avis et de l’honorer de votre Protection pour le succès de son Projet. Je suis avec Respect Monsieur et Respectable ami Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
J Holker

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur franklin / Ambassadeur des Etats unis de / l’amerique en son hotel / Passy
Endorsed: Holker July 30. 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Sieulanne, 30 July 1778: résumé
From: Sieulanne, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Ste. Croix de Teneriffe, July 30, 1778, in French: Having captured and brought into Palma, one of the Canary islands, the English brigantine The Countess of Mouton, Capt. Conyngham, of the Revenge, asked me to bring her to Martinique. We settled on conditions. As I was about to sail on July 19, I was accosted by an armed sloop sent by the Governor of Palma acting on orders from Marquis de Travallosos, Commander-in-Chief of the Canaries. The instructions were to stop my ship and arrest me, as well as Capt. Conyngham who was still in sight of the port. I was abused and eventually told to address myself to an English merchant in Orotava, named Thomas Cologan.
His answer, enclosed, proves that my arrest was really a reprisal against Conyngham. Could you please obtain from the court of Spain a reimbursement for the five hundred piastres this delay is costing me? The sum should be remitted to the French consul who will forward it to me. As to the insult to the flag, I am certain you shall obtain redress.>


Title: Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, [before 31 July 1778]
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

[before July 31, 1778]
Dubourg attendra vendredi 31e juillet Messrs. Franklin, Lée et Adams chez Esprit Libraire au Palais royal a deux heures precises, pour avoir l’honneur de les conduire en une maison du voisinage, ou on sera tres flatté de les recevoir.


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 31 July 1778
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Messieurs
La haie 31 Juillet 1778
Je viens de recevoir les doubles des deux Lettres du Committé des affaires étrangeres, que vous avez eu la bonté de m’envoyer.
Voici quelques Extraits des Depêches ministériales pour ce qu’il y avoit de plus essentiel.

Ici rien de nouveau, si ce n’est que la désertion est très forte parmi les troupes de la république. Pas moins de 1500 déserteurs pendant ces 2 mois de Juin et de Juillet. Cela vient de ce qu’on n’a permis à personne d’aller en semestre.
Vous verrez, Messieurs, par les Imprimés ci-joints, l’usage que je fais des dernieres Nouvelles que vous avez eu la bonté de me faire parvenir. L’article où j’ai mis un M est concerté. Je suis avec le plus respectueux dévouement, Messieurs, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
C.G.F. Dumas
Paris à LL.EE. M. les Plénipotentiaires des Etats-Unis de l’Am.

Addressed: à Leurs Excellences / Messieurs les Plénipotentiaires / des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique / Paris
Notation: Dumas July 31 La Haie—78


Title: Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 31 July 1778
From: Whipple, Abraham
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

  Honoured Gentlemen
On board Continental Frigate Providence PaimbeufJuly 31 1778
Have the pleasure of acquainting you, that my Ship has been in readiness for the Sea ever since the 25 inst. only wait for a favourable wind, the wind has been to the westward this fifteen days past, which makes it absolutely impossible to get out. These winds blowing directly up the River added to this the water is so exceeding shoal, we are obliged to sail on the tide of flood. Your Honours Letters dated the 13th came to hand the 18th, in these you were pleased to Order Captn. Tucker of the Boston Frigate to join me in my Cruize to America and to get to sea with all possible dispatch; acquainted Capt. Tucker with these instructions and wrote him to repair to the mouth of this river as soon as might be. As yet the Boston has not joined me, and if she does not arrive here shall proceed the first fair wind and touch at L’Orient for Capt. Tucker; the 22d recieved your Letters of the 16th acquainting me that Lt. T. Simpson was appointed to the Command of the Ranger and in his destination for America was to obey my Orders, accordingly dispatched Lt. Simpson the 24th by land for Brest with express instructions to fit the Ranger for the seas with all possible dispatch. This morning recieved a Letter from him, informing me that he doubts not to be ready very soon and in compleat Order. After having joined Captn. Tucker at L’Orient shall both proceed for Brest the first oppertunity wind and weather permitting and if your honours have any Orders to Communicate in future be pleased to forward them for Brest. Have taken on board a quantity of Goods Arms and Ammunitions for the United States which Mr. Schweighauser will inform you of. My Prisoners are Delivered to the Agent agreable to the Orders recieved. At Present have on board Two hundred and Forty Men and Boys included all in good health and high spirits, Many of whom are Gentlemen Volunteers belonging to America, Masters of Ships &c. who have had the misfortune to be made Prisoners. With four months provisions on board, my Officers and People well Cloathed my Ship in Compleat Order, and all hands contented doubt not shall be able to pay my respects to the Guernsy and Jersy Privateers; with the most Agreable hopes that before I arrive in America I shall do honour to the Command with which I am entrusted, Permit me to assure your Honours that I am with all imaginable respect Your most Obedient and most humble servant
Abraham Whipple

Notation: Capt. Whipple Paimbeuf July 31 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph-Mathias Gérard de Rayneval, 31 July 1778
From: Gérard de Rayneval, Joseph-Mathias
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A versailles 31 Juillet 1778
M. Le Comte de Vergennes étant surchargé de travail, Monsieur, il m’a chargé de vous faire part de la bonne nouvelle que nous venons de recevoir.
Un premier Avis qui nous étoit parvenu ce matin, nous avoit annoncé un Combat entre M. Le Comte D’Orvilliers et M. L’Amiral Keppel. Deux couriers qui viennent d’arriver, confirment cette importante nouvelle. Le Combat s’est engagé lundy dernier 27. de ce mois vers midy, et a été général et des plus vifs. M. d’Orvilliers ayant de l’avantage, apres plusieurs heures de Combat, a reviré sur son Ennemi pour le serrer de près, mais le vent étant devenu favorable à M. Keppel, celui cy l’a mit a profit pour éviter le Combat que notre Flotte s’efforçoit de rengager; il a éteint tous ses feux tandis que tous les notres étoient allumés, et il a profité de la nuit pour fuir et pour laisser à M. D’Orvilliers le Champ de Bataille et l’honneur du Combat. Notre flotte est rentrée dans Brest pour se reparer. Nous n’avons encore que peu de Details sur cette glorieuse affaire, mais nous ne tarderons pas d’en avoir. Je suis certain, Monsieur, que vous partagez la satisfaction qu’elle nous donne, car notre Cause est commune. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un parfait attachement, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
(signé) Gerard DE Raynevalsecrétaire du Conseil d’Etat.

P.S. Les Anglois avoient 32. Vaisseaux de ligne


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Julien-Alexandre Achard de Bonvouloir, [July 1778]
From: Bonvouloir et Loyauté, Julien-Alexandre Achard de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[July, 1778]
Je suis a paris depuis deux jours, et si je n’eusse pas été incommodé et extremement Las, j’aurais deja eu l’honneur d’aller vous presenter mon Respectueux hommage et vous rendre compte de mon voyage. Il a été on ne peut plus malhureux, j’ai été pris par la fregate La galathée, a quinze lieues de Charlestown, et conduit a st. augustin ou j’ai eprouvé les plus affreux traitements. Ils m’ont tout pris, j’avais viron [environ] 12000 l.t. sur le Batiment; ils ne m’ont pas même laissé ma montre, ny mon epée ny mes effets d’usage journalier. J’ai trouvé dans la même prison Mr. de bretigny, Keranguais et beaucoup d’autres officiers francais, qui gemissaient dans les fers.
Vous m’aviez, Monsieur, confie des Lettres je les ai regardées comme un Depôt sacré confie a mes soins, et je les ai conservées malgré vent et marée; j’ai l’honneur de vous les envoyer.
J’ose esperer, Monsieur, que vous voudrez bien etre mon protecteur, et chercher a m’indamniser de mes pertes. Il est question d’un avancement tres avantageux pour moy, l’on me demande un Certificat, comme je me suis bien conduit chez vous, et que j’ai cherché a vous rendre quelques services. J’ai eu l’honneur, Monsieur, d’etre connu de vous à philadelphie, ma conduite, et ma bonne volonté vous etaient connues.
Ce certificat, conçu a peu près dans ces termes;

Je certifie, que le Chevalier Achard De Bonvouloir, officier au Regiment du Cap, que j’ai connu a philadelphie, c’est bien conduit et qu’il a cherché a nous rendre service. En foy de quoy etc.
Ce certificat dieje [dis-je], Monsieur, ne vous enguage a rien et me peut procurer mon avancement. J’attends cette grace de vous, Monsieur, j’en serai a jamais recconnoissant, j’irai vous en faire mes tres humbles Remerciments et vous offrir le profond Respect avec lequel j’ai L’honneur [d’être] Monsieur Votre tres heumble et Tres obbeissant serviteur
De Bonvouloir
Si vous m’envoyez ce certificat, je vous prie de le faire par le porteur, j’en aurai besoin ce soir vous voudrez bien y mettre votre cachet.

Notation: M. Bonvouloir


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Brehon, July 1778
From: Brehon, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your Excellency
Forton, July. 1778
Having addresed you twice before which I imagine have never reached you from my receiving no Answer and nothing but distress could have induced me to trouble you so often which distress has indeed of late been allevated in a great Measure by the Generosity of the British People which I believe you have already been informed of and the sums which the [they] so generously Voted for our Support is as we are Informed almost expend’d owing to the great number of other Prisoners added to our number since that time, and our former distress begins to stare us and we already anticipate the horrors of our former situation, and In order to remedy in Some measure the wants which I am likely to feel I make bold to demand of you a small sum of Money which I should not do were I not intitled thereto by being in the Continental Service as you are already Informed by a list carried over by Mr. Thornton from hence and the Number of Prisoners committed Since his departure amount to 78 Amoungst which is Capt. Hindman of the Cont. Ship Alfred and four of his Officers which Joyned to the four of us belonging to the Hornet are all the Continental Officers which are in this Prison.
From your Natural Love of the rights and Liberties of Mankind and your well know Sympathy for those who tho Unfortunate are still Suffering in the Same glorious Cause by which you are Animated will I hope Influence you to grant the Assistance which I write for which will be allways Acknowledged as an Eternal Obligation and Chearfully Allowed in Account by your Excellencies Most Obedient Humble Servant
Jams Brehon

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Paris
Notation: Brehon Prisoner


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ———, [before or during July 1778]
From: ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[before or during July, 1778]
On a appris par un officier francois lieutenant dans les troupes aux ordres du général Gates que Klinton avec un corps de 4000 hommes, etant en marche pour se réunir a Philadelphie au général Howe a été attaqué en chemin par le general Gates, et qu’apres un combat très opiniâtre les anglois ont été tous ou tués ou blessés ou prisonniers de guerre. Le Genéral Klinton s’est sauvé preque seul a Philadelphie.
L’auteur de cette lettre a ete blessé, elle est ici entre les mains des parens de ce jeune homme.
On peut prendre la dessus des informations aupres de M. l’abbé Radix chanoine de Notre dame qui a donné a plusieur personnes un extrait de cette lettre. Elle est écrite a un de ses neveux par le jeune homme lieutenant dans les troupes américaines.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin Franklin / A Passy


Title: Peter Collas to the American Commissioners, 1 August 1778
From: Collas, Peter
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen,
Passy, August 1, 1778
As I late master of the brigg Triton belonging to the United States of America which was Captur’d by the Enemy within bell Isle, On my Return here from England, I Protested Against the Said Captur’s therein Showing where And by whom taken and the Value of the Said brigg and her Cargo, which Protest you have been Pleased to Present to the Minister, Requesting of him to Stop the Value of the Triton and her Cargo to the Amont of the Sum Mantioned in the Protest. Out of Such Vessells belonging to the English Nation as are or My be Stop in france. As I am going to America by ferst opportunity I hereby Inpower you the Said Commissioners to do, Act and Transact in my Stead and behalf and every thing, Relative to the Said brigg and her Cargo also of a Small Sum which was my Property and which is Mantioned in the Above Said Protest. I Remains with Due Respects your Most Obedeint and humble Servant
Peter Collas
Honorable Banjamin Franklin Arther Lee and John Adams Esqrs Commissioners for the therteen United States of America.

Notation: Capt Peter Collas power to the Commrs Passy 1. Aug. 78


Title: James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 1 August 1778: résumé
From: Moylan, James
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Lorient, August 1, 1778: The Boston and her three prizes sailed this morning. Captain Tucker accidentally mentioned to me your orders to load some goods, but as the wind was fair he decided not to wait for them. I can freight them for you at reasonable terms on a French ship I am sending to America next month. I am much obliged to Mr. Franklin for advancing Mr. Ogden 8 guineas which I desire my friend in Paris to repay him.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 1 August 1778
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

1er aout 1778
Je vous prie, Mon cher Maitre, de faire tenir ces trois petites lettres, par autant d’occasions differentes a mesure qu’il s’en presentera, a Mr. d’Arcel à Boston, afin qu’il en arrive plus surement une; ce que l’on desire d’autant plus qu’il a marqué n’en avoir encore reçu aucune de son frere qui lui en a ecrit neuf, depuis qu’il est dans ce pays là.
Je vous reïtere aussi, et à Monsieur Lee, ma supplique de faire tenir une douzaine de Louis, (d’or,) au fils de Mme. de Foucherolles, beaufrere de M. Brisson, pris sur le navire le d’Argentré, et detenu prisonier à Oak-hampton en Devonshire, à 30 miles de Plimouth, et qui a pris le nom de La Mote Du Pin, et cinq louis d’or à son compagnon de captivité mon petit neveu, qui est appellé Dubourg de la Blanchardiere dans la même ville, qui peut en avoir besoin quoiqu’il doive en avoir reçu par le correspondant d’un Negociant de Nantes. Mme. de Foucherolles et moi sommes prêts a consigner d’avance, dès aujourd’huy meme, cette somme à remettre, et ce qu’on peut presumer qu’il pourra y avoir de frais occasionnés par cette remise, dont il est trop juste de tenir compte, et meme des faux frais inevitables en pareil cas, comme ports de lettres, commissions etc.
Quant à leur echange, je compte toujours sur vos bontés, pour le tems le plus prochain, où elle pourra avoir lieu. Tous les deux avoient des brevets de sous Lieutenans du premier regiment d’infanterie de la nouvelle Georgie à l’armée continentale. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec un tendre et invariable attachement, Monsieur et cher Ami, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Dubourg

Notation: Dubourg Augt. 1. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Bussy-Dagoneau, 1 August 1778
From: Bussy-Dagoneau, ——, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Enclos du temple ce 1er aoust 1778.
Mes Ennemis vouloient m’éloigner de la france, J’aurois desiré combâttre ceux d’un peuple qui vous doit en partie ses vertûs, son Energie, et son Bonheur. Des maladies et des procés me retiennent encore, Monsieur. J’arriveray peutêtre un jour a Boston, trop tard pour ma gloire, a temps pour admirer celle de Vos Concitoyens et de mes compatriotes. Garcilasse De Lavegá mourant, chantoit les Victoires De Charles Quint. Malade, j’ay ôsé, Monsieur, celebrer celle que l’amour de la liberté fit remporter. Daignés recevoir avec complaisance, l’hommage que je rends a votre patrie, et a vous. Je suis avec Respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Le Comte De Bussy-DAGONEAUColonel cydevant Commandant les hussards chasseursGardes de Limbourg


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Patrick Clear (or Cleary), 1 August 1778
From: Clear, Patrick
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most Excellent Sir
Lisbon the 1st August 1778
Emboldened by your Excellencies universal character both in public and particular station, I presume to address myself to your Excellency, and implore your Excellencies protection in the present affair. I have had a Brother by name Timothy Clear, or Cleary, who resided a long time in Newbern North Carolina in America, where he was married to a woman of the Campbells: he and she died some time in September, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Five, possessed of a tolerable good fortune, he died without making a Will; but she who survived him four days, made her Testament, bequeathing to her Nephew what belonged to her, the rest for the Heirs of her deceased husband Timothy Clear, or Cleary. One of the Executors by name David Baron, wrote to Ireland to the Heirs of said Timothy, by name are, Patrick, Simon, Esther, Margaret, and Mary, Clear or Cleary, all which are duely and legally authenticated before the Lord Mayor of Dublin; and the aforesaid Coheirs gave me their Brother, a full power and commission to act in the affair, as shou’d seem to me most adviseable. I for the execution of said Commission, determin’d to go to Spain, and from thence to America; but on the way fell sick in Lisbon, and was thereby prevented to continue my journey, having been lately inform’d that there was an act passed by the Provincial Congress of North Carolina, whereby the Lands and effects of all those who were absent, and did not appear, or put in their Claim, before the expiration of October of this present Year, wou’d be confiscated; and I was also told that our being Roman Catholicks, and my being a Clergy-Man of the Roman Catholick Church, rendered me incapable of enjoying what our Brother acquir’d by fair dailing and unblemished character. My Author for this is one Owen, from North Carolina, who has been outlawed there; in consequence of which, I appeal to your Excellency, not doubting but the justness of the cause will meet with your Excellencies protection, who is Pater Patriae, Restorer of freedom and liberty. I was offer’d several Letters for the first Nobility of Paris to entercede with your Excellency on this affair, but thought them unnecessary as uprightness, and integrity, are the distinguishing characteristicks of your Excellency; I remain Your Excellencies most faithful and Most Humble Servant
Patrick Clear OR Cleary

P.S. If your Excellency shou’d be pleas’d to answer this Epistle, vouchsafe to order it to be directed to me at the Irish College of Lisbon.

Addressed: To / His Excellency B. Frankland / Embassadour Plenipotenty. / from the United States of / America / Paris
Notations in different hands: Patrick Clear or Cleary Lisbon 1. Aout 1778 / Patrick Clear or Cleary


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Leslie Grove, 1 August 1778
From: Grove, Leslie
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London. 1st. Augt. 1778
From the honor I had of your acquaintance at My Lord Le Despencers at W. Wycomb in 73, I am Induced to flatter myself the request I have to make for the Enlargement of a particular Friends Brother now a Prisoner onboard an American Vessel in Brest Road will be comply’d with, the person solicited for is a Brother of Mr. John Trumans an Irish Factor in this City. He was a Passinger on board the Lord Chatham a Merchant Vessel from hence to Dublin, that was taken off Wicklow the 16th April last by the Revenge Privateer belonging to Piscataway. You will I am satisfied be more readily be led to comply with this request when I tell you the young man Mr. Thos. Truman has a wife and three young Children much distressed and Unhappy at his Absence and Unpleasent Situation. I shall therefore hold myself Exceedingly Obliged If you will as soon as possible give the Necessary orders for his being set at liberty to return to his Family as I am much Interested for him on his Brothers account.
I resigned the Command of the Thynne Packet, (which you did me the honor to see Launched) about a year ago and have Commenced a manner(?) of business in partnership with my late most worthy Father in laws partner Mr. Knox in this City. And when our Unhappy disputes with America are at an end, which I hope will be the case Er’e long, I hope I shall have the honor of seeing you here in the mean time Mrs. Grove begs to Join me in best Compliments to you, I am with great Regard and Esteem Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
Leslie Grove
If I am to Expect the honor of a line please to direct to No: 4 Crosby Square
Doctor. Franklin

Addressed: Doctor Franklin
Endorsed: Capt Grove about an Eng. Prisoner London 1. aout 1778.
Notation: recd. Sunday and opened according to Dr Franklins Desire.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier Thomas O’Gorman, 1 August 1778
From: O’Gorman, Thomas, chevalier
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Paris ce lr. Aout 1778
N’ayant appris que ce matin que Monsieur Williams votre neveu etoit aupres de vous, il m’etoit impossible de l’avoir invité l’autre jour à etre de votre partie lundi prochain, c’est pourquoi je vous supplie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien l’engager à vous accompagner ce jour la. Il me fera un honneur et plaisir tres sensible. Recevez les assurances très sinceres de mon profond respect et les sentimens distingués avec lesquels j’ay l’honneur d’être Monsieur votre tres humble et très obeissant serviteur
Le CHEVR. O’GORMAN

Endorsed: Chevr. O Gorman / 1. Aout 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rudolph Tschiffelÿ, 1 August 1778
From: Tschiffelÿ, Johann Rudolph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Berne en Suisse ce ler d’Aout 1778
Daignes Monsieur permetre que mettant de coté vos eminentes dignites politiques, je ne m’addresse qu’au Philosophe, qu’au précieux ami de l’humanité.
La passion pour l’Agriculture m’a fait passer touts les moments de loisir a l’etudier et a la pratiquer. J’en ai fait renaitre le gout parmis mes concitoÿens, et puissament soutenu par plusieurs d’entre eux, nous osons croire que nos efforts ont contribué de quelque chose au bienêtre phisique de nos compatriotes. Vieux aujourdhui et ne pouvant plus prêcher d’exemple, mon plus grand desir aujourdhui seroit de rendre utiles le peu d’heures qui me restent au bonheur politique de la Societé.
A mes ÿeux rien n’ÿ contribuera plus efficacement, que de repandre aussi loin qu’il me sera possible les nouvelles constitutions des divers peuples dont Vous etes le Pere. Je viens d’en voir Monsieur une Collection partielle traduitte en françois par Mr. Regnier, qu’il a eu l’honeur de Vous dedier. En la lisant il m’a semblé qu’il n’avoit pas toujours sous les ÿeux son original, ou que du moins avec une organisation monarchique il n’a pas partout egalement saisi le sens d’un sistême entierement nouveau pour lui.

Je me propose de faire connoitre incessament ces belles Loix, non seulement a ma patrie mais a l’Allemagne et a l’Italie; la traduction pour ce dernier Paÿs se fera sous mes ÿeux, et l’allemande sera de ma main; Persone ne la feroit avec plus d’attention et plus de zêle.
J’ose donc Vous supplier Monsieur qu’en faveur de motif Vous voulies bien permettre a un de vos Secretaires, de me faire parvenir par la Messagerie touttes ces nouvelles constitutions en Anglois, soit imprimées soit exactement copiées, quel qu’en puisse etre le prix, au quel je ne m’arrêterai jamais. Cette faveur obtenue ajoutera a mon profond Respect pour votre personne la plus parfaite reconoissance. J’ai l’honeur d’etre a jamais avec la plus grande veneration Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
TschiffelÿSecretaire du Supreme Consistoire de la republique

Endorsed: Tschiffeley would translate American Constitutions


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 1 August 1778
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Morning, Augt: 1st: 1778.
Your letter, my dearest sir, was heavenly to me and filled me with the utmost transports. I dare not tell you what I had feared; but I thought your mind must see into every little corner and expectation of my heart, and would acquit me of every thing but the true motive. It has done so, and has only if possible raised you higher in my conceptions.
As I know nothing of this opportunity, I shall only add that the leaves you wrote for, were sent per post last night, directed to Mr. Chaumont, Passy near Paris. The rest will be conveyed to you by the bearer of this; together with a book from Dr. Forster, intended he says for your country.
The accounts with Johnson I had settled, and charged them to Mr. Jonathan Williams. But in consequence of your letter, I shall get the money from Mrs. Hewson and have it paid to Johnson; which will leave 4 ½ guineas more to W’s credit. There were some additional articles at Johnson’s, besides those ordered by myself; the whole together amounting to £8 or £10. I believe I sent Mr. Ws the particulars; if not, they shall be sent.
I told you of the firmness of a certain character which you so covered with benedictions; by that opportunity I did not choose to add, that there is reason to think his successor has been alike firm; which gave me infinite joy, and will give you some little satisfaction. Many men think they know the foibles of the last; I am sure however they know not what his virtues are, or the turn of his talents. I shall soon give you some anecdotes; but not by this or the next opportunity of writing. I say next, because Mr. W: Senior pretends to have made his mind up about going. I have used all my little eloquence to persuade him, and hope with appearance of success, but Jonathan must not even yet thoroughly depend upon him. The party is fooled and amused here, and will get nothing. With increased gratitude and veneration, I am, my dearest sir, your most devoted and affectionate
Benjn. Vaughan

You will hardly conceive which of the papers in your packet I turned to first: It was the paper about Baxter. When I have thought more ripely about it, I shall perhaps send you a very short line on the subject. I am most thankful for that and the rest some of which I never saw before, and are therefore new treasures. Johnson however advises me to wait some very short space before we begin anew. I expect your other promised boon with prodigious impatience. My messenger was quite delighted with his second reception. We think him here a blunt, independent, faithful man, with a great portion of good sense and management. He governs in a variety of things. No news I believe.

Endorsed: Vaughn Augt. 1. 78


Title: John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 2 August 1778: résumé
From: Jones, John Paul
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Passy, August 2, 1778: Captain Jones requests the commissioners to supply him with copies, or allow him to copy, the following letters: M. de Sartine’s letter to the commissioners about Capt. Jones, their answer, the commissioners’ letter to Lieut. Simpson resulting from Capt. Jones’s proposition in his favor, and Capt. Jones’s memorandum of July 4.>


Title: The American Commissioners: Receipt for an Installment of a French Loan, 3 August 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To:

A Paris le 3 aoust 1778
Nous avons reçu de Monsieur d’harveley Garde du Trésor Royal sept cent cinquante mille Livres
B FranklinArthur LeeJohn Adams


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Borel, 3 August 1778
From: Borel, Antoine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Pierefitte Ce 3 août 1778
J’aurai encore recours a vous pour vous prier de me donner une heure vendredi matin. La planche qu’on grave sur le dessein, que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous presenter est fort avancée, et je me rendres de la campagne que j’habitte depuis six semaines a passi pour refaire quelques choses d’apres vous si vous voulés bien le permettre.
Je serai chez vous Monsieur entre huit et neuf heures du matin. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Borel

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passi


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Conway, 3 August 1778
From: Conway, ——, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce 3. Aoust 1778.
Mr. le Comte de Conwai est venu pour avoir l’honneur de voir son excellence monsieur franklin, sa famille et monsieur Adams, et leur presenter mr. de Brion beaufrêre de messieurs le Marquis et le Chevalier Alexandre D’Hanache: mr. de Brion va partir très incessamment pour St. Domingue, il desirerait être chargé des commissions de monsieur franklin s’il en a pour ce pays la, et d’une lettre pour le Comte Alexandre parent de sa femme, avec lequel il compte aller faire connaissance.

Mr. de Conwai desirerait sçavoir si les deux pieces de canon, dont il a parlé a son Excellence, peuvent lui convenir. Son adresse est rüe de Vendôme au marais, chez mr. le Chevalier de Mezières Marechal de Camp.
Si son excellence voulait bien marquer en même temps a mr. de Conwai le jour qu’il sera sûr de le rencontrer a Passy.

Notation: Le Cte. de Conway


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Marie Fyot, 3 August 1778
From: Fyot, François-Marie
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Ce Lundi 3e. aoust 1778.
M.M.Les Comtes de Langeron et de Lastiques m’avoient conseillés il y a environ six mois d’avoir L’honneur de vous voir de leur part pour vous démontrer plusieurs découvertes utiles a L’humanité; L’incertitude de vous rencontrer dans un temps que vous n’eussiez pû me donner une heure d’audience, joint aux embaras de transport d’instrumens et autres mechaniques qui rendent palpables mes differentes découvertes, ont fait que j’ay hésité jusqu’a ce jour a vous proposer de vouloir bien jetter un coup d’oeil sur ces decouvertes pour en decider de l’utilité.
Vous sçaurez Monsieur que je suis l’inventeur de la poulie mechanique et simple de laquelle vous n’avez vû seulement que l’effet vendredy dernier a l’assemblée de la societé d’Emulation a laquelle vous vous êtes reunis comme je l’ai vû ce même jour sur la feuille de cette assemblée; J’ay L’honneur de vous informer que j’ay fais disposer pour la Societé d’Emulation une nouvelle poulie mechanique qui renferme les deux Effets; sçavoir Celui de la poulie qui suspend la planche a dessigner de votre Societé d’Emulation et celuy de la manivelle moyen qui peut [meut?] par le Cabestant et devenir très avantageux pour lever l’ancre du navire en construisant cette poulie proportionnellement a la Masse qu’on veut qu’elle enleve. Je compte presenter Cette poulie demain a l’assemblée.
M. Millon Conseiller qui est aussy de la même Societe D’Emulation et qui est un de mes commissaires pour decider de l’inscription des poligones reguliers tant pairs qu’impairs dans un cercle par le seul usage des parties egales du compas de proportion, a qui J’en ai demontré la precision, et qu’il a verifiée luy-même en ma presence, Ce M. a trouvé cette découverte simple et utile pour les mechaniciens. M. Millon n’a que trop éprouvé combien de pieces de mechanique les Ingenieurs en instrumens luy ont perdues faute d’avoir des moyens mechanique pour opperer avec precision; J’ay joint à cette decouverte celle de la trisection de l’angle tant géometrique que mechanique et une nouvelle methode pour former une table par l’addition pour avoir tous les nombres qui representent les cotes des quarrés et des diagonalles en nombres entiers et que quelqu’immenses soyent ces nombres l’exces ou la difference selon la geometrie ne different ou n’excedent jamais que d’une seule unité. Ce Commissaire a trouvé ces decouvertes exactes et utiles a la mechanique et m’a en même temps promit de me menager deux heures de temps pour venir chez moy examiner mes autres decouvertes; Je vous prie Monsieur de me marquer le jour et L’heure que vous voudrez venir voir ce que je compte avoir trouvê d’utile. J’espere que vous amenerai d’autres connoisseurs. Vous obligerai Infiniment Celuy qui a L’honneur d’être avec un très profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Fyotprofesseur de Mathématiquesrue de la vieille monnaye 2e porte Cochere a gaucheentrant par celle des [missing.]

Endorsed: Fyot Invention
Notation: 3 Aout 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 3 August 1778
From: Genet, Edme-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A V[ersai]lles ce 3 août 78
Je travaille fortement à la traduction des très interessantes gazettes de Pensylvanie du 30. mai et du 20. juin. Comme j’attends d’un moment à l’autre les relations angloises du Combat du 27. je ne puis point m’absenter, mais si vous voulés bien me communiquer des articles pour le numero 50. des affaires de l’angleterre qui paroitra jeudi ou vendredi, je vous supplie de me les envoyer ici sans délai, par la poste. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble et tres obéissant serviteur
Genet

Addressed: M. Franklin
Notation: M. Genet 3 Aoust 78


Title: Intelligence from Toulon and Other Places, 3 August 1778
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

According to practice we summarize here the nine other intelligence reports which fall within the period of our volume. All were written in French; the final two are in an unknown hand, while the first seven (and the one we print) are in the hand of the chevalier de Kéralio, the military inspector who was the general source of the reports.
(I) Brest, August 10, 1778: M. d’Orvilliers has received orders to sail again as soon as possible, but I doubt he will be able to leave before the 20th. Repairs are proceeding day and night on his damaged ships. No English ships have been encountered in the Channel; it is likely Keppel has been damaged more than us and it appears we will be ready before him. The Neptune, 74, will be launched on the 23rd. Evidence mounts that Admiral Byron’s squadron has been dispersed.
(II) Brest, August 12, 1778: d’Orvilliers hopes to sail on the 16th. M. Duchaffault’s wound continues to heal. Since the Ville de Paris needs an overhaul, M. de Guichen will take over the Couronne. A convoy has arrived from Martinique.
(III) Paris, August 12, 1778: The comte d’Aranda provides news of the arrival at Cadiz of the Buenos Aires fleet. The Spanish fleet is arming. Admiral Keppel had several vessels dismasted and is having difficulty repairing them. It is believed our fleet will embark troops and cannon at St. Malo. Byron’s fleet no longer exists, at least for practical purposes. A prize worth £60,000 has been brought into Toulon. The King of Prussia has refused an armistice; 50,000 Prussian troops have entered Bohemia and another 48,000 are screening Saxony.
(IV) Brest, August 17, 1778: The fleet, 24 or 25 ships of the line, has sailed; the remaining ships except for the Ville de Paris are almost ready. The Neptune will be launched the 20th.
(V) Brest, August 19, 1778: The ships left behind by d’Orvilliers rejoin him in perfect weather. In addition to the Neptune, two ships of the line will be launched here this month and three others at Rochefort. Ships have arrived from Bengal and China not knowing we were at war. M. de Kéralio presents his respects and will return La population de la France to M. de Wimpfen.
(VI) Paris, August 21, 1778: Six vessels should leave today to join d’Orvilliers, leaving only two in port.
(VII) Brest, September 4, 1778: d’Orvilliers will have 31 ships of the line when he is joined by the Neptune, which will be ready in a few days. The Ville de Paris will begin her overhaul in two or three days. The construction of a 100-gun ship has been ordered, as have overhauls to three more ships of the line. A prize has been brought in by the frigate Iphigénie.
(VIII) Rochefort, September 8, 1778: A frigate was launched yesterday, but there were difficulties. Two more are in construction and four others ordered. A huge shipment of wood is expected. The Lisbon packetboat has been captured. Two frigates and a corvette are preparing to go on cruise.
(IX) Brest, September 25, 1778: A ship from Virginia reports encountering the Ranger and two American frigates with a number of prizes. The frigate Oiseau has captured an English frigate and the Aigrette a privateer. Presently only one ship is being constructed but a number are being overhauled. D’Orvilliers has detached several ships to the Channel to free some of our blockaded frigates. At Rochefort construction has begun on three ships of the line.

De Toulon le 3 Aout 1778
La frégate la Gracieuse, commandée par M. de Violis est entrée hier dans ce port, convoyant deux prises faites par l’escadre de M. le Chevalier de Fabry dans les parages de Mahon: Une d’elles chargée de velour d’Angleterre et de bijouterie, aiant du plomb et de l’etain pour lest est estimée a 1400000 l.t. L’autre est une tartane chargée de Toiles et de Draperie.
La Corvette l’Eclair commandée par M. de Flotte a amené aussi trois prises en revenant du Levant, que l’on dit très riches, cette Corvette a combattu un Corsaire anglois et l’a forcé de se refugier a Nice. Il y a environ 150 hommes sur ces 5 prises.
On travaille avec beaucoup d’activité à l’armement des frégates, L’Aurore, La Mignone et l’Atalante. On n’en met pas moins à la Construction des trois Vaisseaux qui sont sur les chantiers.
La frégate la Magicienne a été lancée à la mer avant hier, la Précieuse le sera à la fin du mois.

Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin, chés / Mr. de chaumont / à Passy
Notation: Intelligence from Tulon aug. 3d. 1778.


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 4 August 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, August 4, 1778, in French: M. van Berckel has responded to my letter. The Grand Facteur strongly recommended I send you a copy. P.S.: Congratulations on d’Orvilliers’ victory over Keppel; a letter sent to the chevalier [Georges] Grand by his brother informed us of it.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Parsons, 4 August 1778
From: Parsons, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
London August 4th, 1778.
I am at a loss in what manner to address you, more particularly as I fear I appear in a very unfavorable light to Doctor Franklin, but my situation and my distracted state of mind, bordering almost upon despair, on account of my poor unhappy Wife will I hope plead my excuse, whose wretched Situation Chevalier Hickey, the Bearer of this, will inform you of. I, Sir, will trouble you with but a few words more. When I left this with a resolution to offer my services to the united States of America, I was made to beleive I shou’d not meet with the least difficulty in my services being accepted of. Therefore, sanguine in the cause I was going to embark in and certain of ending my life at the other side of the Atlantic, I wrote my friends and particular connexions, letting them know my purpose, with my reasons for it. When I went to pay my personal Compts. to you, Sir, at Paris, my poor unhappy Wife met me there. Indeed my hopes flatter’d me with a beleif that we shou’d not be there a week before we embark’d. What my disappointmt. when my offers were rejected! I had embark’d too far to recede, and distress staring me in the face; yet I hop’d I might still succeed. In fact, I was afraid to return. I wrote home, but my letters were treated with disdain and Resentment for what I had done, or not Answer’d at all. I had £250 in the hands of my Cousin-germain, Sir William Parsons, which I left a power to have lodg’d in the hands of Messrs. Nesbitt in this Town for my use, and which I thought had been paid in, when I ventur’d to give you, Sir, the draft I did; but this has been cruelly and most inhumanly with-held in Resentment to me, but contrary to every idea of justice. I still continued to write home, but with similar success. All this time our distress encreasing, (’tho Capt. Hickey can answer for the very recluse life we led) our debt at the Pension where we liv’d accumulating, ’till at last threat’ning succeeded. Thus dreadfully circumstanc’d in a strange Country, friendless and unknown, I ventur’d to come home to endeavor to extricate us from this misfortune, but I have met nothing but insults and threat’nings. I have been afraid to stir out of my Room, and, so help me God!, I have often, since I came to Town, been twenty-four hours together without Eating a morsel or having wherewithal to procure it. This, or more I cou’d bear, but to think what may happen to my Wife by a set of unfeeling Wretches, in whose house she is, that stings me to the quick. I have, for many years preserv’d her, with tenderness and care, from the most distant idea of distress, and, oh, that such a Woman shou’d ever meet with any! Sir, she will stand the test of enquiry or scrutiny, and will be found to possess whatever is deem’d desireable in a Woman, with an understanding equall’d by few. Excuse, oh! excuse a fond doating Husband, whose heart is this moment ready to burst. If ever merit in distress found freind, for pity’s sake!, be one to a poor, forlorn, and deserving Woman. If ever Charity was deem’d a Virtue, it surely, surely must in this instance. In return, may you and your’s never meet with any misfortune or disappointment in this life, but, here and hereafter, enjoy the blessings, ever the consequence of humanity, charity and benevolence. If ever I can prove my gratitude, I will go to the farthest part of the World to do it. If my services will not be accepted of by you, Sir, I have wrote to Mrs. Parsons to come home, if enabled by your generous humanity, ’tho I wou’d rather prove my gratitude in America than elsewhere.

Pardon this trouble and ease a tortur’d and afflicted heart, and, as you are one of the greatest, be also one of the best of Men. With misery, beyond Conception, beleive me, Sir, with the truest Respect, Your most Obedient and Most Devoted humble Servant
Wm. Parsons

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy
Notation: Wm Parsons


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from La Blancherie, 5 August 1778
From: La Blancherie, Claude-Mammès Pahin de Champlain de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur le Docteur,
  Ancien College de Bayeux rue de la Harpe Parisle 5 Août 1778
L’Intéret que vous voulez bien prendre à l’établissement que je dirige, me fait espérer que vous apprendrez avec plaisir qu’enfin je vais bientôt changer de logement, graces aux soins généreux de m. Elie de Beaumont. Ce qui me flatte en cela c’est d’être a même de recevoir un personnage aussi distingué que vous et plus convenablement et plus souvent que je ne l’ai fait.
Je Compte beaucoup sur votre bonté et votre indulgeance Monsieur le Docteur. C’est pourquoi j’ai l’honneur de vous prier de nous accorder celui de votre présence à l’assemblée de demain. Plusieurs circonstances pourroient se réunir qui la rendroient en effet très précieuse pour nous. Je vous supplie monsieur le Docteur, de continuer encore par ces témoignages de votre complaisance à être le bienfaiteur de notre établissement. C’est avoir des droits éternels sur mon coeur et sur celui de toutes les personnes qui aiment les Sciences et les Arts. Mes très humbles respects, s’il vous plaît, à M. Adams, Mes civilités les plus respectueuses à M. Votre fils. J’ai l’honneur de mettre à vos pieds les assurances de la vive reconnoissance, de la plus grande admiration, et du tres profond respect avec lesquels je suis Monsieur le Docteur Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
La Blancherie

Notation: La Blancherie 5 Aout 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 5 August 1778
From: Lee, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
August 5th: 1778
I have received a letter from Robert Morris Esqr. informing me that he has impower’d Mr. Ross to settle the affairs of his late Brother Thomas Morris Esqr. and I presume he has also authorized Mr. Ross to receive and take into his possession the papers of the late Mr. Thos. Morris. Therefore if Mr. Ross shou’d apply to you on this Subject and you think the powers he has are sufficient to warrant the delivery to him of those papers, you will please to deliver to him all those papers of the late Mr. Thomas Morris of a private nature or that relate to the house of Messrs. Willing Morris & Co. which were left by me in your Custody, take a receipt from Mr. Ross specifying the number of peices of paper that he so receives. Those papers of the late Mr. Thos. Morris that concern or relate to the Public business you will no doubt still continue to keep in your custody.
There must be among those papers a few letters of my writing which please to deliver to my Brother The Honourable Arthur Lee Esqr. for me. I have the Honour to be with great Consideration Sir Your most Obedient and most Humble Servant
W. Lee
To The Honourable Benjamin: Franklin Esqr Passy near Paris

Endorsed: Recd the 11th
Notation: W. Lee August 5, 78. to BF


Title: Alexander Fowler to the American Commissioners, 6 August 1778
From: Fowler, Alexander
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

  London 6th. Agust 1778.
  The Petition of Alexander Fowler Esquire late an Officer in HisBrittannick Majestys Service. Humbly Sheweth.

That your Petitioner served His Brittannick Majesty Eighteen Years with Honor and Reputation as will be seen by the Annexed Testimonials of His Conduct and Character.
That in the year 1773, your Petitioner being then quartered in the City of Philadelphia, when it was no longer doubtfull that the British Legislature had formed a Plan to entail Slavery on the Inhabitants of North America, and when the liberal part of the British Soldiery spoke the language of Britons and openly expressed their Indignation against so Unconstitutional a System, among Whom Was your Petitioner, Who in Consequence thereof soon became deserted by His Brother Officers, Who declared Him a Son of Liberty. His former Bosom Friends soon became His Worst Enemies; the Confidence of Friendship was sacrifised, and every effort tryed to prejudice the Commander in Chief (General Gage) against your Petitioner, Which by the duplicity of False Friends was soon effected.
Your Petitioner at this time had been above Four Years at the head of the list of Lieutenants, and as an Augmentation of Two Companies to each Regiment was to take place He was every day in expectation of His Company; but of this your Petitioner was prevented by the Unjust Conduct of General Gage and left in such a Condition at Boston as Would have touched the Heart of the most obdurate—Cooped up in that City Come Servitude, and too Weak to bear the Inclemency of Winter Without Pay, Lodging, Fuel, or Provission; and had it not been for the Attention and assistance of a Brother in the 38th. Regiment, He must with His Wife have then perished for Want for Money was not to be had but from Paymasters of Regiments Who did not dare to supply Him, nor were Fuel or Provissions to be had but from the Commissaries who would not furnish Him with any. Thus Situated, your Petitioner Was Prohibited from going to Pensylvania, or any other part of the Continent, nor would General Howe, (after General Gage left Boston) allow Him a Passage on Board of a Transport to England. Your Petitioner However with much difficulty, at last procured a Passage on Board of a Victualler, sailed from Boston the 5th. December 1775, and Arrived in England the 27th. of same Month, when after advising with His Friends, He took the Opinion of Mr. Serjeant Glynn, and Accordingly brought an Action of Damages against General Gage for £5000. But a certain Secret Influence pervades every Court of Justice in Great Britain: The tryal was quashed Your Petitioner was not Allowed a Hearing. A Middlesex Special Jury was directed by the Partiallity of a Judge to find a Verdict for Defendent thereby Involving your Petitioner in Tenfold Affliction. Your Petitioner thereupon with the Assistance of a Friend got a Letter conveyed to the Honorable Silas Deane, who from the Contents of a Letter Intercepted by the Continental Congress in 1775, and your Petitioners Intimacy With Mr. Wharton, Mr. Bache, Mr. John Baynton, Mr. John Bayard, Dr. Morgan, and Mr. George Morgan &c. became fully acquainted with His Sentiments, and thereupon humanely forwarded said Letter to Your Petitioner to Guard him against the Consequences, a Copy of which He has herewith Annexed. And Mr. Deane, knowing the Situation of your Petitioner, on the Receipt of His Letter from London immediately procured Him a Passage and acquainted Him by Letter therewith, which Unfortunately for your Petitioner on Account of the Embarrasment of His Private Affairs He had it not in His Power to Embrace, of which Mr. Samuel Wharton is fully acquainted, as well as with your Petitioners line of Conduct since His Arrival in England, and the Anxiety he has been Under to get to the United States of America. The treatment of your Petitioner he Will presume to say is without a precedent in the Annals of this or any other Civilized Nation; But He will not presume to trouble your Excellencys with a more Circumstantial detail of it, flattering himself at the same time that Your Excellencys are not Unacquainted therewith.
As an oppressed and suffering Friend of Liberty; As an Injured and Ruined Individual for His Attachment to the Cause of America, your Petitioner has thus presumed to Appeal to the Humanity of your Excellencies, And Humbly Prays that your Excellencies will procure Him and His Wife a Passage to any part of the United States of North America, and for such other protection and Countenance as to your Excellencies may seem Most Meet.
For Which your Petitioner as in duty Bound shall ever Pray.
A. Fowler.
To the Honorable Benjamin Franklin, Arthur Lee & John Adams Esquires Commissioners Plenipotentiary of the united States of North America.

Notation: Mr A Fowler Letter lately in the B Army. 6 Aout 1778.


Title: John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 6 August 1778: résumé
From: Jones, John Paul
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Passy, August 6, 1778: By a resolve of Congress the seamen engaged on the Ranger were given forty dollars each, and the landsmen twenty dollars advance in continental bills. They have also been supplied with slops, and received a small cash advance at Nantes last winter. I consider it my duty to represent these circumstances to you. I hope that you will order receipts for my indemnification, and have my stores, furniture, etc. delivered. Please recommend to Congress the men who landed with me at Whitehaven, as you promised.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 6 August 1778
From: Genet, Edme-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A V[ersai]lles ce 6 août 78
J’ai l’honneur de vous remettre la lettre du Dr. Samuel Cooper que vous avés bien voulu me communiquer et a laquelle je joins quelque gazettes angloises arrivées aujourdhui. Le no. 50. doit paroitre après demain. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
Genet

Notation: M Genet 16. Août 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Lecavelier fils, 6 August 1778
From: Lecavelier, ——, fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Caen le 6 aout 1778
J’ay L’honneur de vous donner avis que trois Matelots parlant anglais ont entré avec Leur chaloupe dans un petit port a 4 lieue de Cette ville. On les a amenés icy et Conduit Chez Monsieur Le Commissaire de la marine ou L’on m’a fait venir pour Les interroger. Ils se declarent americains de Boston ou des environs qu’ils ont eté pris Sur un Navire américain Venant a nantes et Conduits a Portsmouth; que S’etant engagés Sur un Navire de Transport qui alloit en amerique Dans l’espoir de Se Sauver lorsqu’ils y Seroient Arrivés qu’ayant Trouvé le quart d’heure favourable ils en ont profité pour Se Sauver en france avec La chaloupe du transport ce qui Leur a heureusement Reussy; il m’ont paru assez unanimes dans L’interrogatoire d’hier pour me persuader qu’ils dissent La verité; on les a par precaution Consignés au chateau de Cette Ville et monsieur Le Procureur du Roy de Cette amirauté a donné des orders pour Leur Subsistance, Sans quoy J’y aurois pourvu preferant de render Service a un anglois en Supposant qu’ils Soient des imposteurs (ce que Je ne Crois pas) Plustost que de laisser Manquer des habitans des colonies unies de ce qu’ils pourroient avoir Besoin. Ils m’ont prié hier de vous ecrire pour Reclamer Votre protection a l’effet de Les faire Retourner Dans Leur pays et leur faire donner Ou procurer Les moyens de S’embarquer dans quelqu’un de nos nos ports; Je leur promis que Je ne manquerois pas de vous instruire a cet effet.
Ils vont encore Subir un interrogatoire ce Matin afin de voir S’ils sont reellement des Sujets des etats unis de l’amérique.
Sy Je puis a leur occasion Vous etre de quelque utilité icy J’en ressentiray un vray Plaisir etant depuis Longtems attaché de Sentiment a la prosperité des Etats unis. J’ay L’honneur D’etre avec la plus parfaite Consideration Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Lecavelier FILS

Endorsed: Suavelier has relieved some Prisoners Caen 6 aout 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Niles, 6 August 1778
From: Niles, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Nantes Augt. 6. 1778
I arived at Paimbeauf on the third Instt. and shall make all possible dispatch to proceed on my Voyge. Inclos’d you have a Bill to the amount of the Money remitted for the purchase of Types. I am Sir Your very Humble Servant
Robt Niles
Amt. of the Bill £1364. 13 s.o

Addressed: The Hble Benjamin Franklin Esqre. / Paris
Endorsed: Capt. Niles and Watson about Types


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Stadel, 6 August 1778
From: Stadel, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
à Paris ce 6 Août 1778
J’espere que vous auroit Monsieur du depuis examiner les Echantillons des Couteaux et fourgette que nous vous avons Laisses Dimanche et qu’en consequence vous auroit eu La bonté de faire dessiner sur un Pappier la façon come Elle doivent être faitte.
Cy joint encorre Le Detail au sujet de L’acier pour que vous Pussioit Monsieur faire votre Speculation. Monsieur Honsberg partant samedy au soir, vous suplie Monsieur de faire Connoitre s’il doit se trouver demain au soir ou samedy matin pour prendre vos ordres. J’ai L’honneur d’être avec La Consideration La plus parfaitte et distingué Monsieur Vostre tres humble et tres obbeissant serviteur
Stadelà L’hôtel au nom de JesusCloître St Jacques de L’hopital


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Atwood, Jacob Vere, and Nathan Chadwick, 7 August 1778
From: Atwood, John,Vere, Jacob,Chadwick, Nathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Franklin Sir
August the 7th year 1778
We take Leave to write to your Honour to Let you know We are amaricans taken prisoners By the English and Endangered our Lives to get to france Expecting to get our Liberty and the people are suspicious of our Being English and we Desire the favour to Come Before your honour to answer for our Selves. We are your honours most humble and obedient Servents
John AtwoodJacob VereNathan Chadwick
Major Kauchÿ [?]

Addressed: To / the Right Honourable / Dr. franklin Ambasinder / for / the United States / of Amarica / [in another hand:] a Paris
Notation: 3 Americans to Dr. Franklin
Endorsed: Prisoners


Title: John Gibson to the American Commissioners, 8 August 1778
From: Gibson, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Treasury Office Philadelphia August 8th 1778
In pursuance of an order of the Board of Treasury, I inclose you the following Resolutions, and beg leave to inform you, that notwithstanding the order of Congress for immediately striking Bills of Exchange to a greater amount, the Interest of the Continental Loan Office Certificates Issued to the 10th of March last will not exceed the sum of Two Millions and a half of Livres Tournois Annually; which agreeable to the Resolution of Congress of the 10th Septr. last is to be paid by Bills of Exchange on the Commissioners of the United States in Paris. I am also to inform you that many of the Lenders will be entitled to the Interest on the 10th Sept., and others at different periods between that and the 10th March, next; The Resolution for paying Interest in Bills of Exchange expired in March last, and has not been since renewed. I am with very great Respect Your Honors Most obedient and Very humble Servant
John GibsonAud Genl
By OrderTo the Commissioners of the United States Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 8 August 1778
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur et cher Maitre
Paris 8e. Août 1778
Je suis chargé de vous recommander ce memoire, quoique j’en augure peu favorablement; on auroit pris mon refus pour mauvaise volonté. Je vous prie de vouloir me faire au moins a ce sujet un mot de reponse ostensible.
Si vous avez, comme on le dit, de bonnes nouvelles, je vous prie aussi de m’en faire part; et de compter toujours sur le plus fidele attachement de Votre très humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Dubourg

Notation: Dubourg Augt. 8.78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Granville Sharp, 8 August 1778
From: Sharp, Granville
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Old Jewry 8 August 1778
Permit me to recommend to your friendship and good Offices Mr. Laurence Brooke of Virginia, who came to Europe some Years ago, on account of Education; and tho’ he has since resided chiefly in Scotland, I cannot find that he has imbibed the least prejudice of that unhappy Country, but on the contrary entertains a most perfect regard for the natural Rights of Mankind and the sacred cause of liberty in general. You will also find him, in every other respect, (I trust) highly worthy of your esteem; and as he is desirous of returning to his native Country, together with his Brother Mr. Robert Brooke, and Mr. Robert Nicholson (both natives of Virginia, and very amiable young Gentlemen in their conversation and behaviour) I must request that you will be pleased to favour them with your advice and good offices to forward their intended voyage, by which you will also confer a particular favour and obligation on, Dear Sir, Your affectionate friend and obedient humble Servant
Granville Sharp.

Endorsed: Granville Sharpe Messrs Brooke


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, 9 August 1778
From: Lavoisier, Antoine-Laurent
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
le 9 aoust 1778.
M. le Roy m’apprend que malgré les grands objets dont vous etes Occupé vous voulés bien nous donner votre avis sur la reconstruction du magazin des poudres de l’arsenal et que vous me faitte l’honneur d’accepter a diner pour mardy prochain ainsy que M. votre petit fils. Permettes moi de vous temoigner toute ma reconnoissance et de vous assurer de tout le plaisir que nous aurons de vous recevoir. Tous les instans de votre existence sont consacrés, ou a l’instruction, ou au bonheur de vos semblables et il faut que la posterite sache qu’au milieu du tourbillon de la politique, tandis que le grand franklin ebranloit et mettoit en mouvement toutes les puissances des deux mondes, il savoit encore trouver le tems d’assurer la tranquilite des habitans de Paris en construisant un magazin a poudre a l’abri de tous evenemens. J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec un proffond respect, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Lavoisier

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin membre du Congrés des Etats de lamerique / A Passy
Endorsed: Lavoisier
Notation: Augt. 9. 78


Title: The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 10 August 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Jones, John Paul

<Passy, August 10, 1778: We are not authorized by Congress to allow deductions from the seamen’s prize money or their advances. As for your stores and furniture, M. Simpson will undoubtedly deliver your private property upon request. We cannot advise you regarding your indemnification, but we hope you will be furnished the proper receipts upon request. We shall recommend to Congress the men who landed with you at Whitehaven. Should our letter miscarry, recommend them yourself and include an extract of this paragraph. The Ranger’s men have merited such honor that Congress may approve of deductions from their wages to be paid in America, so that they may have their prize money here.
We have received a letter concerning some prize plate you placed in the hands of a gentleman who awaits your orders to deliver it, which you will of course give.>


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 10 August 1778: résumé
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Versailles, August 10, 1778, in French: Since I wrote you on July 29 the commissaire des classes at Nantes informs me the American agent there has entrusted him with some British prisoners. M. de la Porte, intendant at Brest, has written me that the cargo of the Ranger’s prize is spoiling. I await your reply in order to conclude a mutually advantageous agreement.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Leveux, 10 August 1778
From: Leveux, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Calais le 10 aoust 1778
Deux americains se sont presentés chez moy il y a deux Jours et ont fait leur raport ainsy qu’au commandant de la ville qu’ils s’étoient sauvés des prisons d’angleterre ou ils avoient été conduits apres avoir été pris par les anglois. L’un est le Sieur Edward Leger lieutenant a bord du Navire le Hornit Cap. John Nicholson au service du Congrès et L’autre le Sieur thomas Barns Chirurgien a bord du Brigantin americain hampden Cap. Burroughs. Ils sont partis ce matin par la voiture publique pour avoir l’honneur de se presenter chez vous et comme il leur manquoit de l’argent je leur ay fourni a chacun quatre guinés pour subvenir aux frais de leur voyage. J’ose me flatter, Monsieur, que vous voudrez bien approuver ma conduite qui n’a pour but que de remplir le devoir dont vous m’avez chargé icy qui est de rendre service a vos compatriotes; je vous prie de me dire si je peux agir de meme avec ceux qui pouroient venir par la suite. Soyez persuadé que vos ordres Seront executés avec la plus grande ponctualité. J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Jes. Leveux

Notations in different hands: Leveux Calais / 10. Aout. 1778.