Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre Bérenger, 1 March 1778
From: Bérenger, Jean-Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bérenger (1737–1807) was a Genevan politician and voluminous writer. Because his family was from Dauphiné he was in the class of natifs, those in Geneva whose civil rights were circumscribed. He became their champion, and was exiled with a group of them in 1770. In 1781 he was allowed to return and subsequently became a figure of importance in the republic. He had clearly been in touch with Franklin before this letter and been encouraged to proceed with his projected history of the United States, but he soon became skeptical about how much help he would get. “M. Franklin peut beaucoup m’aider,” he wrote to a friend in June; “mais je m’aperçois qu’il desirerait plutot une Apologie qu’une Histoire impartiale: il est interessé dans ces débats et il est devenu un homme public, deux raisons pour n’être pas ce que je voudrais.” His skepticism did not prevent his trying once more for assistance, but he got only silence from Franklin and finally, the following November, abandoned his effort.

Monsieur,
Lausanne, ce 1 Mars 1778
En vous écrivant, je puis et je crains d’être indiscret: le tems est cher à qui sait le consacrer à ses compatriotes et à la liberté; mais, Monsieur, en offrant de me procurer des secours pour l’Histoire des Etats-Unis, j’ai cru voir que vous consentiez à ce que je m’adressasse à vous, et si c’est une indiscretion de le faire, ne craignez pas que je la pousse trop loin: je saurai respecter vos occupations, parce que les hommes en général en profitent, et je suis aussi un homme.
En jugeant que mon Histoire de Genève peut renfermer des reflexions ou des exemples utiles pour les Americains, vous me la rendez chère. Je ne m’y attendais pas: je ne l’avais faite que pour Geneve: je n’avais eu pour objet que mes Compatriotes, je n’ai pas même pensé à la repandre au dehors, et aucun Journal n’en a parlé. Mais si elle pouvait être de quelque utilité aux Etats-Unis, elle m’en paraitra sanctifiée; ce serait pour moi sa canonisation. Il ne me reste de regret que de la voir si remplie de fautes d’impression, et trop grossie par des détails inutiles. Le sujet etait petit, et les justifie; mais ils seraient déplacés dans une Histoire qui doit presenter un tableau plus vaste, plus interessant, plus frappant, et telle est celle des Etats-Unis. Je veux, s’il est possible, en faire un Ouvrage interessant et utile; je ne regretterai ni le tems qu’elle demandera, ni les frais qu’elle pourra me causer. Je desire elever un monument à la gloire des Americains, et je n’épargnerai pas mes efforts pour le rendre digne d’eux.
Mon plan est de faire une histoire courte et precise de l’établissement des Colonies, jusqu’à la guerre de 1775 où je les considererais ensemble. La description du Pays, l’étendue de chaque Etat, son commerce, ses productions, ses ressources, ses villes, leurs moeurs, leur Legislation tout devra y être peint et examiné. Et dans les causes de la Revolution actuelle, dans la guerre qui a suivie, je desirerais des détails, sur le caractère de ceux qui s’y sont distingués, sur les traits d’humanité, de courage, d’intrepidité des Etats, des Généraux, de chaque soldat. Je desirerais pouvoir considerer et peindre la Revolution actuelle et ses principaux acteurs non seulement par ce qu’on a voulu qu’ils parussent, mais encore par ce qu’ils sont en effet: il serait donc utile d’avoir des memoires secrets s’il en existe, et s’il n’en existe pas, je desirerais avoir les ouvrages publics où il y a le plus de détails, et les détails même de faits les plus minutieux; il en est peu qui doivent entrer dans une Histoire Générale; mais il n’en est point que l’Auteur doive ignorer volontairement.
Il y a deux ans que j’avais formé ce projet. Je cherchais des Materiaux. Mylord Clives m’en offrit; mais il voulait presider à l’ouvrage, et j’aime être libre; j’aimais mieux abandonner mon projet que de l’exécuter à ce prix. Un de mes amis (Mr. Le Sage) m’avait procuré la connaissance de Mr. North Chapelain de Cambridge, et il m’avait deja envoyé 4 petits Volumes que je lui renvoyais quoiqu’ils fussent tres interessans pour l’Amerique. Aujourd’hui je les ai redemandé, mais Mr. North est parti. On a fait demander à Londres les deux Ouvrages que vous avez eu la bonté de m’indiquer. On a ici le Burnaby Travels, qui parait pouvoir m’être de quelque utilité. On publia à Londres l’année précédente un ouvrage qui a pour titre The Nord-American and West Indian Gazetêr, où l’on fait connaître le climat, le sol, les productions, le commerce, la situation passée et presente des colonies et des Isles de cette partie du Globe. Connaissez-vous cet Ouvrage, et le croyez-vous digne d’être consulté? Mr. Le sage vient de m’envoyer un Livre qui a pour titre Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty the principles of Government and the Justice and Policy of the War with America etc. par Richard Price. Faites-moi la grace de me dire si cet ouvrage est bon. Daignez me guider aussi sur les Cartes qui me sont nécessaires: celles des Etats-Unis qu’on vend chez le Rouge à Paris, faites dit-on d’après les Arpenteurs de ces Provinces, sont-elles les meilleures qu’on puisse acquerir? Ces demandes, Monsieur, me paraissent un peu multipliées, et je me les reprocherais si elles n’étaient nécessaires dans l’exêcution de mon plan.

Je profiterai encore d’un ouvrage Allemand qu’on vient de publier. Il a pour titre: Geographie de l’Amerique par Mr. Schlözer, savant Professeur à Goettingue.
Vous serez étonné Monsieur, que sachant fort peu la langue Anglaise, j’aie desiré entreprendre un tel ouvrage; mais j’ai des amis qui la possedent bien, et qui me traduiront tout ce qui sera necessaire pour remplir mon plan. Je l’apprenais étant à Genève; mais rejetté par elle, vivant dans la solitude pendant près de 8 ans, j’ai oublié ce que j’en avais appris, et l’étude de l’Allemand me l’a fait mieux perdre de vue encore. Ah Monsieur! Si après avoir perdu ma Patrie pour avoir voulu rendre mes Compatriotes plus heureux, qu’il me serait doux d’en meriter une nouvelle dans les Etats Unis en faisant leur Histoire! Y vivre, y mourir en paix serait ma recompense; et je serais heureux.
Parmi mes amis qui savant l’anglais, il en est un qui vient de traduire un morceau du grand ouvrage de M. Smith sur l’Œconomie politique: nous prenons la liberté de vous l’envoyer. Ce Mr. le Sage que j’ai deja nommé deux fois, et qui vous est connu par Milord Mahon, me prie de le rapeller à votre souvenir, de vous dire qu’il vous respecte infiniment, et qu’il est impatient de voir enfin couronner les efforts magnanimes des Americains defenseurs de la Liberté.
Je prens encore la liberté de vous envoyer l’ouvrage ou plutôt la Lettre qui m’a fait priver de ma Patrie, et celle que j’écrivis au premier Magistrat après mon exil: j’ai desiré que vous jugeassiez de mon délit, et de la seule vengeance que j’en aie voulu prendre. Pardon, Monsieur, il y a quelque indiscretion à vous envoyer tout cela; mais il est si flatteur d’être jugé par vous, que bien peu d’hommes resisteraient à cette tentation. On vous envoye le tout avec les Exemplaires de l’Hist. de Genève: et le ballot part pour cette semaine. J’ai sçu que vous aviez la bonté de m’envoyer le bonhomme Richard et je vous en fais mille remercimens: je le connaissais ainsi que vos autres Ouvrages, c’est dire que je mets le plus grand prix au don que vous avez daignez m’en faire. Je suis pour jamais avec la consideration la plus respectueuse, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Berengerde la Société Typographique

Notation: Berenger Lausanne 1 Mars 1778


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Adams, 2 March 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, Samuel

Dear Sir,
Passy, near Paris, March 2. 1778
By this Conveyance the Treaties we have concluded here go over to Congress. I flatter myself they will meet with Approbation. If there should be any Particulars which the Congress would wish to be chang’d or added, there is at present an exceeding good Disposition in this Court to oblige; and no Proposition tolerably reasonable will meet with Difficulty. But the way will be to ratify these Treaties, and then propose separate additional or explanatory Articles.
I send you enclos’d some Notes just receiv’d from a Member of P. in which you will see something of the present Court Views: But we have fuller Advices on one particular, viz. That their great Hope is to divide, by means of their Commissioners.  They say they have certain Advice that they have a large Party in the Congress, almost a Majority, who are for returning to the Dependency. In the enclos’d Copy of a Letter to Mr. Hartley you will see my Sentiments of their two Bills, as well as in our general Letter. I have but little Time. Dr. Cooper will show you what I have written to him. America at present stands in the highest Light of Esteem and Respect thro’out Europe. A Return to Dependence on England would sink her into eternal Contempt. I am, with true Esteem and Respect, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin

You may observe in the Letter to Mr. Hartley, a Hint that the Commissioners might come to Paris and treat with us. We have indeed no express Power to treat with England particularly: But one of the Resolutions of Congress gives us a general Power to treat of Peace, Amity and Commerce with any European Nation.
Honble. Saml Adams Esqr

Endorsed: from Dr Franklin Passy Mar 2 1778
Notation: Copied and Exd.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 2 March 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard

Dear Son,
Passy, near Paris, March 2, 1778
Enclos’d is a Letter from Ben to his Mother. He chose to write it in French as more familiar to him than English. It is, I assure you, all his own, except the concluding Sentence. He grows fast and tall. There are 4 or 5 English Boys in the School, or I think he would be in danger of losing his English.
Your Sisters were well lately, in England. I have before inform’d you of the Decease of your good Mother. It grieves me that she did not live to have the Pleasure of seeing her Grandson.
We have finished our Treaty of Alliance with France, and our Treaty of Commerce. They are very advantageous for the United States. They go by this Conveyance. All Europe is for us: and England in Consternation. I am ever Your affectionate Father
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Richard Bache Esqr / Postmr General / North America / Philadelphie


Title: Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 2 March 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas

March 2d. 1778
Mr. A. Lee presents his compliments to Messrs. Franklin and Deane, and begs to know whether tomorrow at 11 oClock will be agreeable for them to consult on what he proposed relative to their being acknowledged.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 2 March 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Passy, near Paris, March 2. 1778.
M. de Fontevieux, who hopes to have the honour of delivering this into your hands, is a young Gentleman of a considerable Family, and of excellent Character, who goes over with Views of improving himself in the military Art under your Auspices. He is willing to serve as Volunteer, in any Capacity for which your Exclly. shall find him qualified. He is warmly recommended to me by Persons of great Distinction here, who are zealous Friends to the American Cause: And I beg leave to recommend him earnestly to your Excellency’s Protection, being confident that he will endeavour to merit it. With the greatest Esteem and Respect, I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
  B Franklin
His Excellency General Washington

Addressed: To his Excellency / George Washington, Esqr / General & Commander in chief / of the American Armies / Philadelphia
Notation: Dr: Franklin recomn of Monsr Fontevieux March 2. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, 2 March 1778
From: Hutton, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My old Friend
March 2. 1778.
I recd. last week your Letters of Feb. 1. and 12. The advice you give is such that I do not well see what use can be made of it. I am obliged to you however for answering my importunate Letter. I should always think it is far better that those Ministers, in whose time the war began, should accomodate matters, than any other persons whatever. I see a something therein of far more security for you, and far more honourable than if it were otherwise and on farther consideration I am persuaded you might yourself think so.
The Misapprehensions of each others views, neither side entring sufficiently into what the other apprehended caused a thousand times more Evil than was ever a priori intended by either.
Here has been more misfortune than malice, (though there has been no scarcity of the last, on both sides) after the misapprehensions took too deep root.
Verily we also have lost Blood enough and it has cost us money enough, for us, on our side the Sea, to mention indemnisation. But I have hopes, in the midst of my Sorrows, that a kind End may be made of these Troubles.
As I thought the sort of Independence in that Line, mentioned at Paris, could not or would not be accepted in this Country, I wished for your advice and that of Mr. Dean, that I might be able to mention it, in which all real Security for you might be attain’d and a speedy End made of matters in a noble and honourable way for both. Your Letters spoke in such high Terms as if you only threw out those things in order to abate largely. I believe the time is at hand when a yea yea and a nay nay is better than this kind of huckstering.
As a Peace-wisher, but not tall enough to be a Peace-maker, I only suffer, and can not propose those Points seriously which you hinted at and express’d too hard. Shall these also be found in Ariosto’s moon?
You know I was always griev’d at the Treatment you met with, while here, because I look’d on you as a man eager to prevent that mischief, by warning and honest Representation of the Consequences that you saw would arise and which you seemd to me to labour so hard to prevent. Alas! you was not understood, nor attended to. Neither was Government here understood. Hence all these mischiefs which I now and then here, as well as at Passy, so lament. All that is past should be forgotten on both sides. It was all a Season of Darkness and Resentment. Let that be buried in Oblivion, the best place for it, and the wisest temper now. Let both sides look forward to better days and embrace cordially. I am your truly afflicted but affectionate
Hutton

Addressed: Monsieur Le Dr. Franklin
Notation: Hutton 2d March 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 2 March 1778
From: Lee, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

We print the letter as sent. It shows a self-restraint quite lacking in the original draft, in which Lee answered in heat what he must have considered the gratuitous censure in Franklin’s letter of the same day, and defended his conduct in Nantes: he was not authorized to deliver Thomas Morris’ private papers to Ross, or Ross to receive them; he himself had not examined any of them, public or private; he would have looked at the public ones had not Ross’s interference decided him to bring the whole lot to Paris; if Franklin still insists on absenting himself when they are opened, the commissioners should stipulate in writing what ought to be done with them. As for Ross, “if unauthorized and uninterested persons are thus permitted to obstruct the public business, the public interest must inevitably receive material Injury.”

Sir.
Chaillot 2 March 1778.
I am always willing to submit my Judgement to yours and will therefore deliver the Trunk containing the late Mr. Thomas Morris’s papers seal’d up as it is, to you, in the manner you mention. For this purpose I will wait on you at 11 o Clock on Wednesday Morning next if agreeable.
I have just recd. a letter which appears to me of much importance to get with expedition to America, therefore wish to know if you think it probable the post on Wednesday will be in time to reach Mr. Deane and to whom I can direct there for him. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect, Sir Your most Obedient and most Humble Servant
W: Lee

Addressed: Honourable / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Passy
Notations: W. Lee 2d. March 78 to BF. / Mr. Lee


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Whitchurch, 2 March 1778
From: Whitchurch, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Au Coin la Rue Dauphin Paris Mars 2. 78.
Permit me to remind you of my recommendation to you by the Letters from Mess. Rasp, and Dalrymple last October, which engaged your very obliging Assurance of favouring me with a Letter or two to some of your Friends in America for their Advice upon my Arrival in that Country.
My long Absence I fear may be construed disrespect but permit me to assure you that had I not been kindly advis’d by a Friend to keep myself as close as posible on account of my necessary return to England to settle some Affairs there, I shou’d have before now have taken the Liberty of paying my best respects to you.
I mean to return for a short time only to settle my Affairs, from whence I hope to return to paris for your good Advice to proceed to America, a Country which is the highest of my Ambition to end my days in. The short time of my absence from here I shall conduct under the Advice of his Grace the Duke of Richmond, and when I leave England I mean to Embark for Holland from whence I shall once more proceed to this City, and hoping to receive your obliging and kind Advice and wishing you every blessing Heaven can bestow upon your laudable Undertaking I remain Your much oblig’d and most obedient humble Servant
Whitchurch
Thursday Night 10 o’Clock being about to set of for England at 11.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / á Passey
Notation: Whitechurch Paris Mar. 2. 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 3 March 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Challiot March 3d. 1778.
Mr. A. Lee’s respect to Dr. Franklin. As it is probable the Evening will be dark and bad, which together with the badness of the road at this season will render it very inconvenient for Dr. Franklin to go from Challiot in the Evening; Mr. Lee woud prefer postponing the meeting till to-morrow at Passi.
Mr. L. begs the favor of Dr. F. to send him the Committees Letters by Mr. Austin. There were Duplicates by Capt. Jones. They are in a Bundle together so that young Mr. F. may easily find them.

Addressed: The Honble / Benjamin Franklin Esq / Passi
Notation: A Lee to BF. March 3. 78.


Title: Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 3 March 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas
To: Lee, Arthur

Passy March 3d. 1778.
Messrs: Franklin and Deane, will be ready to confer with Mr. Lee, tomorrow at 11. OClock precisely. Enclosed are the Dispatches which came by Mr. Austin, but not having as yet received Duplicates, beg they may be returned, when copied, or done with.

Addressed: Honble Arthur Lee Esqr / Chaillot.
Endorsed: March 3d 1778


Title: Franklin and Silas Deane to the Duc de La Rochefoucauld, 3 March 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas
To: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de

Passy March 3d. 1778.
Messrs: Franklin and Deane, present their respectful Compliments to the Duc de la Rochefoucauld, and shall be happy in the honour of his Company, tomorrow at Breakfast. 8. O Clock will not be the least inconvenient.


Title: Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3 March 1778
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

M.,
Lahaie 3e Mars 1778.
Ma derniere étoit du 21e fevr. Elle vous portoit, outre les Extraits et dépêches ministrales de Lisbonne, Ratisbonne, Vienne, Berlin, Dantsic et Petersbourg, un autre Extrait de la Lettre de mes amis d’Amsterdam, sur lequel j’espere que vous me favoriserez d’une prompte réponse, par rapport à son double objet, surtout quant aux listes et directions qu’ils demandent, et aussi, si vous, Messieurs, ou Mr. Wm. Lee, ou d’autres veulent profiter de cette occasion et s’interesser pour une portion dans cette souscription, qui est importante par les grandes et heureuses suites qu’elle pourra avoir. II y a longtemps que je prêche ces Messieurs d’Amsterdam sur leur timidité; je craignois qu’ils ne s’en défissent pas si vite; et ils m’ont fort agréablement surpris par ce bon commencement. Il sera bon aussi que je sache que dire, répondre et faire, quant à l’ entreprise de Mr. J.P.M., pour le plus grand bien de la chose, si elle vous interesse. On a lancé depuis peu un beau vaisseau à Amsterdam, sous pavilion de france, appellé l’Indien, de 186 pieds de long, portant 44 pieces de canon, dont 28 de 36 lb. Je l’ai vu sur le chantier deux fois, en lui donnant ma bénédiction: car sa physionomie me revenoit.
Je fus vendredi passé à Leide chez notre ami le Gazettier. Il m’a montré une Lettre que lui a écrite, le 24 Janv., Mr. le Comte Marulli, Ministre du Grand Duc de Toscane à Bologne; et avec sa permission j’en ai extrait ce passsage: “Donnez nous, Monsieur, de bonnes et circonstanciées nouvelles des colonistes en Amérique; car tout le monde ici est porté pour la juste cause d’un peuple si courageux.” Je me suis fait donner l’adresse de ce brave homme avec tous ses titres; et comme je sais que le Congrès a déjà fait quelques démarches auprès du Grand Duc, entr’autres par une Lettre, pour lier apparemment quelque commerce avec la Toscane, si vous voulez que j’entre en correspondance avec un homme de cette Cour-là si bien disposé pour vous, vous n’avez qu’à dire, je le ferai aisément par le moyen de notre ami le Gazettier; si vous voulez avoir son adresse, je vous l’enverrai. Voici des vers tout récemment faits à Vienne sur l’ordre de la toison envoyé par la Cour de Vienne à l’Electeur palatin:

En tout temps, en tout lieu, la toison des brebis
Jusqu’ici du tondant avoit fait les profits.
Mais dans ce moment-ci, par un trait tout nouveau,
Le tondeur au tondu en a fait le cadeau.
Voici d’autres Extraits des dépêches hollandoises de nos ministres. Si vous en êtes aussi content que le Substitut, à qui j’en donne toujours des copies pareilles, j’aurai lieu de ne pas regretter ma peine.
J’ai reçu avec bien du plaisir la Lettre de Mr. Lee du 22 fevr., et j’ai écrit en conséquence à l’Officier en question. Le plus court, pour débarrasser le congrès de ces importunités, seroit d’insérer sa résolution dans les gazettes. Je n’en ferai rien pourtant, jusqu’à ce que vous me l’ordonniez, de peur que vous n’approuvassiez pas cette publication. Quand Mr. Wm. Lee sera de retour de Nantes, il sera bon et nécessaire qu’il lise l’Extrait d’Amsterdam du 19, dans ma Lettre du 21 fevr. car la proposition de mes amis est une suite de la sienne.
Paris à l’hon. Commission Pl. des E.U. de l’A.S.


Title: J.-D. Ramier de Raudière to the American Commissioners in Verse, 3 March 1778
From: Raudière, J.-D. Ramier de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

We publish this rhymed letter as a sample of the tributes that poets—or poetasters—were showering on Franklin and his colleagues during the period. Others were as fulsome as Raudière; but he, perhaps because he was the neediest, was by far the most prolific. This brief stanza was part of a bombardment. With it came four massive enclosures: (1) a twenty-one page “Epître” in verse, dated Feb. 25, 1778, and addressed to the “Généreux Protecteurs des Talens”; (2) a twenty-eight page poem entitled “L’Ameriquïade,” announcing the present decadence of the British Empire and dedicated to Congress and especially to the commissioners; (3) a “Vers à mon Paquet” to wish it well on its journey; and (4) a nine-page letter and three-page postscript to the commissioners, this time in prose, undated but clearly sent on the same day, to say that his lapses from the epic style are due to his hardships, that he hopes for more than he should from the commissioners’ generosity, and that his landlady (the subject of the postscript) has just broken in and threatened to have him jailed for not paying his rent. But this is only the beginning. On March 22 he writes again, to ask whether the commissioners have received the poems and “une lettre qui par son énormité pourroit passer pour le Colosse du talent épistolaire.” Tell him, if they wish, to make this his last letter. They apparently tell him nothing, for on April 19 he writes Franklin to beg for a word; is that too much to hope for? He adds, returning to his landlady, that a small debt keeps him virtually a prisoner. The endorsement is merely “M. de la Raudiere. A Poem.”
The rest of the tributes are all to Franklin. On March 22 his old acquaintance, Feutry, celebrates him in another of his quatrains. On April 16 one Tarteron, in Mende, “contrôleur ambulant des domaines du Roi a Ganges en Languedoc,” hails him as the destroyer of tyranny, the new Prometheus following in Newton’s path, Poor Richard following in the path of Socrates. The rest of the letter repeats the same sentiments in prose, and then mentions an enclosed ode to the United States and the American Fabius. It is entitled “Les Insurgens” and embellished with footnotes; it bemoans the ravages of the American war, brings in the Swiss and Dutch struggles for independence, calls on the shades of Spartans and Romans to help the Bostonians, touches on the Armada, the Hessians, Gates, Charles Lee, Burgoyne, and then apostrophizes the
Jeune et courageux Lafayette,
Amours, plaisirs, rien ne t’arrête;
Boston réclame ton secours
and so on. The French, it concludes, will be victorious in both continents. On August 9 Tarteron, then in Montpellier, inquires whether Franklin has received the ode, and requests an answer in Lausanne. At some point before or after that, probably after, he asks for a recommendation to Necker in return for singing Franklin’s praises in the ode that has made his poetic reputation.
On May 2 some one calling himself the Old Hermit of Buxüeil, and writing from Bar-sur-Seine, addresses Franklin as one of the immortals. Rome and all the world’s conquerors never matched the glory of the Americans, which will last through all time. If the poet were a mere fifty, “j’irois offrir mon bras sans autre Verbiage.” As it is his verbiage goes on. He condoles with Franklin on the fate of Philadelphia; the Pennsylvanians would have been better off under the French. “Ma Muse plus qu’Octogenaire” then turns, perhaps in a separate poem, to eulogizing Franklin in the hope of bringing a smile to this Aristotle.
On May 8 Le Prevost d’Exmes sends from Paris a long rhymed disquisition. It addresses the nature of liberty and license, and then moves on to the contrast between the American passion for freedom, exemplified in Franklin, and the French acceptance of authority:
Tes peuples n’ont qu’un cri: vive l’indépendance!
Et tu crois que ce cri n’allarme point la France,
Pays où sans regret nous naissons tous sujets?
The writer resolves this difficulty by portraying liberty triumphant in France, and all the people doing their duty, under the King’s paternal aegis:
Franklin, retourne apprendre à tes peuples chéris
Que l’on n’est pas plus libre à Boston qu’à Paris.
On May 29 Louvel de Boirargues, a clerk in the administration of the régie, announces that lovers of virtue need not know each other in order to communicate. He has attempted, in the enclosed verse, to put Franklin’s gifts in the context of a benign reign that is the model for all princes. The verse he calls a sonnet; it counsels Franklin, if he carries out what he hopes to and is idolized by the world, to remember the role of Louis XVI in bringing about the American triumph. On June 16 Antoine Salvator writes from Cadiz to offer a work of his pen; his arm is by now too feeble to help the cause. He is inspired by Washington, the equal of the old Roman dictators, and by the sight of a republic that surpasses almost all others in its origin, its laws, and the heroes it has produced. His work, which springs from a heart that Franklin has warmed without knowing it, is an eight-page Latin poem. It praises the American at length and then King Louis, the greatest of his age, who in helping the United States will set an example for Spain. The Americans tried to avoid war, as witness the Olive Branch Petition, but now that France has come to the rescue all will be well. Voltaire appears near the end, embracing Franklin, and the writer sends best wishes for health and longevity.
At some time after June 26 an unnamed writer, who saw Franklin at a meeting that day of the Société libre d’émulation, expresses in a quatrain his feelings on the occasion:
  En le voyant, j’ai vu dans un seul home
Ce qu’eurent de plus grand Sparte, Athenes et Rome;
J’ai vu Lycurgue, Aristide, Platon,
L’intrepide Brutus, le vertueux Caton.

Tournay ce 3e. Mars, 1778
  Non ce n’est point aux hommes ordinaires,
A qui l’on donne vos emplois.
Pour régir prudemment d’importantes affaires,
Et paroître à la Cour des Rois;
Il faut unir à la Sçience
La Penétration et le bon Jugement,
Régler ses moeurs par la prudence,
Et son coeur par le sentiment.
Vous y joignez encor le bon goût, le genie,
Et vous aimez la Verité.
Si je l’offre à vos yeux, ce n’est qu’avec l’envie
De payer le tribut à votre humanité.

Je suis très respectueusement, Messieurs, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
J.D.R: DE Raudiere

A Messieurs Benjamin Franklin Silas Deane Arthur Lee. Commissaires Députés des Etats-Unis et Independans, de l’Amerique Septentrionale En France. Etc.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, [3 March 1778]
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
Nantes March 3. 1778
Since my last of the 28 Ultimo I have recvd. advice that the Duchesse of Grammont still remains at St. Nazarre. I hear that two Ships of War which were designed to join the Fleet are returned to Rochfort, we have therefore judged proper to detain the Grammont ’till further orders, in hopes that you will be able to obtain these Ships for a new Convoy: Mr. Ross’s Ship the Henrietta also remains with the Grammont.
This Day arrived here the Brig. Nantes Capt. Chapman from Boston, but brought no public Letters. This Brig is from the Board of War at Boston to the address of Messrs. Pliarne Penet & Co. I have the honour to inclose you two Newspapers which were given me by Capt. Chapman. I have recvd. a Letter from my Father dated Jan. 23. 1778 in which he says he has no News to communicate. I therefore conclude that since the beginning of December, Affairs have remained in the same Situation. I have the honour to be with great Respect Honorable Gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble Servant
Jona Williams J
The Honble The Commrs. of the United States.

Notation: Jona Williams Nantes March 3d 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph-Etienne Bertier, 3 March 1778
From: Bertier, Joseph-Etienne
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The first letter about a candidate for American service in this volume, as in the previous one, happens to be a recommendation. Again, therefore, we deal first with those who wrote for others and then with those who wrote for themselves. The total number is far less than it had been, and a larger percentage is from outside France. Frenchmen’s incentive to join the “Bostonians” was fading, as likelihood grew into certainty that their own army would soon be in action, and by the end of the period the former flood of recommendations and applications had shrunk to a trickle. Only two of each, as far as we know, came in June.
On April 11 Jean (or David)-Nicolas de Gruyère, a Swiss lieutenant in the Erlach regiment, writes from Paris to enclose a letter of March 29 from Jean-Frédéric Wyss, a compatriot and fellow lieutenant in Longwy, who had been in touch with Franklin before. In this second letter Wyss makes conditions: if the coming war is on land, he will not quit the French service; if it is only by sea, he would welcome an American commission provided he has leave from his regiment, in which he soon hopes for a company. He is thirty-three, knows engineering and tactics, has a smattering of English, and fluent German to use in America with deserters and prisoners. “Il ne se tire pas un coup de fusil en Amérique que je ne voudrais y etre.”
On May 2 Dousset, intendant of the comtesse de Marsan, writes to introduce a nephew of his who wants to join the American army. Recruits are leaving from Lorient, he has heard, and he will gladly pay this one’s expenses to get there. On the 4th the abbé Dupont de Jumeaux inquires from Paris about the prospects for his brother, an eighteen-year-old who has just finished his studies; their uncle serves the Lafayette family, which will be glad to recommend the young man. On the 9th de La Porte, who describes himself as “soldat Gentilhomme” in the musketeers of the Nivernais regiment in garrison on Belle Isle, recommends from there an unnamed young Frenchman, of English extraction, who is talented, brave, and an expert on manoeuvers and discipline. On the 12th the comte de Milly, Jean-Baptiste Le Roy’s father-in-law, also in Paris, introduces the sieur Douson, a surgeon who would be useful to “nos nouveaux et chers alliés”; such an honest and upright man would be a boon to Franklin’s virtuous country. On the 18th Le Roy himself is involved as an intermediary. Count Golowkin, in Paris, writes to ask his intervention with Franklin for a Prussian captain named Arnold, “qui a fait toutes les guerres avec distinction” and now wants to join the Americans, taking with him his wife and children. The family has suffered misfortunes that would bring tears to the hardest heart, and the Captain is as brave, intelligent, and energetic as he is honest; he would be an excellent acquisition.
On the 19th the chevalier de Bongars, writing from near Eu, inquires about an opening in the United States army for an unnamed gentleman of high birth, with a distinguished record in the last war. On the 23rd the comtesse de Brancas, in Paris, recommends a former corporal, again unnamed, who is supported by people to whom she is attached and indebted. On the 24th the chevalier de Beauteville, also in Paris, writes to some one who has promised to obtain a recommendation from Franklin for the chevalier d’Abésac (also spelled Abzac and Abezac), who wants to go to America as a volunteer, and sends extracts from letters about him; one of them describes the eighteen-year-old, from one of the best families in Périgord, as tall, strong, vigorous, well turned out, full of courage and good will, and the tenth child of a poor branch of his house. On the 30th the comtesse de Choiseul-Meuse, in the Abbaye St. Antoine in Paris, recommends the bearer, M. de Massabelhy, the brother of one of the nuns and an officer réformé; he wants a letter to take to America.
On June 10 Jacques Leveux, the commissioners’ agent in Calais, introduces a former officer in the British East India Company, Ralph Harding, who has written Franklin before to offer his services; he is waiting for an answer. Franklin has forgotten about it and adds a query—no doubt to Temple—to ask whether he can find the letter. Whether or not it turned up at the time, it is extant. Harding had written on May 30 that he had left home the previous summer to join Howe’s army, but was frustrated by a report in Philadelphia that he really meant to join the Americans; he was arrested and sent back to England. His resentment and poverty had decided him to offer himself to the United States, but he could not afford to leave Calais, and asked for instructions. On June 19th de Lort de St. Victor, maréchal de camp and lieutenant-commandant at Strasbourg, recommends the son of a former officer under his command by the name of Marcellin, who wants to enter the American service.
The first direct application is from Pierre-Nicolas, comte d’Alet, who writes from Venice on March 7 and signs himself “général major au service du roy et de la république de Pologne.” He was in Portugal in 1775, where he received an offer from an American agent and through him sent his terms to Congress; he was free to go, the French chargé d’affaires assured him, because he was in the Polish service. He waited for months in Lisbon, but the agent never returned. His feelings are still unchanged, and he offers all his talents and zeal, all that twenty-two years of service have taught him, all the time left him in life. Throughout the last war he was in the Berry regiment in Canada, then spent a decade in the Polish army; the French Ambassador to Portugal, now in Paris, will speak for him. Let him know where to take ship and give him the cost of the voyage; his finances preclude great expense. He could bring with him from Venice, if desired, a young engineer of talent and spirit “qui n’est pas moins americain que moy.” On the 24th a young Swiss in Bienne, with the odd name of Mechia Caph de Hari, implores Franklin’s protection. He is eighteen, five feet seven, of good family, and destined from the cradle for a Swiss regiment in the French army, where he was once assured of a lieutenancy. If his request to join the United States army is offensive, please blame his youth.
On April 2 Jonathan de Polier de Corcelles, a militia captain in Lausanne, offers to raise an infantry regiment of fifteen hundred men to serve in America as an auxiliary of the French army, which itself will be needed at home. If the offer is accepted, with any desired modifications, keep everything secret but let him know at once, before war spreads throughout Europe. He must have a high command, lest others profit more than he from his good intentions, or some honorable reward in case of failure. On the 8th Farry writes from Châteauneuf-du-Faou near Carhaix. News comes slowly to a small, isolated town, and he has just learned that Frenchmen are allowed to offer their services to America. He has been through eighteen campaigns as a surgeon in the French navy. His terms are three thousand livres a year, with one year’s advance to equip himself and take care of his family, and he will act either on land as surgeon and accoucheur or at sea as surgeon.
On the 10th Charles-Gaspard de Toustain-Richebourg, vicomte de Toustain, sends a long and rambling letter that has as much to do with his literary productions as with military service. For the latter he lays down three conditions; he had forwarded them through an intermediary in May, 1777, and perhaps repeated them in a now missing letter to Franklin the following March, but had had no answer. The commissioners must obtain him a two-year leave from the French court, guarantee him an annual salary of fifteen to eighteen hundred l.t. (at least a third of it to be paid to his wife if he dies), and assure him the equivalent of his current rank, maître-de-camp or lieutenant colonel. He is not asking for the usual perquisites, but only for enough to support himself and a lackey. On the 11th Aubin de St. Lambert, in Termonde (Dendermonde) near Brussels, announces that he sent a memorandum three days before on the means of creating an American navy and a new branch of commerce. He has been a captain of French frigates, is currently on a mission for the Austrian government, and would like to enter the American service. Thirty-five years of experience are behind him, and he knows Spanish, English, Arabic, “et d’autres jargons necessaires.” On the 26th he virtually duplicates his offer. On the 12th Dumagny, in Parthenay (Poitou), expresses his desire to join the fighters for liberty, “l’Idole de toute ame forte.” He has already seen service; could he be used in the army of the republic, the only proper government for one who is at all philosophical?
On the 14th de Lugny, an engineer at Bordeaux, explains that he has a practical knowledge of fortifications, which he would gladly put at the service of the United States. He will not, he adds in a second letter of May 5, clamor like others for a specific command; his English is not good enough. Every day makes clearer, furthermore, that the Americans are well able to command themselves. On the 16th Dupont fils, a lawyer on the supreme council of Colmar, announces that the names and deeds of great men reach even the most distant provinces. He burns with desire to live under the laws emanating from the wise Franklin, who he is delighted to learn is bound heart and spirit to the genius of France, Voltaire, his father’s friend for twenty-five years. M. Gérard also knows the family. Pardon all this, but he fears to be ignored unless he mentions well known names. His family is patrician, and he would gladly shift from the law to the soldiering career for which he was raised. He is twenty-seven, five feet seven, well off and healthy enough; he has German and a little French, a smattering of military knowledge and of history, literature and law. “Je vous envisage comme le Dispensateur de la Gloire, je vous en demande une petitte portion.”
On April 23 de Favin, a cavalry colonel in the Russian service, writes from Moscow. His Huguenot ancestors fled France when the Edict of Nantes was revoked and became soldiers of fortune; he too has been one: five campaigns in the Prussian army during the last war, then command of the Danish light troops in the Russo-Danish crisis over Holstein, then eleven years in the Russian army fighting in Poland and against the Turks. He remained an outsider. He was tricked, even though a colonel, and took his leave. Now, at forty-two, he is still fit for service and, having had his fill of monarchies, wants to live and die in a free country. If he goes to America with his family, would he be received? His eldest son is of age to bear arms and eager to do so; the two would gladly shed their blood in the cause.
On May 4 Vignier and Bonnet, two young men from Rodez whose families are among the best off in town, write to introduce themselves. Both have suffered from their parents. One was forced to leave the military and become a lawyer, but knows as much about French tactics and manoeuvers as most junior officers. The other was destined for the sea, then had the offer of a lieutenancy in the army from a colonel cured by his father, a doctor in Paris and Montpellier; but he was young, and his parents had already chosen another career for him. The two want to go to America, sacrificing the comfortable positions that they will have when their parents die, and ask to be commissioned lieutenants or sublieutenants. Because they are short of money, as so often when fathers are still alive, they hope to have their way paid. On the 6th Jean de Barre de Saint-Jean, in Marseilles, explains that he has long wanted to learn his trade under American generals. Now mutual friends have recommended him to Franklin, and he encloses a memorandum of his services. If he is acceptable he will come to Paris or wherever he is ordered; meanwhile he will await word at Toulon. The memorandum recounts his rise to first lieutenant of chasseurs in the regiment of Hainaut, where he will soon be a captain; he served in Corsica and won praise from his commander. The American army appeals to him but only, given his assured position where he is, if he is breveted a lieutenant colonel before departure and assured of the rank.
On June 10 Desnos, a nineteen-year-old, claims no commission but wants to go as a simple soldier; he asks only for transportation from a French port to whatever army will have him. After serving throughout the war he intends to settle in America for life. Please let him have an answer at his Paris address before Saturday, when he leaves town. On the 24th Gaulay, in Strasbourg, offers himself as a surgeon. Twelve years in the city’s military hospital have left him with no hope of advancement except in a war; his recommendations are available. An undated memorandum from Jean-Baptiste Dubois probably belongs to this period. He is thirty-one, a soldier for the past eight years in first the Auvergne regiment and then the Gatinois, and served at Cap Français until he left the army the previous summer and returned home. He is living with his sister, who has ten children, and is a burden to her. Might he be a sublieutenant?

Monsieur,
A Paris a st. Honoré ce 3 Mars 1778
J’ay reçu avec reconnoissance votre livre, et l’ay lu, et donné à lire à bien du monde avec beaucoup de plaisir. J’espère de vous encore un autre service: le jeune militaire, qui aura l’honeur de vous présenter cette lettre, brule d’envie de servir la République dans sa partie. Je say par moy même et par l’attestation qu’il vous montrera qu’il a du talent pour l’artillerie et qu’il pourroit être utile aux insurgens; en conséquence je crois pouvoir demander pour lui votre protection.
J’aime mieux donner à Monsieur une nouvelle connue que de luy pas dire que M. Pringle a été nommé Académicien étranger par l’Académie. Je n’ajoute pas que cela m’a fait bien du plaisir. Je suis avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Bertierpère de l’oratoire

Notation: Bertier, Paris 3 Mars 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 3 March 1778
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Golden Square Mar 3 1778
Dont let us despair now. There seems I hope to be a disposition on all sides to Peace. The Conciliatory bill as it is called passed the H of Commons yesterday. The Sentiments of Ld. North towards peace have been declared by the bill itself and by the method and principles which he avowed when he brought it in. Ld. George Germain who had not opened his lips in the Course of the bill was called upon yesterday to declare whether he concurred heartily in the measure, or whether he remained in his old Sentiments. He declared his hearty concurrence with the bill in the present circumstances of things, and that he would advise the giving such instructions to the Commissioners under the bill as would be most likely to facilitate peace. I hope the Commissioners will meet with good dispositions on the other side of the water and that we may once more be united in affections and interests. We are so full of business at present that I must refer you for a detail of many particulars to some future opportunity of a safe conveyance. I send you this by a very worthy man who is leaving this Country but I have hopes that we may all meet some day again in peace. I am Dear Sir Your most affectionate friend
DH

Addressed: To Dr Franklin
Notations: D.H. Mars 3. 1778. / Mr Hartley


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, [3 March? 1778]
From: Melmoth, Courtney
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Sir,
Hotel d’Orleans; Monday Morng: [March 3?, 1778]
I understand that the Saltpetre man is much indispos’d, and that is probably the Reason why both he and his friend did not keep an Engagement they have so very assiduously sought. The last time I had the honour to see you Sir, Mr. Dean was so good as to appoint me the next Morning at his Lodgings in Paris for an opportunity of conversing on my offer of service. I went, but found him just stepping into his Carriage, by which means the Conversation was necessarily pospon’d. Previous to a new Interview Mr. Dean promis’d to favour me with a Line of appointment on his return to Town. It is in the expectation of having the pleasure to hear from that Gentleman that I have been since waiting, with all that anxiety which belongs to a Mind inviting an agreeable Employment and, in some degree, sooth’d by the hope of it. In that employment, should my personal attendance be necessary at Passi, I would engage to be there to receive directions every Morning, and in respect to recompense I have no other Idea that [than] what you yourself proposed Sir when at my rooms in the Rue Jacob, Namely, a small allowance by week or month, in order to assist my slender Circumstances in the crisis of them. But having already stated my Situation it is not now necessary to trouble you by repetitions. To say the truth I feel awkwardly at pressing again my Subject upon you: not Sir, because I imagine any little business I could execute could be to you or to Mr. Dean an object of Magnitude, but because, in the first place, I know the value of your time, and, in the second, because I abhor the very air of a dunning Impertunity. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient very humble Servant
Courtney Melmoth

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Passi


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 3 March 1778
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London March 3 1778
By the Bearer Captain All, I have sent you and Mr. Dean the parliamentary Register, The Remembrancer, News Papers &c., And I beg leave to mention to you, (As Captain All desires it, And as I can, with great Truth do it) That his Duty to his Employer has obliged Him to stay much longer here, Than was agreable to Him; But That he has steadily maintained, and upon all Occasions declared, Sentiments worthy of an American, Who knew, and reverenced the Rights of Freedom. With the most earnest Wishes for a Continuance of your Health, I am, dear Sir, Your affectionate humble Servant
S Wharton
I beg my Regards to your Nephew.Dr. Franklin.

Notation: S. Wharton March 3. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 3 March 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and Honored Sir
Nantes March 3. 1778
I recvd. your Favour of the 28th Feb. on my return from Quiberon, after it had been laying some time waiting for me. The one Inclosed had no Direction, I was therefore obliged to break the Seal to know for whom it was intended. I did this because I thought it was for some person about to Depart which would leave no Time to obtain your answer, and because I knew you would not be displeased with me for it.
I wish the 50.000 Livres had been paid. The Regularity of Bills of Exchange demands payment or refusal, but in this Case it may be different. I shall be glad to be informed when it is probable you will receive this money and whether I am ever to expect any more.

I recvd. Billy’s obliging Letter this Morning and thank him for his Intelligence. When he can send me the proposed Bills I shall be extreemly Glad to have them. I beg my Love to him. I am ever your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin LLD / a / Passy.


Title: The American Commissioners to Conrad-Alexandre Gérard, 4 March 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Gérard, Conrad-Alexandre

Sir,
Passi March 4th. 1778.
Being desirous of a conference with you on a subject, that appears to us of importance; we shall be glad to meet you here, or at Versailles, as soon as may be convenient to you. We have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, Your most Obedient and most Humble Servants
B FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee
Monsr Gerard Secretary to the Council of State.

Notation: 1778. Mars 4.


Title: Receipt for Thomas Morris’ Trunk, [4 March 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[March 4, 1778]
Received of the honorable William Lee Esqr. a Trunk said to contain all the Books and Papers of the late Thomas Morris Esqr. joint Commercial Agent for the Secret Committee of Congress with the said William Lee, which relates to the Public as well as to his private Concerns. The said Trunk being seal’d with the Seal of William Blake Esqr. of South Carolina and certified by the hand writing of the said William Blake and John Lloyd Esqrs. of South Carolina to have been seal’d in their presence which seal and hand writing were verified to me by The Honorable Ralph Izard Esqr. he being well acquainted with the same. And also with two Seals of the said William Lee on Tapes over the Locks. The said Trunk I promise to keep in my possession in its present State and to deliver the same on demand to the said William Lee or his order. Given under my hand at Passy near Paris, this 4th. day of March 1778.
(Sign’d) B Franklin.
Signed in our presence. S. Deane, Arthur Lee.
I certify the above to be a true Copy. Edm: Jenings
(Copy.)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Andreas Christian Knoepffel, 4 March 1778: résumé
From: Knoepffel, Andreas Christian
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The present volume contains a number of letters from Frenchmen and other Europeans who want to settle in the United States, and we summarize them here in a single group. The writers are not only would-be emigrants, for a number of those included in our headnote on candidates for military service in America expect to make it their home. The ones discussed below have no apparent martial ambitions; some are concerned solely with getting across the Atlantic, and others are anxious about how they will make a living. For convenience we divide the group into three parts. The first and largest is applicants who want to leave Europe but have little specific to say about their plans for a new life. The second is a few candidates who appear only through recommendations from relatives or protégés or friends. The third is four men who describe at some length the trades that they want to transfer intact to the New World.
On March 12 de Gruffy writes from Paris to ask for an interview; Franklin has promised to discuss with him his projected trip to America. Count Conway recommends him, and he offers his services in any way that can be useful; he has been involved since boyhood in the affairs of the world. On the 24th he writes again, to express his intention of settling in America; “je me regarde déja comme l’un de vos Compatriotes,” and as such he rejoices in the success that has crowned Franklin’s efforts. Enclosed is a letter just received from the Comtesse Conway, doubtless in answer to one that Franklin had given him for her on March 6. On the 18th d’Espagne, who has been ruined by a law suit, writes from Paris to make a number of offers that are too vaguely put to be comprehensible. If his talents, not spelled out, can be put to use he will go to America with his son and daughter. He sends a book or manuscript of his for Franklin’s inspection, and mentions in passing the manufacture of cloth and soap. On April 9 he complains of having had no reply; such silence is mortifying to a man who belongs to the royal agricultural society in Tours, and whose family is nothing to be ashamed of. Might he perhaps be French consul for the United States? Maurepas knows him slightly but has probably forgotten him.
On April 10 Gravier writes from Marseilles. After thirty years of good fortune he is almost destitute, with a wife and three small children whom he loves more than himself. He must leave for America, with the hope that they will join him when he is established there; may he have an advance, to be repaid in due course, to cover his passage, secure him land, and get him started in farming? On the 17th J. Irwin, also in Marseilles, informs the commissioners in almost illiterate English that he was a British officer, of regulars and militia, until he left home more than a year before because he disapproved of the war. He has tried and failed to resign his commission, and if he returns would be compelled to serve; this he will not do. As soon as he can wind up his affairs he will leave instead for America and live there on the interest of seven or eight thousand pounds. Meanwhile might he act as consul in Nantes or Bordeaux, without compensation but in strict secrecy until his funds are withdrawn from England? On the 26th de Liniere, in Le Mans, announces that he is poor, has a slight knowledge of surgery and experimental physics, and wants to continue his studies if he can be provided with lodgings, food, and clothing in Paris; after two years he will emigrate to the United States to put his training to use. He looks on Franklin as his father, and will devote his life to proving himself worthy of support.
On May 4 Grünberger, in Munich, conjectures that his earlier letter has gone astray, and renews his request for a passport to cross the Atlantic. The cadet corps of the Elector of Bavaria, to which he has been teaching mathematics, has been disbanded, and he is forced to look elsewhere. He should be useful in America, and at no expense to the government. The Bavarian court and others of rank and reputation have given him strong recommendations. On the 18th J.J. Defrancq in Orchimont, near Bouillon in the Austrian Netherlands, explains that he was slated for a commission in an Austrian regiment when the family fortunes collapsed. His future was destroyed and he with it, he thought, but then he heard that Franklin was succoring the unfortunate by finding them suitable work in the United States. Tell him how he is to arrange for colonists from the province of Luxembourg to follow him in search of a better life. Would Franklin find helpful a letter from a neighbor who knew Lafayette in Paris?
On June 8 Charles-Friedrich Veninau, in Bordeaux, asks to be sent to the United States on an American ship; he has come from Prussia for that purpose. At the end of the last war he was in business in New York, but returned to Germany to see relatives; they are now dead, and he is going back to America in hopes of supporting himself. He speaks French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and “American English,” and is, if he may say so, Franklin’s half-compatriot, “an honest man and therefore you need not be afraied of any thing.” On the 15th Johann Wilhelm Harken, a former pastor now living in Hamburg, asks whether Franklin has already received his request, sent through the French Minister, for whatever civil or military post may be suitable for a learned and godly man. He served for nine years before being forced from his pastorate. He would like scope, in the freedom of that good land, for his God-given talents as a scholar; but without his family of seven he could not go. On the 20th P. Huerne, in Paris, introduces himself as twenty-four, with eleven years in trade, an invincible desire to go to the United States, and no acquaintances there; when may he present his respects?
Three letters are in support of would-be emigrants. One is from Mme. Elie de Beaumont on April 29. Her friendship with Franklin attracts people who want recommendations to him; among them are a brother and sister named Charron. He is a skillful carpenter and she a seamstress in lingerie. Their scanty means, and their hope of supporting themselves in the United States and providing for their aged parents, are their reasons for emigrating; would Franklin save them the expense of the voyage, or at least bring it down to the little they could pay? It would be worth his while to obtain such good, clever, and useful workers. Mme. la marquise de Lusignan, whose protégés they are, has sent her the enclosed letter.
On May 10 Seguin, in Lacépède near Clairac, in the Agenois, writes for a relative, Jean-Jérôme Seguin. He is twenty-one, five feet five, born in Dublin of a French family that had emigrated for religious reasons. When his father, a tradesman with many children, became impoverished Jean returned to France to be educated. He speaks and writes English and French, has had commercial training and been to sea, and is fitted for trade, navigation, or being an interpreter on a warship; please help him find a position that will bring out his nascent talents. On the 29th L. Duran de Pautinel, in St. Affrique in the Rouergue, asks about some young men who want to go to Boston and wonder whether they will find work. One has enough commercial experience to manage a firm, another is a woolen manufacturer, and a third makes woolen bonnets. Is there a domestic or other supply of wool? The three have some resources, but not enough for large undertakings. By what route should they go, how can they obtain inexpensive passage, is a squadron under convoy safer than a ship sailing alone, what port offers the least chance of costly delays?
Four applicants go into considerable detail about their situations and what they can offer a new country. On April 4 Müller de la Piolotte, in Champagney in Franche-Comté, introduces himself as a master glassmaker, whose forebears brought the art to France from the Black Forest. He is manufacturing window glass with his brothers, using coal for power; but disputes have decided him to seek tranquillity in America. His knowledge of the country, although superficial, is enough to persuade him that nothing should be easier than establishing glassworks there. They would create many jobs, but only if the level of luxury in the colonies and the countries that trade with them creates a sufficient market. Please advise him. The government or private capital would have to start such an industry; once started, however, it would grow as far as public interest and private means permit. “Je ne suis point Marchand de projets, encore bien moins Charlatan d’entreprises.” He wants to be in peace for the rest of his life in a free country.
On April 15 Jean Latache, in Angoulême, advances a project that he is sure will be useful to the American government. Until 1751 the manufacture of playing cards flourished in France and had a market throughout Europe; a tax then forced many makers to seek and find official support in Spain, Savoy, Russia, etc. Their success justifies the present proposal, which would increase American commerce. If Congress establishes a manufacture of playing cards at its expense and under its control, and entrusts its direction to the writer, he and his son will choose the paper, the tools, and the engraving of whatever portraits would be popular, and will import craftsmen to train a native work force. Two advantages would accrue to the United States: a kind of trade that could be extended through the West Indies, and an occupation that would turn young men of small means into solid citizens. Imported cards are costly, often defective, and almost always short-lived in their lustre and difficult to deal; if they are made at home and imports forbidden, the people would have a beautiful product and the government a source of revenue. The writer also makes excellent starch, and could take his skill with him to America if resources were available. He hopes these suggestions may be useful to a nation to which he would be proud to belong.
On April 29 A. Theodore Cannon writes from Granville, in Normandy, in lame and stilted English. The United States will doubtless encourage whatever contributes to industry. He and his “Espouse,” along with his brother and sister, would like passage to New York; in the city and its environs, now that hostilities are no doubt almost over, they will find opportunity to explore and exploit mines of gold, silver, copper, brass [sic], lead, tin, coal, etc. His family is experienced as miners, engineers, architects, and “Professors of sundry Arts and Sciences”; all they need is free transport and a recommendation to Congress. On May 3 Beroard Rochette, in Grenoble, mentions a letter to Franklin three months before, which he fears did not arrive; it was forwarded through the maréchal de Clermont-Tonnerre. The writer has worked for twenty years as a printer, and the law keeps him from advancing. The number of printers in Dauphiné is limited to six, all of whom have children to succeed them. His situation is insupportable, and he hopes to find more scope in America. The post he has in mind is as manager of a press run by and at the expense of the government, like that in the Louvre; but he will be content with any similar position. He is about thirty-six, has been to South America and so knows the sea, and is reliable; “je ne suis point un débauché.” Please reply in care of the secretary of the comte de Clermont-Tonnerre, commandant of Dauphiné, by way of the comte’s father in Paris.

<Nordhausen, near Cassel in Hesse, March 4, 1778, in Latin and in the third person: He is acting pastor of the local reformed church, and has learned that a minister of that church in Philadelphia wants to return to Hesse. Would Franklin inform the elders there, or anywhere else where a pastor may be needed, that the writer would welcome an offer? He is ready to teach Greek, Latin, Hebrew, German, etc., and is eager to see that part of the world; a self-addressed envelope is enclosed.>


Title: William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1778
From: Bingham, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
St Pierre Martinique March 5th 1778
Not being favor’d with any of your Dispatches since the Arrival of Doctr. Franklin (except a few Lines under Date of the 7 June) I have become very apprehensive of the Fate of the many Letters that I have from Time to Time done myself the honor of writing, and which have generally been addressed under Cover to Messrs. Delaps at Bordeaux.
Your not acknowledging the Receipt of them, is a convincing Proof of their Miscarriage, which has almost inclined me to desist from writing, untill you will please to point out to me a safer Mode of Conveyance.
I am very unhappy to find myself so neglected in a Correspondence, which various Motives prompt me most assiduously to cultivate; I should not only esteem it as a particular Honor confer’d on me, but am firmly of opinion that it would greatly contribute to the successfull Negotiation of the Business committed to my Care.
As there is a Number of excellent opportunities daily offering for the Continent, and as the Intercourse betwixt this Island and the different Parts of Europe is well known to be constant and regular, Congress had reason to expect a Variety of Intelligence from this Quarter. I have faithfully and diligently furnished them with all that I could procure; but I am afraid that I have not answered their expectations in this Point; However I have this Consolation, Quod potui feci; faciant meliora potentes.
If it would not trespass too much upon your Time and call off your Attention from more weighty Matters, I would take the Liberty of soliciting a Line from you upon all Occasions, when there is any thing of Importance to communicate. I hope you will do me the Justice to believe that this Request does not arise from a vain and idle Curiousity, but from a Sincere desire of taking advantage of the variety of Circumstances that may offer, and of improving them to the support and service of the general Cause. The Contexture of the Body politic is formed so curiously, that the smallest Change in the minutest Member, will sometimes have a very sensible Effect upon the whole System.
I have another Reason which urges me to be and perhaps justifies me in being so importunate. The General, regarding the Interests of France and America as altogether inseparable, has thrown off all Reserve, and constantly communicates to me the Nature and Purport of such of his Dispatches as have any regard to the Situation of our Affairs. He expects an equal Return of political Information on my Side, which, from my limited and confined Knowledge of what passes in Europe, I am unhappily deprived of an opportunity of giving him.
The Americans meet with the greatest Protection and Indulgence in the Ports of this Island. Their Prizes are openly disposed of, and the violent Clamors of the English Governors in the neighbouring Islands against this Line of Conduct, have been hitherto treated with so little Attention by the General, that they have ceased expostulating on the Subject. Our Merchant Vessels are now generally convoyed by French Frigates, clear of the British Cruizers amongst the Islands. In short, our affairs wear the most pleasing and promising Aspect in this Quarter.
The daring Behaviour of an English Frigate a few days ago, will certainly occasion some serious Measures to be adopted, in order to procure Satisfaction for the spirited Insult offered to one of the French Forts in this Island. The Frigate gave Chace to an American Privateer, who sought for Protection under the Cannon of this Fort, but the Frigate regardless of the Interposition of the Fort armed her Boats, took possession of the Vessel and carried her off in Triumph. The Fort fired a Number of Shot, but without Effect. Twas the Seaford commanded by Capt. Colpeys.
We have no late News from America, except that the Congress for various Reasons have retarded the Compliance with the Terms of the Capitulation betwixt General Gates and Burgoyne, as you will please to find by the inclosed Extract from a Boston Gazette. I have the honor to be with the great Respect Honorable Gentlemen Your obedient humble Servant
Wm Bingham

Notation: Mr Bingham 5th March 1778


Title: Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1778
From: Izard, Ralph
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Paris 5th. March 1778.
I intend to set out, as soon as my Gout and the weather will permit me, for the Court to which I have the honour of being appointed by Congress. It will be proper for me to be acquainted with such parts of your proceedings at the Court of France as will be of any assistance to me in fulfilling the objects of my Commission. You will therefore be pleased to furnish me with Copies of any Treaties you may have concluded with that Court; and likewise with any information that you think may facilitate the carrying of the wishes and expectations of Congress into execution. In forming the Treaty which I am instructed to propose to the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and in every other part of my proceedings respecting the Public, I shall be glad of your advice and assistance. I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obedient humble Servant
Ra: Izard.
The Honble. Benjn. Franklin, Silas Deane, & Arthur Lee Esqrs.

Endorsed by Arthur Lee: Mr Izard


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, [5 March? 1778]
From: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mercredi matin [March 5?, 1778]
Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld fait bien des complimens à Monsieur franklyn, en lui envoiant la nouvelle traduction sur laquelle il a bien voulu lui promettre de jetter les yeux; il le prie de vouloir bien la lui renvoier lorsqu’il aura eu la bonté de l’examiner et de la corriger: il le prie aussi de vouloir bien, si par hasard il avoit eu quelques nouvelles, les lui mander.
Le texte de la traduction est Remembrancer Vol. II, page 321.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Peters, 5 March 1778
From: Peters, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
York March 5th. 1778
I have been honored with several Letters by the Hands of sundry Gentlemen coming here with a View to serve our Cause; but from the Numbers of our own Officers and the foreign Gentlemen not being possessed of our language it was impossible for us to find Places or for them to distinguish themselves in our Service. You are conscious of this and therefore ’tis needless for me to enlarge on the Subject. I have shewn every private Civility to them as I shall ever do to Gentlemen honored by your Recommendation.
I am much obliged by the Care you took of the Letters I troubled you with relative to my private Affairs. I have since heard that my Father was living about 9 Months ago but cannot recieve a line from him. I informed you that I took the Liberty of desiring him to draw on you first consulting you on the Occasion for an hundred Pounds Sterling per Annum and on Notice of his having done so I would repay it to your Agent here. Do me the Favour to get some Intelligence of my Father as I am extremely uneasy on the Occasion and much fear if he is living that some undue Means are taken either by public or private Persons to prevent my having the least Account of him. I am with the greatest Respect your obedient humble Servant
Richard Peters
He lodged at a Mrs. Roberts’s near the County Hall Nottingham.Honble Dr Benja. Franklin.

Addressed: Hon: Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Agent for the United States / of America / Paris / Favored by the / Baron de Holzendorff
Notation: Richard Peters 5. mars 1778. de York. 5. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Vaughan], 5 March 1778
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear sir,
March 5th: 1778
I beg to recommend the bearer to your best patronage, friendship, and advice. I shall say nothing more of him, than that to warm benevolence and good parts, there have been joined a virtuous education and public principles. In these times and upon the plan on which he goes, his success is fundamentally important to his family. Particulars he will explain; for they are not proper for paper, and he can very well answer for himself. Upon one important measure, he is directed to ask your opinion: and a yes or no will decide him in silence, without reasons and explanation. Thus much for private matters, which I always trouble you with, as well as others, with reluctance. Now to the public.
There is a great variety of opinions concerning America. It would take a volume to explain them; as it would be necessary to state the grounds upon which they go, and the objects to which they point. To foreigners they must be totally unintelligible; as they cannot possibly combine the different managements which such a government as ours requires, to effect any good. Several opinions are founded upon supposed intelligence from you and your friends. Those whom I converse with, having no such lights, continue exactly their old plan of conduct; wishing an end to the war at all events, and a free and equal union if possible afterwards; foreseeing the utmost pitch of wealth freedom and happiness to be attainable upon such a system, and nothing but war, confusion, poverty and ruin upon any other.
You have too much penetration, and these ideas were formerly too much your own, for you to require at present much explanation of them. It is therefore sufficient to assure you of the sincerity of those that propose them, and their unalterable determination to pursue them, with every degree of liberality and confidence. The distractions which to a common eye appear so formidable, may lay the foundation of what, however just and right, would otherwise be unattainable. I write this, for obvious reasons, in perfect confidence.
In the debate of yesterday Lord Shelburne was for returning to as much of the old connection as would be attainable. He thought any allusions to the doctrine of independence from the court like the robber firing the house to cover his escape and hide his theft. That the connection ought to be tried. He contrasted the advantages to America of a free union, and the disadvantages of an uti possidetis. Made light of a commercial alliance upon general principles. As to the present state of things, he thought the Spanish statesman’s advice a proper address for the city “For your majesty’s comfort, you have but two enemies upon earth; one the whole world, the other your own ministers.”
There was some question out of doors about the phrase of “one purse”, by which I do not find any thing more was meaned, than the original idea of bringing in America as much or more as a check upon our extravagance, than as contributor; or at least, so far as the last goes, in an honest and fair proportion, such as shall suit the circumstances of both, and contribute to the real union by having more locks than one to a chest that of late has had none.
The Duke of Grafton was thoroughly convinced of a commercial treaty. Lord Weymouth said he knew no commercial treaty. Lord Radnor wished the American war ended on any terms. Duke of Richmond took a manly line, and attacked your old friend Lord Hillsborough; who usually blundered against himself, but now against his friends. Lord Suffolk had his usual pomp and hardness; looked for efficacy from his bills, yet supposed you ab origine inclined to independence; said that many would be detached, and the force be rendered efficacious; that he kept all his principles and yielded only to the necessity of prudence, which made early concession with misfortune and disappointment better than later concessions upon complete victory; upon victory terms were always intended. Lord Temple reprobated the concessions; and equally so the mad foolish minister who could neither keep peace, make war, nor negotiate peace again. He wanted treaty without parliament, and preliminaries settled before concession. Yours ever most affectionately devotedly and respectfully.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, 5 March 1778
From: Vaughan, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London 5th. March 1778
This will be delivered to You by my son John, who goes (via Paris) in order to be an inmate in the House of Messrs. Barton & Co. at Bourdoux; to perfect himself in the Language, acquire experience in Business, and form connections, preparatory to his setling in North America, so soon as our unhappy disputes are at an end; as I am more and more determined to pursue the plan I adopted long since.
Attempts were made, to have setled him in a good House at Nantes, as better calculated to answer my intentions; but could not my self effect it. I have to request the favour of Your friendship, in giving him any necessary advice, for promoting the object in view.
From the testimony of all those who best know him, I can with pleasure and confidence say, that he has an improved understanding, excellent fixed principles, and amiable dispositions. Every branch of this family join in sincere warm and affectionate wishes for Your health and happiness, with one who (however Your extraordinary merit may have exalted You to glory) still hopes to be ranked as one of, Dear Sir, Your affectionate friends and Admirers,
Saml Vaughan

Addressed: Dr Franklin / Paris
Notation: Saml. Vaughn Lon. 5 March 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honored Sir
Nantes March 5. 1778.
I have recvd. your obliging Favour of the 28 Inst. and am much rejoiced at Mr. Chaumonts success; I hope he will retain a Dedomagement for his Trouble and Kindness. If this Money is to be paid in America how am I to be reimbursed my Expences and paid Commissions? But I suppose the 50,000 Livres will be paid here; I beg Sir you will obtain this for me, for a Reimbursement from America may never reach me, more especialy as the owners of these privateers are numerous and all unknown to me.
I must think a little relative to Mr. Lee’s Intention before I decide, and it would be of great Service to me in this Decision if I knew whether or not the Commissioners intend to put a period to my doing Business by their Authority; for while they continue to support me, I surely cannot wish for the Authority of Mr. Lee. Besides, I much Doubt his powers, as I have good Information that his Commission makes no mention of a Substitute and therefore obliges him to act himself or leave it to the former agent. He is dead, but previous to his Death he vested me with at least as good powers as Mr. Lee can give. A Copy of these powers, and the Condition of my accepting them you have inclosed. I entered into this Agreement with Mr. Morris by his particular Desire, to prevent any more Difficultys between us, and took Charge of the Ranger and her prize in consequence. Mr. M. ’tis true did not fullfil his part of the agreement, for instead of letting the whole prize money come into my hands, he (unknown to me) recvd. 1500 Livres more than the Congress part, and left me to settle with the People with that deficiency (I was obliged to make it good, for not a Man would have staid by the Ship, if their prize money had been kept from them,) and for about 60,000 Livres expended on the Ranger, he has not advanced a Sol. I therefore wrote to the Commissioners last post to be informed whether I was to look on this Business as done by Mr. Morris’s Authority or theirs; if they conclude that the Powers from Mr. Morris are superiour to theirs, I shall also think them superiour to those of Mr. Lee; if they conclude that their Powers are superiour to those of Mr. Morris, Mr. Lees must again fall in the lightest Scale. These Circumstances through [threw] me into a Dilemma which I cannot be releived from till I hear from the Commissioners, and it will particularly oblige me if you will favour me with your opinion of the Subject. In the mean Time if Mr. Lee throughs [throws] any Business in my way as a Factor for him, I will chearfully transact it and endeavour to deserve his Friendship by my Conduct, as I shall to any person who employs me in the Line of my profession.
The Latter part of your Letter is easily answered. The only reason that the Lion did not sail so soon as I wished and as the Commodore expected is that Government had put the Ship under an arrest which was not taken off till after the Fleet had waited many Days in Quiberon, and when it was taken off the Tides would not permit her to go from Painbeuf and our men had all deserted by her laying along side other Shipping. The Difficulties I have had to incounter have been extreemly vexatious, and almost innumerable. I should tire you by a repetition but I request you to ask for my Letters to the Commissioners of the 6 Decr. 16 Decr. 30 Decr. 6 Jan. 9th Jan. and 19 January. You will there see Sir that but for Difficulties which I could not surmount of which Government only are the Cause, the Ship might have left the River the beginning of last Janry. When she did get down to St. Nazare, She was all in disorder, and had many things to do relative to the Police on board, and the Instruction of the Men in their Duty, which it was impossible to do where she lay before, but which as I have said before would have been all compleat by the begining of Janry. had I been left to go on my own Way. Nay if I had dared to act openly that Ship should have sailed in November.
As to the Package of Hatts, I assure you I feel ashamed to defend so silly a Charge. That a frigate of her Importance should wait for such a Trifle can never be supposed by any person the least acquainted in Business, and those who make this Complaint, if they had no regard to Truth, should at least have paid some attention to probability. I give you my Word and Honour Sir that there is not to my knowledge, nor did I ever intend there should be a single Hat on board that Ship more than what is designed for the use of the Crew, and these with all the other Goods went on board in the Lighter mentioned in my Letter of the 16 Decemr. There may indeed be some Hatts among the Uniforms sent from Paris but these I know nothing of as I did not open the Packages, however all these were on board in December.
Upon the whole any person who knows anything of me in this Business, knows I have been a Slave to it, so much so that for the last month of her Stay I have not allowed myself the smallest relaxation from Business not even for the common enjoyments of Society.
I beg you will please to inform me how you succeed about the 50,000 Livres. You may remember what I told you when at Paris and if this money is not allowed here by Govt. I shall be under a Necessity of giving that Reason for so much deficiency in my Account with the Commissioners.
I have made extracts from my Letters to the Commissioners mentioned on the other side to save you the trouble of turning to them.
I beg my Love to Billy. My Brother Jack will sail in a Day or two I imagine too soon to be bearer of any Letters from Paris, but shall be glad if you will send a Line or two for him which contrary Winds may give time for. I am ever Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
J Williams J


Title: William Lee to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1778
From: Lee, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen,
Chaillot 6th: Mar: 1778
In conformity to the general instructions of the secret committee that you should be consulted and advised within all important cases relative to their commercial affairs, and Mr. Thos. Morris joint commercial Agent with me being now dead and as I am just on the point of setting out for Germany, I think it expedient to advise you that in order to prevent the business of the secret committee from geting into improper hands, I intend to appoint persons in the different Ports of France to take care of any remittances, Vessels, or cargoes that may arrive on account of the secret committee until their farther pleasure is known. For this purpose I think of appointing Messrs. Lloyd and Jonathan Williams for the port of Nantes, and the other Ports in Britany, Messrs. S. and J.H. Delap at Bourdeaux, Mr. Andw. Limozin at Havre, the two last houses being strongly recommended by the Committee, and Mr. John Bondfield for the ports of Rochelle, Rochefort, and Bayonne. These three ports I put under the same direction, because it is not probable that many vessels will arrive at them, and the accidental ones that do arrive there will not be more than Mr. Bondfield can easily manage. I shall be happy to find that this arrangement meets your approbation, but if it does not be pleased to point out any alteration you wish to have made and due attention shall be paid to it. I have the Honor &c.
Honble Benja. Franklin, Silas Deane & Arthur Lee esqrs Commissioners for the United States of America in France.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 6 March 1778
From: Lee, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Chaillot March 6. 1778.
I send you the keys of the Trunk containing the late Mr. Thos. Morris’s papers, which were forgot the other day. Please acknowledge the receipt that I may know they are safe. I wish very much to have an answer tonight, if it is convenient, to my Letter to the Commissioners relative to the Commercial Agents, as I want to finish that business so as to write by tomorrows post. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most Obedient and most Humble Servant
W: Lee
Honble Benj. Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: Honble Benjamin Franklin / Esqr. / Passy
Notation: W. Lee 6 March 78 to BF


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Lee, 6 March 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lee, William

Sir,
Passy, March 6. 1778
I return the Keys by the Person that brings them from you. I had rather your Brother should keep them while he stays in France.
Your proposition about appointing Agents in the Ports shall be laid before the Commissioners when they meet. In the meantime I can only say, that as to my Nephew Mr. Williams, tho’ I have from long Knowledge and Experience of him, a high Opinion of his Abilities Activity, and Integrity, I will have no hand in his Appointment or in Approving of it; not being desirous of his being any Way concern’d in that Business. And the other Gentlemen I know so little of, that I can have no Objection to them; but I do not see that I have any thing to do with their Appointment.
In looking over yours of the 2d Instant, I observe an Expression which I do not like tho’ it appears in the Shape of a Compliment. It is in these Words, I am always willing to submit my Judgment to yours and will therefore deliver the Trunk. This implies that I had advis’d the Delivery of the Trunk to me, which you comply’d with contrary to your own Judgment. In Truth I did not nor do [I] advise any thing about it. I only said in Answer to yours, expressing that your Journey to Germany was delay’d by its remaining in your Hands, that if you chose to leave it with me entire I had no Objection to receiving it deliverable in the same state to you or your Order.
I am oblig’d to you for your good Opinion of my Nephew manifested in your Intention of nominating him as above; and I beg you to accept my Thanks, tho’ for particular Reasons which you know, I do not wish him to accept the Employment. I have the honour to be with great Respect, Sir, Your most Obedient humble Servant
B F
Hon. W. Lee Esqr

Notation: BF. to W Lee March 6. 78


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Michel-Alain Chartier de Lotbinière, 6 March 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lotbinière, Michel-Alain Chartier de

Sir
Passy, March 6. 78
I am sorry I could not be at home to receive you yesterday. To-morrow morning at 9 O Clock, you may certainly find me. I name that Hour as a Time when I am least likely to be interrupted, and hoping to have the Pleasure of your Company at Breakfast. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
M. Lotbiniere.

Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur Lotbiniere / à Paris
Endorsed: Lettres de Mr. franklin


Title: Jacques Rocquette, T.A. Elsevier & Pieter T. Rocquette to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1778
From: Rocquette, Jacques, Elsevier, T. A., & Rocquette, Pieter Th.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen:
Rotterdam 6 March 1778
We begg leave to referr you to our last respects of the 2d. of past month. Since are deprived of your much esteemed Letters, this will be principally to inform you, that there are laÿing at Amsterdam two vessles in Loading for our Colonies, the one for Curacao, and the other for St. Eustatia. The first Shall Shut his bagg for letters the last of this month, and the Last the 18 or 20th. If you have anÿ thing, or anÿ Letters to Send outt to those Quarters, pray freely dispatch Same to us, and rely on our Exactitude, to forward Same with the utmost Care; We make free to repeat our request for the Indication of some Good houses both at St. Eustatia, as in the places of the united States.
Tobacco’s are now Selling as follows, Virginia 15 a [to] 15¼ styvers to 15⅜. styvers Maryland 14¾ a [to] 15. styvers Carolina Rice 42 shillings. Both the Articles are Scarce. We Should be very Glad to receive Some Consignments of them from your Countrÿmen, as they would reap very Great benefit by them, which would give us a very real Satisfaction. We remain most respectfullÿ Gentlemen Your most obedient and very humble Servants
J. RocquetteT: A: Elsevier &P. Th. Rocquette
B. Franklin S. Deane & A. Lee. Esqrs. at Paris.

Addressed: To / B. Franklin / S. Deane / A Lee / Esqrs / Paris.
Endorsed by John Adams: Rocquette. Amsterdam 6 March 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Jan Ingenhousz], 6 March 1778
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London March the 6th. 1778
I recieved your kind lettre at Brussels with several papers contained in it, which all gave me a great satisfaction and did serve verry purposely to the end, which I intended to make of the contents. I thank you most hardily for them. I am allready 5 weaks here, and would have wrote a long while to you, if I had been able to fulfill your commissions. I was obliged to postpone several weaks to consult our worthy friend upon the state of your health, because the fall upon his head made him quite unfit for any application of mind. He gets the better of it now and sometimes goes out. I spook three times with him upon the matter. His opinion came allways out upon this, that the disordre of the skin seems to be reather a benefit and a critical discharge of some sharpness in the blood, and that therefore it aught not to be cured by external applications, without the blood should in the same time be sweetened. That this last is not easily obtained, and that it would be imprudent to prescribe mercurial medecins without seing the patient now and than. Therefore he thinks that the best Advice is to Continue beathing in warm water, and, for to keep up boddily strength and to prevent being relaxed by it, to take every day one dragm of the bark two hours before dinner or at bed time. If the Stomach should not bear it, it would be prudent to begin by half a dragm. As to the diet, he thinks that it will be good to abstain from smoaked and salted meat and fish, and from some food known to affect the skin, when diseased, as porck, eal, leavers [livers] of fishes &c. He thinks with me that bathing in sulphureous waters (which smell some what as rotten eggs or leaver of sulphur hepar sulphuris) would kleen the skin of those eruptions still better than common water. But those springs do not exist everywhere. Our friend thinks, that Dr. charles Le Roy, who has wrote upon artificial baths, would be the best man to consult in case of necessity, for it is possible, and even easy to imitate Sulphureous waters with hepar sulphuris added to it. Gov. P. was very glad to hear from you: he gave me two copies of his book with the map for to send them to you, which I did by the first oportunity of Mr. Elmsley, who has sent you at the same time the little books you desired. All that you will have recieved now. Mr. Elmsley promis’d me to write to you about the botanical works of jacquin. Mr. Darly Could no more recollect what print it was, you desired to have back. I was at least ten times at his house to excite him to look among all his affaires. At last he gave it quite up, and told me I should perhaps find it at Mrs. Stephenson, (whose direction is at Mrs. Hewson at cheam near Epsom in Surray). I wrote to her upon the business, and gave her to understand I should come to pay her a visit. This braught soon Mrs. Hewson to me, who was extremely glad to see and to hear from you, telling me at the same time that Mrs. Stephenson was extremely desirous to see me. I promis’d her to come over for one day in a short time. At last, three days ago by calling again at Mr. Darly, he told me he found very casinonaly the plate in an old book which he show’d me. I order’d him to print a hundred copies of it and to let me have the plate all which I will bring you myself or send it by the first oportunity. I forgot to tell you that Gov. P. has not here the plate, but, when public affairs will be settled, he will go back to the Country and send you the plate. That Gentleman call’d sometimes at my lodgings and was very civil to me, and was not a little inquisitive in matters, which he thought I was well acquainted with. I was extremily happy to find allmost all my friends in good health, and was very well pleased to find they were as kind as ever before. I have dayly demands after you. Dr. Priestley has passed some mornings at my lodgings. I passed an evening with our worthy friend. The arguments and experiments made in the Pantheon are not found to be satisfactory. Mr. Nairn did show to the Committee some too strinking [striking?] experiments for not to be Convinced, that high pointed conductors are of better use for to save a building against lightning that blunt ones. I find this metropolis very much inlarged and beautifyd luxury increased and every thing dear. All this would have afforded me a much greater satisfaction if I had seen you a witness of it, and the nation enjoying peace and prosperity. I have not yet seen all my friends by farr, tho I have been every day arunning about the town. I do not neglect an h[our?] for to pick up some philosophical knowledge or medical.
This very day was braught to me by the penny post your lettre dated febr. 5th. with the inclosed to Mrs. Stephenson, which I will forward tomorrow, reserving for some day next weak to see her myself.
I was requested by most part of your old Friends and Gov. P. to give you their compliments, which you now recieve. I show’d this afternoon your lettre to our worthy friend, who after speaking in the manner mention’d about your case, desired me to give you his most harty compliments.
As I have not yet satisfy’d my curiousity in inquiring in medical and philosophical business can not yet quit London, which however I will do in this spring.
I begg to make my respectfull compliments to Messrs. Madame et Melle. de Chaumont, and your other friends who know me.
If you have some business more to be transacted here, your lettres directed as this last was have come to right, otherwise to the care of Messrs. Drummond bankers at charing cross. I am very respectfully Dear Sir Your Most obedient humble Servant.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 March 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Nantes March 7 1778.
The Duchesse of Grammont is still waiting your permission to proceed to sea.
I have been trying several people to get a Ship to carry out what Goods remain, without success. The Ship at L’orient I mentioned in my last does not turn out to my Satisfaction.
M. Gruel has a Ship here which is a good Sailor. I know her to be such because she lately came from America and the american Captain gives her that Reputation; he will not let her under 330 Livres all round the Tonnage to be reckoned on the Ships measurement: this is exorbitant. I have of course refused it. To Day M. Gruel offers me his Vessell for Sale, his price is 45000 Livres ⅓ Cash the other ⅓ [i.e.,⅔] in three months. I can’t purchase without your orders but if you approve I will do the best I can. It will certainly be necessary to have a Ship, for (as I have already oftentimes mentioned to you) I have 400 Cases of Arms 12000 pairs Hose and 3400 Suits of Cloaths besides other articles on hand. I have one other offer for Frieght to pay Cash down before the Ship Sails at a very moderate Price, but as Frieght is not payable unless the Goods arrive safe, this Freight ought not to be more than if there were no risque at all; the person asks 87 l.t. on these Conditions, but he ought to come down if you agree to his Terms. This Ship is the famous Duc de Chartres that I formerly had so much Trouble about.
Mr. Grand mentions to me to day that you have not yet given your Approbation of a Continuation of my Drafts, which I beg you to do immediately as delays in these delicate points affect ones Reputation. Or if you rather choos the mode give me an inlarged Credit for a Stipulated Sum. I shall furnish you with the Accounts for the Lion the Ranger the Magazine the Cloathing the Shoes &c. &c. as soon as I can but they are too extensive to be suddenly collected. In the mean Time I request your attention to my Credit with Mr. Grand. I have the honour to be very respectfully Gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble Servant
Jona Williams

Addressed: The Hon. The Commissioners / of the United States
Notation: Jona Williams Nantes March 7. 78