Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 10 October 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam Oct. 10. 1781.
Your Favour of October 5. is just now brought to me, and I beg your Excellency to accept of my Thanks for your Congratulations on my Recovery, which is however, as yet but imperfect.
I am much Surprized to find, So many appearances, which Seem to Shew that certain neutral Powers of whose Sagacity and great Spirit, the World had formed an high opinion are amused and imposed upon by very trifling Artifices of the British Ministry.— It is given out in the public Papers, that the British Court in their answer to the Mediating Courts, refuse to treat with America, but as Sovereigns with Subjects. There is no difficulty in believing this to be true.
I have heard nothing from Mr Dana, Since 31. July.— On that day he wrote a Line from Berlin, to a Gentleman in this Town, Supposing me absent. Since which I have no News of him.—
I know nothing, of the Resolution to exchange Gen. Burgoine for Mr Laurens, but by common Report.—
I doubt not that England might be Supplied with Masts from America, if America is not upon her Guard to prevent it. Masts may be cleared out from America, to France, Spain, Holland or elsewhere,— and go to the W. I. Islands, Hallifax, Bermudas. But the most probable Artifice would be to fall in with B. Cruisers by Agreement in certain Latitudes, and be taken. All this can be concerted easily between a British Minister and an American Traitor.— A fine Cargo of Masts from America was lately carried into Bermudas, and enabled those Islanders, immediately to fit for Sea a Number of Privateers. British Navigation publick and private in every Part of the World, is at this moment in great distress for Masts. If the Exportation from America is not wholly Stopped, they will obtain Some Supply from thence. It is much to be feared that other Countries as well as Holland have their Beilands, who, think, if they are not so frank as he was to declare, “Que Si pour gagner dans le Commerce, il falloit passer par l’Enfer, il hazarderoit de bruler Ses Voiles.”
Inclosed is a List, of the Bills accepted by me, which, with those your Excellency has received before, is compleat up to this day.— But I am Surprized at your Excellencys observation that it is a Demand you had no previous Knowledge of.
If your Excellency, will be so good as to look into the Letter which I had the Honour to write you, on the Eighth of May last, you will find these Words, “Yesterday were presented to me, fifty Bills of Exchange, for Eleven hundred Guilders each drawn by Congress upon me, on the 27 day of January 1781, at Six Months Sight, and on the Same day, other Bills from Number 37 to Number 76 inclusively drawn on me on the Same 27 day of January 1781, for Five hundred and fifty Guilders each, payable at Six months Sight were presented to me. I asked Time to write to your Excellency, to know, if those Bills and the others drawn at the Same time, can be discharged by you. If they cannot, it will be wrong to accept them, for I have no Prospect, at all of getting the Money here &c.”
And in my Letter to your Excellency of May 23. 1781, are these Words “I have received from Congress, their Resolution of 3 January 1781 to draw Bills upon me in favour of Lee and Jones, at Six months Sight for the full Amount of the Ballance due on the Contract made with them, for a quantity of cloathing for the Army. I have also a Letter from Mr Gibson of the Treasury Office of Jan. 28, which informs me, that the Amount of Jones and Lees Account, is Sixteen Thousand, two hundred and forty four Pounds, one Shilling Sterling.” Both these Letters your Excellency received.
In your Excellencys Letter to me of May 19. 1781, you Say “I was much Surprised to find by your Letter, that the Congress continue drawing So largely on you, without knowing whether you have any Funds in hand. You mention Numbers from 37 to 76 inclusively. Perhaps all the preceeding Numbers and many Succeding ones may Soon appear also.”— After proceeding to Several other Observations, and informing me of Mr Lovels Letter to you, and referring me to a Copy of a Letter from M. Le Cte de Vergennes to you &c you Add “But to the Point the Bills you mention must be paid, and if you accept them, I will answer your Drafts for that Purpose as they become due.”
All the Bills drawn, on the 27. of last January, excepting 3 or 4 have been presented to me and accepted, which make the greatest Part of the Sum, which your Excellency mentions as falling due in Nov. Decr. Jany. & Feb. next.— The rest is made up of Bills drawn on Mr Laurens, on the 6th of July 1780.— These I had your Excellencys previous Request to accept, & promise to discharge. It is remarkable that the Bills drawn on Mr Laurens on the 6 of July 1780 have arrived here very Slowly, and a large Parcell of them by the Numbers are not yet arrived.

I have never accepted a Single Bill but upon your Excellencys express Advice, and promise to discharge it; and I never Shall accept one, untill your Excellency is informed of it, and expressly consents to pay it, unless I should have Funds elsewhere.— Of this there is no Probability at all. My Loan Stands, where I told you at Paris.—  And there it infallibly will remain, a long time, at least untill it is decided, what Persons are to govern and what System is to prevail in this Country, which will not be for Months perhaps not for Years, and possibly Somewhat tragical may precede, which however God forbid. It would be ridiculous in me to accept a Bill, before I knew your Intentions concerning it, when I certainly know, that I cannot obtain the Money any where but from you to pay it,— nor even for my own subSistance—
I beg your Excellencys Answer by the Post, whether I am to go on accepting the Remainder of the Bills drawn on Mr Laurens the 6 of July 1780, as they Shall be presented to me, or whether I am to Stop my Hand. I cannot venture to accept another without explicit Information from your Excellency that there is no Misunderstanding, of the Business.
I have the Honour to be, very respectfully, Sir &c
His Excy. B. Franklin Esq.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1781
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir
Nantes Octor 10. 1781.
This will be presented to you by Mr Foster March Penny the son of one of my Friends in Boston. His Fathers Estate lies in the Island of Jamaica and He desires me to send this young Gentleman to London whence he is to embark for that Island. I take the Liberty of reccommending Mr Penny to your friendly notice while in Paris, and I request you to assist him with a Pass when he leaves it, he has been 2 years in this Country in order to learn the Language & some part of the Time he has been under my Direction here, during which he has conducted himself in a discreet prudent manner & thereby gained my Esteem.
I am as ever most dutifully & affectionately Yours.
Jona Williams J

Addressed: His Excellency Doctor Franklin / Passy
Notation: Jonathan Williams Oct 10. 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 12 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

ce 12 Octre. à Passy [1781]
Je reçois hier au soir la precieuse Lettre de ma chere fille, datée à Lyon le 6e. & je renvoyois tout de suite celle qui a été incluse pour Made le Veillard. Vous vous plaignez de nous que vous n’aviez pas de nos Nouvelles. C’est que nos Lettres sont envoyées à Nice, pour vous rencontrer là, ou j’espere que vous serez bientôt, afin d’y vous reposer aprés les Fatigues de vôtre Voyage. Plût à Dieu que cette Voyage vous seroit salutaire, & que vous serez rendue a nous en parfaite Santé.
Autrefois dans ma Jeunesse j’ai aimé fortement à la Distance de mille Lieues. Mais il y a quelques Années que je croyois que cette Distance est tant diminuée que je ne pouvois pas aimer plus loin qu’une Lieue. Je trouve que j’ai été trompé; car quoique vous étés tous les jours plus & plus eloignée de moi, je n’observe pas que mon Amitié devient moins. C’est que vous étés toujours presente à mon Imagination. Cela n’empeche pas mes vives Regrets de ne voir plus la Substance.
Le jeune & jaune homme commence a blanchir, se porte mieux, & presente ses Respects. Il s’ennye ici faute de voir quelquefois vos aimables Enfantes. Il va Dimanche prochaine à Chaumont, pour passer quelques jours avec son Ami M. le Ray, & tacher d’etablir sa Santé par la Chasse.
Je suis fidelle tous les Mercredis à Made le Veillard selon vos Ordres. Elle est bien bonne, comme sont toute sa Famille. Nous parlons toujours de vous & de les votres. Mais Made Helvetius m’a reclamé pour les Sammedis, disant qu’elle me rendra à vous a votre Retour. Elle a aussi la bonté de me parler souvent de vous; & chez elle l’Abbé Morellet me fait de Musique avec son Violoncello; il fait aussi des jolies chansons, & il les chante doucement jouant la Basse, ce qui m’amuse beaucoup; mais ce n’est pas la Musique de ma douce Amie, ni celui de la Violon incomparable qui nous a si souvent charmé ches elle.
Vous voyez que je ne fais pas de Progrés en votre Langue. Vous en devez vous blamez en partie, parceque vous avez si souvent refusé de corriger mes Fautes. Il me semble même que je recule. C’est pourquoi j’ai une si grande Repugnance d’ecrire en François que je l’aurois renoncé absolument si vous pouissiez entendre la Langue Americaine.
Embrassez pour moi M. Brillon, le bon Pere Pagin, & mes Enfants.
Dieu garde ma chere chere fille.
No 2.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 12 October 1781
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!—
L’Orient Octor 12th: 1781
Having occasion to be absent a few days on business, I gave orders to reply to the Letter you honor’d me with of the 14th Ulto: & concluded untill this day, it had been duly answer’d.— My surprize & vexation was extreme to find it had not. One of the Packets for America, I have forwarded by the Ship Anne, Captain Josiah, who sail’d the 3d Inst., the other shall be forwarded by the Brign. Hope Capt Frazier who we expect will Sail the first fair Wind—
Inclosed we transmit your Excellency a Note, by which you will perceive that there is due us the Sum of 594 Livres, for which we have taken the liberty to draw on you of this date at Usance, to our order & doubt not you will pay due honor to the Bill when it appears. The Tea I mean to forward by the Brigantines Hope & Polly, now ready to Sail; it is in three Cases, two of which shall be sent by the former & one by the latter; it is of the very best quality & put up in such a Manner that there is no danger of its spoiling.—
Captn: Bell of the Luzerne had the honor to write you some time past; I must request your Excellencys attention to his request—
There is lately put in here a Stout Privateer of 18 Guns Commanded by Captn Hacker;— he means to Cruize on this Coast; at least in the European Seas, for some time— He has adress’d himself to me, whilst here, & I do every thing in my power to engage him Not to release his Prisoners as has lately been the Custom.— He has promis’d faithfully not to release one, but I think a few lines from your Excellency to him, would have a good Effect; as it will serve him to shew his Officers & Men, in Case they should insist, which they too often do, on his releasing the prisoners, rather than break up the Cruize— I have the honor to remain with Sentiments of the utmost respect.— Sir Your most Obt: Servt:
Jonatn: Nesbitt

P.S. the Privateers Name is the Bucaneer Commanded by Capt Hacker—

Notation: Nesbit, Oct. 12. 1781.


Title: Certification of a Deed, [12 October 1781]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[October 12, 1781]
I the underwritten do hereby certify, that the within Writing appears to me to be a genuine Deed, being in all the Forms customary in Philadelphia, where it purports to have been executed.
At Passy, this 12th Day of October 1781.
Form of the Certificate which I wrote at the Request of M. Dautun on Shaffer’s Deed


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [c. 14 October 1781]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[c. October 14, 1781]
Mon illustre Docteur avez vous beaucoup de monde à dîner aujourdhui dites moi le Sans façon parceque si vous n’en aviez pas beaucoup Je vous demanderois à dîner pour ces Dames qui glorieuses de vous connoître et s’en allant ce Soir à Paris souhaiteroient de passer encore quelques momens avec vous.
J’imagine et J’espere que la Jeunesse de Monsieur votre petit fils triomphera bientôt de cette Jaunisse maladie qu’il n’est pas dans le cas d’avoir n’ayant nul sujet d’avoir du souci tout aucontraire.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Edmund Burke, 15 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Burke, Edmund

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 15. 1781
I received but a few days ago your very friendly Letter of August last, on the Subject of General Burgoyne.
Since the foolish Part of Mankind will make Wars from time to time with each other, not having Sense enough otherwise to settle their Differences, it certainly becomes the wiser Part, who cannot prevent those Wars, to alleviate as much as possible the Calamities attending them. Mr Burke always stood high in my Esteem; his affectionate Concern for his Friend renders him still more amiable, and makes the honour he does me of admitting me of the Number, still more precious.
I do not think the Congress have any Wish to persecute General Burgoyne. I never heard, till I receiv’d your Letter, that they had recall’d him. If they have made such a Resolution, it must be, I suppose, a conditional one, to take place in case their Offer of exchanging him for Mr Laurens should not be accepted; a Resolution intended to inforce that Offer.
I have just received an authentic Copy of the Resolve containing that Offer, and authorising me to make it. As I have no Communication with your Ministers, I send it enclos’d to you. If you can find any means of negociating this Business, I am sure the restoring another worthy Man to his Family and Friends will be an Addition to your Pleasure.
With great and invariable Respect and Affection, I am, Sir, Your most humble and most obedient Servant
B Franklin
Edmd Burke Esquire.

Notations: Dr. Franklin / General Burgoyne & Mr Laurens


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 15 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy Octr. 15th. 1781.
I have just received a Letter from Corunna of which I take the Liberty of enclosing a Translation. Your Excellency will see by it, that you formed a right Judgment of Gillon’s Intention in leaving behind him the Vessels that he had agreed to take under his Convoy, viz. That instead of going directly to America, he would Cruise for his own Profit. Having no Opinion of his Honesty, I am afraid he will also sell at Corunna the Goods which belong to the Congress, to defray the Expences he must make there for the Subsistence of his 600 Men. I therefore think it necessary to send a Courier to Mr. Jay, acquainting him with the Circumstances, and requesting he would take the proper Steps to aid Mr. Jackson in securing our Property; and as he may have need of the Authority of the Spanish Court, I shall be obliged to your Excellency for a Line recommending the Affair to your Minister there. I also request a Passport (en blanc) for the Courier, who will take with him any Dispatches you may have Occasion to send by him.
With the greatest and most sincere Respect, I am, Your Excellencys most Obedt and most humble Servt.
B Franklin
His Exy. the Count de Vergennes.

Endorsed: M. de R.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 15 October 1781
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr & hond Sir,
Orleans 15. Oct 81. 10 at Night.
I am got thus far on my Journey, much fatigued by the Vehicle in which we travelled; We set off from Paris at 12 the Night I left you, & have been, ’till an hour ago, on the Road to this Place. No stopping for Sleep, & no means of taking any in so Rough a Machine. It is the first, & I hope will be the last time, I shall ever climb into such a Thing.
I made, at the Croix de Bernes, what Enquiries I could, relative to Major Franks’s Fellow Traveller. The Postillon who drove him, was not there;— but another, inform’d me that the Gentleman was set down at an Hotel, in the Rue du Mail; he did not recollect what the Name of the Hotel was. But I imagine it will not be difficult to find him out, if diligent Enquiries are made.— I left with the Postillon, who gave me the above Information, Major Franks’s Name, & abode; & the Lad promised me he would endeavour to procure & carry him his Pistols in the Morg. [morning]— I assured him he would be recompens’d for his Trouble.
I shall continue my Journey in the Morg. by some means or other. The Boatmen are very extravagant in their Demands, The Publick boat not setting off ’till Wednesday.
Please to make my Excuses to Mr. & Miss Chaumont for my not taking leave of them. I knock’d several times at the Door, before I set off, but could not get Admittance. The Packets for Mrs. C. & Mrs. Foucault are with me & in good order.
With sincere Affection, I am Hond Sir, Your dutiful Grandson
W T Franklin.

Make my Compts to the Major. i. y. p.Dr Franklin.

Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipoe. des E. U. de l’Amerique / en son hotel / près Paris, à Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Jackson, 16 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, William

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 16. 1781
I received yours of Sept. 26. from Corunna. The Conduct of Gillon tho’ it provokes does not surprise me. I have not yet the second Letter you promise me, but in the mean time have wrote to Mr Jay & have obtain’d a Letter from M. le Comte de Vergennes to the French Ambassador at Madrid, requesting them to assist you in what they can, for securing the Property of the States. I wish it may not be too late, which I am afraid will be the case of your Caution relating to the Bills. I pity exceedingly your vexatious Situation, being with great Regard, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
Capt. Jackson.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 16 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,
Passy Octr 16. 1781
I received yours by Major Franks, which I shall answer fully per Saturday’s Post. The Letters you sent me of Capt. Gillon & Mr. Searle, give me, as you expected, abundance of Chagrin. I am afraid that Gillon will loiter at Corunna as he did at Amsterdam, and sell the Goods of the United States as he did those of the State of South Carolina to defray his Expences, and run away in the same manner leaving many of his Creditors unpaid. I beg you would assist Capt Jackson (whose Letter to me is inclosed) in the Measures you & he may think proper to take for securing our Property. M. de Vergennes has kindly given me a Letter to Comte de Montmorin to the same purpose which I inclose. I can now only add that I am with the sincerest Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. J. Jay Esqr.

Endorsed: Dr Franklin 16 Octr 1781 Recd 26 Do / Recd 26 Octr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gabriel Johonnot, 18 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Johonnot, Gabriel

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 18. 1781.
Enclosed is a Letter I have just receiv’d for you under my Cover from Sweden. There is another for your Son which I shall forward. I suppose you have heard of his safe arrival at Geneva, & of his Welfare, of which he has acquainted me.
I would advise you not to depend in the least on obtaining a Passage in a Ship of War. The Permitting them to take Passengers is found inconvenient, sometimes to the Government as it discovers the Destination of Ships which it may be proper to conceal; at other times to the Passenger, who after waiting long for the sailing of the Ship finds her Destination changed. I have been counselled therefore never to make or encourage such Applications. I have the honour to be, with great Esteem, Sir, &
Col. Johonnot.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 18 October 1781
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir,
Chaumont, sur Loire, 18, Oct. 1781.
Notwithstanding I left Orleans on Tuesday Morg, I did not get here ’till this Day at 11 .00— The shortness of the Days, & the Loire being at this Time extreamly low, occasioned our being so long on the Water: there are so many Sand Banks in the River that it was impossible for us to proced but from Sunrise to sunset: & notwithstanding; our Boat often got on the Banks, & was sometimes detained an hour or more before it could be got off.— We slept on Shore at Night, & took Provisions on board in the Morg to last the Day. A very necessary Precaution, as the Water gave us a good Appetite.— I often, in order to hasten our Progress, assisted in rowing, but as the boat was rather too much loaded we advanced but slowley, & I soon found I could go as fast on foot; & Yesterday I walked on the side of the River near seven Leagues. So that if it had not been for the Honor of coming in the Dilligence & Boat, I might as well have come entirely on foot; & I am confident I should have arrived here sooner.—
I have been recd in the politest manner. Made de Chaut. & her Children are in good Health & long much to see you. They purpose, as Me [Madame] Chaumont told me, continuing here ’till the Affairs of Mr Chaumont are arranged; She hopes, nay depends, on your making her a Visit at Christmas.
I have forwarded Cooch to Nantes, & recommended him to the Care of an Officer who was going thither.—
Present my Compts. to Mr Chaumont. He is much beloved in this Part of the World. I have heard nothing but his Eulogy, from Orleans to the Chateau. “Le bon homme! Le brave Homme! Le bon Seigneur!”
All the Family send their Love to you, & the beautiful Me Foucault, accompanys hers with an English Kiss.—

I am Dear Sir, Your ever affectionate & dutiful Grandson
W. T. Franklin
Dr Franklin

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipo: des Etats / Unis de l’Amerique / à Passy. / près Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Johnson, 18 October 1781
From: Johnson, Martha
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hounoured sir
London Octbr the 18th 1781
I take this opertunity to write to Return you my most Humble thanks for your kind favor which was of grate sarvis to me in my Dredfull Distress which is out of my power to Describ. I had Ben in a Bad state of Health all the winter with a slow Nervous fevor and had Ben in the Country for 2 or 3 weeks which was of grate sarvis to me. I had Ben at home But a few Days, and thought my self Happey in the Recovery of my Health and what added still more to my happeyness was haveing a prospect of a good deal of work which if it pleas god to give me my Health I should Do very well. I went to Bed that night more Composed and Easear in my mind then I had Ben I may say for some years. I had not Ben asleep more then an Houer when I was awakd By the Cry of fier. I got out of Bed and opened the Door when I saw it Braking through the window of the next House and Communicated immeadatly to a window on our staircase Close to my Room Door it Raged so furiously that in a few more minuts our staircase was on fier. I had only time to put on one petticoat and Caught a Bed gown in my Hand and Run Down stairs into the street and meet the fier all the way and saved no one thing, I had only too Days before Recived my fore months pay from the waroffice and had too gineuis more with it in a Drawer which I ment to pay my Rent with on the monday following as this happened on saterday morning But had not time to Open it so it was all Lost with Every thing I had in the world out of Eighteen gowns forteen of which was my own. I had linning and Every thing Else in propotion. I had not one thing left But a Bed gown and one petticoat not so much as a shoue nor stocking cap Hankirchif or apron. Judg my Dear uncal the Dridfull situvation I was in naked in the street and not one frind or Relation to fly too for sucker nor knew not where to fly nor what to Do with my self. But god who is our Best frind in all our afflictions Raised me up one to take me in a widow of a Cole marchant that lived in fountain Court of whome I had Bought al the Coles I used for the whole time I have lived in london. I stayed there for six weeks and severl of my nabours gave me somthing to help me among whome was mrs willm Smith and her too sisters mr Edwards wine marchent Lady Lorein and mrs Barrow which has Enabled me to take a Lodging and I have Bought a little furnituer, But as yet Cannot Buy much Close Exsept Bearly what I Could not Do without But pleas god to give me health I shall Be quite Content, if I Can have as much as will supply Barely the necessarys of life haveing But just got out of so long an illness the fright sized my nevirs [nerves] in so vilent a manner that I was above too months not able to hold a thing in my hand nor to walk without tottering and at sometimes Could scarsley speak a plain word But I was prevaild on to go into the Cold Bath which was of grate ues to me that and about a fortnight of the Country air has set me quite up again and I am now in good health Blessed Be god for it.
My Children are Borth in the west Indes Samey a Lietn in the navey and my Daughter at Barbados. She suffered gratly By the late Hurricane her house was intierly Distroyed and Everything in it her mother Clarke was kild as she was Comeing out of her house and maney more shared the same fate But she Cannot Come to England as she has a lawsute in hand and till that is finished she Cannot have her fortune in her own hands.
I must now Beg your Pardon for not writeing Before But was put to my shifts how to send it But I hope this will Come safe to hand. I will now Conclude with my Duty to you and prayer to god for your Health and Happeyness and our Honrd sir your most affectionate neice
Martha Johnson

P.S. I should take it as a favor if you would let me have a line from you and let me know if my ant Makeham is liveing and when you write to her give my Duty to her. I hear my nephew Jonathan williams is marrid. I hope he has got an agreeable wife as I think he will make a very good Husband. Pray be so good as to give my kind love to him and likewise to temple who I hear is grown a fine young man. I long much to hear from al my frinds in America But that is almost imposeble. I Shall tier you with my scroal. Adue once more M J
please Direct for me No 4 Burleigh street strand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine W. Livingston, 19 October 1781
From: Livingston, Catharine W.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Phila. Octr 19 81
Not long since I had the pleasure of forwarding a letter from my Father to your Excellency, but as the casualties attending the receipt of letters in War time are many, it may not reach you Sir before this, if at all— And being furnished with a very favorable opportunity by the gentleman who will honor me with the care of this, I hope you will excuse the liberty of my troubling you Sir, with a few lines; to which I am encouraged by the attention the American Minister has shewn to his unfortunate Countrymen, & my great anxiety for a Captive Brother; now a Prisoner in some part of England; late a Midshipman on board the Saratoga—Third & youngest Son of William Livingston’s—a Lad of about 19 years of age, inspired by the example of his fellow countrymen, engaged in the sea service, with a view to assist in humbling Americas proud Foes, & restoring peace & liberty to their Republic—
The purport of my father’s letter, was Sir, to request your interest in releiving & effecting as far as in your power his Sons exchange. It is near a twelve month since my Brother left America, & no particulars has reached his family respecting his fate, but the capture of the Ship in which he sailed; for many months we suffered much on his account, those less interested than his relatives, gave up all Idea of ever hearing of the saratoga— our hope was a remote one, & would admit only of the cruel alternative of capture— my brothers situation is particularly unfortunate to him, as he has not for a few years past enjoy’d his health except at Sea, tho naturally sound & strong constitution’d—but impaired in being often exposed in the frequent incursions of the Enemy in New Jersey the State of his residence—nor can he flatter himself that he will find friends in a country to which his father is so notoriously an Enemy to—
Any releif that he experiences in consequence of your Excellency’s exertions in his favor, will be gratefully acknowledged by his Family & Friends, & particularly so by his affectionate Sister, & your very obliged Friend & Admirer
Catharine W Livingston

P.S. My Brothers name is John Lawrence Livingston

Addressed: His Excellency Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister plenipotentary from the united / States of America to his most Christian / Majesty / Passy near Paris / presented by Mr Ridley


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Palteau de Veimerange, 20 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Palteau de Veimerange, Gabriel-Claude

Sir
Passy, Oct. 20. 1781
I received the Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me the 16th Instant, inclosing the Invoice of some Clothing shipt by M. Leray de Chaumont on board the Themis Capt. Griffet, & which he offers for Sale, if it should be agreable to purchase them as a Part of the Supplies you are now providing for the United States, on which you desire my Opinion. As I am unacquainted with such Merchandize, and could not if I were to see the Goods form any Judgment whether the Qualitys & Prices were suitable or not, and as they have been more than three Months on Shipboard, and may be damaged, I can only say that I confide intirely in the Inspectors by you appointed: and if the Goods can be seen and examined, and are found to be such as in your Opinion are proper to make a Part of the Cargo you are furnishing, and the Prices are judg’d reasonable, I can have no Objection to the purchasing of them from M. de Chaumont, provided they can be delivered to you to be sent in such Vessel as you shall judge proper directly to North America; because their going first to Port au Prince appears to me a great Inconvenience as it lengthens the time and increases the Risque.
I have the honour to be with great Regard Sir,
M. de Veimerange


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 20 October 1781
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 20 8bre 1781
I had the Honor the 4 Instant to write you and to request you would favor me with a Commission for the Brig Sally Capt James Tucker which I flatterd myself to have receiv’d in Course of Post and as the Armament is greatly advanct and will soon be ready to proceed on her intended Voyage I take the liberty to renew my Application praying you will please to order the same to be made out and dispatcht to me without delay conforming in all to the regulations precribed in these Cases you will much Oblige Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield

The Brig Called the Sally Jas Tucker of Maryland Master burthen 150 tons Mounting 16 Guns 35 Men properly
J Bondfield

Addressed: A son Excellence / Benjamin Francklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire / des Etats unis / à Passy
Notation: Bondfield. 20. 8be. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 20 October 1781
From: Houdetot, Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde, comtesse d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Sanois Le 20. 8bre. 1781.
Celuy qui s’Est Recomandé De Ma part aupres De Vous Mon Cher Docteur Sous le nom De st. Jean Est Le même que Celuy dont j’ay Eû L’honneur de Vous parler sous Le nom de Crevecoeur que porte son pere Dont je suis L’amie Depuis plus De Vingt Cinq ans. Comme Le fils n’habitait pas ce paÿs cy je n’ay de luy aucunne Connaissance personnelle mais j’En ay toujours oui dire du Bien a son pere Et c’est a Cause de luy mon Cher docteur que je Reclâme Vos Bontés pour son fils je scay qu’il Est tres attaché aux Etáts Unis Et qu’il a Eprouvé plus que personne les Calamités attachées a la guerre presente je Vous demande donc mon Cher Docteur De faire pour luy Ce que Vos Circonstances pourront Vous permettre. J’ay Eté incomodée depuis quelques jours Et n’ay pû Repondre plutot a Votre Lettre j’Espere Mon Cher Docteur que L’hivert me mettra a portée De Vous Revoir. Conservéz moy En attandant quelque part dans Votre Souvenir Et Soyez Bien persuadé de tous Les Sentimens D’attachement, D’Estime Et de Veneration avec Lesquels j’ay L’honneur D’Estre Mon Cher docteur Votre tres humble Et tres obeissante Servante
La Ctesse DHOUDETOT

Notation: Houdetot Me. La Comtesse. Sanois. 20. Nov. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 20 October 1781
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 20th Octr 1781.
Congress having lately thought it adviseable to alter the arrangement of their great executive departments, & to desolve the boards & committees under whose direction they formerly were, I am to inform you that they have done me the honor to appoint me their Secretary for foreign affairs. In which capacity they have made it my duty, as it will always be my inclination, to maintain an intimate, & regular correspondence with you. I have this day taken the oath of office, and as the recital of fortunate events is the utmost pleasing task annexed to it. I shall give you a short sketch of the state of our military operations.
 When Genl: Washington was fully apprized that Compt Da Grasse was to vissit this Continent, he made every provission for the attack of New York, where the enimy had about 6000 troops, & seven Ships of the line, which was thought inadequate to its defence. He collected the troops, as well those of our allies, as our own, & made a movement towards New York. The delay of our recruits in coming in, a small reenforcement to the enimy from Europe, & some other circumstances, gave us reason to be apprehensive for the event of this attempt, ’tho the magnitude of the object still urged the Genl. to undertake it. It was the enimies place of arms, the repository of their magazines, & the only harbour for large ships left them on this side of Halifax. Every preparation was accordingly made, When some circumstances deemed unfortunate at the time, but which, like many other of our supposed evils, have in the end been productive of good, occasioned an alteration in the destination of Compt Da Grasse. He sailed for Chesapeek. The Genl. still appearing to prosecute his first design moved his Army & made such preparations as induced the enimy to believe that he meant to possess himself of Staten Island as preparitory to his design upon New York. In the mean time, the army filed off, thro’ Hakensack, & New Ark, to keep up the deception, and arrivd by expeditious marches to the head of Elk. Compt Da Grasse arrived in the critical moment, And Cornwallis at the head of about 5000 men found himself compleatly invested at York town by an army of abt. fourteen thousand regular troops. The British fleet which arrived at New York about the time that Compt Da Grasse reached Chesapeek made an ineffectual attempt to relieve their army. They were defeated, & compelled to return to New York after losing the Terrible a 74. & two frigates By which means a junction of the fleet from Rhode Island was formd with that under the Compt Da Grasse. It arrived the day after the action, & narrowly escaped falling in wth: the English fleet. Our batteries were opened the 7th. The enimy have evacuated their principal outworks & been repulsed in one or two sallies, our second parellel was begun on the 11th: within 300 yards of their lines and the least sanguine among the Officers fix the end of the month, as the era of Cornwallis’s captivity. His whole force at York & on the opposite side of the river, including seamen, & Irregulars, amounts to about 7000 men. The enimy sailed from Sandyhook yesterday with twenty three ships of the line, & three 50s:, with several frigates, & a number of fire ships: they have 5000 of their best troops, if we are rightly informed, on board their ships of war. They are resolved to make some attempt for the relief of Cornwallis, whose capture must draw after it, the loss of all the posts they hold in the Southern States & the total ruin of their affairs in America. Georgia has reestablished her Government, where the enimy have no other footing than in Savannah. South Cariolina is about doing the Same. Genl Green has very prudently wasted the strength of the enimy, & raised the confidence of the militia, by fighting them in detail, his late victory (which I enclose you an account of in his own words) affords the most promising prospect of our spedily recovering the possession of that country.
Congress are however looking forward to another campaign. They have voted twenty five thousand men for the ensuing year. These, when raised & appointed, together with the success which has hitherto, & which we may promise ourselves will still continue to attend the Allied arms, will enable you to open your dioplomatick campaign with great advantage, and permit you, Sir, to rejoice in the close of that great work, to which you have so sedulously & ably contributed.
I need not tell you, Sir, how anxious I shall be to hear from you on every occasion, nothing short of the most constant, & regular, information, will satisfy the expectations of Congress. We have much to learn, & but few oportunities of acquiring information. Your situation enables you not only to let us know what passes with you, but to extend your inquiries to courts where we have no ministers, And of whose politicks we would not chuse to be ignorant, tho they may but remotely concern us at present. For my own part, I freely confess, that I rely much upon your knowledge & experience to supply my want of both. I propose to write so frequently to you, as to keep you fully informed, not only of what is done, but of what is not done, since the last may some times be as important to you as the first.
As far Sir as you may find a similar task consistent with your health, your leisure, & your various avocations, you will render us essential services in imposing it upon yourself.
Congress having resolved, that all communications with their ministers abroad, shall pass thro’ this office you will do me the honor Sir, to direct in future your publick letters to me. I have the honor to be Dear sir With the greatest respect & esteem Your Most Obdt: Hum Servt
R Rob Livingston


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas McKean, 20 October 1781
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Philadelphia October 20th. 1781.—
Inclosed you will receive a letter from Congress to his most Christian Majesty.
As it contains a general answer to his dispatches by Lt. Colo. Laurens, and informs him, that we have charged our Minister plenipotentiary at Versailles to render more particular acknowledgements for his zeal for the reestablishment of peace upon principles coinciding with the liberty and sovereignty of the United States, and for the important succours lately administered to our necessities, we must call your attention to this subject.
We cannot transmit, at present, any intelligence concerning our arrangements. Imediately on their completion you shall be furnished with a copy of them.—
I have the honor to be, with the utmost regard, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
Tho M: Kean President
His Excellency Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 20 October 1781
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
faubourg st marcel No 1105, le 20 Ocr 81 Paris
I have the honour to in form your Exelency that I am At libirty And have Arranged with DAutun to A great advantage there is A ballance due me by him of 30,000 Livers wich I Hope he will pay me in A few days then will have it in my power to remet to your Exelency the 12 Louis you was Kind Enough to lend me When in destress for wich I Ever shall Greatfully Acnoladge my self to be Your Exelencys most Obedent & Very humble Servant
J Shaffer
His Exelency Docter Franklin

Addressed: A. S. E. / Le Docteur Franklin / Ambassadeur des etat uni / De L’ Amerique, A la Cour de France / A Passÿ


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 20 October 1781
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,
Totteridge, Hertfordshire, Octr. 20, 1781.
I now fulfil a part of the promise I lately made you, of a communication upon the subject of natural history & philosophy.
Arthur’s seat you know to be a considerable hill in the neighborhood of Edinburgh. While I was in that city, my excellent friend Professor Dugald Stewart informed me, that Dr. Hutton (one of the philosophical society of that place) had written a paper concerning certain appearances on parts of the turf upon this hill; and we agreed to request Dr. Hutton to acompany us in order to point them out. Dr. Hutton, with all that enthusiasm for inquiry which is so natural & so peculiar to him, most kindly and obligingly consented. We accordingly ascended the hill; the season I think being very early in May, and that in the present year.
The first circumstance which Dr: Hutton made us observe was a variety of circular marks or stripes in the grass, often known by the name of fairy rings; and such as, I presume, in their simpler state, you have yourself frequently noticed. He then proceeded to analyze some of them more particularly. He told us that sometimes they were only segments of circles, and that these larger segments and the circles, were again always composed of smaller segments; the bandings of the segments, whether compound or simple, being regularly directed inwards.  In the middle of these striped marks there was usually a line of decayed turf, bordered both without & within with deep green. These lines he particularly said were not gradually but suddenly produced, and that too in the spring season; the operation also he found was an annual one, except that in one or two seasons he had remarked it failing; and the appearance of the new line was always on the outside of the old one, (being perhaps a foot or two in breadth in the whole). This decayed turf, he told us, was after a time renewed; though sometimes very slowly, insomuch that the traces belonging to ten or twelve seasons (as he afterwards shewed us) might be discovered remaining at once.— Dr. Hutton now carried us to a different part of the hill, and directed our eyes to an appearance which seemed particularly striking; it was no less than a tract of decayed grass with green bordering, curving itself away within our sight to a very considerable distance; and running over to a swelling of the hill perhaps a quarter of a mile off, where it looked like a thin brown path, having if I mistake not, like such a path (and partly perhaps for the same reasons) its double bordering of green. In one part of this track & near the spot where we stood, Dr. Hutton enabled us accurately to distinguish the instances of the operations of successive seasons just alluded to.— Dr. Hutton having given us this entertainment, next told us how these circumstances first became the subject of his attention. Dr. Adam Ferguson (the celebrated author) in his walks upon this hill, had for some years observed changes taking place in particular appearances in the turf; and the whole seemed so singular, that he engaged his friend Dr. Black (the chemistry professor, with whose fame & person you are so well acquainted) to take a view upon the spot. Dr. Hutton being in turn informed of them, made them matter of observation during a course of twelve or fifteen years; and the result of his curious discovery, as far as my recollection serves me, is sufficiently given in this relation.— There is indeed one remaing particular which he added; namely that in his own paper upon the subject (which unfortunately I have not seen,) he has given reasons for concluding that this phaenomenon can neither be attributed to lightning nor to insects, to one or other of which causes others had been willing to ascribe it.
Dr. Hutton was himself wise enough to give us no conjectures upon the subject; but your unfortunate friend found it impossible for his imagination to be quiet, and as he wanted evidence for a theory, he endeavored at least to think of an hypothesis that should methodize his ideas of the appearance.— I thought then, that if some destructive (though to me unknown) cause, should operate upon a particular spot of turf, that this spot might prove a nucleus or center to all that was to follow; and that when the grass in it had decayed and the earth underneath it became fallow, an increase of nutriment might arise to the grass immediately round that fallow; which grass would in consequence become greener & perhaps more vigorous. The next step in the hypothesis required to be a handy one, and was as follows: These appearances seeming to be most frequent upon bare commons, where there is little manure, I guessed that rich grass might be unfavorable to their production; and thence I supposed, when the soil was prepared to extend itself in the following year, that it was obliged to omit the circle of (vigorous) green grass just spoken of, and to penetrate beyond it to other turf less advantageously circumstanced, and there begin its progress afresh; and if the c [?] every where nearly at equal distances from its first [?], the second portion of fallow of course would become a circular one; attended with fresh green without; and a heightened green within, where the fallow from both sides had aided it. Other circles of fallow and of green might now easily be supposed succeeding, and if necessary ad infinitum.
Sometimes I could not trace out any fallow line completely; and sometimes I even thought that the whole of the grass affected became even uniformly greener. The green in some cases was very bright; in other cases it was dark and deep. When I took notice of this exception, it was late in autumn and upon Salisbury plains; but as I had been allowed the period only of five months to observe in, (which does not amount to a single season,) I cannot conclude any thing upon the subject. If the appearances of this description belong to the same class with the rest, I should be a little inclined to suspect that the cause which before operated as a destroying one, produced this effect only from its excessive tendency to create fertility; and as the best manure when immoderately used burns up the grass beneath it (though it increases the green around it,) so both here and with the manure, a more moderate application of the power might have produced only a just fertility. But if this conclusion should prove against facts, I then should guess that this uniform greenness might be occasioned by the operation of a former year being followed by a very speedy return to vegetation, and consequently to greenness.— As to the general tendency which all these figures have to partake of a circular form, I have already spoken of such effects as may originate out of a central spot; and how naturally circular forms seem to admit of being propagated from such spots. Appearances in the form of the arithmetical figures 3 & 8, and so on, not unfrequently occur, especially the first of them; but these seem to come under the general principle, and to arise partly from natural interruptions, and partly from two or more circles interfering, their progress ceasing, (or at least ceasing to be conspicuous,) whenever they are forced to repeat it where a former process has been before them.— In saying these things, I pretend to discover no specific cause; I have only indulged myself in a temporary supposition, that serves (as I said before) to methodize one’s ideas of these appearances, and to make it more convenient for true theory to be afterwards applied to them.
I shall now put down a few more facts, which have occurred particularly to myself.— These appearances then I observe, are not confined only to Arthur’s Seat. I have travelled about a good deal during the late summer, and as I passed along in haste, I got slight views of a number of them. They are sufficiently frequent upon certain downs: Thus upon leaving Romney marshes in sussex and travelling Westward, I saw a few, at Brighthelmstone upon the Steene, I saw them rather abounding, some of them being strongly marked, and exhibiting small but very complete circles; I saw them again without the Devil’s Dyke, and I saw more of them near the termination of the downs in travelling westward towards Chichester. I met with them again upon various parts of Salisbury plains, particularly near Stone-henge, where one of them incircled a fixed stone, close to that noted heap of stones; and I must farther observe that some of those upon Salisbury plain were of a very vivid green; and some too were tolerably large, both there, and upon the Western Sussex downs. I also found them upon the York road, about 119 or 120 miles from London; and again on a lawn near Dancomb Hall in Yorkshire; also on the lawn near the house at Mount Edgecumb opposite to Plymouth; and lastly here within my view in my father in law’s grounds at Totteridge[.]— In this latter place & in a spot to the West of Romney marsh, I was struck with the sight of a species of fungi, coming up in the midst of the stripes.— Respecting the general size of these stripes, they are usually I think from about five to twenty feet in diameter; some of them are considerably larger, but none that I have yet seen are comparable in point of size to the great one upon Arthur’s Seat. For I cannot but conjecture that even this large one began from a nucleus, though perhaps it may have taken a century or two to extend itself. And if this guess be true, the extent in other cases may serve as a symptom by which to judge of the age.— The succession of stripes also I have no where seen so strongly marked as upon the same hill, thought other places afford the traces of some few successions.— Where the decayed grass appeared in the middle of the large track before mentioned (upon Arthurs seat,) I approached nearer, and found it exactly resembling grass parched by the summer droughts, and it was also equally slippery to the feet. And where the grass affected during the former season had rotted away, the dissolution was so complete, that the mould & soil appeared in its room; sunk indeed somewhat, like a shallow trench, the turf on each side serving to form its banks.— There are several imitations of these stripes often seen upon grass; & some of them may with great appearance of probability be supposed to arise from the dung which horned cattle frequently let fall in curved lines, or even from the staling of various sorts of cattle which may happen to light in the same directions. But I conceive that with a little experience and examination, these deceptions may often be detected, particularly as the size of them cannot usually be considerable.— I must not however omit one remark referable to this head, which is that though the stripes are not always confined to Downs, yet I think in almost every instance that I have seen, they have been confined to places on which sheep have been generally or at least occasionally fed; and even in the doubtful cases, it is very possible that this observation about sheep is not wholly to be excluded.
In no place that I know of, have these appearances been so well watched as upon Arthur’s Seat; and perhaps in no place have they been so signal, and at the same time, so near the residence of curious persons. Since my being made acquainted with these particular ones, I have desired a very diligent and careful inquirer in that neighborhood to continue those observations which we owe to the accuracy of Dr. Hutton; and I have taken the liberty of suggesting to him the hints of a few experiments on the subject; As for instance, to try whether the cause can be transplanted by means of a piece of the green or of the withered turf; also whether its progress can be checked by cutting trenches, or placing solid obstacles in its way; and likewise whether the appearances of the roots, or of the soil under it, will help to any discovery &c.
I have nothing to add to so long a letter founded on so short a period of inquiry, except my wishes that you would communicate the subject of it to the curious of your acquaintance in France, that we may learn what France produces of the same kind. And I am induced to adopt this request, partly because I believe Dr. Hutton has not been able to procure the sight of any Memoirs whatever on the subject; and partly because I am myself willing to hear of the subject being pursued, as some new fact or principle may arise from it, that is useful and curious, and which may at least in one instance more tend to strengthen our disinclination to favor the idea of præternatural or unintelligible operations.
I am, my dearest sir, your ever devoted, most affectionate, & obliged,
Benjn: Vaughan
To Dr. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Hobart, [before 21 October 1781]
From: Hobart, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sunday Hôtel de Chartres Rue Riche[lieu] [before October 21, 1781]
Mr Hobarts best Respects wait upon Mr Franklin. Has sent him enclos’d a Letter from governor Pownall, & a Book. Mr Hobart has also a Paper to communicate to him from the same, which he will wait upon Mr Franklin with any Day which may be most convenient except Wednesday & Saturday in the ensuing Week.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / &c &c &c / dans Son Hotel / Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Hobart, 21 October 1781
From: Hobart, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hôtel d’Angleterre Rue Richelieu 21. d’Octobre [1781]
Mr Hobart presents his Compliments to Mr Franklin, & sends him herewith a Pamphlett wrote by a former Friend & Acquaintance of his both in America & England, by the Desire of the Author. Mr Hobart means to return to England very early in November, & If Mr Franklin has any Answer to send, It shall be taken the greatest Care of possible.

Notations: Hobart / Ansd.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 22 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy Octr 22. 1781
I have written to Messrs. Fizeau & Grand impow’ring them to draw on me at 30 Days sight for the Sums you may want from time to time to discharge the Acceptances of which you have given me Notice.
The Queen was this Day happyly delivered of a Prince, which occasions great Joy.
Inclos’d I send you Copies of more Letters relating to the Ship South Carolina. Please to inform me whether the Ships she was to have taken under Convoy are sail’d or still at Amsterdam.
With great Respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient, and most humble Servant
B Franklin

Addressed: To his Excellency / John Adams Esqr / Minister Plenipotentiary from / the United States of America / Amsterdam
Endorsed: Dr. Franklins Letter Oct. 22. ans. 27. 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., 22 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Fizeaux, Grand & Cie.

Gentlemen,
Passy, Oct. 22. 1781
I receiv’d the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 4th Instant, wherein you advis’d me either to send Remittances, or to permit the Drawing on me at a short Term in order to discharge Mr Adams’s Acceptances therein mentioned. The latter Method is most convenient to me, and I hereby acquaint you that I will accept & pay such Drafts as shall from time to time be made on me for that purpose at thirty Days sight. I have the honour to be with great Esteem, Gentlemen,
Messrs Fizeaux & Grand, Bankers, Amsterdam


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gourlade & Moylan, 22 October 1781
From: Gourlade & Moylan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lorient le 22. octre. 1781.
Nous avons lhonneur de vous prévenir que nous nous sommes ce Jour prévalû sur vous de la somme de 3270 l.t.14s 10d pour solde de nos debours à la fregatte L’Alliance et pour balance de tout compte avec vous. Nous avons fait cette traite à L’ordre de M Augne. [Augustin?] Perier de Grenoble & vous prions d’en prendre bonne notte pour lhonorer d’un bon accüeil. Nous sommes avec respect Monsieur Vos trés humbles et trés obeissants serviteurs
Gourlade ET MoylanGourlade & Moylan
Monsieur Francklin.

Nous devons vous observer qu’il a été fourni des magazins du Roy un cable & un ancre et divers autres objéts à la fregatte L’Alliance; La demande de payement ne nous en a pas encore été faite; nous vous prions de nous faire savoir si votre intention est de vous en entendre directement avec le ministre où que nous les acquittions en faisant nos traites sur vous, Lorsque la demande nous en sera faite./.
Gourlade & Moylan
Monsieur francklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [22 October?] 1781
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce lundy au Soir [October 22, 1781?]
J’ai reçu mon Illustre docteur la Gazette que vous avez bien voulu m’envoyer et je vous la rendrai très fidèlement avec l’autre. Je vous avois proposé de venir au Te Deum que nous faisons chanter Mercredy pour la naissance du Dauphin mais outre qu’on le dit à dix heures aulieu de Onze comme je le croyois c’est qu’il Sera précédé d’une Messe et il me Semble que vous n’êtes pas comme nous disons un grand mangeur de Messes.
Vous m’avez fait present mon Illustre Docteur du livre de M. Mesmer. Un homme très considérable me le demande avec tant d’instances que je ne sais comment le lui refuser mais J’ai pensé que comme vous en aviez plusieurs exemplaires vous pourriez bien m’en gratifier d’un Second car je crois qu’un Seul exemplaire Suffit bien pour éclairer toute L’amérique Sur les grandes découvertes du magnétisme animal. Vous Voyez mon Illustre Docteur comme j’en agis librement avec vous mais vous m’y encouragez par toute l’amitié que vous me marquez et puis je m’y crois un peu autorisé par tous les sentimens d’attachement que je vous ai voués pour la vie
Le Roy

Mde Le Roy ira à Passy Jeudy et vous reportera vos Gazettes Mon Illustre Docteur et si ma demande n’est pas indiscrette vous lui donnerez un second Exemplaire de Mesmer.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plénipotentiaire / des Etats unis de LAmèrique / Septentrionale en Son hôtel / à Passy / Lundy au Soir


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philippe-Denis Pierres, 22 October 1781
From: Pierres, Philippe-Denis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris le 22. 8bre. 1781
M. Fournier m’a remis de votre part les deux mains de papier que vous avez bien voulu lui donner pour moi. Je l’avois prié de vous demander si vous n’aviez pas du papier Grand Raisin aussi sans vergeures ni pontuseaux, c’est-à-dire de la dimension de 17 po. sur 22 po. ½ àpeuprès. C’étoit de cette forme que je le desirois pour un petit volume in-4°. que j’imprime actuellement & dont je me ferai un grand plaisir de vous offrir un Exemplaire. Je serois bien charmé, Monsieur de pouvoir m’en procurer de cette grandeur là ainsi que de celle dont vous avez bien voulu m’accorder deux mains, & vous m’obligerez infiniment si vous pouvez m’indiquer quelqu’un qui m’en cede pour de l’argent.
M. Fournier m’a dit que vous aviez regardé assez favorablement l’Impression que j’ai faite de son essai de Caractere: votre suffrage, Monsieur, est bien fait pour me flatter & pour m’encourager à faire encore mieux. Je souhaite que l’objet qui m’occupe actuellement Soit digne de vos regards: & je m’estimerai trop heureux Si je puis y reussir.
Je Suis avec un bien profond respect, Monsieur, Votre tres humble & tres obeissant serviteur,
PierresImprimeur ordinaire du Roi, &c. rue st. Jacques.
M. Francklin.

Notation: Pierres. Paris 22. 8bre. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stewart, 22 October 1781
From: Stewart, Margaret
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bruxelles 22 Octr 1781
As You desired the younge Man I had the honor of Sending to You at Paris; to tell me to write to You on my arival; at Bruxells; I wou’d Not loose the first opportunity; of obeying Your comands; I have had an expencive Law Suit which must be determined in my favor Next term as it is a bond debt; for money lent; when I was [torn: word or words missing] in the Year Sixty Nine. I Bought a Small Life Rent on the Maison de Ville at Paris; & if I receive this Money, I intend to purchase a Larger; & of coming to reside in France; in the mean time, I beg pardon for the Liberty I take; but if You will assist Twenty Pounds it will be of the greatest Service to me; my freind here has been disapointed of money or I wou’d not by any means have troubled You; I expect the Copy of the Work; which I wil imidiatly Send; & if I cou’d get a permision from the Court I wou’d bring the Work to Paris; I hope to be honored with Your enswere by the return of the Post am Sir with due respect Your Most obliged humble Servt
M Stewart
Please to direct for me at the Hotel Royal.

Addressed: A Monsieur. / Monsieur Dr / Franklin / a Passy pres / de Paris / France.
Notation: Stewart, Bruxelles 22. Oct. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 22 October 1781
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 22. 8bre. 1781
J’ai communiqué à M. Joly de fleury, Monsieur, l’office que vous m’avez passé pour obtenir l’exemtion des droits de transit Sur des toileries &ca. achetées dans le Pays Messin, pour le compte des Etats unis. Je joins ici la reponse de ce ministre; vous y verrez que malgré les raisons qui S’opposent à votre demande, il est disposé à restraindre à 5 per % tous les droits à payer Sur les effets en question. Je ne doute pas, Monsieur, que vous ne Soyez pleinement Satisfait de cette décision.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre très Sincerement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
De Vergennes
M. franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 22 October 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  sir
Head Quarters near York in Virginia 22d Octo 1781
As the transmission of the inclosed paper thru the usual channel of the department of foreign affairs, would on the present occasion probably be attended with great delay—and recent intelligence of Mility [military] Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the present period of Affairs— I have thought it wd be agreeable both to Congress and Yr Excelly. that the matter shd be communicated immediately by a french frigate dispatched by Adml. de Grasse— Annexed to the Capitulation is a summary return of the prisoners and Cannon taken in the two places of York and Gloucester—
I have added upon the principles abovementioned an Extract of Genl. Greenes Report of his last Action in south Carolina—
I have the honor to be
 Doctr FranklinM AdamsM Jay.

Notation: New York 22d Octo. 1781 to their Excellency’s Doct Franklin John Adams & John Jay Esqres


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Queen Marie-Antoinette, [after 22 October 1781]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Marie-Antoinette, Reine de France

[after October 22, 1781]
Je suis heureux, Madame, de cette Occasion de presenter à vôtre Majesté, les Respects & les Affections de toute les Etats de l’Amerique septentrionale.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 23 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

My dear Child
Versailles, Oct. 23. 1781
I receiv’d your Letter from Orleans, and another since from Chaumont.
The Major has got his Pistols.
Inclos’d I send you the last Paper from London by which you will see there has been an Action between the French & English Fleets off Chesapeak. It appears even by their own Account that the English have been drubb’d, and oblig’d to leave the French in Possession of the Bay, and at Liberty to carry on their Operations against Cornwallis.— By other Accounts M. Rochambeau was near joining the M. de la Fayette; so that if Cornwallis has not made the best of his Way into Carolina, he will probly be taken with his whole Force.

We are all in high Joy here on the Birth of a Dauphin. I enclose the Supplement to the Gazette.
My best Respects to Made de Chaumont and my Love to the rest of the Family. Thanks to Made Foucault for her Kindness in sending me the Kiss. It was grown cold by the way. I hope for a warm one when we meet.
I am ever, Your affectionate Grandfather
B Franklin
The Family is all well.

Notation: B. Franklin Esqr. Versailles Octr. 23. 1781 to his Grandchild


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 23 October 1781
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Brother
Cambridge 23 oct. 1781
I am now hear on a Visit to my Daughter who lives in this Town, and have Accidentally mett a young Gentleman who is to Sail for France in a few Days. I know it will be agreable to you to hear I am well & my Daughter in much beter Helth than Usiual, but her Husband after makeing won Successfull Voige is again in the hands of the Enemy at Halifax. She Desiers her Duty to you.
Mr John Thayer the Gentleman by whom this goes has had a liberal Education and has served in this comon welth with acceptance but now chuses to go abroad with a view of seeing the world & makeing his fortune, I have no personal Acquaintance with Him but hear He is much Esteemed in Boston, I take the Liberty to Introduce Him to my Dear Brother in hopes this won at Least of seven Leters I have wrot him since the Date of his last to me, that I have recved, will Reach his hand; If I should be so lucky & all the rest have been lost, I shall try to Recolect the contents of some of them (for I keep no coppies) which I wishd you to know, & send by some other opertunity. I am this Day going to Boston in Pursuit of a coletcion of all your works which I hear is lately come from Europe. Some of which I have been in posesion of & have lost, you will say then I dont Deserve to have them again, but may be not if you knew all the circumstances, however there is many things I never had and I can hardly help Envieng any won that Pleasure without my Pertakeing.
I left my Grand children & grat Grand children well where I comonly Reside & Expect to Return in about a fortnight. Governer Greenes wife tould me as I came a long she had Lately wrote you, there famely all well then, from yr affectionat sister
Jane Mecom

Addressed: His / Excellency Benjan Franklin Esqr / at / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 24 October 1781
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Versailles le 24. 8bre. 1781.
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Monsieur, un memoire qui m’a été adressé par les Srs. Lamarque et fabre; vous y verrez que ces deux particuliers ont fait des fournitures à M. Gillon et que ce Commodore est parti sans les payer. J’ignore si vous avèz des fonds appartenants ou à M. Gillon ou à l’Etat de la Caroline méridionale; si vous en avèz je ne doute pas que vous ne vous fassiez un devoir d’acquitter la Créance dont il est question; dans le Cas contraire, je vous prie de recommander avec instance les Intérêts des Srs. Lamarque et Fabre au Congrès.
J’ai l’honneur d’être tres sincerement, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Vergennes

Copie d’une Lettre de Mr. le Comte de Vergennes à M. Franklin.
Endorsed: Mr Franklin does not know that the following Memoir concerns the Congress, but at the Request of M. de Vergennes transmits it.
BF.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 25 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bondfield, John

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 25. 1781.
I have just received your Letter of the 20th. Instant, repeating your Application for a Commission for the Brigantine Sally. The same has been sent to you a Week since, and I hope you have receiv’d it before this time. This is to request that you would send by three of the first Vessels bound from your Port to Philadelphia, a Cask, in each, of your best Claret; in Bottles, if you judge that Method better than to send it in the Wood, and address the same to Mr. Richard Bache, Merchant there, on my Account. With much Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr. Bondfield

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Bondfield / Negociant / à Bordeaux
Endorsed: Passy 25 Oct 1781 Benj Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 25 October 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam Octr. 25th. 1781.
I have the honor to inclose a Copy of a Letter I yesterday recieved from Corunna. I communicate it to your Excellency in Confidence. The Writer is a particular Friend of yours. He has so good an Heart, and is so amiable a Man, that I would not expose him to the Resentment of any of the Gentlemen, and therefore pray your Excellency to keep his Letter secret. Yet his Opinion deserves some Attention. There are some Dutch Gentlemen on board the South Carolina, one of whom has written to his Friends much to the same purpose I am told, and adds; that Gillon did not cruise but was detained by contrary Winds.
Gillon when he first came to Europe brought Letters to me from Mr. Middleton and Mr. Rutledge, recommending him in very strong terms as a Man of Honor and a firm Friend to America, who had been prevailed upon to leave his Home and an independent Fortune for the sake of serving the State. Since I have been in Holland, I found his Reputation here very good, and he had many Friends, among whom were several of very considerable Note and Importance, and I have never observed or heard of any dishonorable Conduct until his departure. I have considered him as having been trained on from Step to Step, and from one mifortune, Perplexity and Disappointment to another, until he had incurred an enormous Expence beyond his means. I never suspected him of any design like that suggested by Jackson and still I cannot but hope, that the Suggestion proceeds from too much Warmth.
It is a most ruinous and affecting Affair, for I see nothing but the Ruin of the Ship, as well as the loss of the Goods left here. What can be done to prevent the one or the other.
I have the honor to be with great Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.
John Adams.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Notation: J Adams Octr 25. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from D’Autun, 25 October 1781
From: Autun, Remy d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris ce 25 8bre. 1781.
  Excellence

J’ai n’ai jamais vu jusqu’a present L’original des lettres ecrites par Monrs. Shaffer a un Nommé Bernard, et les copies que le meme a presentè a V. E. sont entierement fausses; Pour Justifier Monsr. Shaffer, et pour reconcilier Ma consiençe je crois mon devoir informer V. E. de la Vilainie du dt.[dit] Bernard. J’ose esperer donc que V. E. voudrà prèsenter La presente aux ÿeux de tous Messieurs Americains, qu’auront L’honneur d’estre admis a la table de V. E., affin qu’on connoise L’innocence de Mons. Shaffer, et L’Imposture, et trahisson du dt. Bernard. Je prie en grace V. E. vouloir ecrire en Amerique pour eclaircir sa reputation, et faire connoitre qu’il etoit aussi innocent dans cette affaire, qu’un Enfant au Sein de Sa mere. J’ai L’Honneur d’etre avec profond Respect De votre Exellence, Votre tres Humble, et tres Obt. sr.
D’ AUTUN


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 25 October 1781
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

jeudi 25e. 8bre. 1781.
Notre Bonne et respectable amie qui arrive de Versailles me charge, monsieur, de vous rappeller que Vous lui avés promis de diner demain chés elle: devant aller à notre-Dame, au Te Deum, elle vous prie d’être chès elle au plus-tard à Une heure et demie pour se mettre à Table à Deux heures.
Recevés L’hommage de la Tendre et respectueuse amitié que je vous ai Vouée ever for ever.
Le CHR. De Keralio

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / chès Mr. de chaumont. / à Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Mayo, 25 October 1781
From: Mayo, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Paris Octr. 25. 1781
I request the favor of your Excellency to let me know what M. De Chaumont says with respect to paying the bill of exchange. Being desirous of leaving Paris as soon as possible, in Case M. De C. still puts off discharging that debt, I must pray you will have the goodness to speak to M. Amelot concerning the lettre de Surseance, as soon as convenient to you— I would not be so importunate, was it not absolutely necessary that I should know before my departure what I have to expect on the score of the bill— I have the honor to be, With the most perfect respect, Your Excellency’s Most obt. & most humble st.
J Mayohotel de lEmpereur,rüe de Grenelle. St. Honoré
His Excellency B. Franklin.

Addressed: His Excellency B. Franklin, / American Minister in France, / à Passy
Notation: Mayo. 8bre. 25. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 26 October 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam October 26. 1781.
I duely received your Excellencys Letter of August 6th, but have been prevented by Sickness and a variety of accidents from answering it Sooner.
My Accounts have never been mixed, with Mr Dana’s, any farther than this. Mr Dana was here last December, I believe, and was going to Paris. In order to avoid opening an Account here, he desired me to lend him, Some money, for the Expences of his Journey. I accordingly lent him, about an hundred Pounds, which upon his Arrival at Paris he desired Mr Grand to repay me.— Your Excellency therefore, has only to consider this £100 to be paid to me, by Mr Grand as So much paid by you to Mr Dana as part of his Salary, and all is right.
Your Excellency observes, that you do not think We can depend, on receiving any more money, there, applicable to the support of the Congress Ministers.
I have no Salary, or subsistance allowed me, but in the Character of Minister for Peace—. The Measure of appointing a Minister for this Purpose to reside in Europe, was recommended to Congress, by the French Minister Mr Gerard, in the name of his Court; it was never suggested, nor advised by me, and it was without my Solicitation, that the Choice fell upon me.
Mr Gerard, the Chevalier de la Luzerne, and Mr Marbois, all concurred in opinion, that it was adviseable for me to embark immediately, and the two ministers joined in a Letter to Captain Chavagne of the Frigate the Sensible, desiring him to afford me a Passage, and the Chevalier de la Luzerne and Mr Marbois joined in their Letters to me, advising me to embark by that opportunity. I dont think therefore, that I am punishable or blame worthy, either for the Measure or the Choice. According to this History, if the French Court, furnish any Money to Congress, for any Purpose, this Seems as necessary as any, at least untill I can find means to return home, the only Resource that will remain to me if you refuse to pay my subsistance, for it is most indubitable that Congress will not be able to remit me the money, and there is no Probability of my obtaining any here in a public Capacity. If the Court should refuse to enable you to obey the orders of Congress, to pay me my Salary, I hope, at least they will grant me a Passage, in one of the first Frigates or Vessells of War, they Send to America, and not leave me to the necessity of Shipping myself on board a merchant Vessell to be taken by the first Privateer she meets. And accordingly I have the Honour to request the Favour of your Excellency, the Moment you take the Resolution to refuse Payment of my Salary, to apply to his Excellency the Marquis de Castries, and ask the Favour of a Passage for me, on board the first Kings ship that is sent to America. If the Favour of a Passage, on board a ship of War should be refused me too, I must in that Case take my Chance, on board the first Merchant Vessell that Sails.
It would be to me, a gloomy Lot, to be taken Prisoner by the English: They would treat me, with a Contempt and an Insolence, beyond any which they have yet marked to any of their Prisoners. They have ancient, as well as modern Grudges against me, which every body in the World dont know of, as yet, and among the rest, there is none which irritates them more than my having it in my Power, as they very well knew to prove that for a long Course of Years, before this War broke out, I held all their Subtlest Arts of Corruptions as well as their Power, at Defyance and in Contempt.— But I had infinitely rather Suffer the Consequences of their malice and revenge, and lie in the Tower or in New Gate, weak, infirm and Sick as I am, than to remain here betraying the Honour of the United States, by running about to beg, or to borrow, a little money, as a particular personal Favour, from Individuals to pay for my board.
I hope for your Excellencys answer as soon as possible to this Letter that I may arrange my Affairs, accordingly. I have the Honour, to be, with great Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant
John Adams.

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Notation: J Adams Octr. 26. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 26 October 1781
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston October 26 1781
I cannot omit this Opportunity to Congratulate Your Excellency on the great & Glorious News we have this day received of the Surrender of General Cornwallis & his Army to the Allied Army under General Washington & the French Fleet under Count De Grass, I inclose a hand Bill giving an Account of this Important Event & hope soon to have an official Account with all the Particulars; This very Interesting & Important Advantage gained over the Enemy must give an Amazing turn to our affairs in Europe, It must Encourage & Increase the Number of our Freinds & Dishearten our Enemies, It must tend greatly to Establish & Extend the credit of the United States, England must now think Seriously of Negotiating, Which I pray God may Issue in a beneficial Permanent and Honourable Peace, however I am Confident it will not be thought so by the Northern States unless their Share of the Fishery upon the Banks of Newfoundland are Secured to them, I hope therefore that no Exertions will be wanting in those who may be concerned, in behalf of the United States, in the Negotiation, effectually to secure this Important Branch of Business, as Important to the Northern States as Tobacco, Wheat & Rice are to the Southern. I wish you much Health & that you may yet Live to see many happy Days.
I remain with high respect & Consideration Your most oblidged & most humble Serv[ant]
Thomas Cushing
His Excellency Benja Franklin Esqr

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. L.L.D / Minister Plenipotentiary / at the Court / Paris. France
Notation: T. Cushing


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame ——— Virth, 26 October 1781
From: Virth, Madame ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Son exelance
d’hesdin Ce 26 8bre 1781
Permetes a une femme infortune d’avoir recour a Luy pour Luy faire part de Cest malheur mon mary embarqua le premier juin pour La holande sous les ordres du Comodor gillon avec promesse de me faire payer soixante livre par moy dont je prend La Libertee danvoyer La Copie du biliet que Ce general ma fait de sa main voila Cinq mois ecouler sans avoir toucher une obole il et bien facheux davoir epouser un homme a grand talant avec qui jetois Comme une reine et me voir aujourdhuy obligee de vendre ma derniere chemise jespere mon seigneur que vous aurez egart a ma peine jay ecrit a monseigneur Le prince de luxembourg a ce sujet il ma fait lhonneur de me repondre que La Legions ne luy Consernois plus en rien que je ne pouvois avoir recour qua La persone qui mavois fait le billiet jiniore La ou il sont passer il ny a qua son exelance a qui je demande justice soit de me rendre mon mary ou me satisfaire ce quils mest due sy jetois sur Les Lieux jirais me jeter a vos pied grand general pour obtenir La grace que je vous demande je ne Cesera dadresser des voeux aux Ciel pour la Conservations de vous jours precieux et prie son exelance de me Croire La humble de Cest servante
FEMME VIRTHdemeurant dans la rue du bras dor a hesdin en artois

Notation: Virth


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 27 October 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam October 27. 1781.
I had last night the honour of your Letter of the 22d and I most heartily congratulate the French Court and Nation, on the Acquisition of a Dauphin.
The Ships which the South Carolina, was to have taken under her Convoy, are still here. I am told, that the Ships are the best that are to be had: that they are to be sold at a reasonable Rate, So reasonable that the difference between the Purchase and the Freight is inconsiderable. So that the general opinion here, Seems to be that the best course to be taken would be to purchase the ships which on their Arrival in America would Sell for more than their Cost, and Send them on, without Loss of Time. But in order to accomplish this, there must be cash to pay the Purchase; And after all, they may be taken and all lost: but it is said the Season of the year advances fast, when there will be little danger of British Cruisers, upon this Coast. There are American Masters of Vessells here, of good Reputation, who would be very glad to take the command, at least of one of them.
As this whole Transaction arose in France, under the Authority of your Excellency and Coll Laurens, I have never considered myself as having any Power over those Goods or Ships, any more than over the Casks of Gold and Silver, which were Sent here by Mr Neckar, to go by the Same South Carolina, and which that minister had given Mr Jackson an order to receive, but which notwithstanding your Excellency thought still so far under your Jurisdiction, as to give orders, that it should not be delivered to him.
If I were to advise however my Advice would be this to send Jackson here again who was sent here before to conduct the Business. If your Excellency could Spare the Money to purchase the Ships, to do it, and send them to Sea. If not to sell part of the Goods to pay the Freight of the rest, or sell the whole and pay the Money to your Excellencys order. Or if your Excellency sees fit to give Mr De Neufville, or Messrs Fizeaux & Co, or any other Person the Conduct of [a] Business, it will be equally Satisfactory, to sir your Excellencys most humble and obedient Servant.
John Adams
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Notation: J. Adams Octr 27. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper: Two Letters, 27 October 1781
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
My dear Sir,
Boston Octr. 27. 1781.
I have just arrived here after a long Journey in the Country, and am this Moment informed of a Frigate being on the Point of sailing for France. Short as the Notice is, I cannot omit to congratulate you on the happy Success of the combined Arms of France and America, in the Capture of Lord Cornwallis and his whole Army at Yorktown in Virginia. Lord Rawdon was lately made a Prisoner on his Passage to Britain by one of Count de Grasse’s Ships. The Cruelties they have countenanced and exercised here render their Fate conspicuously just. We have not yet received Official Letters of the above Success, but it comes in a Way that leaves no Room to doubt of it’s Truth.
Genl. Green has of late surprizingly changed the Face of Affairs in Carolina. Our small and ill-provided Forces in that Quarter have done Wonders; and from the Reinforcements that may now be sent there, and the Naval Superiority the French have in these Seas, we have the Prospect of a speedy Reduction of Charlestown.
Count de Grasse arrived in the Nick of Time, just when our Forces were in a Situation effectually to cooperate with him; and the important Aid He brought us, and the Money from France lately arrived here, are such additional Proofs of the Fidelity and Generosity of our great and good Ally, as have a very happy Effect upon the Minds of the People: This Effect is heightened every where, and particularly in the Southern States, by the perfidious and cruel Conduct of the Britons. From the present View of the War in all Quarters of the Globe, and from the Disposition of the Powers in Europe to confine so haughty and oppressive a Power as Britain within just Bounds, we conclude that Negotiations for a Peace will commence in Earnest this Winter, and that America may hope for good Terms. Next to Independence, the Point of the greatest Importance to this Part of the States is the Fishery. I hope we shall not be unreasonable in our Demands; but our Merchants in this State generally think, that we are undone if we have not the Fishery in the same Extent as before the War. It is our Staple, say they, as much as Rice and Indigo are that of others. I am aware of the Difficulties with which this Point must be attended; but from a sincere Regard not only to the Continuance but the increasing Strength of the Alliance, and to the increasing Advantages which I hope France will derive from it in Time to come, I wish this Point may be settled, as far in our Favor as Circumstances will possibly admit. It is for the Interest of all the European Nations who mean to trade with us in future, and even of Britain itself, to allow us all those Means of Remittance which may render this Trade as extensive and as advantageous to themselves as may be.
My Letter is called for; and I can only subscribe my self, with the utmost Respect, and the most warm and constant Friendship, Your’s
S. C.

Col. Laurens upon his Arrival here spoke of you, in the Whole Circle of his Acquaintance; in Terms of the highest Esteem, and greatest Regard.

Endorsed: Dr Cooper Oct. 27. 1781 Remarks on the War or Proposals of Peace Fishery &c

II.
My dear Sir,
Boston Octr. 27th. 1781.
I have wrote this Day already, as the Time would allow, by the Engageant; but this Frigate being detained an Hour or two beyond Expectation, and the Commander the Marquiss Kargarieu doing me the Honor to call at my House in his Way to the Ship, I cannot omit to mention to you how highly obliging to the Trade, and pleasing to the Town the Conduct of this Gentleman has been as Commodore of the French Ships in this Harbour. Such indeed has been the Conduct of all the French Officers here; and the Merchants in this Town have been so sensible of it, that as a public Mark of their Respect and Gratitude they lately gave an elegant Entertainment to the Commodore and all bearing the King’s Commission.
To hear of the Increase of the National Friendship, must give you Pleasure, as the Observation of it does to your very respectful and most affectionate
Samuel Cooper.

Endorsed: Dr Cooper Oct. 27. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Gallwey, 27 October 1781
From: Gallwey, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Nantes 27. october 1781.
Imboldened by your well known Benignity, I take The Liberty, In forwarding The Inclosed, from Captain John Kinnier, to Intreat your Excellency to Commiserate This poor mans situation, and suffer him to be Exchanged for Captain Bell, who as your Excellency well knows, has been Let Come from Ireland, on his parole of Returning a man of Equal rank in his place, Therefore By Granting Captain Kinnier his Liberty, Captain Bell will be Equaly free to dispose of himself as he shall think fit.
I hope Your Excellency will Excuse The freedom I take of adressing you, in favour of a man strongly Recommended to me, and that youl beleive me with Greatest Respect, Your Excellencys Most humble & Most obedt. servt.
John Gallwey
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Hancock, 27 October 1781
From: Hancock, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston 27 Octor. 1781
I have already written to you by this Opportunity, the Occasion of my Troubling you again, is at the last moment of the Departure of the Frigate to Solicit your Notice & Civilities to Mr. William Knox, who will have the Honor of Delivering this to you, he is Brother to General Knox whose Abilities & Conduct in the Military Line during this Contest has Endear’d him to this Country in such a manner as to gain the Universal Esteem of all Whigs & well wishers to their Country; I am confident your good Offices will not be wanting to this Young Gentleman, & any Advice, Assistance or Civilities extended to him, I shall Esteem as a favour Confer’d upon, Dear Sir Your Faithfull & most Obedt hume servt.
John Hancock
His Excellency Docr Franklin

Notation: Govr Hancock Recommendation of Mr Knox Oct. 27. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Kinnier, 27 October 1781
From: Kinnier, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Nantes 27 Octbr 1781
Please your Excellency I Hope you will Excuse me in Making So frea in writting you to Let you Know that I Have Been Prisionier of ware Ever Since the 19th of June. I was taken By the Sumerset Scooner Belonging to Baltimore in the State of Miriland Capt William Jones Comander on His passage from thence to Nantes with Tobacco which place we Arived at upon the 6th of July Last, and I Have Hade Maney promises of My Beeing Exchainged But I Sea But Little Appearance of it at Present as their is a Capt Thomas Bell an old Aquantence of Mine that is Now at L’orient Upon His Parole from Limrick in Irland and we are Both upon An Equall Station Rated prisioniers of ware. I Hope your Exelencey will take it into Consideration and Let Me Return Home in His place and I Shall Make My Appearance at London Before the Comissarie their As Being Exchanged for Him, Likwise I Am told that their are prisioniers Endwe By the United States of America to England By Som American Mercht  at Nantes if that it Be So I Hope Your Excellency will order My Self and Crew which are Eight in all in Number to Be Returned for them. I and My Crew Both Belong to Glasgow which place their Never Have Been An American Capt Nor Crew Ever put under Confinement But Set at Liberty and their Board paid for them till that their was Some place found for them to Get Away. I Have Been Verey weal Ewsed Both By the Capt that took us and Likwise By the Marchts of this place. I Have Mr Joshewa Johnson for My Bondsman for My Perole which I Am Much oblidged to Him fore Likwise I Spoek with Mr Alexander which Sales of for parise to Day which I Hope will Represent My Case to your Excelency. My father and I Have Served that Gentelman A Longe time Ago by Carrieng Tobacco for Him to france. I Long Much for My Exchaing which I Hop your Excellency will order in Course as I Have a wife and four Children Left at Home and Have Been taken two times in one year the firs time By the Black Prinsses Cutter Comanded by Eduard McCatter under American Colluers. I was Very Badley Ewsed By them they put Both Me and My Mate in Airns to Make Me give More Ransom for the Vessal then she was worth and His people took All My Cloths and Stores after I Ransomed the Vessal. Your Excellenceys Anssuer I Hope will Return in Cours which will Greatley oblidge Sir your Most Huble Servt
John Kinnier

your Excellency will Direct to Me Prisionier of ware at A Ancenis to the Care of Madam Colinaces
  To his Excellency Benj Franklin Esqr Minister plenipatentiary of the United States of America


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stewart, 27 October 1781
From: Stewart, Margaret
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bruxelles 27 Octr 1781
Since I had the honor of writing to You; I have heard Some very disagreable news of the young man I had the honour of recomending to You at Paris; he has got into bad Company, & has very Much disgraced his father; & Mother, in Law, I shou’d be extreemly Sory to recomend an improper person; & hope You will pardon the liberty I have taken, which was only meant to do all the litle good I cou’d. I have the honour to be with due Respect; Your humble Servant
M Stewart

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Dr. Franklin / Passy pres de / Paris / France
Notation: Stewart 27 Octr. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Hancock, 28 October 1781
From: Hancock, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston October 28th. 1781
I had the honour of your Letter, with Copies of the Intercepted Letters from Lord George Germain, and could wish that he was this moment Acquainted with the Real State of Affairs on this Continent, he would from thence be fully Convinc’d that all his plans & prospects as to America are at an End— I most heartily Congratulate you on the Success of our Arms & those of France in the Capture of Lord Cornwallis with his Army at York Town Virginia, the particulars not yet come to hand, I inclose you a hand Bill, tho’ I imagine the particulars will be Announc’d to you by an Express Frigate from the French Admiral & General before this Reaches you; and I am confident will afford you the highest pleasure and Satisfaction— Our Obligations to the French Nation are great, & I shall ever Retain the highest Regard & Gratitude to them—
The Suddeness of this Frigate’s Departure (the Captain being now waiting) & my just Recovering from a Severe Fit of the Gout, prevents my Adding, save that I am with every Sentiment that Esteem & Regard can inspire, Sir Your most Obedt Servt
John Hancock
Honable Doctor Franklin

Endorsed: Govr. Hancock Oct. 28. 1781 Congratns.
Notation: Prest. Hancock 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Partridge, 28 October 1781
From: Partridge, Elizabeth Hubbart
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Ever Hond Papah
Boston Octr. 28. 1781
Tis with an Heart Elated with greatitude to Heaven, that I Congreatulate you on the signal Success, granted to the United Arm’s, of France, & America in the Capture of Lord Cornwallis! who Surrender’d himself, and his whole Armey, Prissoners of War, on the 18 Octr as you will see by the enclos’d Hand Bill, the Truth of which was not doubted, but has since been Corroborated by a Gentleman of Undoubted Veracity one Mr Champny who arrived hear Yesterday from Newport, he Conversed with the People that brot the Accot. their, and he say’s that the Truth of it may be Relied on, the perticulars are so variously Related, that nothing thing can be enough depended on, to write you, so must Postpone them till we can be better inform’d.
Aunt Mecom has been Some Time in Boston, on a Vissett to her Friends, I hear She is well, but have not had the pleasure of seeing her yet (as I have just Returned home, from a long Tour, that I took for my Health, which is much mended by it,) but I Expect to enjoy that Happiness to Morrow, and it will be a sweet Regail, for I Reaely Love her, for her one [own] Sake, as Well as Yours, but tis inexpressable the Addition your Compiny would give to Our enjoyment oh I will still hope for the Blessing of seeing you in Boston again, Sugar plumbs I can promise you, but no Flattery, for your Merit has put it out of Our Power to treat you with that.

Our Friends are all Well, Mr Partridge & Our Daughter, joyn with my Brothers & Sister in Respectfull Love & Compliment to you.
That every Blessin Heaven can bestow, may ever attend you is the Ardent Prayer of Dear Sir Your affectionate & Dutifull Daughter
Eliza: Partridge

P.S. I had like to have forgot to Mention to you, Our Noble Friend; Generall Green, to whome we are greatly indebted for his Undaunted Courage, his Generalships and his Unremited Fatigue, I enclose you a Parigraf that Mr Partridges Brother sent him from Congress with an Accot of one his late Success’s. E P

Endorsed: Mrs Partridge Oct. 28. 1781 Congratns.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Fottrell, 29 October 1781
From: Fottrell, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Ostend 29th. October 1781
I seize with pleasure the opportunity, which the Inclosed Letter of Mr Wm. Robeson affords me, of having the honour to write your Excellency; and at Same time take the Liberty to acquaint you, of my Intention to fitt out a fast Sailing vessell for Some port of the united provinces of North America, Loaded with Such articles as I Can Learn will make the Best returns.
If your Excellency would be pleased to favour me with his advice, (pr. Mr Guillaume DeClerck Bearer hereof) what port and what articles would Best Suit at present Venturing in America; I Should be under the Greatest obligation.
I apprehend But Little Danger, in this Voyage, as the Vessell I intend for it, is remarkable for an Extraordinary fine Sailer.—
I have the honour to be with the Greatest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
John Fottrell


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 29 October 1781
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
Madrid 29 Octr. 1781
As your Letter permitting me to draw upon you for the amount of the Bills payable in this & the next Month, did not arrive till after several of them had become payable, Mr Cabarrus was so obliging as to advance the necessary Sums— I have this Day drawn Bills in his favor on you to the amount of 76,681 Livrs. 13 Sols & 6 Den. which at 14.8. the present Exchange is equal to 16,038 Dollars, of which 5400 are on account of the [Nov] Months Bills—
The Bills now drawn are as follows vizt.

    Liv

No.
  1 — for
2400
  No.
  11: for —
3800

  2 . . . .
6000
  .12 . . . .
3900

  .3 . . . .
4900
  .13 . . . .
4000

  .4 . . . .
4800
  .14 . . . .
4100

  .5 . . . .
2900
  .15 . . . .
4200

  .6 . . . .
3681.13.6
  .16 . . . .
4300

  .7 . . . .
3600
  .17 . . . .
4400

  .8 . . . .
3400
  .18 . . . .
4500

  .9 . . . .
3500
  .19 . . . .
4600

  .10 . . . .
700

Mr. Cabarrus has not charged me with either Commissions or Brokerage, on this Occasion, and on Inquiry I am informed that those Charges in such Cases are not customary at least in this City.
I have the Honor to be with perfect Esteem & Regard yr.Exy.
J
His Exy Benj Franklin Esq

Notation: To Doct Franklin 29 Octr. 1781 advice of Bills drawn this Day— 12 Novr signed 2d Set


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Penet, 29 October 1781
From: Penet, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Paris the 29th. Octr. 1781
Having been Authorised by the Resolution of the General Assembly, the Power of the Governor & advice of Council of the State of Virginia to take such measures as might be necessary and seem probable to obtain a loan of Gold and silver for the Use of the Common wealth not exceeding the sum of one hundred thousand pounds Sterling pledging their Faith in the most full and Ample manner for the fulfilling & Punctual performance of all such agreements as I might make & enter into relative to such a loan of Gold & silver; I am happy this day to Communicate to you as Representative of the thirteen United States at the Court of France & well-wisher to America in General, that it is in my power to Negotiate a loan of six hundred thousand livres tournois payable in three years time by shares of one hundred Pistoles with Interests. It may be easily fulfill’d, provided, you will legalize my Bonds for the State as you have certify’d my Treaties.
The Just Confidence the French Nation has placed in you, is a weight in the State’s favor which contributes to the advantage of America in General. Your Signature will not in the least engage your personal or Public Character; it may have a claim to the Gratitude of the State of Virginia. I hope my Application will be consider’d in a true light; I expect the honour of your answer and am Respectfully Sir, Your most obedient & very humble servant
P: Penet
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin

Endorsed: Proposition of M. Pennet Oct. 29. 81 / answer’d
Notation: P. Penet Oct 29. 1781.