Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 11 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, June 11th. 1781
Mr. Grand has communicated to me a Letter from your Excellency to him, relating to certain Charges in your Account, on which you seem to desire to have my Opinion.
As we are all new in these Matters, I consulted when I was making up my Accounts, one of the oldest Foreign Ministers here, as to the Custom in such Cases. He informed me, that it was not perfectly uniform with the Ministers of all Courts; but that in general where a Salary was given for Service & Expences, the Expences understood were merely those necessary to the Man, such as Housekeeping, Clothing & Coach: But that the Rent of the Hotel in which he dwelt, the Payment of Couriers, the Postage of Letters, the Salaries of Clerks, the Stationary for his Bureau, with the Feasts and Illuminations made on public Occasions, were esteemed Expences of the Prince or State that appointed him, being for the Service or Honour of his Prince or Nation; and either entirely or in great Part, Expences that as a private Man he would have been under no Necessity of incurring: These therefore were to be charged in his Accounts. He remark’d that it was true the Minister’s Housekeeping as well as his House, was usually & in some sort necessarily more expensive than those of a private Person; but this he said was considered in his Salary, to avoid Trouble in Accounts. But that where the Prince or State had not purchased or built a House for their Minister, which was sometimes the Case, they always paid his House Rent. I have stated my own Accots. according to these Informations, and I mention them, that If they seem to you reasonable, we may be uniform in our Charges by your charging in the same Manner; or if Objections to any of them occur to you, you would communicate them to me for the same Reason.
Thus you see my Opinion that the Articles you mention of Courtage, Commission, & Ports de Lettres, are Expences that ought to be borne, not by you, but by the United States. Yet it seems to me more proper that you should pay them, and charge them with the other Articles abovementioned, than that they should be paid by me; who not knowing the Circumstances, cannot judge (as you can) of the Truth or Justice of such an Account when presented; and who besides have no Orders to pay more on your Account than your Net Salary.
With Regard to that Salary, tho’ your Receipts to Fizeau & Grand shown to me, might be quite sufficient to prove they had paid you the Sums therein mentioned. Yet as these are Vouchers for them, & which they have a right to retain, I imagine that it will be clearest if you draw upon me agreable to the Order of Congress; & if this is quarterly it will be most convenient to me.
With great Regard, I have the honour to be Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly: John Adams Esqr.

Addressed: His Exy / John Adams Esqr / Amsterdam / To the Care of Mess. Fizeaux & Grand.
Endorsed: Dr Franklins letter concerning Charges and Expences.
Notations in different: June 11th. 1781 / A. 4th. Oct. 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 11 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Huntington, Samuel

Sir,
Passy, June 11. 1781.
I have lately done myself the honour of writing largely to your Excellency by divers Conveyances, to which I beg leave to refer. This is chiefly to cover the Copy of a Letter I have just received from the Minister, relative to the Disposition of the late Loans; by which will be seen the Situation I am in with respect to my Acceptances of the Quantities of Bills drawn by Congress, on Mr. Jay, Mr Lawrens, Mr Adams & self, which I enter’d into in the Expectation both Col. Lawrens & myself entertain’d, that a Part of these Loans might be applied to the Payment of these Bills, but which I am now told cannot be done without an express Order from Congress. I shall endeavour to change the Sentiments of the Court in this Respect, but am not sure of succeeding. I must therefore request that a Resolution of Congress may immediately be sent, impowering me to apply as much of those Loans as shall be necessary for the Discharge of all such Drafts of Congress; or for the Repayment of such Sums as I may in the mean time be obliged to borrow for the Discharge of those Drafts.—
I have the Honour to be, with great Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. Saml. Huntington Esqr. President of Congress.

Notation: Letter June 11. 1781 B. Franklin Read 1 March 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 11 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy, June 11. 1781.
I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me the 8th. Inst. relating to the Pension of M. Toussard. I am persuaded that his not receiving the Same regularly, does not proceed from any Change in the Disposition of Congress towards that brave Officer, nor from any Neglect or Delay in the Office where such Pensions are paid. But it is very possible that his Friend in America whom he may have impower’d to receive it, has had no convenient Opportunity of remitting it to him; or it may have miscarried by the Way, several Vessels from thence having been taken, and one lately lost in which our Consul was coming over. I will nevertheless write to Congress concerning it, and I am confident that every Regard will be paid to your Excellency’s Interposition.
I have the honour to be, with great Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. Count De Vergennes

Endorsed: M. De Rayneval
Notation: reponse à la recommandation en faveur de Sr. Toussard


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Pothonnier, 11 June 1781
From: Pothonnier, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris Le 11e. Juin 1781
Vous m’aviés fait l’honneur de me promettre, il y à huit Jours, que vous feriés examiner le Compte des debours faits a la fregatte L’alliance, et que Sous deux Jours, vous m’honoreriés d’un mot, pour m’aviser du bien être; Je Suis Inquiet de cela, d’autant que Chaque Courier, Mrs Gourlade et Moylan me Sollicite pour en Scavoir des nouvelles, de mon Coté, Je Serois flatté aussy de Connoître le resultat, rapport aux avances que J’ay faite á ce sujet, J’espere que vous voudrés bien m’honorer d’un mot de réponse, ce qu’attendant, J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec Respect, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Pothonniernegt. Rue st Martin

M. B. franklin Ministre plenipotentiaire, des Etats unis, à Passy./.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Bmin. franklin / ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats / unis de L’amerique, en Son hotel / à Passy Les Paris / Pothonnier
Notation: Pothonier June 11. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Harris, 12 June 1781
From: Harris, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Honoured Sir
Old England Plymouth Mill Prison June The 12d 1781
I Beg Leve To a Quaint your Honnour of my Sitteuation after Laing amost four year in Preson i Was Cummited To mill Preson august the 16 777 [1777] and Stil Remain a Prisner in This Dolful Helf Starved Sitteuation Wich i Cannot Lae No Longer unles i Have Sum Relefe. for our goverment a Louance is So Small and of So mean a Qualeity That i Cannot Subsist No Longer a Pon it unles i Have Sum Small Relefe We Receve but Six pence Pur Weke from Donashon Wich bread and other Nesesaries Being So Dear That it goes but a Letel wais Wich i Beg your Honnour Wod Plese To be So Cind and To Here my Cumplaints and Consider my Surkemstances and be Plesed To Send me Sum Small Trifel of monney That i may make my Life Cumfertebel Wile i am in This Confind unhapey Sitteuation as i Cannot Help my Self i a Quaint your Honnour That it Was my Proper Turn in The Last Cartteal but Having made my a Scape Wonst With a Larg Number more of my fello Prisners be fore The Cartteal Was Sattled The agent Put four of us back and Detaind us in This unhapey Sitteuation i beg Leve To a Quaint your Honnour That There is a Number of old Prisners in This Preson Wich The goverment Has Seast To give us Cloths as Hant Sarved us Non for a bove This Eight months & We Suffered a great Dele Last Winter I Beg Leve To a Quaint your Honnour That There is 200 and 24 Amaricans in This Preson Now and They are So Wore out Wih This Long Confinment That They are a goin into His magsteys Servis fast and more The Pettey for it Semes as if We Had Not a frind in This World To Releve us out of This Woful Sittuation. There Was 16 Amaricans Went out of This Preson Last Weke on bord of His magesteys Navey and more The Shame Hat We must La Here and Suffer & Spend our Daes or fight a gainst our one Cuntrey & our one famlies & our one frindes i Beg Leve To a Quaint your Honnour That The English Lase The To folt To your Honnour That We are Not Exchanged i Beg Leve To a Quaint your Honnour That i belong To The Town of ipswich Nere boston Were as i Have a famlie in The Said Town of ipswich Wich i Have indured This inprisenment in The behelf of our Cuntrey & our good Caus i Beg your Honnour Wod Not forgit me and Send me a Nansor.
So I Conclude With Subscrib My Self your Honours most obedent and Humbel Servant
Samuell Harris

Addressed: To / His Excellency Benja. Franklin / Plenipotentiary Minister for / the United States of America / at Paris.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Beverly Chew, 13 June 1781
From: Chew, Robert Beverly
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. sir
Nantes June 13th. 1781
Little did I Expect when I Left Paris to have troubled you again on so disagreeable a piece of Business as that of applying for more money, but there being no oppertunity for my Geting away from this place & not Obtaining any Relief from any private person That I am Compell’d to trouble you again for only as much as will pay my board since I have been here & untill Captn. Wells, Sails for Philadelphia which he tells Me will be in Six Weeks—my Landlord Says he must me [be] paid In a few days & how I am to do it without your assistance it is unknown to me. I have done Every thing in my power to obtain as much but all to no purpose, Owing to my being a Stranger & to the loss of my letters.— This I Hope will not hinder you as I Can assure you upon the word of an honest man that the money Shall be duly repaid on my arrival—or If you had rather, have it I will give you a bill & Leave it in the hands of Mr. Schweighauser & Dobree or Chas. Washington Esqr. of Fredericksburg Virga. who I have the honour to be in copartnership with.

I Can assure you Sir It is Exceedingly Disagreeable to me to Trouble you, but I will only leave you to Judge of my present Situation, to be at Such a distance from home & a total Stranger without a Shilling in my pockett & Every day Expect to be Dunn’d for my Expences which have Risen only for the Support of nature— This unhappy Situation I bear with the greatest patience knowing the fortune of war to be the occation of it.
I do much lament that I have not money to carry me to L’Orient where there is a Ship will Sail for Philadelphia in fifteen days. She is a fine Ship— Several the americans who had it in there power have Set out for L’Orient in order to go home in this Ship.— There Leaving me & my not having it in my power to follow them, adds much to my Distress, but am [in] hopes you will relieve me & then I Shall be able to follow them. & am Dr. Sir your most Obedient & very Hbe Servt.
Robert Bevy. Chew

P.S. my board Lodging &c is 65 Lvs. per month

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Ecuyer / Ministre Plénipotentiaire / Des Etats-Unis de L’Amerique / Près Sa Majesté Très Chrètienne / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 13 June 1781
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Brother
warwick June 13—1781
I Saw an article in our last paper under the London head, that Dr Franklin had Paid of [off] all his tradsmans Bills & was Prepareing to Leave Parris to Embark on Board won of the Ships at Brest for America, but as I have heard no such thing any other way I think it may be Rather what they wish, & what I should hartyly wish if it is consistant with your Honour as well as comfort. I am Determined to write by this opertunity by which if it comes quick to yr hands you may have a Ready & saif conveayance to me without the Roundabout ways by Post from Philadelphia or Boston.
It is so long since I have had a line from you that if I had not had a former Reprouf from you I should be almost Redy to conclud on the Last of the Six chances you then Discribed to me as Reasons for my not Recveing leters; that you were tiered of corisponding with me & Resolved to write no more, it is a year the 16th of last march since the last I receved from you was Dated & that was about Eight months coming to hand. I thing I can Recolect seven I have wrot in the time won by the same Vesel this is to go in Charls Jenkens master From Provedence who made so quick a Return. Prehaps you had not recd. it time anough to write by him but I think you must have got that at least. I wrot since by some French Gentleman who said he know you, to whome Genll. Greene’s wife conveyed it for I did not see him & I cannot Remember Names, I had no rembrance how I came by the Peece of the whig Sermon I inquiered of all I thotLike to have such a thing but found we are no Sermonizers in this Part of the country. I then sent it to Cousen Williams to serch the Printers Shops but he says it was not to be found & he carried it home & left it with His wife or Daughters & they have Lost it which I do not so much wonder at in the bustle of marrieing won of the young Ladys for such a circumstance Jeneraly taks the atention of all the famely. But I am sorry, for I sent to desier them to try Dr Cooper, Mr Lothorp, & Mr Stillman & if I was there I Dont Doubt I could find it by what I remember of it, but not corect anouf to write. I have heard nothing of my Neace or her famely at Philadelphia a long time, & know but litle how the world goes Exept seeing a Newspaper some times which contains Enough to give Pain but litle satisfaction while we are in Armes aganst Each other.
Parson Odell has been Exersiseing His Poetical Talant on yr Invention of the Chamber Fireplace it came to me throw the hands of Crasey Harry Badcock & I have half a mind to send it to you as I think it would make you Laugh but if you should be coming home it will Serve to Divert you hear, I contineu very Easey and happy hear have no more to trroble me than what is Incident to human Nature & can’t be avoided in any Place, I write now in my own litle chamber the window opening on won of the Pleasantest prospects in the country the Birds singing about me & nobod up in the house near me to Desturb me.
You will Readiely conclud from these circumstances I might have Performed beter, but I have lost my faculty if Ever I had any and my Dear Brother will exept sincerity in lieu of it from his Ever affectionat sister
Jane Mecom
My Grand son & Daughter have Desiered me to present there Duty, I want very much to hear all about Temple & benny. Pray present my love to them.

Addressed: Doctr. Franklin / at Passa near Paris / France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 13 June 1781
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia June 13 1781
Referring you to my private Letter, written to you by this Vessel, I beg leave to introduce the Bearer Mr. Cornelius Ray to your Notice, and protection. He is the son of a Gentleman of amiable Character, who formerly resided in the City of New York. Any Civilities which your Excellency may be pleased to show Mr Ray,— will be esteemed, as immediately conferred On Dear Sir Your affectionate and very hble Servant
Saml. Wharton
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. &c &c

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenapotentiary from / the United States of North / America at the Court of / Versailes. / Passy near / Paris / per favr. of Mr. Ray


Title: Continental Congress to the American Peace Commissioners: Instructions, [15 June 1781]
From: Continental Congress
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

  [June 15, 1781]
  Instructions to the honourable John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson, Ministers Plenipotentiary, in Behalf of the United States, to negociate a Treaty of Peace.
Gentlemen,

You are hereby authorised and instructed to concur in behalf of these United States with his most christian Majesty, in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany.
You are to accede to no Treaty of Peace which shall not be such as may 1st effectually secure the Independence and Sovereignty of the Thirteen United States according to the Form and Effect of the Treaties subsisting between the said United States and his most christian Majesty; And 2dly. in which the said Treaties shall not be left in their full Force and Validity.—
As to disputed Boundaries, and other Particulars, we refer you to the Instructions given to Mr John Adams dated 14 August 1779, and 18 October 1780, from which you will easily perceive the Desires & Expectations of Congress. But we think it unsafe at this Distance to tye you up by absolute & peremptory Directions upon any other Subject than the two essential Articles abovementioned.— You are therefore at liberty to secure the Interest of the United States in such manner as Circumstances may direct, and as the State of the belligerent—and the Disposition of the mediating—Powers may require. For this purpose you are to make the most candid and confidential Communications upon all subjects to the Ministers of our generous Ally the King of France; to undertake nothing in the Negotiations for Peace or Truce without their Knowledge and Concurrence; and ultimately to govern yourselves by their Advice and Opinion; endeavouring in your whole Conduct to make them sensible how much we rely upon his Majesty’s Influence for effectual support in every thing that may be necessary to the Peace, Security, and future Prosperity of the United States of America.— If a Difficulty should arise in the Course of the Negociation for Peace, from the Backwardness of Great Britain to acknowledge our Independence, you are at liberty to agree to a Truce, or to make such other Concessions as may not affect the Substance of what we contend for, and provided that Great Britain be not left in Possession of any Part of the United States.— .
Samuel Huntington PresidtCha. Thomson, secry.

Notation: Juin 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 15 June 1781
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear friend
London June 15 1781
My Cousin Mr Samuel Hartley has thoughts of taking a journey to Paris upon some mercantile business and having myself a month or two without engagements to dispose of it has occurred both to him and to me that I shd like very well to accompany him. However I think it best to inform you of this, that I may know whether it wd be proper for me to come to Paris in the present situation of things. I wd not do any thing secretly or unbecoming my situation in life. I have been in Parliament & probably may again. The public Sentiments wch I have held there are known. I am an Englishman and must carry that character with me whereever I go, upon those principles of honour & justice wch are due between all nations. Considering myself therefore in some degree still upon the line of public concerns tho not actually in Parliament, I wd not take any step by surprize and therefore I wd not wish to go to Paris without the knowledge of the ministers in france, but if with their consent it wd make me extremely happy to see you as an old friend whom I love and esteem, and with whom I shd be glad to converse, & if possible to think of some means of putting a Stop to the horrors of universal wars. I have the honour of being known to Monsr de Maurepas, & to Monsr de Vergennes (as well as to a late Minister Monsr Neckar) if I might trouble you with my respects to one or both of them for their consent (and a passport if necessary) I shd be infinitely happy to see you again. My thoughts are still set and ever will be upon peace, just and honorable to all parties. You may perhaps have heard or seen by the votes of the House of Commons that in my absence out of Parliament, my brother has moved a Conciliatory bill in the same form as I did last year, viz so as to give full scope for an honorable and universal accommodation and peace. I do not know that there can be any harm in my taking a jaunt to Paris, I shd at least have the happiness of seeing you and perhaps some thing might arise by personal communication, for the public peace.— Pray favour me with an answer as soon as convenient. My Cousin’s business will require him to set out soon but he will wait till I can receive your answer. God bless you and prosper all your endeavours for peace. I am Ever Your affectionate friend
D H
To Dr Franklin &c &c &c

Addressed: To Dr Franklin / at Passy / near Paris
Notation: Ostende 19 juin 1781 Sous couvert de v: T: h: S. frans. Bine. / attaché à ma Personne icy en France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Witherspoon, 15 June 1781
From: Witherspoon, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Philadelphia June 15. 1781
The Committee of foreign Affairs lately wrote your Excellency on the Subject of my Son John Witherspoon who was Surgeon to the Letter of Marque De Graaff taken at St Eustatius and sent to England as I have been informed in the Alcmene Man of War requesting you to use your Endeavours to obtain his Release upon Parole and his Exchange as soon as possible. I beg Leave further to trouble you with the inclosed Letter of Credit which I will be obliged to you if you will give to your Banker and desire him to establish a Credit for my Son in London and get him made acquainted with it wherever he may be confined.
I believe your Grandson who is with you was an Acquaintance of my Sons. I would therefore beg of you to make my Compliments to him and recommend this Matter to his Care.
I have the honour to be Your Excellencies most obedt humble Servant
Jno Witherspoon
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Addressed: No 1 / His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gustavus Conyngham, 16 June 1781
From: Conyngham, Gustavus
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Dunkirk June 16th. 81
With pleasure I can informe you that Once More I have Obtained my Liberty After Many Difficulties, Mrs. Conyngham being Arrived in france Some time past I expect She may be on the way to england. Should she be in Paris You Will be kind to Give her thiss information, I shall Waite heare to I have the Pleasure to heare from you, I hope Shall be Able to Procure A Safe and Speedy Passage to
I am Sir Your most Obdt. & Very hhble. Servt.
Gustavus Conyngham

  Should Mrs. Conyngham be in Paris be pleased. to Advise her to stay to I Can Get theare.

Notation: Capt Connyngham June 16 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 17 June 1781
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Versailles le 17 Juin 1781
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 10 de ce mois.
Je n’ai pris aucune part à l’emploi que M. Laurens a fait des six millions que le Roi a accordés au Congrès; ainsi j’ignore parfaitement quels arrangements cet officier peut avoir pris avec M. Gillon, et je suis hors d’état de vous donner la moindre direction à cet égard; peut être, Monsieur, pourrez vous vous procurer des éclaircissements en vous addressant à M. De Vémérange [Veimerange]; je sais que ce Commissaire des Guerres a été chargé par le Ministre de la Guerre de soigner les objets que ce Département a fournis à M. Laurens.
Quant à la destination des fonds qui proviendront de l’emprunt ouvert en hollande, je ne puis, Monsieur, ni la déterminer, ni y influer en manière quelconque; ces fonds devant appartenir aux Etats-Unis, c’est au Congrès à en disposer, et c’est d’après ce principe que je vous ai proposé de vous addresser à ce Corps pour connoître ses intentions. Mais c’est à vous à juger si cette autorisation vous est nécessaire, ou si vous pouvez vous en passer, et je ne puis que m’en rapporter entièrement à cet égard à ce que votre prudence vous suggerera: vous n’éprouverez point le plus léger obstacle de ma part dans les dispositions que vous jugerez à propos de faire.
J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincèrement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
De Vergennes
M. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington: Two Letters, 19 June 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Sir,
Philadelphia June 19. 1781
You will receive herewith enclosed a Letter addressed to his most Christian Majesty, with a Copy of the same for your Information, also a Commission constituting yourself with the four other Gentlemen therein named, our Ministers for negotiating Peace; also another Commission & Duplicate authorizing the same Ministers to accept of the Mediation of the Emperor of Germany and Empress of Russia, in one of which the Emperor is first named & in the other the Empress, (to be made Use of as Circumstances shall render it expedient).
I have also herewith enclosed, Instructions (in Cyphers) for your Government, in Addition to those formerly given Mr Adams for negotiating Peace. A Letter in Answer to yours of the 12th of March last will also accompany this.
You will please to communicate immediately to Mr Adams & Mr Jay the Receipt of these important Dispatches.
Mr Secretary Thomson desires you would be so good as to send him the Machine with proper Directions to be used for striking Copies of Letters as mentioned in yours of the 12th of March.
For Want of Time myself I must refer you to Mr Lovell’s Dispatches for american Intelligence in general—
I have the Honor to be, with the highest Respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant
Sam. Huntington,President
The Honble Doctor Franklin(Duplicate)

Endorsed: Commissions

II.
Sir
Philadelphia June 19th 1781
Congress have received your letter of the 12th of March last with the papers enclosed.—
The prospect of conferences being soon opened in Europe under the mediation of the imperial courts of Petersburg and Vienna for accommodating the disputes between the belligerent powers, which must necessarily involve the essential interests of these United States, has determined us to encrease the number of our Ministers for negotiating a peace with Great Britain. We have therefore added yourself Messrs. Jay, H. Laurens and T. Jefferson to Mr. J. Adams to repair to such place as shall be fixed on for transacting this important business.—
A compliance with your request to retire from public employment would be inconvenient at this particular conjuncture, as it is the desire of Congress to avail themselves of your abilities and experience at the approaching negotiation. Should you find repose necessary after rendering the United States this further service Congress in consideration of your age and bodily infirmities will be disposed to gratify your inclination. You will present the letter to his Most Christian Majesty and communicate to him the instructions to our Ministers for negotiating a peace attended with such memorial as your prudence shall suggest and the importance of the subject requires.
By order of Congress
Sam. HuntingtonPresidt.
The Honble Benjamin Franklin Esq


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel Tardy, 19 June 1781
From: Tardy, Gabriel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
Nantes June 19. 1781
Inclosed you have two Letters I received yesterday, addressed to your Excellency—
By a letter from Captain John Manley I find that Captain Cunningham has escaped from Mill-Prison, with some other Gentlemen— he says also that Twenty four Americans have intered in the British service the 4 Inst.—
I have the Honour to be very respectfully; Sir! Your most obedient & most Humble Servant
By Procuon. [Procuration] of Jona Williams Jr
Gabriel Tardy
His Excellency Bn: Franklin Esqe.

Notation: J. Williams June 19. 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gustavus Conyngham, 20 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Conyngham, Gustavus

Sir,
Passy, June 20. 1781.
I received with great Pleasure the News of your being safely arrived at Dunkirk. Mrs. Conyngham is not yet come up to Paris. I believe she has continued at l’orient ever since her Arrival. I shall write to her to Day, to acquaint her with your Escape.
Now you are at Dunkirk, I wish you would settle the Demand of a Number of Men who went out with you from thence and were taken in a Prize and carry’d into England. They have long worry’d me to be paid their Advance Money & Wages and Prize Money in which I could do nothing having no Informations of what might be due to them.— The Minister here has Apply’d to me in their Behalf; and I know not what Answer to make him till I hear from you. I am, with great Esteem, Sir, Your &c.
I enclose one of their Memories.
Capt. Conyngham


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 20 June 1781
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond: Sir
Philadelphia June 20th. 1781.
I again acknowledge receipt of your Favors, per Captain Paul Jones, of the 16th. March, 3d & 27th June, 4h Octr. & 9h. Decr., & copies of Letters to & from Ben, all of which have given us the greatest satisfaction & pleasure, his profile too, which you sent us, has added not a little to our gratification; we have had it framed, and it hangs now in our Chamber, it reminds us often of the dear little Fellow, for it bears a strong likeness of what he was.
I have had some conversation with Mr. Wharton respecting the joint power you have given to him & me, the business it relates to, I am afraid will not soon be settled; he has published a pamphlet on the subject, which seems to point out pretty clearly the equity of our claim, but it will be a very difficult matter, I apprehend, to convince the Virginians of it— I before sent you the Essay on the Delaware Indian Language, but I think it was by the Shelala, which Vessel there is no account of, I now send you another, and shall send a third by another Vessel, in a few days.— I send you likewise the Dutch & English papers, some of which I never fail transmitting you by every opportunity— In the Fall, which I am told is the proper Season, I shall not fail of sending you the Newton pippin Grafts, as you direct—
In one of my former Letters I mentioned to you the State I found your Trunk of papers in, that was left under Mr. Galloways care, but I suppose you never received it— After the Enemy had evacuated the City, I found upon inquiry, that the Trunk had been left at Trevoes, I went up thither, & found that it had been broke open, & emptied, the papers scattered, some in the house & some out of doors, many of the latter having suffered from the Weather; I collected all that I could find, put them in the Trunk, & had them brought home, but the Manuscript books you speak of, are missing, & I suppose, so are many other valuable papers; what I have recovered shall be taken care of, but they are at present in a confused State,— As this Trunk of papers had been committed by you to Mr. Galloways care, I had no doubt, but that his former Friendship for you, would have excited that Care, otherwise I should have endeavored to have got them out of his hands before the Enemy came here, it is now too late to say, I wish I had—
Should any of the Gentlemen of the French Army, whom you mention in your Letters come this way, you may rest assured of my paying them every attention & Civility in my power; Colonel Deauxponts was here last Winter, but it was before your Letter, mentioning him came to hand; I had the pleasure of dining with him at the Minister’s, & from some conversation I had with him, I found he was acquainted with you, I paid him a visit, & he came to see Sally, but not knowing at that time the regard you had for his Family, my Civilities went no further— And I cannot forbear now mentioning to you, my dear Sir, that owing to a considerable Sum being due me for my Salary as P.M.G. my Finances have been low of late, & I have not had it in my power to take that notice of Strangers, my inclination would lead me to.—
Congress, I am told, have been busily employed for some days past, in appointing Commissioners to attend a Congress of pacification at Vienna, it is said, they have nominated five, & that you are of the number; the other four that are named, are Messrs. Jay, Adams, Laurens Senr., & Governor Jefferson— I am afraid we think so much of Peace, (which no doubt is a very desirable Object) that we forget to strengthen our Arm for War— but I wish not to cast any reflections—
My Son William has a great desire to be sent to his Brother, & I have had some thoughts of sending him, but it has been wispered lately, that you have expressed to Congress, a desire of being recalled; I find Congress do not wish to want your Services at present, but whether after the treatment you have received from them, you will continue to serve them, is a matter of some doubt; I shall therefore wait to know your determination on this head, & your opinion & advice respecting William—
Sally & the Children are perfectly well they join me in Love & Duty— I am with the greatest Respect & Regard Hond. Sir Your ever affectionate son
Rich: Bache
Sally will write you per next opportunity—Dr. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to J. Rocquette, T.A. Elsevier & P. Th. Rocquette, 21 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rocquette, Jacques, Elsevier, T. A., & Rocquette, Pieter Th.

Gentlemen,
Passy, 21. June 1781
I received the Letter you did me the honor of writing to me the 11th. Inst. The List of Bills it inclosed is not particular enough for me to examine whether they have or have not been already accepted: to enable me to do this it is necessary I should be acquainted with the Person’s Name in whose Favor each Bill is drawn. You may rely on my taking the greatest Care to stop them if presented hereafter, not regularly indorsed by you.
As to the Billets de Banque du Congrès which I imagine are Loan office Certificates, there is no other Method of having them paid, than by sending them to America; they were never intended to be sent to Europe. & it is either through Ignorance or knavery that they have been brought hither.
Mess. J. Rocquette a Elsevier & Freres Roquettes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gustavus Conyngham, 21 June 1781
From: Conyngham, Gustavus
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Dunkirk June 21st, 81
I wrote You A few Lines On my Arrivall in thiss place, impatientley Waite a Line in Answer. I have had preposals made me heare but do not like their Custom or modes in thiss place in Cruzing. Should A Vessell be fitted for America to my liking with Your Approbation Should Readily Accept of. Or A plan to redeem the Americans in england, the distresses of them Unhappy people you are made Acquaintted with, Modes, Methodes, Used to induce them into the Service. Hunger Oblidges them to it, Not having that Supply Other Nations, and States, have, Nor their Grieavences heard Only At the Sole And Absolute Will of A Commissary. We have but few friends left in england at preasent. Mrs. Conyngham having Arrived Some time past in france I expect may be in paris. Should it be the Case You will Advice her to waite my Coming theare as I Only Waite Your Answer to Mine of the 15th. Inst, the Report we had Respecting Mr. Diggs I hope is not true if so Must be one of the worst of Men, A few days Shall have the pleasure to see you & will be more Able to Acquainte you fuller the Situation of the Sufferers in england.
I am Sir with Respect & esteem Your most Obdt. & Verry hhble. Servt
Gustavus Conyngham

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur
Notation: G. Conyngham June 21. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 22 June 1781
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond: Sir
Philadelphia June 22d. 1781
I did myself the pleasure a few days ago of writing you a long Letter, which I committed to the care of Capt. All— also wrote to Temple & Ben—sent you the Indian Spelling Book, & the Dutch & English papers; these last I committed to the care of a Mr. Ray, a young Man that I have recommended to your notice, as he purposes visiting Paris soon after his Arrival in France— I now send you another of the Spelling Books, & the Newspapers— Sally by this opportunity gives you a detail of Domestick news, tho’ there is one circumstance, perhaps she may not choose to mention, vizt: that we expect an increase of family sometime in the Fall— She & the Children are in good health— As I have the honor sometimes of the Minister’s company at dinner, & as I could wish to pay every attention & respect to those Gentlemen you have done me the honor to introduce to me, & to treat them with some of their own Country produce, I take the Liberty of just droping a hint—a little French Wine would be very acceptable— I remain ever My dear & Hond. Sir Your affectionate Son
Rich: Bache
Dr Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 22 June 1781
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
Philada. June 22d. 1781
This Letter will I hope be in due time happily delivered to you by Mr. Geo. Harrison of this City— a Young Gent. of Good Family and Fortune whom I beg leave to Introduce to your Notice and Friendship— I doubt not his own Personal Merit will entitle him to these and I shall be thankfull to you for any Services it may be Convenient for you to Render him—Remaining very Respectfully Dr sir Your Obedt. hble servt.
Robt Morris
His Excelly. Benjn. Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 23 June 1781
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Honoured Sir
Philadelphia June 23d. 1781
We were made very happy by Temples Letter informing us You were perfectly well since your last fit of the Gout. I hope you may long continue so—
The things you sent me by Ct. Smith came to hand safe he arrived in Boston, and I got them brought in a Waggon that was comming, almost all the goods in the same Waggon got wet Crossing the North River, I had the good luck to have mine escape, never did any thing come more apropoz. I have been busily employ’d ever since in making the whole Family tidy, and look upon myself much obliged to you for them, Betsy was the hapiest Creature in the world with her Baby told every body who sent it, and Willy asked when first he had his new Cloaths on if he did not look like a Gentleman of Fashion. I was rather pleased with this speech, as I look’d upon him to be a Sloven, indeed he is so active, tis next to an impossibility to keep him whole, he is constantly urging us to let him come to you, Louis is now just the very thing Will was when you came home last, goes up and down stairs in the same way, has the same look (except a little more cast in one eye) and the same easy temper and Chearfulness, he begins to talk cleverly, Betsy is a dear little girl but the greatest talker in the World, You will say so was her Mother, but if you remember the Mother could be hired to hold her tongue, but the daughter cannot I assure you, she will not stay a moment in the house without being with me, and as it would be impossible to write were she is I have sent her a visiting, she is to go to School in September, the confinement in hot weather would be too much for her as the Schools are very much crowded— We were obliged to send George to the Hospital about seven weeks ago as it was impossible to attend him as he ought to be up four pair of stairs from the Kitchen and he was so ofensive nobody could lodge on the same Floor, he got so well as to walk better than he had done some Years, and walked to town on Monday, and died suddenly on Tuesday last, poor Fellow he has suffered very much having been very ill ever since you left us, Mrs Hall is dead with a Cancer in her Breast— and a Son of Mr Franklins, who married a daughter of Your Friend Rhoad’s, the Lad was called Benjamin after you, he was the eldest being near fifteen, he died very suddenly in a fit of the Colic after eating a number of Cherries, and was speechless before they had an Idea of his being in danger, this Summer has as yet been very healthy and cool, I hope it will continue so as I have no place to take the Children, Mrs Duffield has invited them, but her house is filled with Children and Grand Children— I have much more to say but there is other Vessels going in a few days and Mr Bache is waiting for this, I am my dear Sir with true afection your Dutiful Daughter
S Bache

Addressed: Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Estaing, 23 June 1781
From: Estaing, Charles-Henri, comte d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Passy 23 june 81
Count d’Estaing returns both his respectful compliments and Acknowledgments to his Exellency Doctor Franklin for the favor he gratifi’d him with: pleasure of meeting a Such Lady is a very great one, but wasn’t necessary for usual hapiness and punctuality in obeying the Doctor’s bountys.

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats unis de l’Amerique / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Chandelier, 24 June 1781
From: Chandelier, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Senlis 24 Juin 1781
On me propose, à moi Vieux Chanoine de L’église de senlis et par Conséquent bon Catholique, mr young pour lui apprendre La Langue françoise par principes malgré mes années, Comme à 28 ans C’est un homme fait et sans doute de mérite, mon zèle pour La Cause des etats unis de L’amérique me déterminera à m’en Charger sous Votre protection si Vous agréez mes Conditions qui suivent. Il faudra que Ce Mr se Conforme à L’ordre de ma maison, et il auroit peutêtre des sacrifices à faire, entre autres pour diner à midi, souper avant huit heures et se retirer dans sa Chambre à neuf. Je suis connu, Monsieur, en Angleterre depuis Longtems pour avoir fait avec honneur en Ce genre nombre d’élèves. Je ne manquerai point aux attentions possibles, Je haterai son progrès que La nécessité de n’entendre qu’une Langue rendra plus prompt, La table sera honnête, mais pour être nouri, chauffé, eclairé, fourni de linge à La table et au lit Je demanderai Cinquante Loüis par an, quartier toujours d’avance. Toute autre dépense ne me regardera pas. S’il arrivoit que mes propositions vous agréassent, Vous auriez La bonté de me prévenir afin que Je m’arrangeasse en Conséquence. J’ai L’honneur d’être très respectueusement Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Chandelier


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Ségur, 24 June 1781
From: Ségur, Philippe-Henri, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles Le 24 juin 1781.
M. de segur a L’honneur d’adresser à Monsieur franklin une dépeche d’Amerique qui s’est trouvée jointe à celles qu’il a reçues cette nuit./.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 27 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy June 27. 1781.
Enclosed I send your Excellency the Copy of a Letter I have just received from Mr Hartley, in which he expresses a Desire of making me a visit to talk about Peace, if it may be done with the Consent of the Ministry here. I should be glad to see him as my Friend and a Friend to America: but unless he were authorised by his Court to make Propositions, which I imagine may not be the Case, I do not see so clearly that Good may arise from his Visit, as that it may occasion much Speculation with Conjectures and false Reports, of which some may be attended with Inconvenience. I have not as yet made him any Answer, and will make him such as your Excellency’s Prudence may advise; being with the highest Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
His Exy. Ct: De Vergennes

Endorsed: M. de R.
Notation: rep le 29 Juin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Alexander Gillon or John Joyner, 28 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gillon, Alexander,Joyner, John

Sir,
Passy, June 28. 1781
The essential Interests of the United States making it absolutely necessary to retain the Money which had been ordered to America by the Conveance of your Ship, I am obliged hereby to desire that you would return the same, if already shipt to Messieurs Fizeaux Grand & Co., for which this shall be your Order and Justification. I have the honour to be &c
Commodore Gillon or his Absence to Capt. Joyner.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Jackson, 28 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, William

Sir,
Passy June 28th. 1781.
Since my Acceptance of your Bills I have applied to the Ministers for more Money to discharge the other Engagements I enter’d into for Payment of the Congress Bills drawn on Holland and Spain. I find so much Difficulty and even Impossibility of obtaining it at this Time, that I am under the absolute Necessity of stopping the Cash that is in Holland, or of ruining all the Credit of the States in Europe, and even in America, by stopping Payment. This is therefore to order, that in Case the said Cash has been deliver’d to you by Messrs. Fizeaux and Grand, you would immediately return it into their Hands to remain there at my disposal. I am sorry that this Operation is necessary, but it must be done or the Consequences will be terrible.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Major Jackson

Endorsed: from Doctor Franklin June 28. 1781.
Notation: (C No. 12)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Davies, 28 June 1781
From: Davies, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Newport, Rhode Island 28th. June 1781
I am truly sorry that an unhappy occasion compels me to intrude at this time upon your more important concerns, and beg the circumstance may have sufficient weight to apologize therefor.
My son William Davies, was lately taken in the ship General Washington, from this Port on a Cruize, by the British ship of War, Chatham and he with other Officers of the Washington sent to England in Irons, and I greatly fear the money he had with him will not be sufficient to relieve his wants in his present situation as a Prisoner. I would therefore request your Excellency to let him have if necessary to the amount of a hundred Dollars, for which Bills drawn in Favour of any Person in America shall be duly honoured, and the obligation acknowledged by, Sir your Most Respectful and Mst. Obt. Hume. Sert.
Wm. Davies

Addressed: His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / &c &c. &c— / in / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 28 June 1781
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Versailles le 28. Juin 1781.
Je me suis fait rendre compte, Monsieur des récépissés et reconnoissances qui ont été fournis successivement du montant des fonds dont le Roi a bien voulu faire le pret et l’avance pour le service du Congrès et des Etats-unis de l’Amerique, pendant les années 1778. 1779 et 1780. J’ai reconnu, Monsieur, que les quatre récépissés delivrés par Mrs. les Députés du Congrès conjointement avec vous, pour valeur de trois Millions avancés par Sa Majesté pendant l’exercice 1778. n’avoient pas la forme requise dans la comptabilité des Affaires étrangères, en ce qu’ils ne portent pas la promesse du remboursement, comme le font les reconnoissances que vous avez données pour un autre Million prété en 1779. et pour quatre Millions en 1780. J’ai chargé le S. Durival chef du bureau des fonds des Affaires étrangères d’aller se concerter avec vous, Monsieur, sur ce qui reste à faire pour mettre en régle les quatre récépissés dont il s’agit et même vos reconnoissances dans lesquelles le remboursement doit être spécialement énoncé. C’est une formalité à remplir additionnellement de votre part et nécessaire dans l’ordre de la manutention pécuniaire des Affaires étrangères.
J’ai l’honneur d’être très parfaitement, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
De Vergennes
M. franklin.

Endorsed: M. de Vergennes June 28. 1781 demands a Change in the Form of our Receipts.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 29 June 1781
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
London 29 June 1781
I did myself the pleasure to write you on the 8 May since when I am without any from you— I have had a Letter from Digges wherein he says that he intends to go to Passy to justify himself— but every day allmost produces fresh matter against him— I have a Letter from the Agent at Plymo Mr sawrey who complains that by Digges Order he furnished one Lambert a prisoner with near £10 & drew a Bill on Digges for his Reimbursement, which was protested. I now write purely to inform you that the last £100 you sent is entirely disbursed & our Subscription is wholly exhausted— of your Money I sent £40 to Mr Wren & £60 to Mr sawrey, if you have any Cash to spare you will be so good as send it or otherwise the weekly allowance must stop entirely it has been only 6 d. per week of late, there are upwards of 500 prisoners. I am with great respect D sr your most obedt Servt
William Hodgson

N.B. The money to Lambert was money deposited by Lamberts friends with Digges—

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / A / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Jackson, 29 June 1781
From: Jackson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam June 29d 1781
I have the honor to inform your Excellency that I got to Amsterdam on tuesday morning— It has been thought adviseable to wait a few days that we may sail with a Dutch Squadron of 14 sail destined as a Convoy to the Baltic— The loss of the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, which is confirmed by Lloyd’s list, renders every precaution necessary and essential to prevent a farther disappointment in supplies— I hope Your Excellency will approve the reasons for delaying our departure, which must be amply compensated by the benefit of a Convoy through the North Sea—
I beg leave to request that Colonel Laurens’s Servant may be informed, (should he apply to Your Excellency,) that if he leaves Paris immediately, and travels with dispatch he will reach this place in time to embark with us for America— Any commands which Your Excellency may please to honor me with, and which may be transmitted by him, will be faithfully attended to— I beg you will present my best respects to your Grandson—
I have the honor to be, with profound respect, Your Excellency’s most obedt. humble Servant
W. Jackson

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esquire / Passÿ / near Paris
Notation: Major Jackson. Amsterdam June 29. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 29 June 1781
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 29. Juin 1781.
J’ai reçu, M, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’hr de m’ecrire le 27. de ce mois, et à laquelle étoit jointe celle que vous a addressée M. Hartley. Je vois que cet anglais à le desir de venir en france pour avoir des entretiens politiques avec vous, et vous voulez bien me consulter sur la réponse que vous avez à lui faire.
Vous êtes trop èclairé, M, pour ne point sentir de vous même que ce ne sera jamais avec des négociateurs volontaires et non autorisés que la paix pourra être faite ni même facilitée, et qu’en les écoutant on risque de Se compromettre en pure perte en leur fournissant matiére à des paragraphes de gazettes ou a des déclamations parlementaires. Je pense donc, M, que vous ferez trés-bien d’eluder l’offre de M. Hartley; à moins qu’il ne vous assûre positivement qu’il a mission de la part du Ministère anglais; ce qui est d’autant moins probable, que la Cour de Londres a la première provoqué la médiation des deux Cours iles. [imperiales] et qu’elle n’est pas assez incorrecte pour vouloir établir une négociation clandestine avec vous. Si cependant, contre toute raison M. Hartley Se disoit avoüé par le ministere Brque., je pense que vous pourriez l’ecouter Sans inconvénient, les puissances médiatrices n’ayant encore fait aucune ouverture ni invitation au Congrès; et Si vous recevez une réponse affirmative, je ne ferai aucune difficulté à vous envoyer le passeport que M. Hartley demande.
M. franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 30 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, June 30. 1781
This is to request that you will accept no more Bills with an Expectation of my Paying them, till you have farther Advice from me: For I find that Mr. Laurens, who went away without informing me what he had done, has made so full a Disposition of the Six Millions granted at my Request before his Arrival, that unless the Specie he sent to Holland is stopt there, I shall not be in a Condition to pay them. I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. John Adams Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 30 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Passy, June 30. 1781.
I received, my dear Friends, kind Letter of the 15th. Instant, and immediately communicated your Request of a Passport to M. le Comte de Vergennes. His Answer, which I have but just received, expresses an Apprehention that the Circumstance of granting a Passport to you, as you mention the Purpose of your coming to be the discoursing with me on the Subject of Peace, might, considering your Character, occasion many inconvenient Reports and Speculations; but that he would make no Difficulty of giving it if you assured me that you were authoriz’d for such Purpose by your Ministers, which he does not think at all likely; otherwise he judges it best that I should not encourage your coming. Thus it seems I cannot have at present the Pleasure you were so kind as to propose for me. I can only join with you in earnest Wishes for Peace, a Blessing which I shall hardly live to see. With the greatest Esteem and Respect, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
David Hartley Esqr.

Addressed: David Hartley Esqr. / Golden Square / London.
Endorsed: D F June 30 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 30 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jay, John

Sir,
Passy, June 30. 1781.
You acquaint me that Bills have appear’d drawn on you in March last, and ask very properly if this can be reconciled to the obvious Dictates of Prudence & Policy?— It cannot. And if you are unable to pay them, they must be protested: For it will not be in my Power to help you. And I see that nothing will cure the Congress of this Madness of drawing upon the Pump at Aldgate, but such a Proof that its Well has a Bottom.— I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s, most obedt & most humble Sevt.
B Franklin
His Exy J. Jay. Esqr.

Addressed: A son Excellence / M. Jay, Ministre Plenipoten- / tiaire / à Madrid
Endorsed: Dr. Franklin 30 June 1781 ansd. July


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 June 1781
From: Bache, Benjamin Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon cher Grand Papa
Genève ce 30e. Juin 1781
Je vous écris cette lettre pour vous apprendre de mes nouvelles et pour m’informer de vôtre sante. Je n’ai point eu de prix cette année, mais si l’on avoit fait un prix de bonnes notes je L’aurois eu; parceque je l’emportois sur tous ceux de ma bande ce prix ne se donne pas a St pierre mais pourtant cela marque que L’on s’est appliqué toute L’année. Les écoliers fournissent chacun autant les uns que les autres et ceux qui L’ont ont l’argent des autres et l’on achète avec cet argent ou des Livres ou une medaille et lon les donne aux proffesseurs qui vous les redonnent. Maintenant, mon cher grand papa, je suis en troisiéme ou je m’applique tant que je puis pour avoir un prix comme l’autre année j’ai reçu Les livres que vous avès eu la bonté de m’envoyer et je m’en sers pour apprendre L’anglois et dans deux ans je serai en premiére et ensuite je ne serai plus au collège je grandis beaucoup mon cher grand papa dernièrement L’on m’a fait une demi douzaine de Chemises c’est a present Le temps que L’on fauche et L’on a emporté le dernier chariot le même jour, que je vous écris cette Lettre, et bientôt L’on moisonera et alors au collège l’on vous donne trois semaines de vacances, mais on vous donne pourtant de grandes taches, je me suis beaucoup amusé Ces temps ci parceque L’on a eu deux semaines de Vacances acause des promotions je n’ai pourtant pas laissé de travailler avec Mr Marignac qui vous présente ses respects—. Faites bien mes compliments à mon cousin et mes amitiés à Cockran et quand vous écrirès à Mon papa ou à Ma Maman présentès leurs bien mes respects.
Je suis mon cher Grand papa Votre très humble et obeissant Petit fils
B. Franklin bache le bon enfant

Addressed in Marignac’s hand: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Ministre / Plénipotentiaire des Provinces unies / de L’Amérique auprès de Sa Majesté / très chrétienne, recommandée à Monsieur / Grand Banquier ruë Montmartre / A Paris
Notation: B. F. B. to Dr. F Geneva June 30. ’81


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Borde, 30 June 1781
From: Borde, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
La Rochelle 30th. June 1781./.
Mr. Bourdot the Admiralty Interpreter here for the English came to me yesterday, to show me a Letter he just received from Mr. Mumford to inquire & let him know, whether Captn. Jos: Conckling with his Brigg The Whim was gone from here, when, and wether loaded for account of his owner (mr. Jos: Packwood of New London) or was oblig’d to take freight, I can give account of every particulars, since I was his correspondent here being consign’d to me by my Friend mr. Et: Dechezeaux at La Flotte on Isle Rez by whose assistance the Brigg & cargoe were sav’d from the Coast at La Tranche.
I am sorry to observe that no captn. likely never met with such Misfortunes and disapointements as Captn. Conckling, Your Excellency was inform’d with his runing on the Rocks of Le Grouin on the coast of La Tranche in Lower Poitou on the 23d July 1780, which mr. Mumford knows since he was a passenger on Board. The most unnecessary formality of the poor ignorant officers of the Admiralty at Sables D’Olonnes to have referred Captn. Conckling’s case to Le Conseil des Prises, before allowing him the Liberty of his Brigg & Cargoe (which no other officers in any Port of the Kingdom would have done) tho’ the papers were very regular, the long time Le Conseil des prises was about it, on which I advised Captn. Conckling to apply to Your Excellency which he did by the Letter I wrote the 10th. August last Sign’d by him & Captn. Raux, to which was pleased to honour him with your Answer of 21st said month, covering Monsr. De Sartine’s answer of 19th. ditto by which this Minister assured Your Excellency He had transmitted all the Papers to the Conseil des prises in order for a speedy Dispatch but every thing continued undone, which determined in October following to send to paris Lieut. Pinkham to wait on Your Excellency and it was in November only we could had the Tobacco brought here from La Tranche, when so low price offered by the Farmers Generals’ Agent here on account of being Spoil’d by the Salt water at La Tranche, that it would have been as well to give it away therefore thought proper to wait ’till better price, and in January last mr. G: L: De Stocker (a german born) mercht. here bought it at 50: l.t. Hundred weight the less Spoil’d, So that it took long time to pick out the worst of every Cask and finding at that price it could not produce to free the Expences, Captn. Conckling wrote Your Excellency on the 23d. January for your Protection to obtain about 50 or 60 Tuns Freight for the French Fleet at Newport & the Freight to be paid before going away from here, and receiving no answer I wrote my Friend Mr. P.C. Lambert (Banker vielle rue du Temple pres L’Egout) in Paris on the 17th. February to wait on Your Excellency about it, But all in vain. Nothing favourable could be obtain’d for a Good Freight So that Captn. Conckling loaded for His own account having had Several Bills on Your Excellency paid to Said mr. Lambert, he bought & loaded on board his Brigg the Whim for his account viz—
1508 Bushels Salt which came to him at 21 s. 9 d. clear of every thing aboard the Ship per Bushel weighing 80 Lbs poids de marc 121½ Velts of Brandy about 3 l.t.: 13 s. 6 d. Tournois the Velts Clear on board
585 Lbs Good Boë Thea [Bohea Tea], 2 l.t.: 15 s. Clear aboard 941 Lbs. German Steel at 10 s. 4 d. Tournois Clear on board— 200 quire Glasses 7 to 9 Inches at 4 s. per quire
Captn. Conckling promised me if he should arrive Safe at New London he would offer to Treat with mr. Jos: Packwood honestly about this Cargoe, for this owner will be at a very great Loss to see his Brigg without any goods on board and even in Debt with his Captain which is easily to Account Viz.
The charges & Expences at La Tranche for Saving the Brigg, artillerie Masts, Rigging and so far to La Flotte, repairing the Brigg there, Victualling the Crew, Boarding the Capt. & officers &a.  11205 l.t.: 16 s. 9 d.

To Ditto on Tobacco at La Tranche, 173 Casks sent there to put in said Tobacco, the Hire of Stores, Kraffts to bring the whole to Rochelle, 3770 l.t. 1 s. 9 d. admiralty at Sables D’olonnes charges included

8784:18.6

£19990:15:3

To charges on Tobacco in Rochelle
  £854 l.t.:—:—

To charges and Expences while the Brigg in Rochelle including A new Main Mast, Boom, New set of Sails Victualling the Crew, Boading of the Captn., outwards provisions and also included 3864 l.t.: 14 s. for captn Conckling’s private account
  11932:4:

    12786:4:

the whole Disbursment on the Brigg & Cargoe amounting to

  £32776:19:3.

  And the proceed of Tobacco &a. as follow Vizt.

60470 Lbs neat of Tobacco at 50% per Hundred weight
  £30235:—:—

deducting what was dü to the Crew &a
  4359: 5: 9

  25875 l.t.
  14 s. 3 d.

To passage Money & Freight &a

  5718.
  7:—

To neat proceed of 1100 Small Staves

  208.
  6:

To Ballance of my Disburement paid me by Capt Conckling

  974:
  2:

Ballance

  £32776:
  19. 3

I delivered Captn. Conckling to carry Mr. Packwood a General account by articles of all the Disbursements by which he will See it was impossible to do otherwise, and had it not been by the great Vigilence of my Friend mr. Dechezeaux of La Flotte, the Brigg & all would had been lost to all this Misery poor Captn Conckling was Sick most all the time & His Crew troublesome now & then, for once the Boatswain at the Head, all went to the house where he Boarded, and insisted on Money or to be discharg’d on which I waited on the Commissioner of the Navy (Le Commissaire de la Marine) who had the Boatswain & two men confin’d ’till Captn Conckling was pleased to have them out again, this Captn. & I, have several time had opportunity to apply here for redressemt. which plainly Show the Need of a Consul or Vice Consul here for the Congress, I once wrote my friend Mr. Lambert about it & desired him to Beseech Your Excellency if any appointed for this place that I may be the person. I do reiterate Your Excellency my Services for that Purpose & No one will be More acknowledgfull than me, if this favour Granted me I hope my being born here will not be an obstacle.— I have the Honour to be with due Respect Sir Your most obedient & very Humble Servant
Pre. Borde
His Excellency Dr. Franklin at Passy ./.

Notation: Borde la Rochelle June 30: 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, [before 1 July 1781]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

[before July 1, 1781]
Pour vous faire mieux comprendre la force de ma Demonstration que vous ne m’aimez pas, je commence par un petit Conte.
Un Mendiant demandoit d’un rich Eveque un Louis en Aumone. Tu es un Extravagant: On ne donne pas des Louis aux Mendiants. Un Ecu, donc. Non: c’est trop. Un Liard, donc:—ou vôtre Benediction. Mon Benediction! Oui; je te le donnerai. Non; je ne l’accepterai pas. Car s’il vaut un Liard, vous ne le voudriez pas me donner.

  Voila comme cet Eveque aimoit son Voisin! Voila sa Charité!— Et si j’examine la vôtre, je ne la trouverai pas beaucoup plus grande. J’ai eu un faim incroyable, & vous ne m’aviez pas donné à manger; J’étois etranger; & j’étois (presque) aussi malade que le Colin de vôtre Chanson; & vous ne m’aviez pas ni réçu, ni gueri, ni même soulagé. Vous qui étés riche comme un Archeveque en toutes les Vertus chretiennes & morales, & qui pouvez m’en sacrifier une petite Portion de quelques unes, sans que la Perte soit visible; vous me dites que cela est trop, & que vous ne voulez pas le faire. Voila votre Charité—à un pauvre Miserable, qui autrefois jouit de l’Affluence, & qui est malheureusement réduit à demander de vos Aumones!— Vous dites, neantmoins, que vous l’aimez. Mais vous ne lui donneriez pas vôtre Amitié, s’il fallut pour cela faire la Depense de le moindre petit Morceau, de la valeur d’un Liard, de vôtre Sagesse!


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 1 July 1781
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon chér papa:
ce 1er juillét a passy [1781]
Votre Evesque étoit un vilain—votre mendiant un assés drole de coup—vous éstes un logicien d’autant plus habil que vous rendéz avéc grace, et donnéz présque l’envie de cedér a de mauvaises raisons, appuyées sur un faux principe. Estce au docteur Franklin? Ce philosophe célébre, ce profond politique; qu’une fémme parle avéc tant d’irrévérence—oui C’est que ce sçavant, ce lesgislateur, a sa foiblésse; (au surplus c’est la foiblésse des grands hommes, il en a bien proffité). Entrons en matiére: = pour prouvér que je ne vous aime pas mon bon papa, vous vous comparés a un Mendiant qui demandoit l’aumone a un Evesque; le Rosle d’un Evesque est de ne point refusér les Mendiants lorsqu’ils manquent du nécéssaire, il s’honore en faisant le bien— Mais en Vérité l’éspéce de charité que vous me demandés si plaisament, se trouve partout vous ne maigrirés pas de mes refus! Que diriés vous de votre Mendiant, si l’évesque lui ayant donné le louis qu’il demandoit, il eut murmuré de n’en avoir pas reçu deux= voici pourtant votre cas mon bon ami: vous m’avés adopté pour fille, je vous ai choisi pour mon papa: qu’avés vous a me demandér? de l’amitié éh bien je vous aime, comme une fille doit aimér son pére, L’amitié la plus pure, la plus réspectueuse, la plus tendre occupe mon áme pour vous; vous m’avés demandés un louis que je vous ai donné, et vous murmurés de n’avoir pas le second qui ne m’appartient pas; c’est un dépot qu’on m’a confié mon bon papa, je le garde et le garderai toujours soigneusement; enfin Vous Seriés Comme Colin malade, qu’en vérité je ne pourrois vous guérir, et pourtant quoique vous en puissiés pensér et dire, personne au monde ne vous aime plus que moi:/:


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Jackson: Three Letters, 2 July 1781
From: Jackson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.

Sir,
Amsterdam July 2nd 1781
I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s letter of the 28 ultimo, while at the Texel superintending some matters relating to the Ship—equally concerned for the cause of your order as surprised at the manner in which Mr. Fiseaux was resolved to execute it in case the money had been already shipped— I must beg leave to inform you fully of this business, and to request your Excellency’s final determination thereon.
Colonel Laurens, as your Excellency knows, was sent by Congress to the Court of Versailles with a special commission— the purport of his Mission you are well acquainted with— it was to obtain certain supplies in specie and Military Stores— By the most unremitting assiduity he so far succeeded as to procure, amongst others, a sum of money to be shipped in Holland by the So. Carolina frigate, which was deemed by the Court of France a safe and convenient conveyance as it would divide the risque, which must have been incurred by placing the whole on board of one Vessel—that Sum was sent to this place by Mr. Necker, and lodged in the house of Fiseaux and Grand to be by them delivered to me agreeable to the following order, the original of which is now in my possession (having, very fortunately for me, recovered it from them after they received your instructions).

Messieurs Fiseaux and Grand have in pursuance of your Excellency’s directions refused to deliver it—
This, Sir, being a distinct transaction executed altogether at the instance of the honorable John Laurens Esq. Special Minister at the Court of Versailles from the United States, and by him committed to my farther care— I conceive myself indispensably bound to remonstrate to Your Excellency on the late orders given by you to Messrs. Fiseaux and Grand directing the detention of that Money.— And to inform you that if they are not repealed I must embark without it— and however I may lament the disappointment and distress in which this measure must involve Congress, whose arrangements are undoubtedly taken on the certainty of this supply being sent from Europe— however much I may regret Colonel Laurens’s absence which induces it— I shall possess the pleasing reflection of having done my duty in demanding conformably to the intentions of Mr. Necker, and by his order, that money which the Court of France had accorded to the United States by the application of Colonel Laurens in virtue of his special commission— and which was particularly and expressly destined to reanimate the credit of the Continental currency—
The Ship waits for nothing else but this money— I shall attend Your Excellency’s ultimate decision thereon which I expect to receive by return of the Express, who only waits your commands—
I have the honour to be Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
W Jackson

P.S. Mr. Fiseaux informed me that he had resolved to arrest the Ship had the money been on board—
I need not inform Your Excellency that a like opportunity may not again offer to transport this essential supply, rendered still more so by the capture of the ship Marquis de la Fayette.
W. Jackson

My fever which was greatly increased by my late jaunt to Passy will not admit of my waiting upon your Excellency in person and I am persuaded your justice will render it unnecessary after this representation. W. J.
  (No. 1) to Dr. Franklin July 2nd. 1781

II.
Sir,
Amsterdam July 2nd. 1781
Since the departure of my express I find myself obliged, in conformity to Colonel Laurens’s instructions (from which as his Agent I cannot recede unless compelled thereto by forcible means, and which, unless such are practised against me, I must carry into execution) to retain the money which he has confided to my care, and which the Minister of Finance’s order makes deliverable to me specially,— and to arrest it in the hands of Mr. Fiseaux should he continue to refuse the delivery of it but by Your Excellency’s orders— I rely upon your Excellency’s attachment to the welfare of America to prevent this painful operation, which must inevitably take place should your determination decide otherwise—for, as this money is subject to no other controul in Europe but the immediate order of the Court of France—I cannot relinquish my charge of it but by their special Order.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient, very humble Servant.
W Jackson.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire Passÿ

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esquire / Passy / near Paris.
Notation: W Jackson July 2d. 1781

III.
Sir,
Amsterdam July 2nd. 1781.
Your Excellency will not wonder at the determination which I have adopted to arrest the money now in Mr. Fiseaux’s hands, (and which I have communicated to you by a second Express this afternoon) when you reflect that this money is absolutely committed to my charge for a special purpose, and that I stand accountable for the execution of that Commission— Your Excellency must likewise be sensible that you cannot have the disposal of it, as it was obtained without either your knowledge or concurrence by Colonel Laurens appointed Special Minister for that purpose— these considerations and the knowledge I have how much America must suffer from a disappointment in this supply, about to be transported by so excellent a conveyance, must plead my excuse, individually, for this plain and candid avowal of circumstances—and my determination thereon— I am farther persuaded that the Court of France is not disposed, was there even the shadow of an excuse for an alteration of the allotment of this money, to infringe their honor, and injure the essential interests of America by detaining it.— I must therefore again intreat Your Excellency’s repeal of those orders to Mr. Fizeaux which now detain the Ship and supplies so much required in America.
I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most obedt. hble Servant
W Jackson.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire.

Notation: W. Jackson. July 2d. 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., 5 July 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Fizeaux, Grand & Cie.

Gentlemen
Passy, July 5. 1781
I received the Letter you did me the Honour of Writing to me the 30th past. I have no doubt of obtaining such an Order from the Ministry respecting the Money in your Hands, as you apprehend to be necessary. In the mean time, as that Money was granted to the United States on my Application, and I am under more than equivalent Engagements on their Account by my Acceptations of their Bills, I must repeat my Arrest of it in your Hands till you receive the Order above-mentioned. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen
Mess. Fizeaux & Grand


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Jackson: Two Letters, 5 July 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, William

I.
Sir
Passy, July 5. 1781. at 6 in the Morning
I have this Instant received your Letter of the 2d. urging the Delivery of the Money. I must be Short in my Reply, as your Express waits.
Col. Laurens indeed obtained a Promise of Ten Millions to be raised by a Loan in Holland. I understood while he was here that that Loan was in Train, & that the Million and half to be sent with you was a part of it. I since learn that nothing has yet been obtain’d in Holland, that the Success is not yet certain, and that the Money in question is a Part of the Six Millions I had obtain’d before his Arrival, upon the Strength of which I accepted the Bills drawn on his Father & on Mr Jay, and without which Acceptances the Congress Credit in America would have been ruined, and a Loss incurred of 20 per Cent, upon the Protests. I cannot obtain more Money here at present, and those Bills being accepted must be paid, as well as those I accepted on your earnest Request for the great unexpected Purchase you made in Holland. Col. Laurens has carried Two Millions and an half of that Six Millions with him, which will serve till the Loan in Holland produces a farther Supply. In the mean time I cannot suffer the Credit of our Country to be destroyed, if by detaining this Money it may be saved. And if I were to consent to its going, our Banker would be obliged to arrest great Part of it as belonging to the States, he being in Advance for them, which would occasion much disagreable Noise and very ill Consequences to our Credit in Europe. I find by Mr Viemerange’s Account just received that Mr Laurens’s Orders have more than absorb’d all the Money he did not take with him. I applaud the Zeal you have both shown in the Affair: But I see that nobody cares how much I am distressed provided they can carry their own Points: I must therefore take what care I can of mine, theirs and mine being equally intended for the Service of the Publick. I am sorry to learn that the Vessel is detained for this Express. I understood by your last that she waited for Convoy. I heartily wish you a good Voyage, and am with great Esteem, Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Major Jackson

Endorsed: from Doctor Franklin July 5. 1781
Notation: (C No. 12)

II.
Sir
Passy, July 5. 1781 at 10 AM.
I receiv’d your Letter of the 2d Instant by your first Express this Morning at 6. answer’d it, and sent him away immediately. I have just now receiv’d your second Express of the same Date, in which you threaten me with a Proceeding that I apprehend exceedingly imprudent, as it can answer no good End to you, must occasion much Scandal, and be thereby very prejudicial to the Affairs of the Congress. But I cannot therefore consent to suffer their Bills to the Amount of more than a Million accepted and expected, to go back protested for want of this Money.— I have nothing to change in the Answer above-mentioned.— You will however follow your own Judgment (as I must follow mine) and you will take upon your self the Consequences. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Majr Jackson

Endorsed: from Dr. Franklin July 5. 1781
Notation: (C No. 13)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 5 July 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Philadelphia July 5. 1781
In my Letter of the 4th of January last I had the Honor to transmit to you Sir the Resolve of Congress of the 21st of December signifying their Desire that you should apply to the Court at which you reside to use Means for the Release & Exchange of the honorable Henry Laurens, Copies of which are herewith enclosed.
I am now to transmit you the enclosed Resolve of the 14th Ulto, by which you are authorized & empowered to offer Lieut. General Burgoyne in Exchange for the honorable Mr Laurens.

As the Honor & Interest of these States is concerned for the Release of that Gentleman, your best Endeavors will not be wanting to accomplish the Desire of Congress on so important a Subject—
I have the Honor to be, with the highest Regard sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant
Sam HuntingtonPresident

By the United States in Congress assembled June 14: 1781 Resolved That the minister plenipotentiary of these united states at the court of Versailles be authorised and empowered to offer lieut genl Burgoyne in exchange for the honble Henry Laurens. Extract from the Minutes
Chas Thomsonsecy.
The Honble. Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 7 July 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel de Valois July. 7 1781
Mr Adams presents his Compliments to Dr Franklin and prays him to let his servant take the Trunks left at Passy to Paris. Mr A. will do himself the Honour to pay his Respects to his Excellency, very soon.

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin Ministre / Plenip des Etats unis de lamerique / A Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 7 July 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Saturday July 7.— PM.— [1781]
Dr Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr Adams, and sends such of his Trunks as can be got at; W.T.F. in whose Chamber it is suppos’d there may be more, being gone to Paris; and having with him Mr F’s Carriage prevents his waiting on Mr Adams immediately as he would otherwise wish to do; but Mr F. requests the Honour of Mr Adams’s Company at Dinner to-morrow.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Villequier, [8 July 1781]
From: Villequier, Louis-Alexandre-Céleste d’Aumont, duc de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[July 8, 1781]
M. le Duc de Villequier a l’honneur de faire part à Monsieur Franklin de la perte qu’il vient de faire de m. le marquis de Courtanvaux Son beaupère.

Le convoy se fera à St. Roch aujourdhuy Dimanche 8. Juillet 1781. à Sept heures du soir.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-François Joly de Fleury de La Valette, [9] July 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Joly de Fleury de La Valette, Jean-François

Passy ce [9] Juillet 1781.
J’ai remis il y a quelques tems, Monsieur, à Mr. Le Comte. de Vergennes, l’etat des fonds dont j’avais besoin pour le Service des Etats unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale, dans le cours de cette année, montant à cinq millions. Mr. Grand a présenté de Son coté à ce Ministre celui de Ses avances et des Payemens qu’il a à faire dans ce mois, pour acquiter mes engagemens, d’après les quels je vous demande la grace de vouloir bien ordonner qu’il lui Soit payé un million Sur Son reçu, et de me faire Savoir Si je puis compter Sur les fonds nécessaires pour l’acquit de mes engagemens Successifs Sur les reçus, qui Seront ensuite échangés contre des Promesses pareilles à celles qu’il a délivrées jusques ici aux affaires étrangeres?

J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec respect, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
Signé Benjn. FRANKLIN
Copie de la lettre de Mr. franklin à Mr. de fleury.1781. Juillet 9.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Temple, 9 July 1781
From: Temple, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Amsterdam 9th July 1781
It is with no inferior degree of Pleasure that I have it in my Power to tell you I am now upon the Continent of Europe, & at liberty to write an Innocent Letter to a Friend in another Kingdom without running the Risk of having Mr. Wedderburn’s very extraordinary Tallents at Constructive Treason, exersised upon it. I have for a long time been Wishing, Waiting, and, sometimes, Sanguinely expecting, that Britain would open her Eyes to her real Interests; and, as a leading step to get out of her Perilous condition, withdraw her Troops & Ships, and treat for Peace with America, as a Free & Independent People when a General Peace might happily be the consequence! but every prospect of that kind appeared to me when I left England, to be at as great a distance as they were Several Years ago: I therefore purpose to get back to my own Country by the first good Opportunity that offers, either from France, Spain, or Holland.

In my last Letters from Boston Mr. Bowdoin expresses an Earnest Wish that I would not leave Europe without first seeing his Friend Doctor Franklin! but he need not have Suggested it, for my own Inclination to have that pleasure, could not, at this time, be any way heightened: I therefore mean to set out from hence for Paris upon the return of the Post when I Promise myself the Pleasure of hearing from You; and, as I do not Speak French & probably shall Travel alone, I should be very much Obliged to you for any Information that you may think would render my Journey the least troublesome & difficult to me; & also for a Pasport, if it be Necessary.
Mr Trumbull was fortunately released from his confinement in England a few weeks ago, and is now here with me, at Amsterdam, but has no thoughts I believe at present, of coming to France.
In refutation of the many rumors which have very much of late been propegated in England of your declining state of health, it was with Pleasure that I learnt, on this side the Channel, that you are as well as you have been for many years past!— that you may continue so till Peace be happily restored to your Native Country is the unfeigned wish of Dear Sir, Your most Obedient, and Most affectionate Huml Servt.
J. Temple.

Your many faithfull & Valuable Friends in England retain the warmest and most affectionate regards for you—and I am particularly charged with the compliments of the Good old Bishop of St. Asaph, the Dean of Winchester, Doctor Price, & David Hartley.
  His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Jackson, 10 July 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, William

Sir
Passy, July 10. 1781
Last Night I received your 4th Letter on the Same Subject.
You are anxious to carry the Money with you, because it will re-animate the Credit of America.
My Situation & long Acquaintance with Affairs relating to the public Credit enables me, I think, to judge better than you can do, who are a Novice in them, what Employment of it will most conduce to that End; and I imagine the retaining it to pay the Congress Drafts has infinitely the Advantage.
You repeat that the Ship is detain’d by my Refusal. You forget your having written to me expresly, that She waited for Convoy.—
You remind me of the Great Expence the Detention of the Ship occasions. Who has given Orders to stop her? It was not me. I had no Authority to do it. Have you? And do you imagine, if you have taken such Authority upon you that the Congress ought to bear the Expence occasion’d by your Imprudence. And that the Blame of detaining the necessary Stores the Ship contains, will be excus’d by your fond desire of carrying the Money?
The Noise you have rashly made about this Matter, contrary to the Advice of Mr Adams, which you ask’d and receiv’d, and which was, to comply with my Requisition, has already done great Mischief to our Credit in Holland. Messrs Fizeaux have declar’d they will advance to him no more Money on his Bills upon me to assist in paying the Congress Drafts on him. Your Commodore too, complains, in a Letter I have seen that he finds it difficult to get Money for my Acceptances of your Drafts in order to clear his Ship. Tho’ before this Proceeding of yours, Bills on me were, as Mr Adams assures me, in as good Credit on the Exchange of Amsterdam as those of any Banker in Europe. I suppose the Difficulty mention’d by the Commodore, is the true Reason of the Ship’s Stay; if in fact the Convoy is gone without her. Credit is a delicate tender thing, capable of being blasted with a Breath. The public Talk you have occasion’d about my Stopping the Money, & the Conjectures of the Reasons or Necessity of doing it, have created Doubts and Suspicions, of most pernicious Consequence. It is a Matter that should have pass’d in Silence.
You repeat as a Reason for your Conduct that the Money was obtain’d by the great Exertions of Col. Laurens. Who obtain’d the Grant is a Matter of no Importance, tho’ the Use I propose to make of it is of the greatest. But the Fact is not as you state it. I obtain’d it before he came. And if he were here, I am sure I could convince him of the Necessity of leaving it. Especially after I Should have inform’d him, that you had made in Holland the enormous Purchase of 40,000£ Sterling’s worth of Goods, over and above the 10,000£’s worth which I had agreed should be purchased by him, on my Credit; and that you had induc’d me to engage for the Payment of your Purchase by showing me a Paper said to contain his Orders to you for making it, which I then took to be his Handwriting tho’ I afterwards found it to be yours and not Sign’d by him. It would be an additional Reason with him, when I should remind him, that he himself to induce me to come into the Proposal of Commodore Gillon, & the rest of the Holland Transaction to which I was averse, assur’d me he had mention’d it to the Minister, and that it was approv’d of. That on the contrary I find the Minister remembers nothing of it, very much dislikes it, and absolutely refuses to furnish any Money to discharge that Account.
You finish your Letter by telling me, that “the daily Enhancement of Expence to the United States from these Difficulties is worthy the Attention of those whose Duty it is to œconomise the Public Money, and to whom the common Weal is intrusted, without deranging the special Department of another.” The Ship’s lying there with 5 or 600 Men on board, is undoubtedly a great daily Expence, but it is you that occasion it; and these superior Airs you give yourself, young Gentleman, of Reproof to me and Reminding me of my Duty, do not become you, whose special Department and Employ in public Affairs of which you are so vain, is but of yesterday, and would never have existed but by my Concurrence, and would have ended in the Disgrace, if I had not supported your enormous Purchases by accepting your Drafts, and the charging me with want of Œconomy is particularly improper in you, when the only Instance you know of it is, my having indiscretely comply’d with your Demand, in advancing you 120 Louis for the Expence of your Journey to Paris, and when the only Instance I know of your Œconomizing Money, is, your sending me three Expresses one after another on the same Day, all the way from Holland to Paris each with a Letter saying the same thing, to the same no purpose.
This Dispute is as useless as it is unpleasant. It can only create ill Blood. Pray let us end it.— I have the honour to be


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Finney, 10 July 1781
From: Finney, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir.
NewCastle July 10th. 1781.
If it is in your power to obtain intelligence from London, concerning the proceedings on my Appeal, which you was so kind as to negotiate for me, during your residence there, and on which a hearing was expected soon after you left England, and you can learn whether any Judgment was given thereon.— I shall esteem it a singular favor, if you will please to transmit me a Copy thereof, (if in my favor,) or an account from Mr. Thomas Life, my Solicitor, how the matter ended, and transmit it to me, as soon as convenient. Any expences attending the application, shall be repaid to your Order, in Philadelphia.
Please excuse this trouble, I am, Dear Sir Your obliged humble Servant
David Finney
Honorable Doctor Benjamin Franklin.

Addressed: Dr: Franklin
Notation: David Finney 18 July 1781.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Morris, 10 July 1781
From: Morris, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend
Philada. 10th. July 1781
The Bearer Samuel Powel Griffitts is my great Nephew, who has studied Physick under Doctr: Kuhn of this City, much to his Credit and reputation, he has taken his Degrees in our University with applause, and great Satisfaction to his friends, and in order to compleat his knowledge in Physick &c. he has taken a Voyage to France, to vissit the Hospitals there, hopeing there-by to make further improvements in that Science, a Voyage to England, at this Juncture, for that purpose, not being so Eligible, for divers reasons, therefore have taken this freedom with my Old Friend, to recommend so worthy and promising a Native of our City, to his particular Notice, having a high opinion of the liberal sentiments he possesses, and from his natural good disposition, that whatever advice or instructions, thou mayst be pleasd to favor him with, in his pursuit of knowledge I am fully perswaded, it will not be thrown away upon him, but will be receiv’d with the highest Sentiments of gratitude, with this opinion of his goodness of heart, & desire of improvement, I please my self with his returning an Ornament to his Country, and a very usefull member in the Community at large—
I hope this meets my old friend in Health, and the great affairs of this World, squares with his Judgment, shou’d be exceedingly pleasd with a Line from him; we are here on all sides, anxious to hear the result, of this grand Congress in Europe, little politicians distract their minds about the event, my rest & trust is in a Supreeme power, who will center all things right, and here I have pitched my Tent, & take up my rest— I am thy very affect. Friend.
Jos Morris

Addressed: To / Doctr: Franklin / in Paris / by Doctr. Griffitts
Endorsed: Jos. Morris
Notation: 10 July 1781


Title: “My Ink with a Little Loaf Sugar,” 11 July 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

At first glance this document makes little sense: what looks like a title line, written in a large hand and dated to the hour, is centered above two stanzas that have nothing to do with either the title or one another. Both verses are taken from the works of Joseph Addison, and the misquotations suggest that they were written from memory. Indeed, the poetry in this case was merely a vehicle for the medium. On this sheet, Franklin was conducting an experiment with writing ink, and we conjecture that he was trying to duplicate the copying ink that James Watt had patented for use with his copy presses.
From the time that James Woodmason first solicited Franklin’s subscription for Watt’s new copy presses, Franklin seems to have recognized what Watt knew very well: the inventor’s achievement lay not with the machine (which was a typical press), but with the procedure. Franklin told Woodmason that he would order three presses because of his desire to “encourage Ingenuity,” but let the stationer know that he was not intending to keep one for himself. In fact, he continued, he had already produced some copies without any special equipment, and enclosed one. Woodmason replied that Franklin’s copy would not “stand any time,” whereas “ours will stand as long as the original.” This, indeed, was the critical problem that Watt believed he had solved: devising an ink which, when moistened and forced into a second sheet, would remain legible over time.
The three copy presses arrived at Passy in February, 1781. Despite his earlier statement, Franklin did keep one for his office; he also offered one to Congress. When he got word from Samuel Huntington that he should send a copying machine to Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson, he had his own copy press duplicated by a Parisian carpenter.
Finding local sources for the copy press accessories was very much on Franklin’s mind in the summer of 1781. He had ordered more copying paper, ink powder, oiled paper, and wetting and drying books from Woodmason in May, which arrived in July with a Mr. Laurent. In early August Temple told Jonathan Williams, Jr., that they had found a French paper (papier de soie) that worked just as well as the English copying paper, and he was sending a ream. It seems reasonable that Franklin was trying to devise an ink recipe that would free him from having to rely on shipments from London of Watt’s “Patent Copying Powder.”
Was loaf sugar, the subject of the present document’s experiment, Watt’s secret ingredient? Not according to his patent, dated February 4, 1780, which reveals his formula to be a combination of Aleppo galls, green copperas, gum arabic, and roach alum. But Watt did try adding sugar before he settled on his final recipe, having observed that both sugar and gum helped tannin ink to offset. This was evidently not a new observation, and the fact that Franklin was adding sugar to French encre ordinaire (also a gall-based ink), shows that he was reasoning along the same lines.
Whether Franklin was pleased with the results of this experiment is not known; we have found no other references in his papers to copying ink, nor any allusions (other than the press copies themselves) to the process. But the order Franklin submitted to Woodmason for copying ink and paper in May, 1781, seems to be the last such invoice for personal use that survives. His final order, of October 5, 1781, was for three complete sets of copying supplies that Franklin intended to ship to Congress along with the presses that he was having built in Paris.
When Watt’s patent expired, his secrets were revealed to the world. The text of that patent, as well as the plate which we reproduced in volume 33, was published in the inaugural volume of The Repertory of Arts and Manufactures: consisting of Original Communications, Specifications of Patent Inventions, and Selections of Useful Practical Papers from the Transactions of Philosophical Societies of All Nations, &c. &c. (London, 1794). In time, because of the proliferation of copy presses in the nineteenth century, Watt’s ink recipe came to be commonly reprinted without attribution. Colin Mackenzie’s immensely popular Five Thousand Receipts in All the Useful and Domestic Arts reproduced it verbatim under the heading, “A Fine Black Ink, for Common Purposes, and for the Copying Press.” Mackenzie also included the following instructions, showing that Franklin’s idea survived as a viable alternative to Watt’s ink for decades.
Substitute for Copying Machines
  In the common ink used, dissolve lump sugar (one dracham to one ounce of ink). Moisten the copying paper, and then put it in soft cap paper to absorb the superfluous moisture.— Put the moistened paper on the writing, place both between some soft paper, and either put the whole in the folds of a carpet, or roll upon a roller three or four times.

July 11. 1781—at Noon
My Ink with a little Loaf Sugar

So the pure limpid Stream &c
So when some Angel, by divine Command,
With rising Tempests shakes a guilty Land,
(Such as of late o’er pale Britannia past)
Calm and serene he drives the furious Blast,
And, pleas’d th’ Almighty’s Orders to perform,
Rides in the Whirlwind, and directs the Storm.

The same Ink without Sugar.

It must be so.— Plato, thou reason’st well.
Else whence this pleasing Hope, this fond Desire,
This Longing after an Eternity. Or whence this secret Dread,

Of falling into Nought. Why shrinks the Soul
Back on her self, and startles at Destruction.
’Tis the Divinity that stirs within us;
’Tis Heav’n itself that points out an Hereafter, &c


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 12 July 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir,
Passy, July 12. 1781.
I received your Favour of the 5th. Instant. I approve of the Orders you have given relating to the Subsistance of the Prisoners. It will be well to put them into the first Cartel that shall arrive at Morlaix, or go from any Port near you, taking a Receipt from the Captain, as for so many Persons—Prisoners made by the Americans. There were seventeen left in the Prison at L’orient by the Capt. of the Alliance. I wish your Agent to enquire for them, if not already gone to send them away in the same Manner. I have no Objection to the Exchange proposed for Capt. Bell. But it should be approved by those who took Capt. Bell’s Parole. Does Capt. Jones, who has had so short a Passage, bring no News? I have the honour to be, Sir,
M. Schweighauser.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 12 July 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Monsieur
Passy le 12. Juillet 1781.
Je ne doute pas que le Congrès ne se fasse un Devoir de se conformer aux Intentions du Roy, et qu’en consequence il ne donne ordre de suspendre toutes Traittes et particulierement celles du Bureau d’Emprunt; mais toutes celles qui ont été faites avant cet ordre et qui n’ont pas encore paru, me seront certainement presentées, et dans ce Cas je vous prie de vouloir bien me faire connoitre vos Intentions. Si je les renvoye à Protêt, de grands Inconvenients resulteront nécessairement, dont les Fraix seront les moindres.
Mr. Grand vous ayant rendu Compte de la Situation des Choses rélativement au Vaisseau L’Indien à Amsterdam; Je ne doute pas que vous ne jugiez convenable comme moi, Monsieur le Comte, de changer la Disposition des Fonds qui avoient été envoyés à la Maison de Mr. Fizeaux Grand & Co.
Le Major Jackson qui a le pouvoir de Mr. Laurens, a renoncé par un Ecrit signé de sa Main, à toutes les Prétentions qu’il avoit sur cet Argent; et je vous demande en Consequence la Grâce de vouloir bien obtenir de Mr. Joly de Fleury, un Ordre à la Maison Fizeaux Grand & Co. d’Amsterdam, de remettre cette Somme à notre Banquier à Paris; Son Utilité icy devenant plus urgente qu’elle ne le pourroit être en Amerique, Si jamais elle y arrivoit, ce dont j’avois de fortes Raisons de douter. Votre Excellence verra par la Lettre cy jointe, que je viens d’écrire au Congrès, les Motifs qui m’ont induit à empêcher que cette Somme fût embarquée sur l’Indien.

J’ai l’honneur d’être avec Respect De votre Excellence, Le très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
B Franklin
Son Excellence Mr. le Comte De Vergennes

Endorsed: M De Rayneval envoyè copie à M. Joli de fleury le 18 Juillet 1781