Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Abercromby, 24 December 1778
From: Abercromby, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
de Bordeaux ce 24 decambre 1778
J’ay L’honneur de vous ecrire pour vous demandes une paspor pour man retournes chez moi a charlestown j’ay heu L’honneur de vous fair ma reverance il ya peupre 3. cemaines don je vous informi que je vene daitre fai prisonier par des corcers grenesai, pour vous donair une melieur ides de moi je suis celuis qui vous a dit que javais perdu 12 maisoin dans charlestown dans Lincandi par le feu vous me fit L’honneur de me prete 4 Louis d’or donc je vous fit mon receu, Monsieur je conte partire par un Beataux de La vergini qui partira pour ce pay La dans 15 jours si vous savez [avez] des hordes [ordres] a me donair Monsieur vous pouve conter sur mon atachement pour vous.
Je suis a natandans [en attendant] Lhoneur de La votre Monsieur j’ay lhoneur daitre tres parfaitemant Votre humble et tres obisant cerviteur
John Abercromby

P.S. Mon adresse est chez Mlle. Brizard et Roger pres de La Bource a Bordeaux

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur de francklin / Ambassadeur des Etats unis / de L’amerique. En son / hotel. / à Passy
Notation: Jonh Abercromby Bordeaux 24 Xbre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Alain Chartier de Lotbinière, 24 December 1778
From: Lotbinière, Michel-Alain Chartier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

au chateau de merré près tours ce 24 decembre1778.—
Voici bien du tems, Monsieur, que je n’ai eu l’honneur de vous voir, ni celui de m’entretenir avec vous, ce qui a fait un grand vuide en moi, vous n’en doutez nullement je l’espere. La perte qu’une de mes belle soeur avoit fait tout a coup de son mari en mai, m’obligea a m’y porter de suite pour sa consolation; mais n’y pouvant rester cette fois que tres peu par des affaires assez importantes qui demandoient ma présence a paris, et la voyant dans un Embarras affreux par un chateau commencé et a peine a moitié alors, je lui promis de la venir rejoindre le plutost possible pour lui sauver majeure partie de ses peines et soins, et c’est ce que j’ai fait aussitost que mes affaires de paris ont pu me permettre de m’absenter: vous ne doutez nullement je le crois de toute la fatigue a laquelle j’ai eté exposée depuis que je suis en campagne, surtout par les tems affreux que nous avons eu constamment tout l’automne, et jusqu’a il y a dix jours, avec la charge que je m’etois imposé; mais je ne puis qu’en etre doublement charmé; puisque, outre le service que j’ai rendu a ma belle soeur, j’ai eté a même de m’essayer assez pour me bien assurer que j’ai encore, et pour un tems assez long, toute la vigueur que je me suis jamais vû, ce qui pourroit ne nous point etre inutile avant peu.—
J’ai reçu depuis huit jours successivement trois Lettres de mon fils, de made. de Lotbiniere, et de ma fille et par duplicata: mon fils, qui avec toute la famille se tient niché dans sa seigneurie de vaudreuil sans se montrer a montreal que pour le moment ou ses plus grandes affaires l’y appellent, me marque d’etre bien tranquile sur son compte; qu’il est a présent plus que convaincu de la folie qu’il y a a vouloir se prêter au Besoin du gouvernement sous lequel il a le malheur de vivre pour l’instant; que quelques mouvemens qu’il se fasse dans le pays et quand le Diable devroit se montrer par le coté des Rapides, rien ne sera capable de le Démarrer de sa maison: quoiqu’il en soit monsieur, et dans le cas de mouvement de la part des Etats unis de l’amerique sur le Canada, j’espere de l’amitié que vous m’avez montré que vous le recommanderiez, et ma famille au Congrès de manière qu’il ne peut leur etre fait aucuns torts par aucun de ceux que vous emploiriez de ce côté; pour d’insulte, je n’en parle pas: ils sont incapables d’en faire a personne, encore moins a ceux de l’Espéce dont il s’agit: Je me flatte également que vous aurez recommandé au Congrès l’affaire de mes deux seigneuries a la tête du lac champlain avec toute la chaleur que vous m’avez promis devoir y employer, lorsque j’ai eu l’honneur de vous remettre les papiers a l’apui de mes droits incontestables sur ces deux seigneuries, et si vous en avez desja reçu réponse, vous m’obligeriez le plus sensiblement de vouloir bien m’en dire quelque chose.
Il paroitroit Monsieur, par la gazette de france et le Courrier de l’Europe, que les anglois sentent enfin toute la folie a eux d’avoir cherché si longtems a vous réduire, et qu’ils se disposent a vous abandonner ne pouvant faire mieux. Comment la morgue Britannique pourrat’elle s’accommoder d’une démarche aussi humiliante, après tout l’orgueil qu’ils ont montré dans le principe. Comme ce sera bien malgré eux, ne doutez pas qu’ils n’agissent en désespérés; ainsi je pense bien que vôtre recommandation la plus grande auprès du Congrès, sera de les observer avec le plus grand soin jusqu’au bout, sans se relacher un moment sur l’attention qu’on y doit donner tant qu’il en existera un seul sur toute la surface de ce continent. J’espere Monsieur que vous voudrez bien ne me rien cacher de tout ce que vous pourrez communiquer a ceux intgerressés a la cause, et croyez que bien peu d’eux n’y pourront prendre un intéret aussi grand que moi. Vous connoissez d’assez longue date mon zêle a cette occasion, et loin de s’etre refroidi, il semble s’augmenter chaque jour (et il pourroit ne vous point etre inutile dans plus d’une circonstance).
Je n’ai pas besoin, Monsieur, du sujet de ce renouvellement d’année, pour ajouter a la certitude que vous avez depuis longtems de mon attachement sans bornes a vôtre personne qui durera autant que moi; non plus que pour etre bien persuadé des voeux constans que je fais pour vous voir jouir de la felicité la plus parfaite, de l’accomplissement de ce que vous désirez le plus (et vous y touchez presque), ainsi que du respect infini avec lequel je ne cesserai d’etre Monsieur Vôtre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Lotbiniere

Mon addresse veritable a Tours, chez Made Le Roux Rue de la galère.—
Oseroisje vous prier, Monsieur, de vouloir bien rappeler mon Souvenir a Mr. vôtre fils, a Mr. adams et autres de nos amis, en leur exprimant de ma part les choses les plus particulieres et les plus gracieuses.—

Notation: Lotbiniere 24e. Xbre. 1778 Tours.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Duler de Montazeau, 24 December 1778
From: Montazeau, —— Duler de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris ce 24. Xbre. 1778.
L’Epouse, le fils de ce Brave marin Montazeaud que vous avez eu la bonté de prendre sous vôtre Protection, implorent votre secours. Vous êtes trop humain, Monsieur, pour voir de sang froid la femme et le fils d’un aussi bon officier dans un Etat aussi cruel. Mon cher et trop malheureux mari meurt à l’instant où il alloit être un peu dédomagé de tout ce qu’il avoit soufert, il mauroit du moins gagné de quoi vivre et elever son fils; Mais tout est perdu je reste avec cet enfant sur les bras, sans pouvoir lui donner la moindre Education il a les meilleures dispositions, des sentimens, la Melancolie le gagne il a l’esprit militaire mais je ne veux point qu’il soit marin malgré ses titres de Noblesse, la Jalousie lui seroit héréditaire et mon fils unique que J’idolatre, periroit avant que d’être utile à son roy.
M. de Sartine me fait espérer de le placer, mais il faut que ce soit aux depens du Roy que son Education se fasse et que ce soit promptement, il ne fait rien, c’est un préjudice irréparable pour ses instructions qui me getent dans le plus affreux desespoir. De grace, Monsieur, protegés moi dans cette occasion pour que de maniere ou d’autre je voye mon fils au travail soit dans l’artillerie où le génie, qu’il soit donc mis à quelque école royale dans ce genre. Quelle satisfaction ne sera ce pas pour vous, Monsieur, de Contribuer à former un homme à qui il ne manque que vôtre appui, si vous daignez l’en honnorer, et qui par ses talens et sa bonne conduite s’en rendra digne.
Ma vie sera trop courte pour vous temoigner ma vive reconnoissance.
Au reste, Monsieur, le Ministre m’a dit ne pouvoir me faire la pension de 300 l.t. attachée aux veuves de Lieutenants de vaisseaux parcequ’il n’etoit plus employé pour le Roy dans ce moment, Il ne me paroit pas Juste que l’on m’en frustre. On ne punit pas un homme tel que lui par deux endroits à la fois; huit mois de detention et point de service cela ne souffre pas les regards de la Justice. Ses defauts, s’il en avoit, etoient particulier, on n’a rien à lui reprocher quant au service du Roy que de n’y être pas entré par la grande porte quoique sa naissance lui donnat les plus grands droits; d’ailleurs faut-il qu’on le poursuive jusques sur sa femme et son fils malheureux.
On a accordé la pension à la femme de mon frere D’uler, qui est mort à Rochefort lieutenant de Vaisseau et ayant la croix de st. Louis et moi qui ai un enfant et que tous les hommes de ma famille ont été marins dans toute la force du terme. Quant à ce que l’on croit que j’aurois ma part des prises qui ont été faites, je scais trop que ma mauvaise étoile suscitera des creanciers mêmes ceux qui sont payé et même les morts ressuciteront pour m’en frustrer.
J’ose donc me flatter, Monsieur, que toutes ces circonstances malheureuses vous feront prendre un vif intéret au sort d’une veuve et de son enfant tel qu’ils peuvent l’attendre d’un coeur aussi bienfaisant que le vôtre.
Voudrez vous bien me faire une reponse qui puisse me donner quelques esperances sur le sort de mon fils.
Je suis avec les sentimens distingués qui vous sont dus, Monsieur, Vôtre très humble et très obeissante serve
Duler DE Montazeau

Notation: Buler De Montazeau Paris 24. Xbre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 24 December 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond Sr
Boston Decr. 24. 1778
This will be handed to you by Mr Saml Bradford a Werthy young Gentleman (Son of my Friend John Bradford Esqr our Continental Agent) one of his Vews in going to France is to Perfect himSelf in the Language—Your Civilities to him as a Stranger will much Oblige Your Dutyfull Nephew & Hble Servt
Jona Williams
To Doctr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at Passy / France
Notation: Jonh Williams Boston 24 Xbre. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 25 December 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

A Passy le 25 Decembre 1778
  M.

Nous avons l’honneur d’adresser à V.E. la copie ci jointe de la lettre que nous avons reçu de M. Langdon, de Portsmouth, ville de l’Etat de New-hampshire. Nous serons très satisfaits si l’avis qu’elle contient peut être utile à V.E. Tout ce que nous pouvons dire c’est que nous ne doutons pas que M. Langdon ne soit très capable d’exécuter ce qu’il propose; Et si V.E. peut en tirer quelque lumière pour le service de Sa Majesté, nous sommes certains que les Etats-Unis y trouveront de l’avantage. Nous avons l’honneur d’être avec bien du respect M. de V.E. Les très humbles et obéissans serviteurs
B. FranklinArthur LeeJ. Adams

Notation: [Port?] autres lieux Etats Unis de l’amerique Rep. le 8 Janvier 1779. Voyez la feuille du 5 dudt.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Baron Otto von Blome, 25 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Blome, Baron Otto von

Passy, December 25, 1778
I have considered this proposition, and see no objection to it. I will write to the Congress in favor of it, if desired. The Congress, it is to be presumed, will draw no bills of exchange on me without enabling me to pay them. We have paid all their bills hitherto. I have no doubt of Mr. Sayre’s being well received by the Congress, agreeable to them, and very proper to be employed in establishing the proposed connexion of commerce.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Stephen Sayre, 25 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sayre, Stephen

December 25, 1778
I have considered the proposition you mention & have given my approbation to it in the fullest manner. I wish you success in carrying it into execution.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, 25 December 1778
From: Grand, Henri-Maximilien (Henry)
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris, Decber the 25th. 1778.
Herewith I take the liberty to inclose the Acts I was mentioning yesterday morning. After inquiry I found they had been truely made before two Notaries Publick, the one Mr. Lambot & the other Dupré; & by giving more authenticity to these Acts in putting your Name & Seal to them, you will greatly oblige those they concern.
With Regard to the loan office Bills, it will be necessary for us to have a Copy of the Documents that are to serve you, in order to agree of an arrangement to simplify the examining of those Bills, the trouble of which we should like to take upon us, therefore if you think proper I shall go to draw one out Myself at the Time you’ll please to appoint.
We shall likewise crave the favour to be informed of those Bills that will have been presented by different hands, than ours, & that you will have accepted, as it is necessary we should have advice of them.
I am with due Respect Sir Your most obt. & most humble Servt.
Hy. Grand

Notation: H. Grand. Paris 25. Xbre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Barthélemy Gruel, 25 December 1778
From: Gruel, Jacques-Barthélémy
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Nantes ce 25: Xbre: 1778.
J’ose me flater que le laps de Temps qui s’Est ecoulé depuis votre Depart de Ce Païs, n’aura Pas Entierement Effacé de Votre souvenir un quelqu’un qui vous a toujours eté, & qui vous sera toujours Sincerement attaché: J’ay Chargé M. Guilley mon associé actuellement à Paris De vous Presenter ma Lettre, & de me rappeller à votre Souvenir; J’ay lieu d’Esperer que vous ne le trouverés Pas mauvais & que vous voudrés Bien acceüillir favorablement l’hommage Respectueux avec Le quel J’ay l’honneur d’Etre Monsieur Votre tres humble & tres obeïssant serviteur
J. Gruel

Notation: Gruel Nantes ce 26e. Xbre. 1778.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams and Arthur Lee, [before 28 December 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John,Lee, Arthur

Gentn.,
[before December 28, 1778]
Monsieur de Monthieu earnestly requests that his accounts may be finished. The receipts were left here some time since. He also repeats his request to be favoured with the Anchors. As we have refused to sell them, he will if we will send them to him deliver them in America to our order. They may thus go without charge of Freight, we shall oblige him & his vessel which is of force, he says shall take Capt. Livingston and any other of our vessels under her convoy—
Copy of a Letter from Dr. Franklin to the other Commissioners, Mr. Lee and Mr. Adams.—


Title: Franklin and John Adams to Arthur Lee, [28 December 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John
To: Lee, Arthur

Monday [December 28, 1778] ¾ after 11. Clock.
Dr Franklins & Mr Adams Compts to Mr Lee & inform him Mr Monthieu is here, and being bound to Nantes is desirous of settling his account. Beg Mr Lee to come, directly if he can, and bring, any of Mr Monthieus Papers if he has any.

Addressed: Mr Commissioner Lee
Endorsed: F. & A. about settlg Montieu’s accts.


Title: Cornic, Veuve Mathurin & fils to the American Commissioners, 28 December 1778
From: Cornic, Veuve Mathurin, & fils
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Messieurs
Morlaix 28. decembre 1778
Nous avons l’honneur de vous confirmer les deux lettres que nous avons eu celui d’Ecrire a M. Le Docteur Francklin des 16. et 21. de ce mois concernant l’arrivée sur nos Côtes du navire le morriss capne. Benjamin Gunisson chargé de Tabac. La presente est pour vous donner avis que le dt. navire Le morris vient d’entrer sur Nôtre Rade de morlaix en lieu de surreté et pour l’agissement duquel nous attendons vos ordres.
Nous avons l’honneur d’etre avec Respect Messieurs Vos très humbles et très obeissans servrs
Vve: Min: Cornic & Min. FILS

Addressed: A Messieurs / Messieurs Les Commissaires / des Etats unis de l’amerique / Septentrionale / Paris
Notation: Me. Cornic. et fils. Morlaix. Xb. 28. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Boulainvilliers, 28 December 1778
From: Boulainvilliers, Marie-Madeleine-Adrienne d’Hallencourt Bernard, marquise de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a paris ce 28 xbre [1778]
Nous ne voulons point que notre respectable voisin, le plus Célebre et le plus grandhomme de notre Siecles, apprenne le mariage de sa petitte amie par le publicque: j’ay donc l’honneur de luy faire part quelle épouse Mr. le Vte de tonnerre petits fils du Marechal; elle espere que Monsieur francklin voudra bien faire des vœux pour son bonheur: ils sont ordinairement exaussés parcequils sonts juste; ma joie n’est pas troublée ma fille restera avec nous: elle s’en fait un grand plaisir et d’estre souvent apportés ainsi que tout les siens de repetter a Monsieur francklin lattachement et la veneration que nous luy avons voüé: veut til bien permettre que nous le suplions de faire part de ce que jay lhonneur de luy mander a monsieur son fils; et a Monsieur adams


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Anisson-Duperon, 28 December 1778
From: Anisson-Duperon, Etienne-Alexandre-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Paris le 28 Xbre. 1778.
C’eût été avec bien du plaisir que j’aurois cherché à procurer de l’occupation au jeune Américain pour lequel vous vous intéressez; votre recommandation auroit été pour moi le plus puissant motif pour faire quelque chose qui vous eût été agréable. Mais l’ignorance absolue où est ce jeune homme, de la langue françoise, est un obstacle insurmontable, à toute ma bonne volonté est au desir que j’aurois de l’obliger: s’il peut par un séjour suffisant dans ce pays ci apprendre assez la langue pour entendre et pour se faire entendre lui même, je ferois l’impossible pour l’occuper, quoique je sois bien loin d’avoir besoin d’ouvriers, et je tâcherois de vous donner cette preuve de ma bonne volonté.
J’ai l’honneur d’être très parfaitement Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Anisson Duperon

Notation: Anisson Duperon Paris 28. Xbre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Bevos, 28 December 1778
From: Bevos, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This is the only document among Franklin’s papers that alludes to his participation in the Masonic ceremony held on November 28 by the Loge des Neuf Soeurs to honor Voltaire’s memory. Coming, as it did, in the footsteps of the August 25 commemoration by the Académie française of the philosopher, the celebration was an act of defiance flying in the face of the clergy’s unrelenting abomination of Voltaire.
This makes Franklin’s participation in the event of considerable importance. One month before it took place, the writer of Bachaumont’s Mémoires secrets was already predicting that the American would attend: “On ne doute pas que le Dr Franklin, affilié à la même loge, l’héritier du tablier de Voltaire, l’ami & l’admirateur du défunt, n’y assiste & ne se distingue par quelque marque de son zèle en ce jour mémorable.” Why Franklin, always so careful not to antagonize the King or the government, chose to take part in what amounted to a subversive ceremony is a mystery to us. He may not have understood its full import: Condorcet, Diderot, and d’Alembert had announced their intention to be initiated that day and only withdrew at the last minute.
Presided over by the current Vénérable, Lalande, the ceremony took place at the lodge’s seat in the rue du Pot-de-Fer-Saint-Sulpice and started with the initiation of new members, the most famous of  whom was the painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze. Gathered in a vast auditorium dramatically lit and draped in black, the audience then listened to various eulogies alternating with the music of Rameau, Gluck, and Piccini, who also acted as conductor. By extraordinary exception there were two women among the audience, one of them Voltaire’s niece, Mme. Denis, who presented the lodge with a bust of her uncle done by Houdon. The high point of this first part of the proceedings was the reading by the poet Roucher of some overtly anticlerical passages of his forthcoming work, Les Mois. Finally, a huge painting representing the apotheosis of Voltaire was unveiled, and Franklin, along with two other participants, laid beneath it the crowns that had just been bestowed upon them.
The assembly then transferred itself for the banquet to a room full of flowers and bright decorations. Roucher was asked to read some more verse, and a line that clearly alluded to Franklin (“Le tonnere captif vient mourir à ses pieds”) provoked an ovation.
The ceremony had serious consequences for the Neuf Soeurs and almost cost the lodge its existence. The Grand Orient, hub of the Masonic organizations, was entrusted with restoring discipline to a lodge known for its autonomous tendencies. On the ground that it never should have allowed two women to see the Masons in full regalia, and on various other charges, the Grand Orient expelled the Nine Sisters from their seat, throwing out all their belongings including the Houdon bust. In the months following, Lalande put up a spirited defense while Paris took sides. Probably not by coincidence, a settlement was reached on May 20, 1779, exactly one day before Franklin took over as Vénérable.

Monsieur et cher frere
Paris 28 Xbre 1778
J’ai eu le bonheur de vous Voir aux neuf soeurs le jour qu’on Celebroit L’apotheose de Voltaire, Je dinai prés de vous, puisque le hazard me plaça entre Vous et le Pôete Rocher qui nous donna de si beaux Vers. Mon coeur desire de vous presenter ses sentimens; et chargé par une chambre de Commerce en Languedoc de savoir les productions du nouveau hamsphire Rhode Island, La Pensilvanie enfin les 13 Etats nos amis, je voudrais vous prier de m’admettre a vos audiences. Le jour qu’il vous plaira un quart d’heure de votre instruction et de mon admiration sera precieux pour toujours a celui qui est avec la plus affectueuse consideration, et par les nombres heureux et fraternels de la Lumiere maconique Monsieur et cher frere Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
BevosRue St andré des arts hotel Chateau Vieux

Notation: Bevoz Paris 28. Xbre. 1778.


Title: Arthur Lee: Certificate, 28 December 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To:

Passy Decembr. 28th. 1778
This is to certify, that I this day examind with the Honble. Doctr. Benjamin Franklin, the trunk deliverd to him by my Brother the Honble William Lee, & said to contain the public & private Papers of the late Thomas Morris Esqr. Commercial Agent; & that the Seals & Strings upon the said trunk were entire.
Arthur Lee

The said trunk was then plumb’d. A. LEE
  Receiv’d at the same Time the Keys of B Franklin.
  J WILLIAMS J
  Passy Decemr 28. 1778 Recvd the within mentioned Trunk to be forwarded to Nantes by the Messagerie J WILLIAMS J

Notation by Franklin: Mr A Lee’s Certificate about the Trunk of Papers


Title: The American Commissioners to John Ross, 29 December 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Ross, John

Sir
Passy Decr 29. 1778
We have received your Letters of the fifteenth and Twenty-fourth of December, with their Enclosures, and once more assure you, that We have no Authority, to do any Thing in your Affairs, untill you have Settled your Accounts.— Whenever you Shall be ready to lay your Accounts before Us, We shall be ready to receive them and Settle them, according to the Strictest Justice, and to pay you the Ballance, if any which may be found due to you, according to the Resolutions of Congress and our Ability.
Mr Ross.


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 29 December 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir
Passy Dec. 29 1778
We have been favoured with a Letter signed by many Gentlemen of Nantes and dated the fifteenth of this Month, informing us that most of their Vessels were ready to sail to America, and that others were expected to be ready immediately, so that the Convoy need not wait at all, but might be ordered as soon as Convenience will permit.
These Gentlemen are very desirous of a Convoy through the whole Voyage, if it might any Way consist with his Majesty’s Service. But if this cannot be granted, they hope for such a Protection at Least as far as to the Westward of the Western Islands.
It is of so much Importance to our Countrymen to be supplied with Goods of various kinds, and especially with warlike Stores, and there are so many belonging to the United States and to the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as to the Individuals now ready to go, that We cannot avoid interesting ourselves with your Excellency that a sufficient Convoy may be appointed, and that as soon as possible to Rendezvous at Nantes. We have the Honour to be with great Respect Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants
B FranklinArthur LeeJohn Adams
M. Le Comte de Vergennes.


Title: Franklin’s List of New Year’s Gifts and Gratuities, 29[-31] December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

    29[-31]th. Decr. 1778.
    Livs

Two embroider’d Work Bag’s
  18
  —

  Work Bag, with small Box &ca
  21
  —

  2 small Ivory Cases with silver Pens
  8

  2 small Busts of Dr. Franklin
  12.
  l.t.—

  2 Horn Boxes
  40.
  —

  1 Set of Tea things & Tea board
  72.
  —

  Small spinning Wheel
  60

  Almanach’s
  3.
  .14. 31st

  2 Medallions of Dr F.
  24.
  .—

  2 small Busts of Do.
  12.
  —

  To the Commissr. from the Manure.—[Manufacture]
  1.
  4.

  Fiacre
  3.
  .6

  To Mr Brillons Servants.—
48
  —

(Total 13 Louis 11 Livs. 4 sls).
  £323.
  .4

Notation: Dec. 29 1778.


Title: John Patterson to the American Commissioners, 29 December 1778
From: Patterson, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honourable Gentlemen
St Martins. 29th. Decer. 1778
As Ambassedors of the United-States of America, of which I am a Subject, I make bold to address my-self to you, on the present occassion, I arrivd. at Bordoux the 18th Septr. last from Baltimore with my Brig the General Lee’ with a cargo of Tobacco, consignd. to Messrs. Tessier George & Co. of that place, where unfortunately two of my Men run away which Obliged. me to remain much Longer than I had occasion at Bordoux, in order to try either to get back my men who entered on board an American-Privateer, or else to replace them with others but without affect, however as I was to take in a Cargo of Salt, at St. Martins, I was in hopes to get Men, either here or in Rochelle & applyd. to Messrs. Fairholme & Luther of St. Martins, on that account who spoke to the Commissioners of this place & at Rochelle, the latter of whome informed them amongst the Prisoners taken in different English Ships their were some foreigners such as Danes, Portigies & others but the Commissary of Rochelle could not take upon him to give up any of them without an order from Mr De Sartine Minister of war, on which account Messiers. Fairholme & Luther writes to that Gentleman this day. I therefore most humbly request your honours will be so good as to Strengthen their Demand to the Minister, by your assistance, as otherways, it will be impossible for me to proceed on my Voyage back to Baltimore, by reason of the want of hands, to work my Vessell—
In expectation of the Honnour of your Answer & your kind intersession on this occasion I remain with the utmost respect, Honourable Gentlemen Your Most humble Servant
John Patterson

Endorsed by John Adams: John Patterson
Notation: 29 Dec 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Antoine Espivent de la Villesboisnet, 29 December 1778
From: Villesboisnet, Pierre-Antoine Espivent de la
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Paris ce 29. Xbre. 1778.
On me remit hier un memoire du Capitaine Pickeren qui a fait la reprise du navire la Constance de Bordeaux, adressé a Messieurs les ambassadeurs des Etats unis, le tems ne me permetant pas d’aller Jusques a Passy pour avoir l’honneur de vous le presenter, Je le remis a Monsieur Lee, qui me dit d’y ajouter une copie afin de vous les metre sous les yeux et ceux de Monsieur Adams, a la conferance de ce Jour. Je vous prie tres Instament de vouloir le prendre, Monsieur, en consideration pour nous obtenir une prompte mainlevée de l’arrest mis sur ce Navire et sa cargaison dont nous avons fait l’acquisition dans la bonne foy.

J’ay l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous prevenir avoir fait remetre ce matin ces deux pieces a Monsieur Lee.
Je suis tres Respectueusement Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Espivent Villesboisnet

Notations in different hands: Espivent De Villeboisnet Paris 29. Xbre. 1778. / Letters & Papers concerning Thomas Pickerin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Casimir, Baron de Holtzendorff, [30 December 1778]
From: Holtzendorff, Louis-Casimir, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[December 30, 1778]
Those are the chiefest facts concerng. Baron Holzendorff’s retiring from the service of the United States; to which he thinks proper to add, that he has several reasons to conclude—that it is only the fault of the Honble James Lovell Esqr. president of the Committee of foreign applications, when Congress’s late resolution from the 9th of March 1778. has not been put in execution; for this Gentleman has always professd openly a general disliking the foreign & particularly the french officers, betwixt whom are to be excepted those who favord his passion against Mr. Du Coudray. The truth of what Baron Holzendorf advances here may easily be judgd by the following anecdote
When Baron Holzendorff arrivd at Philadelphia in 1777, President Hancock addressd him to Mr. Lovell in order that he coud make his report, to Congress about his contract with Silas Deane Esqr. When the Baron presented that Contract to Mr. Lovell his passion coud not help carrying him as far as to tell to the Baron That he wishd the Devil might have drownd a thousand times Mr. Deane before his reaching France, because he had sent so many french officers that if it shoud depend only from himself, Mr Lovell, a large vessel shoud immediately be armd, shoud the amount of the expence of this armament be several hundred thousand pounds, & all the french officers be requird to return to France—that he esteemd much more the most ignorant American officer, who had fought since the beginning of this war, than the most skilfull foreign officer whatsoever &c. &c.
Upon which Baron Holzendorff replied with his moderate character, that he begd only the Honble James Lovell Esqr. to present his Contract to Congress, & to let him know their answer whatsoever.—The Baron dares advance that he is persuaded Mr Lovell woud never deny the truth of that aforesaid fact—he adds still that there are very few french officers who have not provd Mr. Lovell’s sentiment.
Extract from Baron Holzendorf’s Memoire to Dr. Franklin dated December 30th 1778.

Notation: Extract from Baron Holzendorf’s Memoir to Dr. Franklin dated (30 Decr 1778.) (No. 91.)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Payés, 30 December 1778
From: Payés, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a montauban Le 30me. Xbre. 1778
Au Mois doctobre 1776 jengagé un de mes Parents (Bentalou) agé pour lors de 21 ans, de 5 pds. 8 Pouces Bien proportionné de Bele fisionomie qui avoit deia servi dans la cavalerie, Plain dhonneur et de courage— Je lengage disje de passer dans les Etats Reunis; je lui donai un Conseil que jaurois moy meme suivi si javois eu 55 ans de moins.
Je le fis enbarquer a Bordeaux sur le navire Lanourise qui aloit a La martinique dans lequel Passoit ausi un Baron alemen (Mr. Darrens) pour la meme destinasion.
Arrivés a Bonport a La martinique ils en partirent le 28 de Janvier 1777. Pour filadelfie ou il arriverent ausi hureusemt. Mon Jeune Parent se trouva un peu Izolé dans un pais dont il n’entendoit pas la lengue, sans nulle connoissense, ni Lettres de Recomendasion. Il fut se presenter au Congres pr. sollisitér de Lemploy on le refusa parse que sans doubte on n’en avoit pas a lui donnér. Sans se decourager il fut au camp se presentér a Monsieur Wasgenton lui fit la meme demende, soit que la figure de se jeunhomme et sa Bonne Volonté Plussent a se selebre general il le Retint ches lui et lengagea de faire la campaigne en calitté de volontaire ou il se fit remarquer, Dan le mois de may suivent il reseut une commision de lieutenent.
M. Le comte de Pulawsky avoit fait la campaigne comme general de la cavalerie avec lequel mon Parent setoit trouvé dans quelque Engagement serieux, et sen etoit Bien tiré, depuis se tems on a acordé a se seigneur Polonois une Legion independente, et sur le champ il a fait mon parent premier capitaine de la cavalerie de cette Legion avec 500 l.t. par mois dapointements, lui a confié deus Cents mille Livres pr. aler dans La Virginie achetter des Chevaux et recruter des hommes. Il set acquitte de sa Commision avec Tant de zele, de seleritté, et de presision; que se seigneur Polonnois en a Eté Enchanté et est deveneu son protecteur. Il a Bien vouleu le presentér a M. Gerard nôtre Enbassadeur aupres des Etats Reunis, qui a Bien vouleu le Retenir a Dinner La Baucoup caressé et lui à promis de le protegér, cest dans se grade quil continue son servise suivent la lettre quil ma Ecritte de filadelfie le 15 du mois de septbre der. la seule que Jay eûe depuis son depart.
J’ay creu Monsieur que sa seroit vous faire plaisir de vous faire part de la Reusitte asses Rare de se Jeunhomme; et cest en effait le prinsipal suiet de la presente quoy que se jeune offisier se trouve actuellement assés Bien etajé [étayé] par les protexion que son merite lui a acquises, il auroit Besoin dune dun plus grand poids qui est la vôtre Monsieur, auprés du Congrès, et de Monsieur Wasgenton. Jause me flatter que vous ne La Lui Refuseres Point, ses appointements quoi que considerables sont just, a cause de la cheretté exesive de tout se qui est necessaire, si vous pouviés lui faire ameliorer sa situation, se seroit servir un Bon suiet entierement devoué pour vôtre patrie.
Jetois Monsieur dans le Commerse, depuis qques années jay quitté les affaires pr vivre Tranquille a une campaigne que J’ay Pres de cette Ville, jy Receuille du Vin dune Exellente calitté je suis persuade quil seroit propre pour vôtre Table, il differe peu du vin daubrion, si vous etiez curieux de le connoitre, je vous en expedierois une Caisse Pour Essai, ou une Barique par la Voiee de Rouen. Je suis Persuadé que je le vendrois aventageusement a Boston, filadelfie ou nwjorc, mais ni Connoissant personne de Confianse a qui Je puisse Ladresser et m’en faire le retour, ie suis privé d’un debouché de ma recolte peut etre plus aventageux que de la vendre dans se pais; si Jausois vous prier de mindiquér un negosiant dans ses pais a qui je pus ladresser ie ne Balanserois pas un moment de ly envoyer.
Je vous souhaitte Monsieur de Longs jours pour le Bonheur de Vôtre patrie et pour celui de la miene, cest avec ses sentiments et le Respect le plus profond que J’ay l’honneur detre Monsieur Vôtre tres humble et tres obeissent serviteur
Pierre Payés

Notation: Pierre Payes Montauban 3 Xbre 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 30 December 1778
From: Pickerin, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir/
On Board the Ship Hampden Brest 30th:Decemre: 1778
I writ you the 22d. Inst. of my Arrival here again after a short Cruize of 18 days, wherein I inform’d you of two Captors which I had made and sent in here &c. &c.
You will please to Observe that before I sail’d from this place in Company with Seven French Frigates &c: I apply’d to the Commodore for their Signals at Sea, but he would not grant me— I sail’d from this Place the 1st: Inst: in Company as above, with an intended Cruize for 4 Months and then To proceed to North America; but meeting with bad Weather and Contrary Winds on the Coast, I soon Lost Compy. of the French Ships, however I stil continued my Cruize, and on the 8th. Inst. was Chased by two Frigates in the Channell which I took to be English Cruizers, but they proved to be French Frigates, and in Order to avoid being Taken I Crowded such Sail on my Ship She sprung a Leak, Carried away the Fore Top Mast, and sprung the Bowspritt, and was Oblig’d to put away for this Port. Since I have been here I have apply’d to the Commodant for Permission to come into the Harbour to Repair & fit my Ship, but he has Absolutely refus’d it, my Ship is so Leaky, that I am Oblig’d to keep the Pumps Continualy going to prevent her from sinking— I have perus’d the Treaty between the United States of America & France which not only says they shall Assist and Succour all Armed Vessels belonging to the States of America, but even Merchant Ships.
Their treatment of me in this Case at present (if I may be allow’d the Expression) is in my Opinion realy breaking such a Treaty— I am now stil lying in the Road, with my Ship in Distress with One hundred & twenty Men on Board and at a great Expence—
I must therefore humbly request that you will pursue such Lawful Measures as soon as Possible so that I may be Redress’d; for if these matters and Proceedings are not put a stop to, it must be certainly attended with bad Consequences— I am with Great Esteem Most Respectfully Yr. Obd. Hble Servt.
Thos. Pickerin

NB He is forcing me to go 4 or 5 Miles distant from this place where there was never a ship of this Burden before, and am Inform’d by Gentlemen in this place is very hazourdous so that I am in danger of loosing the Ship finally—
Honble B: Franklin

Addressed: To / The Honble. Benj. Franklin / Ambassador for the / United States of America / a Paris
Notation: T. Pickerin to BF. 30. Dec. 78—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Josiah Quincy, Sr., 30 December 1778
From: Quincy, Josiah, Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir,
Braintree December 30th: 1778.
Permit me by this Opportunity to transmit to you the sincere and most affectionate Regards of an old Friend; with my grateful Acknowledgment for your kind and repeated Remberance of me, in your Letters to our worthy and mutual Friend Doctor Cooper.
By Order of Congress, a general Tribute of Praise and Thanksgiving is, this Day offered up throughout the Land, to our universal Parent and Benefactor, for his many undeserved Mercies in the Course of the year past, among which, the Preservation of your invaluable Life and Usefulness, next to defeating the Enterprizes of our insidious, cruel and unrelenting Enemies, excites my most devout Returns of Gratitude! with my ardent Wishes, that you may live to see them reduced, (like Joseph’s Brethren of old) to the ignominious Necessity of suing for Peace to their offended Brethren in America, whom they wished to subjugate and enslave.
When I contemplate Doctr: Franklin, held in Durance for a foulmouth’d Solicitor to spit his Venom at, and the same Docr: Franklin, Plenipotentiary from these united States, putting the last Hand to a Treaty of Alliance, Amity and Commerce upon such honorable Terms, with one of the most powerful Princes in Europe, and the Probability of other respectable Powers acceding to it, my Heart feels an Excess of Pleasure, I am una[ble to] discribe.
After sacrificing so much Blood, and a Profusion of Treasure, in Pursuit of an unattainable Object, must not our Enemies be convinced, by such dear bought Exp[enditures] that the Sons of Freedom in this western Hemisphere are not to be conquered like the Slaves of the East, and that it is not impossible, but in some future, and perhaps not far distan[t future] they may be obliged to transmit the Plunder of the Latter, to repair the Damage, [which in] the Plenitude of their Power, they have unjustly and in Violation of the Rights of Nature [allowed the] Former to suffer?
Whilst I am writing, my News Paper hands me two Addresses to the Public, one of them from Genl. Lee, and the other from your Friend, and late Colleague S: Dean Esqr:—By the first Genl: W——n’s Character is indirectly attacked, which I hope he will be able to vindicate, and therefore am no further concern’d, than to wish the Truth may appear, and the Blame or Disgrace fall upon those who justly deserve it.
The Facts alledged in the other Address, if founded on Truth, are of a very alarming Nature! For its scarcely possible to conceive, how a greater Misfortune can befal a Nation, just risen to Independence, and assuming its Rank among the Powers of the World, than to have its worst Enemies, some of those in whom it has most confided. But as the Truth or Falsehood of what the Author has advanced, or may further advance, cannot escape your Penetration, I shall esteem it a singular Favour, to know your Sentiments upon the Subject, so far as you can oblige me, without Prejudice to your own and the publick Interest.
Be so good as to present my most affectionate Regards, to my honble and worthy Friend as quondam Neighbour Mr: Adams; and inform him that his Lady and Family with his dear Connections are all well.
Whilst his Excellency Count de Estaing with the French Fleet under his Command lay in this Harbor we were repeatedly honored with friendly Visits from many of his Officers, whose Civility and Politeness were truly characteristick of the Perfection to which the Science of good Breeding and Refinement of Manners in that justly respected Nation is arrived.
In Consequence of a particular Message from his Excellency, we had the Honour of a Visit to drink Tea with Mr: Adams’s Lady at my House. He appeared to be extremely well bred, and very politely invited us to dine on board the Languidoc; where we were entertained in a superb Manner, easier for you to imagine than for me to describe. He often spoke of you in the highest Terms of Respect, and of his being your near Neighbour at Passy.
The striking Contrast between French and English naval Civility was too remarkable to pass unnoticed.
I have been often on board english Ships of War, and except one or two Instances I never arrived to the Honour of exchanging a Salute with the Commander or to an Admission into the great Cabbin, where the Emperor of his wooden World sat collected in all the Majesty of self Importance. On the contrary: There was scarce a Family in my Neighbourhood, but was visited by one or other of the french Officers, and were afterwards invited on board their Ships, where the Decency and good Manners with which they were entertained, was equal to the Splendor and Plenty of their Tables. But what was still more remarkable is, that, tho some hundreds of common Seamen frequently came on Shore to traffick with the country People for their Produce, I never heard of one of them being intoxicated, or any Instance of their Misbehaviour.
Mr: Samuel Bradford, the Bearer hereof, who I wish may have the Honor of safely delivering this Letter, is a Son of Capt: John Bradford, Agent for the continental Prizes brought into this State, and was educated in commercial Life under the Tuition of Ebenezer Storer Esqr:, Treasurer of Harvard Colledge, who by an intermarriage with my eldest Daughter is, now my Son in Law. The young Gentleman sustains the Character of a worthy Youth, and as such I beg Leave to recommend him to your Patronage and friendly Advice.

That all your Endeavors for the Good of your native Country may be crown’d with Success, and that you may in due Time be safely returned to it in Peace, to enjoy the Acclamations of a grateful People, is the unalterable Wish of—Dear Sir, Your obliged, and faithful Servant
Josa: Quincy

Addressed: The honble. Doctor Benjamin Franklin

Favor’d per Mr: /
}
QDC

Samuel Bradford

Notations in different hands: Jos: Quincy Braintree 30 Xbre. 1778. Boston / Colo. Q’s


Title: Arthur Lee: Report on Montieu’s Accounts, 30 December 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To:

Chaillot Decr. 30th. 1778
Mr Lee’s report upon the foregoing Receipts given in to the Commissioners to support Mr. Montieu’s Account
The Letter of Mr. Williams is as inexplicit & unsatisfactory as all his other Accounts. If Mr. Williams had done his duty he shoud have counted the Uniforms he receivd & returnd to the Commissioners the number of them, the quality of the cloath & the condition they were in—he shoud have comitted to them the Bills of loading with their marks when they were shippd—the Copper he shoud have weighd & reported the number of pounds & the quality, with the Bills of Loading when shippd. Nothing of this has ever been done & this Letter instead of supplying this defect, tells us he receivd 114 Bales of Soldiers Cloaths & several casks of Copper. But whether those Bales containd 600 or 6000 Uniforms, we are left to guess; as well as whether they were of blue, brown or white cloth, well or ill made, in good or bad condition. Several Casks of Copper may in the same manner contain one or ten thousand weight, & that of any kind, tho the price depends upon the quality. Not one word of the eighty blocks of Tin. With the same accuracy he refers us to the marks & numbers in Mr. Langdon’s receipt which upon examination are at variance with his receipt. According to him there were receivd 114 Bales, according to Mr. Langdon 122 Casks, 46 Hhds., & 126 Bales with the same mark. Both Mr. Montieu & Mr. Williams knew we were to pay by the number of Uniforms & the number of pounds of Copper taking in the quality & condition of both; & not by the number of Bales or of casks. In the due course of business therefore Mr. Montieu or his Agent shoud have obtaind from Mr. Williams a receipt specifying these things, not an item of which appears in the Letter now sent us in its place. As therefore upon my observing before that receipts from Mr. Williams were necessary to support Mr. Montieu’s Accounts, & Mr. Montieu agreed they were so, I am still of the same opinion, because the Letter from Mr. Williams now given in, is as little satisfactory as no receit whatsoever.
Dr Franklin who was always urging us to pay M. Montieu’s demand without further examination & whose importunity prevailed upon us to pay him a considerable part, upon his promise to send us Mr. Williams’s Receit, was perfectly satisfyd with the above pretence of Receits.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gamba, 31 December 1778
From: Gamba, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mylord
Dunkerque the. 31st. december. 1778.
The gratefull reception with which you honour’d me when I had the honour of Seing you at Passy, will plead I hope for the freedom I take to offer to your excellency the Earnest wishes I make for your preservation, your Satisfaction, and the Everlasting Union of the high states the Independent Colonies of america with france, & which is looked by every french Patriot as the Luckiest event that ever Could happen. If you receive, Mylord, those wishes, which are Inspired me, by that respectfull Concern, your excellency fires every breast, I shall find my Self very happy so as to be in all occasions honoured with your confidence & command, which I shall allwais be proud to fulfill to your Intire Satisfaction.
I have the honour to Remain with the utmost respect. Mylord Your very humble and Most Obedient Servant
Gamba

Notation: Gamba Dunkerque 31. Decembre 1778.


Title: “A Tale”, [December 1778?]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

  [December, 1778?]
  Conte.

Il y avoit un Officier, homme de bien, appelé Montresor, qui étoit très-malade. Son Curé croyant qu’il alloit mourir, lui conseilla de faire sa Paix avec Dieu, afin d’être reçu en Paradis. Je n’ai pas beaucoup d’Inquiétude à ce Sujet, dit Montresor; car j’ai eu, la Nuit derniere, une Vision qui m’a tout-à-fait tranquilisé. Quelle Vision avez vous eu? dit le bon Prêtre. J’étois, dit il, à la Porte du Paradis, avec une Foule de Gens qui vouloient entrer. Et St. Pierre demandoit à chacun de quelle Religion il étoit. L’un répondit, Je suis Catholique Romain. Hé bien, disoit St. Pierre; Entrez, & prenez votre Place là parmi les Catholiques. Un autre dit qu’il étoit de l’Eglise Anglicane. Hé bien, dit St. Pierre, entrez, & placez vous là parmi les Anglicans. Un autre dit qu’il étoit Quaker. Entrez, dit St. Pierre, & prenez Place parmi les Quakers. Enfin il me demanda de quelle Religion j’étois? Helas! répondis-je, malheureusement le pauvre Jacques Montresor n’en a point. C’est dommage, dit le Saint,—Je ne sçais où vous placer; mais entrez toujours, vous vous mettrez où vous pourrez.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [c. December 1778]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
[c. December, 1778]
I send you The Book of M. Diderot called Linterprétation de la nature where you will find Those ridiculous Explanations of The causes of the Aurora Borealis pag 79, 80, 83. I send you in the same time That Journey to Siberia I talked to you of where you will find pag 31 and 32 of the second volu what I told you of the noise made by a specie of aurora Borealis and in the first volu page 366 what is said of the chaplain of a Ship who by having a chimney in his room kept free from the Scurvy Tho’ all the other people of the Ship was seized by it and where is The Signet in that first volume pag 412 the article relating to That well That could not be dugged because the Earth was frozen but the abbee chap pretends in his history of Siberia That Those 13 toises is a mistake and that it must be read 13 pieds— accept Dear Sir of my best compliments have you received your Dispatches?

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Députe du Congrès


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Genet, [1778 or after]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Genet, Edme-Jacques

Thursday morng.—[1778 or after]
All the American Papers will be sent to Mr Genet this Evening. Mr Franklin sends the enclos’d four, for a Beginning.

Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur Genet / Bureau des Interprêtes / Versailles


Title: Editorial Note on the Preface to a Reprinting of James Logan’s Cato Major, 1778
From:
To:

James Logan’s translation of Cicero’s discourse on old age was first printed on Franklin’s press in Philadelphia in 1744 with Franklin’s preface, “The Printer to the Reader.” The preface to this reprinting, entitled “Introduction,” is an abbreviated and modified version of the original, to which has been added the signature, “Philadelphia. B. FRANKLIN.” The second paragraph has been dropped and the others rewritten in the third person, eliminating all mention of Logan’s name and creating the impression that the unnamed “Translator” and the author of the introduction are one and the same. This impression is fostered elsewhere in the edition as well: Franklin’s name was added to the title page, and his portrait used as a frontispiece. To the best of our knowledge, Franklin had nothing to do with this reprinting, but Fielding and Walker apparently felt that his name would sell better than Logan’s.


Title: Franklin: A List of Names [1778?]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

  [1778?]

    M. Condorcet
    M.
    M. Lavoisier
    M. Turgot
    M. Dupont
    D. de Chaunes
    Marq. de Courtanvaux
    Pere Berthier
    M. Delor
    M. Le Roy
    M. Beaumarchais
    M. Monthieu
    M. Laboureau demeurant hotel de Valois, rue de Tournon
    M. Malsherbes.


Title: Marie Silvestre Grand to Franklin and John Adams, [1778?]
From: Grand, Marie Silvestre
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John

Ce mardi matin [1778?]
Mde Grand prie Messieurs Franklin et adams de venir prendre le thé cette a près midi chez elle mr le roi y sera et fera la parti du cher papa.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont: Three Memoirs, [1778?]
From: Chaumont
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Liquidation des dettes de L’amerique
emprunt Cent millions
interest du dit emprunt quatre millions
Les 13 provinces Reserveront Chascunes dans leur Continent Cent milles acres de forest sur lesquels il y aura Cent Pieds d’arbres propres a la Construction des vaisseaux, sur Chasque acre.
Ces forest seront Choisies a la proximité des Rivieres Navigables.
Elles seront Exploités par les Nouveaux Colons qui seront tenus d’abattre le Bois et de L’ecarir moyenant 5 s. par pied Cube.
Les frais de transport seront fixés a 10 s. par pied Cube.
Le prix de Chasque pied Cube sur les ports de mer de L’amerique sera fixé a 1 l.t. 10 s.
Si Chasque Province peut mettre en Chantier annuellement un million de Pieds Cubes de Bois, elle fournira 750,000 l.t. et Les 13 provinces 9.750.000.
La Liberation totale s’operera en moins de 15 années en Capital et interest.
Cette Liquidation amenera a la Construction de 400 Navires Marchands.
La Rareté des Bois en europe garentit La Consommation de ces Bois d’amerique.
Chasque pied d’arbre doit produire 60 pieds Cubes.

On trouvera dans la Reserve de Ces Cent milles acres de forest Les moyens d’un Nouvel emprunt et les Ressources Continuelles d’unne Marine florissante.

Notations in Different Hands: Liquidation of Debts / Miscellaneous Papers

II.
Le discredit termine les guerres. La Nation a qui le Credit Reste acquiere la domination sur L’autre.
Les americains faisoient payer aux anglais les aprovisionements qu’ils tiroient d’europe, le discredit des anglais s’affaiblissoit alors Journellement. On a desarmé en europe les americains, ils perdent leur Credit et par Consequent leurs Ressources, d’ou il faut Conclure quils accepteront la paix s’ils ne sont pas secourus efficacement.

Endorsed: Thought of Mr C.

III.
Moyens de déconcerter le projet des Anglais de rentrer dans la puissance de Lamérique Septentrionale, par le discrédit du papier Monnoye.
La France fera le pret de quinze Millions à L’amerique, en lui cédant cette somme dans la création des rentes viagéres qu’elle vient de faire. Cette cession sera envoyée à L’amérique, où on fera la vente de ces rentes viagéres

Le 1r
Million sera peut être vendu
dix pour un, en papier Monnoye.

Le 2e.
  Million
neuf pour un

Le 3e.
  Million
huit pour un

Le 4e.
  Million
sept pour un

Le 5e.
  Million
six pour un

Le 6e.
  Million
cinq pour un

Le 7e.
  Million
quatre pour un

Le 8e.
  Million
trois pour un

Le 9e.
  Million
deux pour un

Le 10e.
  Million
  au pair

55 Millions;

3,300,000 l.t. de

rentes éteints

Le 11e
}
  serviront à payer les arréragespendant cinq ans.

  12e

  13e

  14e

  15e.

Bénéfice pour l’amerique, trois Millions trois cent Mille

  Livres par an, de rente, pendant 5 ans

16,500,000

Extinction de capital

  55,000,000

  71,500,000

Devra la France 15,000,000. en capital
}
  18,750,000

3,750,000. en interest

  Bénéfice Net, sans qu’il en coute à la
}
  52,750,000

      france et à Lamerique.

Il y auroit de plus en Benefice, l’extinction de ces rentes pendant les cinq années.
Ce Bénéfice pourroit être reservé par la France comme faisant masse de la Totalité de son Emprunt.
L’Amérique rembourseroit à la France ces 18,750,000 l.t. au bout de Cinq ans, en France ou en Amérique, à son option, il est à présumer qu’elle préféreroit le payement à L’amérique pour y payer les tabacs pour la ferme generale.
Le grand mérite de cette operation, seroit de mettre au pair le papier du Congrès, et alors les Anglais perdant l’espoir des divisions internes, désireroient plus ardemment la paix.
Ce prêt de la France à L’amérique, n’ayant son exécution qu’au continent de L’amérique, n’ôtera rien des capitaux d’Europe qui seront portés au Trésor Royal de France, et par conséquent cette somme peut être additionnelle à celle de L’Edit, sans aucun inconvénient./.

Endorsed: Mr C’s Project for sinking the Paper Money.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquise de Boulainvilliers, 1 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Boulainvilliers, Marie-Madeleine-Adrienne d’Hallencourt Bernard, marquise de

ce 1er Janer. 1779.
Il me donne grand Plaisir, ma respectée Voisine, d’apprendre que nôtre chere & aimable Enfant doit étre bientôt mariée avec vôtre Approbation, & que nous ne seront pas cependant privés de sa Société. Je vous assure que je ne ferai aucune Usage de mes Paratonnerres pour detourner ce Parti. Je prie à Dieu de le favoriser de ses plus precieuses Benedictions, & qu’il puisse fournir maints Occasions de Felicité à tous les Interessées. M. Adams & mon petit Fils se joignent avec moi, dans ces voeux, & en vous souhaitant mille nouvelles Années heureuses. Je suis, avec respectueuse Affection, Madame, Votre tres humble & trés obeissant Serviteur
B Franklin
Excusez mon mauvas François


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [David Hartley], 1 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Passy, Jany. 1. 1779
I am glad to learn by your Favour of the 19th past, the good Disposition of the Board who are to manage the Exchange. They may depend on the fairest and most candid Proceeding on the Part of the Commissioners here.
Our Agent at Nantes, whose Name you desire, is Mr Schweighauser, a Noted Merchant there, who does our Business by Sub-Agents in the other Ports of that Part of France. It is left to your honourable Board to chuse either of the Ports named in the Passport, and the Captain of the Vessel bringing the Prisoners has only to enquire for a Mr Schweighauser or his Agent, who will be instructed by us to receive the Prisoners, & deliver the equal Number required.—
We shall apply to the Minister of the Marine relating to Morlaix, and endeavour to obtain the Appointment of that Place as desired; but apprehend it may be attended with Difficulty on Account of its Nearness to Brest.— I am ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont: Promissory Notes, 1 January 1779
From: Chaumont
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Passi ce 1e Janvier 1779.
    30000 l.t.
Bon pour la somme de trente Mils Livres que Je payray le trente de ce mois a l’ordre de Mr. Docteur Franklin valeur recue de M. Williams son Neveu.
(signé) Leray DE Chaumont
vrai Copie H. Ford secr.

  Passi ce 1e Janvier 1779.
  20,000 l.t.

Bon pour la somme de vingt mils Livres que Je payray a la fin de fevrier prochain a l’ordre de M. Le Docteur Franklin valeur recue comptant de M. Williams son Neveu.
(signé) Le Ray DE Chaumont
vrai Copie. H. Ford secr.

Notation: Chaumont promissory note to Dr. Franklin for Livres 50,000. (Copy).


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles B. Cochran, [c. 1 January 1779?]
From: Cochran, Charles B.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[c. January 1, 1779?]
Si lexpression fait perdre aux sentimens il nest pas moins vrai que ceux dont je suis penetre pour vous ne peuvent varier ni augmenter. Je saisis avec bien de l’empressement le renouvellement de cette année pour en mettre lhommage a vos pieds et celui des voeux sincers et ardens que ma reconnoissance m’engage a faire pour la conservation de vos precieux jours je ne puis vous offrir a mon age qu’une extreme envie de vous plaire et de meriter la Continuation de vos bontes je vous en supplie d’en Etre aussi persuade que du respectueux attachement avec Lequel— Jai l’honneur d’etre—
Cochran


Title: The American Commissioners to Cornic, Veuve Mathurin & fils, 2 January 1779
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Cornic, Veuve Mathurin, & fils

Sir
Passy Jany 2. 1779
We have written Instructions to Mr J. D. Schweighauser of Nantes to dispose of the Cargo of the Brig Morris Captain Gunnison, and to settle with you any demand you may have for Disbursements &c on her Account. We are &c
Messrs M Cornic & Mn fils, Morlaix.


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 2 January 1779: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, January 2, 1779: We are obliged for the concern you expressed on December 22 for the American prisoners escaping from England. Our agents in Bordeaux, Brest, Lorient, Nantes and Dunkirk, as well as a volunteer in Calais, assist them. We will reimburse your commissaries engaged in this relief as we would our own personnel. There is little likelihood that prisoners will enter other ports. The regulation you propose relative to the Englishmen whom we capture is agreeable to us, and our agents will accordingly deliver them to the persons you appoint, who require written orders from you.>


Title: Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 2 January 1778 [i.e., 1779]
From: Izard, Ralph
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Paris 2d. Jany. 1778— [i.e., 1779]
The credit which I received on the public Banker, from the Commissioners is exhausted; & I should be obliged to you if you would let me know whether it is most agreeable to you to renew that credit, or that I should draw on you for what money I may have occasion for.
I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obt. hble Servt.
Ra. Izard.
Honble B. Franklin Arthur Lee, & John Adams Esqrs.

Addressed: To / The Honble Benjn. Franklin / Arthur Lee, & / John Adams Esqrs. / Ministers Plenipotentiary from the / United States of America.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Chondeville, 2 January 1779: résumé
From: Chondeville, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Bourges, January 2, 1779, in French: I want to warn you against a certain Leralle who has just gone bankrupt for more than 60,000 francs and has sneaked off to Paris to implore your protection. He is a perfect scoundrel who owes money to everybody here and especially to me. He has debauched a young man of good family, baron de Bussiere, whom he is now pressing to marry his daughter and run off to the West Indies under your sponsorship. The young man’s parents, in despair, hope you can locate him and send him back: he is short and pock-marked. If you could help me recover the ten louis I lent Leralle on the eve of his flight, everybody here would be most grateful. That man is a smooth talker and has the soul of a lackey. Everything I have stated here can be proved.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Newenham, 2 January 1779
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir—
Marsailles 2 January 1779
I flatter myself, that your Excellency will readily pardon the freedom of this address, as I trust that my Character is not unknown to You; Your Worthy and Virtuous Countrymen have always met with my Favor, Protection and assistance in Ireland; particularily Collonel Ethan Allen & those who were with him, and my whole Conduct towards the United States has been such, that I am confident Your Excellency will not think me undeserving of your Particular protection—
I came from Ireland with two of my Sons, one of them fourteen years of Age, the other ten; their Physicians ordered them to this Kingdom for the recovery of their health; I have tryed several places, but none has agreed with them, but this City; I have also a Swiss Tutor with them, Mr. Boiteux of Neuchatel; I wish to remain here for Six Weeks or one Month untill their health is recovered—
May I, therefore, Earnestly entreat Your Excellencys Interest to obtain me a Licence to remain here with my Sons, their Tutor and one Irish Servant; If I am so happy as to obtain that honour, you may be assured, that my Conduct & my familys shall not disgrace your Excellencys Friendship, and it will make me doubly happy to shew my Countrymen, that my constant regard to the Persons, Liberties, and Properties of the United States have been returned by Such an Act of Friendship—
I have the Honor to be with Every Sentiment of regard and Due Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant
Edward Newenham

If I am honoured with an Answer, please to Direct to— Sir Edward Newenham Hotel d’Artois Rue St. Ferréol Marsailles

Notation: Laward Newenham Marseilles 2e. jr. 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams with Adams’ Reply, [after 2 January 1779]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
[after January 2, 1779]
Please to send me Mr Williams’s Letter that objects to the Clothing furnish’d by Mr Monthieu.
Also all the Papers you have relating to his Accounts—

In John Adams’ hand: Dr Franklin must be so good as to send somebody to search for these Papers— Mr Adams has no more the Custody of them than Dr Franklin and never will have.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 3 January 1779
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Chaillot Janry. 3d. 1779
I enclose you a letter received Yesterday from Dr. Berkenhout, the Author of those which were communicated to you the Year before last on the same Subject. If you think any use can be made of it for the public Good, I shall be glad to be informed of it.
One of those, which I sent you before with the Answer I proposed giving to it, I have searched for and cannot find among my papers. Tho’ I think you returned it; yet I shall be obliged to you for looking over your papers for it, as perhaps it may be among them.
I am with great Respect, Sir Your Most obt. Servan
Arthur Lee
[In Arthur Lee’s hand:] Dr Franklin will have the goodness to return the enclosd by Mr. Ford. The Hon. Benjamin Franklin. Passi.

Addressed: To the Honble / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / at / Passi
Endorsed: Mr Lee about Dr Berkenhout


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 3 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lee, Arthur

Sir,
Passy, Jan. 3. 1779
I am certain that I have not the Papers you mention, having never since seen them, as I should have done in sorting and looking over my Papers occasionally, if they had been among them.
You know the Gentleman better than I do, and can therefore better judge whether a Meeting with him for the propos’d Purpose of making Peace may not be like some of the former, intended merely to give Countenance at this time to Change Ally-Reports, help the Stocks, and assist Government in making their new Loan, or their Friends in retailing their Subscriptions. When I have the honour of seeing you, we can talk more fully on the Subject. Perhaps it would be well, in case you write to day, to desire to know if he is or will be authoriz’d to make any Propositions. I am, with great Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble Arthur Lee Esqr

Addressed: To / The honble. Arthur Lee Esqr / Chaillot
Endorsed: Jany. 3d. 1779
Notation: From Dr. Franklin


Title: Franklin’s Draft of a Reply from the American Commissioners to Ralph Izard, 4 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Sir,
Passy, Jan. 4. 1779
Your Intimation, that you expect more Money from us, obliges us to expose to you our Circumstances.— Upon the Supposition, that Congress had borrowed in America but five Millions of Dollars, or 25 millions of Livres, & relying on the Remittances intended to be sent us, for answering other Demands, we gave Expectations that we should be able to pay here the Interest of that Sum, as a Means of supporting the Credit of the Currency. The Congress have borrowed near twice that Sum, and are now actually drawing on us for the Interest, the Bills appearing here daily for Acceptance: Their Distress for Money in America has been so great from the enormous Expence of the War, that they have also been induc’d to draw on us for very large Sums to stop other pressing Demands; And they have not been able to purchase Remittances for us to the Extent they propos’d; and of what they have sent, much has been taken or treacherously carried into England; only two small Cargo’s of Tobacco having arrived, and they are long since mortgag’d to the Farmers General, so that they produce us nothing, but leave us Expences to pay.
The Continental Vessels of War, which come to France, have likewise required great Sums of us, to furnish or refit them, & supply the Men with Necessaries. The Prisoners too who escape from England, claim a very expensive Assistance from us, and are much dissatisfied with the scanty Allowance we are able to afford them. The Interest Bills abovementioned, of the Drawing of which we have receiv’d Notice, amount to two Millions & an half, and we have not a fifth Part of the Sum in our Banker’s hands to answer them. And large Orders to us from Congress for Supplies of Cloathing Arms & Ammunition remain uncomply’d with for want of Money. In this Situation of our Affairs, we hope you will not insist on our giving you a farther Credit with our Banker, with whom we are daily in danger of having no farther Credit our selves. It is not a Year since you received from us the Sum of Two Thousand Guineas, which you thought necessary on Acct of your being to set out immediately for Florence. You have not incurr’d the Expence of that Journey. You are a Gentleman of Fortune. You did not come to France with any Dependence on being maintain’d here with your Family at the Expence of the United States in the Time of their Distress & without rendring them the equivalent Service they expected.
On all these Considerations we should rather hope that you would be willing to re-imburse us the Sum we have advanc’d to you if it may be done with any possible Convenience to your Affairs. Such a Supply would at least enable us to relieve more liberally our unfortunate Countrymen who have long been Prisoners, stript of every thing, of whom we daily expect to have near three hundred upon our hands by the Exchange. We have the honour to be, &c

Notation: Rough Draught of a proposed Letter, in answer to one from the honble Ra. Izard to the Commissioners, dated the 2d of Jany 1779.


Title: The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 4 January 1779: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

<Passy, January 4, 1779: We acknowledge your undated letter, and refer you to ours of the second of this month. We cannot furnish Gilbank with more money; perhaps our protest of his bills will convince him. We have applied for the convoy with the greatest possible urgency. We approve your solicitude on behalf of the prisoners and look forward to learning if you have recovered the cargo of the Thérèse.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper: Two Letters, 4 January 1778 [i.e., 1779]
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
My dear Sir,
Boston 4 Jany. 1778. [i.e., 1779]
I shall write you by the Marquiss de le Fayette who goes in the same Vessel with Mr Bradford who begs the Honor of presenting this Line to you, and taking this Opportunity of paying you his particular Respects. He is an amiable young Gentleman; His Father is Agent for the Continental Prizes &c in this Port, and his Connections are respectable. Tho young he will be able to give you an Account of our Affairs— Our greatest Difficulty is the rapid Depretiation of our Paper Bills, which is still progressive, and has occasioned much Distress to all Salary men, Widows and Orphans &c and threatens our whole Cause if some speedy and effectual Remedy can not be applied. Congress have been long in Search, and now give us Hopes of such a Remedy. May Heaven direct and succeed them in this most important Point!
I am, my dear Sir, with every Sentiment of Esteem and Affection, Your obedient humble Servant
Saml: Cooper.

Addressed: The Honourable Benjn. Franklin Esqr / Minister of the United States of America / At the Court of / Versailles. / Favour’d by Mr Bradford
Notation: Saml: Cooper Boston 4e. jr. 1778.

II.
My dear Sir
Boston 4th. Jany. 1779.
The Marquiss de le Fayette will do me the Honour to be the Bearer of this Letter. This young Nobleman has done Honour to his Nation as well as to himself in the manner in which he has served these States. His Intrepidity and Alertness in the Feild are highly distinguished—His Prudence and good Temper are equally remarkable. He is highly esteemed and beloved in Congress, in the Army, and thro the States; and tho we are not without Parties, & his Situation has been sometimes very delicate, I have never heard that he has made a single Enemy. He has gone thro great Fatigues, he has faced uncommon Dangers, he has bled for our Country, and leaves it, as far as I am able to find, with universal Applause. In short, his whole Conduct both public and private, appears to me to have been most happily adapted to serve the great Purpose of the Alliance, and cement the two Nations. Justice obliges me to make this Mention of one who has done so much for our Country as well as his own, and from whose Acquaintance, with which he has honoured me, I have received the greatest Pleasure. His Acquaintance with our military and political Affairs will enable him to give you many Details which cannot easily be conveyed by Writing.
You will hear before this reaches you of what has been done in this Quarter by the Armament under the Orders of the Count d’Estaing. The abilities of this commander, his Bravery, and Zeal for our common Cause are indisputably great. No man could have done more in his Situation than he has done. He was unfortunate in the Weather he met with, which greatly delayed his Passage to these Seas, gave an Opportunity to the British Navy and Army to escape from Philadelphia, snatch’d a Victory from him off Rhode Island, and put his Fleet in such a Condition that he was indispensably obliged to leave that Place at a critical Time which occasioned Reflections from some that were altogether unmerited. He bore all with a manly Patience and uncommon Prudence. I admired his Firmness, Silence and Condescension. He relyed on the Proofs he had given of Attachment to our Cause, and of the Capacity and undauntedness with which he had prosecuted the Service upon which he was sent. The Account he gave of the Reasons for coming to Boston with his Fleet before the Council of this State not only satisfied that Body, but gave them an high Idea of his Merits as a Commander. The Prejudices of a few soon vanished, which had been raised by an honest but indiscreet Warmth in some Officers employed in the Expedition against Rhode Island. His Officers imitated their Commander in preserving the best Order thro the Fleet during their Residence here; every Body admired the peaceable, inoffensive, courteous Behavior of such a Number of men; and the Count left us on the 4th of November last, with the strongest Impressions of Esteem and Affection for him, of the Friendship of his Court and Nation for us, and of the superior Order and civility prevailing in the French Forces. He is gone, it is conjectur’d, for no Body pretends to know, for the West Indies. We hope, if the War continues to see him in the Spring and that Canada will be wrested from the British Power. This may easily be done by a joint Invasion by Sea and Land, provided our Finances will allow us to support an Army; but the Depretiation of our Money is so great, that I fear our Inability to do this, unless we have Assistance and can procure Loans from abroad. If such a Plan of Operation is adopted, France must give the most unequivocal Assurances that she means not to resume the Government of Canada, but to incorporate it with the united States. This is her true Interest, and is so agreeable to the Principles and Basis of the Alliance, that I have not the least doubt she intends it; and it will only be needful to make known her Intentions in the most explicit manner, at least to us.
It gives me great Pleasure to hear of the Continuance of your Health and Vivacity— Tho it is long since I have had the Pleasure of a Line from you, I am sure you do not forget one who is with the greatest Respect, and the warmest Freindship, ever Your’s
Samuel Cooper.

Notation: Dr Cooper Jan. 4. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Gaspard-Joseph?] Cuchet, 4 January 1779
From: Cuchet, Gaspard-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris, Le 4 Janvier 1779
J’ai l’honneur de vous prévenir que je délivre actuellement les Recherches sur les Volcans éteins du Vivarais et du Vellay, par M. Faujas de S. Fond un volume grand in-folio, avec 21 planches, pour lequel vous avez souscrit. Je vous prie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien faire retirer votre exemplaire, en m’en faisant remettre le second paiement qui est de 36 l.t., et 1 l.t. 10 s. pour la Brochure, dont je délivrerai quittance.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec le plus profond respect, Monsieur Votre très humble et très-obeissant serviteur
CuchetDirecteur du Bureau du Journal de physique,rue des mathurins, au coin du cloitreS. Benoît.

37.10

  18

55.10

   5.8

60.18

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin, / A Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier Du Bouchet, 4 January 1779
From: Du Bouchet, Denis-Jean-Florimond de Langlois de Mautheville, chevalier
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
auxerre. 4. janvier. [1779]
Please your excellency, To accept, in The Beginning of the year, my ardent Wishes,—for his happyness and prosperity.
I Would Think myself Very fortunate if I Was so much favour’d By opportunity, as to manifest and express to you, my Gratitude and respectfull attachment.
I am With respect. your excellency’s most humble, and most obedient servant.
Le CHEVALIER DuBouchetMajor D’infanterie a auxerre.

P.S. If you have heard—from General Conway, I Beseech your excellency, To send me—every news about him.

Notation: Le Chr. Dubouchet Auxerre le 4. jr. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 4 January 1779
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Brother
warwick 4 Janr. 1779
I wrot you about a month past but haveing an opertunity by a young Gentilman of this Nabourhood who is going directly to France & desiers to be Introduced so for to yr Notice if he goes to Paris, as to Advice him to a good Scool where he may Larn the Language & perfect himself in merchants acoumpts, I would not miss it hopeing some of the many leters I write May reach yr hand I beleve I have hitherto been very unsuccesfull boath ways as I cant perswade my self but you have writen divers to me since mr. Simeion Dean came which was the last I recved, & I have heard of several of mine to you has fell in to the hands of the Enemie, when shall we be at peace that we may at least have the comfort of Each others leters which to me is grat. I do not pretend to say any thing about publick Affairs & as to my self I have mett with much troble & many mercys, I Injoy much helth & the same friendly Entertainment from the Governer & wife while I am hear, & the same at my Grandchilds which are blesings, there famelies are boath well & our friend Caty desiers to be remembred to you, her Husband is not at home. I write among so much noise & confusion that if I had any thing of consequence I could not Recolect it & will not atemt any more but that I am as Ever yr affectionat Sister
Jane Mecom
My love to Temple & Benny

I expect Mr Wanton Casey who is to be the barer of this to send for it as he is to sett of for Boston in the morning therefore have no other time to write

Addressed: His Excy Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Passy near Paris
Endorsed: Answd April 22.
Notation: Jane Mecome Jany 4th. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Theobald, 4 January 1779
From: Theobald, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir.
London, 4 Jany. 1779.—
I did myself the Honour to write You a Letter abt. November 1777 to acquaint Yo. with the melancholy Event of the Death of that Worthy Good Woman Mrs. Bache of Preston and at the same time to Enquire after Yr own Health & that of Yr Son in Law M R B & his son Benjamin— I also took the Liberty of requesting the Favour of a Line from You directed under Cover To M John James de Baÿ—to Acquaint me therewith—
I am very Sensible that Yr Time & Thoughts must be taken up with affairs of higher Consequence than Writing Letters of mere Compts not withstanding Give me leave to Assure Yo. That it will be matter of Great Comfort to all this Family particularly Miss Bache to hear that Yo Her Bror. R & his Son are all well— We all join in Compts. of the Season to You & Them & I have the Honor to Subscribe my Self. Dr Sir. Yr. most Obedt. Hum. Servt.
Jas Theobald
Please turn Over.—

We have not had the Pleasure of Seeing Mrs. Stephenson for many many Months Consequently have heard nothing of You—which We are not a little impatient about. If You can condescend to favr me with a Line You will please to inclose it to Monsr. Jaques J: de Baÿ. Fabriquant de Dentelles, grande Rûe Neuve a Bruxelles.—

Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsieur Francois / chez Monsr. Chaumont / à Passy pres de / Paris—
Notation: Theobald 4. Jy. 1779.


Title: Certificate of Character for Henry Farley, 5 January 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Passy, Jan. 5. 1779
Having perused several Letters from Gentlemen of Character, Friends to America, relating to Mr Farley, & having convers’d  with him on the Subject of his Settling in France, I am of Opinion, that if he should be favour’d with the Permission he desires to reside in Nants, he would not make an ill Use of it to the Prejudice of this Kingdom, & that he may be a means of promoting its Commerce.
B Franklin


Title: William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 5 January 1779
From: Bingham, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen,
St. Pierre, Martinique, January 5th, 1779.
I have the honor to inform You that the Count D’Estaing arrived here with the Fleet under his Command the Beginning of last Month. Admiral Byron, with 14 Ships of the Line, had been cruizing off Boston Harbor, watching the Motions of the French Fleet; but, the Day previous to its Departure, a violent Storm arose, which cast the Somerset ashore on Cape Cod, & greatly damaged the rest of the Fleet. Nine of the Ships arrived at New-Port, to repair, where they still continue, by the last Accounts from America.
About the same Time that the French Squadron sailed from Boston, a Fleet of Transports, with 5500 Troops on board, under Convoy of five Ships of the Line, (of which three were of 50,) sailed from New York, destined for the Windward Islands. One of them, which was taken by the French Fleet on the Passage, gave timely Information of this Circumstance to the Count D’Estaing, who cruized some Days in the Latitude of Antigua to intercept them.
But, had he cruized to the Windward of Barbadoes, there was a moral Certainty of his falling in with them, as English Fleets, destined for the Islands, always touch at Barbadoes, to enquire the Situation of Affairs. However, upon his Arrival here, I was happy to find that he meant to take Advantage of the defenceless State of the English Islands, & not to lose a single Moment in his Preparations to annoy the Enemy.

He gave Orders to the Troops in Garrison to hold themselves in readiness, & sent forward Transports to Guadeloupe, for those that were Stationd there, immediately to join him, to co-operate in his intended Enterprizes.
On the 14th Ulto., the Day before he intended to take his Departure, an Express arrived from the Governor of St Lucia, with Advices that a considerable Number of English Transports, under Convoy of five Ships of the Line, after hovering some Time on the Coast, had entered the Grand Cul de Sac, & had there made a Descent on the Island, with five to six thousand Troops.
Count D’Estaing was not a little astonished at this sudden Attack of an Enemy, whom he was preparing & expected to Surprize.
Their Designs in taking Possession of this Island are sufficiently obvious. It secures to them Advantages which were neither foreseen nor guarded against. It is not only a Compensation, (perhaps an equivalent,) for the Loss of Dominica, but, being a place capable of great Defence, with a most excellent Harbor, & by being in the Neighbourhood of Martinico, from whence all hostile Expeditions originate, it may enable them to check & over-awe the Operations of the French Forces, & may prove to them a formidable Barrier for the Defence of their Possessions in these Seas, which, being in general but slightly fortified, lay open to the Successful Invasions of the Enemy.
A proper Attention was not paid to the Safety of this important Place, from a Belief that its Situation in the Neighbourhood of Martinico was a sufficient Protection, which was the Cause of its only having a feeble Garrison, of one hundred Men, when five times the Number are absolutely requisite to Man the Works, & provide for its Defence.
The English Troops made their Descent on the 13th Ulto:, & took Possession, without any Resistance, of the numerous Strong Posts that abound in the Island, & added new Fortifications to them.

It is not to be doubted that the British Officers in Command betrayed a want of Caution & Foresight, which in the Conduct of Military Enterprizes is esteemed unpardonable, for, as the only Opposition they could meet with, must have been collected in this Island, prudential Reasons would have pointed out the Propriety of sending forward one of the Fleet to look into Fort Royal Bay, where they would have discovered twelve Ships of the Line, besides Frigates, & Transports, all in readiness to depart.
Never did so fair an Opportunity present for humbling the Pride of Britain. The French Forces arrived the 15th at St. Lucia, & found the English in the greatest Consternation, with only seven Ships of the Line, (two having joined them in Barbadoes,) to defend their Transports, & protect their Troops. These Ships were stationed at the Entrance of the Grand Cul de Sac; a capacious Bay, where their Transports were at Anchor: It is the concurring Testimony of every Officer employed in the Service, that the Count D’Estaing might have taken or annihilated their whole Force. There was not a single Battery erected on Shore to defend their Shipping. After having bore down on the Enemy, & discharged a Broadside, he gave Orders to make a Descent with the Land Forces, who made an Attack on a Party of the Enemy, who were advantageously posted on high Ground, with impregnable Defence, at a place called la Vagie, exposed to incessant Fire from behin Intrenchments, which they in vain endeavoured to Storm, &, having imprudently attacked without Artillery, they were repulsed with great Slaughter, & considerable Loss.
In the mean Time the English were erecting Batteries on every Side of the Bay, to defend their Shipping, & bid Defiance to the French Forces, which, when compleated, appeared so formidable, that on a flying Report that Admiral Byron might soon be expected in these Seas, the Seige of St. Lucia was ingloriously raised, & permission given to the Governor to Capitulate.
Thus, by the ——— of one Man, has an Expedition failed, that offered a moral Certainty of Success; & which, by succeeding, would have been attended with the most serious, important, & decisive Consequences.
Little may be expected from the future Operations of the Count D’Estaing. The Troops have lost all Confidence in their Commander. The Navy thinks itself dishonored, by not being led to an Engagement, where it was sure of reaping Laurels, & gaining Victory.
The Land Forces look upon themselves sacrificed by an incautious Attack made on an Enemy, who were impregnably fortified. It is impossible to Express the Sentiments of all Ranks of Men, concerning the failure of this Expedition, & the Causes that led to it—the Idea is too distressing. However, they have but one Voice on the Subject, & all join in execrating the Name of ———:
Herewith I have the honor to inclose You a Letter addressed to Monsr: de Sartine, by the Governor & Intendant of the Island of Guadeloupe, in behalf of the Owners & Crew of an American Privateer, which was unfortunately sunk by one of the Batteries of that Island, the particular Circumstances of which you will please to find in the Petition of the Captain of the said Vessel, herewith inclosed. The Value of the Vessel is estimated at two hundred thousand Livres this Money. I have no doubt but a proper Indemnity will be made to the Owners, which I must request you will make known to me, that I may inform them of the Success of the Application.
I have the honor to be with due Respect Gentln Your obed hble servt
WB
(Duplicate.)

Notation: W Bingham Mart. Jan 5. 1779.


Title: The Massachusetts Council to the American Commissioners, 5 January 1779
From: Massachusetts Council
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen,
Council Chamber Boston January 5th. 1779
The Marquis De La Fayette having taken leave of this Board, being soon to embark for France, We take this opportunity in justice to his Merit to express our high sense of that Gentlemans Attachment to the American Cause. His exertions & bravery in the Field do him great Honor, which we doubt not the whole Continent have a grateful Sense of, & the prospect of further Services from that Gentleman affords great Pleasure to this State in particular & the United States in general— In behalf of the Council I am, Gentn. With great Respect Your most Obdt. Hble Servt
Jer: PowellPresident
State of Massachusetts Bay—The Honble Benja: Franklin Arthur Lee & John Adams Esqrs.

Addressed: The Honble Benjn. Franklin, Arthur Lee & John Adams Esqrs / Commissioners from the United States of America at the Court / of France— / Paris—
Endorsed by Franklin: Council Massachusetts Recommendation of Marquis de la Fayette.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from G. Anquetil Brutiere, [5 January 1779]: résumé
From: Brutiere, G. Anquetil
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<[January 5, 1779,] in French: Last September I called on you with M. Stadelle, merchant of Strasbourg, and explained my loss of 4–5,000 l.t. when my ship on the Newfoundland Banks had to take on seven English prisoners from a Massachusetts privateer. You asked me to give you my complaint in legal form and in triplicate, two for the colony and one for your records, and told me that I might count on payment because of the guarantees required of all privateers. M. Stadelle took charge of sending you the papers, and informed me that he had done so. Please remember me. I have five ships useless in port, and they represent my fortune. I had counted on privateering, as I told you, and now cannot; my hope rests entirely on your promise.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Courcelle, 5 January 1779
From: Courcelle, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a paris ce 5 janvier 1779
Sans avoire lhonner detre connue de vous Monsieur, premetté que je vous fasse mes remerciments, d’un service que vous maves rendus aux sollicitations de Mr. Levellard votre ami, et le mien, dans la personne du jeunne Briffaut qui a eté tres bien recus a Boston dou il ma ecrit ainsi qu’a sa famille, qui vous prie Monsieur de vouloire bien lui faire passer cette lettre et de lui continue vos bonté, lors que Mr Leveillard sera deretour, je le prirée de me procurer lhonner de vous faire mes remercimens de vives voix, en attendant je vous prie de me crois avec toute la reconnoissance possible Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissante servante
De Courcelle NÉE Kopbell

Notation: De Coucelle nee Kopbel Paris ce 5. jr. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas: Two Letters, 5 January 1779
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Monsieur,
La Haie 5e. Janv. 1779
Avant de nous hazarder à vous présenter Mr. Jean de Neufville, Négociant d’Amsterdam, pour faire des affaires avec lui, nous nous sommes consultés longtemps, l’ami de Mr. De Chaumont & moi, & nous avons pris toutes les précautions & informations prudemment possibles, pour nous assurer de la propriété d’une telle démarche. Notre Ami, sous lequel il a la direction d’une négociation surinamoise, lui rend le témoignage, d’être un homme intelligent, actif, entreprenant, agissant par systême, bon Républicain, Ami des Américains, ennemi des Angl., avec le parti desquels il est notoirement brouillé, ayant rempli deux fois, avec autant de hardiesse que d’éclat, la fonction d’Orateur de la Députation du Corps des Marchands d’Amsterdam à La Haie.
Monsr. Sturler de l’Altemberg, porteur de la présente, & deux de vos grands Amis, vous diront le reste de bouche.
Je suis avec le plus respectueux attachement Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à Son Exc. Mr. Franklin, Esqr. M. P. des E. U. de l’Am.

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plenip. des E. U. de l’Am. / à Passy./.
Notation: Jany 5. 79

II.
Monsieur,
La Haie [January 5] 1779
Le porteur de la présente est Mr. le Baron Sturler de l’Altemberg. Nous avons parlé de bien des choses, qu’il vous dira de bouche à Vous, Monsieur, & à Mr. le Rez de Chaumont. Vous connoissez le respect & l’attachement avec lequel je suis pour toujours, Monsieur Votre très-humble & trèsobéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à Son Exc. M. Franklin M. P. des E. U. de l’Amérique

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, Esqr. / Ministre Plénipotentiaire / des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique / à Passy./.
Notation: Dumas. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Roberdeau, 5 January 1779
From: Roberdeau, Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada. Jany. 5th. 1779
As you were so polite as to enclose me a Letter from my Namesake permit me the liberty of using the same Channel of conveyance and to ask the favor of you to forward the enclosed. I am very respectfully Dr. Sir Yr. most obt. & very huml. Servt.
Daniel Roberdeau
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esquire / Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court / of France— / Passy.—
Notation: Daniel Roberdeau 5. jr. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bradford, 6 January 1779
From: Bradford, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston. 6th. Jany 1779
Having had the honour of a Letter under your signature on Bus’ness formerly, I venture to take the liberty to wrte you by my son, to introduce him to your presence, praying you to Afford him your patronage and Advice, his disposition is amiable and I flatter my self he wont discredit the people, that the Benevolent Monarch of France has lately taken into Alliance, my son has a Number of letters from his friends here to their Connections in France, but I Was loth he shou’d not have it in his power to say on his Return, that he had not a personal interview with Doctor Franklin. I beg your Acceptance of the Complimts of the Season, and am with all due Respect Sir Your most Obedt. & very hble Serv
Jno. Bradford
The Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr. plenipotentiary at the Court at Versailes

Notations in different hands: J. Bradford 6e. jany à Boston. / 6. Jany. 1779.—


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine: Two Letters, 7 January 1779: letter and résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

I.
Sir
Passy Jany 7. 1779
We have the Honour to inclose your Excellency two Memorials concerning a French Vessell retaken from an English Privateer by An American Privateer the Hampden commanded by Captain Pickering.
As there is nothing in either of the Treaties between his Majesty and the united States, respecting such Rescues & Recaptures the Laws of each State must govern the Cases of the Vessells carried into it, untill Some new Regulation Shall take Place. The Sale was made before the new Regulations took place & we apprehend that no Law or Ordinance can justly be made to have a Retrospect or a Retroactive Effect.
We beg the favor of your Excellency to order what appears to you just in this particular Case.
M. De Sartine

II.
<Passy, January 7, 1779: Your Excellency informed us that in order to gain the release of Americans captured by French ships it was necessary to demonstrate that they had been prisoners of the English and forced into English service. The following prisoners at Dinan meet those requirements: William Berry, William Keating, John Williams, Abraham Fairman, Robert Boughass, John Hanlen, James White and, at Granville, Jonathan Akin.>


Title: Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 7 January 1779: résumé
From: Gentlemen at Nantes
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, January 7, 1779: We believed, in consequence of the “Treaty of Alliance, Friendship and Commerce,” that our commercial engagements would be encouraged and protected by this kingdom. We requested of M. de Sartine and yourselves to solicit protection for a number of vessels destined with valuable cargo for several American states. The Minister promptly acknowledged, and refused, our request; we flattered ourselves that you could obtain it through your influence at Court. We still await an answer.
The obstacles to conducting commerce with this country are so great that without protection American merchants and adventurers will soon be discouraged from pursuing it. Please let us know to which benefits and privileges we are entitled under the Treaty of Commerce. As yet, we perceive no differences in conducting our business since the signing of the treaty. We ask that import and export duties for which Americans are liable be ascertained and made public.>


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 8 January 1779
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

a Versailles le 8. Janvier 1779.
J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 25. du mois passé pour me faire part de l’offre que fait M. Langdon de fournir des mats à la France. Je ne puis que vous remercier d’avoir bien voulu me communiquer cette proposition, dont cependant je ne puis faire aucun Usage, parce que je suis dans l’intention de traiter de cette fourniture avec une Compagnie, dont les principaux associés vous sont très connus et qui a envoyé ses pleins pouvoirs à M. le Ray de Chaumont.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la plus parfaite Considération, Messieurs, votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur,
(signé) De Sartine
Mrs. Les Deputés des Etats Unis, de l’A.