Title: To Benjamin Franklin from R. Parsons, 2 November 1778
From: Parsons, R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Chez Monsr: Pernet Cloitre des Jacobins, Rue St:Jaques 2d: Novr: 1778
Permit me (for the last time I shall ever presume to trouble you) to acquaint you that I have it now in my Power th’o upon very distressing and disagreable terms to obtain my liberty—My Landlord who I inform’d you Sir, in a former letter had seized all my cloaths &c: has at last come to a resolution to suffer me to depart for England— My declining health, which has suffered greatly, has I believe induced him to consent to this, lest an increasing indisposition might be attended with consequences that coud not fail of being disagreable to him—
He has been offered undoubted security for his money, but has thought proper to decline it; chusing rather to keep Possession of my cloaths till I am able to remit him the money due— By this choice he has put it totally out of my power to raise a trifle for the expences of my Journey, as he will not consent to part with even one suit of cloaths Thus unfortunately circumstanced, I am compelled once more to apply to Doctor Franklin for a trifling assistance to enable me before it be too late to recover the imprudent step that has been attended with such distress and trouble to me I do not pretend to solicit this favor for any of the reasons that inclined me to hope you woud assist me on my former applications— I only request it Sir, as an unhappy stranger, who has at Present no other means of extricating herself from the most disgraceful sufferings and difficulties, and who appeals to the feelings of a humane heart to enterest it in her favor— If you have any doubt Sir, of the truth of what I have advanced relative to myself, and my present situation; upon enquiry, (shoud you think it worth your while to make one) you will be soon convinced that circumstances are as I represent— I have taken the liberty of writing and enclosing this to the worthy Doctor Mc: Mahon, and of requesting his interest with you Sir, on this occasion— A small matter will carry me to London, and I have not the least doubt of being very soon able to discharge my Obligation in this Country— I beg leave Sir, to apologize for this trouble, and I flatter myself you will not be deaf to a request, upon the granting of which depends all my future welfare—
I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant
R: Parsons

Endorsed: Mrs Parsons.—
Notation: Paris 2. Novembre 1778.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, 3 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand

Monsieur,
à Passy ce 3 Novre. 1778
Nous devons des remerciemens à la personne qui nous a fait remettre, par vôtre canal, la notte que nous avons reçu contre Conyngham; & nous devons l’assurer de nouveau, qu’etant penetrés de respect pour S. M. C. rien ne nous peine plus que des plaintes de sa part contre nos Gens. Elle aura vû par les papiers que vous avez remis dans le temps de notre Part a S. E. M. le Comte d’Aranda, toutes les Mesures que le Congrés avoit prises pour prevenir même toutte Inconduitte de la part de nos Armateurs & Gens de Mer; & rien ne prouve mieux sa sollicitude a cet Egard, que la Proclamation qu’il vient de rendre, dont voici le Copie No 2. a laquelle nous joignons celle de sa Resolution pour conserver la propriété d’un Navire, quoique appartenant à une Puissance, dont nous n’avons pas lieu de nous louer.
Mais si l’on fait Attention aux Procedés attroces des Anglois envers touttes les Nations Indistinctement, on ne sera pas surpris que leur facheux exemple ne trouve des Sectateurs dans quelques Individus d’une Nation quils ont si fort outragée; mais cela ne disculpe pas Conyngham. C’est un Crime à nos yeux d’avoir deplu à une Puissance pour laquelle le Congrés est penetré de Respect; & quoiqu’elle se soit fait Justice ellemême, en faisant saisir par Represailles la prize Anglois que Conyngham avoit conduitte à Teneriffe pour la faire passer à la Martinique: Nous n’en informerons pas moins le Congrés des Sujets de plainte que cet Armateur a donné à sa Majesté Catholique. Ce sera certainement un nouveau Motif pour faire rendre à son Pavillon tous les Egards & le Respect qu’il lui porte. J’ose esperer de la sagesse ainsy que de la Justice de S. M. qu’elle ajoutera foy a cette Expression de nos Sentiments pour Elle, & qu’Elle daignera a son tour nous en faire eprouver les Effets.
J’ai l’honneur d’être, Messieurs, Votre trés humble & trés obeissant Serviteur
B Franklin
M. Grand


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Niles, 3 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Niles, Robert

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 3. 1778
I am sorry for your Misfortune. On showing this Line to Mr Bondfield, he will supply you with what may be necessary to forward your Return, in which I wish you better Luck, being, with Regard, & Goodwill, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Capt. Niles

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Capitaine Niles / Ameriquain / chez M. Bondfield / Negociant / à Bordeaux


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

<The Hague, November 3, 1778, in French: Our friend has warned Mr. Baker, the secretary of the Amsterdam Admiralty, that if the Admiralty’s preliminary advisory serves to weaken the protest to the English court he will communicate the action to the entire business community. Such an action would have serious consequences. It certainly would provoke another protest to the States General and would increase public dissatisfaction to its maximum.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 3 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lahaie 3 Nov. 1778.
Je n’ai pu refuser, il y a quelques jours, à un ancien Ami, très galant homme, une Lettre de présentation pour Vous, qu’il m’a demandée instamment. C’est Mr. Huet Duplessis, Médecin François revenant de St. Eustache avec sa famille, pour passer le reste de ses jours dans sa patrie.
Samedi passé je me suis fait un devoir, autant qu’un plaisir, d’obliger par une pareille Lettre Mr. Walter Pollard, qui m’a été adressé par Mr. Sam. Willhm. Stockton par Lettres écrites de Francfort. Ce jeune homme, né aux Barbades & élevé en Angleterre, où il a fait ses Etudes en Droit, m’a déployé des sentimens si aimables & si estimables, qu’il me seroit impossible de ne pas m’intéresser vivement pour lui. J’avois demandé à Mr. Stockton, à son passage ici, s’il ne connoissoit pas quelque personne sûre en Angleterre, qui pût donner de bonnes intelligences de ce qui se passoit là d’important, surtout dans les Ports. Mr. Stockton a écrit. La réponse, qui contenoit des choses très-intéressantes si elles étoient parvenues à temps, a été interceptée; & Mr. Pollard, ayant heureusement eu promptement connoissance du danger où l’avoit jeté son zele pour le service de la cause Américaine, s’est mis à couvert des recherches par la fuite. Un frere, qu’il a laissé fort malade à Bristol, & quelques amis, qui pensent comme lui, sont tout ce qu’il ait eu à regreter en quittant l’Angleterre. Sa retraite cependant n’est qu’un peu anticipée; & il n’en exécutera qu’un peu plutôt le dessein qu’il avoit formé d’aller s’établir à Philadelphie. Il attendra, soit à Rotterdam, ou quelque part en Flandres, qu’on lui ait fait tenir des Lettres, qu’il attend des Barbades, de Mr. son pere, qui est aussi grand partisan que lui de la cause Américaine, pour aller prêter, entre vos mains, serment de fidélité à l’Etat de Pensylvanie, & profiter d’une bonne occasion de faire sûrement le trajet.
Voilà, Monsieur, les titres auxquels je me suis persuadé que Mr. Pollard est digne de votre protection & bienveillance particuliere. Je craindrois de les affoiblir, si j’ajoutois rien de plus, que le respect sincere, qu’il partage avec moi, & avec lequel je suis, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Dumas

Je viens de procurer à Mr. Pollard un Passeport, pour pouvoir passer immédiatement à Paris, afin qu’il puisse, sans perdre trop de temps & se constituer en fraix inutiles, profiter de vos conseils paternels, & prendre le parti le plus convenable. Je regrette beaucoup, que sur un simple desir, manifesté dans la conversation à Mr. Stockton, celuici ait pensé, longtemps après, à engager ce bon jeune homme dans une correspondance, pour laquelle il faut une expérience plus consommée. Je voulois obliger le g—— F——: Le mal est fait. Appliquons-y le remede le plus salutaire possible. Voici, pour ne vous laisser rien à desirer, un Extrait de la Lettre de Mr. Stockton au sujet de Mr Pd. J’ajouterai seulemt que Mr. Stockton a depuis reçu la réponse de ce dernier; mais qu’elle avoit été ouverte en Angle. & qu’on y avoit inséré une fausse adresse, pour induire ainsi les correspondants en erreur, & recevoir leurs Lettres; & que Mr. Stockton, s’étant apperçu de la forgerie, n’a pas donné dans le panneau. J’aurois conseillé à Mr. Pd. de retourner en Angl. mais, malheureusement, pendant quelques semaines de séjour à Rotterdam, il a été trop épié pour pouvoir le faire en sûreté.
Mr. Pollard is acquainted with a English Gentleman, whom perhaps Dr. Fr—— may remember; His Name is Dr. Mc. Nemara, who had a House in George-Street Westminster. Mr. Pd. was under his Protection during the younger part of his Life: & Mr. Pd. is upon terms of strict Intimacy with Mr. Wm. Jones of Oxford, a Gentleman, who most probably is known to Dr. Fr—— by his writings, as well as personally acquainted.
Voilà ce que j’écris de la bouche-même de Mr. Pd. J’ajouterai, Monsieur, que vous n’avez pas à craindre d’être importuné à son occasion pour autre chose, que pour vos sages conseils & directions. Passy à S. E. M. le D. Franklin Min. Pl. des E. U. de l’A.

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur le Dr. Franklin, Esqr. / Ministre Plénipotentiaire / des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique / à Passy./.
Notation: Dumas. Novr. 3. 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Walter Pollard, [c. 3 November 1778]
From: Pollard, Walter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[c. November 3, 1778]
The Gentleman, who was concerned in the Business which Mr: Dumas has hinted in his Letter to his Excellency, is sorry to say, that it was written only with the friendly Intention of introducing Him at Passy; for his Satisfaction would have been greater, had He been recommended, not by his Friends alone, or by any formal Declaration of his Principles, but by some Service actually performed, & attended with a favourable Event. But as He was unable to succeed in his Attempt, He knows no other Method of explaining Mr: Dumas’ Letter, [torn: word missing] the Cause of his being introduced to Doctr: Franklin, than by relating what was intrusted to Him & what He did in Consequence of such a Trust.
Mr: Stockton, during his Residence in England, became acquainted with Mr: Pollard, upon Terms of Intimacy not inconsistent with the Duties of an American Citizen; for that Mr: S. had some Persuasion of his Friend’s Attachment to America, may appear by the Confidence which He thought proper to place in Him. When Mr: S. was leaving England, Mr: P. communicated to Him his own Resolution of settling in America; adding, that He knew that He knew of no Means, by which a Stranger could prove his Allegiance to the States, than by serving against their Enemy; so that Mr: S. would oblige Him by informing Him of the Manner & proper Season of such an Under-taking. A little Time passed, when Mr: Stockton wrote to Him in order to know whether his Inclination was the same, & begged an Answer, that He might be more particular. Mr: P. answered, that He was still inclined; & that He waited only for the next Fleets from Barbados in order to know how He might proceed. When the Fleet arrived, Mr: P. found Himself obliged to repair to Bristol, where His Brother was [ser?] in a deep Consumption. And at the same Instant Mr: Stockton’s Letter came to Hand. It informed Him that Commissions were not granted in Europe but that an equal Attachment might be proved by engaging in a Buisiness of a different Nature but tending to the same Effect: the Business in short was this: “to undertake Himself, or find some proper Person, to procure & send a regular & authentic Intelligence of what was passing in the British Ports, the Ships building, those that were to sail, when, where, &c. the Fleets going & returning; with many other very material Articles.” During his Stay at Bristol, Mr: P. often reflected on Mr: Stockton’s Letter;—& tho’ unable to fulfill every Part of it, yet as He observed that every Motive of encouraging the Priveteers against France & America was industriously thrown out, which every Day was becoming more serious, He went into the Dock Yards, took an Account of what was passing, the Ships of War, the Fleets expected &c. & not knowing of a better Conveyance, sent it by the Post. This Letter was intercepted:—how Mr P. heard of it, & what He did in Consequence of such Intelligence, may be related to Dr: Franklin, when ever He pleases, & finds Himself at Leizure. It is sufficient to say, that his immediate Departure from E. prevented Mischief:—(for a spurious Paragraph was inserted, & sent afterwards with the same Letter, begging Mr: P. Correspondents to write freely whatever they had to say, & inclose the Letter to one Williams of Bond Street, a pretended Friend to America.) The Mischief, intended by this Scheme, was prevented by Mr. P’s timely Notice. But He has reason to suppose, that one of Mr: Stocktons Letters, & another of his own (written about that very Affair, while He was in Holland) have been, by some Contrivance of Sr: Joseph Yorke, intercepted & detained. Now this alone, being delivered unhappily to the Servt. of the House (who was probably instructed to secrete it) being sworn to be delivered to Him by Mr: P. while He lodgd at Rotterdam—the Contents of this Letter, added to Mr. Stocktons containing, I suppose, something material & of a delicate Nature; & the Evidence of the Clerk at the Office at Bristol, who actually saw, (& may easily remember the Person) saw Mr. P. put the Letter into the Box; & when another Letter in the same Hand & with the same Direction is shewn Him (stating in what Manner Mr: P. put the Letter written at Bristol into the Office, the Time, Day, Hour, how He was seen, how he heard of its being intercepted,—in order to acquaint Mr: S. with the whole Affair, & that the very Letter intercepted in Holland) will corroberate the Proofs afforded by that second Letter, & sworn by the E. Servant, to have been delivered by Mr: Pollard in order to be placed in the Office for Frankfort. These Proofs may render it extremely hazardous to Mr: P. to return to Engd. or his own Island. His Inclination indeed to return to his Family was merely founded upon two Motives; the Desire of attending his Brother back to Barbados, or to afford his Father some Consolation under the Loss of one of his Sons; & then to procure the most effectual Means of settling in America, in the Character, He has always borne, of a Gentleman educated for the Study of the Law; not of a needy adventurer, who having no ostensible Means of Support at Home, & indifferent to any Place of Residence abroad, pretends an Attachment to a favourite Cause, & begs the Countenance of Persons of respectable & established Character. By no means:—however desirous of settling in America, Yet latterly He had resolved (upon these Motives) to wait patiently till his Duty to his Father was satisfied, & till He could arrange his Affairs most conveniently for such a Purpose.— However, if after all, his Return would subject Him to a greater Inconvenience proceeding from the Discovery, Mr: P. will obtain from England, as soon as possible, what may support Him in France, till He hears from his Father;—in the mean Time He will take the Oaths of Allegiance; & then will proceed to America. He would have been happy to do it at Leizure, but even now, & under any Kind of Inconvenience, would never regret the Part He takes, in such a Business.
In every Part of this Account, & upon a Review of the whole of it, the Writer is very sensible his Excellies: must observe that it is almost entirely personal, relating chiefly to Himself; & perhaps as defective in Perspicuity, as it wants Conciseness & contains no Matter of Importance; but a Letter of Introduction being written, He apologises for the first, it being necessary He shd: Himself tell, who He is, & how He came hither; & for the Trouble given to Dr: Franklin, He must beg his Indulgence & Pardon, declaring that He knows of nothing that could have made Him so happy, as to have been the Instrument or Messenger of any Service to America.

Endorsed: Mr. Pollard. Dumas


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Roberdeau, 3 November 1778
From: Roberdeau, Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philad. Novr. 3d. 1778
Le Chevalier Mauduit Du Plessis by whose hands I received your introductory favr. last year is also the Bearer of this to acknowledge the service you did your Country, as well as the honor confered on me in that Instance. To be more particular in commending the good and brave conduct of this worthy Officer would be to sanctify the repeated acts of Congress fully expressive of that Gentleman’s high merit not only as to promotion, being raised in so short a time to the high rank of Lieut. Colonel, but also testifying of their approbation of his good behaviour & Galantry on repeated occasions of which he is furnished with Credentials. I am respectfully Dr. Sir Yr. most obt. & very huml. Servt.
Daniel Roberdeau
His Excellency Benja. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Benja. Franklin Esquire / Minister Plenipotentiary at the / Court of France / favored by the Cheva- / lier Mauduit Du Plessis / Paris
Endorsed: Genl. Roberdeau’s Letter about M. du Plessis
Notation: Nov. 3d. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 4 November 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

<Passy, November 4, 1778: We have at last seen M. Bersolle’s accounts. According to the resolutions of Congress, all captured vessels of war belong to the officers and crew, who in fact receive a bounty for every man and gun on board. Congress never intended to be accountable for further expense on account of these prizes.
Every article of these accounts which relates to the Drake, therefore, must be charged to Capt. Jones and come from the proceeds of her sale. Supplies for the Ranger’s men must come from themselves; their share of prize money from the Drake, the Lord Chatham, and other prizes should be sufficient to cover the costs. Since the Lord Chatham belongs half to the public and half to the captors, the United States should pay half her expenses. We agree also to pay, at the expense of the United States, all munitions and repairs to the Ranger, the feeding of her crew, and the living expenses of the prisoners once put ashore.
We received your letter of October 29. We advised you on the 27th to proceed against M. Du Doyer. We are glad that Mr. Williams has delivered the items, and we approve your receipt. You have our permission to draw bills on us. Supply “that poor fellow Barns” with necessaries and send him home, but give him no money as “he has not discretion to use it.” You may employ prisoners. Ask Capt. Bell and the other American captains for our dispatches; we have heard nothing as yet from Congress, and fear something has happened to their communications.>


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

<The Hague, November 4, 1778, in French: I have just seen our friend and take this opportunity to report our conversation. Amsterdam has sent strong instructions to its representatives and if the evasions continue will use other means, about which they did not wish to tell me. Sir Joseph Yorke has presented a more moderate but still insidious memorandum requesting that commissioners be appointed to confer with him concerning the interpretation of the [Anglo-Dutch] treaties and declaring Britain’s desire that convoys not be granted. Amsterdam will oppose him on both points. Irritation with Britain is even beginning to reach members of the nobility. I will send for your examination a copy of the Amsterdam burgomasters’ declaration when they are finished with it. They intend that future connections [with America] not be dependent on British permission. This minority can prevent the unanimity required by the constitution for declaring this state your enemy, a fact which should encourage us to support and strengthen it. I have inserted two letters from Mr. Lee in the Gazette de Leyde. The Courier du Bas Rhin has paid tribute to Joseph Reed.>


Title: John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1778: résumé
From: Gilbank, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, November 4, 1778: I am applying to you again for money to meet my necessary expenses. Without assistance I can neither avail myself of an opportunity to sail for America nor fulfill my duty to Congress; my attachment to the American cause precludes my receiving help from my family. Had I not been captured on my last attempt to get to America, this request would be unnecessary. From you I have a right to expect protection, and I beg the honor of a reply as soon as possible since I am informed that a ship will be ready to leave in fifteen days.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Cie., 4 November 1778
From: Girardot, Haller & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotell de Colbert Novbr 4 1778
Messieurs Girardot, Haller & Co’s best Compliments to Dr. Bn. Franklin, and desire he wil be so good as to forward th’ in Clos’d letter to The Rt. Honble S. Deane Esqr.

To The Rt. Honble Dr Bn Franklin Esqr at Passy

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Frankelin / près du Couvent de la Visitation / de Ste. Marie / Chaillot / hotel Colbert


Title: Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 5 November 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

A Versailles le 5. 9bre. 1778.
J’ai l’honneur, Messieurs, de vous envoyer un mémoire qui m’a été adressé d’Alresford, par un Chirurgien François pris sur le Batiment Americain Le Gest. Si les Etats unis ont adoptés quelques precautions pour faire passer des secours à leurs Sujets, detenus en Angleterre, je ne doute pas que vous ne les étendiez sur ce François qui paroit les meriter. Je vous prie, de me faire savoir ce que vous voudrez bien decider en sa faveur.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la Considération la plus distinguée, Messieurs, Votre tres humble et très obeisssant Serviteur
(signé) De Sartine
A Mrs. Les Deputés des Etats unis.


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 5 November 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, November 5, 1778: We received your letter of the fifth of this month, but since the memoir concerning the French surgeon was omitted, we cannot give you an adequate answer. The United States has no official policy for prisoners in England. We have loaned small sums to those who have escaped English captivity to cover their expenses to French seaports. Except for modest funds put at Mr. Hartley’s disposal, we have sent no direct relief to those in England. We consider Frenchmen taken by the English on American ships as entitled to the same assistance as American-born seamen.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bartholomew Byrne et al., 5 November 1778
From: Byrne, Bartholomew
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Worthy Sir
Denan Preason November 5th 1778
Yor Humble peticeenors begs lave to acquaint your Excelency of the misfortune of becomeing preseners, and being Americans which we Can justly justify, but unhaply was takeing by an English Ship And brought to England, and went passengers to Ireland to Get in the Letteramarque We were takeing in bound for Jamaca thinking To get home once more to our Country, and we remain In hopes that your Excelency will take our Distressd Condition into your Most Serious Consideration, and Admit us to Get home and Serve our Country once more, Which we most ardently pray for, for which we are bound to pray as Long as Life permits for your most royal person, and begg of God that you may prosper in all your Undertakeings.
We Remain your Excelency’s most Humble and faithfull Servants and Countrymen untill Death,

Bartholow. Byrne
}
Ship NameEliza

Willim. Loe—

Willim. Reynolds

John Mongomary

Addressed: To / His Excelency / Docter Franklin—/ Paris
Notation by John Adams: Prisoners, in Dinant.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William White, 5 November 1778
From: White, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honrd. Sir
Dunann Prison—Novbr. 5th. 1778—
I hope you will Excuse the Liberty I now takes in Troubling you with those few lines, which Serves to Acquaint your Honour that I am a Native of America born in Boston in the Year 1748, and Served my time with my father, a Shipwright, Ebenezer White of the sd. Town of Boston, and was Married in the year 1773 to one Sarah Bartlett, daughter of Roger Bartlett, Capt. of the sd. Town of Boston; and that I your Humble Petitioner sail’d with Capt. Edward Teyler of the sd. Town of Boston (whoes father Moses Teylr is a Ship builder at the North End of the sd. Town of Boston) from Boston for Jamiaca and from thence for Bristoll in England (from which place we were to proceed home to Boston again) in the Interim of which time this present Disturbance arose; Capt. Teylor remains in England ever Since; and when we Arrived at Bristoll I left the sd. Capt. Teylor in hopes of getting over to America; but never could have the opportunity ever Since, and my money being entirely done; no one Suspecting me to be an American I entered my Self as Carpinter on board the Herculess Letter of Marque out of Bristoll John Luscombe Captain Bound for Savanlamar in the Island of Jamiaca in hopes when I gott there to have Obtain’d my Liberty by some means or other, but three Days after our Sailing from Kingroad were taken by 2 French men of Warr, and Brought into Brest, from which place were conducted to Dunann Prison (there being no American on board the sd. Ship but my Self) where I now remains; I hope your Honour will take my case into Consideration and Try to gett me Released from hence haveing a harty desire to Serve in my own Countrys cause; and I remain Honrd. Sir with all Due respect yr. Honours ever Obedient Servant—
William White

Addressed: To / The Honble. Doctor Franklin / Consull / at Pariss
Notation by John Adams: Prisoners, in Dinant.


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

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes, Novr. 5 1778.—
I recvd. your Favour of the 18th Octor. only a few Days ago owing to the Tedious way in which it came.
I have settled my affair with Mr Schweighauser, without a lawsuit. I thank you for getting my Request to the Minister about the Prizes at Rochelle. I have since had a decisive and satisfactory Letter from him.— I sent you some of your Prints by Count Sarsfield. I recvd the Packets for Mr Lovell & others which shall be taken proper care of.
Mr Montieu has indeed opened to me a very flattering Prospect of going to America. His & Mr de Chaumonts Goods to my Consignment will throw a large Commission in my Way, besides the Importance of having so great a Sum of money at my Command. The Scheme has the Ministers approbation and is due to have strong Convoys all the way.
I have already sent several adventures to America and some are yet on the Water, if all that are uncertain are lost I shall remain worth about £5000 Currency, if all arrive I shall have about £10,000 Currency exclusive of between 4 & 5000£ Curry [Currency] my Father is likely to recover from a Torys Estate for the Goods he carried off belonging to me and independant of his (my Fathers) Fortune which I find is lately much augmented.— Now I feel I have gained a pretty good footing in the World I am anxious to realise and secure what I have and instead of grasping (like the Dog & the Shadow) at more than I want & thereby losing all, I wish to advance further by only sure and moderate means. For this Purpose I think my presence in America is necessary and if I have the good Fortune to arrive I shall gain enough to make me very Indifferent about the Loss of Business my absence may occasion. If I am taken I shall be no worse than I am, as losing my Commissions is only missing a Gain except indeed what adventures I may carry out and in this I mean to be prudent.
Whenever I reflect on my Situation I feel the strongest Obligations to you. The Countenance and Character you have on so many occasions given me has been the Source of all my good Fortune, and I shall ever owe you a Debt of Gratitude too great to be enough acknowledged. I will however always give you the Satisfaction of seeing that my Conduct is influenced by the strictest principles of Honour & Probity.
I have one Difficulty in the Execution of my Plan which I hope by the Friendship of Mr M to remove. In order to give my Brother Jack a set off I made Advances and entered into Engagements for him to the amount of betwen 35 & 40 Thousand Livres which, he remains indebted to me for, and which is independant of my Calculation of what I am worth. I contrived the Business in such a manner as to keep the Payments distant enough as I thought to give full time for Remittance taking Care to cover by Insurances. 10 months is now gone & Jack has not been able to remit me, I shall therefore be subject to a Call for about this Sum in the Course of December & January next and about 10,000 Livres more which I have put on my own acct & which will fall due in Jan. & March. As I intend to have my affairs in Mr Peltiers (Mr Montieus agent) Hands I apprehend Mr M will consent to support these Engagements for me prolonging them or keeping up a circulation of Bills till the Remittances come which may be before I go if not I will remit as soon as I arrive let the Loss be what it may and I know I can get Bills from Mr Holker.— Should this be refused me I must stay for I will not go unless I can leave my Character without a Stain.— I should blush to ask an additional Favour of you to whom I am already so much obliged yet I can’t help flattering myself that you would give a Testimony of my Probity should it be in this Instance required.
When I arrive in America I shall make a point of having my accts honourably settled, for that Purpose I have made two more Copies one to carry and one to send by another Conveyance.— Thank God I am rid of my Gunsmiths Business having at Last got Mr. Schweighausers Receipts for the Delivery of those as well as all the other Goods.
I beg you will favour me with Letters to your Friends to America, I would ask a public one if not an Indiscretion for I trust the more my Conduct here as a public Servant is known the more honourable it will be for me, particularly about the affair of the 50,000 Bill on Mr Chaumont. That I know will be represented as a private appropriation of public money, but you remember when I came to Paris I represented to you that my Funds could not support those advances, and you said that it was a public Concern & I should be supported. I at that Time was but little in advance and should have stopped, but for the public Support & the Bill on Mr Chaumont I was particularly directed to draw for this purpose. I have lately recvd a Letter from Mr Holker informing me of his Intention to remit a Bill to take up the one Mr DeChaumont gave you a Receipt for.
My Letter is got to a great length & I fear you will be tired before you get through. Therefore conclude with assuring you that I am ever with the greatest Respect & affection Your dutifull Kinsman
Jona Williams Jr
Love to Billy.Dr Franklin

Notation: J. Williams Nantes 5. 9bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Harriman and Other Favor Seekers, 6 November 1778
From: Harriman, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

With James Harriman’s letter of November 6, published immediately below, we encounter the first of many people who between November 1, 1778, and February 28, 1779, either ask Franklin for a favor for themselves or recommend others to his good graces.
Our first category of favor seekers consists of those who, still unaware that Franklin was not empowered to do so, desire him to appoint them consuls or agents for the United States. After them we have gathered those who ask for news or information, those who request the Doctor to forward their letters, and, finally, those in distress who simply turn to him for help. All of the letters are at the American Philosophical Society and, unless otherwise noted, written in French.
On November 18, in a letter not addressed to Franklin but forwarded to him, a man from Lyon named Delacolonge asks to be appointed American agent there. A French merchant, d’Aigueville, explains on January 16 that North America exports increasing quantities of dry cod, timber, and millet, all of which is unloaded in the port of Alicante, where the King of Spain has just allowed American privateers to bring their prizes. Knowing English fairly well, he would be glad to exercise the functions of consul-general and give the captains all the help they need.
Two people recommend for the post of consul in La Rochelle a man named Bordot, who has recently resettled in his native city after working twelve years on the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon. On January 29 the governor of those islands, baron de l’Espérance, has high praise for Bordot, who acted as English interpreter and senior clerk of the admiralty. He recounts how crucial was Bordot’s help during the two-week showdown that took place in the summer of 1778 between a Royalist corvette and an American privateer. Franklin’s good friend Edme Genet, chief interpreter at Versailles, adds on February 1 that Bordot’s good will toward the American cause cost him his job: he was one of the first victims of British anger at the Franco-American alliance. Sartine, according to Genet, would be especially glad if Bordot could be named agent in La Rochelle, a move which would not cost the Americans anything.
In Le Veillard’s hand is an undated memoir that may have been written as early as 1778. It recommends Nicolas Guirard, age 37, for a consulship in Cétte (Sète) in Languedoc, a port that will see frequent use by Americans trading in wine and other goods. Coming from a family beyond reproach, the man is well-known to bankers and merchants at Paris and connected to M. M. Maÿstres, a wealthy merchant at Marseilles. His brother-in-law Delafosse, commissary general of the king’s household, is a friend of Le Veillard.
Two people turn to the Doctor for news of relatives: a son to find out about his father, a father about his son. On December 2, Thomas Turner, officer in the Berwick regiment at Le Croisic, wonders whether his father (of the same name) is, as he hopes, in the American service. A lawyer in La Flèche (Anjou), Davy des Piltieres, inquires on January 26 about the fate of his son, Augustin-Pascal, a lieutenant in the Fourth Battalion of Georgia. The last he has heard is that by January, 1778, one year after his arrival in America, his son had been made a lieutenant in the regiment commanded by “le colonel j wihte” and had to fight both the English and the cruel savages. If the young man is still alive, please put in a good word for him; if not, please send a death certificate.
Franklin’s services as a dispatcher of private mail were, as usual, much in demand.
Writing from Versailles on November 26, a clerk in the ministry of the navy by the name of Bordot explains that he is acting as a go-between for Madame Rivaud, a lady in great anxiety about her son from whom she has had no news in a long time. Her letter has been left open for inspection.
The comte de Vienne asks Franklin on December 1 for permission to entrust him with one more letter for his son since he has just received a message from that son, dated Boston, September 22. The young officer has now been made a colonel after taking part in the Battle of Monmouth, but he is sorry not to have a single man under his command. He has never been compensated for the loss of his equipage during the retreat from Rhode Island and is not receiving pay commensurate to his rank. Could the Doctor recommend him in his dispatches to Congress and to “Waugshinston”?
Perdriel Roumallard, who lives in Mortrée (Normandy), wonders whether letters or packages have come for him from Congress. Should they arrive, he is to be notified immediately and his mail forwarded in a manner to be indicated. His letter is dated November 27.
On an otherwise unspecified “Lundy matin,” the marquis de Flamarens asks Franklin to entrust the enclosed letter as soon as possible to a French officer who would bring it to its destination.

The following two messages are in English. Samuel Petrie wishes Franklin would seal and convey to Philadelphia a letter written by his brother. His request is dated January 26 and sent from Paris. Susanna Hodenpyl, Commodore Alexander Gillon’s sister, has just heard from her brother, presently in Nantes. She begs Franklin on February 19 to deliver the enclosed message to Gillon when he reaches Paris, which should be in a few days. She resides in Rotterdam.
On February 26, Franklin is entreated by a man called De la Colombe, writing from Le Puy, to forward a letter destined to Conrad-Alexandre Gérard.
A young man named Girardin makes a bid for the Doctor’s sponsorship: he reminds Franklin on February 15 that he is the person who presented him with the new electrical machine on display at the marquis de Courtanvaux’s home. Has it proved satisfactory? And if so, would Franklin please let his friends know about it? The duc de Chartres, for instance, might well want to purchase one if it received such a powerful recommendation.
Finally there is the vast and often pathetic category of people who just need help. Appealing to masonic solidarity, the baronne de Randerath, née de Bermans, begs Franklin to live up to his reputation for generosity. She explains on December 13 that, eight years before, illness forced her husband to quit the service of the Elector Palatine and subsist on a meager annual pension of 240 florins. He has now been ordered by his doctor to take the water cure at Aix but cannot afford to do so unless Franklin, who is the father of honest people just as he is the father of his country, comes to their assistance. Baron de Randerath belongs to the Mannheim Lodge and if necessary will send documents to prove it. Should the Doctor decide to help, would he please remit the money to M. Seyguet, procureur général in Paris, who will forward it to Bouquenom près les Arguemines(?) where the couple lives?

Mme. Buzard, the sister of Joseph-Pierre-Charles, baron de Frey, writes, possibly in 1778, seeking Franklin’s protection. After the death of her uncle General Hille in the service of the King of Sardinia, she married the sieur Buzard, of known probity. He served for eight years in the artillery. Now, having suffered a number of setbacks, they and their children have no money. As a favor to her brother will Franklin obtain for her husband a place in the service of the U.S. or advancement in his French regiment?
A particularly distressed man named de la Verdière writes twice from the hôtel du St. Esprit in the rue de Tournon, Paris. In his letter of December 31 he asserts that, through no fault of his own, he has lost all he possessed, including his employ. But he remembers that when Virgil was in that very predicament he traveled from Mantua to Rome and the Emperor gave him back his patrimony. So he, the writer, coming to Paris from Nantes, hopes that the King will extend him the same grace, especially if he applies under Franklin’s auspices. A memoir he mentions in a second letter, dated June 24, 1779, might throw some light on the subject, but it has not been found.
Though a native of Boston, Benjamin Thompson, writing from Nantes on February 25, addresses his plea in French in order to impress Franklin with his mastery of the language. He is the oldest son of the Captain Thompson, commander of the Experiment, who helped in the installation of the chevaux-de-frise in the Delaware and met Franklin on that occasion. The younger Thompson held a commission in the American army for more than two years, but returned it for financial reasons and went back to commerce. In partnership with a certain Fritz, he sailed for France only to discover upon arrival that the man they had planned to do business with, Penet, had left for Boston. He tried without success to find commercial employ in France and is now at the end of his rope. He hopes that in his desperate circumstances he will receive some help from the representative of his country.
D. Gray, another young foreigner seeking employment in France, is British. In an undated letter in English which he brought personally to Passy, he explains that his father is a clergyman in North Britain and that he himself, the recipient of a Master of Arts diploma, has been employed as a tutor but pines for literary pursuits. He has come to France four months ago in order to find, at the source and before publication, some French work of merit to translate into English. Presently in Paris for a few days only, he hopes that Franklin, known for his “Benevolence and Humanity,” will guide him in this search or, if that proves impossible, help him find “a young gentleman of fortune” whom he could serve in the capacity of tutor. Of course, being employed by the Doctor himself in any line would be his utmost ambition. As to his moral character, he has recent testimonials from men of eminence and distinction, and could furnish more.
Letters from a number of people beseech Franklin to restore them to freedom. The first three are in English. On December 1, Thomas Gleed and five of his companions, Englishmen captured by the French, send an appeal from Combourg in Brittany. While sailing from Plymouth to Newfoundland they were separated from their escort and carried into Brest. They have been informed that an exchange of prisoners is in the offing and beg Franklin to use his influence with the court of France to send them back home. Five prisoners detained in Quimper, Brittany—Americans, this time—lament on January 21 that they find themselves “In An Inhuman Place Among a Parcel of Thieves,” where they lie in dirt all night and look through iron bars all day. How differently the French are treated in America! “We use them like Gentlemen.” On their way from Baltimore, they were caught while escaping on a small boat from an English privateer that was chasing their sloop. Their plea is that from faraway Paris Franklin will obtain justice for them. Four days later, on January 25, James Swallow recounts through what chain of circumstances he finds himself imprisoned in Calais: taken by an English frigate, he escaped, but not knowing where to turn he shipped on a brig bound to Senegal in the hope of being captured on the way. Instead, a gale drove him on shore at Calais where his only hope for release stems from Franklin’s kindness.

An undated letter from De Noguères, curé de Passy, may well belong with this group. The ecclesiastic announces that he is enclosing a message just received from Paris, emanating from two prisoners, one of them Anglo-American, who implore Franklin’s protection. For one as convinced as he is of Franklin’s humanity there is no need to add anything in the men’s favor. He would relish a personal meeting to discuss this affair, but his religious occupations make it impossible.
From the very bottom of the social totem pole, the convicts, come the most poignant cries for help. News of Franklin’s success in obtaining the liberation of Marc-François Gauthier the previous summer must have spread rapidly along the galley grapevine. On January 8, addressing himself to “Messieurs Benjamin et Francklin, ou autres Deputés des Republiques Collonies de la Merique,” Vincent Dagorne (also spelled Dagord), a native of Brittany, tells his pitiful story: in 1776, in order to escape his pursuants and hide a little tobacco he had in his possession, he took refuge in somebody’s house. He was arrested for breaking, entering, and stealing, taken to Rennes, condemned to life on the galleys as convict no. 10790 in Brest. After three years in chains his only wish is to fight, to the last drop of his blood, for the American cause—now France’s cause. He is twenty-five, very robust, and begs, in tears, to have his case presented to the King.
Written in the same professional and flowery hand, identically addressed, and using much of the same imagery, another petition left Brest on January 25. It tells of the plight of four convicts who now offer to serve the U.S. as sailors. Pierre Le Cacheur (no. 1618), a Norman from near Coutances, got involved in a drinking brawl in a tavern. He hit a man with his fist, drawing a little blood, but the man pretended a knife had been used, and the parliament of Rouen, on July 26, 1763, condemned Le Cacheur to the galleys in perpetuity. Also condemned for life by the parliament of Rouen, for the theft of a horse, is Julien Bertols, from the vicinity of Avranches. That was in 1768, and his number is 3395. A certain Farsis, no. 3387, was born near Bayeux. He stole a pewter mug and, on July 3, 1769, received the same sentence in Rouen as the other two. Finally, Vincent Bourgeois, from Langres in Champagne, was unlucky enough one night to find a purse containing four écus that turned out to be counterfeit. His condemnation for life goes back to the first day of 1769, and he is convict 4254 in Brest.
Jean-Jacques Froncy’s appeal is not dated, but since his condemnation goes back to March, 1766, and he has already served twelve and a half years, it must belong to the latter part of 1778. He started out working as chief clerk for the navy in his native Toulon but unfortunately emigrated to Martinique to further his career. In need of money there, his remittances from home being late, he visited a friend to borrow some. Finding the house empty and a key in a drawer, he helped himself to a roll of Portuguese coins, only to be brought to trial by that very friend who had not even warned him. Men of Franklin’s caliber know that the true hero helps the unfortunate. Please say a few kind words to the august monarch in favor of convict 2321. A follow-up plea, penned by the same hand, was written a few months later when Froncy had already been thirteen years “dans les fers.” The account of his fatal mistake is the same; more emphasis is given to the beauty of compassion: “prope deorum est succurere lapsis et relevare jacentem.”

Sir.
Florence the 6th: Novr: 1778.
Unknown to you Sir had the honour to address you a Letter, or rather a Memorial Under the 24th: April, as most ardently wished to serve the United States of North America either at Leghorn, or at Florence in case might be thought deserving the distinction to represent ‘em on the termination of the present troubles with GreatBrittain. At the Same time that I appeared before you made my earnest Sollicitations to a Powerfull Friend Monsr: Necker Comptroller General of the Finances of France, & this on the most pressing terms desiring him to take upon himself to protect me in giving a favorable idea of me in Case you might have vouchsaf’d to make any inquiry after me. Under the 19th: of may I was favored with a very obliging Letter from Mr. Necker where he is pleased to promise me all immaginable assistance upon this emergency. Your Arms in America continuing to be Crown’d with the most flattering Success there is the greatest probability then ever that GreatBrittain at Last convinced that nothing is to be gain’d against a Nation guided by Wisdom, & Bravery will at Last be determined to give the Finishing Stroke by approving your Liberty & Independence. With these Sanguine hopes again take the Liberty to repeat my applications which Should have Never attempted without desiring Mr: Necker to plead my cause not only with you Sir, but Also with the Other Gentlemen who in conjunction with you have the honour to represent the American Interest at the Court of France. The Sollicitations of a Minister so worthy, & of Such peculiar talents doubtless greatly distinguish me, flatter myself it may be So in your ideas when do not doubt I may compleatly happy. You may depend on the most faithfull Service from me, & Sincerely wishing you may Long Survive these happy Revolutions have the honour to declare with the greatest regard, & respect—Sir. Your Most Obedt: & very humble Servant
James Harriman.

Endorsed: Consul at Leghorne or Florence


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Vergennes, 6 November 1778
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Versailles le 6. 9bre. 1778.
M. Le Comte de Vergennes a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur Franklin douze Exemplaires de notre traité d’Amitié et de Commerce conclu entre les Etats unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale.


Title: The American Commissioners to Marie-Nicole Grossart de Virly Gérard, 7 November 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Gérard, Marie-Nicole Grossart de Virly

Madam
Passi Novr. 7. 1778
We had the honor of receivg. yr. commands relative to the Portraits taken & carried into Guernsey. We have accordingly written to Mr. S——r at Nantes, who we hope may be able to recover them. As soon as he shall inform us of the success of his endeavors we shall acquaint you with it. We have the honor &c.
Signd B.F. and A.L.
Madame Gerard Versailles.


Title: Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 7 November 1778: résumé
From: Gentlemen at Nantes
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, November 7, 1778: Repeated captures of American vessels off this coast induce us to seek more effective protection. The intelligence our enemies obtain about the departure of our ships allows their capture as soon as the French frigates part from their convoy. Not only are supplies to our country threatened, so are the American gentlemen intending to sail with these vessels, men who have already experienced the horrors of imprisonment. We have petitioned M. de Sartine and request that you use your influence at court to obtain a convoy for the entire voyage. Twelve ships at La Rochelle will be ready by the end of the month when we hope the desired convoy will be available. [Signed:] J. Dl. Schweighauser Agent of the united states of America, Joshua Johnson, Matt. Ridley, Jona. Williams J, Cha: Ogilvie, Matthew Mease, Jno. Gilbank, William Haywood, John Lloyd, Nics. Martin, Ebenr. Atwood, Peter Collas, Phil Rd. Fendall, Danl. Blake, Clemt. Smith, J Grubb, John Spencer, Jno. Grannis, Joseph Belton, Jos Wm Spencer, Joseph Hill Jennings, Richd. Grubb, Alexr. Dick, Josiah Darrell, Cyprn. Sterry, Wilm. Jenny, Christopher Bassett, Robert Ewart, Jno. Tyler, Daniel Kenney, Stephen Johnson.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Edme-Jacques Genet, 7 November 1778: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Genet, Edme-Jacques

<Passy, November 7, 1778: Franklin sends him some letters of Drayton.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 7 November 1778
From: Sayre, Stephen
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Copenhagen 7th novr. 1778—
It is now a long time since I have troubled your Excellency with a Letter: for I have had no encouragement to give you my Sentiments— I am lost in conjecture, why you should not have favour’d me with a Reply—perhaps the multiplicity of applications by Letter, has made it necessary for you to reject all correspondence perpost. I am willing to believe your Excellency’s reasons are conclusive; for I have done nothing to injure that good opinion of me, which you have always allow’d me to deserve, either as a public Character, or a private Gentleman: and I will not suppose you capable of receiving unjust prejudices in my absence.
This will be deliver’d to your Excellency, by the Danish Envoy or an eminent Merchant— its purport is of some consequence to our Country, and may lead to a mutual advantage between these parts of Europe & America— There are now stronger appearances, than at any time since the commencement of the War, that it must continue long—it also bears the appearance of a naval contest, in which both parties will make every possible Effort.
America must have more Ships—at any rate, they must have Hemp, Cordage Sail Cloth, et cetera, from the nothern parts of Europe. To expect a Supply thro’ France hereafter is inconsistent with present Circumstances—she may find difficulty in obtaining sufficient for her own wants: and should there be any thing to spare it must come to our hands under a double risque—there is, perhaps more risque between the Baltic and the ports of France, than the ports of America—For to America, Ships may go north about—have a wide Ocean, & few Enemies.
The Proposal now made is. That some eminent Merchants here will Supply the Congress with Ships, Cordage, Hemp, &c &c, either thro’ the Island of St Thomas or from their ports in Norway thro’ the North Seas. The prevailing Idea with the Court is; that Ships, loaded with such articles as may be most necessary, shall be sent from hence, & deliver’d to the order of Congress at St Thomas—this leaves a question which your Excellency can probably answer by Opinion Viz:—How are payments to be made for such Ships & Cargoes Whether by importation of Rice & Tobacco into St Thomas, or by Bills of Exchange on Paris. My conjectures are, that you can have no Instructions on this head, therefore I have ventured to recommend a mode whereby a proper Understanding may be form’d: which is, that a Ship be sent from hence, so loaded, directly to the State of Virginia or Maryland, & to return here with Tobacco—this gives Opportunity to form Contracts, & opens a new channel of commerce, at a moment critical, as to our supplys, and for Denmark to improve. I conceive you will, of course, approve this Idea, as promising a more immediate Intercourse. If you do recommend it, the design is to dispatch a fine Ship, just now off the Stocks, laden as mentioned; & under my care, as Super-Cargo. She will carry 18. or 20 guns on one Deck—is frigate built, on a Model, already proved to sail extremely well. A Ship now employ’d in the St Croix Trade, exactly on this plan, has several times pass’d many Ships of War, by fairly outsailing them, tho’ loaded—I never saw so good a bottom, in all the Navy of England, tho’ I have often made attentive observations on many of them, both at Portsmouth & in the Thames.
The Draughtsman is a genius of the first rank—he knew your Excellency in London—his name is Gardiner. He proposes riging her in a very particular manner—on a plan, evidently superior to the common method—its simplicity is inconceivable to one who has not seen it. I am clearly of opinion that all the Navy of England would not sail with her: and that her appearance in America, will lead to an improvement, so as to make the British Navy, now built, almost useless—
She carries more than double the sail, before the wind—her foremast being much the largest, & rig’d for that purpose—She lies two points nearer the wind than any other square rig’d Vessell—carries near double the Sail upon a wind—has less wieght on her masts—requires less Cordage by two thirds—less number of hands—will ride with less anchor & Cable: & will fight more guns, with convenience, than any other Ship hitherto in use. In short the sight of her in America, will give a new stage of improvement to the inconceivable advantage of our rising Navy. And I may venture to prophecy, that our Merchant Ships on this plan will hereafter bid defiance to all pursuit of their Enemies.
I presume, in case you can form no positive engagements for Ships &c. deliver’d at St. Thomas, that you will decidedly encourage this last measure. I trust you can by no means suppose me unworthy the confidence of having such a trust— My conduct has never been mark’d with a single Instance of dishonor or baseness. But if any distrust shall appear Mr F Lewis, may be join’d with me in the consignment— He is my patron, & freind in matters of commerce. If it takes place, I shall have an excellent opportunity of geting safe to America, and my full Intention is, immedeately to enter into the Navy
I am well acquainted with every part of navigation. & every thing that belongs to Ships & Shipping—it has always been the most pleasing amusement of my life. Thus, tho’ late, I hope to share some part of the glory of defending the great cause of liberty. & America. If there are any Letters from my American Freinds under your care, I request they may be deliver’d to the Danish Envoy—

I am, with great Respect Your Excellencys most obedient & very humble Servant
Stephen Sayre
P.S. Your Excy. will excuse the interlineation—the Letter must otherways have been delayd a post longer—To His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. &c &c &c &c &c

Notation: Stephen Sayre Copenhagen 7e. Novembre 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Father de Sollicoffre, 7 November 1778
From: Sollicoffre, Father —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
Ce 7e. 9bre 1778
La Grande reputation que vous avez acquise, à bien justes Titres & le desir de faire du bien qui vous anime me fait prendre la liberté de m’adresser à Vous, Monsieur, et de vous prier d’aceüillir avec bonté mes sollicitations, pour un de mes parents d’une famille noble et distinguée de la Suisse; feu son pere, qu’il vient de perdre, occupoit une plaçe de magistrature à st. gal, & il luy à donné la meilleure Education. Il paroist se désider pour le Commerçe, où il à acquis des Connoissançes, en profitant avec avantage des voyages qu’il à faits en Italie et en Hollande, ou il à apris ces deux langues, qu’il parle et ecrit, ainsy que la francoise et L’allemand sa langue maternelle; il à quelques notions de L’anglois, que je me presse de luy faire aprendre pour le mettre en Etat de faire usage des talents que la providençe luy à donné; avec ces dispositions il ambitionneroit plus que toutes choses de passer aux Colonies des provinçes unies et independantes, et particulierement avec vostre attache et protection. Jay L’honneur de vous instruire que nous y avons deja l’un et l’autre des parents dans le militaire et le Commerçe. Si vous Daignez, Monsieur, employer ce parent que j’affectionne beaucoup, j’oserois vous assurer de son Zele et de sa Droiture pour le bien et l’interest de vostre digne et respectable patrie.
La Religion protestante dans laquelle il veut absolument persévérer, m’ôte bien des voÿes pour luy estre utile, que je vous aurois d’obligations, Monsieur, si vous me permettiez de le déposer entre vos mains! à l’instant même nous nous renderions auprès de vous. Je seray on ne peut plus flatté si vous estes assez bon et assez genereux pour luy accorder vostre protection et toute vostre bienveillançe; lorsque vous m’aurez fait la graçe de me repondre je me rendray à paris pour vous presenter mon Jeune parent, et vous assurer des sentiments du plus profond respect avec lequel, Je suis, Monsieur! Vostre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
DesollicoffreDctr de sorbonne prieur curé de Janvilleroute D’orleans

Endorsed: Sollicoffre pour un Parent
Notation: 7. Nov. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 7 November 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hon Sr
Boston Novr. 7. 1778—
Your recommendation of Mr: Holker as Well as his own worth Intitles him to all the Civilities & Assistance in my power in full Faith & Confidence in you I have undertook to Indorse his Bills to a Large amt: they are public Bills & Doubtless Will be honourd I have 2 ½ per Ct. for doing the Business but 10 per Ct. would be no Indusment without your Letter by him, the money is apply’d to the Kings Use in repairing his Ships that Came into our Harbour maney off them without mast & otherwise much damag’d by the Storme it must Cost a Large Sum to fit them for the Sea they are all now Saild their distenation to us unknown— Our Political State not withstanding all disasters disopinment & the utmost Exartions of our Enimies America is more Stable then ever America Stands firm & verry soon your Words Conserning hir Will be Verifyd Viz it will be a land of Liberty an Asylem for all the Oppresed & distressd in Europ— I am off opinion that we shall have not much more fiting Our Enemies Will have a Enought to do to take Care of them Selves— One of their Ships Cold the Summersit of 74 Guns was a few day ago Cast away On Cape Cod by a Storme & to all apperances their must be more of them the Ship is Lost all the men & Officers Except about 30 Wh. was drown’d they are prisiners under Gard & Are Coming by Land to Boston expect them tomorrow— General Gates ariv’d in Town yesterday to take the Command in the rume of G—— Heath I pad my Respects to him he Verry kindly Inquired after you—he is Well & in fine helth.
We have rumers daley but nothing Worth notice to be depend On— I have had the honour off a Consignment From your Friend Monsr. Chaumont & have taken the Liberty to Send his Acct & my Sons Letters under Cover to you as the Bearrer a Worty Young Gentleman having Letters From Government Will most Likley Se Paris First if you Could Order Jonathan his Letters it would Oblige as 2 of them mark on the Seald Side thus B Contain Bills of Exchange & are of Consequence—
I understand Jona has resignd the public Imploy I Hope he has your Approbation— Mr Green General Greens Brother Aunts Grandson Was here this week & Brought me a Letter Shee was Will & wants much to hear From you her Letters to you I have taken Care to Forward & Mr Wintrop Gorden Doctrs with other of your Friends I have Sent by the Best Opportunities but belive there most of them taken We have not recd any from Jona Since July: I am With My Best Wishes for your Helth & Happiness Your Dutyfull Nephew
Jona Williams
NB my respects to your Children

Addressed: Doctr. Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Passy in / Paris—
Notation: Jona. Williams Boston 7e. 9bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Jean Zollicoffer, 7 November 1778
From: Zollicoffer, Jean de Jean
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
Janville ce 7. 9bre 1778./.
Je crois ne pouvoir mieux m’énoncer vis à vis de Vous que dans une Langue que j’ai beaucoup désiré d’apprendre, et que je ferai ensorte de cultiver par Goût, je vous Suplie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien agréer mes Dévoirs réspectueux et de m’accorder l’honneur de Votre Protection et Appui dans le Déssein où je Suis d’offrir ma Personne et mon peu de Talens au service de Votre chêre Patrie; j’ôse Vous assurer, Monsieur, que dans quelqu’Etât que daignerés me placer Vous trouverés en moi un Zèle infatigable, et une Probité à toute Epreuve, qui ne démentiront point ma Nation, ni les Sentiments d’honneur qui m’ont été inculqués dès ma Jeunesse.

Je me borne quant à ma famille, à ce que mon chêr Parent a l’honneur de Vous dire, Monsieur, en y ajoûtant, que j’ai deux Cousins dans le Commerce à Edington et en Virginie, et un autre, Ingenieur, avec Titre de Collonel, auprès du Général Wassington, qui m’inspirent toute l’Emulation pour leur disputes de Zèle, et de bonne Volonté.
Les Mérites aussi rares que parfaits qui Vous distinguent, Monsieur, et la Noblesse de Votre Ame, qui Vous porte à faire des heureux, et qui Vous caractérisent si bien me donnent l’Espoir que Vous daignerés récevoir ma Suplique favorablement et avec Indulgence, et que Vous m’accorderés La Grace de Vous faire ma Cour.
En attendant j’ai l’Honneur de Vous présenter mes très hûmbles Réspects, et la profonde Vénération avec laquelle je suis Monsieur! Votre très hûmble et très obeissant serviteur
Jean DE Jean Zollicoffer D’altenklinguen


Title: The American Commissioners to Jacques Leveux, 9 November 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Leveux, Jacques

Sir
Passy Novr 9 1778
We have received your Several Letters of the 26 August, 25 September and 17 October, informing us of Several sums you have advanced to Americans escaped from England.
We request you to send Us an Account Stated of all the Disbursements you have made and the Receipts you have taken for the Money; and we consent you should draw a Bill upon Us for the full amount which we shall accept and pay. We are, Sir your Servants
M.J. Leveux, Calais.


Title: Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 9 November 1778
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen.
Philadelphia Novr. 9th. 1778
I have to inform you that since my last of Sept 18th. I have emitted Loan Office Bills of Exchange as follows Viz

To the State New Jersey

      10
      Setts for
       36
      Dollr. each Numbered
      989 to 998
      Inclusive

      10 . .
      do. . .
       60 . . . .
      do. . . . .
      328 to 337
      —

      10 . .
      do. . .
      120 . . . .
      do. . . . .
      327 to 336

To the State of Massachusetts Bay

      48
      Setts for
      300
      Dollr. Numbered
      165 to 212

      20 . .
      do. . . . .
      600 . . . .
      do. . . . .
      76 to 95

I have the Honour to be Gentlemen, your very humble servt
Fras. Hopkinson T. L.
Commr. at Paris.No. 2

Addressed: To / The Commissioner or Commissioners / of the United States of America / at / Paris / (Duplicate) (In public service) No. 2


Title: The American Commissioners to John Gilbank, 10 November 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Gilbank, John

Sir
Passy Novr 10. 1778
We have receivd your Letter of October the Sixth, and wish it was in our Power to do more for officers in your Situation than We do, altho that amounts in the whole to a large Sum.
But as We have already lent you as much Money as We have been able to lend to other officers of your Rank and in your Circumstances, we cannot, without a blamable Partiality lend you any more. We, are, Sir your most obedient humble Servants
Mr John Gilbank at Nantes.


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 10 November 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, November 10, 1778, in French: Tomorrow the Admiralty will issue its advisory, refusing to negotiate with Sir Joseph Yorke and insisting on the restitution of the captured ships, but ruining everything by in effect suspending convoys. Our friend seems embarrassed. Another person says Amsterdam can successfully oppose this measure if it stands firm; otherwise France will retaliate by withholding privileges and seizing Dutch ships. My next letter will report either the city’s successful opposition or the thunderbolt against Dutch commerce and navigation. Our friend has told me the provincial assembly will not adjourn this week; I send you a copy of a letter I wrote him.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Akin, 10 November 1778
From: Akin, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Granville November the 10 day the 1778
I make Bold to Rite these Lines to Let you know my Condition about Eighteen months ago I was taken in a Ship from Bedford in Dartmouth Bound to Bourdaux By an English frigit and Carred into porchmouth where I was put in prison I Staid there Six weeks and then I made my Escape to London where I found a gentelman that had Lived at Nantucket and there I Staid till about Six weeks ago and we Disagreed and I was obliged to Ship myself or Be prest to go on board of a man of war and I Shiped my Self mate of a marchnt Ship to go to the Braziels and on the Tewetieth of october We was taken By a french Ship the Capt and all the peopel taken out of the Vessell and Carred in to Brest & Staid onbord of the Vessell and She Came into this port whare I am at preasent I told the gentelmen of this place how that I Belonged to amaricar and I was obliiged to Be in the English Servis and Now thank god I am Clear of it and I Beg the Liberty of going home I have Nothing to Show that I Belong to amaricar when we was taken By the English all my papers was taken from me But I Dare Say you know Benjamin Akin one of the Congress for Boston I am Nephew to him Elihu Akin Living in Dartmouth is my Father— I Beg the favour of you to Let them know here that I Belong to Amaricar So that I may git home the gentelmen of this place advised me to Rite to you I Beg that you would assist me for I am in a bad Condition
From your humble Servant
Jonathan Akin

Addressed: For / the Honoured Dr / Franklin / Att Parris
Notation by John Adams: Jona. Akin, Prisoner


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Le Maire de Gimel, 10 November 1778
From: Le Maire de Gimel, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur.
Nantes le 10. Novembre 1778.
Vous n’ignorez pas sans doute les arrangemens que Mr. Lee a pris avec MM. Bonnefil et Lewenston pour le transport des objets qui sont ici pour le gouvernement de Virginie, mon depart se trouvant par là fixé du 25 au 30 de ce mois, je n’ai d’autre empressement que de vous en faire part en vous sollicitant de m’accorder des lettres de recommandations auprès du gouvernement de la Virginie pour justifier mon zele pour le service des Etats unis et plus encore, Monsieur, celui que je vous ai particulierement voué, votre recommandation m’est essentiellement nécessaire; Je la sollicite avec autant de confiance pour un excelent sujet que le hazard m’a fait rencontrer ici que je fais partir avec moi, qui, reunissant à la connoissance de la tactique, celle des plans et fortifications et en etat de lever toutes les cotes géométriquement, sera très utile aux etats unis, je suis assuré que son talent et sa conduite le rendront agreable au gouvernement qui m’a chargé de lui procurer quelqu’un en état de lever les plans des cotes et pour former l’Ecole d’artillerie de Virginie, votre recommandation seule suffira pour justifier mon choix dans la Lettre que vous voudrez bien me donner pour le gouverneur de la Virginie; je crois devoir vous observer que ce M. est d’une bonne conduite, et n’a d’autres pretentions que celles que ses talents lui procureront; d’ailleurs j’ai fait toutes les informations necessaires sur ses moeurs, je n’ai trouvé dans les honnetes gens qu’une voix unanime sur le compte de ce M qui n’est point un jeune homme puisqu’il a trente six ans, J’envoie à M. Lee par ce meme courier une petite carte tant de l’entrée de la Baye de la Delaware que de celle de Chésapeak qu’il a copié sur la carte du pays, dont il a agrandi le point, quant à moi Je trouve cette petite carte superieurement faite et je ne me serois Jamais persuadé quelle fut faite à la main si elle n’avoit eté faite sous mes yeux, Je prie Mr. Lee de vouloir bien vous la communiquer et par la Vous Jugerez de son talent; ce M. se nomme Demolon.
Je finis, Monsieur, ma lettre deja trop longue par la protestation du zele le plus authentique en me vouant tout entier au service des Etats unis, penetre de ce sentiment J’ai L’honneur d’Etre avec un profon Respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur.
Le MaireRue de la Casserie a Nantes

Par le premier courier je vous enverrai la notte de tout ce qui est à charger pour le compte de la province de Virginie.
Monsieur francklin Ecre.

Notation: Le Maire Nantes le 10. Novembre 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Gentlemen at Nantes, 11 November 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Gentlemen at Nantes

Gentlemen
Passy Novr 11 1778
We have this Moment received the Letter, which you did Us the Honour to write to Us, on the Seventh of the present Month, and We hold ourselves obliged to you for giving Us an opportunity of uniting our Endeavours with yours, to obtain a Sufficient Convoy for the Vessells bound to America for the whole Voyage.
It gives Us great Pleasure to learn that So many Vessells are going both as they will carry So considerable Supplies to our Country, and as with proper Convoy they will afford So agreable and Safe an opportunity of many of our Friends to return home.
You may depend upon it, Gentlemen that We will write without Loss of Time to the Secretary of State for the Marine, and make Use of every other Means in our Power, to obtain the Favour you desire. We have the Honour to be with great Esteem and Respect Gentlemen your most obedient & most humble Servants.
Messrs. J. D. Sweighauser, Joshua Johnson, Mathew Ridley, Jonathan Williams, Charles Ogilvie, Mathew Mease, Jno Gilbank. William Haywood and others.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 11 [November] 1778
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 11 a la Thuillerie—[November, 1778]
Voici la derniére léttre que je vous écrirai mon chér papa je retourne lundi prochain a passy; je vous dirai plus en un seul regard combien je vous aime, que je ne vous l’éxpliquerois en dix pages; le sentiment n’a pas besoin de commentaires, l’amitié se sent mieux, qu’élle ne s’éxplique; je ne sçais si vous éstes content de ce que je vous écris, pour moi j’en suis souvent trés mécontente; il me semble que je suis toujours au dessous du but, et si votre amitié et votre indulgence ne me rassuroient; si mon peu de prétention a bien dire, ne m’éxcusoit a mes propres yeux, des négligences et du peu de forces que je trouve a mes phrases; souvent je me tairois, mais mon papa m’aime, il aime a sçavoir que je pense a lui, il aime que je le lui dise; mon coeur toujours prést a le lui dire guide ma plume, et le mot aimér se trouvant toujours au bout; j’écris, je cachétte, la poste part et tant bonnes que mauvaises, il aura bientost un volume de mes léttres; je ne me vanterai pas d’en avoir autant de lui! m’en plaindraisje—non—il ne faut jamais se plaindre de ses amis! je dirai seulement au papa que ses léttres m’ont fait, et me feroient encore grand plaisir; s’il se sent un tort il le réparera— adieu le plus aimable des papas; lundi, oui c’est lundi que j’irai vous retrouvér; vous me consollerés lundi d’avoir quitté maman, j’aime tendrement maman— il me seroit aussi difficil de ne point aimér ce qui est bon et aimable, qu’aux méchants d’aimér la vértu: je suis avéc les sentiments les plus réspéctueux et les plus tendres mon chér papa Votre trés humble et trés obeissante sérvante
D’hardancourt Brillon

Mes enfants vous offrent leurs hommages; maman, mon frere et mile jupin s’y joignent; oseroisje vous priér de dire un mot pour moi au petit fils:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin Franklin / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collas, 11 November 1778
From: Collas, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir
Nantes November 11th. 1778.
I have the pleasure to imform you, that Mr. John Johnson & Mr. Ridley &c. has geaven me the Command of a brigg in thiers Service, to preceed from this place (under Convoy) for Verginy, therefore in my Small Capacity if I can be of any Service to you in the Convoyance of any thing. either letter of Pack’s. pray Comand me Geave me leave to Remains you of few Articles of mine Stoped at Calais at the Beureau which you promisse me, to wright to mr. leveaux at Calais & have them forwarded to mr. willms. at Nants this will add to the Repeeted favours shewed me, Subcribing myself your most humble & Obedient Servant—
Peter. Collas

Addressed: Honorable / Benjamen Franklin / Passy
Notation: Peter Colas Nantes 11. 9bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Emery, 11 November 1778
From: Emery, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bilbao 11 Nov 1778
Last satturday arrivd here my schooner Success from Newbury Port which Place she left the 4th. Octr. on her Passage took a Snow with abt 3200 Qus [Quintals] fish which she has conducted in here safely. Inclosed you have a letter & the latest Papers brought by her, yesterday came in here the Brig America Capt. Bartlet of Boston & brought in with him a Guernsey Cutter of 10 Guns 16 Swivels & 45 men which he took 3 days Past of Cape Pinas on this Coast after an engagement of 3 Glasses in which the Guernsey Capt. had one leg shot away his Leut. & Carpenter killd & Some wounded Cap Bartlet had only one Slightly wounded: as no provision is made here for the prisoners we are obligd to let them go at large or daily run the risque of having our Vessells taken from us by our Prisoners, no person in this place will act as English Consul otherwise we should attempt geting receipts for the men—last week Cap Babson in my Brigt Phoenix Carried a Vessell bound from Miquelon to Bay[onne?] with a french Crew & English passport into St Anders [Santander], on recieveing notice of which I Imediately went there & found that the pasport was given by the English Comodore as a safeguard for the prisoners taken at Miquelon I therefore releas’d the Vessell Imediately.
The mate of the Frenchman said the fish onboard was put onboard by the English Commissary which was the reason of Cap Babsons Carrying him into port but it appeard by the Papers to be French Property & was accordingly releasd— I tho’t best to give you this early notice of this affair least the Frenchman who appears extreemly Ignorant should make Complaint of Insult offerd their flagg which was never Intended. Am Sr. with the Greatest respect Your Most Ob Ser
Jno Emery
Honbl. Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Endorsed: Emery Bilbao
Notations in different hands: Jon Emery Bilbao 11. 9bre. 1778. / M. Emery to Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Veuve Morel & fils, 11 November 1778
From: Morel, Veuve Dominique, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honorable Sir
Dunkirk 11 9bre 1778.
We Never had the honor of receiving any of your much Esteemed favor nor the advantage to Write you yet We make bold to offer you our most devouted Services in this town. We think We are Entitled to it by those We have already rendered in Behalf of Some of your own Country men When affairs Was Still going on on a peacable footing With England & for that reason the more dangerous for us. We have Experienced it. Capt Cunningham together With his Crew When Kept in goal Mr. W. Hodge When here & the honoble. Silas Deane When in france have been & are Still Sensible of our Zeal for the Good of your Country the advantage of their acquaintance We are Indebted for to M. Grand our good friend at Paris Who Will give you Such an opinion of our house as may be thought Need full M. Bancroft may Equally attest it. We are Sensible affairs at present are to uncertain that We Shoud Expect to do Some Business With america but they may turn out more favorable in future. Cheefly for this place Whose situation Commands à great prospect for Commerce With the united Colonies. by M. Bancrofts Instigation our Son & Brother Benjamin Morel Known at present under the Name of Morel Dufaux has drawn a petition that if found proper he might merit the Confidence of the Congress & be honored With the qualification of their Consul or Agent the Petition Was remitted to Doctor Bancroft Who promissed he Wou’d present it to you. We Begg the favor you Woud take it into Consideration When time to think on it Shall be thought proper one of us had the advantage of Being Introduced to you by Said M Grand but Could not Enjoy the good of your Kind promises as We had the Misfortune of Burying him at Paris. We Begg those promises may reflect upon those Who remaind Very Respectfully honorable Sir Your most humble Servants
Veuve Dque. Morel & FILS.

Notation: Morel & fils 11. 9bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 11 November 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 11, 9bre 1778.
Je vous prie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien écouter M. Doumer, porteur de ma lettre, que j’ai chargé de vous entretenir d’une affairre a laquelle Je prends interêt.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec Beaucoup de considération, Monsieur, votre trés humble et trés obéissant serviteur./.
DE SARTINE
M. franklin.

Endorsed: M. de Sartine concerning M. Dommer
Notation: De Sartine Paris 11e 9bre. 1778.


Title: Franklin and John Adams to Vergennes, 12 November 1778: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

<Passy, November 12, 1778: In view of the magnitude of the alliance between France and the United States, we conceive it would be highly pleasing to our constituents to have a portrait of His Majesty to be kept where Congress sits; if you are of opinion this would give no offense, we request your kind offices to procure pictures of their Majesties, the king and queen.>


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 November 1778: résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<La Rochelle, November 12, 1778: I concluded agreements with Mr. Schweighauser for the public freight of the two ships [the Governor Livingston and the Chasseur] which will proceed to Paimboeuf next week. We, like the merchants of Nantes, have applied for a convoy. These two ships will be very valuable; an application from you should insure the convoy. We will not sail without it. Mr. Livingston has decided it would be safer if he retained command of his ship; I enclose the bond, modified to reflect this change. I leave for Bordeaux today and on arrival will attend to your instructions about M. Bertin’s cannon.>


Title: James Laurens, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 November 1778
From: Laurens, James, Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Messieurs
Le Vigan 12th Novemr: 1778.
I return you my sincere thanks for the Pass that you were so obliging as to send me, under cover of a Letter of 23d. Ulto: from Doctr. Franklin. And I am exceedingly mortified at finding myself under the necessity of troubling you again upon this occasion, but the Commandant of this place, informs me, that a Pass from Government is indispensably necessary.
I must therefore entreat the favour of you to procure me such a one, & as I may probably remove from hence about the 10th of next Month, I shall esteem it a great favour, if you will forward me the Pass, as soon as Possible, Letting me know the expence that attends it. I am with great Respect Gentlemen Your most Obedient humble Servant
Jas: Laurens./ JR

Addressed: Messieurs / Messieurs Franklin Lee & Adams / Deputés Plenipotentiaires des treize / Etats Unis, De l’Amerique Septentrionale / Paris
Endorsed by John Adams: Jas. Laurens—
Notation: Nov. 12 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre Bérenger, 12 November 1778
From: Bérenger, Jean-Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lausanne, ce 12 9bre. 1778.
Pardon si je vous écris encore: il ne s’agit plus d’un sujet sur lequel votre silence m’a appris à me taire. Cinq jeunes gens partent pour l’Amerique où je voudrais pouvoir les suivre: je les connais à peine de nom; mais ils sont Genevois, & ce nom est toujours cher à mon coeur; ils partent avec l’agrement de leurs Parens; leurs ressources les rendent independans de tout secours pécuniaire ils sont industrieux & sages, ils peuvent être utiles & le desirent: c’est ce qu’on m’assure. Ils veulent devenir americains; ils vous adoptent donc pour Père, daignez voir en eux des enfans; vous pouvez faciliter leur passage, leur épargner des malheurs, & rendre utile leur industrie. Daignez les protéger, les diriger, c’est l’office des gens de bien, de l’homme vertueux, du soutien & du vengeur de sa Patrie, c’est le vôtre.
Un grand nombre de Genevois aspirent comme eux à retrouver en Amerique une patrie plus libre encore que la leur & qui offre un champ plus vaste à leur activité & à leurs talens. Si par exemple, une manufacture d’Horlogérie pouvait être utile à Boston ou Philadelphie, il serait très possible de la former de Genevois, j’en sens la possibilité, j’en aurais le pouvoir. Mais un tel établissement est l’ouvrage de la paix.
J’ai appris que vous aviez reçu les Histoires de Genève. Je desirerais bien qu’elle vous parut comme à Mr. de Voltaire, l’ouvrage d’un bon Citoyen, d’un ami des hommes, & où le stile de l’Auteur faisait oublier les fautes de l’Imprimeur.

Permettez-moi de dire encore avec l’estime & le respect que tout homme de sentiment vous doit, que je me ferai toujours un honneur d’etre Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
Berengerde la Société de Lausanne
A Mr. le Docteur Franklin

Notation: Beranger Lausanne ce 12e. 9bre. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from A. Ray, 12 November 1778
From: Ray, A.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bath Novbr 12th 1778
The motive which induces me to take the liberty of addressing you, will I hope be a sufficient apology, for my seeming impertinence— It is simply the love of your country, and a warm desire, to have my designs supported, and forwarded, by so respectable a man— I have not the honour to be known to you, though some of your particular acquaintance, have been mine— I went to America the latter end of the year seventy— I remained there a considerable time, and probably should never have left it, if the hostile preparations had not obliged me. During my stay, I saw a great deal of the country, received innumerable civilities from the inhabitants, and was so sincerely affected on my return to England, at learning the intentions of the ministry, that for once I deviated from the female character, and addressed Ld North on the subject. I enclose the letter—as it was reprinted from the daily advertiser, in the gentlemans magazine for Febry seventy four—because it will convey to you very forcibly, my sentiments, and prove at the same time, I knew the americans very well. Is it not meloncholy, that legislators, and ministers, should not see as clearly the interest of their country, as a simple young woman? for at the time this letter was written, I was not twenty three— With these opinions, I am not all surprised things are in their present situation, nor shall I be surprised if on our part they are still worse, but this must be left, to the divine disposer of such great events.
I had the sincere pleasure of seeing you introduced to his most Christian majesty in quality of embassador, and the moment of your approach to the throne, I considered as that of your country to independance— During my stay at Paris, I had a great inclination to pay my respects to you at Passy, but the awkward circumstance of having no one to announce me, joined to native diffidence, and the fear of being an unwelcome visitant, deterred me— My situation in life, leaving me absolute leisure, I devote my time to literature. I have written some volumes, which have been tolerably received. But from henceforward I devote my time, and faculties to America. I am just going to publish three volumes of letters written from thence; when these are sent to the press, it is my purpose to compose an address to the American mothers, on the particular importance, of female education in a new state; and after this, if providence blesses me with health, and life, I have yet, other designs, which will require a greater exertion of genius, and therefore till I am convinced my powers are equal to my designs, it is prudent to be silent on that subject. For a variety of reasons, too tedious to enumerate here, I have determined to publish the Letters by subscription. I know there are many Americans in Paris, I am—independant of interest—particularly desirous to have these Letters widely circulated, and I humbly solicit yr interest with your countrymen to forward this design. My worthy friend Monr Carra; secretary to the Grand Aumon[ier] au palais Soubize, a gentleman equally resp[ected] for his moral character, as his literary productio[ns several letters missing] requested to receive subscriptions, and in [several letters missing] of his advise, I have determined to print th[several letters missing] in french likewise at Paris, so they be had in either language, or both— The title and conditions, may be had also of Monr Carra— I request your pardon for my presumption, but I so sincerely wish for the sanction of your approbation, that it has got the better of every other consideration. If you will tell me, you are not offended, and if you will point out any mode, in which I can be service to your country—the science of politics excepted—you will confer a lasting obligation on Sir Your Obedient Humble Servt
A Ray
Miss Ray Grove Bath

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy / Paris
Notation: A Ray Bath Novber. 12 1778.


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13 November 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<[The Hague], November 13, 1778, in French: Next Wednesday a resolution on refusing convoy for naval stores will be decided by plurality vote [of the states of the Province of Holland]. Amsterdam has protested that the constitution requires unanimous consent in this case. Mr. van Berckel and the gentlemen of Amsterdam, abandoned by the other towns, left yesterday for Amsterdam to report to the town council. If the council weakens, Mr. van Berckel swears he will not return here. The French ambassador has told the principal members of the government that if the Dutch abandon their treaty rights the King of France is irrevocably determined to deprive them of their privileges in French ports. I am informing our friends from Amsterdam so they can publicize this to the entire Bourse.>