Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, [1 September 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

September saw a turning point in the relationship between Madame Brillon and the Doctor, and we outline here our tentative reconstruction of their correspondence during that month.
It is obvious from the exchange published under July 27 that, “peace treaty” notwithstanding, an impasse had been reached. The solution they adopted, certainly one of the lady’s devising, was to turn the would-be lover into a well-loved father, thus confining within the realm of amitié amoureuse a rush of feeling that was becoming embarrassing all around. The mutual “adoption,” offering deep emotional commitment, was discussed at Madame Brillon’s summer residence in Anet, near the Normandy frontier, in the course of the stay Franklin made there on September 6 and 7.
A week later [September 13], possibly in anguish at the thought of having lost her admirer altogether, she urged him to come on another visit or at least to send her a message in French since she could not read English.

Franklin tried to oblige. In a somewhat melancholy vein, he agreed to consider her henceforth as a daughter. Unable, however, to convey in a foreign tongue the exact nuances of his meaning, he did not finish the letter nor did he send it. We are publishing it under the tentative date of [c. September 15]. When Madame Brillon heard from their common friend Le Veillard that Franklin was indeed planning a second visit, she was overjoyed and sent him two letters of excited anticipation [September 17 and 20]. This meeting took place from September 26 to the 28th. The principle of reciprocal adoption was definitely accepted and from then on Madame Brillon would frequently refer to herself as “votre fille.”
Franklin had barely left when she was already telling him of her letdown after the exaltation of the previous days [September 29]. Only on the 30th, we believe, did she discover the letter in French that he had not mailed but probably left in his room: her reaction to it is one of immediacy.
Another manuscript Franklin may have brought to Anet is that of the Ephemera, a gracious tribute to his hostess. See our annotation to it under September 20.

Ce Mardy [September 1, 1778] à Versailles
J’accepte avec bien du Plaisir, mon incomparable Amie, votre agréable Invitation. Je me rendrai, ainsi que mon Petit Fils (qui est on ne peut pas plus flatté de l’honneur que vous voulez bien lui faire) chez vous Dimanche dans l’Après midy, nous y passerons la Nuit et nous reviendrons l’Après midy de Lundy, ayant des Engagements pour le Mardy. Je vous embrasse en attendant mille et mille fois, et vous reitere les Assurances de mon inviolable et respectueux Attachement
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 1 September 1778
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon cher Maitre
Paris 1er 7bre 1778
Je vous prie de me mander par la petite poste ce que valent a Boston quatre-mille piastres en papier; si on peut les placer sur les fonds publics des Etats unis, et quel interet on en pourroit tirer icy annuellement. Cela m’interesse beaucoup.
En 2e lieu, je vous prie, lorsque vous aurez occasion d’ecrire a M. Williams a Boston de vouloir lui recommander tres particulierement M. Jean Darcel actuellement en cette ville qui est mon bon, et fidele correspondant, homme plein de zele et d’activité, eleve de M. Breffaut que vous connoissez; je vous en serai fort obligé. Je compte que je vous l’avois deja recommandé l’année derniere, mais vous pouvez l’avoir oublié. Je suis de tout mon coeur, Mon cher Maitre, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Dubourg

Notation: M. du Bourg 1 sept. 1778
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 2 September 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 2 Sept 1778
At the repeated Instances of La Marquise de La Fayette that I would give in charge some dispatchs or packets that she might have the pleasure to deliver to you in person I cannot decline her obliging attention and esteem the oppertunity of acquainting you that as your Agent I have been honor’d by Le Marchal and La Mar[échale] de Mouchy Governor of the province La Duchess de Duras La Marquisse de La Fayette, La vicomtess de Noel and the dependants of the Family with particular Civility and consideration. I have the Honer to be with due respect Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield
The Honble. Benj Franklin

Notation: Bondfield 2nd. Sept. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Cavendish, 2 September 1778: résumé
From: Cavendish, Margaret
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Calais, September 2: Having had no answer to my two previous letters, I suspect you did not receive them. I implore the protection you promised me, so that I may be allowed by the Court to import my brother’s work to this country. Please answer me before I depart for England in a fortnight.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 2 September 1778
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear sir
Philadelphia 2d Sepr 1778
I wrote You by Capt. Cummins who sailed a few Days since, and I have been so particular to Docr. Bancroft who will communicate my Letter to You that I have very little to add. Genl. Sullivan by Accts. of the 25th Ulto. was endeavoring to make good his Retreat from Rhode Island, which it is thought he will hardly effect without some Loss. The Country and Army enjoy a good Share of health and are tolerably supplied, but Our Finances are in a most deplorable situation Exchange Five, Six, or at Times Seven for one, the Value of the Currency still depreciating tho not so rapidly as formerly, Congress are taking measures to regulate their Treasury and Finances but it is a Work of Time, and the Evil in the mean time increases. The People are excessively irritated at the Conduct of the Count D’Estaing, and complain loudly, while Our internal Enemies take the Advantage of it to depreciate Our Alliance. I have contented myself with stating the Facts in my Letter to Docr. Bancroft, and to Mons. Beaumarchais, and am of Opinion nothing else is necessary to be done to the Ministry to enable them to form their Judgment and take their Measures. The going to the southward, by which he miss’d the Jamaica Fleet, and suffered the Enemy to Escape from the Delaware was the first and capital misstep—and the finishing one was his quitting the harbor of New Port to go out after Lord Howe just at the Instant when Genl. Sullivan was ready, in Consequence of an express Agreement with the Count, to Attack the place. By this last measure he has left Genl. Sullivan exposed to suffer exceedingly in his retreat which will at best be disgraceful, and excessively Mortifying. I have not to this Moment settled any Measures with Congress, but I hope to Soon and that I shall have the pleasure of embracing You in Paris early Next Winter. My Compliments to Freinds. Mr. Beach, and Family, are still in the Country. Be assured that in whatever part of the World I am I shall never cease to be with the greatest respect, and Esteem Your sincere Freind and Most Humble servant
S Deane
his Excellency Dr Franklin

Addressed: To / his Excellency / Benja Franklin / Minister for the United / States of America / at / Paris
Endorsed: Mr Deane Sept. 2. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— d’Urbainville, 2 September 1778
From: Urbainville, —— d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
à Toulouse ce 2. 7bre 1778
Je rends avec plaisir cet hommage à une Nation naissante, qui offre à l’Univers le Modèle d’un des plus beaux gouvernemens politiques qui aient eû lieu. Puisse votre Constitution nationale ne recevoir Jamais aucune atteinte; et accélérer l’heureuse révolution que le progrès des lumières semble annoncer comme prochaine, en faveur du Commerce des Nations! On l’aura dûe, Monsieur, en grande partie, aux principes lumineux que votre Congrès met en pratique dans ses traités.
Si (ce dont Je n’ose me flatter) vous jugez que cette Diatribe mérite L’impression, en françois, ou en traduction angloise, qui pourroit être beaucoup meilleure que l’Original; je vous supplie de m’en addresser quelques Exemplaires. Je suis avec autant d’admiration, que de respect, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
D’Urbainville


Title: Philip Hancock to the American Commissioners, [after 2 September 1778]
From: Hancock, Philip
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

On the supposition that these memoranda were written on the same day, we are publishing together the petition of Philip Hancock to the American Commissioners and the version Franklin rewrote for him in clear, forceful English. Franklin, like Georges Grand, was moved by the plight of this man of good will and his commitment to the Americans imprisoned in England.

I.
[after September 2, 1778]
The Reason of my Addresing His Excellance and you Honnourd Sirs Is to Inform you that Being an Inhabatant of Plymouth Dock ware a great many of the Subects of the United States are In Prisond And Being Convinced of the Rectude of the Conduct of the Ammericans In Revfuten the Iniquetas Accounts of the British Ministrey was willing to Contrubet My Mite According to my Privet Station in Life to Promote that glourse Cause they was Engaged in. I therefore Shall give your Honnours a small Spaceman [specimen] of what I have Done not Being able to give your Honnours a Perfect Account not haveing any Books hear To Refore to only what I Can at Present Recllect.
When I sett out from home it was fare from my Intention to ask any favours from his Exellency or you, But to settle some Plan for the Relife of the Unhappey Suffers that for the feauter might fall in my way on that Account Sirs By the advice of many friends to the Cause was the Reason of my Jurney to Parris.
But Being So Unlucky to Relese an Ungrateffull Villin has Been the Cause of Laying me under the Imbrasment of Beging the asistance of His Exellency and you to Enable me to Return home. I hope Therefore That His Excellency and you will take My Cause In to You Conserdation and any Favour Received will meet with the most gratefulst Return from Your most Obligd and Obedient Servant
Philip Hancock
To his Excellency Benj. Franklin and the Honourable Commisonrss of the United States of Ammerica.

II.
Gentlemen,
[after September 2, 1778]
I beg leave to inform you, that being an Inhabitant of Plymouth Dock, where a great many of the Subjects of the United States are imprison’d, and being convinc’d of the Rectitude of the American Cause, and compassionating the Sufferings of those in Confinement, I was willing to contribute my Mite to their Relief, and to assist them in escaping to serve that just Cause, which I did according to my Ability at first, but was thereby gradually brought on to do more than I could afford, of which I give you herewith a sketch from Memory, having when I set out from home no Intention of asking the Favour of anything in Return. My Purpose was, at the Request of some Friends to the Cause, to make a short Trip to Paris, to concert with you some Method of assisting the Prisoners, (as we durst not write upon the Subject,) and of providing for the Expence which was become too heavy to be continued by private Persons. I am ready to give your Honours all the Information I can respecting the Matter; and I offer my Service to execute any Orders you may think fit to give me, in behalf of the Prisoners. But having the Misfortune to be accompanied into Holland by an ungrateful Villain, whom I had reliev’d, and who after plundering me left me sick there, I have not wherewith left to pay my Expences back without your kind Assistance. Be pleased, Gentlemen, to consider this, from Your most obedient humble Servant
To the honourable the Commissioners of the United States of America.

Notation in Franklin’s hand: Draft of Memoire for Mr. Hancock


Title: A Page from the Visitors’ Book, [after 2 September 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[after September 2, 1778]
Mr. Me. et Mlle. Defouchy sont venus pour avoir l’honneur de voir Monsieur franklin.
Comte de Mac Donald Colonel.
P. Hancock, from England au Caffe anglais Rue st. honore du sergent.
Hemery fondeur en carataire d’ainprimery Rue st. jaque che Mr. Canon Cordonier visavi le notaire.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 3 September 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir
Passy, Sept. 3. 1778.
I received duly your Favours of July 14. and August 14. I hoped to have answered them sooner, by sending the Passport. Multiplicity of Business has I suppose been the only Occasion of Delay in the Ministers to consider of and make out the said Passport. I hope now soon to have it, as I do not find there is any Objection made to it. In a former Letter I propos’d to you that the Exchange would in my opinion be preferable at or near Brest, and I expected some time your Answer on that Point, but perhaps you have not received my Letter, for you say nothing of it.
I wish with you as much for the Restoration of Peace, as we both formerly did for the Continuance of it. But it must now be a Peace of a different kind. I was fond to a Folly of our British Connection, and it was with infinite Regret that I saw the Necessity you would force us into of breaking it: But the extream Cruelty with which we have been treated has now extinguish’d every Thought of returning to it, and separated us for ever. You have thereby lost Limbs that will never grow again. We too have suffered greatly but our Losses will soon be repair’d, by our good Government, our Industry, and the Fertility of our Country. And we now see the Mischievous Consequences of such a Connection, and the Danger of their being repeated if we should be weak enough again to enter into it: We see them too plainly ever to listen in the least to any such Proposition. We may therefore with great Propriety take leave of you in those beautiful Lines of Dante to the late Mistress of his Affections, [ … ]

I receiv’d the Thermometer safe, and thank you for your kind Care in sending it. You have not mention’d to me whether Parsons’s Bill on Nesbit was accepted and paid. By some Circumstances I suspect it was not, and that I was cheated. Please to present my Respects to your amiable Sister, and believe me ever, my dear Friend Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

Notation: Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley


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

Monsieur,
La haie 3e Sept. 1778.
Le sujet de la présente est une affaire très délicate, qui me fait prendre le parti de vous l’adresser en particulier, afin de laisser à votre sagesse toute la liberté de la peser, et de voir ce qu’il sera à propos de laisser connoître et faire.

Les Etats sont rassemblés depuis hier. J’ai vu notre Ami. Il a commencé par me faire part de la démarche suivante qu’il vient de faire. Un Marchand d’Amsterdam est venu lui parler, pour savoir si la Régence d’Amsterdam seroit disposée à faire favoriser les liaisons naissantes directes entre les sujets de cette Rep. et celle des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique, qu’il s’étoit trouvé par hazard à Francfort avec Mr. Lee, l’un des Plénipotentiaires des Etats-Unis de l’Am., chargé de faire un emprunt d’environ 700,000 florins à Amsterdam, et que lui, Marchand, seroit bien aise de contracter pour avoir le débit de ce papier, si la Régence d’Amst. vouloit témoigner, par une déclaration qu’il feroit parvenir à Mr. Lee, ses dispositions de favoriser, en tout ce qui dépendroit d’elle, l’amitié et le commerce entre les sujets réciproques. Mr. V. B.[van Berckel], bien aise de profiter de l’occasion qui se présentoit pour faire déclarer la Régence d’Amsterdam, s’est fait autoriser par elle à donner une telle déclaration, pour être envoyée à Mr. Lee comme à un Plénipotentiaire compétent, dans la persuasion que le Marchand étoit véridique, jointe à la supposition qu’il étoit bien instruit. Après ce récit, Mr. V. B. m’a sommé de lui dire mon sentiment sur le tout, et ce que j’en savois. J’ai répondu, que je ne connoissois d’autres Plénipotentiaires que ceux qui, comme il le savoit lui-même, sont à Paris, à la tête desquels est Mr. Franklin, auxquels je rendois compte en détail, ainsi qu’à l’hon. Congrès en substance, de tout ce qui passoit par mes mains, pour remplir les devoirs de l’Agence et de la Confiance, dont le très-hon. Congrès m’avoit honoré directement depuis 1775, dont il m’honorait encore, et dont j’osois croire que je serois toujours digne; qu’a la vérité j’étois en correspondance amicale avec Mr. Wm. Lee, dans laquelle j’avois tâché de lui rendre des services personnels, tels que je serois toujours prêt à en rendre à tous les Américains, et à lui sur-tout, comme au frere de Mr. A. Lee Plénipotentiaire, et de Mr. R. H. Lee Membre du Congrès et l’un des Membres actuels du Committé des affaires étrangeres; mais que je n’étois point instruit de la nature de sa mission et de ses opérations; que quant à une négociation d’emprunt, je croyois devoir lui dire en confidence que le dessein en étoit formé et seroit, selon toute apparence, bientôt exécuté; que le domicile de cette négociation étoit arrêté, et les contractants, qui s’en chargeroient à Amsterdam, choisis; que je savais cela de la bouche de ces contractants, de la véracité desquels il m’étoit impossible de douter; que quant à la déclaration remise au Marchand pour Mr. Lee, il convenoit que Mr. V. B. m’en remît une tout pareille, dont j’enverrois une Copie de sa part aux Plénipotentiaires à Paris, et une autre Copie dans le premier paquet que j’expédierois pour le Congrès. Il m’a donné parole de le faire, dès qu’il sera de retour à Amsterdam. Enfin il m’a témoigné s’interesser pour le Marchand qui a fait l’ouverture, comme pour un homme qui ne devoit pas souffrir du mal-entendu, s’il y en avoit. Je lui ai donné parole à mon tour, que dès qu’il en sera temps, j’adresserai ce Marchand aux personnes qui seront chargées de la négociation de la part du Congrès par Messrs. les Plenipotentiaires afin qu’il puisse souscrire pour telle somme qu’il jugera à propos, et Mr. V. B. est content de cela; comme aussi, de vous faire parvenir, Monsieur, à l’avenir, directement, par mes mains, et point par d’autres, tout ce qui pourra contribuer à cimenter les liaisons desirées de part et d’autre: chose qu’il m’a avoué après cela lui avoir été conseillée comme convenable et importante, par une personne de grand poids, à qui il avoit eu occasion de parler de la déclaration accordée.
J’ajouterai à tout cela, que s’il y avoit dans cette démarche un peu de précipitation, il ne faut l’attribuer qu’à la peur salutaire que je n’ai cessé d’imprimer, et à l’empressement, qui en est une conséquence naturelle, de Mr. V. B., de saisir les occasions, pour prévenir toute impression désavantageuse que les Anglois voudroient donner des Hollandois, afin de les faire exclure, ou traiter moins favorablement, dans un Traité de paix.
Le très-hon. Congrès a dans ses dépôts mon serment de fidélité dans la premiere dépêche que j’ai eu l’honneur de lui écrire. C’est en conséquence de ce serment, et par conséquent sans acception de personne, que je crois remplir mon devoir, en vous rendant le compte ci-dessus. Du reste, je me repose, quant à mon sort, avec une parfaite confiance, sur la justice et sur la magnanimité des Etats-unis, que j’ai le bonheur de servir, et sur votre affection, que je mériterai toute ma vie par le respect et l’attachement avec lequel je suis véritablement, Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Paris à S. E. Mr. le D. Franklin, Min. Plenip. des Etats-Unis de l’Am.

Dans ce moment, je viens de recevoir avis de notre bon Chevalier [Georges Grand], que les titres nécessaires pour ouvrir la négociation, sont en chemin, et attendus tous les jours, et qu’il m’informera du moment de leur arrivée. Tant mieux. J’ai compris par quelques mots échappés, que bien des gens, et des premiers d’Amst. prendront de ce papier avec avidité. Mais une concurrence dans cette conjoncture, sans réussir au gré de ceux qui l’entreprendroient, ne feroit que nuire au tout.
Permettez-moi, Monsieur, d’espérer, que lorsqu’il sera temps de faire des Eclats, ce sera vous que je verrai venir ici recueillir la gloire de mettre la derniere main à la grande oeuvre.

Notation: Dumas Sept 3. 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georges Grand, 3 September 1778
From: Grand, Isaac-Jean-Georges-Jonas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Amsterdam le 3 Septe 1778
J’ay eu l’honneur de vous rendre Compte, des manoeuvres de M. W. L. et de ses propositions, pour ouvrir icy une négociation particuliere de F 700/m pour la Province de Virginie.
Je m’etais flaté que mon Refus et les raisons dont je l’ai apuyé l’auraient détourné de suivre un projet aussi contraire aux Interets des Etats Unis que nuisible à leur Credit.
Mais Vous verrés par la Lettre cy Jointe, que je viens de recevoir de M. Dumas, que bien loin de se rebuter, il s’est arrangé avec un autre Maison d’icy avec laquelle il à fait un programme, ou Traitté par main de Notaire, qui engage non seulement la Province de Virginie, mais les Treize Etats unis ce que Je ne crois, ni praticable, ni possible, Sans Votre concours et celuy de Messieurs Vos Collègues.
Il faut espérer que le Livre que Vous m’avés annonçé nous parviendra assés Tot, pour prévenir l’effet de toutes ces menées. J’ay l’honneur d’etre, avec l’attachement le plus respecttueux Monsieur Votre tres humble et Tres obeissant serviteur
Grand
M. Le Doctr. Franklin

Addressed: To / The Honble. Doctor Franklin / Paris.
Endorsed: Mr. Grand Amsterdam Projects of Mr. W Lee


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mante, 3 September 1778
From: Mante, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This writer, author of the History of the late War in America … (London, 1772), was an English military historian of some note. The bizarre episode referred to in this letter and five subsequent ones belongs to a later and unfamiliar period of his life. Two quite different versions of the events leading up to the man’s imprisonment are available.
One, highly subjective, is to be found in an undated memoir he sent to Antoine-Jean Amelot, Ministre de la Maison du Roi, or secretary of the interior. It explains that, born English but eventually naturalized French, he entered in July, 1777, into a verbal agreement with the comte de Boisgelin to raise English sheep on the count’s estate in Brittany, for which he was to receive a salary and various perquisites. Within two months, on his return from a brief absence, Mante found that Boisgelin had seized his papers and planned to drag him to court, presumably to avoid fulfilling his own part of the contract. Before Mante could lodge a counterclaim, he was thrown in jail and left there against all rules of law. He demanded his release.
The other version, pieced together from a number of messages about Mante that crisscrossed the Channel during 1777 and 1778, implies that he was a spy working either for France or for England, possibly for both, and distrusted equally in Paris and London.
A final puzzling touch is that BF sent this man some money. An entry of 48 l.t. for Mante, dubbed ChY [Charity] is recorded under the date of August 19, two weeks before this appeal.

Au Fort L’Eveque ce 3d. Septemr. 1778.
I have no other title, Sir, to implore assistance from you but that which those who are oppressed with injustice may be permitted to claim from humanity. In a stranger even this may be thought presumption. Yet to solicite aleviation of affliction is a privilege accorded to distress. Seven months the iron hand of power has kept me in a prison, deprived me of all that I possessed: the wretchedness of this situation is encreased by the torments of the stone, whilst I am destitute of the smallest means to procure the least aleviation to my misery. Dare I hope that in this state you will humanely grant me some relief.
M. Le Comte de Boisgelin is my persecutor, though at this moment he is indebted to me 1,500 l.t. The humanity of M. Turgot has ineffectually endeavoured to soften the obduracy of this Tyrant. The parliament must then judge between us, but in the mean time I perish for want, literally, not having bread to eat.
I beg your acceptance of the book which accompanies this letter, as a feeble mark of my hommage to your distinguished Character: Having the honour to be with respect, Sir, Your most obedient most humble Servant
Tho. Mante
The Bearer may be entrusted with any reply that You may chuse to honour me with.

Endorsed: Mante


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Perygnon, 3 September 1778
From: Perygnon, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris ce 3. 7bre. 1778
La réputation d’homme obligeant dont vous jouisséz m’enhardit à oser vous demander quelques instants. C’est un fait arrivé à Philadelphie qui donne matiere à un procès considerable par sa nature et les suites qu’il aura.
  On a eu occasion de Soutenir au Conseil Supérieur du Port au Prince, isle et côte françoises de St. Domingue, la validité d’un mariage contracté à Philadelphie dans l’Eglise Catholique entre Alexis Le Blanc et anne Tendon, l’un et l’autre natifs de Beausejour en Acadie. Ce fut vers la fin de la derniere Guerre, pendant la Translation des acadiens en Carroline et à Philadelphie, que ce noeud se forma. Le mariage fut célébré par le Reverend Pere Ferdinand Farmer, qui a délivré l’acte de célébration cijoint. Anne Tendon passat à la Paix avec ses pere et mere et son mary à St. Domingue; Les premiers Morts, elle chercha à se soustraire au Second, Le renia pour époux. Pendant un Voyage de cet homme, elle se remaria à un autre, son premier existant. On plaide sur la nullité du Second mariage, comme formé avec empéchement dirimant. Cette femme a fait appelle comme d’abus de son premier mariage 1°. Sans consentement des pere et mère, 2°. Sans publication de bancs 3°. en Etat de minorité. 4°. Sans signature des parties et des temoins ni mention qu’ils ne savent signer, 5°. avec l’assistance de deux temoins seulement. Un premier arrêt a jugé qu’on ne pouvoit statuer sur ces moyens d’abus, que par le voeu des Loix angloises, et a demandé à cet effet un acte de Notoriété de Philadelphie sur tous ces points et sur la tenue des Registres. On a pu se procurer cet acte de notoriété a St. Domingue, et on se propose de s’adresser d’ici au Congrès pour se le procurer.
  J’ai l’honneur de vous observer que le consentement des pere et mere est établi par la Cohabitaion des deux époux chés eux, qu’anne Tendon avoit 21 ans lors de son mariage, et vous verrés par l’acte cijoint, que le reverend Pere Farmer dit avoir observé les regles et usages de l’ancienne Eglise Catholique de Philadelphie. Je vous Supplie de daigner me donner Votre Avis au pied de l’acte ci joint, de marquer si le défaut de publication de bancs opere la nullité d’un mariage. 2°. Jusqu’à quel âge le Consentement des Parens est nécessaire, et quel est celui de majorité pour les filles. 3°. Combien il faut de témoins, s’il faut qu’ils Signent ainsi que les parties, ou s’il faut faire mention qu’ils ne le savent. 4°. Sur la tenue des Registres à Philadelphie. Enfin, si d’après l’assertion du Missionnaire, devant insérer qu’il a observé les regles et usages, ce premier mariage ne seroit pas à Philadelphie un empechement invincible à la formation d’un Second noeud, le premier existant.
J’ose croire, Monsieur, que vous ne dedaignerés pas rendre ce Service à un Citoyen honnête qui vous le demande avec la derniere instance. Je suis avec respect, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
De PerygnonChés M. de Chanserumembre de la société royale de Médecinerue Ste. anne butte St. Roch

Endorsed: De Perygnon abt a Marriage


Title: Berubé de Costentin to the American Commissioners, 4 September 1778: résumé
From: Berubé de Costentin, ——
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brest, September 4, 1778, in French: In accordance with your request of August 15, Thomas Wilkinson left yesterday for St. Pol de Léon. I await your orders regarding the prisoners here.>


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

<The Hague, September 4, 1778, in French: Mr. van Berckel and I propose an ambitious initiative for which we need supporting papers. Please send either a proposal for a general treaty of amity and commerce or a declaration that you desire the Netherlands to conclude with the United States a treaty similar to the American treaty with France. The Grand Facteur approves this plan and thinks no time should be lost. If sent at once it will arrive just as the Assembly of the States of Holland adjourns and van Berckel will be able to begin immediately proceedings with Amsterdam. This plan is very auspicious because it would no longer be America soliciting, but the city pressing for it. Our friend is as enthusiastic about it as I am. He has composed an important document on Dutch politics. The merchants of Amsterdam have agreed to equip fifteen warships at their own expense. Several merchants have asked for compensation for vessels seized by the British. If the republic tolerates such seizures France threatens to exclude Dutch coastal shipping from her ports. This has reduced an important personage [the Stadholder?] to silence. A new 54-gun ship has caught fire under suspicious circumstances.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Channing, [on or before 4 September 1778]
From: Channing, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honorable Sir
[on or before September 4, 1778]
I Leave A List of Americans who made their Escape from England, myself who had a Leuitnts Commission for the Continental Navy. We are desitute of money for to Repair to America therefore request your assistance and am with Respect Sir Your very humble Servant
John Channing

PS We will wait on yr honor at 9 oClock

Wm. Knapp
Wm. Daniels
James Spencer
David Lymon
Joseph Pulford


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Williams, 4 September 1778
From: Williams, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London Meard Street Soho Sept 4th 1778.
You will see by these Proposals that I persevere in the prosecution of a Plan, which you seemed willing to support while in England. I have apprized you of the various Steps I have taken in my Letters to you in America; some of which I am told you have received. And I sent you two of the Liturgies, but by such conveyances that I doubt of their having reached you.
On your departure, my affairs wore a very discouraging aspect. I was assured of a large subscription by a Society consisting mostly of my provincial Neighbors and Acquaintance; some of whom accompanied me to your house. On your departure I lost them wholly; as well as several others who had appeared sanguine in supporting the Design. Some of the Gentlemen who met at the Coffee-house, and at your Room to read the Liturgy, were disposed to become Subscribers, if I chose to hazard the Undertaking. I opened the Chapel therefore, on the seventh of April as an Adventure. Great Numbers came to it out of Curiosity; some behaved indecently; and all with a shy timidity; excepting two or three of my particular friends. I conducted the service for some time, with a subscription only of eight Guineas; the greater part of which was given by two or three persons of our Club at the Coffeehouse. My expences continued much above my Income for two years. But the Design is gradually succeeding, for those who have continued to attend at the Chapel have formed themselves into a Society this year; have engaged to defray all expences; and to allow me a small salary.

My old Friends, seeing I have not ruined myself, have made proposals to open another Chapel for me; and the Plan is now under consideration. But my Instructions are to keep it secret till the beginning of the Winter.
The present Managers of our little ecclesiastical affairs are of opinion that I should publish the Lectures I delivered in the first two Years; and I have taken their advice as to the time and manner of publication.
If, in the Intervals of your more important business, you can attend to such an affair as this, and will procure me any subscribers, I shall be much obliged to you. If not, you will be so good as to leave those Proposals which are signed at Mr. Pissot’s Bookseller, who will probably have some of my Proposals to return in April or May.
I am afraid it is in vain to ask for that little moral work which you had thoughts of finishing when you left England; to which there was not much to be done; and which you wished to have distributed with the Liturgy at the Chapel. It was written in a little Pocket-Book. If you could send it it would be very acceptable and useful to many people here. I am Sir with great regard your much obliged humble Servant
D Williams
I have sent 20 Proposals signed.

Addressed: Dr. Franklin
Endorsed: D. Williams, Revd. Subscription Sept. 4 1778


Title: René-Etienne Henry Vic Gaiault (or Gayault) de Boisbertrand: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, 5 September 1778: résumé
From: Boisbertrand, René-Etienne Henry Vic Gaiault (or Gayault) de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<September 5, 1778, in the third person, in French: At the beginning of May, 1776, Dubourg and Penet asked him to join the U.S. army; he was then a lieutenant colonel in the French cavalry. He would carry dispatches about the ministry’s attitude toward the Americans, Dubourg told him, and be welcomed by Congress; 300 louis would be deposited for him in Paris. He chose two junior officers to accompany him, and soon received a two-year leave. Then Dubourg said the money was not available but that his passage would be repaid in America. Filled with admiration for those who were defying a mighty empire, he accepted.
He and his companions were put to the expense of waiting two months at Nantes for their ship, while Penet assured them that they would be reimbursed. During their wait, at Dubourg’s request, he inspected and reported on some arms furnished by Montieu and La Tuillerie; the weapons were bad, he found, and Penet was being deceived. The deal was cancelled, thereby saving Congress more than £12,000. The party sailed on September 10 in the Hancock and Adams which was captured, strangely enough, by a Rhode Island privateer; his servant and companions were kept on board, while he was sent a prisoner to New Bedford, where the committee released him; he went to Boston, and the authorities paid his way to Philadelphia. Near Morristown he fell in with Gen. Lee’s army, which was in a major crisis, and joined it in hope of being useful; his dispatches he delivered to M. Couleaux, an associate of Penet, to take to Congress. Three days later Boisbertrand was captured with Lee and, wounded as he was, consigned to a frightful prison in New York. Not allowed to send for his servant or baggage, he slept on the floor for two months without blankets or change of clothing, and was fed on short rations of mouldy biscuit and salt pork.
The captain of the privateer put Boisbertrand’s companions on an Irish prize, to be released ashore. But she was retaken; they were confined for a month in a dark cell on Rhode Island, then dispatched to his prison in New York. The party, thus reunited, was sent to England on February 14, 1777, and eventually committed to Forton, whence he escaped on July 23, 1778; the others are still there. It would take a volume to detail their sufferings.
Boisbertrand, back in France, is unemployed; the length of his imprisonment was unknown when his leave ran out and his place was filled. In twenty-nine months since he was first given the dispatches for America he has spent 10,000 livres of his own money, and has lost an equal amount with his French position. He is also forced to replace the costly horses and baggage lost in America. Please take into consideration his zeal and his deprivations. He asks for a brigadier general’s rank in the U.S. army; Gen. Lee assured him that he would obtain it, and he now has even more claim to it. He will leave when ordered, and wishes to establish himself in America.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, 5 September 1778
From: Beaumarchais, Pierre-Augustin Caron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce Samedi 5 7bre 1778.
Mr. De Beaumarchais a l’honneur de présenter son très humble hommage a Monsieur franklin. Il le prie de vouloir bien lui mander, par le postilion porteur de cette lettre, quel Jour il poura conférer avec Lui et Mr. Lée, Sur l’objet de la Théréze. Les lettres de Nantes exigent que Mr. De Beaumarchais donne promptement des ordres pour la vente, que le moment favorise.

veille Rue du temple

Notations in different hands: M. De Beaumarchais 5 7bre. 1778 / M. Beaumarchaises Card 5. Septr. 1778 / John Gilbank John Gale


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe-Emmanuel Haller, 5 September 1778
From: Haller, Rodolphe-Emmanuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotell Colbert Septbr. 5. 1778
Mr. Haller Presents his most respectful Compliments to the Right Honourable Doctor Franklin and shall be very glad of his company at dinner on wednesday next the 9 inst.

PS Pray answer iff you Please

Addressed: To / The Right Honble. Doctr. Franklin Esqr / chez Mr. Le Ray de / chaumont / Passy / hotel Colbert


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 6 September 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Dear Captain
Passy, Sept. 6. 1778 5 AM.
I received your Favours of the 24th and 31st of August. I am told by Mr. C. that Mr. S. is sorry you did not go with M. D’Orvilliers. He had sent Orders for that Purpose, and your staying at L’Orient occasion’d your missing the Opportunity. Your Letter was sent to the Prince de Nassau. I am confident something will be done for you, tho’ I don’t yet know what. Dr. Bancroft has been indispos’d, and I have not lately seen him, but hear he is getting better, and suppose he has written. I go out of town early this Morning for a few Days, but the other Commissioners will answer your Letter. I am glad you have procur’d a Guard for the Prisoners. It is a good Piece of Service. They have concluded in England to send us an equal Number of ours, and we expect to morrow to send the Passport for their Cartel Ship, which is to bring them. If we are to deliver theirs at Calais, I should be for accepting thankfully the Offer you mention. We have no News from America but what comes thro’ England. Clinton’s Letter is in the London Gazette, and for Stile and Colouring is so like Keppel’s, that I cannot help thinking neither of them Originals, but both the Performance of some underSecretary, whose Business it is to cook the News for the Ministers. Upon the whole we learn, that the English Army was well worried in its March, and that their whole Fleet and Forces are now block’d up in New-York by Washington and Gates on the Land Side, and by Count D’Estaign by Sea, and that they will soon be in want of Provisions. I sympathise with you in what I know you must suffer from your present Inactivity, but have Patience. I am ever, with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Capitaine Jones / dans le Service des Etats Unis / de l’Amerique Septentrionale / à Brest.
Endorsed: From His Excelly. Doctr. Franklin Passy Septr. 6th. 1778 Recd. Brest Septr. 8th. 1778 No. 4. & 5. Cartel


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Le Maire de Gimel, 6 September 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Le Maire de Gimel, Jacques

On March 18, 1778, Capt. Jacques Le Maire de Gimel had set sail for his native France with letters from Patrick Henry to Franklin and William Lee. Lee’s orders were to procure arms and ammunition for the state of Virginia. Le Maire, with the cooperation of the American agents, was to assist Lee in procuring and inspecting those military supplies. What Le Maire encountered from the Lee brothers, rather than cooperation, was evasion and abuse, provoking a flurry of desperate letters to Franklin in the fall of 1778.
Le Maire’s misadventures began in late May when he presented himself at Passy. With William Lee in Germany, Franklin immediately located three merchants each of whom was willing to undertake the whole order and give the desired credit. When Arthur Lee then insisted on taking charge of the business, the three possibilities vanished: one merchant flatly withdrew his offer; a second insisted that any agreement be co-signed by Franklin and Adams, which Lee refused; the third offer was rejected for reasons Franklin never knew. Thereafter, Arthur kept the negotiations secret from his colleague, and sent Le Maire to Frankfurt to see his brother William.
William Lee had gotten wind of his orders before Le Maire arrived. He heard he was to purchase 1,000,000 l.t. worth of goods, but was concerned that the state had sent no authority to borrow money. (In fact, Virginia was hoping to barter with tobacco.) As soon as Le Maire arrived, he was sent on what turned out to be a fruitless tour of Germany. Several of the manufacturers he contacted wrote directly to Franklin that they would supply the arms on Franklin’s approval. The Doctor scrupulously turned over this correspondence to Arthur Lee who, to the best of our knowledge, let the matter drop.
The Lees, in the meantime, had begun their own campaigns to quietly procure supplies directly from the French court. On June 3 Arthur requested brass cannon from Vergennes; he enlisted the prince de Montbarey, the French army minister, to follow up this request two days later with a list of Virginia’s military needs and recommendations for supplying them. Vergennes replied to Lee on June 9 with a partial grant of guns. William Lee was working through local French officials. He had persuaded the baron de Breteuil, French ambassador to the Austrian court, to deliver Vergennes the extensive list of desired articles which presumably had come with Le Maire. William’s plan, as he wrote to his brother on June 24, was to convince the French court to make an outright loan of the 1,000,000 l.t.
Le Maire continued his travels throughout the month of June, periodically sending progress reports to William Lee. He had gotten some firm proposals in Strasbourg; Lee, however, found the prices excessive, and answered that a contract was out of the question. At some point before the beginning of August, Le Maire returned to Paris.
For reasons which remain unclear, Arthur Lee signed an agreement with Penet, d’Acosta & freres on July 1, providing for arms to be sent to Virginia no later than September. This was done without the knowledge, or ultimate approval, of William, who maintained a long-standing animosity towards the firm. On August 4, Arthur Lee sent Le Maire to Nantes with authorization to examine and approve the arms and munitions. The captain engaged five specialists in arms, and by mid-month they had begun to examine and test each piece. Le Maire’s new problem, as becomes clear in this and the ensuing documents of this volume, was that Arthur Lee, having refused to answer his letters, now refused to honor his drafts. As the months wore on, Le Maire continued his work, exhausted his personal resources, and turned desperately to Franklin, who felt duty-bound not to interfere. Finally on October 15, Le Maire wrote to William Temple Franklin. The grandfather now seized a diplomatic opportunity for responding: he drafted an apologetic letter to the Frenchman, and apparently directed Temple to send it. The entire incident, which continued well into 1779, reveals another aspect of the brittle protocol observed between Franklin and his Chaillot colleague, and its effect on the individuals who were unlucky enough to fall between the cracks.

Sir
Passy, Sept. 6. 1778
As Mr. Lee has undertaken to furnish the whole of what was required by the Government of Virginia, I cannot with Propriety interfere in any Part of that Business, or give any Advice to purchase of other Persons than those he has agreed with. Otherwise I have a very good Opinion of Mr. Gruel, and am satisfy’d that if he engag’d in it, he would execute it with Honour; I would have you write again to Mr. Lee for the Money necessary for your Support. Perhaps Multiplicity of Business has occasion’d him to forget it. If Mr. Tessier shows the Letter I gave him to the Governor, it will do as well as if I wrote another. I am, &c.
To Capt. LemareCopy

Notation in Franklin’s hand: Copy of Lett. to Capt. Le Maire from BF. Sept. 6. 78.


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 6 September 1778: résumé and letter
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

I.
<Versailles, September 6, 1778, in French: I have received your letter of August 30 last, and have sent M. de Vergennes the passport for the British ship involved in the exchange of prisoners; I shall order your prisoners at Brest kept under closer surveillance until exchanged.>

II.
Versailles, 6.7bre. 1778
Je joins, Messieurs, un Mémoire du S. Gaiwal [Gaiault] de Boisbertrand qui demande de l’emploi et de l’avancement dans les troupes des Etats Unis de l’Amerique, ainsi qu’il le lui avoit ete promis. Le cas particulier où il se trouve pour avoir cedé aux Instences qui lui ont été faites de passer au Service des Etats Unis, semble meriter quelque Consideration. Je ne peux refuser a l’intérêt que je prends à ce qui le regarde de vous le recommander et de vous prier de lui accorder des Lettres pressantes pour qu’il puisse être placé à son arrivée. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec beaucoup de Considération, Messieurs, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur. (Signé)
De Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 6 September[–after 14 December 1778]
From: Capellen tot den Pol, Joan Derk van der
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Zwol September 6. [-after December 14] 1778.
I took the liberty to write you a Letter dated Zwol April 28. this year, and I was about writting you a second to inquire if you had received the first, when I found myself honoured with a Letter from His Excellency Mr. Jonathan Trumbull Governor &c. of the State of Connecticut dated at Lebanon June 27. 1777. inclosed in another dated Philadelphia July 22. of the same year which a Dutch Gentleman settled in America named Gosuinus Erkelens directed to me at the request (according to his own words) of the President and Members of the honourable the Congress. The originals of those Letters were sent by Congress undercover to you, the Duplicate and triplicate by the West Indies, this one I only received last tuesday, some accident must have happened to the two others. Not being able now to comply with the request of Mr. Erkelens without first speaking to some persons whom I must go to out of this Province and to whom I can not write having no correspondence with them, and that only in a few days I can execute the Plan I have form’d, I beg Sir that as soon as possible you will be so kind as to inform his Excellency the Governor that his Letter which fully rewards me for what I have suffered by meddling with the American affairs, and that of Mr. Erkelens have at last reached me and that I shall not delay my answer in the manner directed by Mr. Erkelens, vitz. the orriginal to you and the 2d. and 3d. by way of the West indies. I have the honour to be with the highest veneration
J D Van DER Capellen

Second Postscript. After having a few days ago dispatched the first and second of the above, one by way of Paris the other by the West Indies and altho I had seald this third, I can not help adding this Postscript.
I had in order to give example placed about 20000 livres french Money in the Negotiation for the United States in the hands of Messrs. Horneca & Fizeaux, I had succeeded in persuading some people of my Province, and I expected to have the same influence in others where I have connections: the Credit of America can only gather strength by degrees and as the numbers of persons inclined to trust them ogments, so that in my opinion it would be more advantagious in the actual conjoncture to procure one hundred thousand Livres furnished by 50 persons of different parts of the Country, than even a Million furnished by one single person. I began to rejoice on the perspective which appeared very flattering, but the Letters lately arrived from London threw the alarm on all sides.
The People in America are disgusted with the New Congress. Of 32000 Elects is only 600 were found willing to take the Oath of abjuration, the number of the Royalists ogment daily. It is Governor Johnston who has asserted this in the House of Commons. The Ministers assure that all the news received from America coincide in giving the greatest hopes that this campaign which will begin with all imaginable vigour will be attended with more success than the preceeding, and the Newspapers aid [add], (from Letters from New York) that discord begins to reign between the French and the Americans, and amongst those last with one another, that several of the United States are on the point of following the Exemple of Georgia, the Carolinas, and Connecticut who they say have acknowledged obedience to the King. What can I do or what can I say in the midst of such perplexing incertitudes—they do not cease in holland to observe that the Americans instead of persuing their advantages already gained on Burgoins Army, advantages that this very General in his report to Lord Germaine thought was of a nature to put an end to the War, have notwithstanding remain’d inactive. They ask me every moment “is it want of strength or of courage? Why at a time when France makes an open Diversion in their favour, dont the Americans drive their Enemies from the only two places they possess in their Country &c.” For want of information I can only answer to those questions by another, “Why dont the Spaniards who are a powerfull and established Nation why dont they drive the English from Gibraltar?” I remind them that New York and New Port are two Gibraltars, but they allways conclude by saying “That the Americans do not defend themselfes with the same animosity and fury that the Dutch did when they revolted against the Spaniards, and the Switzers against the Germains, that nothing has yet been done in America comparable to the sieges of Harlem Leiden and several other of our Cities, or to the Battle of Morgarten in Switzerland.” I repeat Sir that I am sorry to find such objections dayly made to which I cannot answer for want of information, I beg not with an indiscreet curiosity (but with Zeal for the interests of a People for whose Liberty I would willingly give my life) that you will inform me as soon as possible of the true situation of affairs in America. I wish Congress could quiet the minds of the Dutch with a certitude that whatever turn affairs may take, or whatever Treaty they may make with England, One of the first articles shall be the Security of the principal and Interest of the Debts contracted during the troubles. Believe me Sir, Congress to succeed in holland must condescend to cure my country Mens uneasiness which whether Ideal or real are still incompatible with its credit, and can only retard the happy event so much desired by the Friends of both Nations vitz. the acknowledgement of the Independence of America by this Republic. I am capable of secrecy. Trust my discretion.
One idea more and I will finish.
If a Pamphlet was published and circulated in America reciting the manner in which some people particularly amongst the moderns have heroically defended this Liberty, the sieges of Harlem of Leiden of St. John de Lone [Losne] (in france) the ardour with which the Genoes drove off Genl. Botta (in 1742) if I am not mistaken, and particularly the famous Battle of Morgarten which is found in Semler DE Republ: Helvetiorum an Esteem’d author, some of whose most remarkable Pages I have sent you read Sir what is contained in the 70th. and the following.
Are there no true Heroes in America as in Switzerland, amongst a Nation who possess such shining principles and virtues are there not to be found a sufficient number who preferring glory to Death, by a coup d’éclat, would put an end to a War which endangers their Liberty and Destroys their Dear Country by Ravage and Plunder? Why should not America have its sacred Phalanx as well as Thebes? Certainly they ought.

Notation: The Baron J.D. Vander Capellan to Dr. Franklin, dated Zwol 28th April 1778. & 6th September


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 8 September 1778
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lahaie 8 Sept. 1778
Je n’ai aujourdhui qu’une demi-heure (entre une visite faite, et une autre à faire), pour vous confirmer ma Lettre particuliere à vous seul, du 3; et celle du 4 incluse. J’ai oublié de vous dire, Monsieur, que le g–– F––, en revenant d’Amst–– le 3, lorsque je lui rendis compte le 4 au matin de mon entretien avec notre Ami, étoit déjà instruit par celui-ci de la déclaration envoyée à Mr. L. par le Marchand, mais non de l’emprunt projetté, qui avoit fait demander et accorder la déclaration; que l’affaire avoit paru si sérieuse au g–– F––, qu’il en avoit écrit à sa maison, et averti que ces canaux de traverse ne valoient rien. Depuis qu’il sait l’affaire de l’emprunt projetté, il n’a nullement changé de sentiment. Quant à notre Ami, il ne savoit rien de la négociation dont Mr. G. est chargé: il le sait à présent. Il m’a dit que le Marchand correspondant de Mr. L–– est actuellement à Aix La Chapelle avec lui; ils s’y étoient donné rendez-vous. Le g–– F–– m’a dit de vous écrire, qu’il ne seroit pas mauvais, dans la Lettre que vous m’écrirez, de faire sentir délicatement, si vous le jugez propre, qu’avec toute la bonne volonté pour cet Etat qu’ont le Congrès, les principaux dans les divers Etats-unis, et vous Messieurs, vous n’êtes pas sûrs que le peuple Américain en général n’accordât quelque privilege aux Anglois et aux François pour l’amour de la paix, s’il continuoit de ne voir faire aucun pas à la rep. pour les rencontrer, eux qui se sont tant avancés. Je suis avec un vrai respect et attachement, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
D
Paris à S.E.M. le Dr. Franklin M.P. Des E.U. de l’A.

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur le Dr. Franklin, Esqe., / Ministre Plénipotentiaire des / Etats-Unis de l’Amérique &c. &c. / en son particulier et en mains / propres / à Paris.
Endorsed: M. Dumas private Sept. 8. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Ellison, 8 September 1778
From: Ellison, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London the 8th September 1778
I hope that my former acquaintance with you will be a Sufficient apology for the request which I have to make of you.
Having an Interest which requires authentic proof of the date of the Treaty made the beginning of this Year between France and the Thirteen United States of North America I take the liberty of troubling you on that occasion.
It appears by a Pensylvanian Newspaper publish’d by Order of Congress, that the Treaty in question was Sign’d on the 6th of Febey. last: But such a proof not being deem’d of sufficient authority I have no other way of ascertaining the fact than by requesting the favour of your assistance for that purpose.
What I venture to propose is that a Notary Public may be permitted to have Such a Sight of the Treaty above-mention’d, as may enable him to certify it’s Date.
I have the less difficulty in making this Request as what I desire is only the Authentication of a Fact, which is already of common notoriety; a consideration which will, I hope, at least be Sufficient to acquit me of Impropriety in making the application.
If this proof was not necessary to me, (in the way I have stated, or in any other which may be more agreeable to you) I should not have presum’d to give you this trouble; from which, however, I am glad to have an opportunity of assuring you of the Sincere respect, with which I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant
Robert Ellison

Notations: Robert Ellison. 8 Septr. London. requesting the date of the Treaty. / 8. 7bre. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [before 9 September 1778]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[before September 9, 1778]
M. Le Roy est bien fâché de s’en aller à Paris sans avoir eu l’honneur de voir Monsieur Franklin depuis son retour. Il a envoyé hier deux fois chez lui pour aller lui gagner une partie d’échecs mais toutes ces deux fois là il n’y étoit pas. Il lui fait demander s’il a recu des nouvelles de M. D’Estaing. II lui renouvelle les assurrances sincères de tout son attachement.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Deputé du Congrès


Title: The American Commissioners to Dumas, 9 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

<Passy, September 9, 1778: We received yours hinting that some of your friends wish the commissioners should propose a treaty to your government. It really would be a pleasure thus to cement a union between the two republics, but having received no answer to their letter sent some months ago on the subject to the Grand Pensionary they apprehend any further motion would not be agreeable. They are ready to enter on such a treaty whenever it shall seem good to their High Mightinesses.>


Title: The American Commissioners to [John Ross], 9 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Ross, John

<Passy, September 9, 1778: We acknowledge yours of August 29. We are authorized to discharge neither your private nor your public debts. If you purchased goods with money sent you by the commissioners and had given us an account, we could have given you orders. As it is, any goods you have belonging to the United States should be delivered to Mr. Schweighauser. You have failed to account for large sums entrusted you by the commissioners. Reconsider your conduct in conscience and send no more letters until they are in keeping with public service.>


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 9 September 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, September 9, 1778, in French: The Assembly of Holland yesterday debated Amsterdam’s proposal opposing an increase in the size of the army. I will translate and send you a copy of the proposal. Mr. van Berckel criticized the Grand Pensionary and suggested I press him for an answer to your letter. I told him I could not do so without your orders. I await an answer to mine of the 4th. The Pensionaries of Harlem and Dort are two very capable men, good republicans and friends of our friend.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 9 September 1778
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 9. Septembre 1778.
Vous avez demande, Mr. un passeport pour le bâtiment anglois qui doit amener vos prisonniers en france; vous trouverez cette piéce cyjointe; elle indique Nantes ou L’orient pour le lieu de débarquement.

M. francklin


Title: The American Commissioners to Beaumarchais, 10 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Beaumarchais, Pierre-Augustin Caron de

<Passy, September 10, 1778: The cargo of the Thérèse has been assigned to us. We do not know how you claim her as your vessel since Mr. Montieu claims her as his and demands the remainder of our payment for her hire. We request your attention to our powers and instructions from Congress. Until the accounts of Roderigue Hortalez & Cie. are settled we cannot send you the proceeds of the sale of the cargo. We will give orders that they be reserved to be paid the firm or its representative as soon as the accounts are settled or the contract between Congress and the company is ratified by the company and us. We are ready to confer with the firm or its representative at whatever time or place they or you wish.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 10 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, September 10, 1778: Captain Daniel McNeill of Boston retook a French vessel [the Isabelle] held by a Guernsey privateer more than three days. He brought her into Port Louis where he has met with difficulties selling her and her cargo. In keeping with His Majesty’s interest and the treaties between our two nations, we ask your attention to this case.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 10 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

<Passy, September 10, 1778: On April 13 Congress resolved that the commissioners should settle with Roderigue Hortalez & Cie. on a compensation for the supplies they provided. The commerce committee sent us the contract made with Beaumarchais’ agent Théveneau de Francy and ordered us to liquidate the affair. Congress on May 16 resolved to send us an invoice of additional articles to be ordered from the company. We enclose copies of the contract between the Committee and Mr. Francy, his powers, and the list of articles to be furnished. We do not know who the persons are who constitute the house of Roderigue Hortalez & Cie., but we, the Congress and the American people understand we are indebted to His Majesty for the goods furnished by the company. We cannot discover a contract between any American agent and Roderigue Hortalez & Cie. nor do we know of any witness or evidence as to the terms of such a contract. We are sure it is the wish and determination of the United States to discharge as soon as possible their obligation to His Majesty; in the meantime we are ready to settle and liquidate the accounts at whatever time and in whatever manner His Majesty or you wish. We ask your advice whether it is safe or prudent to ratify the contract with the company and for Congress to depend on it for supplies.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to de Perygnon, 10 September 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Perygnon, —— de

Sir
Passy, Sept. 10. 1778
I have not with me here the Book of Laws of Pensilvania, and therefore can only give such an Opinion in Answer to your Questions as my Memory, perhaps imperfect, may furnish me with. 1. The want of Publication of Banns does not nullify a Marriage; it only gives a right to any Person injured by the Marriage to prosecute the Clergyman in Law for Damages who marries without such Publication or a special Licence. 2. I know not at what Age the Marriage of a Girl without Consent of Parents would be null: but I think if she was above 14 the Want of that Consent would not nullify the Marriage; tho’ as the Law requires the Consent of Parents or Guardians, if the Girl is under 18 and the Man under 21, the Minister who marries them without that Consent would be subject to a Prosecution. 3. I do not know that any Witnesses are absolutely necessary, Faith being given to the Minister’s Register and Certificate; tho’ Marriages are rarely celebrated so privately. 4. I suppose every Minister of every Religion in Pensilvania keeps such a Register: and lastly I think the Certificate of Mr. Farmer sufficient to prove the Marriage in question, and that the same join’d with Proofs of Cohabitation as Man and Wife would confirm the Marriage in that Country, and prevent a new Match during the Life of the two Parties. I am Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

To de Perygnon


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 September 1778: résumé
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, September 10, 1778: M. Montaudoüin has learned from Mr. Kergariou, commander of the French frigate Oiseau, that the Guernsey and Jersey privateers which infest this bay provision in Bilbao under pretense of being American. I hope this practice can be stopped.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Gadd, 10 September 1778: résumé
From: Gadd, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Marstrand, Sweden, September 10, 1778: American vessels have been coming here, and there now remain only a brig commanded by one Capt. Child, and a ship, Capt. Loweth, both from South Carolina. These addressed themselves to merchants in Gothenburg which is not a free port, and where an English consul named Erskine is active. When they need protection I can only assist them in secret, and at a distance. This port is the only safe one for American commerce with Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Poland, and a part of Germany. I therefore wish you would appoint a consul here who could openly declare himself a protector of Americans and obtain the approval of the king of Sweden. The king, I hope, would not refuse protection to any one in the free port of Marstrand, which has a different status from the rest of the country. Please consult the Swedish ambassador to France, count Creutz. I humbly offer my services, and am willing to serve without pay for as long as necessary.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 10 September 1778
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à L’Ecole Royale m[ilitai]re, Le 10. 7bre 1778.
Je pars demain, Monsieur, pour aller voir celles de nos écoles militaires de province qui n’ont pas été inspectées L’année derniere. Ce sera un voyage de Deux mois. Pendant mon absence j’ai pourvu à ce que vous ayés Les nouvelles que je pourrai recevoir. C’est mon frere qui vous Les fera parvenir. S’il n’y a point d’indiscrétion, je supplie Mr. votre fils que j’embrasse de tout mon coeur de vouloir bien adresser celles que vous recevrés à Mr. de Keralio, au Luxembourg, cour des Fontaines, a paris; il me Les fera passer partout ou je serai et partout je serai flatté de recevoir de nouveaux bienfaits de votre part. Partout je publierai les bontés dont vous m’avés honoré et La Vénération que vous m’avés inspirée.
Notre Bonne et céleste amie m’a chargé de vous présenter son tendre hommage et de vous prévenir que dimanche prochain elle se fait une grande fête d’aller causer avec vous.
Donnés-moi votre Bénédiction, monsieur, il n’en est point dont je fasse plus de cas et recevés Les assurances bien sinceres du dévouement inviolable et Respectueux avec Lequel je suis, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
Le CHR De Keralio

Notation: de Keralio 10. Sept. 1778.


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

Monsieur
Nantes Le 10 7bre. 1778
Je n’ai rien de plus pressé que de vous envoyer Le procès verbal de L’inspection que j’ai faite des fusils, en méme temps pour vous faire voir mon éxactitude. Vous verrez par ce procès verbal que j’ai apporté tous les soins pour procurer à la Virginie la meilleure qualité possible d’armes, et comme j’ai eu l’honneur de vous dire qu’il manquoit quantité d’autres objets que le Gouvernement de cette province a demandés et dont elle a besoin, je vous réitere toujours ma priere, en vous suppliant de m’accorder votre approbation en cas que je sois à même de pouvoir traiter avec quelqu’un; M. Gruel ne peut remplir mon objet par le retard d’un navire qu’il attendoit de St. Domingue. L’objet devient maintenant bien moins consequent: avec environ 200 mille livres je remplirai la totalité de ma mission. Ces fonds ne seroient payés à celui avec qui je traiterois, qu’avec Les Tabacs de virginie qui passeroient en France. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec le plus profond respect, Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
J. Le maire

P.S. J’ai communiqué à M. Tessier L’intérêt que vous prenez a ce qui le regarde, il est Très reconnoissant de vos bontés, il remettra à M. Le Gouverneur de la Virginie la lettre de recommandation que vous avez bien voulu lui donner.
Monsieur Franklin Escuyer

Notation: Lemaire Nantes 20. 7bre 1778


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 11 September 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<[The Hague], September 11, 1778, in French: Tomorrow the Amsterdam merchants as a body will present to the Assembly of Holland an address requesting protection from the British. All trade at Amsterdam is at a standstill because no one wants to give insurance. I still await what I requested on the 4th.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Chalut, [11 September 1778]
From: Chalut, abbé ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce vendredi matin [September 11, 1778]
L’Abbé Chalut présente ses civilités à Monsieur le Docteur Franklin: il le prie de lui faire l’honneur de venir manger sa soupe demain samedi 12 7bre. avec M. L’Abbé de Mably qui doit être de la partie.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / ministre plenipotentiaire des / Etats unis d’Amerique / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 11 September 1778
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lahaie 11e 7bre 1778
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire deux Lettres particulieres, du 3 et du 8, et deux autres à LL. EE. Messrs. les Plenipts. en commun, du 4 et du 9 de ce mois. Notre ami me dit hier, qu’il avoit reçu une réponse du Marchd. qui est revenu d’Aix-la-Chapelle à Amst., par laquelle il lui marquoit que Mr. L. lui avoit caché la Négociation qui est présentement entre les mains de Messrs. Horneca, Fizeaux & Comp., et domiciliée dans cette Maison au nom des XIII Etats-Unis; mais qu’il lui avoit fait voir qu’il étoit Commissionaire du Congrès. Sur les questions que notre Ami m’a faites là-dessus, je lui ai répondu candidement, que je ne savois pas de quelle nature étoit la Commission de Mr. L., qu’il étoit possible qu’elle fût directement du Congrès, pour quelque objet particulier; mais que, si elle n’étoit pas subordonnée à l’hon. Commission Plénip. établie à Paris, je ne concevois pas qu’il fût possible de supposer, qu’elle s’etendît jusqu’à croiser celle-ci, nuire à ses opérations, ou lui être égale en tout et par-tout. Il m’a demandé si Mr. L. ignoroit donc la Négociation des Etats-Unis? J’ai répondu que non.
Pour ne vous laisser, Monsieur, aucun éclaircissement à desirer sur ma propre correspondance avec Mr. L., je crois devoir vous dire, que je m’y suis borné à lui rendre les services particuliers qu’il me demandoit, avec le même bon coeur avec lequel ils sont voués à tous les Américains unis, que dans sa Lettre de Francfort, du 4 Avril dernier, il m’a dit You will be so good as to avoid mentioning any thing about me to any person whatever, et que je me suis conformé à ses desirs, tant qu’il m’a paru qu’il ne s’agissoit que de ses propres affaires: que par sa derniere, du 27 Août, il me dit, Should you have occasion to write to me at Paris, you may put yr. Letter under cover to Mr. Grand as formerly, only desiring, under the direction to me, that the Letter may not be delivered into any hands, but my own; ce que je ferai, si le cas l’exige, si vous ne m’avertissez point qu’il y a quelque inconvénient à cela, et tant que je vous saurai persuadé, Monsieur, que le service des Etats-Unis, l’approbation et la protection du Congrès et votre affection pour moi, ont et auront toujours la préférence chez moi sur toute autre liaison: car c’est véritablement que je vous respecte et aime, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Dumas

P.S. Je viens de chez notre ami.
Le Marchand, non content de lui avoir écrit, est venu luimême lui apporter une Déclaration de Mr. L. en réponse à celle que le Marchd. lui avoit remise de la part de notre ami, et pour lui garantir à son tour les bonnes dispositions réciproques des Etats-Unis, et les vôtres, Messieurs, notre ami lui a répété, qu’il avoit à sa porte ce qu’il cherchoit loin; qu’il pouvoit contracter des premiers pour tout ce qu’il voudroit avec la Maison où se trouvoit domiciliée la Négociation et qu’il en étoit averti, et invité à cela, comme de la part de Messrs. les Plénipotentiaires, par une personne suffisamment qualifiée à pouvoir le faire: ce dont le Marchd. a témoigné être fort content, et résolu de s’adresser de la part de notre Ami à Messrs. H.F. & C.
J’oubliois, Monsieur, de vous dire encore, que par Lettre de Vienne du 30e. May, Mr. L. m’avoit demandé s’il y auroit moyen d’emprunter pour l’Etat de Virginie un million de Livres de France; que pour lui complaire, je consultai làdessus Sir G. Gd et une autre maison amie; et qu’en réponse je l’ai averti qu’une telle négociation ne pourroit se faire présentement, sans porter coup à celle qu’il savoit. Comme depuis ce temps il ne m’en a plus parlé, j’ai supposé qu’il n’y pensoit plus.
NB. Le g–– F–– sait, et par consequent a vu tout ceci.
[Illegible] a Son Exc. M. le D. Franklin M.P. des E.U. de l’A.

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur le Dr. Franklin, Esqr. / Ministre Plénipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’Amérique / en mains propres / à Paris
Endorsed: Dumas Sept 11. 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Count von Sickingen, [11 September 1778]
From: Sickingen, Karl Heinrich Joseph, Reichsgraf von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce vendredi [September 11, 1778]a Paris Barriere du Roule

Mr: Leroy Et d’autres personnes de La Connaissance de Monsieur franklin, se rassembleronts Lundi 14 7bre chez Le Comte de Sickingen, et on s’y occuppera de quelques recherches sur la Platine; si Cette Societé et Le motif qui La rassemble pouvaient Engager Monsieur franklin a faire L’honneur au Comte de Sickingen de Diner ce jour Chez Luy, il En serait infiniment flatté; il a L’honneur de le saluer.

R.S.V.P.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / A Passi


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

<Bordeaux, September 12, 1778: I have received offers from every forge from Angoulême to Bayonne for the cannon you commission me to purchase. None will promise to complete delivery before February and the arsenals cannot loan any. Thus I have decided to contract with the forges of Petigore [Périgord]. No ships have arrived from America the last three days despite the westerly winds.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ––– Branche, 12 September 1778
From: Branche, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris 12. 7bre. 1778.
Monseigneur le comte de Vergennes m’a autorisé a réclamer vos bontés, et à me présenter à vous, à l’effet d’être chargé de faire les Médailles, sçeaux, Cachets, Timbres etc. pour la nouvelle République des Etats-unis de l’Amérique; Ce Ministre veut bien être mon protecteur auprès de vous, Monsieur, il a eu la bonté de me faire espérer qu’il vous en parleroit. La réputation que mes travaux pour la Cour m’ont acquise, est un motif bien puissant pour obtenir la grâce que je sollicite de votre bonté, je ferai tous mes efforts pour me la mériter par mes soins et mon application à remplir vos intentions et celles des Etats-unis de l’Amérique. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec des sentimens pleins de reconnoissance et de respect, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
BrancheGraveur de Monsieur frere du RoyRue St. Louis du palais

Endorsed: Branche Graveur offers to make Seals 12. 7bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Simon-Pierre Fournier le Jeune, 12 September 1778
From: Fournier, Simon-Pierre, le jeune
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris le 12 7bre 1778
Je reçois à l’instant vos ordres pour la fonte de Petit Romain, d’ont vous me parlates dans le terns; j’y répond aussitot, afin de ne mettre aucunne lenteur à les exécuter lors-ce que vous auréz daigné m’éclairer sur les objets essentiels que j’ignore.
1° Quel est l’oeil que vous auréz choisi? Je vous prie de me le désigner par son numéro, au livre des Epreuves, que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous présenter, 2° la quantité qu’il faudra d’italiques, 3° ce que signifie les lettres n, et m, figuré a l’article des cadrats, ainsi que les suivantes m’s. Quand aux espaces, j’entends qu’il en faut de quatre sortes dont la plus grosse du nombre de 15000, et les autres par gradation de plus mince, en plus mince.
4° S’il y a une hauteur particulliere pour ce caracterre, ou si il le faut simplement a la hauteur de Paris? Dans le cas contraire, vous auriez la bonté de m’envoyer des modelles.
Je vous suplie, Monsieur, de m’eclercir toutes ces choses et soyez persuadé du zêle, et de l’activité que je mettrai a vous servir. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec toute l’estime possible Monsieur Votre très humble et obeissant serviteur
Fournier LE JEUNE
Ma femme, Monsieur, qui a conçu pour vous tout le respect possible à l’honneur de vous le présenter.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ––– Saint Sauveur fils, 12 September 1778: résumé
From: St. Sauveur, ——, fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Trieste, September 12, 1778, in French: No Frenchman venerates your qualities more than I. Born under the same sky as your Excellency, of a mother descended from a Franquelin, I submit the following along with my respectful sentiments.
My great-grandfather, a Franquelin, served the King in Canada. He married there, had children, and returned to France. He sent for his family, who embarked on a ship which was wrecked on an island in the St. Lawrence. M. Franquelin believed that none of his children had survived; but my grandmother, who had been ill, had remained in Canada under a nursemaid’s care. Thinking herself an orphan, she married and never followed the traces of her father. From my own father’s research, we learn that after he left his country, my great-grandfather was never seen again there.
Please excuse this minute detail. I offer it in hopes that the similarity in names might merit some title to your benevolence.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Scott, 12 September 1778
From: Scott, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Worthy Sir
Leeds the 12th. Sept. 1778
I arrived safe at home a fortnight ago. I staid in London a few days, and delivered punctually the messages committed to my care. Since my return I have thought much upon my project, and I continue determined to persevere; but I find I cannot Settle my dependencies, and concerns here, so soon as I could wish; for which reason I am obliged to solicit your friendly interference and assistance (if necessary) for a permission to return to settle my affairs here finally. If I can be accommodated with this indulgence, it will be a great convenience to me, and as a pledge of my sincerity, I will agree to deposit in the hands of congress, Five Hundred pounds Sterling, to be forfeited if I deviate from any engagement I may make with them relative to this subject. I will also agree (if required) not to carry any more Goods than what I carry over the first time; and these shall be to the amount of my own property as near as I can calculate, and may probably run to the amount of, from One to Two Thousand pounds Sterling. I would not sollicit such a favour if I did not see a necessity for it; and as I am sincere in my intentions, I hope this favour will not be denied me. I shall be glad to have your answer soon as convenient that I may regulate myself accordingly.
I beg you to accept my best thanks for the civillity with which you treated me at Passey, and I beg you to oblige me so far as to present my best compliments to Mr. Adams, Your Son and Mr. Austin, whose friendships, as well as your own I wish to secure. I am, with esteem Worthy Sir Your Most Obedient Servant
Geo. Scott

NB. When you write me, please put your letter under cover to Mr. Thomas Squire Merchant in Amsterdam.

Addressed: The Honble. Benj: Franklin Esqr. / at Passey / near / Paris
Notation: Geo Scott Duas [Leeds] 12. 7bre. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 13 September 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

<Passy, September 13, 1778: The Thérèse, whose cargo is assigned to us, has arrived at Nantes. We wish to sell the cargo and reserve the proceeds for a particular purpose. We request and impower you to sell the cargo, transmit an account, and hold the proceeds for our orders.
M. de Sartine informs us he has taken measures regarding the prisoners. We have received from him a passport for a cartel ship to come from England to Nantes and Lorient with American prisoners. This ship should take off your hands and ours all the British prisoners in France captured by American warships and privateers. We sent this passport to England yesterday. We hope all these unhappy prisoners, British and American, will soon have their liberty; if not, it will not be our fault.
We want the Baltimore to sail as soon as possible, having no particular orders to give about her. We think the 5% commission you charge is too high and are willing to pay no more than the customary commission, which we understand is 2%.>


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13[â€”18] September 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, September 13[–18], 1778, in French: The Assembly of Holland has resolved to increase the republic’s naval forces in Europe by 32 ships of the line as well as frigates and 8,000 crewmen. The address of the bourse of Amsterdam has arrived as has one from a number of Rotterdam merchants. The merchants of Dort are also complaining. The Dutch envoy in London reports three vessels have been returned, including one that a Dutch captain recaptured. The envoy has protested the English captures.
September 16: I have received your letter. The Grand Facteur was very pleased with it. I will leave a copy with our friend van Berckel.
September 17: A second address from Rotterdam describes the questioning which the masters of Dutch vessels taken to England must undergo. The issue of the captures will be discussed tomorrow. The Grand Facteur has made a copy of the address of the Amsterdam merchants.
September 18: The resolution taken today by the States of Holland to make stronger representations and to protect the country’s trade is satisfactory.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 13 [September] 1778
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 13 [September, 1778] a annét
J’aimerois bien mieux prendre le thé avéc vous les mercredis et les samedis, et vous dire que je vous aime mon chér papa, que d’éstre reduitte a vous l’écrire; la maniére dont on dit qu’on aime; le ton qu’on y mest; un regard; éxpriment si bien et si viste-écrire tout cela, c’est difficil, c’est impossible! Cependant je n’ai que la ressource de l’écriture pour vous rappellér qu’au milieu des champs, vous avés laissé la fémme qui vous est le plus sincérement attaché; je m’en rapporte a votre coeur pour devinér ce que j’éxprimerai mal, ou trop foiblement. Nous menons ici une vie douce; avéc de l’occupation, et de la libérté, on ne s’énnuye jamais; mais avéc une áme tendre, il n’est pas un instant ou l’on ne sente qu’on est loin de ses amis! Oh mon chér papa, si jamais vous nous quittés tout a fait, je serai bien malheureuse … mais éloignons cétte idée; vous nous aimés, vous éstes avéc nous; vous viendrés peut éstre encore passér quelques moments dans ma chaumiére; oui vous viendrés nous rendre parfaittement heureux surtout si vous l’éstes avéc nous: il m’est si doux de vous soignér, de vous amusér, de cherchér a vous plaire; mon papa il fait encore beau, éstce que vous ne reviendrés pas: ne m’écrirai vous pas un mot en françois, car avéc l’anglois je serois pire que tantalle; une faim d’amitié me paroist la plus fascheuse de toutes. Adieu mon aimable papa, aimés moi tant que vous voudrés, j’y répondrés tant que vous voudrés. J’ai l’honneur d’estre Votre trés humble et trés obeissante sérvante
D’hardancourt Brillon
Reçevés les hommages de toute ma société.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François Grasset & Cie., 13 September 1778
From: Grasset, François, & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
A Lausanne en Suisse, dans le Canton de Berne,le 13e. de Septembre 1778 et la 2de. del’Independance de nos bons amisles Anglo-Americains.
Nous vous prions d’excuser, avec votre bonté ordinaire, si nous prennons la liberté de vous ecrire pour vous offrir nos humbles et respectueuses obeissances en tout ce qui peut dependre de nous en ce Pays, ou nous sommes entierement a vos ordres: nous ne vous demandons pas moins la même faveur, pour celle que nous avons encore pris, de vous addresser le Catalogue general de notre librairie, qui contiennent environ dix mille articles differents, de livres en tous genres et facultés, en Latin, Anglois, François, Italien et Espagnols, avec les prix en argent de france, non reliez, a l’exception de ceux qui sont désignés tels sur nos dits catalogues. Et comme ils sont un peu considerables, nous vous les avons addresse par Diligence de Lyon a Paris. Nous desirons de recevoir bientôt vos ordres gracieux; en les attendant, nous vous suplions de nous permettre de nous dire, avec la plus grande veneration et le plus profond respect! De Votre Excellence, Les très humbles, obeïssants serviteurs
François Grasset et Comp.Libraires et Imprimeurs, a Lausanne en Suisse

a Son Excellence Monsieur Francklin, Ambassadeur du Congrès en son hotel à Paris

Notation: Grasset & Co Booksellers Lausanne


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 14 September 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Passy, Sept. 14. 1778
I now send you the Passport required. I postpon’d answering your last in hopes of obtaining it sooner; but tho’ it was long since agreed to, much Business in the Admiralty Department here has I suppose occasion’d its Delay. The Port of Calais was not approv’d of, and I think the Ports mention’d (Nantes or L’Orient) are better for you as well as for us, not only as being nearer to Plymouth, but as many of your Sailors would probably have found Opportunities of deserting in the long March from Brest to Calais, they being afraid of the Press. I understand that upwards of 80 more of your People have been brought by ours Prisoners into France since the List I sent you, but I cannot now send you their Names. You have not mention’d whether the Proposition of sending us the whole of those in your Prisons was agreed to. If it is, you may rely on our sending immediately all that come to our hands for the future; or we will give at your Option, an Order for the Ballance to be deliver’d to your Fleet in America. By putting a little Confidence in one another, we may thus diminish the Miseries of War. To make the Expence of these Exchanges more equal, if another Cartel Ship should be hereafter necessary, we hereby promise to send it to England at our Charge; and so it may continue to be done alternately as long as the War continues. With great Esteem and Affection, I am ever Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
David Hartley Esqr

Endorsed: D F Sept 14 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, 14 September 1778
From: Bancroft, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Monday Morning 14 Septr. 1778
Inclosed I send you an English News paper which though it Contains little, contains all the news I have received from London. I also send you a Letter which I have received from Mr. Ellison, who with Mr. Saml. Wharton desire me to second the request it Contains; which however I would not do, did there appear any impropriety in it; but as it intends only to ascertain a fact, which is no secret, and which Congress has long since published, I do not see any harm that can result from it, and should you perceive none and be willing to comply with the request, I will according to Mr. Ellison’s desire, engage a Notary to Call any morning that may be convenient just to see the Date in question.
I am not yet able to Walk as far as Passy or would have waited on you myself. I am ever Dear Sir Your most respectful and Devoted humble Servant
Edwd. Bancroft

Addressed: To the Hon’ble / Benjamin Franklin / Passy
Notation by Arthur Lee: Gambg. Letter of Dr B. sent to the other Commissioners by Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 14 September 1778
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and Dear Sir,
Brest September 14th. 1778.
Your much esteemed favor of the 6th. at 5 AM. I received the 8th. That kind letter from your Hand at so early an Hour adds much to former Obligations, but more especially as it found me in need of such Cordials; for I have yet received no other letter from the Eastward since the 17th. before Doctor Bancrofts indisposition.
The Strange mistake of the Minister induced me to write the within letter to the Prince the 9th. I sent it inclosed to Doctor Bancroft, as I apprehended that it would Appear before your return to Passy from the Country. It was submitted to his Criticism, therefore I am not sure whither it has or has not been delivered.
I yesterday took the resolution to write the inclosed explicit letter to the Minister. I still wish to think he meant to do me Service from the beginning, And in that Case I think a liberal Minded Man ought not to take offence at liberal Sentiments, Especially where there is no offence intended. I submit both the letters to You with Utmost deference and beg you will Suppress the last if you find it Amiss. I am sorry it is so long, but I could not be Sufficiently full, and more Concise.
I should have made no Mention of my Rank had it not been hinted to me that it was proposed to send me from St. Malo under the Command of French Lieutenants, which I think I ought not to Submit to, as Congress has never proposed to put me under the Command of Captains. The Frigates from St. Malo were sent in consequence of a hint which I furnished. Tho’ I am myself neglected, I hope they have been very successful.
I have Written to the Marine Committee that the Court of France have requested as a favor by a letter to the American Plenipotentiaries, that I might be permitted to remain for some time in Europe. Of course no Command will be reserved for me in America. Yet it is more consistent with my Honor and Duty, However great the Mortification, to return to America unemployed before the Winter; than it would be to remain here Amused with Unmeaning Promises ’till the Spring, and then be disappointed.
It is in Vain for the Minister to pretend that he has not Ships to bestow. I know the contrary. He has bestowed the Renommée and others here since my return; and there are yet several New Ships Unbestowed at St. Malo and elsewhere: I know too that, unless the States oppose it, the Indean can be got afloat with a tenth part of the Difficulty that has been represented. If I was worth his notice at the beginning I am not less so now.
After all, You have desired me to have Patience. And I promise you that I will wait your kind Advice, and take no Step without your Approbation. If it were consistent and convenient for you to See Monseigneur de Sartine, I should hope that such an explanation would be the consequence as might remove every cause of Uneasiness. I am, with a Heart impressed with Sentiments of the truest Esteem and Respect, Honored and dear Sir Your very Obliged very Obedient very humble Servant,
Jno P Jones

NB No News to be depended upon from the Fleet.
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Endorsed: Capt Jones Brest Sept. 14. 78


Title: Richard Grinnell to the American Commissioners, 15 September 1778: résumé
From: Grinnell, Richard
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Guernsey, September 15, 1778: Captain Peter Collas and I sailed with Captain [Corbin] Barnes from Paimboeuf August 29. We were captured September 1 by Captain Abraham Bushall who treated us like brothers. We fell in with Captain Niles whose schooner Spy had been taken by a Jersey privateer. Niles and Barnes succeeded in throwing all papers overboard. Barnes is still on the privateer. You will receive this through the son of the Mr. Dobrée who resides here.>


Title: Daniel McNeill to the American Commissioners, 15 September 1778: résumé
From: McNeill, Daniel
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Paris, September 15, 1778: On my cruise in the General Mifflin I gave chase August 23 to three ships fifty leagues west and north of Ushant Island. I pursued the largest and brought her to at 2 p.m. She was the brig Isabelle from Guadeloupe bound for Bordeaux with a cargo of sugar, coffee and cotton; she had been captured by the Prince of Orange, commanded by Philip Amy of Guernsey, August 19 at 2 p.m. She was in English possession 80 hours. Please apply to the French ministry for the vessel to be adjudicated or for liberty to sail with her or dispose of her.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Coder, 15 September 1778
From: Coder, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
paris ce 15e 7bre 1778
Je prends la Liberté de vous adresser la reponsse que m’a fait Le ministre a La notte que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous comuniquer.
Je vous suplie de prendre conoissence, du memoire si joint et s’il vous interesse assés pour Le remettre ou du moins pour en parler a Mr. de Sartine, je vous devrai sans doute la fin d’une persecution, sous laquelle je suis a la vellie [veille] de succomber ainsi que mon frere.
J’aurai Le plaisir d’aller a passi m’informer de l’etat de votre senté. Je suis avec veneration Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissent scerviteur
Coder
hotel dangletere rue de seine fb st germainM. le docteur franklin

Notation: Coder Paris ce 15e. 7bre. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 15 September 1778
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This is the first letter informing Franklin of his election as minister plenipotentiary to the court of France; the official notification was not sent for another six weeks. The dissolution of the American commission was not the result of its internal dissensions and inefficiency, but rather of the dictates of diplomatic protocol. This demanded that the United States have a representative in France equal in rank to Gérard, who arrived in Philadelphia in July as minister plenipotentiary. Franklin was an obvious choice and apparently only Pennsylvania opposed him. On September 11 Congress unanimously resolved that its interests required a minister in France and Franklin was elected to the new post three days later.

My Dear sir
Philadelphia Septr. 15th. 1778.
This is my fifth Letter since my arrival in this City and having sent Duplicates by three different Vessels I rely some one of them will arrive, and therefore in This only mention what has occurr’d since my last by Capt. Bell. Genl. Sullivan made a good Retreat from Rhode Island. General Clinton with near One hundred Sail of Transports and about Five Thousand Troops arrivd the morning after he had left The Island. Byron’s Fleet (supposed to be) has joined Lord Howe, and they appeared before Boston for a few Days. By the last Letters they were in Newport. Count D’Estaing is repairing in Boston the Damages received by the late Storm. Our Enemy is greatly superior at present by Sea, they landed at Bedford to the East of Rhode Island, burned a Number of Stores and Shipps, and it is said were actually entrenching At that place with Five Thousand Men. In the meantime from all Appearances, they are on the point of evacuating New York, their heavy Cannon and Stores are actually shipp’d and shipping, there are various Conjectures as to their Destination. I have no doubt that the main force is designed for the West Indies, and wish that Our Freinds in that Quarter may be ready to receive them.
Congress yesterday chose You to be their Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of France, and You will very soon receive their Letters, and Credentials. I am very happy on the Occasion, and the more so on Account of the Unanimity with which I learn it was carried; what other arrangements will take place I know not, nor do I much Interest myself on the Subject. I design to be in Paris next Winter when I shall relate to You many things, not proper to be committed to writing, especially in a Letter, at a Period like the present. Mr. Bache is still in the Country with his Family, were your Freinds otherways than well, I should certainly hear of it. I send You the papers of the Day by which and my former Letters You will see what a foolish Game the Commissioners are playing, and with how much boldness they assert what You and I, as well as some others, know to be The most Absolute Falsehoods. I pray you to present my most respectful Compliments to Our Freinds at Paris, and Passy, in particular to the Duke de Rochfaucaud, and the Duchess D’Anville, and to others in the Circle of Our Acquaintance who may enquire after Me. I am very impatient to be with You, on many Accounts, independant of the esteem, and Freindship I shall forever have for You, and shall exert myself to return as Soon as possible. In the meantime I am ever with the most sincere and respectful Attachment Dear sir Your most Obedient and Very Humble servant
Silas Deane
I have not received any Letter from You since my Leaving France
His Excelly. Benja. Franklin

Endorsed: Mr Deane Sept. 15. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ––– Gerard, 15 September 1778
From: Gerard, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  De Passy ce 15 7bre. 1778 à 9.heures du Matin.
  M∴T∴C∴F∴

Vous etes prié de la part de la R.L.D.St.P. des V. ffrs. de vous trouver jeudy. 17. de ce Mois de 7bre. 1778. à Midy précises à la Loge d’adoption qui se tiendra au Ranelagh de Passy près la Muette. Il y aura réception d’appsse. de Compgne. et de Maitsse. avec Musique, Banquet ensuite et Bal.
La Cotisation est de 12 l.t. que vous êtes prié de faire remettre au f∴ Morisan à la grille du Bois de Boulogne et d’avertir sur le Champ si vous pouvez vous y trouver ou non.
Apportez s’il vous plait vos ornemens et votre glaive. Par Mandement
Gerard
Pour le secretaireLoge d’Adoption au Ranelagh de Passy près la Muette

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur de franklin / en son hôtel / a Passy
Endorsed: Gerard Free mason
Notation: 15. 7.bre 1778