Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 23 May 1780
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Boston N.E. May 23’d. 1780.
I received some Months past your Letter from Passy dated Octr. 27. 1779, and lately a Copy of it by The Marquiss Fayette, who arrived here in the Hermoine with M. Corny. As the Arrival of the Marquiss diffused a general Joy, every Expression of it was given here that Circumstances would allow, and particular Respects paid by the Government, as well as the People to this prudent and gallant young Nobleman, who keeps the Cause of America so warm at his Heart: In these Respects Mr Corny had his Share, as well as Captain La Touche Commander of the Frigate. The former, a Gentlemen of Letters and great Politeness, who acquired much Esteem in this Town in a little Time, is gone on to Head Quarters, and from thence to Congress: the latter, who offer’d the Service of the Frigate he commanded to the Government of this State, in the true Spirit of the Alliance, has just returned from a short Cruize on our Coast, undertaken at the Desire of the Council. He has visited Penobscot, taken a near View of the Fort at Baggaduce, made two British Sloops of War commanded by Mawett who burnt Falmouth, retire up the River, brought us an accurate Plan of the Fortress, and done every Thing that Time and Circumstances would allow for our Service. The Presence of this Frigate, under the Command of so brave an Officer, and so warmly affected to the common Cause, will be of great Advantage to the Trade of this State, and particularly to the Supply of this Town with Wood. Which has been at an exorbitant Price since the Enemy have taken Possession of Penobscot. Such Instances of Friendship and Aid make the most agreable Impressions on the Minds of the People here, and cultivate the Alliance; and I cannot but observe with Pleasure evident Marks of the growing Friendship between the two Nations.
It is impossible, my dear Sir, that I should ever loose the deep Respect and the Affection I have for you, Dum Memor ipse mei, dum Spiritus hos regit artus. Your Friendship has united two Things in my Bosom that seldom Meet, Pride and Consolation; it has been the Honour and Balm of my Life. It has much affected me that the Turbulence and Uncertainty of the Times, together with the Weakness of my Nerves which has often unfitted me for Writing, should occasion to your View any Semblance of Neglect. I confess I have not written So often as my Heart dictated; but I have written repeatedly, particularly by the la sensible Capt. Chavagnes who carried my Grandson to France; but whither I gave the Letter to my Boy, to deliver with his own Hand, or to any one else who sailed from hence in that Ship, I do not now remember: I wrote you largely by Mr. Austin, who carried my first Letter after the Convention of Saratoga, and who left us again last Winter, of whose Arrival we have heard Nothing. I have been the more concerned at the Miscarriage of my Letters because they contained some Things relating to the Count d’Estaing, for whom I have the greatest Respect; whose great Talents as a Commander, whose Intrepidity, Vigilance, Secrecy, Assiduity, quick Decision, Prudence, and unabated Affection to the common Cause, united with a surprizing Command of himself in delicate Circumstances and on the most trying Occasions, an Instance of which we had at Newport, I can never sufficiently commend. I thought it ought to be known at the Court of France in what high Estimation he was held here, but for whose uncommon Prudence the Alliance might have received from the Indiscretion of some among us, an early Wound.
Mr. Bradford to whom I comit the Care of this Letter, intended to have sailed directly to Holland, in his Way to France: but the Owners have altered the Destination of the Vessel first to Gottenberg— As another Vessel will soon sail for France or Holland, I hope to write more particularly by that. And am Sir, with every Sentiment of Esteem and Friendship Your obedient humble Servant
Saml: Cooper.
The Letters enclosed with this were sent me by Capt. la Touche, and M. de Corny to be committed to your Care.

Notation: Dr. Cooper May 23. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 23 May 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
La haie 23e. May 1780
Depuis ma derniere, j’ai écrit une Lettre très-soumise au Gd. Facteur où je lui demande pardon pour la 3e. ou 4e. fois. Il ne répond pas. Je ne puis donc rien faire de plus, jusqu’à-ce que vous me prescriviez quelque chose de plus, que d’avoir patience & d’attendre qu’il revienne. Je n’en serai pas moins prompt à lui rendre service si je puis, & s’il le veut. S’il arrivoit quelque grande nouvelle d’Amérique, je me recommande pour la savoir, s’il est possible, le premier, afin de pouvoir la lui annoncer. Cela pourroit devenir le véhicule du racommodement.
On me mande d’Amsterdam, qu’il y est entré un petit navire du Continent Américain, Cap. Moses Brown, consigné à Mr. Hodson, Maison qui ne passe pourtant pas pour être amie des Américains. Mais cette phrase devroit-elle jamais sortir de ma bouche, après les cuisants chagrins qu’elle m’a causés? Le Cape. du navire n’avoit pas encore délivré ses Lettres.
Un Vaisseau parti de St. Eustache au commencement d’Avril, a apporté la nouvelle, qui y étoit parvenue de la part des Angloismêmes, de l’extrême embarras où ils se trouvent dans ces merslà; leurs forces etant divisées, & une des divisions bloquée à Ste. Lucie.
Mrs. Van De Perre & Meyners m’ont écrit fort poliment pour m’accuser la reception de votre Lettre, & de celle du Commodore Jones. Je leur avois joint une copie de la résolution du Congrès touchant le vaisseau portugais dont vous leur avez fait mention.
La Requête d’Amsterdam a été retardée par l’opposition de deux ou trois fortes maisons, soufflées par certaines gens ici qui continuent de mettre des entraves à toutes ces bonnes choses. On m’assure néanmoins qu’elle sera présentée. C’est les mêmes gens qui ont fait nommer, pour aller négocier un Corps de Matelots au Danemark, un homme élégant qui a voyagé en Italie, &c. & qui joue joliment dans des Proverbes & dans des Drames de Société. Si l’Etat accepte le 3e. Matelot de la Marine, notre Ami m’assure que cela seul donneroit le Corps de Matelots dont on a besoin; car la Hollande & la Frise seule emploient, dit-on 5000 vaisseaux au Commerce de la Baltique, de la France, de l’Espagne, du Portugal, & de la Méditerranée. Ainsi le Virtuose pourra revenir jouer ses drames en Hollande.
Je suis avec un très-grand respect Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
D

Nous ne doutons pas, notre ami & moi, qu’on ne cherche ici, dans le fonds, qu’à faire naître des prétextes pour ne point convoyer; à moins qu’on n’y soit forcé par les premieres dépêches qui arriveront de Russie.

Je vous ai dit que la Requête a trouvé de l’opposition, & qu’on envoie un Damoiseau pour négocier des Matelots: voici un troisieme trait: c’est qu’on a mis en commission & envoyé au Texel une quantité trop grande de vaisseaux pour le peu de Matelots qu’on a; ainsi, aucun n’étant complet, on a un beau prétexte pour dire qu’on manque de matelots. C’est notre Ami qui m’a dit tout cela ce matin.
Passy à S.E. M. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, / Esqr. Min. Plenipe. / des Etats Unis &c. / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas la haie. May 23. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 23 May[–13 June 1780]
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
La Haie 23e. May[–June 13] 1780.
Je donnai ces jours passés une Lettre d’Introduction auprès de Votre Exc. à Mr. Corn. van Oudermeulen, Directeur de la Compe. des Indes-or. [orientales] de la Chambre d’Amsterdam, qui se propose d’aller dans peu à Paris, exprès pour avoir quelques entretiens avec Vous, comme aussi avec Mr. 891, sur des idées interessantes, dont j’ignore le sujet.— Il laissera, m’at-il dit, son secret cacheté entre les mains de Mrs. les Bourguemaîtres d’Amsterdam, pour n’être ouvert & connu que lorsqu’il en sera temps.— C’est un homme connu pour avoir de grandes lumieres sur le Commerce en général, auteur d’un Livre estimé, imprimé depuis peu chez Rey à Amsterdam sous le titre de Recherches sur le Commerce in 8°. Il est ami de Mr. Temmink Bourguemaître regnant d’Amsterdam. Il se plaint d’avoir des désagrémens de la part d’un puissant Parti ici, & d’être toujours en différend avec les Avocats de la Compe., qui ont une influence considérable dans toutes les affaires de cette Compe. Il y a déjà plusieurs semaines qu’il a intention de faire ce voyage: mais un entretien qu’il eut avec le 373. 657y. 610. 395, où on lui déclaroit, que les soupçons que feroit naître contre lui un tel voyage pourroit lui faire perdre son Poste, l’a retenu. Depuis lors, le 30 lui ayant aussi fait un meilleur accueil, il avoit pensé que la prudence demandoit qu’il se conduisît avec ménagement, & qu’il convenoit d’attendre une occasion pour faire une telle démarche sans cette conséquence: or, dans la situation présente, où l’on n’ose plus ici montrer tant de partialité pour l’Angleterre, cette occasion lui paroît être venue.
Notre Ami, qui ignore d’ailleurs, ainsi que moi, quel est le secret que ce Monsieur veut vous confier, m’a confirmé ce que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous dire ci-dessus de sa capacité.
Je souhaite de tout mon coeur, que ce qu’il a à vous communiquer soit avantageux aux Etats-Unis. Vous en jugerez, Monsieur, quand il vous en aura fait la confidence.
Je suis avec un grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas

P.S. Cette Lettre étoit écrite, lorsque Mr. Oudermeulen m’a prié d’en suspendre l’envoi, jusqu’à-ce qu’il m’ait écrit d’Amsterdam où il retourne ce soir.

13e. Juin 1780
Après avoir différé pour plusieurs bonnes raisons jusqu’à présent d’exiger que je fisse partir cette Lettre, Mr. Oudermeulen m’a prié ce matin de vous la faire parvenir, & de vous prévenir en même temps, qu’avant de faire lui-même le voyage de Paris, il vous écrira d’Amsterdam une Lettre, où il vous fera je pense entrevoir ses idées & ses vues.
Je viens de recevoir l’honorée vôtre du 5e. Juin & les papiers qui y sont joints, dont je ferai [torn: usage?], quand l’occasion s’en offrira; En attendant réponse à ma derniere concernant l’affaire de Mrs. Van de Perre & Meyners Je vois un passage, Monsieur, dans votre Lettre, qui m’a vivement frappé: before I leave Europe. Comment dois-je entendre cela? Je crains de l’interpréter.
Sir J. Y. a fait insérer dans la Gaz de la H— & d’Amst. ce qui suit.
Nous sommes autorisés de source d’assurer le public, que la Lettre, insérée dans la plupart des Gazettes de l’Europe, comme écrite par le Genl. Clinton, sous la date de Savannah le 30 Janv. 1780, est une pure fiction, pour donner de fausses idées de la situation des affaires en Amérique; & que pareille Lettre n’est jamais sortie de la plume du Général Anglois, étant directement contraire au contenu de toutes celles qu’il a écrites.
Passy à Son Exc. Mr. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plenipe. des Etats-unis / &c. / à Passy./.
Notation: Dumas la haie May 23. 80


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 24 May 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard

Dear Son,
Passy, May 24. 1780
Messieurs Galatin & De Serres, two young Gentlemen of Geneva, of good Families and very good Characters, having an Inclination to see America; if they should arrive in your City, I recommend them to your Civilities, Counsel and Countenance. I am ever, Your affectionate Father
B Franklin
Richard Bache Esqe

Addressed: To / Richard Bache Esqe / Postmaster General of the / United States / Philadelphia


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [the Duc de la Rochefoucauld], 24 May 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de

Dear Sir,
Passy, May 24, 1780.
I enclose the letter you desired for the two young gentlemen of Geneva. But their friends would do well to prevent the voyage.
With sincere and great esteem, I am, dear sir, you most obedient and most humble servant,
B. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 24 May 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
London 24 May 1780
I took the liberty, in a letter of the 9th. Inst. to solicit the favour of You to help me to a full length portrait of yourself. It is to oblige a deserving and ingenious Engraver who means to employ his present time in producing a good print therefrom, & to take the plate with Him to a Country where his prospects for future happiness & success are greater than he can promise himself by staying here— He hopes too by Landing with him a good full length print of a person whom America looks up to as Her first Citizen, that it will pave his way to future employment & to a good settlement. We have several good bust & half-length likenesses of you in England but none at full length— What we want is one of these either setting or standing, with such ornaments and emblems to the portrait as You may chuse. The size of the Print is meant to be about two feet by 18 Inchs. more or less as the decorations may require. The nearer the drawing or picture is made to that size the better for my friend the artist. If you can possibly give up but a few hours to this my request, it would be a very grt obligation to me, besides the pleasure I shall receive in holding forever in my possession the likeness of the man to whom my Country owes the first & most extensive obligations. If the favour could be done me, the drawing, painting, or Craons would find its way safely & expeditiously to me, if it could be forwarded from You to Monsieur Francois Bowens Negt. at Ostend. I shall forward to that gentn. on Saturday next a small deal box which contains a portrait of a Divine who is much respected by yourself & every person of his acquaintance, & what will make it more valuable to You, it is done by the fair hand of his amiable Daughter Miss Georgiana, in return for a present from You which I frequently hear commended and very much prizd. I know of no private oppery [opportunity] to send it; I can get it safe to mr Bowens, & shall charge him not to forward it but by a very safe conveyance from Ostend.
We have been long impatiently waiting a line from You relative to the Captives in this quarter, as by what you last wrote Mr. H——n we had reason to expect another letter in a few days; neither him nor Mr H——y can do any thing with a certain board until another letter is recd from You. In the meantime nothing is expected nor even is another cartel talkd of, but many of the prisoners have been lucky lately in getting themselves liberated. As Mr H——n wrote you the 12th Int., & my letter of the 9th also mentiond these circumstances we are in hopes another post or two will bring one of us a letter.
We are still without authentic news from America, but every day produces a new report about the Fate of Clinton; many people here are wicked enough to hope the present one (wch comes from France) to be true, & which says He has been repulsd at Ch. Town & flying towards Georgia. A Ship is arrivd at Cork which saild from N York the 6th of April with the Reinforcement for Clinton 20 transports with 3,000 men under convoy of the Rainbow only—this ship left them on the 12th not far on their way, but steering South with a fair wind.

Our Wt Inda. fleet of near 250 sail is still detaind at Torbay for a fair wind. The N York will probably sail (50 or 60 ships) abot. the middle June. I hear of no troops or ships of considerable force going with them. Sr. C. Hardy is dead, & Adml Geary got the Channel fleet which we are told is to be 25 sail & to be ready in June. There are accots. to day from the west, that the Ardent man of war is retaken in the Bay Biscay by two fiftys— She appears to have been on a cruise by herself, & we rejoice exceedingly at getting our old Ship again.
I formerly took the liberty to mention a Mr Burn of Lisbon to you & to ask yr. interest to him to procure a passport from Turin to Paris; I expect He is by this time in Paris & will probably make use of my Name (or an introductory Letter I had lodgd for Him at Paris) with you. He is a very deserving Young Man & in several instances been servicable to your Country, & I believe the only well wisher to its cause that can be found among the British factory at Lisbon. I am to beg your usual civility may be extended to Him, & you may safely trust any letters or parcells to him which you may have occasion to send hither. I am sir yr mo obligd & obt. Sert
W S. C

Addressed: Monsieur Monsieur B.F— / Passy
Endorsed: May 24. 80
Notation: May 24. 80


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Judges of the Admiralty of Cherbourg, 26 May 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Judges of the Admiralty of Cherbourg

Gentlemen,
Passy 26 May 1780
I have received the Procès Verbaux and other Papers which you did me the Honour to send me, agreable to the 11th. Article of the Regulation of the 27th. Sep 1778. These Pieces relate to the taking of the Ship Flora, whereof was Captain Henry Roodenberg, bound from Rotterdam to Dublin, and arrived at Cherbourg in France, being taken the 7th Day of April 1780. by Capt. Dowlin, commander of the American Privateer the Black Prince.
It appears to me from the above mentioned Papers, that the said Ship Flora is not a good Prize, the same belonging to the Subjects of a Neutral Nation: But that the Cargo is really the Property of the Subjects of the King of England, tho’ attempted to be masqu’d as neutral.
I do therefore request that after the Cargo Shall be landed, you would cause the said Ship Flora to be immediately restored to her Captain, and that you would oblige the Captors to pay him his full Freight according to his Bills of Lading, and also to make good all the Damages he may have sustained by Plunder or otherwise. And I farther request that as the Cargo is perishable you would cause it to be sold immediately, and retain the Produce deposited in your Hands, to the End that if any of the Freighters, being Subjects of their High Mightinesses the States General, will declare upon Oath that certain Parts of the said Cargo were bonâ fide shipp’d on their own Account and Risque, and not on the Account or Risque of any British or Irish Subject, the Value of such Parts may be restored: Or that if the Freighters or any of them should think fit to appeal from this Judgment to the Congress, the Produce so deposited may be desposed of according to their final Determination.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient and most humble Servant.
B FranklinMinister Plenipotentiary from theUnited States of Americaat the Court of France.
To Messrs. the Judges of the Admiralty at Cherbourg


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Milhas le jeune, 26 May 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Milhas, ——, le jeune

Sir,
Passy, May 26. 1780.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me relative to public Contract made in Charlestown, for 3050. Pounds Money of Carolina. Those Contracts were as I suppose made by the Government of that particular State, with whose affairs I have no Concern, and know nothing of the Value of their Paper, nor what Provision they have made for redeeming it, nor where the Payment either of Interest or Principal is to be made. But I believe it is not in Europe, and that when such Paper is brought over hither, it is generally with an Intent to deceive, by the high nominal Value of what is in reality at present very low. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. &c.
Mr. Milhas le Jeune à la Chapelle St. Jean, à Bordeaux.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, [on or before 26 May 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

[on or before May 26, 1780]
Note for his Excellency Monsieur le Comte de Vergennes.
When the Alliance Frigate arrived in France, Mr. Franklin was desirous of employing her in annoying the English Trade, and obtaining Prisoners to Exchange for the Americans who had long languished in the Prisons of England.
A Cruise with a small Squadron, under Commodore Jones round the Coast of Britain being about that time intended, M. Franklin was requested by his Excellency the Minister of the Marine to join the Alliance to that Squadron.— He chearfully complied with that Request, and in his Instructions to Capt. Jones, he encouraged him by the Hopes of his being useful to his Country in delivering so many poor Prisoners from their Captivity.
As the Squadron acted under American Commission and Colours and was commanded by an American Chief and was thence understood to be American, our Countrymen in the British Prisons rejoiced to hear of its Success, and that 500 English were made Prisoners in the Cruise, by an Exchange with whom they hoped soon to obtain their Liberty, and to return to their Families and Country.
The Alliance alone took Vessels containing near 200 of those English Prisoners. The Bonhomme Richard, which was mann’d chiefly by Americans took in the Serapis a great Part of the Remainder.
The Ambassador of France at the Hague, applied to Comme. Jones for those Prisoners, in order to execute a Cartel enter’d into with the Ambassador of England. Comme. Jones declined delivering them without Orders from Mr. Franklin. The Ambassador did Mr. F. the honour of writing to him on the Subject, acquainting him that Mr Jones had urged the Exchanging them for Americans, and promising to use his Endeavours for that Purpose.
Mr Franklin thereupon immediately sent the Orders desired, expressing at the same time his Confidence in the Ambassador’s Promise.
The Prisoners were accordingly deliver’d; but they were actually exchang’d for French.
His Excellency M. De Sartine afterwards acquainting Mr. Franklin, that he had not English Prisoners enough at L’Orient to fill an English Cartel then there, Mr F. gave Orders that 48 he had in that Port should be deliver’d up for that Purposed 38 others at Brest to be employed in the same Manner.

M. Franklin was afterwards informed by Mr de Chaumont, that Mr. De Sartine had assured him that other English Prisoners should be furnish’d to exchange for those so given up, in Holland and in France.
M. Franklin wrote accordingly to England, and a Cartel Vessel was thereupon order’d from Plymouth to Morlaix with 100 Americans. As soon as M. F. was acquainted with this, he apply’d thro’ M. De Chaumont to M. De Sartine for an equal Number of English who readily agreed to furnish them, and promised to send Orders immediately to march 100 from Saumur to Morlaix.
The Cartel arrived, landed the 100 Americans, but was sent back empty with only a Receipt from the Commissary of the Port, no English being arrived for the Exchange.
Mr. F. has since received Letters from England acquainting him that he is charged with Breach of Faith, and with deceiving the Board which had the Charge of managing the Exchange of Prisoners; and a Stop is put to that Exchange in Consequence.
The Poor American Prisoners there, many of whom have been confined two or three Years, and have bravely resisted all the Temptations, accompanied with Threats, and follow’d by ill Usage, to induce them to enter into the English Service, are now in Despair, seeing their Hopes of speedy Liberty ruined by this Failure.
His Excellency M. De Sartine has kindly and repeatedly promised by M. De Chaumont, to furnish the Number wanted, (about 400) for exchanging the said Americans.
But it is now said that the Kings Order is necessary to be first obtained.
Mr. Franklin therefore earnestly requests his Excellency M. le Comte de Vergennes, to support the Proposition in Council, and thereby obtain Liberty for those unfortunate People.

Endorsed: M. de R fin de May 1780. pour(?) traduire.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 26 May 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
La haie 26e. May 1780
Je vis hier Mr. Van de Perre. Il forme avec Mr. Meyners la plus forte maison de Commerce à Middelbourg en Zélande. Il m’a prié d’appuyer la réclame qu’il a faite du Vaisseau le Berkenbos sa propriété, destiné de Liverpool à Livourne, chargé de harengs & de plomb pour compte hollandois & Italien, pris par Mr. Jones & envoyé comme prise en Amérique, de l’appuyer, dis-je, tant auprès de vous qu’en Amérique. Mr. Van de Perre est de la famille la plus distinguée de Zélande, Directeur de la Compagnie des Indes-orientales, Neveu de Mr. Van Berkel Pensionaire d’Amsterdam, de notre Ami. Je crois n’avoir pas besoin de dire un mot de plus, pour vous faire juger, Monsieur, combien il importe que la plus prompte Justice soit faite à l’égard de ce Vaisseau. On lui a fait de fortes instances de la part des Anglois et leurs adhérens pour porter sa plainte à leurs H.P. directement, parce qu’on eût voulu faire de cette affaire quelque usage désavantageux à l’Amérique: mais il a mieux aimé avoir son recours à la justice du Congrès. Je crois, Monsieur, vous avoir déjà dit, que je lui ai fourni la Résolution du Congrès touchant le Vaisseau Portugais, dont vous lui parliez dans votre Lettre. Je suis mortifié que cela soit arrivé précisément à des gens alliés avec notre meilleur ami en ce pays. Ils demandent non seulement la restitution de tout, mais aussi des dommages & fraix, & entre autres de ceux que leur causent leurs Matelots, qu’on a ôtés du vaisseau, & placés sur l’ Alliance. Je suis toujours avec un très grand respect, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas

P.S. J’allois fermer ma Lettre, quand on m’a apporté celle dont Mr. Adams m’honore en date du 21 de ce mois en m’envoyant de votre part la Lettre attribuée au Genl. Clinton. J’ai eu beaucoup de satisfaction de recevoir cette faveur de Mr. Adams; elle vient parfaitement à propos, pour me rassurer contre ce qu’on m’avoit rapporté il y a peu de jours, qu’on cherchoit à donner de mauvaises impressions contre moi à Mr. Adams.
Quant à la piece, je n’ose en faire usage: car je vois clairement que c’est une piece forgée, & que Clinton ne peut pas avoir écrit cela. Je la montrerai cependant au Gazetier de Leide, qui en portera certainement le même jugement que moi. Mais je ne crois pas pouvoir en faire usage ni auprès de notre Ami, ni auprès du Gd. Facteur; ce que je regrette. Il paroît que la derniere Lettre très-soumise que j’ai écrite au dernier, l’a enfin touché; car il m’a fait dire par Son Secretaire aujourd’hui, qu’il l’avoit reçue, & qu’à Son retour d’Utrecht, pour où il part demain, il me fera dire d’aller chez lui. J’espere donc de le trouver appaisé, & que tout ceci, qui m’a presque fait mourir de chagrin, sera entierement fini: si seulement il n’insiste pas sur une rétractation en faveur de … car il m’est impossible de la donner: d’ailleurs ce Seroit justifier le vol de la Lettre. S’il arrive quelque bonne nouvelle authentique d’Amérique, faites-moi, la grace, Monsieur, de me la faire parvenir d’abord, afin que je l’aie, s’il est possible, le premier, pour pouvoir l’apprendre au gd. Facteur, & à d’autres, avant de la fournir aux Gazettiers.
Passy à S.E. Mr. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Ministre Plenipe. des Etats-unis / &c. / Passy./.
Notation: Mr. Dumas to Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joachim Reallon, 26 May 1780
From: Reallon, Joachim
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
St. Jean de luz 26 May 1780
I hope your Exelency will Excuse me if I take the Leberty of writting you this few Lines for to Lett you Know that I agreed with Richard Graham & Compy. to take the Commander of the Sloop Canister from Dunfrise potomack river in virginia For a Voyage to France, which I have had the misfortune to be taken and Carried to England and from there Exchangéd, and as I made an agrément with the Said graham & Compy that if in Case that I Should be taken they were to pay me the sum of twenty pound sterling, and as I am not acquainted with any Body I hope your Exelency will Introduce me, How to have the Said Sum of twenty pound therefore, I Sent you a Copy, of my agrement if you want the original I Shall Send you. Expecting from you this favour with an answer. I am with respect Sir Your most humble and obt. servant
JOACHIM Reallon
  Copy of my agrement.

Sir
Dunfrise October 21. 1778.
Please to pay Joachim reallon twenty pound sterling on account of Sir Your most Humble servant
Richard GRAHAM & Compy

To David francks Esqre. agent of British prisonners New YorkTo the Honorable Dr. Frankling

Notation: Joachim Reallon. Dunfrise Oct. 21. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 26 May 1780
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honnd. Sir
Dunkerque 26th. May 1780.
I have had the Honnor of writing your Excellency the 13th. & 20th. Insts., very satisfactory, I hope, relative to the Condamnation expected, for the Prises to the Poor Black Prince; The Brig Friendship Capt. Pretty John, the Schooner Peter Capt. Thos. Byrne, & the Dutch Brig the Aurora Capt. Hy. Roodenberg who had a Cargoe Clearly attested & proved to be the Property of the Ennemy.
I have the Honnor to forwd. to your Excellency a Declaration given upon oath Before a Nottary Publick, by Mr. Boulanger the English Brocker in St. Vallery, who Interpretted the report of Capt. Roodenberg.— But I hope this fresh Testimoney, can add but Little to the Clear Persuasion your Excellency allready had, on the Truth & fidelity of the Report in Berck, & on the Just & undeniall Claim of the Captor on the Cargoe of the Aurora, of which I beseech Your Excellency, to Hasten the Condamnation, on account of the Immense decay of the merchandizes & the Havey Charges the delay daily occasion.
I am advised from Morlaix that the Admiralty has sent to your Excellency a Bill of Lading for the Cargoe of the Brig Friendship Capt Pretty John. I hope it will In fine determine your Excellency to grant an Immediate Condamnation thereof.—
I am in Hopes your Excellency will not requiece & wait for such, to Condamn the Schooner Peter & her Cargoe, & that you will be Satisfied for granting it, with the report Sent by the admiralty, with the Crew’s signed Exchange or Parole Bill, & with the Paragraph of the New Lloyd’s List of the 21st. march advertising this Prise.—
My Correspondants writes me these Cargoes are daily Spoiling, & endeed, it occasions the Crew & the Concerns of the Poor Black Prince an Immense Prejudice.—
I am with greatest respect Honnd. Sir your Excellency’s Most Humble & most obeidient Servant
J. Torris
His Excellency Dr. Franklin Minister for America—

Endorsed: May 26.
Notation: Mr. Torris—May 26. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Duvivier, 27 May 1780
From: Duvivier, Pierre-Simon-Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris ce 27 may 1780
Les Medailles que Vous m’avez demandées sont frappées; jattends les noms des personnes que vous devez m’envoier pour les faire graver comme nous en sommes convenus, et je vous prierois en meme temps en visitant ces memes papiers de prendre un parti sur les autres médailles a Graver. La belle saison m’excite a vous faire cette demande.
Jai lhonneur d’estre tres respectueusement Monsieur, de Votre Excellence Le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
B DuVivier

Addressed: a Son Excellence / Son Excellence Monsieur / Franklin Ministre des Etats / unis d’amerique près le Roy / de france / a Passy
Notation: Duvivier Paris 27 may 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 29 May 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
London 29 May 1780
A friend of mine, Mr Renny of Phia, promising to put this into the post Office at Ostend, I set down to mention what I omitted to do in my two last letters the 24 & 26th. inst, which was only to offer you from Mr Sam Hartley some more good Jama. Rum (wch He has laying at Dunkirke) and of wch. you once before had a little. If any is wantd, we can with yr. assistance & direction contrive to get a small Cask from Dunkirque to Paris.
We are yet without any letters from you relative to the further proceedings in the Cartel matter, & we are anxious for such letter from you, as every thing for want of it is stopd at the office of sick & hurt.
I expect Mr. Wm. Burn of Lisbon, whom I formerly recommended to yr. attention & askd a passport for from Turin to Paris, is now at Paris, & will soon move this way on his way back to Lisbon. He will take particular care of any thing you may have to send to yr. friends here, & be assurd He merits your usual civility & attention.
We have no news yet from Clinton, but every body seems to give up his Expedition as a lost one & I beleive a great majority of this Country would be glad to hear a certainty of it.
I forwarded to Monr F Bowens a few days ago a small box containing a picture of Her Father from Miss Georgiana. I hope it will reach you in safety. It will make me happy to have a request in my last for a full length Drawing of yourself complied with. My friend waits. I have only time to add that I am with the highest Esteem Dr. sir Yrs. &c &c
W.S.C

The Inclosd is a Letter sent to me by Dr. Logan from Liverpoole from which port I expect he saild in a direct voyage to His home on Wedny last. I was pleasd to have it in my power to get him forwarded by so desirable a conveyance.

Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur B. Franklyn / Passy
Endorsed: May 29. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 29 May 1780
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honour’d Sir.
Amsterdam the 29th. May 1780.
May it please your Excellency;
That we lay before her, that by bills of Exchange drawn on Henry Lawrence Esqr. as Commissioner of the United States, to reside in Amsterdam, it appeard to us that it was expected in America this Gentleman was to be here before this; butt neither here nor at the Hague we could have the pleasure to learn anything about it. That in this Circumstance we have engaged directly to Accept some of them, if Mr. Laurence should not appear in a fourthnight; others we have purely engaged to wait the time, as we do not know how farr those draufts may extend, and whatever were our goodwill to assist the American it could very shortily exceed our power to provide for the payment without proper provisions were made. Those bills we find are drawn at 6 Month sight, and in the meantime we flatter ourselfs at least that this matter must be settled, we therefor begg your Excellencys advice and assistance, to know at all events your Excellency could or would procure us rimbursement, in case those bills should not be rimbursed, and to which Amount, that we may regulate ourselfs accordingly; This we hope may on new convince Your Excellency of the Zeal we bore and still bear to the American Cause, which we are willing to defend and protect as much as it lays in our power.
Wishing that it may please Your Excellency again to honour us with her Answer, We remain Constantly in particular with all devoted Regard. Honourd Sir Your Excellencys most faithfull and Most obedient humble Servants,
John DE Neufville & Son


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 30 May 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir
Passy May 30. 1780
I am under the greatest Uneasiness to find, that great Part of the Cloathing sent to Brest to be shipt for America, was left behind, and that the Alliance alone has not sufficient Room, to receive it with the Arms and Gunpowder, which the King has been so good as to order for us, and which are all so much wanted in the American Armies. A Proposition has been made of asking to borrow the Ariel to assist in carrying these Things. It is said that a sufficient Number of Men and Officers can be furnished for her out of the Alliance. I am so unacquainted with Ship Business that I cannot judge of the fitness of that Vessel. But if your Excellency should approve of the Proposal, and be inclined to favour us with the Loan of that or any other Ship more convenient for the Purpose, it will be an essential Service to the United States, and for which they will be under great Obligation.
With the greatest Esteem I have the honour to be, Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy M. De Sartine./.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Torris, 30 May 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Torris, John

Sir,
Passy, May 30. 1780
In my last of the 27th. Instant, I omitted one thing, I had intended, viz, to desire you would give absolute orders to your Cruisers, not to bring in any more dutch Vessels, tho’ charg’d with Enemy’s goods, unless contraband. All the neutral states of Europe seem at present disposed to change what had before been deemed the law of Nations, to wit, that an Enemy’s Property may be taken wherever found and to establish a Rule that free Ships Shall make free Goods. This rule is in itself so reasonable, and of a nature to be so beneficial to mankind that I cannot but wish it may become general. And I make no doubt but that the Congress will agree to it in as full an extent as france and spain. In the mean time, and until I have received the Orders on the Subject, it is my Intention to condemn no more English Goods found in Dutch Vessels, unless contraband; of which I thought it right to give you this previous Notice; that you may avoid the Trouble and Expence likely to arise from such Captures and the Detention of them for a Decision, with great Regard, and best Wishes for the success of your Enterprizes, I have the honour to be, sir, &c.
M. Torris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 30 May 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr Sir
London May 30th. 1780
I am very sorry to be so frequently troublesome and repeatedly asking favours of You; But when I reflect on your readiness to do good, & that my present application is to help a deserving Man, I flatter myself I shall stand forgiven.
Dr. Upton Scott of Annapolis in Maryland is necessiated to seek His way back to His Country, Family & Home, by the same route (probably in the same ship) with our friend Mr. L——d in the next New York fleet. He is solicitous to me to aid Him in asking the favour of You (to whom He formerly had the honour to be known) to procure Him if possible some written Instrument, which may save His Baggage & Effects from seizure should the vessel on which He Embarks fall into the hands of an American Cruizer; in which case, tho the Doctor is a good friend to His Country, He may loose his Baggage, from the People who takes him not knowing any thing about Him or His worth.
Dr Scott is an old & respected Citizen of Annapolis, where He practisd Phisick with reputation for many years, and left that Country about four years ago with the approbation & good wishes of the Province, in order to look after a paternal inheritance in Ireland, from which Country He has lately returnd to seek a mode for getting home, & which He thinks He can easiest accomplish by getting past the lines of New York. The fleet for that quarter will most likely sail in 3 weeks tho the Convoy is not yet nominated; and if such an instrument of writing as I now solicit can be got without any impropriety or inconvenience to You, I should esteem it a very great favour to have it forwarded by the first post to me. The letter may be directed to me in propria persona and inclosd in a cover to Messrs. Wm. Hodgson & Co. or Messrs. French & Hopson Brokers, wch last may be probably more safe than the former; tho I beleive He has never yet missd any of yrs.
I have the honor to be with very great Esteem Dr Sir Yr obligd & Obt Ser
TD

Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur B: F——n / Passy
Endorsed: May 30. 80
Notation: T.D. London May 30. 1780.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Huntington, Samuel

Sir,
Passy May 31. 1780.
I wrote to your Excellency the 4th. of March past, to go by this Ship, the Alliance, then expected to sail immediately. But the Men refusing to go ’till paid their Shares of Prize Money, and sundry Difficulties arising with regard to the Sale and Division, she has been detained thus long to my great Mortification, and I am yet uncertain when I shall be able to get her out. The Trouble & Vexation these Maritime Affairs give me is inconceivable. I have often express’d to Congress my Wish to be relieved from them, and that some Person better acquainted with them, and better situated might be appointed to manage them. Much Money as well as Time would I am sure be saved by such an Appointment.
The Alliance is to cary some of the Canon long since order’d, and as much of the Powder Arms and Cloathing (furnish’d by Government here) as she, together with a Frigate, the Ariel, we have borrowed, can take: I hope they may between them take the whole, with what has been provided by Mr Ross.— This Gentleman has, by what I can learn, served the Congress well, in the Quality and Prices of the Goods he has purchased; I wish it had been in my Power to have discharged his Ballance here, for which he has importun’d me rather too much. We furnished him with about 20,000£ Sterling to discharge his first Accounts, which he was to replace as soon as he received Remittances from the Committee of Commerce: This has not been done, and he now demands another nearly equal Sum; urging as before that the Credit of the States as well as his own will be hurt by my Refusal. Mr. Bingham, too, complains of me for refusing some of his Drafts as very hurtful to his Credit, tho’ he owns he had no Orders from Congress to authorise those Drafts. I never undertook to provide for more than the Payment of the Interest Bills of the first Loan. The Congress have drawn on me very considerably for other Purposes, which has sometimes greatly embarrass’d me, but I have duly accepted and found means to pay their Drafts: so that their Credit in Europe has been well supported: But if every Agent of Congress in different Parts of the World is permitted to run in Debt, and draw upon me at pleasure to support his Credit, under the Idea of its being necessary to do so for the Honour of Congress, the Difficulty upon me will be too great, and I may in fine be obliged to protest the Interest Bills. I therefore beg that a Stop may be put to such irregular Proceedings. Had the Loans proposed to be made in Europe, succeeded, these Practices might not have been so inconvenient: But the Number of Agents from separate States running all over Europe and asking to borrow Money, has given such an Idea of our Distress and Poverty as makes every Body afraid to trust us. I am much pleased to find that Congress has at length resolved to borrow of our own People, by making their future Bills bear Interest. This Interest duly paid in hard Money to such as require hard Money, will fix the Value of the Principal; and even make the Payment of the Interest in hard Money, for the most Part unnecessary provided always that the Quantity of Principal be not excessive. A great Clamour has lately been made here by some Merchants, who say they have large Sums in their Hands of Paper Money in America, and that they are ruined by some Resolution of Congress which reduces its Value to one Part in Forty: As I have had no Letter explaining this Matter, I have only been able to say that it is probably misunderstood, and that I am confident the Congress have not done, nor will do any thing unjust towards Strangers who have given us Credit.
I have indeed been almost ready to complain that I hear so little and so seldom from Congress, or from the Committee of Correspondence: but I know the Difficulty of Communication, and the frequent Interruption it meets with in this Time of War. I have not yet received a Line this Year, and the Letters wrote by the Confederacy, as I suppose some must have been written by her, have not yet come to hand.
I mentioned in a former Letter my having communicated to Mr Johnson of Nantes, the Order of Congress appointing him to examine the Accounts, and his Acceptance of the Appointment. Nothing however has yet been done in pursuance of it; For Mr Deane having wrote that he might be expected here by the Middle of March, and as his Presence would be very useful in explaining the Mercantile Transactions, I have waited his Arrival to request Mr Johnson’s coming to Paris, that his Detention here from his Affairs at Nantes, might be as short as possible. Mr Deane is not yet come; but as we have heard of the Arrival of the Fendant in Martinique, in which Ship he took his Passage, we imagine he may be here in some of the first Ships from that Island.
The Medal for M. Fleury is done and deliver’d to his Order, he being absent. I shall get the others prepared as soon as possible by the same Hand if I cannot find a cheaper equally good; which I am now enquiring after; 2000 Livres appearing to me a great Sum for the Work.
With my last, I sent a Copy of my Memorial to the Court of Denmark. I have since received an Answer from the Minister of that Court for Foreign Affairs, a Copy of which I inclose. It referr’d me to the Danish Minister here, with whom I have had a Conference on the Subject. He was full of Professions of the Good will of his Court to the United States, and would excuse the Delivery of our Prizes to the English, as done in Conformity to Treaties, which it was necessary to observe. He had not the Treaty to shew me, and I have not been able to find such a Treaty on Enquiry. After my Memorial, our People left at Bergen were treated with the greatest Kindness by an Order from Court, their Expences, during the Winter that they had been detained there, all paid. Necessaries furnished to them for their Voyage to Dunkerque, and a Passage thither found for them, all at the Kings Expence. I have not dropt the Application for a Restitution, but shall continue to push it, not without some Hopes of Success. I wish however to receive Instructions relating to it; and I think a Letter from Congress to that Court might forward the Business; for I believe they are sensible they have done wrong, and are apprehensive of the Inconveniences that may follow. With this I send the Protests taken at Bergen against the Proceeding.
The Alliance in her last Cruise met with and sent to America a Dutch Ship, supposed to have on board an English Cargo. The Owners have made Application to me. I have assured them that they might depend on the Justice of our Courts; and that if they could prove their Property there it would be restored. Mr Dumas has written to me about it. I inclose his Letter and wish Dispatch may be given to the Business, as well to prevent the Inconveniences of a Misunderstanding with Holland as for the sake of Justice. A ship of that Nation has been brought in here by the Black Prince, having an English Cargo. I consulted with Messrs. Adams and Dana, who informed me that it was an established Rule with us in such Cases to confiscate the Cargo, but to release the Ship paying her Freight &ca. This I have accordingly order’d in the Case of this Ship and hope it may be satisfactory. But it is a critical Time with respect to such Cases. For whatever may formerly have been the Law of Nations, all the Neutral Powers at the Instance of Russia, seem at present disposed to change it, and to inforce the Rule that free Ships shall make free Goods, except in the Case of Contraband. Denmark, Sweden and Holland have already acceded to the Proposition, and Portugal is expected to follow. France and Spain in the Ansrs. have also expressed their Approbation of it. I have therefore instructed our Privateers to bring in no more neutral Ships, as such Prizes occasion much Litigation, and create ill Blood. The Alliance Capt. Landais took two Swedes in coming hither, who demand of us for Damages one upwards of 60,000 Livres, and the other near 500£ sterling; and I cannot well see how the Demand is to be settled. In the News Papers that I send, the Congress will see authentic Pieces expressing the Sense of the European Powers, on the Subject of Neutral Navigation. I hope to receive the Sense of Congress for my future Government, and for the Satisfaction of the Neutral Nations now entring into the Confederacy; which is consider’d here as a great Stroke against England. In Truth that Country seems to have no friends on this Side the Water: No other Nation wishes it Success in its present War, but rather desires to see it effectually humbled: No one, not even their old Friends the Dutch, will afford them any Assistance. Such is the mischeivous Effect of Pride, Insolence & Injustice, on the Affairs of Nations, as well as on those of private Persons! The English Party in Holland is daily diminishing, and the States are arming vigorously to maintain the Freedom of their Navigation. The Consequence may possibly be, a War with England; or a serious Disposition in that mad Nation to save what they can by a timely Peace.
Our Cartel for the Exchange of American Prisoners has been some time at a Stand. When our little Squadron brought near 500 into Holland, England would not at first exchange Americans for them there, expecting to take them in their Passage to France: But at length an Agreement was made between the English and French Ambassadors, and I was persuaded to give them up, on a Promise of having an equal Number of English deliver’d to my Order at Morlaix. So those were exchanged for Frenchmen: But the English now refuse to take any English in Exchange for Americans that have not been taken by American Cruizers. They also refuse to send me any Americans in Exchange for their Prisoners released and sent home by the two Flags of Truce from Boston. Thus they give up all Pretentions to Equity and Honour, and govern themselves by Caprice, Passion, and transient Views of present Interest.
Be pleased to present my Duty to Congress, and believe me to be with great Respect, Your Excellency’s, most obedient and most humble Servant.
B Franklin
To his Excellency Samuel Huntington Esquire, President of Congress.

Notations in different hands: Letter May 31. 1780 from Doctr. Franklin. recd. Feb. 19. 1781 / orig read Sepr. 1 1780 Alliance not sailed pressed for Money by Mr. Ross—Affair with Denmark. A Dutch Vessel captured by the Alliance.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edme-Louis Daubenton, 31 May 1780
From: Daubenton, Edmé-Louis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

au jardin du Roy ce 31. may. [1780?]
M. Daubenton le jeune a l’honneur de presenter son hommage à Monsieur franklin et de l’assurer de son respect en lui envoyant les nouveaux Cayers des oiseaux enluminés qui lui manquent pour completer son exemplaire. Il aura grand soin de mettre a part ceux qui restent à faire et de les envoyer à Monsieur franklin.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / membre de plusieurs academies / pres de la muette / à Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques de Lafreté, 31 May 1780
From: Lafreté, Jean-Jacques de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 31. mai 1780.
M. Lafreté a reçû a la Campagne le petit Billet de Monsieur franklin, sans quoi il auroit eu l’honneur de le remercier plustôt de la lettre de M. Robert Morris qu’il a la bonté de lui communiquer, et qu’il lui renvoye ci joint.
Il a laissé a 15. lieües de Paris, Made. Lafreté, qui l’a chargé de la rappeller au souvenir de Monsieur francklin elle le prie de ne pas égarer une certaine lettre qu’elle lui a confié, et de la mettre dans sa poche la premiere fois qu’il viendra la voir à Surênes, où elle viendra dans une 15ne. de Jours.
Mr. Lafreté présente ses Respectueux devoirs à monsieur francklin.

Notation: M. Lafreté 31. may 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Officers of the Alliance, 31 May 1780
From: Officers of the “Alliance”
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Please your Excellency
L’Orient 31 May 1780
We had the honor of addressing your Excelly. the 12 of April, requesting that you would be so good as to take our case into consideration, that you would endeavour to have our wages and prize money faithfully paid us, and the Ship sent back to America, where we all desire to be, and from which we have been so long absent.
Your Excellency has not yet answer’d us, or at least no answer from you has come to our hands, which makes us impatient to trouble you again in order to know if possible what we are to Expect. The Ship is now and has been for some months past in this place useless and expensive to the States, and by no means proffitable to us. While we Lament her loss to our country for so long a time, we cannot but feel for our own Scituation and that of the people, many of whom have families at home pining in misery & want. We know that much is due to us if what we have taken be justly accounted for by the concern’d in fitting out the expedition on which we were last year, and we make no doubt but that we shall find in your Excellency a firm intention to see us contented.
Captain Landais has inform’d us that your Excellency had sent a memorial to the Court of Denmark, requiering payment for those vessells which went into Bergen, and which that court deliver’d up to our Enemies. The answer to that memorial we are perfectly ignorant of, but yet we hope that you will be so good as to let us know the result as soon as possible, that we may satisfy the clamours of the people and know how to regulate our private affairs: the Ships were valuable, and there was a report that they were paid for.
It is with regrett that we find Captain Landais deprived of his command, under him we engaged on board the Alliance and with him we wish to return to America.x Notwithstanding the reports that have gone forth respecting the Battle with the Serapis, in which our shame is connected with our Captain’s dishonor, we flatter ourselves that your Excellency entertains a higher opinion of our honor as officers and duty as men than to suppose that we would deliberately execute the orders of any man, when those orders tended to the distruction of our friends, when those orders contradicted the duties of humanity and the voice of reason founded on such duties.
Captain Landais gave particular orders about fighting, shewed the different Ships, which was the Bon homme Richard & which the Serapis, and we perfectly understood and executed his orders. If from the unhappy position of the two Ships, some of our Shott passed into the Bon homme Richard, it was not his nor our fault, it was inevitable in that Case, and let the blame lie where it is due.
Your Excellency will we hope pardon this address, we speak feelingly because we think our characters injured, but we trust the time will come when the officers of the Alliance will be able to vindicate their honor and clear their reputation in the eyes of the world. We have the honor of being with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servants
James Warren 1st. Lt. MarinesThomas Elwood 2d. Lt. MarinesArthur Robertson Midshipn.Chipn. Bangs StewardIsaac Carr Sail MakerJames Degge 1st. Lieut.John Buckley 2d Lieut.James Lynd 3d Lieut.John Larchar Junr: Mn.Benjamin Pierce Gunr.James Bragg Carpent.Thos. Hinsdale Mr. MateN Blodget PurserJohn Darling Boatswain

I sign to the foregoing all but respecting Captain Landais & fighting the Ships on the 23. Sep. 1779
A: Windship Surgeon quarter’d below.

I sign to all but what respects the fighting last cruise being absent
John Sawris Midshipn.

I sign to all but the clause marked x & to that also provided Capt. Jones does not go in the alliance
M Parke Capt. Marines

  His Exy. Dr. Franklin

Addressed: To / His Excellency Dr. B. Franklin / Minister plenipo. to the United States/ at / Passy/ near Paris
Endorsed: 24 / Officers of the Alliance May 31. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Wulffen, [before 1 June 1780]
From: Wulffen, Jean Henry, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Excellence
[before June 1, 1780]
Jean Henry Baron de Wulffen, natif de Magdeburg, ci-devant Lieutenant & Aide major au Regiment Infanterie de general major de Rohrt au Service de S. M. Le Roi de Prusse, a présent Capitaine de Dragons au Service des 13. provinces unies d’Amerique, fait prisonnier en octobre 1779, a Amboy province de Jersey, Echangé le 18: Avril, est arrivé d’Angleterre a Morlay, Sans Souliers, Sans chemise, Seulement avec les habits d’un Simple matelot; Actuellement a Paris, graces aux soins genereux du Regiment de Normandie en garnison a Rennes, occupé a la guerison de Ses blessures, demande le remboursement de Ses appointements & de Ses Rations non recus l’espace de 8: mois.
A Son Excellence Monsieur de Franklin Ministre plenipotentiaire des 13. provinces unies d’Amerique, auprès de Sa Majesté très Chretienne.

Notation in Temple Franklin’s hand: Baron de Wulffen


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 1 June 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Huntington, Samuel

Sir,
Passy 1st. June 1780.
Commodore Jones, who by his Bravery and Conduct has done great Honour to the American Flag, desires to have that also of presenting a Line to the Hands of your Excellency. I chearfully comply with his Request, in recommending him to the Notice of Congress and to your Excellency’s Protection, tho’ his Actions are a more effectual Recommendation, and render any from me unnecessary. It gives me however an Opportunity of showing my Readiness to do Justice to Merit, and of professing the Esteem & Respect with which I am, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
His Exy S. Huntington Esq.

Notation: Letter from Doctr Franklin dated June 1st: 1780 read Feby. 19. 1781. recommending Commodore Jones


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 June 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Sir,
Passy, June 1. 1780
I have received a Letter from the Board of Admiralty, containing their Orders for the Return of the Alliance, a Copy of which is annex’d for your Government; and I hereby direct that you carry the same into Execution with all possible Expedition.
With great Regard, I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Sert.
B Franklin
To the honble Commodore Jones Commander of the Alliance Frigate in the Service of the United States.

Notation: From his Excellency Dr. Franklin Passy June 1st. 1780— Enclosed an order from the Board of Admiralty—Philada. March 28th 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, [1] June 1780
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most Honourable Sir!
Amsterdam the [1] June 1780
We had the honour to write to Your Excellency by last maill, acquainting her that we were willing to protect the American Creditt in accepting personally some bills drawn by order of Congress on Henry Lawrence Esqr. residing in Amsterdam; for whose arrivall we still wait. Our generall private connections with America are already so large that the assistance of money for those transactions cannot be expected from us, and your Excellency may be acquainted with some of them.
We doubt not butt on the bills that may be coming with Mr. Lawrance for a loan there might be methodes found for it if this should be the basis of those operations; How that may be, this is at least a circumstance as Criticall as unexpected, and your Excellency will judge with us that those bills for publicq use at all events must be honourd, if only we considere what influence of lost could attend them if they were protested, and the Consequence of further Publicq Credit.
To prevent all this, and to prevent all further inconvenience we have the honour to propose to your Excellency the following expedient.
We do not suppose the bills given out will exceed 2 or three hundred thousand Gilders, before they should hear in America of Mr. Lawrences arrivall here, and know there how matters were settled. Your Excellency may know more about it; butt be this as it will;
We offerr to Accept those bills which will offer, if your Excellency will give us leave to draw on her for what summs we may Accept & that she will accept our draufts for Acct. of Congress, and for those Drawn on Mr Laurens at 6 Month sight (and we have seen no others yett) we shall make our draufts on Yr. Excy. at 7 or 8 Month date with proper advice, if now she would approve of this our plan and give us Assurance that she will Accept of those our bills directly after drawing we shall not lett any bills suffer butt continue to Accept them immediately. In this manner the whole matter is settled at once, and Your Excellency keeps up the Credit of Congress without advancing one farthing. Henry Laurens Esqr must arrive here within that time or his commission must be heard of, and there hath been Certainly measures provided for the payment of those bills butt we must fixe on some plan for the moment & we assure your Escellency we think this is absolutely the best.
We will not dwell on fixing beforehand any Comission for those operations, our principle for the American Cause makes us offer it without any view of intrest and even for nothing.
The sooner Your Excellency could find proper to honour us with an answer the better it would be; even by express as in this season of the Year every day there may apear new bills.
We have the honour to be with all devoted Regard Honour’d Sir. Your Excellencys most surely obedient & most humble Servants
John DE Neufville & Son.

Notation: Neuville & fils. June 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Diot & Co., 2 June 1780
From: Diot, John, & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir
Morlaix the 2d June 1780
We Receiv’d Your Excellency’s honored Letter 23d. May in answer to the One we had the honnour to Write to you the 10th. Do. but whereon we forgot to put the date.
We are Very Sorry to See what your Excellency is pleased to mention about the Prize Betzey, and are Surprised that the Papers relative to that Vessell have not been produced to you, as We have deliver’d ’em to the Admiralty office in Brest, which, Thro’ mistake or Ignorance has forwarded the whole to the french Ministry and there was no other papers but a Customhouse Clearance wherein the Number and Sorts of goods that Composed her Cargoe was mentioned and her destination. If the admiralty had Committeed a blunt, We Shou’d think they Shou’d put things to Rights; If Your Excellency wou’d be pleased to inquiere after these papers, We don’t doubt sir, but you’d find things as they ought to be.
We do not know what to Say in regard of the Two other prizes Peter and Friendship; The Want or loss of the Papers and Clearances of Said Vessells is undoubtedly owing to the hard weather they bore, and difficulty of Keeping So many prisonners in So Small a Craft; We fore See that Captn. Dowling’s neglectfullness will prove hurtfull to his owners, unless your Excellency was pleased, after a Certain Time and no Claim enter’d, to Condemn them.
Rather than to See the goods damaged, We have petitioned the admiralty office to put them to Sale peremptorily, under Condition to deposite the proceeds.
Now We have the honnour to Acquaint Your Excellency with the Safe arrivall the day’ere yesterday in this Road, of The Black Princess american privateer, Captn. Edward Macatter Commander, after a Very Warm Engagement with Three English privateers for 7 hours, Wherein the Princess desabled and dismasted One of her foes and by the bravery of her Crew and Swiftness of the Vessell got Clear of the Two others.
She had all her Sails Tatter’d and Rigging Cut to pieces, but Luckily no body Killed nor Wounded, and She was forced to put in here to Repair.
She deliver’d us 6 hostages for five Ransoms amounting to £5505-.- St and took a brig Called The … … ., loaded with Barley from  bound to  ; All the Crew had Left her at the first Gun that the Privateer fired at her, and there was no body left on board but the English Captain, who is Still aboard with the Prize master and three men of the Cutter.
Subjoin’d, Your Excellency has an abstract of her Journal, and a Declaration of Captn. Edward Macatter and his officers Whereby, you’ll See that against the use of all Nations against Humanity and all the Laws of People, the Three English Privateers Which the Princess did fight with, made use of Glass bottles which they Clapt into their guns, and We found it Sticking into the Mast Yards &ca.—and there was above a bushel taken up.
We thought ’twas our duty to Lay the Case before you, sir, to prevent the bad and dreadfull Consequences arising from So Illegal practices, and humanity Requieres that Your Excellency Shou’d Represent the matter to the English Ministry, For any man that is wounded So, is unrecoverable, which proved So, by a privateer out of DunKirk who had 33 people wounded and they all died— Besides Reprisalls might ensue, and We know Captn. Macatter and his people’s Temper So well, that we are Sure that he wou’d Sink any English privateer that wou’d henceforth use So illegal a practice.
We think it fit to Observe to your Excellency, that american Privateers are not used in this part of France as they Shou’d. The commissary of the Marine here, declared us yesterday that he gave orders to the Castle not to let the Princess go out untill further orders from The french Court, because the night of her departure from Cherbourg as She was under Sail, Fifteen french Sailors came in a Small boat and offer’d themSelves for the Time of the Cruize. Captn. Macatter who was in Sad want of hands took ’em on board, thinking no harm in doing So, but last night the Commissary Claimed them, and wee deliv’erd ’em up to day Except 3 that are on board of the prize that is not Come in as yet.
We Shou’d think the Commissary ought to be Satisfyed when Captn. Macatter Returned the people he Claimed and that is unproper for him or any person to stop the Cutter, when he got satisfaction.
We Jointly with Captn. Macatter beg your Excellency wou’d use her Interest at Court and Contrive means to have The Black Princess cleared that She might without loss of time Sett Sail in order to proceed into her Cruize against our Ennemies.
Waiting for the favour of your Excellency’s answer, We have the honnour to be With due Respect Honored sir Your most obedient & most Humble Servants
Jn. Diot & Co

P.S. Since the above is Wrote, Three of the Eleven frenchmen Ran away, which inveterated the Commissary So much against Captn. Macatter, that he positively threatened to order him to be Clapt in Gaol and used Very mean and ungentlemanlike Expressions, altho’ Said Macatter, ignorant as he is of what gave lieu to all these disturbances, is Very innocent, as Your Excellency may Judge by an abstract of his declaration at the admiralty office, Signed by his Two first officers and by Four of the french Sailors, which are Owning that it was out of good and free will that they came on board the Princess and that Capn. Macatter did not know of Their being there.
We can’t conceive what Reason the Commissary may have to detain the Privateer any longer, it’s Surely owing to his Spitefull and Rough ungentlemanlike Temper and Endeed, it’s Shocking the way that americans are used by him.
We Earnestly beg Your Excellency will Speak to the Minister and applanish all difficultyes by Releasing the arrestment of the Privateer.
To His Excellency Benj. Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States of North america, at the Court of France Passy

Endorsed: M. Diot June 2. 1780
Notation: Diot June 2d. 1780.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [2 June? 1780]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Doctor
Paris friday morning [June 2, 1780?]
You would be very kind and very obliging if you were So good to give me a Copey of The French Translation of the Two letters of Genl Clinton &c taken upon The New York’s pacquet boat Or if you cannot Spare it be So kind to lend it me to have it Copied out and you may be Sure I’ will Send it you back faithfully. In doing my that favour you will oblige The Russian Ambassador Prince Bariatinskoy for I must tell you it is for him That I beg of you that favour And I believe he writes this very day to his Court So that he is the more desirous to have it if it is possible quickly. If you can do me that pleasure you will oblige two persons very much and the Prince and I. Accept My Dear Doctor of my best compliments
Le Roy

P.S. Will you be So good my Dear friend to lett me know whether Captain Jones is gone a way or if he is Still in Paris.
Give me leave to make my best compliments to M. Franklin your Grand-Son.

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plénipotentiaire / des Etats Unis en Son hôtel / à Passy
Notation: Le Roy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Clark & Cie.: Bills for Tableware, 3–4 June 1780
From: Clark & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This invoice and lettre de voiture, or consignment note, signal the first significant purchase of tableware for an American foreign mission, one perhaps connected with the upcoming celebration of the Fourth of July. In previous years Franklin had rented tableware and other necessities, but by 1780, possibly believing that the war was far from over, he may well have decided that it would be cheaper to buy.
Ignoring the various French faïences, he chose an English product quite recently launched on the continental market. Generally known as creamware (in French, faïence fine), it had been perfected during the 1760’s by Josiah Wedgwood; one of its innovations was that it replaced the traditional tin glaze by a transparent lead glaze. Once he obtained Queen Charlotte’s patronage, Wedgwood called it Queen’s Ware, and such was the appellation that Sally Bache used in 1773 when, writing from Philadelphia, she urged her father to send some dishes over from England for the family’s use. She thought the raised pattern, or “sprigs,” was particularly elegant. We do not know whether Franklin obliged, but this was a line of goods with which he was certainly familiar.
Creamware eventually became so popular (“to be found in every inn from Russia to Spain”) that it helped provoke the collapse of  traditional earthenware-making techniques in England, France, and Holland. Its advantages were a refreshing neoclassical simplicity after a surfeit of rococo, easier handling because of its lighter weight, and greater resistance to chipping; its drawback, in some people’s eyes, was that it opened the way to industrialization.
Such characteristics were certain to please Franklin, but it seems surprising to see him “buy British” at the very time he was filled with a burning hatred against Britain. The clue to this paradox may have to do with industrial espionage. The French government, recognizing that France lagged behind England in technology, did its best to lure English workmen across the Channel, going as far as offering them a bribe to convert to Catholicism or a dowry to marry a French woman.
Such was the case for the creamware factory that opened in 1775 in Montereau, a pottery center southeast of Paris, long known for the excellence of its clay. A contract signed in 1774 specifies that the new company was financed by a 40,000 l.t. fund provided half by Holker fils, the son of Franklin’s Rouen friend John Holker, and half by Antoine and Robert Garvey, two brothers, who were also established in Rouen. It was run by two émigré Englishmen, William Clark of Newcastle and George Shaw of Burslem, to whom the French government promised a ten-year annual subsidy of 1,200 l.t. Their Parisian outlet was in the hands of M. Maisonneuve. It was from his shop on the rue St. Jacques that Josiah Wedgwood’s friend and partner, Thomas Bentley, traveling through France in the summer of 1776, purchased two small compotiers of Queen’s Ware for 24 sous. Unimpressed with the quality of this French counterfeit, the Englishman noted in his journal that “The models and glaze in general are very indifferent and the workmanship bad. … This ware is manufactured at Montremi [i.e., Montereau] sur la route d’Auxerre.”

I.
[June 3, 1780]
MANUFACTURE … DE FAYANCE ANGLOISE, des Sieurs Clark & Compagnie, établie à Montereau-faut-Yonne, en vertu d’Arrêt du Conseil du 15 Mars 1775, sous la dénomination de Queens Ware, ou Marchandises de la Reine.
Livré à Monsiegneur francklin à Passy par lesdits Sieurs Clark & Compagnie, Entrepreneurs de lad. Manufacture, les Marchandises ci-après;
Savoir:

1.
Grande Soupiere ronde avec le Plat à 7 l.t.
  7.

2.
Ditto moins Grande avec idem à 6 l.t.
  12.

2.
Terrines ovales avec idem à 24 l.t.
  48.

12.
douze. Assiettes dt.[dont] 2 douze. a Soupe à 6 l.t.
  72.

8.
Plats ronds pr. Entremets à 18 s.
  7. 4.

4.
Ditto d’Entrée à 24 s.
4.16.

2.
Ditto à 36 s.
3.12.

1.
Ditto à 48 s.
  2.  8

4.
Plats ovales à 18 s.
3.12

4.
Ditto à 24 s.
4.16.

4.
Ditto à 36 s.
  7. 4.

2.
Ditto à 48 s.
4.16.

2.
Saucieres et Plateaux à 44 s.
  4. 8.

4.
Saladiers moyens à 30 s.
  6.

2.
Moutardiers et Cuillieres à 12 s.
  1. 4.

2.
huilliers à 4 l.t. 10 s.
  9.

2.
Beuriers a 50 s.
  5.

2.
Sucriers à desserts et Cuilliere à 3 l.t. 10 s. 7.
  7.

2.
Verriers à 12 s. Verres à 5 l.t. 10 s.
  11.

1.
Ditto a 8 Idem a 4 l.t. 10 s.
4.10.

2.
Seaux à Bouteilles à 3 l.t. 10 s.
  7.

24.
Ditto à Verres à 20 s.
  24.

2.
Pots à L’Eau et Cuvettes à 3 l.t. 10 s.
  7.

1.
Grande Ecuelle et Plateau à 30 s.
1.10.

1.
Moyne.[Moyenne] Ditto et Idem à 25 s.
  1. 5.

1.
douze. Gobelets et Soucoupes à 5 s.
  5.

1.
douze. Tasses et Soucoupes à 5 l.t.
  5.

1.
Theyere à 36 s.
1.16.

1.
Pot à lait à 25 s.
  1. 5.

4.
Salières à 18 s.
3.12.

4.
Petites Bolles à 12 s.
  2. 8.

2.
Ditto à 24 s.
  2. 8.

1.
Ditto à 40 s.
  2.

1.
Ditto à 3 l.t.
  3.

2.
Sucriers à 15 s.
1.10.

4.
Compotiers à 15 s.
  3.

4.
Ditto à 20 s.
  4.

4.
Ditto à 24 s.
4.16.

4.
Plats quarré à 15 s.
3.

4.
Ditto à 24 s.
4.16.

4.
Ditto à 30.
  6.

Pour La harrasse Paille &a.
  3.

322.16.

  10 7

333. 3

A Montereau Le 3. Juin 1780./.
MackintoshPour Messrs. Clark & Compie.

Notation: Pd by an Order on M. Grand.

II.
MANUFACTURE … De Terre-Poterie, façon d’Angleterre, des Sieurs Clark & Compagnie, établie à Montereau-faut-Yonne, en vertu d’Arrêt du Conseil du 15 Mars 1775, sous la dénomination de Queens-Ware, ou Marchandises de la Reine.
Monsieur,
du 4 Juin 1780.
A la garde de Dieu & conduite de Mrs les Entrepreneurs du Coche de Montereau nous vous envoyons une harasse de notre Marchandise Terre-Poterie, façon d’Angleterre, numérotées & pezant comme en marge trois cents cinquante Livres poids de marc lesquelles vous étant rendues bien conditionées dans l’espace de trois jours, vous lui payerez sa voiture à raison de Vingt Sols pr % pezant jusques a Paris & rien autre chose, & dans le cas de retard vous diminuerez le tiers de la voiture; & ce suivant l’avis de Vos très-humbles Serviteurs.
Crettépr Mrs Clarck et Compie. Entreprs.de la Manufre. de terre facond’angleterre A Montereaufaut-yonne

[In the margin]:
  Numéros.
  Poids

50
350

A Monsieur, Monsieur Maisonneuve au magazin anglois rue St Jacques au Coin de Celle la Parcheminerie A Paris
A Monsieur Monsieur Le Docteur franckelin, agent de l’amerique A Passy

Notation: voiture de montreau a paris de paris a pasy oficiés fort
Endorsed: Acct of Pottery 333 l.t.: 3.0


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville & fils, 4 June 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Neufville, Jean de, & fils

Gentlemen,
Passy June 4th. 1780.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me on the 29th past, relating to certain Bills drawn on Mr Lawrens and requesting to know if I will engage to reimburse you, if you in his Absence, accept & pay them. As I have received no Orders nor any Advice relating to any such Bills, know not by whom they are drawn, whether for private or publick Account, or whether they are true or Counterfeit, what Quantity or Value there are of them, nor in short any one Circumstance relating to them, it would be inconsistent with common Prudence for me to enter into any such general Engagement. All I can say is that if they are really drawn by order of Congress, I make no doubt but care will be taken to place Funds in time for the punctual Payment of them. I thank you in behalf of the Congress for the Readiness with which you kindly offer your Service in the Case, but I can say nothing farther at present to encourage your Paying such Bills.— I have the honour to be, with much Esteem Gentlemen, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,
B Franklin
Mess. De Neufville & Son.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Caffiéri, 4 June 1780
From: Caffiéri, Jean-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris ce 4 juin 1780
Je vien D’aprendre par les papiés Public que Le Congrés De Philadelphie en reconnoissance des services rendu par Le feu comte Pulawski Brigadier General, a résolu qu’un monument public Seroit élevé à La memoire de cet officier et que L’execution en Seroit Confiée a un artiste francois. D’apres cet article je prens La liberté de vous Ecrie pour vous prïér de vouloire bien vous Resouvenire que vous avé eu la bonté de me promette de me charger de L’execution de touts Les Tombeaux que les Etats hunis americquen feuroit faire à l’avenire; Comme il a Du temps quil est question de ce Tombeaux peut-être que J’ay, quel que Concurrent, Sependant a merit Egale jose esperée avoire la preferanc, Pour obtenire Ce monument, j’ay en vous Monsieur une plaine Confience.
J’ay lhonneur D’etre avec respect Monsieur Votre Tres humble et tres obéïssant Serviteur
Caffieri

Notation: Caffieri. Paris 4 Jan 80.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 5 June 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir.
Passy June 5. 1780.
The Gentleman whose Name you wish’d to know in one of your late Letters, is M. Westhuysen Echevin & Conseiller de la Ville de Harlem. I shall probably [send an order?] to that Place for some of the Types, of which you have sent me the Prices, before I leave Europe. I think them very good and not dear.
A Dutch Ship belonging to Mess. Little Dale & Co: of Rotterdam, being brought into France as having an English Cargo on board, I have followed your Opinion with regard to the Condemnation of the Cargo, which I think the more right, as the English have in the West Indies confiscated several of our Cargoes found in Dutch Ships. But to shew Respect to the Declaration of the Empress of Russia, I have written to the Owners of our Privateers, a Letter of which I enclose a Copy, together with a Copy of the Judgement, for your Use if you hear of any Complaint. I approve much of the Principles of the Confederacy of the Neutral Powers, and am not only for respecting the Ships as the House of a Friend, tho containing the Goods of an Enemy, but I even wish for the Sake of Humanity, that the Law of Nations may be farther improved, by determining that even in time of War, all those kinds of People who are employed in procuring Subsistance for the Species, or in exchanging the Necessaries or Conveniences of Life, which is for the common Benefit of Mankind; such as Husbandmen on their Lands, Fishermen in their Barques, and Traders in unarmed Vessels, shall be permitted to prosecute their several innocent and useful Employments without Interruption or Molestation, and nothing taken from them, even when wanted by an Enemy, but in paying a fair Price for the same.
I think you have done well to print the Letter of Clinton; for tho’ I have myself had suspicions whether some Parts of it were really written by him, yet I have no doubt of the Facts stated, and think the Piece Valuable as giving a true account of the State of British and American Affairs in that Quarter. On the whole it has the Appearance of a Letter written by a General who did not approve of the Expedition he was sent upon who had no Opinion of the Judgement of those who drew up his Instructions who had observed that preceding Commanders, Gage Burgoyne, Keppel, and the Howes had all been censur’d by the Ministers for having unsuccesfully attempted to execute injudicious Instructions with unequal Force; and he therefore wrote such a Letter not merely to give the Information contained in it but to be produced in his Vindication, when he might be recalled, and his want of Success charged upon him as a Crime, tho’ in Truth owing to the folly of the Ministers who had order’d him on impracticable Projects and persisted in them notwithstanding his faithful Informations, without furnishing the necessary Number of Troops he had demanded.— In this View much of the Letter may be accounted for, without supposing it fictitious; and therefore if not genuine it is ingeniously written: But you will easily conceive that if the State of publick Facts it contains were known in America to be false, such a Publication there would have been absurd and of no possible Use to the Cause of the Country. I have wrote to Mr. Neufville concerning the Bills you mention. I have no Orders or Advice about them, know nothing of them, and therefore cannot prudently meddle with them; especially as the Funds in my Power are not more than sufficient to answer the Congress Bills for Interest, and other inevitable Demands. He desired to know whether I would engage to reimburse him if he should accept and pay them; but as I know not the Amount of them I cannot enter into any such Engagement: For tho’ if they are genuine Congress Bills, I am persuaded all possible Care will be taken by Congress to provide for their punctual Payment, yet there are so many accidents by which Remittances are delayed or intercepted in this Time of War, that I dare not hazard for these new Bills, the Possibility of being render’d unable to pay the others.
With great Esteem I am, Dear Sir your most obedt and humble Servt
B. Franklin

P.S. I cannot prescribe as you desire anything relating to your affair with 62. Your own Judgement ought to guide you. I shall be careful to furnish you early with any good News we may receive. If the 732. cannot be immediately made, it may with Prudence come on by Degrees./.

[In the margin:] (The Copy of the Judgement will be sent by next Post.)
M Dumas.
Endorsed: 175 Passy 5e. Juin 1780 Mr B Franklin
Notation: Benjamin Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 June 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes June 5. 1780—
I wrote you the 20th of May to which I refer, as I have no answer I have not taken any decisive Step relative to a Ship to carry out the Goods. Mr Ross is since arrived here & I have consulted with him, I shew him the Letter I wrote you the 20 Inst & find his Opinions and mine exactly agree. It is certain no man will freight at this Time without being paid a very high Price, & his Ship insured into the Bargain. Congress must therefore run all the risque and pay in Freight a large Sum of money, which Sum of money would go a great way towards purchasing & fitting a Ship & the risque would be no more. In the one case the freight paid is a dead Expence, in the other the Ship is always worth her Cost & the whole Freight is gained. The large Ship I mentioned to you in my last is yet unsold & may be bought if you can command Funds at 3, 6 & 9 months this vessell armed as I have already mentioned would answer our Purpose, or if you do not choose a new Ship I could buy 2 or 3 Smaller Ones which would be much cheaper but they would not answer the purposes of Congress when on the other side of the Water.—
Mr Ross has concluded to take a Trip to Paris to consult with you in Person on this Business and I shall do nothing ’till I hear the Result of your Conference.
I am ever with the greatest Respect Yours most dutifully and affectionately
Jona Williams J

Notation: J Williams June 5. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville & fils, 6 June 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Neufville, Jean de, & fils

Gentlemen,
Passy June 6. 1780.
Since writing to you by yesterdays Mail, I have received the honour of yours, proposing to accept Bills drawn on M. Laurens, if I will authorise you so to do, and accept your Bills to equal Amt. Having no Orders about those Bills, or even any Advice of such being drawn, and knowing that the English have plai’d many villainous Tricks with our Paper, I cannot think of giving Power to another, who may be less acquainted with our American Handwritings & Printings, to accept Bills which I have never seen, and therefore cannot judge whether they are counterfiet or genuine, and in this may make myself or the Congress accountable for unknown Sums. I believe no prudent Man would so expose himself or the Government of his Country. I thank you however for the Zeal and Readiness you show to support our Credit. When Mr Lawrens arrives, he will doubtless accept any good Drafts made upon him, and accept them as of the Date when they would have been presented if he had been at Amsterdam when they were received; because this is just; and I make no Doubt but they will be punctually paid. As to Loans in Holland, I believe the Congress have laid aside all Thoughts of them, having fallen upon means of borrowing at Home of their own People, by issuing Paper Money bearing Interest, which appears better and more advantageous to the Country than paying Interest abroad. You may see their Scheme, as resolved March 18. printed in the London Evening Post of May 25. And having come to this Resolution I fancy they cannot have drawn many Bills on Mr Lawrens.
With great Regard, I am, Gentlemen, Your most obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
Mess. J. Neufville et Fils—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Wulffen, 6 June 1780
From: Wulffen, Jean Henry, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 6. Juin. 1780.
J’ai abandonné patrie, parents, Fortune, tout, pour voler, a l’exemple de tant de braves guerriers, en Amerique venger la liberté opprimée, & punir l’Orgueil Anglois. Couvert de Onze blessures, J’ai été pris, & n’ai eu rien de plus pressé, au Sortir des prisons, que de venir rendre compte a Votre Excellence, de ma triste Situation actuelle. Je brule d’un désir que Je Sens mieux que je ne puis exprimer d’aller verser le peu de Sang qui me reste pour l’honneur des 13: provinces unies, de la France, de toutes les puissances alliées, & pour tirer une vengeance personelle des traitements affreux que J’ai Souffert des Anglois, l’espace de Six mois que j’ai eté dans les cachots chargés de chaines. Manquant de tout pour le présent que puis-je, a qui m’adresser—Si ce n’est au Ministre de la nation pour la quelle J’ai combattu. Vous n’ignorez pas, Monsieur, les avances que m’a fait Mr. de Baÿer commandant du Regiment de Normandie. Il faut que J’y Satisfasse. Privé de l’honneur de porter, faute de moyens, mon propre & véritable uniforme, J’en attends un autre de vous, Monsieur. J’espere que Votre Excellence après avoir ordonné au Banquier le remboursement de mes appointements de Capitaine non reçus l’espace de huit mois, voudra bien elle même taxer la Somme a la quelle peuvent monter mes rations journalieres que Je n’ai pu avoir, durant ma prison. Je crois avoir ce droit Sur la générosité & la justice de Votre Excellence. Je compte aussi, Monsieur, que je vous devrai de nouveaux & prompts ordres pour me rembarquer, & aller en Amerique montrer mes blessures encor ouvertes à tous mes Camarades. Ces braves officiers ne pourront qu’etre indignés en entendant, de ma bouche, le reçit de la barbarie des Anglois a mon égard, & tous unis ensemble nous vaincrons où nous mourrons.
Je Suis trés respectueusement Monsieur. De Votre Excellence Le trés humble & très obéissant Serviteur
Bon. DE Wulffen


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Officers of the Alliance, 7 June 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Officers of the “Alliance”

Gentlemen
Passy, June 7. 1780.
I received your Letter dated the 12th. of April past, expressing that you were in necessitous Circumstances, and that you were allarmed at having received neither Wages nor Prize-Money when the Ship was so nearly prepared for Sea.
Having had nothing to do with the Prizes, and understanding that they could not soon be turn’d into Money, I had answer’d the purpose of your Letter in the best manner in my Power, by advancing twenty four thousand Livres, to supply the most urgent of your necessities, till the Prize-money could be obtained. With regard to your Wages, I thought the Expectation of having them paid here was wrong. Nobody in Europe is impower’d to pay them. And I believe it is a Rule with all maritime States to pay their Ships only at home, by an Office where the Accounts are kept, and where only it can be known, what Agreements were made with the Officers and men, what advances they have received, and what their families or Attorneys may have receiv’d in their Absence. I had many Letters and Informations from L’Orient acquainting me with the Discontent among the People of the Alliance at the Method proposed of Valuing the Prizes in order to their being paid for by the king, and that our Ship could not possibly be got out, unless that Method was chang’d and the Prizes fairly sold at Auction to the highest Bidder. I then apply’d to have the Change made, and it was readily agreed by Minister of the Marine, that they should be so sold: But to sell them suddenly, would again have been liable to Objection, and therefore time was given in the Advertisements that distant Purchasers of Ships might know of the Sale, and a greater Number of Bruyers give a Chance of a highter Price for your Benefit. Had the first Method been comply’d with, I am inclin’d to think, from his Majesty’s known Generosity, a better Price would have been obtained (as similar Instances have proved) than is likely to be got by the Sale, and you would have had your Money sooner. I consented to Change to satisfy and if possible please you. The Delay was by no means agreable to me, as it occasioned a great Additional Expence, and I heartily wish’d the Ship in America.
I did, as you have heard, send a Memorial to the Court of Denmark, claiming a Restitution of the Prizes or of their Value. This Memorial was received long before they sailed from Berghen. They were neverthless allow’d to depart for England: and the only Answer I have had from that Court is, that the Restitution was made in pursuance of Treaties between the two Crowns. I am not satisfy’d with this Answer, but have laid the whole Matter before Congress, desiring their Instructions. You may be assured that not a Penny of the Value has been paid; and that if ever any thing is recover’d while I am concerned in the Business, Strict Justice shall be done you, which I have also no doubt will be done with Regard to the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough.
Having received several Letters from you formerly, complaining in Strong Terms of Capt. Landais’ Conduct in the Government of the Ship, and his ill Treatment of all the Officers except the Purser; and having received also from Captain Landais himself a Letter dated at L’Orient May 15. 1779. in which he says “you all join’d together against him even before he left Boston; that he was promised another Set, but being ready to sail; the Navy-board thought your Behaviour would be better when at Sea; on the contrary it grew worse and worse, and was come to that Pitch, that he was compell’d to acquaint me with it, that I might take a proper Method to remedy it; and if no other was to be found, he would rather chuse to leave the Command than continue with such Officers.” After all this, it is a little surprizing to me, that Capt. Landais, who came to Paris only to vindicate himself from some Charges against him, and there voluntarily as I thought, (and in pursuance of his former Resolution) relinquish’d the Ship, by desiring me repeatedly to give an Order for taking out of her the Things he had on board; and who never once during all the Time he staid here, express’d the least Wish or gave the least Hint of a Desire to be continued in her, till he heard She was upon the Point of Sailing; and that now he should demand to be replac’d over you, and that you Should wish to be again under his Command; I know not how to account for this Change. But having agreed to what I imagin’d from the Letters on both sides would be agreable to both you and Capt.Landais, and plac’d another Captain in the Ship, I cannot now comply with your Request. I have related exactly to Congress the Manner of his leaving the Ship and tho’ I declin’d any Judgment of his Maneuvres in the fight, I have given it as my Opinion after examining the affair, that it was not at all likely, either that he should have given Orders to fire into the Bonhomme Richard, or that his Officers would have obey’d such orders if he had given them. Thus I have taken what Care I could of your Honour in that particular; you will therefore excuse me if I am a little concern’d for it in another. If it should come to be publikly known, that you had the strongest Aversion to Capt. Landais, who had used you basely, and that it is only since the last year’s Cruize, and the Appointment of Commodore Jones to the Command, that you request to be again under your old Captain, I fear Suspicions and Reflexions may be thrown upon you by the World, as if this Change of Sentiment must have arisen from your Observation during that Cruize, that Capt. Jones lov’d close fighting, that Capt. Landais was skilful in keeping out of Harm’s-way, and that therefore you thought yourselves safer with the Latter. For myself, I believe you to be brave Men, and Lovers of your Country and its glorious Cause; and I am persuaded you have only been ill advis’d, and misled by the artful and malicious Misrepresentations of some Persons I guess at. Take in good Part this friendly Counsel of an old Man, who is your friend. Go home peaceably with your Ship. Do your Duties faithfully and chearfully. Behave respectfully to your Commander, and I am persuaded he will do the same to you. Thus you will not only be happier in your Voyage, but recommend yourselves to the future favours of Congress, and to the Esteem of your Country. I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most Obedient and most humble Servant.
B Franklin
To Lieutenant James Degge of The Ship Alliance, and other Officers of the said Ship, at L’OrientCopy

Notation: Letter from Doctr Franklin to the Officers on board the Alliance June 7. 1780 No 1.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Officers of the Alliance, 7 June 1780
From: Officers of the “Alliance”
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Please your Excellency
LOrient June 7. 1780
We had the honor of addressing your Excellency the 31st. May, in which we gave some account of our present situation and Requested your Excellency to have us paid off and sent home with all the Expedition your Excellency could afford us.
We also made some mention of our Captain Landais, whose Loss we regreted, and under whose Command we wished to Return to America; as we did not then express our minds fully on that subject, We beg Leave to do it now by Representing to your Excellency that we have reason to think there never was a Ships Company of Officers and men more unanimous for a Captain, than the Alliance’s in this Instance for Captain Landais; and since Congress has given him so good a right to Command us we hope your Excellency will condescend to Restore him to us— It was always our oppinions that he was a Capable & good Captain, his behaviour in the Engagement was such as certainly envinced it, The aspersions of his Enemies may have prevailed over your Excellency’s Goodness, but your Excellency may believe us sincere when we assure you that we all fore & Aft wish to see him reinstated.
We would also beg Leave to represent to your Excellency that according to the Customs and Regulations of our Navy we hold ourselves bound to obey him and no other as Commander while our Engagement continues, unless he is removed by the forms prescribed in our Rules.
Your Excellency’s Kind Indulgence in the few reasonable things we have presumed to ask, will Restore to us tranquility and induce us to return your Excellency our unfeigned thanks.
We are with the profoundest respect your Excellencys most obedient & most devoted humble Servants

James Degge
Thos Hinsdale

John Buckley
Isaac Carr

James Lynd
James Warren

John Larchar Junr.
Thos. Elwood

Benjamin Pierce
Arthur Robertson

James Bragg
Chipn. Bangs

John Darling
N Blodget

Addressed: His Excellency Dr. Benja. Franklin / Minister plenipo to the United / States / at Passy / near Paris
Endorsed: Officers of the Alliance June 7. 80 L’Orient—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 8 June 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
La Haie 8e. Juin 1780.
Mr. Van de Perre, Directr. de la Compe. des Indes or. pour la Zélande, & en société de Commerce avec Mr. Meyners, m’a parlé plusieurs fois de l’affaire du Vaisseau, tant chez moi que chez lui à l’Hôtel des Indes. Enfin sur le billet, dont ci-joint copie, j’ai été lui protester que je ne pouvois rien de plus que ce que j’avois déjà écrit, n’ayant aucun pouvoir. Il m’a avoué alors, que le Billet étoit pour que je vous en fisse parvenir copie, Monsieur, avec la substance de la Lettre de son Patron de Navire, que j’avois déjà préparé; ajoutant confidemment, que le Premier Noble de Zélande lui avoit conseillé de faire cette démarche auprès de vous par mon canal, pour éviter un éclat désagréable à la Rep. & aux Etats-Unis, s’il étoit obligé de faire réclamer le navire en Angleterre en s’adressant pour cet effet à L.H.P; & que la Cour d’Angleterre, en ce cas, ne demanderoit pas mieux que de renvoyer les réclamants à ceux par qui la prise s’est faite. Il a tout lieu d’espérer, que sans cet éclat, qui gâteroit l’affaire, le vaisseau &c. sera relaché à Antigue sur la foi des papiers, qui sont en ordre & authentiques: en ce cas, il n’importunera pas les Etats-Unis pour la répétition des fraix; il se consolera généreusement de ce dommage. Mais si, contre son attente, le bâtiment n’étoit pas restitué à Antigue, il s’attendra à la Justice des Etats-Unis pour ravoir ce qui lui appartient.
Il me charge donc de demander à V. Exce., comment il doit se conduire? Doit-il s’adresser à Leurs H.P., & par-là à la Cour d’Angleterre? ou non? Quelle est l’alternative, Monsieur, que Vous lui conseillez, comme la meilleure, & pour les Etats-Unis, & pour lui?
Ayez la bonté, Monsieur, de ne parler d’aucune autre chose dans la réponse que vous me ferez là-dessus, afin que je puisse la produire au besoin à Mr. Van de Perre, à qui j’ai dû promettre d’envoyer copie de la dite réponse en Zélande dès que je l’aurai reçue.
Je suis avec un très-grand respect, Monsieur, De V. Exc. le très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à Son Exce. M. Franklin

Notations in different hands: Mr. Dumas to B. F. and Mr. Van de Perre to Mr. Dumas June 7. 1780 / June 8. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 9 June 1780
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
L’Orient June 9th. 1780.
I have now waited here three months for the Alliance, & see no probability of her sailing. The discontent of the Crew has increasd to such a degree, as in my judgment to threaten the most ruinous consequences, if their demands are not satisfyd.
I feel it as a duty to the Public to give you this information; & have the honor to be, with respect, Sir, Yr. most obedient humble servant
Arthur Lee
The Honble. Dr. Franklin. Minister plenipotentiary

Notation: June 9. 1780 A Lee to B Franklin had waited at L’orient 3 months for the sailing of the Alliance. Discontent of the Crew