Title: Peter Amiel to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778
From: Amiel, Peter
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
Dunkirk the 9th July 1778
Messrs. Poreau & Mackinzy of this place haveing wrote a Letter to Doctor Franklin; in which they have atempted to injure Mr. Coffyns character, as I hope to be at Passy on Sunday next, beg it as a favor you’d suspend your Judgement till then, when I will lay before you every Particular that came to my Knowledge. I am with the greatest Respect Honorable Gentlemen Your Obliged Humble Servant
Peter Amiel

Addressed: A Messieurs / Messieurs Franklin, Lee & / Adams, Ministres plenipotentiaires / des Etats unis de l’Amerique, à la Cour / de France, / à Passÿ
Notation: Mr Peter Amiel Dunkirk 9 July 78


Title: Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778: résumé
From: Coffyn, Francis
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Dunkirk, July 9, 1778: I refer you to my letter of yesterday. This is to enclose a certificate from the admiralty court, to counter to some degree Poreau’s insinuations against me. Tomorrow I send three other certificates and if they are insufficient will furnish whatever further proof you require; meanwhile Mr. Amiel will give you particulars.>


Title: Richard Grinnell to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778: résumé
From: Grinnell, Richard
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Dunkirk, July 9, 1778: I arrived here last August after serving on the Belle Isle, 74, as a midshipman impressed at sea; a London merchant got me my discharge. I went to Nieuwpoort, and told Mr. Nesbitt that I wanted to be commissioned in Paris and then sail for Brazil to destroy the London fleet there. He put me in touch with Mr. Coffyn, who took my papers and advised me to write you. This I did, but after hearing nothing for two months accepted his offer of a vessel to go whaling off Brazil. I wrote to London, got ten Americans, and took four on the voyage with me; Mr. Coffyn sent the rest to Nantes. He wants me to go again, but I will not until I hear from the bearer, Capt. Amiel, whether I can serve my country. Mr. Nesbitt asks me to get as many Americans as possible from London; I think a number will be able to escape and come by way of Holland.
True or not, I heard today that my brother, William Grinnell, first lieutenant on the Columbus when she engaged the Glasgow, is now at Brest in command of a frigate.
Please let me know how to proceed. I have promised Capt. Amiel to do nothing until I hear from him.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Bochard de Champigny, 9 July 1778
From: Champigny, Jean Bochard, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Le 9 juillet 1778.
Je ne comprends pas ce qui peut empêcher votre Excellence de m’honnorer d’une réponse au sujet de mes foibles ouvrages dont en vain j’attends d’Elle depuis quelques mois les vingt et un Ducats qui manquent pour complèter sa souscription. Cela ne m’empeche cependant pas à m’acquitter de mon devoir, et je lui joins ici le troisieme volume de ma Traduction de l’histoire de Dannemarck qui vient de sortir de la presse ce qui ne fait que redoubler mes embaras, vu qu’il faut solder les comptes de mon imprimeur.
Aujourd’huy que votre Excellence est à paris pour y soutenir une rèpublique naissante, voudroit-elle tandis qu’Elle allegue qu’on a manqué aux Engagemens pris avec ses Constituens, rompre ceux qu’elle a pris avec moi? Elle scait mieux que personne que ceux de particulier à particulier sont plus sacrés que ceux des Souverains, et elle scait de plus que ma situation rend nécessaire la demande que je lui ai fait de l’argent qui me revient. Je me flatte donc qu’elle ne tardera pas à me le faire remettre, je l’en supplie ainsi que d’agréer les assurances du respect avec lequel je suis, Monsieur, de votre Excellence le très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Le Colonel Chevr. DE Champigny
Amsterdam chez Mr. Cuthbertson dans le Kalverstraat


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Rutledge, 9 July 1778
From: Rutledge, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Charleston South Carolina July 9th 1778
Mr. Gillon, intending to pay his respects to you, requests a line of introduction which I take the liberty of giving him.
This State having resolved to equip three Frigates, appointed him to the command of them with the Title of Commodore. He is about setting off for France to procure them, and I hope will meet with no difficulty in the business. You will find him a sensible, intelligent man, and as he has lately made a Tour through our different States and is well acquainted with occurrences, he will be able to give you information in some matters which you may wish to know. I will therefore trespass no longer on your time, than to tell you that the Grand alliance which you have obtained for us has diffused universal joy, and to request your acceptance of my best wishes, that you may long live in health to see and partake the fruits of the zeal and abilities which you have exerted for the service of your Country. I have the honor to be with great esteem and respect, Sir, Your obedient humble servant
J. Rutledge
J. Rutledge to B. Franklin


Title: Franklin and John Adams to Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, [10 July 1778]: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John
To: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand

<[July 10, 1778:] We are agreed that Mr. Williams’ bills on you, as listed herewith, be charged to the public account; he will be responsible to Congress or its agent, and to the commissioners, when called upon to render account of his expenditures. Our consent is not to be taken as approbation of his account or to influence the settlement of it.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Notes, 10 July 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

I.
Mr. Williams
Passy July 10. 1778.
We approve of the Directions given by you to stop the Reparation of the Arms at Nantes paying the Workmen their Wages, Gratifications and Conduct money according to agreement of which you inform us in your Letter July 3 1778.
Arthur LeeJohn Adams

II.
Passy July 10. 1778.
Mr. Williams is desired to send the Commissioners an order for the Goods remaining on hand, including the sixty three Barrels of Beef, to be delivered to Mr. J.D. Schweighauser of Nantes or to his order.
Arthur LeeJohn Adams


Title: Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1778
From: Coffyn, Francis
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honored Gentlemen.
Dunkirk 10th July 1778
In the letter I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by Capn. Amiel, I inclosed a Certificate from the officers of the Admiralty.
This serves to cover the three other Certifficates I promised in the Said letter, Vizt. one from the Bourgmaster and Magistrates, one from the President and Counsellors of the board of Commerce, and an other from the Judge and Consuls in this town. All which I hope will Sufficiently convince you that your confidence in me has not been illplaced, that in consequence of these proofs, you’ll be pleased to favour me with the continuation thereof, and in answer to this grant me a few lines in approbation to my conduct, which has most wrongfully been censured; it is the sole satisfaction I require for the injury my Ennemys have endeavour’d to do me, for on a cooler reflection then that which Struck me at first, I think they must find themelves (if they are Susceptible of any feeling) Sufficiently humiliated by the paralel I have drawn between their Character and mine, without inflinging on them any other punishment however deserving. I shall drop this subject to take up one more agreable, which is to congratulate you and every frenchman and american on the arrival at Brest of the vessell which has brought over the ratiffication by Congress of the Treaties you had so gloriously concluded with the Court of France, in consequence of which I hope the Interest of both nations will be so well clogg’d and cimented together as to insure an everlasting duration. This is the Sincere and ardent wish of him, who has the honor to remain respectfully Honored Gentlemen Your most obedient and most devoted Humble Servant
Frans. Coffyn
Hble. Dr. Bn. Franklin, Arthur Lee and John Adams Esqrs. at Passy

Notations: Coffyn Frans. 10 July 1778 / Coffyn


Title: William Hodge to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1778: résumé
From: Hodge, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Cadiz, July 10, 1778: I received only yesterday your letter of April 19. You tell me I am charged with almost 100,000 livres of public money. I gave Mr. Deane a detailed account of my receipts and disbursements and the charges of the Dunkirk merchants; my only charge was the trifling 2½ percent commission, which did not even cover my expenses. You will find that a balance is due me, as I was only responsible for a quarter of the cutter and Mr. Deane for the other quarter; he doubtless took with him the papers relating to her and the lugger.

Mr. Lee has informed Congress that he does not know how I used the large sum of public money I received. Ignoring expenses and what is due to the crew, he has told all his Spanish correspondents that Congress and I were jointly concerned with a privateer, and that they should pay me only half the prize money and send him the other half.
I shall now account for myself since I arrived in Spain. Mr. John Ross and I claimed the cutter as our property in consequence of an order from Mr. Deane, who had as much authority in public business as yourselves. I am surprised that Dr. Franklin signed your letter, for I heard him advising Mr. Deane to do as he did. Mr. Deane ordered Captain Conyngham to deliver us the cutter and put himself under our direction, which he did. He and Dr. Franklin avoided expense and trouble by giving us this vessel. Before my arrival she spent almost two-thirds of her time in port. Captain Conyngham did not give me enough to pay the crew’s wages and prize money, some of the proceeds of the prizes having been stopped as a result of his taking a French brig and sending her in to San Sebastian. I paid the officers and men from other funds, but not enough to satisfy them. I have not received a dollar more than what covered my expenses and will prove it. I distributed that money according to Congressional rules: I have taken receipts from all the men and do not care about their complaints. I found the ship with only a few officers; the men were in prison in San Sebastian, Bilbao, and elsewhere because of the capture of the French brig, and Captain Conyngham was offering to turn her over to the captain of a New England privateer in Bilbao.
As to your giving Captain Conyngham his future orders, you cannot do it without my consent as half-owner. I shall leave the whole matter to Congress, some of whose members understand business. We have had a report, I hope unfounded, that Captain Conyngham has been taken. I had intended to sail for home in a few days, but shall come to France instead to justify my conduct to you.

N.B. The prizes Captain Conyngham sent to Spain are stopped by order of the court, as a result of his taking the French brig.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 10 July 1778
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Prisoner exchange was the focus of correspondence between Hartley and Franklin during the summer of 1778, and a major goal of Franklin’s activity. He systematically collected names of British captives from American sea captains to meet the terms of the Admiralty, and negotiated with the French for an appropriate port and safe passage for the cartel ship. At the same time he tried to introduce a measure of flexibility into the Admiralty’s proposal—this, without success. Hartley, repelled by the Franco-American alliance, pictured his own role as part of a larger plan for reconciliation between the Americans and British, while Franklin sought to channel the hopes of his friend into the specifics of an exchange.

Dear Sir
Golden Square July 10 1778
I only write you one line just to tell you that I have received no answer yet from the Admiralty relative to yours of the 16th of June. I have applied several times, but I suppose they are employed about other matters. You may be assured that no assiduity shall be wanting on my side but I cannot command an answer. The affair which happened off Brest has I presume in its consequences occupied the attention of the Ministry and of the Admiralty. I shall do my best to obtain all the objects mentioned in yours of June 16th. I wish it may be with Success. I shall write again to you soon. Believe me allways to be a friend to peace and to the rights of mankind and most affectionately yours
DH
To Dr. Franklin.

Endorsed: D.H. July 10. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 11 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, July 11, 1778: We received your Excellency’s letter of the fifth regarding Captain Jones, and we readily consent to place him at your disposal.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Emmanuel-Pierre de La Plaigne, 11 July 1778
From: La Plaigne, Emmanuel-Pierre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur,
Plimouth Le 11e Juillet 1778
Il m’est ordonné ce jour de me Rendre a oakhampton devon prisonier sur ma parole d’honneur avec ma famille et autres personnes qui étoient passagers avec moy dans le d’argentré; j’ay eû l’honneur d’écrire à votre exçellençe que j’étais depoüillé de tout et sans argent quelconque. Je la priais de vouloir bien me secourir ne fussent que mes appointements qui me sont dus depuis le 26. May 1777. Je n’ay trouvé icy de Recours que dans le viçe consul des états genereaux qui a bien voulû m’obliger en ce moment de six guinees pour deux mois et qui veut bien se charger de faire passer à votre exçellençe la presente par la voye de hollande. Il est pret à obliger icy qui votre excellençe jugera a propos d’avouer, et il merite Réellement la confiançe. Aussi est-il le seul qui aye celle de mon état tout le monde me croyant un Negotiant. Je suis obligé de partire sur le champ et n’ay plus que le tems de vous demander votre protection et d’assurer votre excellençe du profond Respect avec Lequel j’ay l’honneur d’etre, Monseigneur, Votre très humble tres obëissant et tres Respectueux serviteur
E.P. DelaplaigneCapt d’inf.

  Les lettres et ordres dont votre exçellençe voudrait bien m’honorer me parviendraint surement par la voye de hollande à l’adresse de l’honnéte homme en question dont voicy M. gerrif [?] Tyasink viçe commissary to the states general at plymouth.

Addressed: To his Excellency / Benjamin Franklin / Ambassador of the United / States at the Court of / Versailles / at / Paris
Endorsed: Delaplaigne
Notation: Plymouth 11. juillet 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Nicolas Lallemant, 11 July 1778
From: Lallemant, Jacques-Nicolas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Très Respectable Frere,
A l’Orient de Paris Le 11 Juillet 1778.
Si la Jalousie pouvait entrer dans L’âme des Maçons, Touttes les Loges de Paris pourraient dans ce jour, être en proie à ce sentiment, pour disputer à celle Des Neuf Soeurs, l’avantage dont elle joüit maintenant en vous possédant pour un de ses Membres: mais ce qui peut seul dédommager ces Loges, est l’acte que vous venez de consommer, lequel vous réünissant au Corps de la Maçonnerie française, vous ouvre tous les Temples Erigés dans cette Capitale pour le bien de l’humanité.
La R[especta]ble∴ L∴ de la Paix qui a fixé une fête d’adoption à samedy prochain 18 du Courant à 3 heures après midi, au Ranelagh du Bois de Boulogne, désire avec le plus grand empressement que vous lui fassiez la faveur de venir éclairer ses Travaux et y recevoir les hommages dûs à un frere aussi célèbre que vous par son savoir et ses vertus.
Cette L∴ me charge donc de vous faire agréer sa prière et se flatte que votre présence couronnera son attente.
J’ay la faveur d’être avec les sentimens de la plus profonde vénération et de la fraternité la plus parfaitte, par T∴ L∴ N∴ q∴ v∴ S∴ connus, et avec T∴ L∴ h∴ q∴ v∴ s∴ d∴ Très Respectable Frère, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur et f∴
LallemantSécretaire de la L. de la Paix
On n’entrera qu’avec Les Billets cy joints Prix du Banquet p[ou]r un f. et une Soeur 12 lt. Il y aura Réceptions de femmes, Banquet Soupatoire à six heures du soir et Bal.

Endorsed: Lallemant Free Masons


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Comtesse de Lameth, [before 12 July 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lameth, Marie-Thérèse de Broglie, comtesse de

[before July 12, 1778]
It is with Pleasure I inform you, Madame, that a Cartel being settled in America for the Exchange of Prisoners, there is reason to hope the Chevalier de Bazantin, who has the Honour of being esteemed by you, is before this time at Liberty. I have upon your Recommendation which has great Weight with me written particularly to America concerning that Gentleman, and shall be happy if it may be of Service to him. I am, with great Respect, Madam, Your most &c.
BF
Madame la Comtesse de la Methe.To Madame la Contsse De la Methe 1778


Title: Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 12 July 1778: résumé
From: Tucker, Samuel
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<On board the Boston, Port Louis, July 12, 1778: The Frenchmen I took on at Bordeaux have given me much trouble. When we arrived here eight of them got shore leave; their sergeant complained so much of their treatment that the King’s officers, including General La Touche of Lorient, came aboard yesterday evening to ask them whether they would stay or go ashore. They said they would go, since they were volunteers. But I had enlisted them for Boston; I was not permitted to take volunteers, as I told the General. Better to leave them, he said, and let them forfeit their wages and prize money; they had in fact drawn more than that from me and the purser. The General told me that he was in command while aboard. I produced my authority and the Congressional regulations, under which the Frenchmen were guilty of sedition or mutiny. I commanded at sea, I told him. He would complain to the court and the commissioners, he said, about my two officers who had mistreated the King’s subjects; but the two had done nothing contrary to my orders except box the ears of a Frenchman flogging a small boy. I do not blame them for what they did, only for not informing me. On the recommendation of a Mr. Frazier, late major in the continental army, I took on this penniless sergeant in Bordeaux; he is going to join a French warship commanded by the General’s son, I understand, and so am not surprised that he was cleared. All the men wanted to return aboard, but I would not have them. My complement is a hundred and forty-six, with whom I shall put to sea and hope to join Capt. Whipple.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse Conway, 12 July 1778
From: Conway, Françoise-Antoinette-Jeanne Langlois du Bouchet, comtesse de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear papa
Auxerre twelve july 1778
I Sand you a Concequence letter for my dear huusband, which I hope pleasure to forward to him, in which I am, and I will be highly oblige. Your truly tenderly daugheter
Conway
Thousand Compliments to messrs franklin, Williams and mr adams, my Sister joyn with me.

Notation: Madame Conway 12. Juillet 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Herbaut de Marcenay, 12 July 1778
From: Herbaut de Marcenay, Madame ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Epinay ce 12 juillet [1778]
J’ai fait part monsieur à madame de breget des marques de votre souvenir et de l’invitation dont vous m’aviez charge, pour l’engager à aller diner un jour à passy. Elle serait bien flattée d’avoir l’honneur de vous aller chercher mais, étant à sa campagne, il serait peut être difficile de choisir d’ici à longtems, un jour qui vous seroit commode, pour le voyage de passy. C’est pourquoi monsieur pour ne point differer le desir qu’elle a de passer des momens avec vous, elle vous prie de lui faire l’honneur de venir diner a épinay. Je me suis chargée avec d’autant plus de plaisir de cette négociation, que ce sera une occasion pour moi de vous renouveller l’assurance de mes sentimens, et vous savez monsieur combien je desire cultiver une société aussi aimable que la vôtre, et dont je scais apprécier tout le prix. Choisissez donc le jour que vous voudrez, de la semaine prochaine, soit le lundi mardi mercredi, ou meme le jeudi. L’un de ces quatre jours sont égaux à ma soeur, mais ce qui ne lui sera point indifferent ainsi qu’a mr. de breget, ce sera d’avoir l’honneur de vous voir. Je vous promets aussi de leur part d’etre en petit comité et vous avez vû que je suis femme de parole. Amenez monsieur votre fils et monsieur le roy a qui je vais écrire pour lui proposer. Epinay est tres près de paris ainsi ce ne sera point un voyage ni long ni difficile. Ayez la bonté de me mander monsieur si nous pouvons nous flatter de vous posséder? Vous comblerez de joie les deux soeurs; et moi je serai enchantée de vous assurer des sentimens avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’etre monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissante servante
HERBAUT DE MARCENAY

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / a passy
Notation: Marcenay 12. Juillet


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [de Reine], [after 12 July 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Reine, —— de

Passy ce [after July 12, 1778]
Les suffrages que vos vers ont obtenus, Monsieur, vous asseurent de leur bonté, je voudrois savoir assez le françois pour sentir tout leur mérite et je vous remercie de l’honeur que vous m’avez fait de me les envoyer; j’ay reçu ce que vous aviez chargé Mr. Brisson de me remettre et j’accepte le ris du thibet a balles noires que vous m’offrez; je ne veux point que vous preniez la peine de m’addresser la recette du vin d’orange, la pensilvanie n’est pas assez propre a cette production pour que nous puissions en faire usage. Je suis avéc reconnoissance Monsieur Vostre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

Notation: Written by [deleted: Le Roy] Le Veillard for Dr. Franklin


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

<Passy, July 13, 1778: Load the Boston with whatever Capt. Tucker will take, and particularly with as much lead as he can carry and you can supply.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 13 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Whipple, Abraham

<Passy, July 13, 1778: We have ordered Capt. Tucker to join you for your cruises and homeward voyage; leave as soon as possible.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Frédéric-Charles de Baër, 13 July 1778
From: Baër, Frédéric-Charles de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Paris le 13 Juillet 1778.
Permettés moi d’implorer vos bons offices en faveur du Sieur Meyer porteur de la presente. J’ai deja eu L’honneur la semaine passée de vous presenter cet Officier qui a servi avec distinction à bord du Ranger, Capne. Jones, et vous avés eu la bonté de lui promettre que vous voudrés bien veiller à ce que la part qui lui revient des prises que le Ranger a faites lui parvienne exactement. Oserois-je vous demander une nouvelle grace pour cet Officier? Je dois vous faire confidence qu’il est dans le dernier besoin. Sans Monsieur L’Ambassadeur, il n’auroit pas eu de quoi subsister à Paris. Maintenant il doit s’en retourner à Brest, et il n’a pas le premier sol pour faire ce voyage. Je n’ose plus importuner Monsieur L’Ambassadeur pour lui demander de nouveaux secours. Mais j’ai cru que si vous vouliés engager Mr. Jones à lui faire une avance d’une dixaine de Louis d’or à compte de ce qui doit lui revenir des prises, ce Capitaine non seulement ne risqueroit rien mais il rendroit encore le plus grand service à un honnette homme à qui il a réellement les plus grandes obligations. Ayés donc la bonté, Monsieur, d’interposer votre autorité et vos bons offices pour determiner le Cne. Jones à cette avance; vous ferés une bonne oeuvre digne de votre grande ame; je vous aurai en mon particulier une obligation bien sensible, et vous augmenterés, s’il est possible, les sentimens de veneration et de reconnoissance, avec lesquels j’ai L’honneur d’etre Monsieur Votre tres humble et très Obeissant serviteur
De Baër
  Aumonier du Roi de Suedeet Secretaire de l’Ambassade de S.M.

I beg you pardon, Sir to write to you in french, I would have done it in English; but I am but a scholar in this Language.

Endorsed: De Baer Aumonier d’Ambassadeur de Suede
Notation: 13 Juillet 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 14 July 1778
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and Honored Sir
Philadelphia July 14. 1778
Once more I have the happiness of addressing you from this dearly beloved City, after having been kept out of it more than nine months. I have had the pleasure of hearing frequently from you of late, the last is dated the 25th. April, wherein you tell me that you have had no Letter from me since June 1777. I hope, my dear Sir, you don’t suspect that Sally and I have been so remiss, as not to have wrote you in all this time, she has wrote you two or three Letters, I have wrote at least a dozen, which, considering that our situation has not been very stationary, is pretty well; but our Letters have been unfortunate. I was ignorant of Mr. John Adam’s departure, or should have wrote by him. Sally is yet in the Country, and does not intend coming to Town ’till the hot weather be over, on account of her little Girl. I heard from them yesterday and they were well. I found your house and furniture upon my return to Town, in much better order than I had any reason to expect from the hands of such a rapacious crew; they stole and carried off with them some of your musical Instruments, viz: a welch harp, bell harp, the set of tuned bells which were in a box, Viol de Gambo, all the spare Armonica Glasses and one or two of the spare cases. Your armonica is safe. They took likewise the few books that were left behind, the chief of which were Temple’s school books, and the history of the Arts and Sciences in french, which is a great loss to the public. Some of your electric Aparatus is missing also. A Captain Andre also took with him the picture of you, which hung in the dining room, the rest of the pictures are safe, and met with no damage except the frame of Alfred, which is broken to pieces. In short considering the hurry in which we were obliged to leave the Town, Sally’s then situation, and the number of things we consequently left behind, we are much better off than I had any reason to expect. I have mentioned in four or five different Letters the Types you brought over with you from England being sold to the State of Virginia, and that the price of them was left for you to fix, as I knew not the cost or the value of them. I should be glad to hear from you on this subject, that I might receive the Money and place it in the funds. Congress have not yet began to draw for the interest of money borrowed, as soon as they do, I will remit you your bills. Your chest of papers left with Mr. Galloway I am told was broke open at Trevoes and the papers scattered about. I shall go up thither today or tomorrow to look after them, if I can pick any of them up, shall take care of them. Governor Franklin is upon the point of being exchanged. I have had two or three Letters from him, informing me that he enjoys better health than he had done in the begining of his confinement. Two days ago the french Ambassador arrived. I waited upon him yesterday, and was introduced as your son in Law, he received me very politely, told me he held dear every connection of yours. This made me not a little vain. [He] told me he had a Letter for me, which he would wait upon me with, as soon as he had got his baggage on shore; I shall pay every proper respect and attention to your introductions, as soon as I am in a situation for it. I cannot help mentioning Mr. Holker, as a Gentleman that has made very sensible impressions on me. It would have been a most fortunate event, had the fleet arrived three weeks earlier. They would have effectually crushed the British power in this part of the world; I am still in hopes this may be done, but it would have been effected with greater facility had they met the enemy in our Bay or River. I am obliged to you for the extracts of Letters and other papers sent with yours of the 25th. April. I lament much that I do not understand french; I must endeavor to learn it. I have seen Mr. Lutterloh, and spoke to him relative to Count Wittgenstein’s demand, he assures me that three months ago he remitted £400 Sterling to Mrs. Lutterloh in England with directions for her to remit this amount to the Count, which he says is all he owes him. From the paper you sent me the Count’s demand is more. The Count had better send over a certified account and power of Attorney. It may then be in my power to recover the money due him, as Mr. Lutterloh has made a good deal of Money in our Service, and purchased an Estate at Potsgrove. I have wrote to the Adjutant General of our Army, requesting him to make every Inquiry to satisfy the friends of Frederick de Wernecke, and expect soon to receive his answer, whether or not such a person is in our Service. A Gentleman from Germany that lives here, and is acquainted with all the German Officers that come over, is of opinion that Captain Wernecke never came to this Country, but that he was lost with Mr. Zeller, whom he knew very well. I shall pay proper attention to the Duchesse de Melfort’s Memoire, and endeavor to procure the satisfaction she wants relative to the Lands in New Jersey, but this will take up some time. With most cordial Love and Duty I remain Dear and honored Sir Your most affectionate son
Rich: Bache

  I wish I could have sent to me from France 2 dozen of padlocks & Keys fit for Mails, and a dozen post horns, they are not to be had here.
Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Martin, 14 July 1778
From: Martin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur,
Dunkerque ce 14. juillet 1778.
Permetez que je m’adresse a Votre Grandeur, pour La suplier de me tirer d’inquietude sur le sort de mon fils ainé qui a l’honneur d’etre connu de Votre Excellence sous le nom de L’estarjette qu’il a pris d’un fief; il est parti de Nantes le 12. du mois de Mars dernier a bord du navire nommé La Duchesse de Choiseul appartenant a M. de Montieu; depuis son depart ayant fait rencontre le 20. avril d’un batiment venant de St. Domingue a la Latitude et Longitude ci après noté, il m’a ecrit le dit jour qu’il se portoit bien ainsi que tout l’equipage, plein de bonne volonté et en etat de preter le côté a l’enemi s’il le trouvoit a l’atterage. Comme il n’etoit pour lors qu’a 200 et quelques lieux [lieues] de charles-town, ou il pouvoit arriver vers la fin d’avril, et que plusieurs nouvelles sont venues de vos colonies du premier au 20. may sans en avoir eu de lui, je crains fort qu’il n’aye eté pris par les anglois roïalistes a L’atterage. Je vous suplie, Monseigneur, au cas que vous ayez connoissance soit de son arrivée soit de sa prise, de vouloir bien me le faire mander, j’espere cette grace pour un pere tendrement attaché à son fils et aimé de toutte sa famille. Je suis avec un profond Respect, Monseigneur, de Votre Excellence Le très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Martintresorier extraordinaire des guerres,Ancien Maire et bourgmaitre de Dunkerque.

    a la mer le 20 avril 1778

    Latitude
28 degres
10

  Longitude
70.
20

Notation: Martin 14 Juillet 1778.


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 15 July 1778: résumé
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Versailles, July 15, 1778, in French: Among the English prisoners on Belle Isle, taken from ships in French ports, are two who say they are Americans, James Niggins of Charleston, and John Selby of Baltimore. They want to be freed and sent home. They were on the Hancock, they say, en route to Charleston from Nantes when an English privateer took her and carried them to Falmouth; there, to avoid the press, they agreed to stay aboard their captor. Please tell me whether you know them, whether they have approached you, and whether you think them entitled to obtain their request.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [15 July 1778]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Aux Galeries du Louvre ce mercredy matin[July 15, 1778?]
Mess. Kossakowsky et Strestsky gentilshommes Polonnois qui vous remettront ce billet mon Illustre Docteur nous donnent à diner à Mde. Le Roy et à moi Jeudy prochain avec plusieurs académiciens. M. Strestsky nous fera voir ses curieuses experiences sur l’air inflammable dont j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler. Vous devriez être de la partie et ces Mess. le desirent vivement. C’est en conséquence même que je leur ai donné ce billet pour vous. Rendezvous donc mon cher Docteur à leurs Instances et aux miennes. Vous savez combien toutes les occasions où je puis passer quelques momens avec vous me sont précieuses.
Tourner s’il vous plait
Je viens de recevoir un billet de Mde. De Marcenay qui bien fâchée de ne vous pas voir vous propose d’aller diner chez sa soeur à Epinay lundy ou mardy selon celui de ces jours qui vous conviendra. Faites moi un mot de reponse mon cher Docteur afin que je lui fasse savoir vos intentions et si vous acceptez.

Addressed: M. Franklin deputé du Congrès a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from “Pierre Libertati” and Other Commission Seekers, 15 July 1778
From: “Pierre Libertati”
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Once France entered the war, its eager young men had an obvious outlet for their martial energies. Many of the commission-seekers, henceforth, come from abroad—even from England—but there remains a trickle of French applicants, special cases who turn to Franklin for help.
A seasoned officer addresses Franklin on July 24. Captain C.F. de Wiebel, once in the service of the Circle of Franconia, has fought in the Austrian army in the war against Prussia, served as an engineer in the Russian forces against Turkey, and in the army of Prince Dolgorouki marching on the Crimea. He is enclosing the original, in Russian, of a letter written five years earlier by that prince, praising his engineering skills. A conspiracy brought him down as he was about to become the head of the engineers-geographers. Back at his home base, Erbac, he pursued his military studies and is now ready to spill his blood for America. Just let him have a commission equivalent to the one he held in Russia. Another officer writes from Geneva on October 12: De Stettenhoven hopes that, with the Doctor’s recommendation, he will be able to enter the American army. He has served in Poland, first as a captain, ultimately as a major, and has the credentials to prove it. Antoine Deville explains on September 22 that he has already gone to Nantes on the advice of Franklin’s friend, Baron de Benyowski, whom he served as intendant and who gave him letters of recommendation before leaving for Austria. His background includes twenty-six years as a lieutenant in Malta, fighting the Turks, and four years as an auxiliary officer in the King’s Navy. Having met Le Maire in Nantes, he asked him for employ but was told that he should first procure a letter from Franklin.
In contrast with the training in foreign armies of the three previous officers, de St. Martin, who writes from Versailles on August 8, has no experience at all, only the depth of his “misérable infortune,” the worst part of which is that he has been supported for five months by an infirm, destitute mother. His late father and grandfather were both captains in the Spanish service. He would enjoy the military life, yearns to travel, and would consider a sub-lieutenancy in America “un coup de fortune inespéré.” Forgive his audacity in asking.
James Ferrier, a British candidate, writes from London on July 24. He is a cousin of Samuel Johnston, who will verify what he is about to say. After some years in the British service, he entered that of Portugal in 1762 and by 1774 had risen to the rank of brigadier general. During that time he served under that great master of artillery, Count La Lippe Buckebourg. Now he feels he can be of great use to the United States by “regulating their artillery and putting it upon a footing at least equal to that of any at present in Europe.” He is setting out the following day for Lisbon where he shall expect Franklin’s answer. On August 30 he writes again, from Lisbon, to expand on his admiration for America and his fervent wish for an answer directed to him care of Thomas Mayne, in Lisbon. A duplicate of his previous letter is enclosed.
Joseph Ruault Duplacy, twenty-four, who writes on September 21 from Saint Brieuc in Brittany, is also connected with England. His problem is that, while French by birth, he grew up across the Channel and spent eleven years in the British navy. In the course of nine voyages, he has acquired a vast experience of the sea and the rank of “second on a corvette.” If Franklin who, he has heard, is in charge of naval affairs at Nantes, will grant him an equivalent rank, he will serve America faithfully. He knows English perfectly and has all the necessary certificates. The same request—to keep his current rank—is made on October 2 by Richaud, Chevalier de Servoulles, presently serving the King of Sardinia as a first lieutenant garrisoned in Turin. Born in Provence to a well known but impoverished family, he had to seek service abroad. He would have joined the American cause long ago were it not for a few little debts that his parents seem unable to pay. If Franklin will take care of them, as well as of the expenses to bring him to the port of embarkation—furnishing him, of course, with letters of recommendation—he will resign on the spot and go wherever he is ordered. A postscript specifies that those debts amount to 600 Piedmontese pounds and that Franklin’s letter containing the money should bear the right postage. If provided with the wherewithal, the young man will pay him a visit in Paris.
On August 22, writing from Metz, the Chevalier Delahaulsse offers his services. He has heard that BF is empowered to raise a new regiment of dragoons for Virginia; he feels confident that he could fight in it without losing his rank of lieutenant-colonel in the hussards of Conflans, a post he has held since the Foreign Legion of Conflans has been suppressed. He is a well-connected gentleman from Lorraine and can provide the best recommendations. The former commander of that same Legion, the Chevalier de Prades, with thirty years’ experience in the military, writes from Souillac in Quercy on October 10 that he is much appreciated by such important figures as the duc de Choiseul, the maréchal de Mouchy and M. de St. Paul, head of the War Office. His proposal is to raise a troop of deserters—not the first time that he would carry out such an assignment—bring them to any seaport Franklin wishes and from there to the French West Indies where he will lead them into battle. The only thing he asks in exchange is a pension of 1,200 l.t. for his family. Should the Doctor agree, he could be joined in this adventure by his brother who fought in the last war as a captain in the legion of Lorraine.
As usual, a number of friends and relatives send Franklin their recommendations on behalf of commission-seekers. Writing from Calais on July 15, Madame Brouttin Mollien des Sombres hopes Franklin will find military employment for her brother, twenty-one, “de vie et moeurs irréprochables,” coming from a highly respectable family mostly connected with the army. Nature showered gifts upon him. “Moeurs irréprochables” are also credited to Baron de Ried, currently a tutor in the house of Comte de Stralenheim, who writes on his behalf from Ditschweiler [Dudweiler?] near Sarrelouis on October 25. The unfortunate young man had formerly been in the service of the Duke of Würtemberg, whose notoriously grandiose schemes precipitated the ruin of many honest people. De Ried could build a new life for himself in America; he has already been to Canada, is well versed in engineering, in foundries and steelworks, and would be perfect at the head of a military school. He will come to Paris if Franklin so wishes. The writer, a “maréchal de camp au service du Roy,” will be gratified to have contributed such a valuable person to “un Etat qui vous doit tout.”
On an unspecified day in October, Comte de la Morliere, intendant général des armées du Roy, writes from Luciennes [Louveciennes] near St. Germain to introduce his twenty-one-year-old son who has been serving the king for three years but is burning to cross over to America. Will Franklin grant them an appointment five or six days hence? On August 4, another father, Person de Grandchamp, applies for his son. He has long hesitated to do so, out of awe and respect, but Franklin has endeared himself so much to French hearts that he now takes the step. This son of his is gifted for the military life; he has studied fortification under his father’s tutelage and has even written about it. He has been a cadet-gentilhomme for two years but without much prospect of advancement because the family is poor. He has left the service and has been eager to join the Americans ever since he read about the treaty of alliance. The father is happy to see those feelings in him and wishes he himself could have a second career to devote to the new country. Two days later he writes again: he had forgotten to give his address which is at Senoncourt near Verdun. Blame old age for such a lapse!

Monsieur,
Genève le 15 Juillet 1778.
Vous aurez s’il vous plait la bonté d’excuser la hardiesse, que prend un ami de la liberté de vous addresser la présente lettre, pour vous prier de lui faire la grace de lui marquer le plus promptement que votre commodité vous le permettra, qu’elles sont les conditions que vous feriez à un jeune homme, qui auroit envie d’aller au service du Congrès en Amérique. Il est agé d’environ 19 à 20 ans, Citoyen de Genève, ce qui vis à vis d’autres personnes ne seroit rien, paroit cependant devoir être de quelque poid vis à vis de vous, parce que qui dit Genevois, dit un grand ami de la Liberté; en effet comme vous ne l’ignorez surement pas, nos Ancêtres eurent aussi pendant fort longtemps, des guerres très opiniatres pour se mettre en liberté et pour l’affermir. Mais ce n’est pas le moment de vous entretenir de choses aussi peu essentielles pour vous que celles là, c’est celui de vous prier de reçevoir avec votre bonté ordinaire, les sentiments de respect, de vénération et d’admiration, que j’ai pour vous, Monsieur; auxquels vous me permettré de joindre les voeux les plus ardents, pour la gloire, la prosperité et la liberté des Etats unis de l’Amérique. Puisse le grand Administrateur des Etats continuer à les soutenir contre l’horrible tirannie que l’on veut établir sur eux, et a près que les membres du sage Congrès, illustrés du mérite d’avoir procuré la liberté à leur chère Patrie, auront été rassasiés de jours, il les couronne d’une immortalité bienheureuse. C’est là, Monsieur, les voeux les plus ardents que fait celui qui a l’honneur de se dire avec un très profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Pierre Libertati

Pardonné si je ne me signe pas de mon veritable nom, mais après que vous m’aurez fait l’honneur de m’écrire ici poste restante, j’aurai celui de vous répondre sous mon nom véritable; en vous remerciant si les propositions que vous me ferez me conviennent, comme je n’en doute pas un moment; connoissant, Monsieur, autant que je sçais, votre intégrité, votre équité, votre vertu et vos lumieres. Le dit
PL

Notation: Pierre Libertati Offr.


Title: The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 16 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: President of Congress

<Passy, July 16, 1778: We enclose a letter from M. de Sartine that we promised to communicate to Congress. We have no doubt—>


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 16 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, July 16, 1778: We shall take the first opportunity to send to Congress and the government of Massachusetts your letter of the 14th; it will, we are confident, lead to exertions for the relief of the islanders. Success is undoubted if British warships are withdrawn from the area; if not the difficulty will be great.
The enclosed letter from Mr. Schweighauser will show the troubles with prizes that still plague our frigates; please give orders for their relief. We also ask that British prisoners already or subsequently captured by our ships be confined in your jails at our expense, until we either exchange them or send them to America.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Thomas Simpson, 16 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Simpson, Thomas

<Passy, July 16, 1778: We have wanted to settle disputes among the Ranger’s officers for some time, and at last have the pleasure of sending you a letter from Captain Jones which allows us to reinstate you on board the Ranger. Upon receipt of this, you will take command of the Ranger as first lieutenant, join Captain Whipple of the Providence, and obey his orders respecting your future cruises and voyage to America. Leave the British prisoners in the custody of whomever Schweighauser advises.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 16 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Whipple, Abraham

<Passy, July 16, 1778: We have instructed Lieut. Simpson, on whom command of the Ranger devolves now that Capt. Jones is on another service, to join you under your orders. The Boston, Providence, and Ranger should put to sea with all dispatch. Do your best to take or destroy British privateers within your reach. Leave your prisoners as Mr. Schweighauser directs.>


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Sirs
Bordeau 16 July 1778
Permit me to lay before your honors the foregoing State which by your interpossion we flatter ourselves may be relieved. I am most respectfully Honorable Sirs your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield
The Honble. Benj Franklin Arthur Lee John Adams Esqrs.

Notation: Mr. [Bondfield] Bordeaux 1778


Title: John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, [16 July 1778]
From: Jones, John Paul
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
[July 16, 1778]
When I took Lieutenant Simpsons Parole I did not expect to have been long absent from America: but as circumstances have now rendred the time of my return less certain, I am willing to let the dispute between us drop for ever by giving up that parole which will entitle him to command the Ranger. I bear no Malice; and if I have done him an Injury this will be making him all the present Satisfaction in my power. If on the Contrary he hath Injured me I will trust to himself for an Acknowledgement. I have the honor to be with sentiments of due Esteem and Respect Gentlemen Your very Obliged very Obedient very humble Servant
(signed)  Jno. P. Jones

Notation: Simpsons Parole enclosed in a Letter from Capt. Jones 16 July 78.


Title: Schweighauser to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778
From: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen!
July 16 [1778]
Beging leave to refer you to mine of the 9 inst. I have now to inform you that Capt. Whipple at his return to his Ship, having wrote to me that he wanted the goods you had pointed out to be sent by him in order to stow his hold properly, I made yesterday application to Mr. Williams’ Clerk for the Continental stores in his Posession, when he told me that he had no objection to deliver them provided I wou’d give him an order upon you Gentlemen, for their amount. Which I could not comply with, having no directions from you to that purpose, which I hope you will approve. Mr. Ross being by some means apprised of this, has proposed some Powder belonging to the Public, which the Captain has accepted and is now occupied in taking into his Powder Room.
Yesterday I sent the last boat with the Provisions and Slops on board and have now nothing else but what the Captain can take when he receives his last dispatches. I am actually gathering the accounts, I hope to be able to make the general one shortly, in order to transmit you. I have the honor to be respectfully Honorable Gentlemen Your most Obedient and most humble Servant
J. Dl. Schweighauser

Permit me to remind you of what I hinted to you in my last of 9 inst: of the necessity of taking the proper arrangements with the Farmers respecting the Prises, as it really appears clear to me that they shou’d not be consider’d, altho English, as the Produce of that Country. Leaving this to your better judgement beg leave to Subscribe myself as on the other side Honorable Gentlemen, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
J. Dl. Schweighauser
To the Honorable Comissioners of the United States of America, at the Court of France, actually resident at Passy.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honourable Gentlemen
Passy 16 July 1778.
In consequence of the Remittance made to me by Mr. Delap of Bordeaux I have written the inclosed Letter to the officers and people of the Ranger, which if you approve please to return to be copied and forwarded. I have the honour to be with great Respect Your most obedient Servant
Jona Williams J
The Honble The Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States.

Notation: J. Williams 16 July 1778. to Commrs


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cornic, Veuve Mathurin & fils, 16 July 1778
From: Cornic, Veuve Mathurin, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Morlaix le 16. Juillet 1778
Nous avons l’honneur de vous informer que nous venons d’apprendre avec peine que M. Suégasse [Schweighauser] de Nantes avoit nommé un particullier de cette ville pour correspondant du Congrès en ce Port. Cette Information nous mortifient d’autant plus que vous nous avez fait l’honneur de nous en charger depuis longtems par plusieurs de vos Lettres et par celles de M. Silas Dean. S’il en étoit autrement ce Désagrément oûtre qu’il nous priveroit de vous être utile nous seroit encore désagreable vis avis de tout Morlaix. Vous n’ignorez pas, Monsieur, tout le zèle et tout l’attachement que nous avons montrés de la maniere la plus distinguée dans touttes les occasions qui se sont presentée. S’il arrivoit donc dans ce moment dans cette Rade, des Dépeches, des Pacquebots, ou quelqu’autre vaisseau appartenants aux Etats unis, nôtre premier soin seroit de les accuillir, et de leur donner tous les secours et assistence dont nous sommes capables; mais aujourd‘huy que ce Particullier qui n’est instruit d’aucune marche relative à ces sortes d’affaires (que vous sentez mieux que nous doivent Rester cachés à tous les yeux) se presenteroit ausi en vertu de sa Lettre qui ne peut que traverser nos opérations et dévoiler au Public ce qu’il faut qu’il ignore.
Nous esperons d’après ce que nous avons L’honneur de vous marquer que vous voudrez bien prévenir M. Lée (que nous n’avons pas encore celuï de connoitre) que depuis longtems vous nous avez honnoré de La Correspondance en cette ville pour qu’il écrive a son Correspondant M. Suegasse de Nantes de retirer les ordres qu’il à pû donner a ce particullier d’icy. Nous penserions que plustot seroit le mieux parcequ’il peut arriver de moment à aûtre des affaires importantes qui demandent autant de discretion que de celeritté vis avis desquelles nous nous comporterons toujours avec le zele et L’Intelligeance que méritent les affaires des Etats unis. C’est dans ces sentimens que nous avons l’honneur d’etre avec tout le Respect possible, Monsieur, Vos très humbles et très obeissans Serviteurs
Veuve Min Cornic ET Min fils

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur Franklin / ambassadeur des Etats unis de la / merique septentrionale / A Passis.
Endorsed: M Cornick & Fils Morlaix


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Levent, 16 July 1778
From: Levent, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur
Paris ce 16. juillet 1778
Mr. le Comte de Canowe qui me veut du bien a eû l’honneur de présenter à Vôtre Excellence l’Almanach général des Marchands, dont le plan est généralement gouté, mais cet ouvrage est éloigné de la perfection dont il est susceptible, et je ne pourrois espérer de l’y porter si le zèle patriotique n’y concouroit avec moy. Persuadé qu’il n’y a que les citoïens honnêtes qui soient animés de ce sentiment respectable je me suis adressé à différentes places de commerce du Royaume et de l’Etranger pour m’envoyer des mémoires détaillés sur les productions de leurs contrées et sur leur industrie avec les noms des meilleurs négocians, fabriquants, des Entrepreneurs des Manufactures, Banquiers, l’epoque des foires. J’ai la Satisfaction de voir qu’ils veulent bien seconder mes vues par les renseignemens qu’ils me donnent pour l’Edition prochaine. Je prens la respectueuse liberté de reclamer les bontés de Vôtre Excellence à ce qu’il lui plaise m’en faire donner sur les principales places de l’Amerique, où je désirerois pouvoir en envoyer un nombre de cette année qui serviroient au moins de canevas, pour rediger les instructions que chaque principal négociant voudroit me faire parvenir. L’inclination naturelle de Vôtre Excellence à obliger et la Protection qu’elle daigne accorder à ceux qui tachent de se rendre utiles au bien général de la Societé me font espérer qu’elle voudra bien m’honorer de ses hautes Lumieres, et observations, sur cet ouvrage naissant. Je suis avec un profond respect Monseigneur de vôtre Excellence Le très humble et très obéissant serviteur
LeventDirecteur du Bureau d’Indication de L’Almanach général des Marchands rue Gaillon vis à vis l’hôtel de Richelieu

Endorsed Levent Alma. of Merchts.
Notation: 16 July 1778


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 17 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

<Passy, July 17, 1778: We enclose a resolution of Congress about the treaties, and request that it be laid before the King. It will show him how he has won the hearts of that body and of the American people by a beneficence that time will never efface.>


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, July 17, 1778, in French: I have seen the Grand Facteur and our friend every day, but have waited to write until the States General adjourned. Increasing the army was the principal subject of debate; Amsterdam rejected the proposal, and it will not be adopted. Our friend differed on it with the Grand Pensionary, who has his strengths and weaknesses. He is rich, could be independent and wise, and if he had courage could make the republic play a role worthy of it; the Grand Facteur believes he is on our side, and says that our friend dislikes him for his courtier’s flexibility. The Grand Pensionary fears Amsterdam, I believe, and my warning that it knew about the overtures to him accounted for his receiving me warmly.
Our friend assured me that the steps I have taken have publicized beyond contradiction the favorable American attitude toward the republic, and have strengthened Amsterdam and weakened the British party. I told him that failure on the Grand Pensionary’s part to answer your letter would be offensive. As long as the court opposes formal consideration of the matter, he replied, the Grand Pensionary would not compromise himself by acting alone; but Amsterdam appreciates the communicating of the treaty and wants the most friendly relations with the United States.
War has been declared in Germany. The Dutch envoy to Berlin has reported the King’s declaration of his position and of his spurned efforts at compromise; Prussian troops have reached Dresden, and the King has broken camp in Silesia.

The States General will reconvene tomorrow, to consider instructions to their envoy in London about the British seizure of two Dutch ships returning from St. Eustatius. You promised me, if I may remind you, a hundred louis semiannually for living expenses until Congress decided about me. I received the first instalment at the beginning of the year, but to survive until the end I need the second; should I apply to M. Grand in Paris?
Please send me a letter of recommendation, with names blank, in favor of a merchantman leaving Amsterdam for an American port. This would help good people who, on my advice, are taking this first venture in great secrecy. Haste is required, for the vessel is almost loaded.>


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1778: résumé
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Passy, July 17, 1778: I appreciate your confidence in approving my drafts on Mr. Grand, and am ready to account for them up to May 30; the expenses since I left Nantes will go on a new account. Might you not appoint some one to compare the bills and receipts with the charges, subject to your later approval?>


Title: S. and J.-H. Delap to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778
From: Delap, Samuel,Delap, Jean-Hans
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Bordeaux 18 July 1778.
We take the liberty of forwarding you Inclosed a Letter from Captn. William Hill Sargeant. He informs us it is Requesting you to give him a letter of Marque Commission and that he has offered you our House as Guarantee that no improper use will be made of same. If this formality requisite and that you think us sufficient Security for any improprieties he may commit we beg leave to offer ourselves as such. We have the Honor to be very Respectfully Gentlemen Your obedient Humble Servants
S & JH Delap
To The Honble. B. Franklin Arth. Lee & Jno Adams Esqrs. Paris

Addressed: To / The Honble Benjamin Franklin / Arthur Lee, & / John Adams Esqrs. / Plenipotentiaries from the United States / of America at the Court of / Versailles
Notations in different hands: J & S H Delap Bordeaux 18 July 78 / reponder repondu


Title: Rawlins Lowndes to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778
From: Lowndes, Rawlins
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Sirs,
Chas. Town So. Carolina. July 18th. 1778.
The State of South Carolina having Resolved to procure three Ships of War in foreign parts for the Protection of their Coast and Trade, Have intrusted that Service to their Commodore, Alexander Gillon Esqr. a Zealous and approved Friend to the American States, who embarkes for France with some other Officers to manage that Business.
The Legislature have appropriated to this Use the Sum of £500,000. Currency; And Goods and Effects purchased here to that Amount have been partly exported, and the remainder will soon be exported to France. But it is feared that the danger of Capture, the heavy Charge on Shiping, and the loss on the Sale of our produce, will reduce the Net proceeds in France considerably below the sum wanted. To Guard against the disappointment that would be Occasioned by these Contingencies, Mr. Gillon is furnished with the proper Credentials to enable him on the Faith and Credit of the Country to Negociate a Loan in Europe sufficient to make up any deficiency that may happen in the Sum granted that he may as soon as possible carry into Effect the intention of the State in procuring the said Armament.
I am therefore in behalf of the State of South Carolina, to request the favour of your Assistance and Countenance to Mr. Gillon, to give weight and success to his Application in a measure so interesting, and of such publick Utility to the United States in general, and to this in particular, for which purpose I take the Liberty of Introducing him to your Patronage and protection; And am with the greatest Respect and Regard Sirs Your Excellencies Most Obedient and Most humble Servants
Raw. Lowndes
Their Excys, The Commissioners, representing the United American States, at Foreign Courts.

Notation: Raw Lowndes Charlestown 10. [sic] juillet 1778.


Title: William Hill Sargeant to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778: résumé
From: Sargeant, William Hill
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, July 18, 1778: I lately arrived in a fast-sailing vessel from Virginia. The owners could not arm her there and gave me power to do so here; I therefore ask a commission for that purpose. During most of the war I served the state in a small trading ship. When she was condemned I took command of the Dispatch, a brigantine with eight four-pounders and a crew of twenty-five owned by St. George Tucker of Williamsburg. Mr. Delap will stand security for me. I should have visited you by now, to pay my respects and learn whether you had stores for the ship, if I had not had such trouble in keeping order among an American crew in this port. I shall be ready to sail in a week or so, and will await your orders.>


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 18 July 1778: résumés
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

I.
<Versailles, July 18, 1778, in French: Letters from Lorient tell of the trouble between the commander of the Boston and the French volunteers and sailors in his crew, of whom twenty-eight—twenty-five volunteers and three apprentices—have been sent ashore. Their grievance was against the first lieutenant and two other officers, who apparently mistreated them. The facts came to the notice of the commissary and of M. de La Touche de Tréville, chef d’escadre, who put in at Lorient in the course of operations. The latter had also personal complaints, which he put before the Captain on boarding the frigate. When the men were landed the Captain did what he could to restore their possessions, which had been pillaged by the crew; they had difficulties, however, over their treatment. They claim shares in two prizes sent to Lorient, but not in two others sent to America. They were specifically enlisted in Bordeaux for a cruise, which the Captain insists extended to Boston; that was not, they say, in the articles. You should give orders in the matter to avoid the expense of taking it to the admiralty court. Let me know what you want done, so that I may tell the commissary. He writes that he has offered the Captain all possible facilities for enlisting new volunteers.

P.S. Mr. Schweighauser informs me that his agent in Brest is having trouble with the admiralty in selling the Ranger’s prizes. I am writing to have the trouble stopped, and am so informing Mr. Schweighauser.>

II.
<Versailles, July 18, 1778, in French: Several American vessels, inactive in French ports, might be put to use in the common cause. Our mutual interest will doubtless lead you to give the necessary orders.>


Title: Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778
From: Simpson, Thomas
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

May it please your Honours
Nantes 18th. July 1778.
I wrote you by Captain Niles, that on receiving an answer from Captain Whipple, I shou’d immediately follow his instructions, his letter came to hand the 12th, I embarked at Brest the 15th. and arrived here the 17th Instant, and am now to proceed for America in the Providence, where I hope to have the pleasure of being immediately bro’t to trial. I tho’t my indispensible duty to inform you in what manner I have proceeded, And am Your Honours Most Obedient, Very humble Servant
Thom Simpson
Honourable the American Commissioners At Passi

Addressed: The Honourable Commissioners / for the United States of America / At / Passi
Notation: Lieut Simpson Nantes 18 July 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Richelet, 18 July 1778
From: Richelet, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
L’hermitage de Chasseigne les Dormansen champagne le 18 juillet 1778
Je suis retirez du monde, et je n’en connois pas les usages: je ne sais de nouvelles, que par une gazette de tous les mois.
Ne soïez donc pas surpris Monsieur, si je ne vous donne pas la qualité, que vous avez peutêtre a la Cour.
Les gazettes annonçent L’Union de 13 provinces de l’Amerique: par l’Effet du hazard, le petit manoir que j’habitte se trouve aussi distribué sur 13 cantons.
Cette Singularité, Monsieur, m’a determinez à acceptér l’offre d’un maitre d’ecolle, pour en lever le plan, et j’ose vous l’offrir.
Il n’i à q’une petite journée de poste, de Paris icy: sur la belle routte de Strasbourg.
Vous trouvant a portée de la Champagne, dont les vins sont renommez: si vous voulez voir les cottes qui le produisent, j’ose vous offrir l’hermitage, pour i faire le sejour qu’il vous plairoit.
Si l’offre que je fais Monsieur, vous paraissoit temeraire, permettez-moi de vous dire que ce seroit la fautte des papiers publics: ils annonçent une noble Simplicite dans votre façon de vivre; une entiere abnégation de faste. Et interieurement j’ai pensez, que pouvant vous fournir de quoi logér un sécrétaire, un Valet de Chambre, deux laquais; vous offrir un bon pottage, et par extraordinaire pour vous, deux entrées, vous pouriez vous contenter.
Si j’erre Monsieur, pardonnez-le moy en faveur de la veneration que vos vertus m’ont inspirées.
Si le hazard, qui occasionne cette lettre Monsieur, faisoit aussi, que Vous connussiez quelq’habitan de l’amérique qui voulut revenir en france, et acheptér une terre: j’en connois plusieurs, et de differents prix, qu’on m’a confiez êtres a vendre, sans etres aux affiches: et j’indiquerois volontier a qui il faudroit s’adresser pour negocier, et même les propriétaires. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Richelet

Ne soiez point surpris Monsieur, si cette lettre n’est pas timbrée de Dormans. Je la fais mettre à une autre poste: parceque si par hazard encore, mon desir s’acomplissoit, et que vous vinssiez comme atendu, ou qu’on le soupconnat, vous pouriez être interompu par la foulle d’habitans qui vouderoïent vous voir.
Si vous voulez savoir quel je suis? Vous pouvez Monsieur, faire informer près de Monsieur l’abbé de Breteüil, chancelier de Monseigneur Le Duc D’Orleans: Je crois qu’il voudera bien dire si on peut m’en croire.

Endorsed: Richelet Invitation
Notation: Dormans 18. juillet 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Spencer, 19 July 1778
From: Spencer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Nantz 19 July 1778
The Inclosed is a letter deliverd me when at Plymouth by a Capt. of the 1st Battalion of Georgia Continental Troops. He has no doubt Painted his Sittuation to your Excellency, I need not theirfore take any notice on that head but Could Wish to have Every Relief Aforded him that Your Excellency Shall think Most Proper. I Remain With Respect Your Excellencys most Humble Servant &c.
John Spencer

Addressed: To His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Ambassador from the United States / of America / a passÿ pres paris
Endorsed: Spencer
Notation: De B. De versailles


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 20 July 1778: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

<Passy, July 20, 1778: Franklin notifies Dumas of the ratification at Versailles of the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and authorizes him to “communicate the Treaty of Commerce to M. le Grand Pensionnaire.”>


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 21 July 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, July 21, 1778, in French: I have just received, translated and delivered a German letter to the Grand Facteur. The States General have adjourned and the Prince is leaving for Los in Overyssel. No new instructions were given Count Welderen concerning the British capture of two Dutch ships carrying tobacco for Messrs. Hope who are on good terms with the British ministry. I am sending an article on the subject to the Courier du Bas-Rhin. The Grand Facteur has confirmed the capture of a British frigate by the French fleet.>


Title: Hezekiah Ford to the American Commissioners, 21 July 1778
From: Ford, Hezekiah
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honoured Sirs
Jersey. July. 21st. 1778
In my Passage to Virginia, on Board a small Cutter, I had the Misfortune to be taken, and carried into Jersey. And as you are perfectly acquainted with my Sentiments (which I am still immoveably determined to retain, let the Consequences be what they will) I hope you will excuse the Freedom I have taken in solliciting your further Favours.
Among the Passengers taken and brought in here, are, Mr. Channing and Lady, Mr. Blake, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Gilbank, of, and bound to, South Carolina. And Mr. Maury of, and bound to, Virginia. We are under the disagreeable Necessity of going to England: from whence we shall take the earliest Opportunity to return. I have the Honour to be, Gentlemen Your Most Obedient Most Obliged, and very Humble Servant
H: Ford
Their Excellencies, Franklin, Lee, & Adams.

Notation: H Ford Jersey 21 July. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Heathcote Muirson, 21 July 1778
From: Muirson, Heathcote
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Forton Prison July 21st 1778
The unfortunate situation I am in, I beg leave to make as an apology for my troubling you to peruse the following, unhappy, anecdote of my life.
I am the youngest son of Doctr. George Muirson of Suffolk County Long Island; and connected in the family of Doctr. Joshua Babcock of Westerly, whose son Mr. Adam Babcock married a sister of mine. I early engaged in the service of my Country, (contrary to the express orders of my Father and family, who, have positively refus’d me evry kind of support, so long as I continue in the Rebel service, as they please to term it.) In Octr. 1776, I was made a prisoner by Genl. Carlton on Lake Champlain, then acting as Capt. of Marines on board the fleet commanded by Genl. Arnold, and was permitted to return home upon my Parole, where I remaind a prisoner untill April 1778. I have been repeatedly solicited by my father and friends to return to them, making me evry offer they thought probable would tempt me, and even went so far as to procure me a pardon from Govr. Tryon, (on the supposition that I was to deny the service of my country,) which I receiv’d, and destroy’d. Immediately after my exchange, I engaged in my former capacity on board the Brigantine Angelica of 16 Guns and ninety eight men, William Dennis Esqr. commander.
We sailed from Boston 25th. of May, and had been at sea only five days, when we fell in with and were captured by the Andromeda frigate from Philadelphia, Genl. Howe being on board bound for England.
We were brought to Spit Head, and after undergoing a ceremonious tryal, were committed as Pirates to this dismal Prison.
I have no desire Sir to boast of my Pedigree or connections, I only wish modestly to inform you who I am, thinking most probably you may have been acquainted with the persons or Characters of those I have mentioned, and by this means introduce myself to your Honor as a person destitute of friends and in want of almost evry necessary of life. It will be needless to enter into a long detail of my treatment. It is too much to say that I was rob’d of evry thing except the clothes I had upon me; which obliges me to make my complaint in this channel and humbly ask your assistance.
If it is in your power Sir to give me any releif, either in effecting my exchange, or by any means conveying me a sum of money, I will obligate myself to remit the value of the same agreable to your Order.
At present I have very little fortune except what is in the Enemies possession on Long Island; Yet happily for me my brother in Law grants me evry thing I want which will enable me to answer evry obligation your Honor may please to lay me under. I am Sir with the greatest Respect Your Honors most Obedient Humble Servant
Heathcote Muirson
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Benja. Franklin Esqr Paris
Endorsed: Heathcot Muirson Prisoner


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 22 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, July 22, 1778: We have received your letters of July 15 and 18. Niggins and Selby are unknown to us, but unless something appears to invalidate their story please grant their request. We are sorry for the dispute between two officers of the Boston and some French crewmen. Captain Tucker has sent us his account of the incident. We believe that if the sailors enlisted to go to Boston they should return to the ship; if not, they have the right to leave and are entitled to their wages. We will write this to Captain Tucker. We have ordered all our frigates to sail immediately.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 22 July 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir,
Passi July 22 1778
Captain Robert Niles of the Spy at Brest, has occasion for fourteen or fifteen Tons of Lead, which you will be so good as to order on board his Vessell, and if he should request any other Articles to make up a Cargo for the united States you will please to order them on board, out of those Merchandises or Arms &c. which you have on hand. We are
Please to send Us a List of the Articles you receive from Mr. Williams.
Mr. Schweighauser

P.S. Capt. Niles’s Vessell has incured some Expence at Brest, which We desire you will discharge.


Title: The American Commissioners to Samuel Tucker, 22 July 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Tucker, Samuel

<Passy, July 22, 1778: If the French sailors enlisted in your books are to go to Boston, they should return to the ship and receive their due in wages and prize money. Otherwise, the cruise being complete, they are entitled to collect what is owed them, deducting advances, and to depart. We order your strict attention to the just treatment of Frenchmen under your command, handicapped by unfamiliarity with our language and customs. P.S. If these men insist on leaving regardless of their commitment to continue to Boston, concede to their wishes but deny them wages and prize money.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Lovell, 22 July 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lovell, James

Sir,
Passy, July 22. 1778.
I received your Favour of May 15. and was glad to find that mine of Decr. 21. had come to hand. Mr. Deanes Brother writes that it was not signed, which was an accidental Omission. Mr. Deane himself is I hope with you long before this time, and I doubt not but every Prejudice against him is removed. It was not alone upon the Proceedings of Congress I formed my Opinion that such Prejudices existed. I am glad to understand that Opinion was groundless, and that he is like to come back with Honour, in the Commission to Holland, where Matters are already so ripe for his Operations, that he cannot fail (with his Abilities) of being Useful. You mention former Letters of the Committee by which we might have seen the Apprehensions of the Resentment of Foreign Officers, &c. Those Letters never came to hand. And we on our Part are amazed to hear that the Committee had had no Line from Us for near a Year, during which we had written I believe five or six long and particular Letters, and had made it a Rule to send triplicates of each, and to replace those that we happened to hear were lost, so that of some there were 5 Copies sent: and as I hear that Capt. Young is arrived who had some of them, I think it probable that one at least of each must have come to your hands before this time: Mr. Deane’s Informations however, may supply the Want of them; whose Arrival, as he went with a strong Squadron of Men of War, is more likely than that of this Vessel, or any single one by whom we might send more Copies. The Affair with Mr. Beaumarchais will be best settled by his Assistance after his return. We find it recommended to us, but we know too little of it to be able to do it well without him.
There has been some Inaccuracy in sending Us the last Dispatches of the Committee. Two Copies of the Contract with Mr. Francy, and the Invoices, came by the same Vessel, Capt. Niles. And tho’ one of your Letters mentions sending inclosed a Resolution of Congress relative to two Articles of the Treaty, that Resolution is not come to hand. There are Circumstances in the Affair of those Articles, that make them in my Opinion of no Consequence if they Stand, while the proposing to abrogate them, has an unpleasing Appearance, as it looks like a Desire of having it in our Power to make that Commercial kind of War, which no honest State can begin, which no good Friend or Neighbour ever did or will begin, which has always been consider’d as an Act of hostility that provoked as well as justify’d Reprisals, and has generally produced such as have render’d the first Project as unprofitable as it was unjust. Commerce among Nations as well as between Private Persons should be fair and equitable, by Equivalent Exchanges, and mutual Supplies. The taking unfair Advantage of a Neighbour’s Necessities, tho’ attended with a temporary Success, always breeds ill Blood. To lay Duties on a Commodity exported which our Friends want, is a Knavish Attempt to get something for Nothing. The Statesman who first invented it, had the Genius of a Pickpocket; and would have been a Pickpocket if Fortune had suitably plac’d him. The Nations who have practis’d it have suffer’d for it fourfold, as Pickpockets ought to suffer. Savoy by a Duty on exported Wines lost the Supplying of Switzerland, which thenceforth raised its own Wine; and (to wave other Instances) Britain by her Duty on exported Tea, has lost the Trade of her Colonies. But as we produce no Commodity that is peculiar to our Country, and which may not be obtained elsewhere, the Discouraging the Consumption of ours by Duties on Exportation, and thereby encouraging a Rivalship from other Nations in the Ports we trade to, is absolute Folly, which is indeed mixed more or less with all Knavery. For my own Part if my Protest were of any Consequence, I should Protest against our ever doing it even by way of Reprisal. It is a Meanness with which I would not dirty the Conscience or Character of My Country. The Objections stated against the last of the two Articles had all been made and consider’d here; and were sent I imagine from hence by one who is offended that they were not thought of weight sufficient to stop the signing of the Treaty, ’till the King should in another Council reconsider those Articles, and after agreeing to omit them order new Copies to be drawn, tho’ all was then ready engross’d on Parchment as before settled. I did not think the Articles of much Consequence; but I thought it of Consequence that no Delay should be given to the signing of the Treaty after it was ready. But if I had known that those Objections would have been sent to the Committee I should have sent the Answers they received, which had been Satisfactory to all the Commissioners when the Treaty was settled and untill the Mind of one of them was alter’d by the Opinion of two other Persons. ’Tis now too late to send those Answers. But I wish for the future if such a Case should again happen, that Congress would acquaint their Commissioners with such partial Objections, and hear their Reasons, before they determine that they have done wrong. In the mean time this is only to you in private: It will be of no use to communicate it, as the Resolution of Congress will probably be received and executed before this Letter comes to hand.
Speaking of Commissioners in the plural puts me in mind of enquiring if it can be the Intention of Congress to keep three Ambassadors at this Court; we have indeed four with the Gentleman intended for Tuscany, who continues here, and is very angry that he was not consulted in making the Treaty which he could have mended in several Particulars; and perhaps he is angry with some Reason if the Instructions to him do, as he says they do, require us to consult him. We shall soon have a fifth, for the Envoy to Vienna not being received there, is, I hear returning hither. The necessary Expence of maintaining us all, is, I assure you enormously great: I wish the Utility may equal it: I imagine every one of us spends nearly as much as Lord Stormont did. It is true he left behind him the Character of a Niggard; and when the Advertisement appear’d for the Sale of his Household Goods, all Paris laughed at an Article of it, perhaps very innocently express’d, Une grande quantité du Linge de Table, QUI N’A JAMAIS SERVI—Cela est très vraisemblable, say they, car il n’a jamais donné à manger. But as to our Number whatever Advantage there might be in the joint Counsels of three for framing and adjusting the Articles of the Treaty, there can be none in managing the common Business of a Resident here. On the Contrary, all the Advantages in negociation that result from Secrecy of Sentiment, and Uniformity in expressing it, and in common Business from Dispatch, are lost. In a Court too where every Word is watched and weighed, if a Number of Commissioners do not every one hold the same Language, in giving their Opinion on any publick Transaction, this lessens their Weight; and where it may be prudent to put on or avoid certain Appearances, of Concern, for Example, or Indifference, Satisfaction or Dislike, where the utmost Sincerity and Candour should be used and would gain Credit, if no semblance of Art shewed itself in the inadvertent Discourse perhaps of only one of them, the Hazard is in Proportion to the Number. And where every one must be consulted on every particular of common Business, in answering every Letter, &ca. and one of them is offended if the smallest thing is done without his Consent, the Difficulty of being often and long enough together, the different Opinions, and the time consumed in debating them, the Interruption by new Applicants in the time of meeting, &c. &c. occasion so much postponing and delay, that Correspondence languishes, Occasions are lost, and the Business is always behind hand. I have mentioned the Difficulty of being often and long enough together: This is considerable where they cannot be all accommodated in the same House: But to find three People whose Tempers are so good, and who like so well one anothers Company, and Manner of living and conversing, as to agree well themselves, tho’ being in one House; and whose Servants will not by their Indiscretion quarrel with one another, and by artful misrepresentations draw their Masters in to take their Parts, to the Disturbance of necessary Harmony, these are Difficulties still greater and almost insurmountable. And in consideration of the whole I wish the Congress would separate Us.
The Spanish Galleons which have been impatiently expected are at length happily arrived. The Fleet and Army returning from Brasil is still out, but supposed to be on the Way homewards. When that and the South Sea Ships are arrived, it will appear whether Spain’s Accession to the Treaty has been delayed for the Reasons given, or whether the Reasons were only given to excuse the Delay.
The English and French Fleets of nearly equal Force are now both at Sea. It is not doubted but that if they meet there will be a Battle. For tho’ England thro’ Fear, Affects to Understand it to be still Peace, and would excuse the Depredations she has made on the Commerce of France by Pretences of illicit Trade &c. yet France considers the War as begun from the time of the King’s Message to Parliament complaining of the Insult France had given by treating with Us, and demanding Aids to resent it, and the Answers of both Houses offering their Lives and Fortunes, and the taking several Frigates are deem’d indisputable Hostilities. Accordingly Orders are given, to all the Fleets and arm’d Ships to return Hostilities, and Encouragement is offered to Privateers &c. An Ambassador from Spain is indeed gone to London, and joyfully received there in the Idea that Peace may be made by his Mediation. But as yet we learn nothing certain of his Mission, and doubt his effecting any thing of the kind.
War in Germany seems to be inevitable, and this occasioning great Borrowings of Money in Holland and elsewhere, by the Powers concerned, makes it more Difficult for us to succeed in ours. When we engaged to Congress to pay their Bills for the Interest of the Sums they should borrow, we did not dream of their drawing on Us for other Occasions. We have already paid of Congress Drafts to return’d Officers 82,211 Livres and we know not how much more of that kind we have to pay, because the Committee have never let us know the Amount of those Drafts, or their Account of them never reached Us, and they still continue coming in. And we are now surprized with Advice of Drafts from Mr. Bingham to the Amount of 100,000 more. If you reduce us to Bankruptcy here, by a Non Payment of your Drafts, consider the Consequences. In my humble Opinion, no Drafts should be made on us, without first learning from us, that we shall be able to answer them.
Mr. Beaumarchais has been out of Town ever since the Arrival of your Power to settle with him. I hope he will be able to furnish the Supplies mentioned in the Invoice and Contract. The Settlement may be much better made with the Assistance of Mr. Deane; we being not privy to the Transactions.
We have agreed to give Monsr. Dumas 200 Louis a year, thinking that he well deserves it. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr. Lovell Honle. James Lovell Esqr.

Endorsed: July 22d 1778 to JL Doctr. Franklin recd. July 31st 1779. answd Aug 6th


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George McCall, 22 July 1778
From: McCall, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Glasgow July 22d. 1778.
I take the liberty to address you with a true Account of the situation of the Bearers Messrs. Lawrance and Robert Brooke, Sons of Richard Brooke Esqr. of Smithfield Virginia; He was pleased in the year 1770 to send these young Gentlemen to my care here for their Education, and they have applied with that attention to their studies, and behaved so remarkably well since that time that they will be a comfort and Credit to their Parent and Friends, and an honour to their own, or any other country. And as they have now finished their Studies here are desirous to return to their Native Country via France as the most proper plan.
My Sincere regard and duty to them demands my best services in their behalf, and as you have it most in your power to favour their intentions, I have ventur’d tho a Stranger to you (but having had the pleasure to enjoy some evenings in company with you in Virginia many years ago) to give the foregoing just Acct. of Messrs. Brook as they may be almost without Acquantances in Paris.
This Address from a Person to whom you may be an utter Stranger at this time requires evidence of the verasity of what I write, and the only security that at present occurs for this not being fictitious, Is, that William Alexander late of Edinburgh and William Lee Esqrs. are acquanted with my handwrite and may have Opportunity of ascertaining this, and whether the Charecter I sustain be sufficient for you to trust my representation respecting Messrs. Brooke, the Bearers; taking for granted that you will be satisfied of the above I have only earnestly to recommend these Gentlemen to your favour for promoting their safe return to their Friends in Virginia or doing them any other Service which they may Merit. I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Sir Your most obedient Servant
George McCall
Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Notation: Geo McCall Glasgow concg. Messrs Brooke July 22 1778


Title: The American Commissioners to William Hill Sargeant, 23 July 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sargeant, William Hill

Sir
Passi July 23. 1778
We herewith Send you the Commission you desire, and wish you good Success with it being your very humble servants
F. L. A.
To William Hill Sirgeant Commander of the Brigantine Dispatch, from Virginia


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Conway, 23 July 1778
From: Conway, ——, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris rue vendome au marais ce 23 Juillet 1778
Your excelency will find here the weight and prices of the two pieces of brass Canon I had the honour to Speak to you off which are to be Seen at Chevalier Darcy’s in your neighbourhood at fauw bourg du Roulle. I could wish as they are of the best kind and have been proved before his late Majesty that they may shute [suit] your need. As to the price I shall come into any measures you think proper.
I shall be much obliged to your excelency if youde let me know if you had any late news from america and when any Ship parts for that continent.

My daughter begs her kind Compliments to you your family and mr. adams and is as youle easily imagin impatient to know if there be any late acount from her husband. The favour of your answer Sir by my Servant bearer hereof will greatly oblige Sir your excelencys most humble and most obedient Servant
Conway

Endorsed: Conway Offering Cannon
Notation: 24. Juillet 1778.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Champigny, 24 July 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Champigny, Jean Bochard, chevalier de

Sir
Passy, July 24 1778
I have received your Letter of the 9th Instant, wherein you reproach me with breaking my Engagements to you, in not having paid you twenty one Ducats which you say I owe you, reminding me that while I charge Breach of Faith on the King respecting my Constituents I ought not to break mine to you, as private Engagements are more sacred than those of Sovereigns. I hold myself always ready to pay my just Debts, and shall pay this as soon as I am convinc’d it is of that kind. But as you have not favour’d me with your Account I know not how it arises. I have not here my Books [interlined: and Receipts relating to] that contain my Money Transactions and Expences while in England: But I remember that many years since a Gentleman of your Name, to whom I was entirely a Stranger, apply’d to me for a Subscription to a History of England which he propos’d to write. I consider’d the Affair as one of those genteel Methods by which Men of Letters are assisted when their Circumstances require Assistance, without being put to the Blush in being oblig’d to ask it as a Benevolence. In that Light I gave him perhaps two or three Guineas (I do not exactly remember the Sum) and took his Receipt promising the History, but without the least Expectation of ever seeing it. Accordingly I never enquired after it, I never ask’d him for it. I had by me at the time near a Dozen such Receipts, for Books not yet printed, and many of them I believe never intended to be written. I have however lately received 2 Volumes, as they are Called of that History, and four Volumes of Histories of Sweden and Denmark which I never desired or heard of before. They are badly printed and so thin, as not to make more than two sizable Quarto Volumes when bound together, so that I cannot conceive them worth more than I have already paid. Nevertheless I do not on that Account desire to keep them. Had you publish’d Your History of England within the Time you first promis’d to your Subscribers, I might possibly have lived to read it. But you broke your Engagement with me, and that long before you could have the least Pretence for accusing me, as you now do, of the same Crime, and I never complain’d of it. You have since made another Promise, that from the Month of September 1777, (when the two first Volumes appear’d) two more should be publish’d every 5 Months. Ten Months are since elaps’d, and not one of the four Volumes due has yet been heard of; so that I can have no Dependance on ever seeing the Work compleated. Besides I am now grown very old, have but little time left, and that is occupy’d with too much public Business to allow me any Leisure for the private Amusement of reading History. I request therefore that you would direct your Correspondent here to call for and receive back the 6 Volumes of different Histories you have sent me; and I desire you would accept what you formerly had of me, and believe me your Welwisher and very humble Servant
BF
I return enclos’d your Receipts.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from de Reine, 24 July 1778
From: Reine, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur le docteur
a versailles le 24. juillet 1778.
A l’instant je recois une lettre de la nouvelle Orleans en date du 29. mars dernier, par laquelle le chevalier d’Erneville le premier capt. du tems que nous avions cette colonie me mande.
“M. Willinge depéché par le congrés avec trente hommes vient d’Enlever toute la rive gauche du mississipi et un navire mouillé manchak portant 16. canons et autant de mortiers, il a tout devasté et a fait pour un million de butin et fait tort de plus de deux a la vielle angleterre. Notre gouverneur M. de galvey a protegé l’une et l’autre et a observé une grande neutralité.”
Si vous savez cette nouvelle Monsieur Le docteur, je vous prie de Regarder ma Lettre comme non avenue. J’en retireray un precieux avantage puisqu’elle me procure l’occasion de vous assurer que j’ai l’honneur de vous assurer que je suis avec Respect Monsieur le docteur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
De Reineancien capt rue Sataury aux 4. bornes
a M. Le docteur franklin a passy.

Endorsed: M. La Reine Versailles


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 25 July 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy, July 25. 1778.
We have just received another Copy of the Ratification. We understand the Congress have sent five by so many different Conveyances. The Vessel now arriv’d left Boston the 16th June. There was then no News there of Count D’Estaign. I send enclos’d a Letter from Dr. Cooper to me, the latest Newspaper, and an Account of the Cargo of the Duchesse de Grammont, of whose safe Arrival we have now first the good News. I am, with great Respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
[In the margin:] Mr. Adams and myself were at Versailles to day, with an Intention to pay our Respects to your Excelly. but receiving Notice while there of the Arrival of Dispatches for us, we hasten’d back to see if there was any News of Importance.
  M. le Comte de Vergennes


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Guichard, 25 July 1778
From: Guichard, ——, l’aîné
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Marennes Le 25 Juillet 1778.
Je Pris La Liberté de Vous Ecrire Le 6. de ce mois pour vous prier de Vouloir Bien Me faire compter la somme de 720 l.t. duë a augustin Guichard Mon frere Embarqué En qualité d’officier sur un Bâtiment des Etats unis appellé Lexington, commendé Par M. Johnson, pour un an de Gage à Compter du 12. May 1777. au 12 may 1778. ainsy que Les deux Parties qui Luy Reviennent sur les Prises qu’ils onts faittes. Je vous observay, Monsieur, que Mon frere ayant Eté Pris et se Trouvant avoir Besoin D’argent a Eu Recours a moy, que luy en ayant fait Passer, Il me donne ordre De Retirer Les Gages et Parties de Prises dont s’agit. Je me Persuade, Monsieur, que vous voudrés Bien m’entendre a Cet Egard, et Rendre Justice a la demende que Je vous fais. Mon frere à servi avec assés de distingtion et d’aplausiment [applaudissement] les Etâts unis Pour en Esperer du Retour par le payement d’un L’Egitime dû.
Tout s’acorde a Rendre Justice a Mon frere, M. Wilk comis de feu M. Moris De Nantes agent du Congrés M’en a parlé dans les Meilleurs Termes, et M’assure qu’il Luy est dû ce qu’il Reclame. M. odeas fils subdelegué de pimbeuf me dit par sa Lettre du premier de ce mois qu’il L’a Parfaittement connu Lors qu’il y conduisit une prise du Capne. Johnson, nommée La Salle de Baltimore. Je pence, Monsieur, que vous daignerés Me Repondre et accorder ce que Je vous demande, D’autant mieux, que c’est pour adoucir Les Peines d’un Malheureux qui s’est Livré Tout Entier pour Le Bien du Congrés. Ce n’a eté Ny Libertinage ny L’apas du Gain qui L’a fait agir mais Bien Le désir de combatre pour une Cause Juste quoy qu’elle ne le Regardât Pas. Je suis avec Respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et Tres obeissant serviteur
Guichard AinéCommis aux Classes de La Marine

Notation: Guichard July 25 / 78


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 26 July 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: ——

Passy ce 26 Juillet 1778
Les affaires dont je suis chargé, Monsieur, ne me permettent pas de quitter paris et par consequent d’accepter vostre invitation; je vous prie de croire cependant que j’y suis tres sensible, et que c’est avéc reconnoissance que je suis, Monsieur, vostre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur.

Notation: Le Veillard