Title: The Commissioners to Canada to Philip Schuyler, 10 May 1776
From: Commissioners to Canada
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Montreal May 10th, 1776
Colo. Campbell arrived here early this morning from Quebeck; he informs that five ships of war arrived there last monday the 6th about sunrise, viz: two large ships, two frigates and a tender. The enemy made a sally on monday, between 10 and 11 o’clock, in a body supposed not to be less than a thousand. Our forces were so dispersed that not more than two hundred could be collected at Head Quarters. In this situation a retreat was inevitable and made in the utmost precipitation and confusion with the loss of our cannon on the batteries, provisions, five hundred stand of small Arms, and a batteau load of powder going down with Colo. Allen. Colo. Campbell believes the loss of men inconsiderable, except the sick in the respective Hospitals, amounting in the whole to about two hundred so ill, as not to be removed, who have fallen into the Enemy’s hand.
Our army are now on their way to the mouth of the Sorel, where they propose to make a stand. Colo. Gratton’s battallion is arrived there, and we expect the residue of the Brigade under the command of Genl. Thompson is arrived before this at St. Johns. From the present appearance of things; it is very probable we shall lie under the necessity of abandoning Canada, at least all, except that part which lies on the Sorel. We may certainly keep possession of St. John’s till the Enemy can bring up against that post a superior force, and an artillery to besiege it.
A farther reinforcement will only increase our distress; an immediate supply of provisions from over the lakes is absolutely necessary for the preservation of the troops already in this province. As we shall be obliged to evacuate all this country, except that part of it already mentioned, no provisions can be drawn from Canada; the subsistance therefore of our army will entirely depend on the supplies it can receive, and that immediately, from Ticonderoga.
We need not mention the propriety of immediately fitting out the vessels at that place to bring over provisions and the sending off batteaus, and constructing more for drawing the troops out of Canada, should we be constrained by superior force to take that measure; and in the interim to bring them provisions. It is probable a considerable part of the batteaus now on the S. Laurence will be destroyed, or fall into the Enemy’s hands. We mention this circumstance to shew the necessity of constructing more.
We can form no opinion of the force brought into Quebeck by the enemy. Col: Campbell mentions that the information received at our camp before Quebeck was, that fifteen sail of ships were in the river, tho’ only five were come up, as before mentioned.
We received your Favour of the 2d Instant directed to BF. We are with great respect and regard Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants
B FranklinSamuel ChaseCh. Carroll of Carrollton

Addressed: To / The honourable Philip Schuyler / Esquire, Major General / of the Continental Forces / Lake George
Endorsed: Montreal May 10th: 1776 From Commissioners Benj. Franklin and others.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Carroll and Samuel Chase, 11 May 1776
From: Carroll, Charles,Chase, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir.
Montreal May 11th: 1776
We are fully sensible of the great Risk of taking post at Dechambeau. We have suggested in Writing the Difficulties and Reasons which have occurred to us against that Measure to Genl: Arnold. Our Army’s remaining at Dechambeau will depend in great Measure on the Strength of the Enemy’s Land Forces, and their Activity and Diligence in following up the Blow they have already given our small and shattered Army. Before this, no Doubt General Thomas has received some Information of the Enemy’s Numbers and of their Motions. We are inclined to think a Retreat will be made first to St. John’s and then to the Isle aux Noix. Our Letter to General Schuyler will give you all the Information we have in our power to give respecting the possibility of subsisting our Army in Canada.
We are of opinion that General Sullivan’s brigade ought to be stopped at Fort George, till General Schuyler, can send over with them a sufficient supply of pork not only for the Subsistence of that Brigade but of the Rest of the Army in Canada. Flour we are in Hopes of procuring in sufficient Quantities to support the Army, at least for four Months, provided we can keep possession of the Country adjacent to the River Sorrel for the Space of three Weeks. We sincerely wish the perfect Re-establishment of your Health. Our Stay at this place is uncertain: we shall be cautious to retreat in Time to St. John’s. We understand there is but a very small garrison there and exceedingly negligent. No Centries posted in the Night. This Information we had from Mr: Price, who was an Eye Witness of this Negligence. Do speak to Col: Hazen about it. We are with great Esteem Dear Sir Your affectionate humble Servants
Ch: Carroll of Carroll-TownSamuel Chase.
B. Franklin Esqr.

Notation: Copy Letter from Messrs. Chase and Carrol to Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Carroll, 11 May 1776
From: Carroll, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Montreal May 11th. 1776
Among the inclosed papers is an open letter to Genl. Schuyler in recommendation of Mrs. Walker, which your B[rothe]r Commissioners desire you would deliver to her.
If you can conveniently wait all tomorrow at S. Johns, you will oblige me much, as I am uncertain whether I shall not join you. Believe me, my Dear Sir, that no one can wish your welfare more ardently, or bear a greater regard for you than, Dear Sir Your affectionate and most obedient servant
J Carroll


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Schuyler, 12 May 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
St. John’s. May 12. 1776
The enclos’d from the other two Commissioners to me is in answer to a few Lines I wrote them from the Ferry after I had taken leave of them, and had in the mean time convers’d with Mr. Price, who told me the other Regiments coming into Canada brought with them only 10 Days Provision. Paterson’s I left at La Prairie, no Boats to take them over. It was with the utmost Difficulty I got a Conveyance here, the Country being all afraid to be known to ass[ist us] w[ith car]riages. You will see the absolute Neces[sity from?] the other Papers of forwarding Provisions hither, [or?] the Army must starve, plunder, or surrender. I open’d the Letters to you, being refer’d to them by that to me. I proceed to day, having waited here 36 Hours, and now seeing no probability of the others joining me, since I understand they intend only to retire when the Garrison does. With the greatest Respect, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble General Schuyler

Addressed: On the Service of the United Colonies / To The honble. Philip Schuyler Esqr / Major General [of] the Continental / Army / Fort George / per Express
Endorsed: S John’s May 12: 1776 from Dr Franklin.


Title: Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 14 May[–6 June 1776]
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas

Messieurs,
Utrecht 14e. May [-June 6,] 1776.
Après vous avoir donné ci-joint copie ou extrait de ce qu’il y avoit de plus essentiel dans ma premiere dépeche que je nommerai A pour la briéveté, je commence celle-ci, que je nomme B, en forme de Journal. Ayez la bonté, conséquemment, lorsque vous m’écrirez, de me marquer que vous avez reçu, ou non, la Dépeche A, la Dépeche B &c.
J’avois écrit le 9e. à la personne qui m’avoit écrit la Lettre du 6e. dont je vous ai donné la copie, que si ce qu’il avoit à me dire pressoit j’irois et reviendrois deux nuits de suite pour être auprès de lui le jour du dimanche, 12e., qui est entre deux, mais que si l’entrevue pouvoit souffrir une semaine de délai, je pourrois faire le voyage un peu plus commodément et sans inconvénient. Voici ce qu’il me répondit le lendemain 10e. May.
“J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire. J’obéis dans l’instant à l’ordre que vous me donnez de vous répondre sur le jour où je pourrai avoir le plaisir de vous voir. Comme ce que j’aurai l’honneur de vous dire ne presse pas, vous pouvez, Monsieur, remettre au Samedi que vous me proposez, et qui sera de Samedi prochain en huit, c’est-à-dire, le 18 de ce mois, la visite dont vous me flattez, et qui est la plus intéressante que je puisse recevoir. Oserois-je vous prévenir [sur l’offre des fraix dans tous les cas ou vos bontes me seroient utiles? Car un homme tel que vous, par ses connoissances, n’est pas borne a un seul genre de bons offices.] Flatté, honoré de la connoissance que j’aurois faite avec vous, je serois au désespoir de vous être à charge et d’en abuser. J’ai l’honneur d’être bien respectueusement, Monsieur, à vos ordres.”
Ne croyez pas, Messieurs, qu’une puérile vanité me fasse vous rapporter cette lettre, et m’attribuer réellement les douceurs qui m’y semblent adressées. Je veux seulement vous faire remarquer combien [on caresse le serviteur pour l’amour du maitre.]

Mardi 21e. May 1776
Me voici, Messieurs, de retour de mon voyage, dont je suis fort content, parce que je crois que vous aurez lieu de l’être. Après nous être entretenus quelques instants de la grande nouvelle, et toute récente, de l’évacuation de Boston par vos ennemis, comme d’un nouveau trait de la sagesse de vos opérations Messieurs, Le Roi d’A. me dit notre homme (dont j’ai dû promettre de ne pas encore vous décliner le nom) ne s’oublie pas non plus de son côté comme vous voyez; et il me montra dans une Gazette un Edit prohibitif fort severe de l’Imperatrice Reine d’Hong. contre toute exportation d’armes et munitions de ses Etats pour l’Amérique. Je l’avois déjà vu, et le lui dis: mais ce que vous ne savez pas, reprit-il, c’est que le roi a demandé cela à l’Impératrice par une Lettre écrite de sa propre main. Je lui fis connoître que j’espérois que sa Cour ne seroit pas si partiale. [Vous allez entendre,] me ditil, vous avez de l’esprit; ainsi vous [me comprendrez bien.] Quant à votre premiere demande [, la mediation du roi ne peut avoir lieu tant que les colonies seront sujettes du roi d’angleterre, qui] d’ailleurs [ne l’accepteroit pas.] Quant à votre seconde demande [, le roi est vrai chevalier, sa parole lui est sacree, il l’a donne aux anglois de vivre en paix avec eux, et il la tiendra.] Ainsi tant que [la france ne sera pas en guerre avec les anglois, il ne s’alliera point contre eux avec les colonies, et ne fournira point de secours a ces dernieres.] Mais d’un autre côté, et par-là même [les americains ont la meme protection] et [liberte que tout autre anglois, d’aborder en france,] et [d’en exporter, comme marchandise, des armes,] et [munitions de guerre,] sans pourtant [en former des magasins en france,] ce qui n’est permis chez aucune nation. Du reste, ajouta-t-il, [les colonies n’ont pas besoin] que [ni la france ni l’espagne se melent dans cette guerre, le commerce seul fournira] aux Américains tout ce dont ils auront besoin pour se bien défendre.
Je suis de son avis. Je crois même qu’il vous sera plus avantageux, et [a la france aussi, qu’elle ne se presse pas de se declarer ouvertement pour vous.] Encore une fois, Messieurs, votre union, votre constant amour pour la liberté, votre courage à vous passer de tout ce qui sent le luxe et à le mépriser, votre haine pour la tyrannie et le despotisme, qui sont les tristes fruits du Luxe, enfin toutes vos vertus républicaines vous rendront supérieurs à vos ennemis et invincibles, même sans alliés. Ceux-ci cependant ne vous manqueront pas, soyez en sûrs: car il ne faut pas croire qu’avec ce qui se passe dans votre partie du monde la nôtre puisse longtemps demeurer en paix. Le temps viendra où vos amis se démasqueront, et où votre alliance sera non seulement acceptée, mais recherchée. En attendant vous avez fait un grand et sage coup de chasser vos ennemis de Bost. Ils publient qu’ils ont évacué la place exprès, par ordre et politique profonde; Le public en rit, et les siffle. Je finis, Messieurs, par vous souhaiter de toute mon ame la plus heureuse campagne, victoire [, Quebec, l’ile de Providence, independance,] et [a moi de vivre et mourir votre utile serviteur Dumas.] P.S. Postscript.
J’oubliois Messieurs de vous rapporter, que le personnage en question m’a offert de me rembourser les fraix de mon voyage; et que j’ai répondu qu’ils l’étoient déjà. Sur quoi il me dit de lui dire au moins en quoi l’on pourroit me faire plaisir? Je repartis que c’étoit en me mettant à même de rendre de grands services aux Américains. Enfin il m’a exhorté à correspondre de temps en temps avec lui; je m’y suis engagé, et je n’y manquerai pas. Ainsi il ne dépend plus que de vous, Messieurs, de rendre cette correspondance de plus en plus intéressante. De mon côté je serai vigilant à profiter de tous les événements, qui pourront faire quelque changement en Europe. Ceux qui arriveront en Amérique, exigeront sans doute que Vous, Messieurs, me donniez fréquemment de nouvelles instructions et ordres, munis toujours de Lettres de créance, ou du moins d’une, qui sera pour le temps que vous jugerez à propos. Je sai à qui m’adresser pour faire parvenir de vos nouvelles [Messieurs a la cour de france] et [avoir reponse en peu de jours.]

6e. Juin 1776
Voici copie d’une Lettre de Londres en date du 21e. May, vous comprenez bien de qui, Je lui avais envoyé, sous les enveloppes qu’il m’avoit indiquées, les deux lettres que Mr. Sto. m’avoit laissées en dépôt; et j’y avois joint un chiffre, dont il s’est déjà servi avec succès.

“Everything is safe. I shall write you fully next week by our frind Sto. [One Hortalez,] will apply to you on business that concerns our frinds. He has your adress. Be so good as to assist him.”
Je les attends avec impatience, et ferai tout ce qui dépendra de moi pour votre service, Messieurs, et le leur.
Je vous supplie, Messieurs, de me répondre toujours le plutôt possible, afin que je sache si mes Lettres vous sont parvenues. Je vous enverrai encore une autre fois copie générale de ma précédente Lettre A et de celle-ci B. pour remédier à la perte de l’une ou de toutes les deux, supposé que les vaisseaux qui les portent viennent à périr ou à être pris.
Il faut toujours m’écrire sous l’enveloppe de Mr. M. M. Rey Libraire à Amsterdam, si vous m’écrivez par St. Eustache; ou sous celle de Mr. A. Stuckey Mercht. Rotterdam si c’est en droiture ou par la France.
Quand j’ai promis au Ministre avec lequel je me suis entretenu de vos affaires, de ne pas vous le nommer, c’est en tant que vous n’exigiez pas expressément que je vous le fasse connoître; car en ce cas vous le saurez quand vous voudrez.
Dans environ huit jours je pars d’Utrecht pour une Campagne qui me rapproche de 7 lieues de la Haie, et où je compte de passer l’Eté.
J’espere que le temps viendra où je pourrai résider là où il vous plaira, messieurs, et ne plus travailler que pour vous.
Je ne sai si j’ai déja dit dans une de mes Lettres à Mr. Franklin, que depuis un an déjà, j’ai dans ma chambre son portrait gravé. J’y ajouterai le Portrait de Mr. Dickenson et de tous les Honorables Membres du Congrès, quand j’aurai le bonheur de pouvoir me les procurer. Vos, Libertatis assertores, veri mihi patriae patres estis; vulgo reges nauci facio.

Endorsed: May 14 [?] 1776 From Mr. Dumas Utrecht


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 14 May 1776
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and Honored Sir
Phila. 14th. May 1776.
We have not had the Pleasure of a Line from you since I last wrote you. I wish I had time to give you a particular Account of the Action between our armed Boats and his Majesty’s Ships the Roebuck of 44 Guns, and Liverpoole of 28 Guns, off Wilmington. I fully intended it this Morning, but have been so much employed, I find it impossible. I must therefore beg leave to refer you to the Acct. in Towne’s Paper, shall only add that the Ships have got a severe drubing and are fairly drove away; some People that have seen them since their Retreat, say the Ships have suffered greatly. We are all Well, and with much Love and Duty join in wishing you a safe return to us. I am Dear sir Yours &c.
R Bache

Addressed: Benjn. Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 20 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
New York May 20. 1776
I do myself the pleasure to Transmit you the Inclosed Letter, which I received yesterday with several others in the condition this is, and containing similar Intelligence; the rest I forwarded to Congress immediately on receipt. They had passed thro the hands of some of the Committees in the Eastern Governments by whom they were opened.
On the morning of the 17 Inst. with much concern and surprize I received the melancholy account of our Troops being Obliged to raise the Seige of Quebec with the loss of their Cannon, a number of small Arms, Provisions &c.
I had hoped before this misfortune, that the Troops there wou’d have maintained their Posts, and on the Arrival of the two Brigades detached from hence, consisting of Ten Regiments (the last of which was at Albany under Genl. Sullivan when the Account came) the Blockade bravely kept up for a long time by a handfull of men against a victorious Enemy superior in numbers, wou’d terminate in a favourable and happy Issue, the reduction of Quebec and our consequent possession of the Important Country to which It belongs. To what cause to ascribe the sad disaster, I am at loss to determine, but hence I shall know the events of War are exceedingly doubtfull, and that Capricious fortune often blasts our most flattering hopes.
I feel this important and Interesting event, not a little heighten’d by Its casting up, just on your entrance and that of the other Honorable Commissioners in that Country. Tho your presence may conduce to the public good in an essential manner, yet I am certain you must experience difficulties and embarrasments of a peculiar nature. Perhaps in a little time, Things may assume a more promising appearance than the present is, and your difficulties in some degree be done away.
Wishing your Councils under the guidance of a kind providence and a tender of my respectfull Compli[ments] to the Gentlemen who accompany you [torn] I have the [torn]

Addressed: [Torn. Benjami]n Franklin / at / Montreal


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Carroll and Samuel Chase, 27 May 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Carroll, Charles,Chase, Samuel

Dear Friends,
N York, May 27. 1776.
We arrived here safe yesterday Evening, having left Mrs. Walker with her Husband at Albany, from whence we came down by Land. We pass’d him on Lake Champlain; but he returning overtook us at Saratoga, where they both gave themselves such Liberties in taunting at our Conduct in Canada, that it came almost to a Quarrel. We continu’d our Care of her, however, and landed her safe in Albany, with her three Waggon-Loads of Baggage, brought thither without putting her to any Expence, and parted civilly tho’ coldly. I think they both have excellent Talents at making themselves Enemies, and I believe, live where they will, they will never be long without them.

We met yesterday two Officers from Philadelphia, with a Letter from the Congress to the Commissioners, and a Sum of hard Money. I opened the Letter and seal’d it again, directing them to carry it forward to you. I congratulate you on the great Prize carry’d into Boston. Seventy-five Tons of Gunpowder is an excellent Supply; and the 1000 Carbines with Bayonets, another fine Article. The German Auxiliairies are certainly coming: It is our Business to prevent their Returning.
The Congress have advis’d the erecting new Governments, which has occasion’d some Dissension at Philada; but I hope it will soon be compos’d.
I shall be glad to hear of your Welfare. As to my self, I find I grow daily more feeble, and think I could hardly have got along so far, but for Mr. Carroll’s friendly Assistance and tender Care of me. Some Symptoms of the Gout now appear, which makes me think my Indisposition has been a smother’d Fit of that Disorder, which my Constitution wanted Strength to form compleatly. I have had several Fits of it formerly.
God bless you and prosper your Councils; and bring you safe again to your Friends and Families. With the greatest Esteem and Respect, I am, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. S. Chase and Chas Carroll, EsquiresTurn over.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Schuyler, 27 May 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear General,
New York, May 27. 1776
We arrived here safe yesterday Evening, in your Post Chaise driven by Lewis. I was unwilling to give so much Trouble, and would have borrowed your Sulkey, and driven myself: but good Mrs. Schuyler insisted on a full Compliance with your Pleasure, as signify’d in your Letter, and I was oblig’d to submit; which I was afterwards very glad of, part of the Road being very Stoney and much gullied, where I should probably have overset and broke my own Bones, all the Skill and Dexterity of Lewis being no more than sufficient. Thro’ the Influence of your kind Recommendation to the Innkeepers on the Road, we found a great Readiness to supply us with Change of Horses. Accept our Thankful Acknowledgements; they are all the Return we can at present make. We congratulate you on the very valuable Prize made at Boston. They threaten us with a mighty Force from England and Germany. I trust that before the End of the Campaign, its Inefficacy will be apparent to all the World, our Enemies become sick of their Projects, and the Freedom of America be established on the surest Foundation, its own Ability to defend it. May God bless and preserve you for all our Sakes, as we[ll as] for that of your dear Family. Mr. Carrol joins me in every hearty Wish for Prosperity and Felicity to you and yours. With the highest Esteem and Respect I am, Dear Sir, Your obliged and most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Gen. Schuyler

Addressed: To / The honourable Philip Schuyler, Esquire / Major General of the Continental Army / Fort George
Endorsed: New York May 27th: 1776 From Dr. Franklin:


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ebenezer Hazard, [28 May? 1776]
From: Hazard, Ebenezer
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Tuesday morning [May 28?, 1776].
Mr. Hazard’s Compliments to Doctor Franklin. He will watch the Sloops from Albany, and forward the Doctor’s Bedding by the first Stage after it comes to Hand.

Addressed: Dr. Franklin.


Title: Jane Mecom to Catharine Greene, 1 June 1776: extract
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Greene, Catharine

Philadelphia 1st June 1776
My Dear Brother and the whol worlds freind is Returned; the cause and Circumstances are maloncholy but thank God he is again saif hear. He suffered many Difeculties in going was taken sick in a Day or two after His arival and has never had a well Day since. The Raiseing the seige of Quebeck, the Ignorance of the Canadans, there Incapasity and Aversnes to have any thing to do in the war and his [?] Indisposition I beleve Affected His Spirets, but He seems [a] little chearfull this morning. All that He himself says about it, is, it is a time of Life with Him to Expect Infermities but Docr. Bond says He will soon git well. He has never layn by but won Day at Newyork in His Return to Rest. He Remembers His love to you all.


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence: Instructions to William Bingham, 3 June 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Bingham, William

These instructions were composed on the day that Congress authorized the secret committee to export to the West Indies enough goods to pay for the 10,000 muskets described in the second paragraph. Bingham’s mission to the Caribbean was similar to Deane’s earlier one to Europe in that both went in a dual role. Each was the agent of the committee of secret correspondence, and was also doing business on his own. As Deane was representing a group of his partners who had contracted with the secret committee, so Bingham was under contract with Willing & Morris. His private assignment was to watch for the arrival at Martinique or St. Eustatius of gunpowder from Europe, a shipment in which he as well as the firm had a share, and to buy West Indian goods on credit and dispatch them to Philadelphia. This business gave reality to the “Appearance of Commercial Views” with which the committee of secret correspondence instructs him to cover his activity in buying arms and gathering intelligence.

Sir
Philada June 3d 1776.
You are immediately to repair on Board the Sloop Hornet Wm. Hallock Esqr. Comr. bound to Martinico; On your Arrival deliver the Letter you are entrusted with to the General there and show him your Credentials.
You are earnestly to endeavor to procure from him Ten Thousand good Musquets, well fitted with Bayonets; If he cannot or will not supply them, You are to request his Favor and Influence in procuring them in that or any other Island, if to be had. We propose to pay for them by remitting the Produce of this Country with all possible Dispatch to any Island that may be agreed on; You are to take especial Care, that the Musquets you send are good. We direct you to send 2500 of them by the Hornet on her Return and the Remainder in Parcels not exceeding 1000 in swift sailing well appointed Vessels, with Directions to the Masters to put into the first Port within the united Colonies, where they can safely land. We desire you to obtain from the General if possible a French Man of War or Frigate to convoy these Vessels so far that they may be out of the Course of the British Ships that are cruizing in the West Indies. You are carefully to publish all the Papers delivered to you by us for that Purpose and disperse them as much as you can throughout the Dutch English and French West Indies, having first obtained the General’s Permission to do so in the Latter.
You must with the greatest Prudence endeavor to discover either by Conversation with the General or others the Designs of the French in assembling so large a Fleet with a great Number of Troops in the West Indies and whether they mean to act for or against America. You are to convey to us the speediest Intelligence of any Discoveries you may make on this Head.
You are to continue at Martinico untill we recall you and are to cultivate an intimate and friendly Correspondence with the General and other Persons of Distinction there, that you may be enabled to procure all the usefull Intelligence you can. You are immediately on your arrival to inform Silas Deane Esqr. of it and desire him to address to you his Dispatches for us.

Your Letters to him are to be directed under Cover to Mess. Saml. and J. H. Delap at Bourdeaux or to Monsr. Dubourg at Paris. Whenever you obtain any Intelligence which you think of such Importance, that it ought to be immediately conveyed to us, You are to charter a fast sailing Vessel, if no other opportunity offers and Send her to this Continent, with such Directions to the Master as are herein before mentioned.
You are to observe the strictest Secrecy and not to discover any Part of the Business you are Sent upon to any Persons, but those to whom you are under an absolute Necessity of communicating it, in the Transaction thereof. It will readily occur to you that an Appearance of Commercial Views will effectually cover the Political; therefore you will make frequent Enquiries amongst their Merchants what Articles of this Country’s Produce are most wanted in the Islands and You must consider yourself as authorized by the United Colonies to engage for the Payment of the 10,000 Musquets in Such Articles deliver’d at Martinico (or any other Islands they may fix on) as fast as they can be introduced; The Exports shall be made from the Continent on the first Advice of your having succeeded and as our Ships are liable to Capture, when one is taken another shall be dispatched untill the entire Payment is made agreable to your Contract.
When you write to Mr. Deane desire him to put his current Dispatches addressed to you, under Cover to the General, but when he has any particular Matters to communicate either to Congress, Yourself or to Us, that he thinks should not be risqued through that Channel for fear of Inspection let him procure a Mercht. in France to put such Dispatches directed for you under Cover to a Mercht. in Martinico with an express Injunction to deliver them into your own Hands, and when you have made acquaintance with an established Merchant of good reputation in Martinico, you had best name him to Mr. Deane, that he may so address his Dispatches without the Intervention of a Merchant in France.
We shall from Time to Time furnish you with Intelligence of what is passing on this Continent in order that you may not only make good use thereof in the West Indies, but also transmit the same to Mr. Deane. It is of great Importance that He should be fully and frequently advised of what passes and as you may often have earlier and fuller Intelligence by means of News Papers and private Letters, than our Avocations will permit us to give, You will be on the Watch; send all Advices forward to Mr. Deane marking what you receive from us, what from private Letters, what from public Papers and what from Hearsay and always distinguishing between what you think can be depended on and what is doubtfull. In short sir, you are to be constantly on the Watch, and give to Mr. Deane and us every Information that you think connected with the Interest or that can be improved to the Advantage of the United Colonies.
You may possibly find it necessary or usefull to visit Guadaloupe, St. Eustatia or other foreign Islands. If you do always take Passage in Foreign Vessels and don’t be long absent from Martinico at any one Time, as our Dispatches will be directed thither.
Should you at any time during your Stay in the West Indies have an opportunity to contract on reasonable Terms for Arms Ammunition or other Articles wanted here, give us Information thereof and you shall be instructed on that Head; in the mean time you will encourage as many private Adventurers as you can, by holding up the high Prices we give, the low Price of our Produce, and as we have Cruizers on this Coast to watch the Enemies Tenders Cutters &c., small Vessels have a good Chance of getting safe in and out of the Bays Rivers and Inlets on our Coast.
As we have already many Cruizers and are daily adding to the Number, you will take proper opportunities of sounding the Genl., and learn from him whether he could admit Prizes made by our Cruizers to be sent in and protected there untill proper Opportunities offered for bringing them to the Continent; But this being a Matter of great Delicacy you must introduce it as a Thing of your own and not as any Part of your Instructions. Dated at Philadelphia, this 3d Day of June 1776.
B FranklinBenja. HarrisonJohn DickinsonRobt Morris

Endorsed: Instructions from Committee of Secret Correspondence June 3d 1776


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Bingham, 3 June 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Bingham, William

Sir
Philada June 3d 1776
We deliver you herewith two Letters from the secret Committee of Congress, one directed to Messr. Adrian Le Maitre and Mr. Richard Harrison at Martinico, whereby they are directed to pay the Net Proceeds of a Cargo of Provisions Consign’d them per the Sloop Fanny Capt. Britton to our Order and We have endorsed on said Letter that the Payment is to be made to You; the other Letter is directed to Mr. Richd Harrison directing him to pay to our Order the Net Proceeds of another Cargo of Provisions Consign’d him per the Sloop Peggy Capt. Patton, which we have also endorsed to you.
We hope both these Cargoes may arrive safe and thereby afford you the intended Supply of Money. In that Case you must detain what may be sufficient for your present Expences and apply the Remainder to Payment for the Ten Thousand Stand of Arms you are directed to procure; but should things be so circumstanced that You cannot procure those Arms nor any Part of them, You may then only take up so much of the Money as may be necessary for your present Expences and direct the Gentlemen to whom the Cargoes are consigned to pursue the Orders they received from the secret Committee and to dispatch the two sloops as quick as they can under Convoy of Capt. Hallock in the Hornet; On the Contrary if you take up the whole Money and send the Muskets by the Hornet you may order the two Sloops to be sent away without any Goods or you may send a Part of the Muskets by each as you shall judge may be best. We are Sir Your obedient humble Servants
B FranklinBenja HarrisonJohn DickinsonRobt Morris
Wm Bingham Esqr

Addressed: To / Mr William Bingham
Endorsed: Com’ of Secret Correspondence June 3d 1776


Title: The Secret Committee to Richard Harrison and Adrien le Maitre, 3 June 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Harrison, Richard,Le Maitre, Adrien

Gentlemen
Philada. June 3d. 1776
We wrote you the 2d Ultimo by the Sloop Fanny Capt. Wm Britton which we hope will get safe, at that time we directed how you were to dispose of the Net Proceeds of the Cargo Consigned you by said Sloop and probably you may have complyed with those orders before this reaches you, if so its well, but if those orders are not executed and you remain possessed of the Net Proceeds of said Cargo when you receive this letter, We desire that in such case you may pay the same to the order of Benjn. Harrison, Benjn. Franklin, John Jay, Thos. Johnston junr., John Dickinson and Robt Morris Esquires or any three of them who are a Committee of Congress that send a young Gentleman [to] your Island on bussiness and [?we ex]pect he will have Occasion for the Money. You [are also?] to Comply with their instructions respecting the dispatch of the Sloop Fanny. We are Sirs Your obedient Servants
Thos M: KeanRichard Henry LeeB FranklinRobt MorrisJosiah BartlettJoseph Hewes
Messrs. Richd Harrison and Adrien Le Maitre

Addressed: To / Messrs Adrien Le Maitre and Rd. Harrison / Merchants / Martinico.


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Richard Harrison and Adrien le Maitre, 3 June 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Harrison, Richard,Le Maitre, Adrien

Gentlemen
Philada. June 3d. 1776
In Consequence of the Annexed letter of order from the Secret Committee of Congress We desire you to Account with Wm. Bingham Esqr. the bearer hereof for the Amount of the Cargo mentioned therein and either pay him the whole or any part of the Money or do with it what he may desire for the Public Service of this Continent. We are sirs Your humble servants
B FranklinBenja HarrisonRobt MorrisJohn Dickinson
Messrs. Adrien Le Maitre and Richd Harrison

Addressed: To / Messrs. Richd Harrison & / Adrien Le Maitre / Merchts / Martinico
Endorsed: Secret Committee of Congress. June 3d. 1776


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [David Hartley], 8 June 1776
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
June 8. 1776
It is so many months since I have heard from you that I fear the Communication between the two Countries is but too effectually Stopt. I have writ to you from time to time letters which perhaps you have never received. My object is the same with yours viz. the restoration of peace. The Stoppage of communication between the two countries seems to have had the very worst of consequences as it has given the Ministry the opportunity of sending their own irritating information to America and of withholding the knowledge of all the good dispositions which there are in this Country towards their fellow Subjects in America. Angry Addresses have been sent with all the parade of Authority to America while the petitions in favour of peace have not been Suffered to appear in the gazettes. I see the fatal Effect of all this. Common Sense says The last cord is broken the people of England address against us. Therefore we must look to our own Safety in independence. If this question is to be determined by the general sense of the people of England that sense is in my Opinion full as favorable to America as it was a year and half ago when you left us. The Ministry have certainly not been able to raise any national Spirit of resentment against America. The generality of the people are cold upon the Subject. Nine Men in ten content themselves with an indolent wish for peace, but there are many Zealous and principled friends to America. The only bitter enemies are the Ministry and their dependents jobbers contractors &c. &c. quibus utile bellum. Several propositions of conciliation have been offered this year as well as the last by the friends to peace. The constant answer to all such propositions when they come from the friends to America is if we were to give a parliamentary Sanction to such or such an offer what reason have [we] to suppose that it would not be refused with contempt in America for the Americans have not taken any more favorable notice of propositions made by their friends then of any made by the Ministry? All propositions which can be made in a British Parliament must and ought to consult the dignity of this country as well as the Security of America. The Congress appear to be fully aware of [this] by their petition, which expresses that they do not wish even for reconciliation inconsistant with the dignity of Great Britain. Under these Circumstances their total Silence as to all propositions made by their friends without making some specific definite offer of their own has in my Opinion contributed to remove the hopes of peace to a great distance. The Ministry make great advantage of this to circulate a persuasion that the Americans keep to general professions from an unwillingness to peace upon reasonable and honorable terms to this country. I am aware that it is easy to reason like Philosophers to those who neither see nor feel the horrors of War. I make all allowances for the Sufferings of America. Yet still I think reconciliation and peace the best bargain to both sides. Security upon the articles of taxation and charters being provided which I shall allways consider as fundamentals lesser matters would drop of themselves. Time would secure and confirm all the rights of America. As to the Commissioners that are sent to America We know nothing of their instructions or powers. Peace is the general wish of this country. I hope it is the same in America. It would give me great pleasure to hear of your being well in health and that you could see any prospect of accommodatioon and peace. I am &c.

Notation: David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Prichard, 10 June 1776
From: Prichard, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir,
Philada. June 10th 1776.
After being so far indebted to your clemency, nothing could give me more uneasiness than to be obliged to desire your assistance a second time, did not your former kindness encourage me to hope for a continuance of your favours. I have applied to several printers since my arrival in town, but have not been able to get employ, the want of paper having rendered work very scarce. Your honor has a quantity of old types and a press, which if you would be pleased to let me have for a short time, I doubt not I could get my living by them, as I have met with a friend or two who have offered me the printing of several small things if I could do them speedily. I shall take great care to weigh the types at taking them away, and return them safe whenever required, and thankfully pay your honour for the use of them; and if your honour would please to let me have those pamphlets and books in the Store to sell on commission, I should take a great care in rendering a proper account of all received, and pay for them regularly as I may chance to dispose of them. If your honour should have so good an opinion of my services and intentions, as to grant my request, it shall forever be remembered with gratitude, by Honoured Sir, Your faithful and affectionate Servant
Wm. Prichard.

Addressed: To / The Hone. B. Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 11 June 1776
From: Lee, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London 11 June 1776
The Bill of Mess. W. & M. dated 12 Decr. 1775 on Mess. P. & J. Berthon value £300. which you remitted to my Brother, is this day accepted payable at 60 daies by Agreement, this I doubt not you will think prudent to accept. I wish you long life, health, Success and happyness, and with a tender of any service, in my power, remain most sincerely Your Affectionate Humble Servant.
Dr. Benja. Franklin.


Title: Editorial Note on the Plan of Treaties, [after 12 June 1776]
From:
To:

The subjects of independence, foreign alliances, and confederation were closely interrelated, and Congress dealt with them together. They came before it formally in Richard Henry Lee’s resolutions of June 7. On the 11th Franklin was put on a committee to draft a declaration of independence, and the next day on one to draft a plan of treaties. Responsibility for the actual drafting fell in one case to Jefferson and in the other to John Adams; Franklin, though consulted, played a minor part. He might have been expected to have a good deal to say about commercial treaties, because almost a year earlier he had proposed articles of confederation and the opening of American ports to foreign trade. But, perhaps as a result of his bad health, he limited himself to providing precedents: he “had made some marks with a Pencil against some Articles in a printed Volume of Treaties, which he put into my hand,” Adams wrote years later. “Some of these were judiciously selected, and I took them with others which I found necessary into the Draught.. . .” The committee reported on July 18; the report was debated in August, resubmitted to an enlarged committee, and finally adopted on September 17.
We do not print the plan, despite its importance for the commissioners to France and for subsequent generations of policymakers, because Franklin had so little to do with it. It is printed in its various forms, furthermore, and the principles behind it are discussed with thoroughness and skill in a recent volume of the Papers of John Adams.


Title: Lambert Wickes to the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 16 June 1776
From: Wickes, Lambert
To: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas

Gentlemen,
On Board the Reprisal 16th June 1776.
I received your orders and Instructions by Mr. Bingham, the 14th Inst. but the Shallop with the provisions did not Arrive till this day. We have now got all the provision on board both from the Wasp and Shallop.
You may depend on my best endeavours in your Service to prosecute this Voyage with the Most expedition and Advantage in my power. My People, all to two are in good health, and the Officers are well Satisfied with this Cruize, hopeing thereby to render their Country an assential Service, as well as themselves. There is now One two Decker, two Frigates, one Twenty Gun Ship and a Sloop of War Lying in Old Kiln Road and we are waiting an Oppertunity to get out by them with impatience so that you may depend on our Embracing the first favorable oppertunity of getting out and proceeding on our intended Cruize. From Gentlemen Your most obliged humble Servant
Lambt. Wickes

Addressed: To / The Honble: Committee of Secret / Correspondance / Philadelphia
Endorsed: Onbd. the Reprisal. 16 June 1776 Capt Wickes / Letter Captain Wickes onboard the Reprisal 16. June 1776


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Howe, 20 June[–12 July 1776]
From: Howe, Rear Adm. Richard, Viscount
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Franklin’s fellow negotiator in London, David Barclay, had written him in March to say that Lord Howe was coming as a commissioner and was as well disposed as ever. After instructions to the Admiral and his brother were signed on May 6, Howe promptly left for America. He touched at Halifax in late June, learned that the General had sailed for New York, and followed him there. On the way he prepared a circular letter to the colonial governors, in which he enclosed a declaration to the American people. The circular informed the governors of his arrival and asked them to publicize the declaration, which announced that the commissioners were empowered to pardon those who promptly returned to their allegiance and to declare any colony or part of it to be at peace, and promised to reward all who helped to restore order.
At the same time the Admiral wrote this letter to Franklin and two others to Congressional delegates. Bad weather delayed him, as he says, and he did not arrive at Sandy Hook until July 12. He promptly sent the documents ashore under a flag of truce. They were in Washington’s hands on the 15th and before Congress on the 18th. Franklin was absent when they were delivered, and was sent for. When he entered the room he was given several letters sealed; he opened and looked at them, then handed them to the President and asked that they be read to Congress. On the 19th the circular letter and declaration were ordered published, and the next day Franklin was authorized, if he thought best, to reply to Lord Howe.

Eagle. June 20 [-July 12]. 1776.
I cannot my Worthy Friend, permit the Letters and Parcels which I have sent in the State I receiv’d them, to be landed without adding a word upon the subject of the injurious Extremities in which our unhappy Disputes have engaged us.
You will learn the Nature of my Mission from the Official Dispatches which I have recommended to be forwarded by the same Conveyance. Retaining all the Earnestness I ever express’d to see our Differences accomodated, I shall conceive, if I meet with the same Disposition in the Colonies which I was once taught to expect, the most flattering Hopes of proving serviceable in the Objects of the King’s paternal Sollicitude, by promoting the reestablishment of lasting Peace and Union with the Colonies. But if the deep rooted Prejudices of America and the necessity of preventing her Trade from passing into foreign Channells, must keep us still a divided People, I shall from every private as well as public motive, most heartily lament, that this is not the moment wherein those great Objects of my Ambition are to be attain’d; and that I am to be longer deprived of an Opportunity to assure you personally of the Regard with which I am your sincere and faithfull humble servant
Howe.

P.S. I was disappointed of the Opportunity I expected for sending this Letter at the Time it was dated, and have been ever since prevented by Calms and contrary winds, from getting Here to inform Genl. Howe of the Commission with which I have the Satisfaction to be charged, and of his being join’d in it.
  Sandy Hook. 12th. July.
    Howe
Subscrib’d to Benjmn. Franklin Esq. Philadelphia.Copy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 21 June 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia, June 21. 76
I am much obliged by your kind Care of my unfortunate Letter, which at last came safe to hand. I see in it a Detail of the mighty Force we are threatned with; which however I think it is not certain will ever arrive; and I see more certainly the Ruin of Britain if she persists in such expensive distant Expeditions, which will probably prove more disastrous to her than anciently her Wars in the Holy Land.
I return Gen. Sulivan’s Letter enclos’d: Am glad to find him in such Spirits, and that the Canadians are returning to their Regard for us. I am just recovering from a severe Fit of the Gout, which has kept me from Congress and Company almost ever since you left us, so that I know little of what has pass’d there, except that a Declaration of Independence is preparing. With the greatest Esteem and Respect, I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B F
G Washington


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, [21 June 1776?]
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This note has probably far more importance than appears on the surface, because the likelihood is that Jefferson enclosed with it his draft of the Declaration of Independence. The evolution of that document has undergone repeated and microscopic analysis. A number of minor questions remain unanswered, but the general outline is clear. On June 7 the issue of independence was raised, and four days later a committee, of which Franklin was a member, was appointed to draft a declaration, which was submitted to Congress on the 28th. The principal author was Jefferson, but he consulted with John Adams and Franklin, both of whom made small changes in phrasing. A few of these alterations Jefferson identified by name; the source of others remains conjectural. Some of them may have been made in committee, but in that case Franklin was almost unquestionably absent. A fit of the gout had kept him from Congress and from meeting people since early in the month, he wrote on June 21, and on the 26th he was recuperating outside Philadelphia. His few contributions to the document were presumably made on the draft that Jefferson sent him.
This note, if it accompanied the draft, must have been written between the appointment of the committee on June 11 and its report on the 28th, a Friday. Jefferson could scarcely have prepared his manuscript, submitted it to the committee, and had it returned to him in time to send it to Franklin on Friday the 14th. Hence the most likely date is the 21st.

Friday morn. [June 21?, 1776]
The inclosed paper has been read and with some small alterations approved of by the committee. Will Doctr. Franklyn be so good as to peruse it and suggest such alterations as his more enlarged view of the subject will dictate? The paper having been returned to me to change a particular sentiment or two, I propose laying it again before the committee tomorrow morning, if Doctr. Franklyn can think of it before that time.
Th: J. to Doctr. Franklyn.

Addressed: To / Doctor Franklyn.


Title: Silas Deane to Robert Morris and the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 23 June 1776
From: Deane, Silas
To: Morris, Robert,Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas

This letter, in form to Morris but in fact to the committee, is the only one from Deane that Franklin surely saw before his departure for France; it was therefore part of his small stock of information about what would face him in Europe. The letter deals only with the preliminaries of Deane’s mission, because he reached France long after he had hoped to. He sailed in early March, but his ship was forced to turn back. He left a second time on April 3, bound for Bermuda; there he chartered a sloop to take him to Bordeaux, where he arrived just over three months after his first departure from Philadelphia. He spent June in Bordeaux, and did not reach Paris until July 6. There he expanded the range of his activities, and they shaped in large degree those of his fellow commissioners when they joined him at the end of the year.

Dear sir
Bordeaux June 23d. 1776
I wrote you a Long Letter from 6th. to this Day which DD [delivered?] Capt. Palmer of Portsmouth and fearing Accidents recapitulate the Heads in this (Via NYork). I arriv’d the 6th., sent forward your Letters and the Bills for Acceptance. Messrs. Ds. have done everything in their power to assist me and have added the utmost personal Kindness and hospitality. I could wish No American Vessels were sent to any other address in this port as theirs is a Capital House and may be relied on for secrecy and Dispatch. Have critically attended to such Occurrances as might point out the Disposition of this Kingdom and am of Opinion it is much in Our Favor. Large Fleets are fitting out at Brest and Toulon. Ammunition and other Stores are buying up by Order of Court, and Spain is arming Ostensibly against Portugal. The Crop of Grain will be short in this Kingdom of Wheat one third, of Rye one half the usual supply. This may be relied on. Salt Provisions are scarce and Dear. Beef 56. Sterling per Barrel see prices Current enclosed. Have wrote into Spain, Portugal, and England to find if they are in the same situation, and as I wrote immediately on my Arrival expect an Answer in a few Days. Messrs. Ds. have wrote on the same subject. I set out for Paris Tomorrow having obtaind Letters to Persons of Note there, particularly To Monsr: Clugny Comptroller of Finances, Mons. Vergennes Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres and some others, also To The Farmers General on the subject of Tobacco from their Agent here, and a Memorial from some Merchants in this City on the subject of American Commerce, which indeed is in part already granted, it having been sent forward a few Days after my Arrival. My Letters are from persons of Influence and Note here. My immediate address will be To Messr. Germany Gerardot & Co. Bankers in Paris on whom have Letters of Credit from hence. I have had all the success I could have wish’d for in this City, and have formed a Connection, (which may greatly promote my further Views,) by shewing them how deeply they were Interested in obtaining the Cheif Share of the American Commerce. The Ministry were Changed the Week I arrived. Count Maurepas is at the Head. Mons. Clugny late intendant of this City and province is Comptroller of Finances, a Circumstance which has greatly helped my obtaining Letters of Introduction. The Gentlemen who have Assisted me are of Note and stand well with the Ministry, but I may not mention them in my Letters. I leave the Sloop I came in here for the present for I expect to meet Docr. Bancroft at Paris and may send my first Dispatches from thence in her. None of the Articles of the Contract are to be purchased in this part of France on any reasonable Terms and but few at any Rate. I have wrote To all the Ports where remittances were expected, for tho’ I might obtain a Credit, the last Necessity only will induce me to Use it whilst remitting is so hazardous. But I am hourly in hopes of receiving something from you. I can add Nothing Material in this save My Respectful Compliments to the Gentlemen of the Congress, To your Worthy President and Gentlemen of the Committee with which I am more immediately connected in particular. I am with respects To Mrs. Morriss Dear sir Your Sincere Freind and Very Humble servant
S Deane

P.S.: As my Letters will often refer To Matters concerning the Indian Contract in particular, as Well as to Those of a General Nature, it will be at Times much easier for Me, to direct my Letters and write them addressed individually to You, as in the present Case, than to write in the plural Stile of Address.
(Duplicate)
To Robert Morriss Esqr, To be Communicated To The Honorable Committee for Secret Correspondence


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Horatio Gates, 23 June 1776
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
New York 23d: June 1776:
  This will be presented you by The Chevallier de Kermovant, who left Old France the Sixth of April, and arrived about Fourteen days ago at Stonington by the Way of Cape François; he desires me acquaint you that his Views are truly patriotic, and that he neither Seeks reward, or Honour, but as he shall Merit; he has Letters for you, and Doctor Rush, they probably will speak more for him, than I can presume to do. He professes being an Engineer, and to have served all the last War with The Turks in that Line. I set out tomorrow afternoon, or Tuesday morning, for Albany, but have not yet received either Instructions, or the Resolves from Congress. I am Dear Sir Your Affectionate Humble Servant
Horatio Gates
Doctor Franklin,

Addressed: The Honble: / Doctor Benjamin Franklin, / Member of The Continental Congress / at / Philadelphia.
Notation: (Not ent’d.) 23 June 1776 Let Genl Gates to Dr. Franklin relating to Monsr. Kermovan read 27th [?] June 1776 before Board War


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 26 June 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rush, Benjamin

    Manor of Moreland, at Mr. Duffield’s, June 26. 76
    Dear Doctor,

I have just received the enclos’d Letters by the Chevalier Kermorvan. By the Conversation I have had with him he appears to me skilful in his Profession. I hope in a few days to be strong enough to come to town and attend my Duty in Congress. In the mean time, I could wish you to introduce the Gentleman where it may be proper, and that you would translate the Passage relating to him that I have mark’d in M. Dubourg’s Letter, and show it with what you have receiv’d to the same purpose from the same Friend. As I think Philada. should be better fortify’d than it yet is, I hope some Use will be made of this Gentleman’s Talents as an Engineer for that End. With great Esteem, I am, Dear Doctor Your affectionate Friend and most obedient Servant
B Franklin
Respects to Mrs Rush Doctor Rush(not recorded)

Addressed: To / Dr Rush / Philadelphia
Endorsed: June 26th. 1776 Lre from Dr Franklin to Dr Rush relative to Mr Kermovan read 28h. June before Bd War


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kermorvan, [27 June 1776]
From: Kermorvan, Gilles-Jean Barazer, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[June 27, 1776]
  Vous trouverez les trois volumes de depravation, restauration, stabilité de l’ordre légal que m: du bourg m’a fait le plaisir de vous envoyer par moy.
  Vous voudrez bien me faire la grace d’accepter les autres ouvrages que j’ai recueilli a paris d’après la notte que je demendai a m: du bourg, des livres qui pourroient vous faire plaisir.
  J’ai remis hier au soir Votre lettre a M: Rush nous dévons aujourdhuy voir plusieurs membres du congrès.
  J’ai l’honeur de vous prévenir que je ne communiquerai ce que je vous dis hier qu’aux membres du congrès. J’ai des raisons pour me comporter ainsi et si le congrès a le désir de réussir il est necessaire que tout ce qui est affaire de politique exterieure soit ignoré dans le public a cause des oppositions que les autres puissances ne manquent pas d’elever.
  La hollande dans son commerce des indes, la Suisse dans ses contrats et renouvellemens d’alliance, en agissent ainsi. Le secret quand on a des ennemis est le plus nécessaire.
  J’attends, Monsieur, avec impatience la nouvelle de votre parfaite convalescence, et le plaisir de vous voir ici accelerer le grand oeuvre. Je suis avec attachement et réconnoissance de vos politesses, Monsieur, Votre trés humble et trés obeissant serviteur
Le Chevalier de Kermorvan

Addressed: to / doctor fran [torn] / at the Countri


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Biddle, [June 1776 or early July 1776?]
From: Biddle, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Biddle (1745–1812), the brother of the more famous naval officer, Nicholas Biddle, was a Philadelphia merchant captain. He had returned the previous January from a complicated but successful voyage to France for gunpowder, and on the way back had injured himself badly in a fall. For a time in August he joined the army in New Jersey, and in September he left, bound for the Caribbean; his lameness, in other words, did not prevent his resuming his “line of business” at sea. What office he held when he wrote we do not know. The office for which he was applying was that of an agent for the marine committee; these agents, who came to be known as the navy board, were first authorized in October, but the need for them may well have been discussed much earlier. The wording of the second paragraph suggests the bracket of dates that we have supplied: gout kept Franklin out of circulation after his return to Philadelphia on May 30, and his presiding over the Pennsylvania convention when it assembled on July 15 publicized his recovery.

Sir
[June or early July?, 1776]
After the many strong instances of your freindship which I have received it is with great reluctance I trouble you once more on my Account. My lameness I fear will prevent my pursuing with Vigour the line of business in which I have been bred, and the Continuance of my present Office being uncertain, my freinds have advised me to apply for an establishment in the Navy board, which it is expected will be formed by Congress. If Sir you can consistent with your Judgment recommend me by a line to the President General I make no doubt it will have the greatest weight and shall esteem it as the highest favor.
I am extremely sorry for your late Indisposition but hope for a speedy return of your health. I am just able to walk with the help of a Crutch and shall soon do myself the honor of waiting on you. With the Greatest respect I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant
Chas. Biddle
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: Dr. Franklin
Endorsed: Cha Biddle


Title: Thomas Hartley to the Pennsylvania Delegates in Congress, 3 July 1776: résumé
From: Hartley, Thomas
To: Pennsylvania Delegates in Congress

<Crown Point, July 3, 1776: In the engagements near Three Rivers on June 8 the sixth Pennsylvania battalion, of which I have the honor to be lieutenant colonel, lost Colonel Irvine, Lieutenant Edie, and almost eighty privates, most of whom are prisoners. On June 21 Captains McLean, Adams, and Rippie, Lieutenants McKerran, McCallister, and Hogg, Ensigns Lusk and Culbertson, and four privates crossed from Isle aux Noix to the west shore to fish in sight of the camp; they carried no arms. When they went to a house on the shore they were surrounded by Indians. Adams, Culbertson, and two privates were killed and scalped; McLean, McKerran, McCallister, Hogg, and two privates were captured; Rippie and Lusk escaped when a party of our men arrived.
The battalion has suffered much from these accidents. The officers captured are the best we have, and we need their immediate release. The ones most recently seized were undoubtedly “carried directly to the Regulars at Montreal,” and I beg you to make some arrangement for their prompt exchange.
P.S. It is the army’s wish that General Thompson should be restored to us at once.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 3 July 1776
From: Greene, Catharine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dearly beloved Friend
Warwick July the 3d 1776
I Gladly once more Welcom you To your own home though I Lament the occation hope by this you have Recoverd your Health and the Pheteiuge [Fatigue] of So Disagreeable a Tuor and have Resumd the Chearfull agreeable BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Pray God to Preserve you long a Blessing to your family Friends and Injurd Country.
We have Disagreeable accounts from N. York and Quebeck But Still hope there Is Virtue and Stability enough in our friends to Send our Enemies a Shamd to there own homes, and be Simple Bread and Water the Portion of theire Cheifs and that in a Dungeon. But I Reflect is not Such guilty Conciencions Punishment enought? Ile leave them to a Higer Power. And to our agreeable Corrispond which has been So long Bar’d I think your last favor is Jany. 27th a long while indeed But you have been Sick and in a Strange Land. Do give Sister Some little account of it and She will give it me for She is a Dear good Woman and I know you have not time. In yours you wrote you had Put Ray to Lattin School which we was much Pleasd with as we Proposd giving him learning if his Capacity was good enough of which being Parents we did not think our Selves Judges. Mr. Greene was Just in Since my writeing and Designd to have wrote him Self to you but tis a Severe Drougth with us and has a Number of People makeing Hay So that is obligd to be with them But Desires his Kind Regards to you and Many thanks for your Care of his Boy and Says he hopes you will Call upon him for Money when ever you think fit for he does not love large Sums against him and would be Glad to know what Sum would Carry him throw Colledg. And if you think tis Best for him to Come home this Vacancy whether he would be Willing to go again or not I Could Deny my Self any Pleasure for My Childrens advantage. Those at home with Jenny and the family are all well and Joyn in Respects to you. I dont know but think Jenny is like to get one of our best Matches you are So good a friend to Matrimony that you will be Glad to hear of it. I Could Run much farther but fear the Post will be gone So I bid you Day Day God Bless. Your friend that loves you Dearly
Caty Greene
Brother Hubbart Desires his love to all.

Addressed: To / Doctr Franklin / Philadelphia / Free


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Frederick William de Woedtke, 4 July 1776
From: Woedtke, Frederick William, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Kronpoint ce 4 Julei 1776
  J’espere que le s. Colonel Allen vous aura remise ma letter par laquelle vous ne savez que trop noter situation, laquelle est la plus épineuse de nos trouppes, comme [illegible] que avoire [illegible], par [illegible] juge [illegible] nous [illegible] experimenté et que les Generaux [illegible] Sulivan [illegible] gouverneur [illegible] de nos trouppes, cependant nous avons ici un nouveau Gènèral qui dirige tout le monde–le s. Colonel Antheil il est Aide Camp General, il i a deux ans quil etoit [illegible] sans theorie sans pratique protegé du brave General [illegible] qui est l’ami intime de la femme d’Antheil. Le Capitaine Marquesi qui est le porteur de cette letter vous dira bien des choses. On a fait acroire au General Sulivan qu’il ne savoit son metier quoique j’ai vû de son travaille ce qui la si fort dégouté quil est parti pour philadelphie. Il a eû le malheur de perder sans sa faute tout son [illegible] j’ai eû malheur de perder ses chevaux [illegible] voyage de philadelphis jusqu’a sorel je suis trè [illegible] Je ne puis [illegible] dans le nouveau [illegible] de plus vingt lieues autant que je [illegible] pour le bien être de nos trouppes tout ce quil i a [illegible] nous portent tout le mal imaginable au camp de chambli j’ai apris par plusieurs canadiens attaché aux Congres que les anglois avoit mis 500 Guines pour m’avoir prisonnier, je ne puis nier que cela ma flatté de beaucoup. Je desir fort, Monsieur, d’avoir un mot de reponse sur mes lettres, et recomende comme un citoyen comme un Géneral et comme un homme d’honneur de faire donner la place d’aide Camp Général a un homme experimenté. Si j’avois a proposer quelqu’n cela seroit le Colonel Scienkler [St. Clair]. La disharmonie enter nos trouppes continue. Les 4 Vaisseau de Guerre que nous avons sur le lac sont en un très mauvaise état meme ils nónt point des balles quoique nous avons du plomb. Je vous écris tout sans déguisement, et j’ai l’honneur de me dire avec la plus grande considération Monsieur votre tres humble et très obeissant serviteur
Woedtke


Title: Franklin and James Wilson to John Montgomery, 5 July 1776: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Wilson, James
To: Montgomery, John

  <The letter, dated Philadelphia, July 5, 1776 is identical in wording with that to Jasper Yeates above, July 4, 1776.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 5 July 1776
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The news in this brief note, that France was arming and, Dubourg believed, about to go to war against Britain, was more arresting than any in his letter above of June 10 to July 2, 1776. The intelligence, false as it was, must have had considerable impact in Philadelphia. The question of when it arrived, however, seems to be unanswerable. Dubourg may have sent the note either with the original of the letter just mentioned, in which case Boisbertrand delivered both in mid-December, or with a duplicate of that letter which arrived, we conjecture, on September 13 and occasioned excitement in Congress.

Monsieur
A Paris ce 5e. juillet 1776
On m’a averti sous main que l’on travaille extraordinairement au Controlle general à faire des fonds pour un grand armement tant par mer que par terre qui doit avoir lieu le plustôt possible. Je n’ai reçu que d’hier au soir cet avis dans le plus grand secret. Je me hate de vous en faire part, et vous pouvez bien compter que je ne le negligerai pas de mon côté
  Je serai bien content quand ma chere patrie aura cause commune avec la votre. Recommandez moi d’avance aux bonnes graces de nos futurs alliès. Je suis de tout mon coeur, Monsieur et bon Ami, Votre tres fidele et tres devoué serviteur
Barbeu Dubourg

Endorsed: Paris July 5. 1776. Letter from Barbeu Dubourg.


Title: Jasper Yeates to Franklin and James Wilson, 6 July 1776: résumé
From: Yeates, Jasper
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Wilson, James

<Lancaster, July 6, 1776: I received your favor this afternoon, and think it my duty cheerfully to accept the appointment by the Congress. My company is under marching orders to Trenton, and I am uneasy about leaving it; but I shall be happy to render my country any service in the position assigned to me. Please express to the Congress my grateful acknowledgement of the honor done me. I shall expect to hear from you again when convenient.>


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to [Silas Deane], 8 July 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Deane, Silas

Sir
Philadelphia, July 8th, 1776.
With this you will receive the Declaration of the Congress for a final separation from Great Britain. It was the universal demand of the people, justly exasperated by the obstinate perseverance of the Crown in its tyrannical and destructive measures, and the Congress were very unanimous in complying with that demand. You will immediately communicate the piece to the Court of France, and send copies of it to the other Courts of Europe. It may be well also to procure a good translation of it into French, and get it published in the gazettes.
It is probable that, in a few days, instructions will be formed in Congress directing you to sound the Court of France on the subject of mutual commerce between her and these States.
It is expected you will send the vessel back as soon as possible, with the fullest intelligence of the state of affairs, and of everything that may affect the interest of the United States. And we desire that she may be armed and prepared for defence in her return, as far as the produce of her cargo will go for that purpose.
The Committee have sent Mr. William Bingham to Martinico, where he is to reside in character of a merchant, and occasionally correspond with you. As we shall endeavor, by small armed vessels, to keep up a constant communication with that Island, we desire you would, from time to time, convey to and through him such information as you shall judge proper. He is a discreet young gentleman and worthy of confidence.
You will see in the newspapers that we have been obliged to quit Canada for the present. It was too bold a thing to block up Quebec a whole winter with an army much inferior in numbers to the garrison, and our troops sent too late to support them, not having had the small pox, have been much disabled by that distemper. But neither this disaster, nor the landing of an army in our neighborhood, have in the least dispirited the Congress, as you may perceive by our declaration being subsequent to both. With great esteem, we are, sir, Your very obedient servants,
B. FranklinRobert Morris.
[Copy.]

Notation: Letter to Mr. Deane, from Secret Committee, July 8, 1776, and Aug. 7, 1777(6)


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Samuel and J. H. Delap, 10 July 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Delap, Samuel,Delap, Jean-Hans

Gentlemen
Philada. July 10th. 1776
You will receive this by the Brigantine Dispatch Capt. Peter Parker and with it some letters for Silas Deane Esqr. which being of Considerable Consequence We beg you will cause them to be sent or delivered to him with the utmost Expedition and we make no doubt he has left his address with you shou’d he have left Bourdeaux.
You will find herein an Invoice and bill of Loading for some Goods we have shipped onboard this Brigt. Consigned to you for Sale. These Goods youl please to receive and make the most advantageous Sale of them that your market will admit.
Capt. Parker has orders to Arm and fit out the Dispatch in a Warlike manner and we hope You will advise and assist him in doing it, you’l please procure him the assistance of the most skillfull Persons Tradesmen &c. for doing that bussiness and supply him with Money to purchase Cannon, Swivels, Howitzers, Musquets, Powder, Ball &c. He must fit her in a very compleat manner and must have plenty of these kind of Stores. He is also to procure as many Seamen as he possibly can to come with him in this Brigt. in which we also pray for your assistance and that you will furnish with money to pay advance wages for Provisions and a New Suit of Sails all which we hope he will soon get Compleated with your assistance. When you have paid all charges and Expences relative to this vessell, whatever ballance remains from the Sale of her Cargo, you’l please to Invest in the purchase of some Brass Field Pieces Six and four pounder and if you can procure them, good Soldiers Muskets, Gun Locks, Powder or Salt Petre, or if you cannot ship such Articles, you may then Invest the said Ballance in Blankets and other Woollen Goods suitable for wear in a Cold Climate and whatever you buy, Ship onboard the said Brigt. Dispatch for address of the Committee of Secret Correspondance on Account and Risque of the United States of America and enclose to them an Invoice and bill of Loading for the same. It is necessary that Capt. Parker make dispatch in fitting the Brigt. and getting her ready for Sea and that you also compleat your bussiness for her soon as you can but she is not to sail untill Mr. Deane sends his dispatches for those are the most immediate object of the present Voyage. Therefore if Mr. Deane is not at Bourdeaux you will please to keep him well informed when the Brigt. will be ready to return and the Moment his dispatches come to your hands deliver them to Capt. Parker with an injunction to sail immediately for this Coast agreable to his orders. Shou’d Mr. Deane be in Bourdeaux Capt. Parker must be directed by him entirely in all his proceedings and if Mr. Deane desires any Goods to be shipped onboard the dispatch they must be received onboard inshort the Captain is ordered to receive onboard all Goods You recommend therefore you’l please to Ship any you may have or that Mr. Deane may order and inform Mr. John Danl. Schweighauser of Nantes that he may ship any he has for Account of this Continent. We hope you will assist in making it known that great Wages and encouragement are given to Seamen in America and the Seamen of every Country will be alike Welcome. We shall have frequent opportunitys of addressing you and remain Gentlemen Your obedient Servants.
Messrs. Saml. & J.H. Delap


Title: Lambert Wickes to the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 11 July 1776
From: Wickes, Lambert
To: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas

Gentlemen
On board the Ship Reprisal July 11th. 1776
This will inform you of my proceedings since I left Cape May the 3d Instant. We left that place in Company with 13 Merchant Men, who I think all got Safe off, as we did not loose Sight of them till they got a good distance from the Land. We Saw no Ships of War at all on the Coast.
We this Day fell in with Captain Mackay, in the Ship Friendship from Granada bound to London, loaded with Rum, Sugar, Cocoa and Coffee, which Ship I have taken, and sent John Parks in her prize Master and have given him orders to get into Philadelphia if Possible and if this should not be practicable, he is to Run her into the first port in his power and Send an Express to Inform you Imeadiately. Mr. Bingham is Well and desires his Complyments to you. From Gentlemen Your most Oblig’d humble Servant
Lambt. Wicks

P. S: Our people are all well to 3 or 4. We are in Longitude 57 D, West and Lattd. 31 North
L: W:

Addressed: To / The Committee of Secret Correspondance / Philadelphia
Endorsed: July 11. 1776 Capt Lambert Wicks


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 11 July 1776
From: Jones, Noble Wimberly
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Savannah 11. July 1776. 1. A:M
I received your kind favour of 12th Jany. but being out of Town just then, had not the pleasure of seeing and sending by Mr. Goddard, and one or other accident hath prevented my answering it before. It gives me real concern that I could not attend that respectable Body the Continental Congress but can assure you, tho my person is not, my heart is most sincerely with them. Added to my own Ill state of health for above a twelve Month, my Dear and kind Father was sometime very Ill, and Died last November, which increased the difficulty of my being absent from hence and deprived me also of the real pleasure of your Company, which tis now little probable I shall Ever Enjoy. It gave me great satisfaction to hear you were so well prepared for defence, tis I fear far from being our case. Indeed Am apprehensive without some timely Continental Assistance, we are in great danger. What most alarms, we hear within these few days, that the Cherokees have taken and killd some of our back settlers, Influenced and headed by Ministerial Emissaries and Troops, and we dayly expect to hear the same from the Creeks Chactaws &c. also tis said there are Troops and Indians on our southern frontiers from Augustine; what Effect the severe rebuff the Troops or rather Ships against South Carolina Met with may have God knows, but as they are not gone from thence, cant say how matters may end there as yet; we are however in both Provinces in as great Spirits as tis possible to conceive, considering our weak Situation, the Numerous Tribes of Indians and their Methods of War; It clearly appears a plan of the Vile Ministry, to carry on that at the same time the Fleet &c. is on our Sea coast. As there may be some matters in it that may not be disagreeable to [you] I enclose a Letter that went to London for you but as the Gentleman found you were in America he sent it back lest it might miscarry. The confused times prevents my being able to answer properly with respect to what the Province is justly in debt to you, shall keep it in Mind and trust it will not be ungrateful.
Doubtless our President has wrote fully our Situation and the Necessaty there is to the common cause our being supported without which little less than Miracles can save us, Spirits however I trust we don’t want had we but Men. I beg leave to conclude with my best Respects to that [Respectable?] Assembly whereof you are a Worthy Member Sir Your Most Obedient and Very Humble Servant
N W Jones

Addressed: To / Doctor Benjamin Franklin / Post Master General of / North America / Philadelphia


Title: Lambert Wickes to the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 13 July 1776
From: Wickes, Lambert
To: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas

Gentlemen
On board the Reprisal July 13th: 1776
This will inform of a Small Addition to our good fortune in the Prize Way. We this day took Capt. Muckelno in the Schooner Peter of Liverpool from St. Vincent bound to Liverpool in Brittain, Loaded with: Rum: Sugar Coffee Cocoa and Cotton. We also took Capt. Mackey in the Ship Friendship from Granada, bound to London, which I have wrote you of before, and Now Send a Coppy of that Letter. This Schooner, is ordered into one or Either of the Egg Harbours, if She Can get in there, If not into any other Port on the Coast. I have given orders to Mr. Jeremiah Holden to Send this letter and the Schooners papers and letters to you by Express on his Arrival in America. We had very little Wind this two or three days past and are but little further on our Way, than when I Wrote you last, from Gentlemen your Most Oblig’d humble Servant
Lambt. Wickes

Addressed: To / The Committee of Secret Correspondence / Philadelphia
Endorsed: July 13. 1776 Capt. Lambert Wickes


Title: Editorial Note on the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, 15 July–28 September 1776
From:
To:

Franklin’s deepest involvement in the affairs of Pennsylvania, aside from his work on the Assembly’s committee of safety in 1775, was as president of the convention that sat in Philadelphia from July 15 to September 28, 1776, and during those weeks governed the province. The convention and its administrative arm, a council of safety that replaced the committee, directed the war effort, provided for internal security, appointed new officers, chose and instructed Pennsylvania’s delegation in Congress, approved American independence, and hammered out a new constitution for the new state.
The first phase of this internal revolution was a provincial conference of committees held in Philadelphia on June 18 to 25. The city’s committee of inspection and observation chose Franklin as a delegate to the conference, but he did not attend; he was suffering from gout and other ailments, and said that he knew little of what was going on in the city at the time. The conference resolved that the existing government was inadequate, and called for a convention to form a new one “on the authority of the People only.” All associators as well as those previously qualified were to vote for members, the city of Philadelphia and each county were allotted eight representatives apiece, and the election was set for July 8. Franklin was returned for the city.
The day after the convention met it unanimously chose him as president, and four days later named him a delegate to Congress. Both bodies, conveniently for him, were quartered in the State House. How he divided his time between them is impossible to tell, but he is known to have chaired the convention at a substantial proportion of its meetings. Out of them came numerous executive and legislative documents, such as commissions and ordinances, some of which he signed but none of which we print, because there is no indication that his concern with them went beyond the signature.
The convention’s chief impact on the future was through what proved to be the most controversial of the early state constitutions. It was in two parts, a declaration or bill of rights and a frame of government. The latter had remarkable features: a plural executive in the form of a council, elaborate provisions for rotation in office, a group of censors elected every seven years to review the operation of government and suggest constitutional changes, and a unicameral legislature. These features, some of which are reminiscent of the articles of confederation that Franklin had proposed the previous summer, aroused strong opposition. It began at once and continued for fourteen years, until it triumphed in the constitution of 1790. Both factions in this bitter struggle, the Constitutionalists and the Republicans, claimed Franklin for ally, and in doing so muddied such evidence as there is of his attitude toward the original document.

We do not print the document itself, which he signed as president, because he played only a minor role in drafting it. He revised the wording, and to some extent the substance, of the bill of rights. He was responsible for two small changes in the frame of government. When the draft was complete, he was appointed to a three-man committee to make stylistic revisions and have copies printed for public consideration. There the record ends. The convention thanked him when it adjourned, for chairing the major debates on the constitution and for “his able and disinterested advice thereon.” But nowhere was that advice spelled out.
  The belief soon took root, especially in Europe, that Franklin’s role had been far more than advisory; and he did nothing to discourage the idea. “The Doctor,” John Adams explained years later, “when he went to France in 1776, carried with him the printed copy of that Constitution, and it was immediately propagated through France that this was the plan of government of Mr. Franklin.. . . Mr. Turgot, the Duke de la Rochefoucauld, Mr. Condorcet, and many others, became enamored with the Constitution of Mr. Franklin.” The provision that was most often specifically attributed to him was that for a unicameral assembly. When this provision was adopted in August, 1776, Adams expressed surprise that “the American philosopher should . . . be a zealous advocate for it.” Two and a half years later Timothy Matlack, who had helped to draft the constitution, declared in print that Franklin had been asked his opinion near the end of the debate, and had come out squarely in favor of a single house. “La voix de M. Franklin,” said Condorcet in 1790, “décida seule cette derniere disposition.”
  Three Americans who had not been in the convention wrote long afterward that Franklin had given the delegates his opinion on how the legislature should be constituted, and had backed it with the analogy of a wagon pulled in two directions at once. They thoroughly disagreed, however, on what the analogy meant. To John Adams it was a wagon descending a steep grade, and the animals pulling it uphill prevented its crushing those pulling it down; Adams was arguing for checks and balances and persuaded himself-contrary to his statement in 1776-that Franklin had favored two houses. To Tom Paine, who favored a single house, the wagon was on the level, and the horses pulling in both directions either kept it from moving or tore it apart. To Alexander Graydon the analogy was an “équivoque,” and its meaning an enigma not worth solving; Franklin calmed men as well as waves with oil, and his behavior to both factions was “oily and accommodating.”
But accommodation had its limits. The evidence strongly suggests that the President did, when called upon, express approval of the unicameral provision. At the end of his life, furthermore, when the old constitution was clearly doomed and many of his friends were leading the move to revise it, he wrote a defense of its salient points. He was clearly not its author, as his French friends thought he was; the author was the convention itself, in which a number of younger men played the leading part. Franklin, almost beyond question, approved in the main their handiwork and never ceased to approve. How much support he gave them in debate is conjectural. But at one point, if it is true that his opinion of a unicameral house was asked for and given, he put his mark on an essential part of the new government. Although he did not father the constitution, as he let it be thought, he had some reason to consider himself its godfather.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Lawrence and William Smith, 19 July 1776
From: Lawrence, John,Smith, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Burlington July 19th. 1776
At the Request of Mrs. Mecum (who has been an Inhabitant of this City for some time past and behav’d with Prudence and Industry) We take the Liberty to Inform you that her husband’s Conduct is such, as to render her Scituation Disagreeable, and at times very Dangerous he being often Depriv’d of his Reason, and likely to become very Troublesome to the Inhabitants. If a place in the Hospital of Philada. can be Procur’d or any other way of Confineing which may be thought more Eligeable she begs your Assistance And that you wo’d be pleas’d to favor us with an Answer on the Subject of this Letter. From Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servants (in haste)
Jno. LawrenceWilliam Smith

Addressed: To / The Honble / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / At / Philada


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 20 July 1776
From: Alexander, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Lon[don 20 Ju]ly 1776
I consider it as one of the great misfortunes of the times in which we live, that we are deprived of the pleasure of hearing from you. I need hardly say that you have the wishes of all Good Men for your welfare, and That you may be the happy Instrument of Restoring the public tranquility on a permanent basis for the General Good of Mankind, And for the Benefit of our Country. This Goes by Monsr. de Cauveroz a French Gentleman a Great Traveller who having visited many Countries in Europe, is desirous of seeing and knowing Men, and a Country that is now the Object of Attention in Europe and promises to furnish Matter for future History.
As Monsr. de Cauveroz is Entirely disengaged and a Batchelor He may perhaps wish to pass his remaining days in that state of tranquility which is only to be found in a free Country. I doubt not in this Case but you will give Him your best assistance in procuring a Proper setlement. His own merit will I doubt not Soon procure Him that Esteem and Confidence, which He enjoys with those who know Him. Your Nephew and all your Friends are well, as is my litle Family. I am ever with the most Sincere Esteem [Dear] Sir your most obedient humble Servant
William Alexander

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Philadelphia / favour of / Mon de Cauveroz / QDC
Endorsed: Mr Alexander
Notations: Lett. from W Alexander London July 20. 1776. / Alexander William. July 20. 1776


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 22 July 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada. July 22. 1776
The Bearer, Mr. Joseph Belton some time since petitioned the Congress for Encouragement to destroy the Enemy’s Ships of War by some Contrivances of his Invention. They came to no Resolution on his Petition; and, as they appear to have no great Opinion of such Proposals, it is not easy, in the Multiplicity of Business before them, to get them to bestow any part of their Attention on his Request. He is now desirous of trying his Hand on the Ships that are gone up the North River; and as he proposes to work intirely at his own Expence, and only desires your Countenance and Permission, I could not refuse his Request of a Line of Introduction to you, the Trouble of which I beg you to excuse. As he appears to be a very ingenious Man, I hope his Project may be attended with Success. With the sincerest Esteem and Respect, I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Genl. Washington


Title: The Lancaster County Committee to the Pennsylvania Convention, 23 July 1776: résumé
From: Lancaster County Committee
To: Pennsylvania Convention

<Lancaster, July 23, 1776: Your ordinance for disarming the nonassociators and the circular letters to the commanders of the county battalions of associators arrived last night. This morning we forwarded them to each commander, who will receive them by noon or one P.M. and will doubtless do everything possible to forward the march of the militia.
We are making every effort to carry out the recommendations of Congress, that the troops be provided with what is needed. Captains whose companies are ready or nearly so have received money, camp kettles, and a few muskets and bayonets; our gunsmiths have been busy in the past days repairing weapons, but our stores are almost exhausted. We have scarcely enough muskets for the necessary guards, and our tinsmiths lack tin for kettles. We have collected most of the available cash from our men of substance, so that something may be advanced to soldiers who need it; and we submit to you whether money should not be sent for the purpose. Most of the militia require some small necessity, and many wish to leave a few shillings with their families; they apply to us and “expect to be here equipped and assisted and it gives us pain to see their disappointment.” Our tinsmiths report no tin to be had in Philadelphia; should there be any to spare from public stores we could continue making kettles and canteens. “We shall use our best endeavour to keep our Gunsmiths busy and do every thing in our power to execute the orders of the Convention and promote the general Interest.” Addressed to Franklin as president of the convention and signed on order of the committee by W. Atlee, Chairman.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Rush, [24 July or 31 or 7 August 1776]
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Wednesday 3 oClock [July 24 or 31 or August 7, 1776]
Dr: Rush begs leave to inform Dr. Franklin that the members of the Canadian Committee will wait upon him this afternoon at 6 oClock at his own house.

Addressed: Dr Franklin


Title: The Pennsylvania Convention: Instructions to Its Delegates in Congress, [26] July 1776
From: Pennsylvania Convention
To:

Gentlemen
In Convention, Philadelphia July [26] 1776.
This Convention confiding in your Wisdom and Virtue, has, by the Authority of the People, chosen and appointed you to represent the Free State of Pennsylvania in the Congress of the United States of America, and authorized you, or a Majority of such of you as shall at any time be present to Vote, for and in the Name of this State, in all and every Question there to be decided; And this Convention apprehend it to be a Duty which they owe the Public to give you the following general directions for your conduct, confident that you will at all times pay the utmost attention to the Instructions of your Constituents.
The immense and irreparable injury which a free Country may sustain by, and the very great Inconveniencies which always arise from a delay of its Councils, induce us in the first place, strictly to enjoin and require you to give not only a constant, but, a punctual Attendance in Congress.
The present Necessity of a vigorous exertion of the united force of the Free States of America, against our British Enemies, is the most important object of your immediate regard, and points out the Necessity of cultivating and strengthening, by every means in your power, the present happy Union of these States, untill such a just, equal and perpetual Confederation can be agreed upon and finally effected, as will be the most likely to secure to each the perfect direction of its own internal police, in the forming of which Confederation you are to give your utmost assistance.
We recommend to you to use your utmost power and influence in Congress, to have a due Attention paid to the establishing and maintaining a respectable Naval Force: As such a Force is absolutely necessary to every trading Nation, and is the least expensive or dangerous to the Liberties of Mankind.
With respect to the forming of Treaties with foreign powers, it is necessary only to say, That we strictly charge and enjoin you, not to agree to, or enter into any treaty of Commerce or Alliance with Great Britain, or any other foreign power, but (on the part of America) as Free and independent States, and that whenever Great Britain shall acknowledge these States free and independent, you are hereby authorized, in conjunction with the Delegates of the other united States, to treat with her concerning peace, Amity and Commerce on just and equal terms.
Extract from the MinutesJohn Morris Jr Secretary

Notation: Convention Instructions to Delegates in Congress.