Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 25 January 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 25. Jan. 1782
Your Letter of the 11. with the Copy of that from M. Le Comte de Vergennes of 31. of Decr. I had the Honour to receive by the last post.— By your leaving it to me to judge how far it is proper for me to accept further Draughts on Mr Laurens, with any Expectation of your enabling me to pay them, I am somewhat embarrassed.— If I accept any Bill at all it must be in full Confidence of your paying it, for there is not a Possibility, of my getting any Money here.
I lately applied to one of the first Houses, an old Dutch House, which has traded to America an hundred Years, and whose Credit is as clear and Solid as any one in the Republick. I asked him, frankly if he would under take a Loan for me.— His answer was, Sir I thank you for the Honour you do me. I know the Honour and the Profit that would accrue to any house, from such a Trust. I have particular Reasons of my own, of Several Sorts, to be willing to undertake it, and I will tell you frankly, I will make the necessary Enquiries and give you an Answer, in two days.— And if I find it possible to Succeed, I will undertake it.— But there are four Persons, who have the whole affair of Loans through the Republick under their Thumbs, these Persons are united, if you gain one you gain all, and the Business is easy, but without them there is not one house in this Republick can Suceed in any Loan.
After the two days, he called on me, to give me an Account of his Proceedings. He said he first waited upon one of the Regency, and asked him if it was proper for him to put in a Requete And ask leave, to open such a Loan. He was answerd he had better Say nothing to the Regency, about it. For they would either give him no answer at all, which was most probable, or say, it was improper for them to interfere, either of which answers would do more hurt than good. It was an Affair of Credit, which he might under take, without asking Leave, for the Regency, never interfered to prevent Merchants from getting Money. With this answer he went to one of the Undertakers, whose Answer was, that at least untill there was a Treaty, it would be impossible to get the Money. As Soon as that Event should happen he was ready to under take it.
I have been uniformly told that these four or five Persons had such a despotick Influence over Loans, I have heretofore Sounded them in various Ways, and the Result is that I firmly believe they receive ample Salaries, upon the express Condition that they resist an American Loan. There is a Phalanx, formed by British Ministry Dutch Court, Proprieters of English Stocks and great mercantile Houses in the Interest of the British Ministry, that Support these Undertakers and are Supported by them.
We may therefore recken boldly that we shall get nothing here, unless in the form of the late five millions, lent to the King of France & Warranted by the Republick, untill there is a Treaty.
I believe however I shall venture to accept the Bills, of which I have given you notice in hopes of your Succeding better than your fears.
Yesterday was brought me, one more Bill drawn on Mr Laurens on the 6. July 1780 for 550 Guilders, No. 145.— I have asked time to write to your Excellency about this too, and shall wait your answer before I accept it.
I have the Honor to be
Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dorcas Montgomery, 25 January 1782
From: Montgomery, Dorcas Armitage
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honor’d Sir
Geneva 25th Jany 1782
A Thousand Thanks for your very Obliging Letter of 22d. Novr. which I never Received till this Day which has punish’d me Sufficiently for my Neglect in not giving my Address. I hope our success in America will continue and be productive of Liberty & Peace which I most Ardently wish for.
The Letter that you was so obliging to Inclose was from Mr. MKean dated 6th. Octr. therefore contain’d nothing new.
Your Grand Son is very well, as is Mastr. Johonnot, & Montgomery, their Respectful Compliments are presented. They appear to be very Happy and contented, and are delighted with the expectations of seeing the Mastr Morris’s here very soon. My Compts. attend Mr. T— Franklin. I have the Honor to be very Respectfully Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
D. Montgomery
Mesieurs Jb. Beaumont & fils, a Geneve. my address.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjn Franklin Esqr. / Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 26 January 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bondfield, John

Sir,
Passy, Jan. 26. 1782.
I have hitherto omitted sending you the Passport you desired because I would not find any Trace or Memory of such a Practice among our Proceedings since the Treaty; nor could I see the use of it. But as you repeat your Application for [it] in yours of the 15th. Instant, I send it inclos’d; acquainting you at the same time, that having no Instructions or Orders to grant such Passports, and no other American Merchant residing in France having ever desired such a thing of me, I conceive that if any irregular Commerce is attempted to be covered by it, you will be disappointed in the Effect, for it will not be regarded. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Salisbury Franks, 26 January 1782
From: Franks, David Salisbury
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’orient 26th. Jany. 1782
I did myself the Honor of writing to your Excellency three weeks since inclosing a Letter from Mr. Jay, to which I have yet receiv’d no answer. A second Letter from that Gentleman, has determined me to sett out for Madrid. I take the Liberty of informing you thereof & that I have delivered as you desired your Letters to Capt. Truxton— When the Marquis De lafayette pass’d thro’ here he told me that he had dispatches to send to Mr Jay which he was anxious lest they should be inspected if sent by a common Hand, I have written to him on the Subject & shall wait your orders at Nantes whether I shall come to Paris for them or take them else where, I mean to be at Nantes on Sunday next & beg your Excellency would answer this Letter as Mr. Jay wishes me to make as much haste to him as possible—
I have the Honor to be with much Respect Your Excellency’s most obt. hum st
Davd. S. Franks
His Excel. D Franklin—

Notation: David S. Franks, L’Orient 26. Janr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 26 January 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 26 Jany 1782
I do myself the honor to enclose you a convention for the Establishment of Consuls, Which has just passed Congress— You will find that you are empowered either to sign it in France, or if any alterations are made, to send it here to be executed; nothing new since I wrote you; We are Still in the Dark with respect to European Intelligence, not having heard from any Gentleman in public character since the 5th of October, When we had a short Letter from Mr Carmichael. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect and esteem your Mo. obt. humble Servt
Signed R. R. Livingston
No 8 To the Honorable Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François-Paul Grand, 27 January 1782
From: Grand, Jean-François-Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris le 27. Janvier 1782
Monsieur Dubois de cette ville ayant quelque chose d’intéressant à vous communiquer, et m’ayant demandé un petit mot d’introduction auprès de vous, Monsieur; je prends la liberté de lui remettre cette lettre et de reclamer vos bons offices en sa faveur.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une respectueuse consideration Monsieur Votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur
Grand
à S.E. Monsieur Franklin, à Passy.

Notation: Grand Paris 27. Janr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Maurice-Augustin Montgolfier, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, [before 28 January 1782]
From: Montgolfier, Maurice-Augustin,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[before January 28, 1782]
D’après L’honneur de La votre du 29. Passé, j’ay adressé à un ami à Lyon Pour vous faire Parvenir par quelque occasion ou par la Messagerie, un Pacquet contenant deux feuilles de Chacque Grandeur des plus usités de mes Papiers avec Le Poids de chacque Rame Et le Prix. J’En ai mis 2. feuilles de Chaque Espèce dans L’Espérance que vous voudrez Bien me faire la Grace d’En adresse une à M. Williams à Nantes Pour juger de leurs Qualités. Je vous Remercie Bien, Monsieur, de vos Bontés à Ce Sujet. Je Desirerois pouvoir vous être utile En quelque chose pour vous Témoigner Efficacement mon respectueux attachement.
Malgré L’Etendue de vos occupations, j’aurois une Grace à vous demander. J’ai un oncle Supérieur des Prêtres de St. Sulpice à Montréal qui remplissoit Les fonctions de L’Episcopat Lorsque vous vous Emparates du Pays. Nous n’avons plus de Ses Nouvelles depuis la Guerre. Je vous prierois Lui faire passer L’incluse que je Laisse Décachettée pour Eviter toute Difficulté. J’attends, Monsieur, Cette Grace de vous Et vous prie de Croire que je suis avec la plus Grande Considération Et L’attachement Le plus Respectueux Monsieur Votre Très humble et Très obeissant Serviteur
M A Montgolfier

Addressed: [torn] Monsieur / francklin / A Paris
Endorsed: That I have receiv’d the Samples of Paper That I will send Part of them to Mr Williams as desired That I will forward his Letter to Canada.
Notations in different hands: Montgofiere Janr. 1782. / ansd 4 Feb. 82


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston: Two Letters, 28 January 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

I.
Sir
Passy, Jan. 28. 1782.
I received at the same time your several Letters of Oct. 20, 24 & Novr 26. which I purpose to answer fully by the return of the Alliance. Having just had a very short Notice of the Departure of this Ship, I can only at present mention the great Pleasure your Appointment gives me, and my Intention of Corresponding with you regularly and frequently as you desire. The Information contained in your Letter is full and clear; I shall endeavour that mine of the State of Affairs here may be as satisfactory.
With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir Your most obedt. & most humble Servant.
B. Franklin
Honble. Robt. R. Livingston Esqr Secy for F. Affairs.

II.
Sir,
Passy Jan 28. 1782
I wrote to you this morning. Having just learnt that the Courier is not gone, I have time to enclose and forward two Letters from Holland, by which you will see something of the State of Affairs in that Country. Be pleased to present my dutiful Respects to Congress, and to assure them of my most faithful Services.
I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble Robt R. Livingston Esqr Secy for F. Affairs


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Louis XVI, [c. 28 January 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Louis XVI

Franklin was not in the habit of writing letters to the King. This is the only known example and, as he states in the first sentence, it was drafted by order of Congress. That order was imbedded in a Congressional letter of gratitude to Louis, the core of which read, “We have charged our minister plenipotentiary at your court to render to your Majesty more particular acknowledgments for your zeal for the re-establishment of peace, upon principles coinciding with the liberty and sovereignty of the United States, and for the important succours lately administered to our necessities. We shall also instruct him to inform your Majesty of the arrangements which shall have taken place for calling forth the resources of the United States with decision and effect against the common enemy.” President of Congress Thomas McKean sent this letter to Franklin on October 20, 1781, admitting that he could not actually transmit any intelligence concerning the “arrangements” that were promised in that second sentence.
In the absence of any more specific information, Franklin penned the general statement that follows. His deviations from the Congressional language seem designed to reassure the court that the states remained committed to fighting the war to its conclusion—reassurance that, in the face of recent rumors, must have seemed important to emphasize.

Sire
[c. January 28, 1782]
It is with great Satisfaction that I obey the Commands of the Congress of the United States of America, in assuring your Majesty, that they have the most grateful Sense of your Majesty’s Exertions in their Favour; that the States they represent have not in the least abated in their firm Resolution of maintaining their Independence; that they are determined faithfully to perform all their Engagements; and that, tho’ desirous of sparing the farther Effusion of human Blood, by an honourable Peace, they will continue to prosecute the War with all possible Vigour, till that End can be obtained.
Your Majesty by your Magnanimity and Goodness, in succouring the Distress’d, has won the Hearts of a great and growing People; a Conquest of all others the most glorious!
To the King


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [28 January 1782?]
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Monday at five o clock [January 28, 1782?]
I am very Sorry it was not in My power to wait on Your Excellency This Morning but I was oblig’d to Ride with The Queen at a partie of pleasure in the Bois de Boulogne— I saw yesterday the first and other Ministers and Spoke to them about The Necessity of Giving you Monney for fulfilling the Engagements taken in Bills of Exchange— That they Became pretty Sensible of, and I hope They will do What They Can— I want to See your Excellency on Several points and Shall have the honor to Call on you to morrow Evening or to Accept Any Rendés-vous in paris you will be pleas’d to give.

With all the Sentiments of affection and Regard I have the honor to be Your excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant
Lafayette


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 28 January 1782
From: Sarsfield, Guy-Claude, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris le 28 Jan 1782
Jay vu, Monsieur, avec peine seloigner depuis mon arrivée les occasions d’avoir L’honneur de vous voir. Je comptois aller vous chercher ce matin. Cela m’est impossible Et Je me trouve forcé de vous Ecrire.
Je Scay l’eloignement que vous avez pour Ecouter aucune demande de Service dans les troupes des Etats reunis. Je ne puis cependant m’empecher de vous en porter une. Je ne puis le refuser aux personnes qui m’en prient Et Je vous prie d’avoir la bonté de me faire une reponse que Je puisse leur montrer.
Je dois vous dire que l’officier dont Il S’agit a des titres qui doivent lui obtenir une preference S’il est possible qu’il y en ait une pour quelqu’un. Il etoit capitaine au Service de Margrave d’anspach Et a perdu cet Etat parce qu’il a refusé de passer En amerique avec les troupes que ce prince a données aux anglois. Nous vous En administrerons la preuve. Nous vous ferons voir aussi Les titres les plus Satisfaisans de Sa conduitte, la reconnoissance la plus authentique du prince Et en un mot tout ce qui peut constater de la maniere la plus claire que les etats reunis acquereront en lui un Sujet utile Et peut Etre meme precieux. Je suis porté a croire que Son projet est de S’y etablir a la paix. C’est un cadet de Bretagne qui n’a aucun lien qui le retienne dans Sa patrie dont Il a toujours été eloigné.
Vous Connoissez Monsieur les Sentimens avec lesquels J’ay lhonneur detre depuis longtems votre tres humble Et tres obeiss Serviteur
SARSFIELD
Permettez vous que Je mette icy mille Choses pour Mr votre petit fils?

Notation: Count Sarsfield 28 & 30 Jany. 82 Ansd. 1 Feb.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Jarry, [c. 29 January 1782]
From: Jarry, abbé ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[c. January 29, 1782]

à ce philosophe divin,
protée ingenieux qui Scait Et peut tout faire:
pour qui dans la Nature il n’est plus de mystere,
Et qui Suivant les pas d’un généreux Romain,
affranchit Son pays du joug de l’angleterre;
& pour tout dire en un mot: à Franklin.

L’abbé JarrÿEtud. en physique au College mont-aigu.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Bernard-Nicolas] Lorinet, 29 January 1782
From: Lorinet, Bernard-Nicolas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur!
Paris 29 Janvier 1782
Je me suis singulierement appliqué à la Connaissance des élémens de l’homme, à l’étude de ses fonctions et facultés. Avant de mettre au jour les principes que la nature elle même m’a révélés, je desirerois me faire un puissant protecteur qui s’interessat à mes recherches. Il est tems que je pourvoie à mon bien-être. Ceux qui cultivent les sciences ne tirent point du public les solides émolumens dont ils ont souvent besoin; il n’y a que des gouvernemens éclairés qui puissent mettre un prix à leurs peines. Si l’Amerique Septentrionale voulait agréer mes services, et m’admettre au rang de citoyen, je gouterais le bonheur après lequel j’ai tant soupiré, celui d’avoir une patrie; et je ne me trouverais plus étranger sur la terre, moi qui n’ai pas même connu les douceurs du foyer paternel. Je joins ici, Monseigneur, le tableau de mes essais dans la science féconde et réelle des esprits et des corps: je vous supplie d’en faire, s’il vous est possible, un usage qui me soit avantageux, je vous en aurai toute ma vie la plus grande obligation.
Je suis avec un profond Respect, Monseigneur, De votre Excellence Le très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
Lorinetmédecin—cloître st. Benoist—hôtel d’aquitaine.
A Son Excellence Monseigneur Le Docteur Francklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 30 January 1782
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Madrid 30th January 1782.
I had Yesterday the Satisfaction of receiving your Favor of the 15th. Instant. You will find by a Letter which I wrote you on the 11th.— Instant that I imputed your Silence to its true Cause, being well persuaded that the same Attention which you have always paid to the public Affairs in general would not be withheld from those which call for it in this Kingdom.
I am happy to find that you have a Prospect of terminating the Difficulties which the Bills drawn upon me have occasioned, and tho I cannot but observe that Count de Vergennes Letter is peculiarly explicit & precise, yet I must confess I should not have been surprized if it had been conceived in Terms still less soft. Would it not be well to transmit a Copy of it to Congress? France has done, and is still doing so much for us that Gratitude as well as Policy demands from us the utmost Moderation & Delicacy in our Applications for Aids. And considering the very singular plan of drawing Bills at a Venture I think we have no less Reason to admire the Patience, than to be satisfied with the Liberality of our good & generous Allies—
Mr. De Neufville had given me a Hint of the Embarrassments occasioned by “the Affair of our Goods in Holland.” It seems as if Trouble finds its Way to you from every Quarter.— Our Credit in Holland leans upon you on one Hand &, in Spain, on the other,— thus you continue like the Key Stone of an Arch, pressed by both sides & yet sustaining each. How grateful ought we to be to France for enabling you to do it!—
Mr Josha Johnson in a Letter dated the 18th. Instant mentions the Arrival at Nantz of the Brig Betsey from Philadelphia— that she brought Letters for me, and that the Capt. put them into the Post Office—none of them have as yet reached me.
I have recd. too many unequivocal Proofs of your kind Attention, to render a punctilious Return of Line for Line necessary to convince me of it. Let such Ideas therefore be banished, and be assured that Matters of Ceremony & Etiquette can never affect the Esteem & affectionate Regard with wh I am very sincerely Dear Sir Your much obliged & obt Servt.
Be pleased to present my Compts. to your Grandson. If the appointment of a Secretary to the Commissioners for treating of Peace shd. become necessary & the Choice be left to them, he shall have more than mere verbal Evidence of my Regard for you & yours.
To Doctr. Franklin 30 Jany 1782 In ansr to 15th Inst


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Barry, 31 January 1782
From: Barry, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
LOrient Jany. 31st. 1782
I had the honor to Receive your favor of the 24 Inst. and am much surprized the Marquis did not wait on your Excellency before as he assured me he should the day after he got to Paris, in particular as [he] knew the Situation of my Ship, there being a Number of Americans here on board Neutral Vessels and we Cannot get them out without an Order from Court, in short I find it verry hard to get them out of French Vessels, much more getting French Sailors, as the Marquis Promis’d—
With Respect to taking public Goods I have no Orders on that head, but as a public Officer, I think it my Duty to serve my Country in that or any other way— I make no doubt but there will be fast sailing Vessels here bound to Philadelphia—should that be the Case, and public Goods put on board them, I shall give them as safe a Convoy as possible— My Orders being to sail the first of March, 1 could wish not to be detain’d after that time—by your dispatches or any Goods which may be put on board—
I have the Honor Sir to be Your Excellencys Mt. Obt. Huml Servt—
John Barry
His Excellency— Benja. Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: His / Excellency Benja. Franklin Esqr. / Pelinepotentiary at the Court / of Versailes— / for the United States / Passey
Notation: Barry Capt. L’Orient 31. Janr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from “W. R.,” 31 January 1782
From: “W. R.”
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This anonymous letter, designed to provoke antagonism between Franklin and John Adams, produced no apparent reaction in its recipient. It did, however, succeed in making enemies of two other Americans: Henry Laurens, who was incensed by this and a similar anonymous letter that came into Adams’ possession, and Edmund Jenings, the man Laurens accused of writing them. The case against Jenings, whom Adams trusted, was buttressed by the fact that this letter, though ostensibly written in Amsterdam, was postmarked “Bruxelles,” where Jenings lived. William Lee, who shared Jenings’ house, was also suspected, as was Matthew Ridley and, at the end of 1783, the clerk of Jean de Neufville. Franklin was drawn into the controversy only insofar as he produced this manuscript for the purpose of comparing handwritings. On December 6, 1783, in a letter to Henry Laurens, he concluded that the writing could not be definitively identified as that of Neufville’s clerk. The dispute between Laurens and Jenings escalated into a pamphlet war and a formal challenge, which did not—to everyone’s relief—result in a duel. The identity of the writer remains a mystery.

Amsterdam 31 Jany. 1782
Your Excellency will well remember the good effects I said, I thought the periodical papers Mr. Adams wrote, or rather caused to be wrote in french, would have. I should still think so, if he had not lost sight of his plan the end of wch. he now defeats, particularly in his number of this week which distressd me prodigiously on his account! Good god what can he mean? Others as well as myself almost from the first appearance of the poulitique hollandais, heard it as no secret that all that concern’d America in that paper was litterally translated from his own writing, and he was not sorry then the world should know him to be the author! What can then possess him now? Has his late fever impaired his intellects— He says tis not strange! a great man at about eighty should say foolish things—but he is not at that age, and he does more than say them.
It certainly was more than unlucky you did not make hither the political excursion advised; as another fine opportunity since offer’d (& was lost) of making this City take a farther Step which would have obliged them to Support effectually their former. There are times to be sure when a man has not in his power of availing himself of all opportunities as was the case in his illness but since a similar one offer’d—for wch. there was no reason for neglecting it, unless that notwithstanding all the abillities, he says he has he wants the most requisite ones for a member of the diplom. body—or the particular ones necessarily wanted for the people amongst whom he is—who certainly require others besides the speculative one of a man who, though he calls himself a great genius, is but little conversant with that part of the World he should be with if not wholly an unfit man for it—
With equal veneration & respect—I have the honor to be your excellency’s devoted servant.
W——R——

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Doct. B Franklin / ministre des ètats de / L’amerique a la Cour de / France a Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Carié le jeune, 1 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Carié, ——, le jeune

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 1. 1782
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 24th. past, desiring to be inform’d whether Mortgages of Lands in America executed in France before a Notary, will be held good in that Country? In my Opinion such Mortgages, duly certified under some public Seal in France will be deemed good in America.
But as there are Laws in most of the United States which require all Mortgages to be recorded or registred in the Public Records, and any Mortgage that is registred will have the Preference even of a preceding one that is not registred; and of those that are registred, the first registred, will have preference; tho’ the others may bear a prior Date, it seems necessary that the Person offering here to mortgage an American Estate, should give such Testimonials of his Character for Integrity, as that the Person who accepts the Mortgage may have no doubt of there having been a prior Act of the same kind. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c—
M. Carié Jeune.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sarsfield, 1 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sarsfield, Guy-Claude, comte de

Sir,
Passy, Feby. 1. 1782.
It truly gives me Pain that any thing should seem to be desired of me by you which is absolutely out of my Power. I have not only no Authority to encourage the Passing of Officers to America with Expectations of Employment in our Troops, but I have positive Orders to the contrary. Our Armies are fully officer’d. Our Country indeed is not fully inhabited. If the Gentleman is disposed to settle there as a Citizen he will be welcome, and find a kind Reception. And I will on your Recommendation give him Letters of Introduction to some of my Friends there. But if he is not possessed of some other Means of Living besides his military Knowledge, I can by no means advise his going thither.
I am generally at home every morning except on Tuesdays, and shall be glad to see the Physician you mention whenever he may think fit to do me the Honour of calling on me.
With great Esteem & Respect, I am Sir, &c—
M. Le Cte. de Sarsefield.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 1 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 1. 1782.
By certain Resolutions of Congress, dated Nov. 27. & Dec. 3. 1781, Mr. Morris, Superintendant of Finances, is authorised and directed to take under his Care, apply and dispose of all Monies which have been or may be obtained in Europe by Subsidy, Loan or otherwise. And by his Letters to me of the same Dates supposing the Dutch Loan of five Millions of Florins to be in my Hands, he gives me Directions to dispose of the same in various Ways to Answer the Purposes of his Office.
I am therefore to request that your Excellency would be pleased to order an Account to be given me of the Expences and other Deductions to be made from that Loan, that I may as soon as possible acquaint Mr. Morris with the State of it for his Government: and I also pray that the Remainder may be delivered to me as soon as convenient, that I may apply it as by him directed.
With great and Sincere Respect, I am Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient, and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Le Comte de Vergennes


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 1 February 1782
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 1er février a nice [1782]
Vous aurés peut éstre déja vû mon chér papa lorsque vous recevrés cette léttre un mr de Lon a qui j’ai donné un petit mot pour lui servir de passeport auprés de vous; cet homme qui peut a ce qu’il me paroist avoir a peu prés soixante ans, accompagnoit ici Mylord cholmondeley a titre d’ami, plusieurs personnes assurent qu’il l’accompagnoit comme une éspéce de gouverneur; il paroist en général que ce mr de lon a dirigé la conduitte de plusieurs jeunes seigneurs anglois et qu’il a fait nombres de voyages avéc eux depuis qu’il habitte l’angléttére; je sçais qu’avant ce tems il fut chargé de négotiations secréttes en turquie pour le roy de prusse; il me paroist qu’il a fait bien des métiers qu’il a parcouru beaucoup de pays, qu’il sçait beaucoup de choses et de langues différentes; il est fort amusant et fort aimable; j’entre dans tous ces détails avéc vous pour que vous sachiés qu’él est l’homme qui a tant de désir de vous connoistre, et que vous sachiés de plus qu’il doit vous demandér pérmission de vous présenter un de ses amis qui a coup sur seroit milord cholmondeley qui seroit comblé de vous voir et qui [étant] du parti de l’opposition n’oseroit peut estre malgré cela Vous allér chércher ouvértement; le milord me paroist bon enfant, il est trés grand, d’une assés belle figure et je me sentois disposée a avoir de l’amitié pour lui, parceque je ne l’ai jamais rencontré, qu’il ne m’ait demandé avéc l’intérést le plus marqué des nouvélles de mon ami, le docteur franklin, et qu’il n’ait ajoutté du ton le plus vrai et le plus respectueux: ah madame je vous en prie quand vous écrirés a cet homme prétieux, distes lui que vous avés Connu un Anglois a nice qui est penetré des sentimens les plus distingués pour lui, qui donneroit tout au monde pour qu’on eut suivi Ses Sages Conseils; distes lui encore madame que cét anglois a le bonheur d’estre lié avec tous les amis du docteur et que ce bonheur sera complét lorsqu’il aura celui de connoistre pérsonnéllement mr franklin— Vous ajoutterés a cela mon bon papa, que ce jeune seigneur a votre médaillon en porcellaine de séve, qu’il est venu me faire une longue visitte d’adieux pour parlér plus a fond de vous, et vous ne serés pas étonné que je l’aye toujours vu avéc plaisir; mais comme son ami ou gouverneur a l’air rusé et fin, qu’on l’a chargé et qu’on le charge peut éstre encore de quelqu’éspionnages ou négotiations je crois que mes remarques ajouttés a votre prudence sur ces deux individus peuvent n’éstre pas inutilles, d’autant plus que tous calculs faits, il me paroist presqu’impossible que vous ayés vû ces méssieurs avant la réception de cette lettre. Brillon réstera avéc moi jusqu’a la fin de mon voyage, c’est un compliment a me faire mon bon ami; rien n’égalle les soins et les attentions qu’il a pour moi, il semble qu’il chérche a aidér le climat a me faire renaistre, et qu’il jouisse de ses succés; ma Santé Continue de Se Consollidér mais cependant par les éspéces de ressentimens nérveux que j’epprouve lorsque le tems présque toujours constament beau ici se dérange un peu, je vois que ma fabrique délicatte et usée par douze années de souffrances et de chagrins, demandera toujours de grands ménagemens; j’aurai malgré cela gagné beaucoup a mon voyage en évittant le choc de l’hiver et les convulsions, en acquérant de la force par le changement d’air et l’éxércisse Continuél, en voyant surtout bien Clairement que mon mari livré a lui mesme a de l’amitié pour moi, et que le froid dont il m’accabloit étoit l’ouvrage d’un tiérs dont heureusement nous sommes débarassés a jamais; óh mon ami pourqu’oi les hommes ne sont ils pas tous comme vous, pourqu’oi chérchent t’ils sans césse a se nuire, a se détruire, a se trompér? Il est si doux de faire le bien, notre bonheur, ne peut éxistér sans que notre áme soit contente, elle ne peut l’éstre avéc le moindre remord, et les hommes dont le seul but est le bonheur se rendent malheureux a force d’addrésses de peines, de ruses, tandis qu’en allant franchement et simplement ils pourroient estre heureux! Adieu mon ami aimés moi toujours et croyés que dans la somme de mon bonheur pérsonnél, le moment ou j’irai vous retrouvér sera un des plus doux de ma vie: reçevés l’hommage l’amitié de toute notre collonie, et chargés vous de nos tendrésses pour nos bons voisins, le grand n’avoit pas manqué de me parlér de l’éffét du placét sur vous votre léttre arrivée en mesme tems que la siénne á sérvi de contrepoison a sa malice; ne nous oubliés pas auprés du petit fils; mes filles pensent souvent au plaisir qu’il pourroit avoir ici le carnaval, on y danse de fondation quatre fois la semaine sans les extraordinaires:


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 1 February 1782
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend,
London, Feb. 1, 1782.
I write to you one line by this mail only to tell you that I have seen the Minister since I last wrote to you, and that he never did entertain the idea one Moment of any propositions being thrown out on your part in the least degree inconsistent with the strictest honour and faith to the allies. I had no occasion to guard against or to explain any such thought, having at all times Conveyed the contrary to him in the most explicit terms. I transmit this to you for your full satisfaction. We have had much conversation on the subject of Peace, which you may be sure I have most zealously endeavoured to enforce. I should not do him justice if I did not add that I believe his wishes are for Peace, and that he gives the most serious attention to every argument, and to the suggestion of every practicable means on that subject. I have stated many things for his Consideration, and for consultation with others, after which I shall see him again. I heartily wish the result may be favourable to the prospect of peace. I am ever, your affectionate,
D. Hartley.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier Thomas O’Gorman, 1 February 1782
From: O’Gorman, Thomas, chevalier
To: Franklin, Benjamin

friday morning 1st. february 1782.
Chevalier O’Gorman presents his best respects to Doctor Franklin and has the honour to acquaint his Excellency that he has recd. his billet and communicated it to the Merchants of Nantes, that he wishes to See. One of them being gone to the country for a few days upon business, the other requests I should inform his Excellency that upon his return they both will wait on him.

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Son Excellence Le Docteur Franklin / en Son hotel / A Passy
Notation: Gorman le Chevr. O. de—1. Feby. 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gérard de Rayneval, 2 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gérard de Rayneval, Joseph-Mathias

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 2. 1782
I now send for M. le Comte de Vergennes, the Letter you were so kind as to advise relating to the Dutch Loan. and I beg you would procure a Note from his Excellency to M. de Fleury, for the Payment of 500,000 £s to M. Grand, where it is immediately wanted, he being already near 300,000 l.t. in Advance for us.
With great & sincere Esteem I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Sert.
B Franklin
M. Gerard de Rayneval


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 2 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir
Passy, Feb. 2. 1782.
Major General du Portail, & Colonel du Gouvion, Engineers, lately returned to France, have been for five Years past employed in the Armies of the United States, and have, by their military Skill, Bravery & good Conduct done honour to their own Country and great Service to ours. Mr. Livingston, Secretary for Foreign Affairs writes me, that if his Majesty should think fit to bestow on these Gentlemen any Marks of his Royal Favour, it will be particularly pleasing to Congress. I therefore beg leave to recommend them to your Excellency’s Notice & Protection.— I am with Respect, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy Count de Vergennes

Endorsed: M. de R


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Watson & Cossoul, 2 February 1782
From: Watson & Cossoul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Nantes 2nd. Feby 1782
We were duly honoured with your favr. of the 2 Decemr., & are extreamly obliged for your attention, but are at the same time sorry that it’s not in our Power to give a more explicit explanation of the bills in question. This is Principally intended to request that your Excellency will furnish us with a Passport for a Brigg we have bought at Morlaix of about 110 Tuns burthen, formerly called the Rodney, but now the Emelia, commanded by John H. Richard, bound for America. We also desire to be fav’d with a permit to Ship American Sailors, wherever we can find them. We had succeeded at Morlaix in finding four; but after having ship’d them by permission of the Commissary, a Lieut. Gill, belonging to the Alliance apply’d, & receiv’d permission from the same commissary to press them, which he did without hesitation, forcing the poor fellows in an arbitrary manner against their wills, & obliging them to break through an inguagement they wish’d to keep. We are extreamly mortify’d to see in a new government, established upon the best principals, such a violation of a mans natural freedom incourag’d, the Precedant is certainly dangerous, & ought to be opposed; we are persuaded that your Excellency feels the force of this truth, & desire that you will give your directions accordingly that may reclaim our Sailors. Wishing your Excellency many returns of the Season.
We have the honour to be respectfully Your Excellency’s Very Humble Sts.
Watson & Cossoul
His Excellency Doctr. Franklin at Passy

Addressed: His Exellency B. Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary of the / United States of America at the / Court of France.— / A Passy
Notations in different hands: Watson & Cossoul, Nantes 2. Feby. 1782. / ansd 10 Inst.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Matthew Parke, 3 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Parke, Matthew

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 3. 1782.
I received the Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me the 25th. past. Mr. de Chaumont having been the General Attorney appointed by all the Captains before the Cruize you mention commenced, and impower’d to receive and dispose of the Prizes &c. I apply’d to him to know the State of that affair. His Answer is, that it is now wholly in the Hands of the Marquis de Castries, to whom he has given all the Accounts, and that the Application for Payment is to be made to that Minister, the Expedition being fitted out at the Expence & on the Acct of the Government. If therefore you & the Gentlemen you Mention as interested have appointed or will appoint some Person to act for you, I am ready & willing to afford him what assistance may be in my Power, and I do not doubt of your soon obtaining what is so justly due to you.
I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant.
Mr. A Parke. Lieut: de l’Alliance.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 3 February 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 3d. Feby 1782
I had the honour of receiving your Excellency letter of the 15th. of last Month with the Invoices and papers Mentiond in it— The Goods Purchased by Mess: De Neufville & son for the United states are in my Possession, but the rest that Mr Gillon left behind are in the Stores of Mess: Van Arps— Mess: De Neufville want to hold them as a security and say their House Purchased the greatest part of them for the State of South Carolina who have not Paid for them and they have got an order of the Majistrates of Amsterdam for the delivery, from which however Van Arps have appeald to the superiour Court at the Hague as there are several other Claiments exclusive of Mess: De Neufvilles— What my success may be is uncertain, having neither Bill of Sale nor other Acknowledgement from Mr. Gillon of his disposal of them, and part of them are supposed to be on board his vessell. I did not know of the transaction untill I received Your Excellencys letter, but shall now proceed to do every thing in my Power to recover such of the Articles as I Can get at.
I am sorry to tell you that the mode proposed in my last of sending the supplies in Neutral Bottoms to France wou’d be attended with too much hazard and expence to pursue it: for after being in Treaty about the Matter a long time, it finally turns out that the risk of Capture must be on Account of the United States, and the Charges (including the duty You Mention) Almost as much as the freight to America— I have been Engaged several days in endeavouring to get a Couple of proper Vessells to proceed to Boston or Philadelphia, and hope in a short time to finish the Matter— They are built on the New Construction, are remarkable fine ships, and shall be arm’d—and as the freight by such vessells will amount to almost the Value of them, I intend to purchase such a share of each for account of Congress, as will Carry the whole of the goods, and they may sail together for the better security— I need not inform You Sir, that whatever way those goods go, it will require funds to send them forward, I hope therefore You will have no objection to my drawing on You or M Grand when I have Occasion. Indeed it wou’d be more agreeable to Me if You wou’d direct M. Grand to pass to my Credit in Account a particular sum, so that I Can Command it when I please, and I shall give You such Bill, Receipt or other Voucher as you think proper— I do not know exactly what Money may be wanted, but probably it will not be less than from One hundred and twenty to One hundred and fifty thousand livres, and this sum I wish You wou’d Charge the United States with at once, as I realy am Afraid that from your situation, and from the manner in which You are drawn upon from America that your Embarrassments in Money matters may increase, and You are sensible that without Your Countenance and support my Negociations must Cease— The Value of the Effects here will be near a Million of livres, and the getting them to America is an Object of the greatest Consequence, I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect and Sincerity— Sir, Your Excellencys Most Obedt. and Most Huml serv.
Thos Barclay
His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Passy—

Notation: Tho: Barclay Amsterdam 3. Feby. 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 4 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 4. 1782.
I have received yours of the 25th. past, in which you acquaint me with the Reasons you have for being fully of Opinion that no Loan is possible to be Procured by you, till there is a Treaty. Our only Dependance then appears to be on this Court; and I am happy to find that it still continues dispos’d to assist us. Since mine of the 11th. past, tho’ I have obtain’d no positive assurances of determined Sums, I think I see more Light, and will venture undertaking to answer your Acceptances of the Bills you mention. Before you receive this, you will be inform’d of my having sent wherewith to answer your Engagements for the Present Month; and I beg to know how much is yet to be provided for. With great Respect, I have [the] honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & Most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. J. Adams Esq.

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur John Adams / en son Hotel / à Amsterdam.
Notation: Dr. Franklin 4th. Feby 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Barclay, 4 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barclay, Thomas

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 4. 1782.
The Loss of the Transports that accompany’d the Fleet of Mr. de Guichen has made it necessary for this Government to take up others; and I have been desired to provide if possible Ships to take the Stores assembled at Brest for the use of our States which will amount to 1000 Tons. I purpose writing by Wednesday’s Post to Nantes & L’Orient, to learn if any Vessels are to be had there, and upon what Terms, and I hope the affair you are at present engaged in, will be so far finish’d as to permit your being here to agree for them, and take Care of the Embarcation.
By my last Letter from Mr. Morris, a fresh Purchase is ordered if we can find the Money, that will amount to near two millions, and is committed to the Care of yourself and Mr. Ridley. I am not yet sure of obtaining what may be necessary to pay for the whole, but a previous Consultation may be useful. I am persuaded therefore that you will return as soon as can be with Convenience.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Honble. Mr. Barclay. Conl. Gl.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville & fils, 4 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Neufville, Jean de, & fils

Gentlemen,
Passy, Feb. 4. 1782.
I have received lately the Honour of Sundry Letters from you, acquainting me that our Goods which had been detained by the owners of the Ships, in Order to extort from us an exorbitant Demand of 60000 florins were delivering to Mr. Barclay; and by yours of the [21]st. past you acquaint me that the last Part of them are delivered, which I am glad to hear. in return you will understand that I have paid the Bills of which I threatned to stop Payment if the Goods were not delivered. Mr. Barclay’s Letter to me, informing that your particular Conduct in the affair had been to his Satisfaction, gives me also much Pleasure. I shall therefore probably have no Occasion to say anything farther on that disagreable Attempt, except that in reply to your repeated observation how much it might hurt the Credit of the United States if I refused Payment of the Bills, I would observe that it as much concern’d the Credit of Holland that I should have the goods delivered to me, as it concerned the Credit of our States that I should pay for them; and I believe the impartial World would be all of Opinion, that the Delivery ought to precede the Payment. With great Regard, I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, &c.
Messrs. J. de Neufville & fils


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Andrews, [4 February 1782]
From: Andrews, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May pleas your Exellency
Monday 4 oClocke P.M.[February 4, 1782]
I have the Honour to write upon you this afternoon respecting the Letter I spoke to you of in Company with my Lawyer the last time I was hear— The projet of which he has sent prayer your Exellency to write one similir to the same. I hope your Exellency will see cause to grant this request will send for the same this Evening as we would wish to deliver by nine oClocke, to morrow morning, His Exellency the Dutch Ambassador has sent this day upon this business to the Count de Vergennes. The cause is to be Judged after to morrow. I have the Honour to be your Exellency most Obedent Humbl Sert
Sam Andrews
I also leave my Bourgois Brief which was given at the Hague

Addressed: His Exellency / Benj Franklin
Notation: Andrews Saml. Feby. 4 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Tolozan, 4 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Tolozan, Jean-François

Monsieur,
Passy, le 4. Fevr. 1782
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer cy joint un Memoire imprimé du Sr. Andrews, en reponse à celui de ses parties adverses. J’ose esperer qu’il dissipera les nuages que l’on s’est efforcé de repandre sur sa Neutralité, celle de son Navire et de sa Cargaison. Le Sr. Andrews m’est particulierement connu, Je puis donc, Monsieur, vous attester sa Neutralité et sa bonne foi, d’ailleurs si évidemment Prouvées par les pieces de bord que MM. Les Officiers de l’Amirauté du fort St. Pierre ont été, eux mêmes forcés de la reconnoitre. Ce point essentiel une fois Constaté l’Objet du reglement de 1778 me paroît rempli: L’intention du Souverain en rendant cette loi, n’a pu être que de reconnoitre Par des marques certaines la Neutralité du navire trouvé en Mer, mais non de Confisquer un navire dont la neutralité est evidente et reconnue.
Le Sr. Andrews peut dès lors, avec Raison, esperer de vos lumieres, Monsieur, et de la Justice du Conseil, la reparation des torts qu’on lui a fait éprouver dans sa fortune et son commerce.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre &c.
Mr. De Tholozan


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 4 February 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam Feby. 4th 1782.
Yesterday was presented to me another Bill of Exchange for 1100 Guilders, drawn on Mr Laurens 25th. Feby. 1780. I have, as usual, asked time to write to your Excellency, to know if You can be responsible for the payment: if not, they must be protested, for there is no Money to be had here.
Indeed if there was a probability of obtaining any small Sum here, quaere, whether it would not be impolitick to start the subject at this critical moment, when the Republick is seriously thinking of an Alliance with France and America. There are great appearances of Anxiety for the Return of the Duke de la Vauguyon, and great Expectations are formed from his Presence.
I think it certain, that the States will not make a separate Peace, nor accept the Mediation of Russia, but upon Conditions which France shall acquiesce in. Upon such Conditions, I presume England will not make a seperate Peace, nor even accept the Mediation: so that I am well persuaded there will be no Peace nor Mediation. These points once settled, there is great reason to believe they will make a Treaty with France and America. Indeed an apprehension prevails, that France is not fond of an Alliance, and this apprehension damps the Ardor of the Favourers of such a Measure.
If the Proposition suggested in my Instructions should be now made, I think it would succeed; but I may be mistaken, and it is now under the Consideration of abler Judges, whose Determination I shall wait very respectfully.
This moment six other Bills drawn on Mr. Laurens 6th. July 1780 are brought to Me. Nos. 83. 86. 92. 132. 136. 137—all 550 Guilders each. Without your Excellency’s Consent to discharge them, they must be protested.
With great Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant
J. Adams.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Notation: John Adams. Amsterdam Feby. 4. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from O’Gorman, 4 February 1782
From: O’Gorman, Thomas, chevalier
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris ce 4 fevrier 1782
On my return from Versailles late last night I learned at my Lodgings that your Excellency did me the honour to call thither on friday evening last. I was unhappy not to have been at home to receive you. I had the honour to write to your Excellency on friday morning before my departure for Versailles, and went this morning to the Merchants of Nantes to express to them once more your desire of confering with them. They assured me they would wait on your Excellency on Thuresday next in the fore noon.
My Protectors at Court, and particularly the Count de Vergennes, have made a bold Push with the Minister of the Marine departement to procure me one of the Consulships in America. Those of Philadelphia and Boston are already named to: That of Charlestown Comprehending Mariland, Virginia, the two Carolinas & Georgia is as yet vacant, and upon the point of being decided in favour of Somebody, I hope of me.
You go to Court to morrow, and I flatter my Self that your Excellency will be kind enough to express to the Count de Vergennes, my avowed protector, and Even to the Marquis de Castries the particular utility I would be of to the United States as well as to the mother Country (I mean france) in them parts, and the Pleasure it would give them to possess me there rather than a french Gentleman that has no knowledge of the different idioms of the Country, nor any Connexions in them Regions. In short your Excellency will be pleased to express whatever your friendship for and knowledge of me shall dictate to you. I employ every interest that possibly I can to Succeed in the districts of Mariland, Virginia and the Carolinas, which fall intirely under my plan, and I hope you’l favour that plan with as much dilicacy as is consistant with your Excellency.
I have the honour to be with great respect Sir your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
Le Chevr. O’Gorman
his Excellency Doctor Franklin at Passy

Notation: Gorman. Le Chevr. O. Paris 4. Fevr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 5[–7] February 1782
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lahaie 5e.[–7] Fevr. 1782.
L’incluse pour le Congrès vous apprendra ce qui se passe ici, & l’extrait ci-joint les dispositions & Les intentions du Congrès à mon égard Je tiendrai note des fraix que M’occasionneront ces ordres, & m’en prévaudrai, discretement, toutes les fois que je tirerai sur vous pour l’ordinaire.
Il y a lieu de croire, que cette semaine & la suivante seront interessantes ici, & qu’il se prendra enfin des résolutions importantes.
L’impossibilité, Monsieur, de subsister ici avec mes appointemens, trop Modiques en tout temps, & sur-tout depuis que tout a si fort renchéri Par la guerre, nous a fait prendre un parti, à mon Epouse & à moi, facheux pour nous, mais nécessaire, afin d’éviter notre ruine, c’est de rompre notre Ménage, & quitter la maison que nous habitons ici depuis vingt ans. J’ai donc loué pour moi seul des chambres ici pour May prochain, & ma femme & ma fille habiteront une petite Campagne que nous avons en Gueldre. Cette séparation est facheuse en ce qu’elle nous prive des douceurs de vivre ensemble, dans un temps où nos secours mutuels, & le séjour de la ville, au moins en hiver, est de plus en plus nécessaire aux infirmités de mon Epouse & à l’Education de mon Enfant. Mais elle est nécessaire, pour éviter notre ruine. Si j’ai donc paru, Monsieur, m’être relaché depuis quelque temps de mon ancienne diligence à vous écrire, ne L’attribuez qu’à la situation désagréable où j’ai été, & où je me trouve encore, à nombre d’égards, & qui est souvent allée jusqu’à perdre Presque le courage, & le goût de la vie. Je tâcherai de faire mieux, à Mesure que je me trouverai plus tranquille. Je suis avec tout le respectueux attachment, qui vous est voué pour toujours, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas

P.S. du 7e. Fev. 1782.
Cette Lettre ne pouvant partir Mardi, parce que j’ai du me rendre à une petite conférence avec certaine personne sur les affaires publiques, jaurai l’honneur de vous dire, aujourd’hui, que cette semaine la Médiation ne sera pas résolue, parce que quelques villes ne sont pas prêtes là-dessus, & que dans leurs Assemblées Municipales Les Patriotes ont demandé du temps pour y penser encore. Entre autres motifs de ce retard, est celui de donner le temps à Mr. l’Ambr. de Fce. d’arriver & d’être témoin de ce qui se passera la semaine Prochaine. Il arriva effectivement hier au soir.
Une Resolution prise le 7 Janv. par la Ville de Dort porte en substance “I. de ne consentir à la Mediation offerte que sous les 2 conditions Preliminaires suivantes, sine quibus non
1. la jouissance illimitée des Droits de la Neutralité armée.
2. la restitution des possessions de la rep. envahie par les Anglois
II. de réclamer en même temps les secours dûs à la rep. par la Neutralité armée, selon le Traité.
III. de faire précéder à cette résolution celle de la convention à faire avec la France pour concerter un plan d’opérations contre l’ennemi Commun.”
Passy à S. E. Mr. B. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 5 February 1782
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,
London, Feby. 5,1782.
I have seen Mr. L—— [Laurens] since his return from Bath. He had received my Letter, but was so much incapacitated by his disorder having lain in his head, as to have written only one letter; and that, though a common one, & in reply to his physician, cost him three hours and an half.— He says that Indigo certainly was sent from America, by the young gentleman’s friends; but that by some confusion in the marks, or the accounts of the sales, no one concerned in London has been able to make out the necessary particulars; and that letters must go to Holland or Cadiz (which are to be written by me) for developing the affair. If any money appears in Consequence unknowingly to have come into his hands, which the merchant shall specify, he will restore it according to the new appropriation of it. In the mean time he says, that if he had the command of money he once had, he would gladly supply the young gentleman on account of his regard to his family.
Mr L—— gave these particulars while under confinement, but as he returned the Letters to Mr: Manning, I did not chance to get them back from him till the other day. Upon the letter from you, & as a remark upon the information given you by Sr. Grey Cooper, I have the following words to quote: “You will undoubtedly inform the Dr.,” he says “how egregiously he has been deceived in this article;— And as to the £100, tell him ’tis the tip of Lazarus’s little finger, and that I feel however as if it would last my life or defray funeral charges.”— He was then very low spirited, but is now better, and walks about daily, and I almost daily see him appearing better, though going up & down stairs is still very Painful to him, and his head is still out of its usual order.— He behaves very whimsically I think in not borrowing money from those whom he has benefited; but he still obstinately refuses it, telling them & others, that he has enough with oeconomy for some few months, and that as soon as possible he will go to America.
I have nothing farther at present to tell you, but that your friends are as usual. Our [torn] venerate you as ever, and always both [torn] and think of you. I am sorry that I ca[nnot] persuade myself of a speedy Peace, in which case [we?] would soon embrace you; my father being more & More intent upon his plan.
I am, my dearest sir, your ever obliged, devoted, and affectionate—
I long to hear from you in answer to my pacquet by Mr Courtauld. Pray give my best Comps, to your amiable and worthy grandson.

Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. Franklin, / a Passy, / près Paris.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gustavus Conyngham, 6 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Conyngham, Gustavus

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 6. 1782.
I am to acknowledge the Receipt of two Letters from you, since you were at Nantes. In the first you desired a Copy of your Original Commission. I have caused [a] Search to be made, but can find no Trace of it, as at the Time it was given to you, the Commissioners were not yet in the Way of keeping Minutes of their Proceedings: and it is but a few Days since I have learnt from Dr. Bancroft that it was taken from you at Dunkirk and sent up with your other Papers to M. Le Comte de Vergennes. The first time I go to Versailles I will enquire for it, & try to recover it for you. And if it is lost, I will send you a Certificate that such a Commission did exist, tho’ at present not to be found.
In your second, you desire to know what Money Mr. Digges has charg’d as advanced to you. I never was able to obtain a regular Account from him of the Disposition of the Money I put into his Hands from time to time for the Relief of Prisoners in England: But I think he mentions in one of his Letters that he had paid 50 or 60£ for you. Probably this might not be true, for he is the greatest Vilain I ever met with, having the last Winter drawn upon me for 495£ for the Support of Prisoners, and applyed but 30£ to their Use. However he can have no Right to Demand any Repayment of you, having had the Money of me. With great Esteem, & best Wishes for your Prosperity, I have the honour to be, Sir, &c
Capt. Cunningham. à Nantes.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Passy, Feb. 6. 1782.
Are there any American Vessels with you that want Freight, and would go under Convoy to Philadelphia or Chesapeak, and can render themselves at Brest by the Beginning of next Month to take in. If there are [please] to let me know what Quantity of Tons they Can carry, and on what Terms they will engage. I am. &c.
To Mr. Williams, and the Same to Mr. Nesbit.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David F. Barber, 6 February 1782
From: Barber, David F.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your Excellency
Ostend. February. 6th. 1782.
Haveing had the Missfortune to be taken about 6. months ago, and makeing my escape to this place, with a few American Bills of Exchange, On paris, which were forwarded to a french Gentleman, On paris, the 13th. day of Jany. past. The Gentleman they were forwarded to, presented them to your Excellency for acceptance, on the 19th. of Said month, and wrote to the Gentleman who is his Correspondent in this place, and who forwarded them to him that your Excellency was pleased to Say, it would be 12 days from the 19th. before you would Say whether you would Accept them Or not, which has put me to a very great Stand about them; as I am here (at 26 s(?) / Sterling per Week) without a single farthing to help myself with & Am Very Sorry to Say without a Second Shirt to my Back.
I shall be very much Obliged to your Excellency to Accept or Protest them and Send them Back to this place that I may know whether I am a Beggar Or anything above a Beggar.
I am your Excellency Most humble Servt.
David F. Barber

Addressed: For / His Excellency Dr. Benja. Franklin. / Ambassadour, Plenipoteniary, / From the United States of No. America, / residing, / at / Paris
Notation: Barber. David Fra: Ostende Fevr. 6. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mademoiselle ——— Defay, 6 February 1782
From: Defay, Mademoiselle ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 6 fevrie 1782
Je me propose davoir lhonneur de vous voir dans une quinzaine de jours pour vous Presenter les premieres Epreuves que nous avonts faits du papier sur des formes a langlaisse Et dapres les procedés que vous avez bien voulu mindicquer.
Jay lhonneur de vous Envoier aujourdhuy deux ouvrages de la Composition d’un Medecin du gatinois, comme un bien foible homage de tous les sentiments de respect Et de veneration que vous luy avez inspires Monsieur, il seroit aussi flatte quhonoré que vous voulussié y jetter les yeux.
Quen Comémoration de la brillantte Conqueste remporté sur yorck Et a la quelle sest distingué le regiment du gatinois vous voulié luy a Corder des titres de Corespondances a La societte des siences de philadelphie. Sa reconnoissance Et La mienne Egallera le respect avec lequel Jay lhonneur Destre Monsieur Votre tres humble Et obeissantte servantte
DefayMlle defay rue beauregard visavis Celle St Claude porte St denis

Notation: De Fay, Mlle. Paris 16 Fevr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 6 February 1782
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Dunke. 6. fevr. 1782.
Les circonstances qui ont mis un terme à La correspondance que Jai eu L’honneur d’entretenir avec Votre excellence n’ont Point éffacé de mon coeur la Reconnoissance que Je dois aux témoignages de Vos Bontés, les occasions de vous Renouveller Les assurances de mon Respect me sont Bien Precieuses, et Je me flate que la liaison D’affaires que Ma nouvelle société, dont J’ai L’honneur De Vous addresser la circulaire, vient de contracter avec celle De Mrs. Ingraham & Bromfield D’amsterdam, m’en fournira souvent. Celle qui détermine aujourd’hui Ma confiance Procède des Malheurs de la guerre. Le Brave cape ed. Maccatter que vous honnorâtes en 1779. & 1780. de deux commissions du congres Pour commander les deux corsaires que J’ai armé en ce port, & à cherbourg, Sous le nom de la Princesse Noire, a été Pris au mois D’octobre Dernier en commandant un Brig du même nom que J’ai fait armer à Boulogne, avec une commission francoise, Par la fregatte Du Roy La Médée; ce Brave homme est Maintenant en Prison en angleterre, d’ou Les Reclamations les Plus vives de notre cour, n’ont pu le tirer, Parce que le Gouverneur Britannique Persiste à le Regarder comme traître; ne puisje Point me promettre De votre humanité, Monsieur, de votre Bienveillance, de la protection dont vous L’honnoriez, que vous Lui avez Promis Personnellement, et que Sa Bravoure Lui à Mérité, que vous Prendrez vous même la peine de le Reclamer D’une maniere efficace comme Sujet des états unis, cest Dans les Sentimens de grandeur D’ame qui Distinguent Votre excellence que J’espere trouver Les moiens de sauver un homme dont Le malheur empoisonnerait mes Jours, et qui me feroit Regretter une partie de la fortune que Je Dois à Son devouement & à Son courage. Je vous Suplie Donc, Monsieur, de prendre en considération L’exposé que Je Vous soumets, & de me faire Connoitre Les Demarches que vous voudrez entreprendre en faveur De D’un homme qui comme Moi ajoute au dévouement sans Reserve dont il est Penetré, les Sentimens du plus Profond Respect avec Lequel Je Suis Monsieur Votre très humble & très Obeissant Serviteur
J. Torris
Son excellence Mr. Bin. Franklin.

Notation: Torris J. Dunkerque 6 Fevr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 6 February 1782
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Versailles le 6. fev. 1782.
J’ai reçu, M, la lettre par laquelle vous avez bien voulu me prévenir que M. Robert Morris a remis à votre direction la somme qui peut encore exister de l’emprunt de Hollande; je vois d’autant moins de difficultés à cet arrangement, que la somme dont il s’agit appartient aux Etats-unis, et qu’elle doit être employée pour leur service. Je fais part de votre demande à M. Joly de fleury, et ce sera avec ce Ministre que vous aurez à vous concerter pour l’exécution des instructions de M Morris./.

P.S. Vous trouverez ci joint, M, un apercu de la situation du Congrès vis-à-vis du Thresor royal./.
  M franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Salisbury Franks, 7 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franks, David Salisbury

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 7. 1782.
I have just received your Letter dated the 26th. past at L’Orient, acquainting me that you were at Nantes on the Sunday following in your Way to Madrid, and that you would wait there my Orders; for which I am sorry, as I have none to give you; having imagin’d from your former Letters that you were gone long since for America. I think you cannot do amiss in following the orders of Mr. Jay; The Marqs. de La Fayette has probably already forwarded the Dispatches to him. I wish you a good Journey, and have the honour to be, Sir, &c
Mr. Franks.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rosamond Sargent, 8 February 1782
From: Sargent, Rosamond
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Halsted Place Febry: 8th: 1782
There is a Gentleman here who longs to write to you himself, but his Friends forbid it, and tell him, while the American Habeas Corpus bill is in force, it is not safe, and they will not consent to his trusting himself to such wretched Vindictive Animals as our Ministry is chiefly composed of. Wherefore I your Humble Servant, who defy them all to make treason or offence to the State of a Ladys endeavoring to alleviate the condition of three English officers taken Prisoners with Lord Cornwallis, will venture hardiment, to hold corespondance with you, and entreat your kind offices for the three following Gentlemen, Mr: Harry Calvert, Captain in Sir Wm: Howes Regiment of Foot, and Mr: George, and Thomas Scott, Lieutenants of Artillery, all worthy Young Men, intimate Friends Children, belonging to Families of respect and Condition; if wounded or sick, to assist and help them, is my humble request, and every grateful return shall be made here, to your Friends who do it.
This will be diliverd you, by the Count de Vaux, a Lieut. de frigate a Prisoner on Parole here, or a Captain of the regiment D’Agenois his Friend who I have by a Friend taken the liberty of saying woud not, I flatterd myself, do an unacceptable thing to you, in waiting upon you with it.— I hope you are in good Health and long to hear as much from yourself, and desire you to be assured, that no time, change of Fortune or Events, can make the least change in our Esteem, affection, and high regard for you,— which is such, that if the good Genius of this Nation, shoud not bring you here once more with the Olive Branch, I think the Gentleman hinted at, and I, shall if possible, come over to France for a Month, whenever a cessation of Arms takes place, to have the pleasure of a few Conversations wth: you, and assure you in Person, of the veneration we have for one whom Providence has made the Instrument of doing so great things for the Liberties of Mankind, and the Sincerity wth: which both of us are your most devoted and Attachd

Addressed: Dr. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 February 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir
Nantes Feb. 8. 1782
My Friend Mr Grubb will have the pleasure to present this & I beg Leave to recommend him to your Notice & Civility.
This Gentleman proposes a settlement in France in the Commercial Line in Company with Mr Hazlehurst, & I doubt not will ever merit the Attention you may think proper to honour him with, which will particularly oblige
Dear & hond sir Your dutifull & Affect Kinsman
Jona Williams J

Notation: Jona. Williams. Nantes Feby. 8. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 9 February 1782
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Honored Sir
Philadelphia February 9th 1782
Hearing of an opportunity via Maryland, I embrace it to tell you, that we are well— I mentioned in two or three of my last Letters to you, the new Arrangement that would probably take place in the post Office department— It is at last settled, and your Son in Law is displaced; Mr. Hazard who has the appointment, I have reason to think has been very active in making Interest with the Delegates of the Eastern States, for I am informed it was they that made a Point of it— The manner of my dismission I confess has hurt my feelings, as nothing has been or can be alledged against my conduct, whilst in Office— These Eastern Men, I am informed, have aimed at your recall, but finding themselves foiled in that attempt, have struck at me, thinking thereby I suppose to hurt your feelings— I shall endeavor to form such Connections in business, and hope therefrom to derive such advantages, as will in time place me in an independent Situation— With these expectations I reconcile myself to this unexpected Blow— Tell Temple I have lately received a Letter from him, dated in September, that I have shiped him three Boxes of Seeds, some of which I trust he will receive— With Sally & the Children’s joint Love & Duty I remain ever Dear Sir Your affectionate Son
Rich Bache
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipoy: from the United States / at / Passy / [in a different hand:] Forwarded by Your very hble Servts. / Cuming & Macarty / L’Orient 22d. April / 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marignac, 9 February 1782
From: Marignac
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Genéve ce 9e. Février 1782
J’ai reçu le 5e. de ce Mois les lettres, dont vous m’avès honnoré; ainsi que les Paquets pour Bache & Johonnot; Vôtre lettre de Change fut acquittée le Lendemain, quoique sans endossement; mais le Banquier me Connoissant s’est Contenté de mon reçu.
Vôtre lettre suppose un Maitre d’ècriture à Monsieur vôtre petit fils; pensant que le Collége gâte la main, & qu’il s’opposeroit à ses progrès dans ce genre, j’ai crû que quelques mois de leçons, quand il en seroit sorti, fructifieroient plus que quelques années dans ce moment; Quoiqu’il soit actuellement très occupé, J’attendrai vôtre décision pour lui en donner un.
Je prens la liberté, Monsieur, d’user de la permission, que vous m’avès donnée, de vous recommander mes lettres pour l’Amérique; Nos Jeunes gens sont a present à Boston, ou ils doivent passer l’hiver, y enseignant le François & les Mathématiques pour subsister, étant au bout de leurs finances; ils doivent se rendre delà à Philadelphie; Si vous vouliès bien prier Monsieur le Docteur Cooper de Compter au Jeune Serre deux cent quarante livres argent de France, & au Jeune Gallatin mille livres de France, Je vous en aurois une grande obligation, & vous les déduiriès, quand vous auriès appris que ces petites sommes ont été livrées, sur les parties, que je prendrai la Liberté de vous envoyer; s’il étoit possible d’avoir un reçû de leur part, ce sèroit une attestation, que je voudrois pouvoir montrer aux parens.
Pardon, Monsieur, des embarras, que je vous donne; Pére de famille, Mon cœur ne sauroit se refuser aux tendres sollicitudes de ces bons parens:
J’ai l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, avec une Consideration distinguée Monsieur Vôtre très Humble & très obeissant Serviteur
G. L. De Marignac

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Ministre / Plénipotentiaire des Etats unis de / L’Amérique auprès de Sa / Majesté très Chrétienne / A Passy
Notation: Mr. Marignac to Dr. Franklin—Geneva Feb. 9. ’82.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 February 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir
Nantes 9 Febry 1782
I recd your Favour of the 6 Inst. desiring to know if there are any American Vessells here that want freight to go to Brest to take in. There are in this Port two American Vessells only, the Favourite Capt Buchannan, & the betsey Capt Gallagher, the former a new ship of twenty Guns armed by Mr. Johnson, the latter an armed Brig lately arrived from Philadelphia to the Address of Mr Barclay. Mr Johnson says if the Goods were here it might do, but he cannot think on any terms of sending his Vessell to Brest to take in & suffer the detention of waiting for Convoy. Mr Barclay is the only person who can decide about the Brig, but Mr Moylan who has the care of her in Mr Barclay’s Absence will be here in a day or two, & I may then know further I do not imagine however that the Application will be successfull for these Vessells find so much private freight of rich Goods at 10 per Ct on their Value so far from wanting Freight, one is obliged to Sollicit to get Goods on board and coarse & heavy ones of Little Value are generally refused, if I can give you any Information, I will write again next Post in the mean time I am as ever
Your dutifull & Affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

I have a constant Pain in my Breast which is supposed to proceed from my Position when writing, & for this Reason I am obliged to make use of another hand but I hope it will be only for a short Time.
JWJ

Notation: J. Williams 9. Feby. 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Barry, 10 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barry, John

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 10. 1782.
I have been honour’d by yours of the 31st. past, and am glad to find you are willing to take over some of the public Goods. I should not desire it of you, if certain Circumstances unforeseen had not rendered it necessary. The Goods are for the use of our Troops & Marine, and were collected at Brest, with an Intention of sending them in certain Transports, which are prepared for that Purpose by this Government. The Loss of a Number of Transports taken by Kempenfieldt’s Squadron, which were carrying Stores for the King’s Fleet and Army, making it necessary to replace those Stores & forward them immediately, it has been found, that there is not room for ours, & that sufficient new Transports, cannot readily be obtained. It has therefore been proposed to me to put into your Ship what you Can well receive, and to get Freight if I can for the Rest to go under your Convoy. Mr. Barclay who is acquainted with such Business is not yet return’d but i expect him daily. In the meantime, I wish you would proceed to Brest immediately, where you will find orders given to the Commissary to deliver so much of the Congress Stores to you as you shall think fit to receive; my Dispatches for America shall also meet you there. And as the Quantity of Goods may possibly render your Ship less fit for sailing or Fighting it would perhaps be well if you concluded to sail with the King’s Ships, which Convoy the Transports, and who will probably depart by the Middle of March. Tho’ you have not, as you observe any Orders for this Operation, I am Persuaded that its Utility & Necessity, together with this Letter will be deemed a full Justification. Endeavours are using to procure Freight for the Rest, to go under the same Convoy, but perhaps it may not be possible to do it in time. If you can engage any from L’Orient, it will be doing great Service. the Goods in all will make about 1000 Tons. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir,
Capt. John Barry.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Watson & Cossoul, 10 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Watson & Cossoul

Gentlemen,
Passy 10. Feb. 1782.
I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me the 2d. Inst. Inclosed is the Pass-port you request for your Brig Emelia.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen Your &c—

P.S. For what relates to Sailors you should apply to the Consul.
  Messrs. Watson & Cossoul.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 11 February 1782
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Madrid 11th. Feb 1782
I have been so engaged these two Days as not to have had time to reply fully to yours of the 19th. Ult. but tho it is late I must not let the Post depart without a few Lines for you.
Circumstanced as it seems we are, nothing more can be expected from us by our Country than our best Endeavours, and if they fail of Success, the disappointment will be imputable only to those whose immature Counsels have Produced the Embarrasments under which we labor. The Evils which must follow are nevertheless to be lamented and the more so at this Season when they would form a black and inauspicious Cloud in the present bright Aspect of our Affairs—
I flattered myself that the Loan in Holland would have afforded Funds for all our Bills & present Demands, and am sorry to hear that is not the Case. Could not that Loan be extended to a further Sum?
The Conduct of this Court bears few Marks of Wisdom. The Fact is they have little Money, less Credit, and very moderate Talents.
My Ideas correspond exactly with yours respecting the propriety of presenting such a Memoir as you propose. The Embassador of France however is decided in his opinion against it, and it appears to me imprudent to disregard his opposition.
I agree to the Rule for our Charges specified in your Letter to Mr. Adams of the 11 June last and his Answer of the 4th. Octr. following.
There is half a Years Salary due to Mr Carmichael & myself— I shall agreable to your Permission draw for a Quarter’s deducting the money advanced on my acct.
I have recd. the Dispatches from Gen. Washington which you was so obliging as to forward. I am much mistaken if the Young Hercules does not one Day shake the Pillars of the old. Mr. Laurens Enlargement will not in my opinion be unconsequential. I am told he behaved with firmness & came into no Conditions repugnant to the Honor & Independence of the United States.
Be so kind as to send me Copys of Mr Deanes Letters. I am surprized to hear that th. Contents are so exceptionable, and can no otherwise account for it than by supposing that the Mortifications he has experienced have had an unhappy influence on his Heart as well as his Head. I confess I had a better opinion of them both.
Britain tho for some Years constantly advancing towards our Demands seems still to want the Wisdom & Decision to overtake them by one large & manly Step. I shd. be ashamed of the Country I now glory in, if she could for a moment forget her obligations to France. For while France treats us fair & friendly we should prefer Destruction in abiding by our Treaty to ignominous Peace & Safety purchased by basely deserting our first and as yet faithful Ally—
I have not as yet recd. a single Letter from or by the marquis De La Fayette—
Mrs. Jay joins with Me in assuring you and your Grandson of our best Wishes— I am dear Sir your obliged & obt Servt.
His Exy Dr FranklinTo Dr Franklin 11. Feby 1782 In ansr to 19 Ult.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Rucker, 11 February 1782
From: Rucker, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient Febr. 11th. 1782.
In the Absence of Mr. Nesbitt, who is gone to Nantes on some business, I have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter of the 6th. instt:— In Answer am to acquaint You, that there are no American Vessels whatsoever here at present, nor are there any immediately expected—
The Aliance sailed on Saturday last in Company with Capt. Angus. I have the honor to remain with the greatest Regard Sir Your most Obedt. humbl. Servt. By pro: of Mr. Jont. Nesbitt
John Rucker
His Excellency Benj: Franklin Passy—

Addressed: his Excellency Benjamin / Franklin / Passy—près Paris
Notation: J. Rucker 11. Feby. 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 12 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 12. 1782.
I received the honour of yours dated the 7th. Inst. acquainting me with the Presentation of several more Bills drawn on Mr. Laurens. I think you will do well to accept them, and I shall endeavour to enable you to pay them. I should be glad to see a compleat List of those you have already accepted. Perhaps from the Series of Numbers, and the Deficiencies, one may be able to divine the Sum that has been issued, of which we have never been informed as we ought to have been. Ignorance of this, has subjected me to the unpleasant Task of making repeated Demands which displease our Friends by seeming to have no End. The same is the Case with the Bills on Mr. Jay & on myself. This has among other things made me quite sick of my Gibeonite office, that of drawing Water for the whole Congregation of Israel. But I am happy to Learn from our Minister of Finance, that after the End of March next no farther drafts shall be made on me, or Trouble given me by Drafts on others.
The Duke de Vauguyon must be with you before this time.— I am impatient to hear the Result of your States on the Demand you have made of a categoric Answer &c. I think with you that it may be wrong to interrupt or perplex their deliberations by asking Aids during the present critical Situation of Affairs.
I understood that the Goods had all been delivered to Mr. Barclay, & I Punctually paid all the Bills. That Gentleman now writes me that those purchased of Gillon are detained on pretence of his Debts. These new Demands were never mention’d to me before. It has been & will be a villanous Affair from beginning to End.
With great Esteem and Respect, I have the honour to be Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. J. Adams Esqr.

Endorsed: Dr Franklin Feb. 12. 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Barclay, 12 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barclay, Thomas

Sir,
Passy, Feb. 12. 1782.
I received duly yours of the 3d. Inst. and I am enrag’d to find that after I had been inform’d the Goods were delivered to you, and had in Consequence paid Punctuably all the Bills, Messrs. de Neufville should attempt to stop these bought of Gillon. These new Demands have been artfully kept out of Sight till now. There is more Roguery it seems in that Country than I imagined. Neither Col Laurens nor Captain Jackson left with me the Contract made with Gillon; But the Bills of Exchange drawn in his Favour by Jackson, and accepted and paid by me, are Proofs of the Goods having been paid for, as we had no other Concern with Gillon’s affairs. The Value is near 10,000£ Sterling.
I know not what to say at present with Regard to your Proposition of my putting into your Hands 150,000 Livres at once. You give indeed a good Reason for it so far as relates to yourself, viz “that you are really afraid that from my Situation, and from the Manner I am drawn upon from America, my Embarrasments in Money-Matters may encrease”. You will allow that it is natural for me to have for the same Reasons the same Apprehensions, and to endeavour to avoid these Embarrasments as much as possible, by not complying with your Request; more especially as I find by Mr. Morris’s last Letters that he imagines a Sum in my Disposition vastly greater than the Fact, in Consequence of which he has already given me Orders far beyond my Abilities to comply with. I submit it therefore to your Consideration whether we had not better Store those Goods in Holland, at present, acquaint him with their Situation, and request him to send Vessels for them; rather than put ourselves to the Inconvenience of buying Ships as you propose to carry them, which Ships we may not be able to pay for. and considering the Quantities gone & going from this Country, these Goods will Probably not be so much wanted, as that the Delay will be greater Prejudice to our Affairs than my Protesting Congress Bills would occasion. In a few Days I shall be able to write you more explicitly on this Head, In the mean time I Could wish you not to engage in the Purchase of those Ships; tho’ you may be assured that I shall do all that I can find by any Means in my Power to aid you in your Operations. With much Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, &c.
M. Barclay.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 12 February 1782
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Paris february 12th 1782
I Had the Night Before Last the pleasure to See Mr. franklin and Gave Him some Account of the Situation our Affair Was in at that time. I Can for the Present be More Particular, and will Relate What Has Past Respecting the letter of Mr. de Veymerange and the Several Articles a list of which Has Been put into My Hands.
I Have Represented to Mis. [Marquis] de Castries that His Assistance Was Absolutely Necessary on the Occasion— Had He not Been Rather Short of Means He would Have Aided us More Completely— But Advised you Should Request Mr. de Veymerange to find A large Vessel of 1200 tons, or two of 600 Each But Not less, and Know from Him What is the price demanded to Carry our Stores—it will Be Better Not to Mention Mis. de Castries, and By Those Means We May lay Before Him Any proposition that Will Be Made— So that if they Are Exaggerated, or if No Vessel Can Be found we will Avail ourselves of His Assistance and Authority.
The Same Minister Has also Requested I Would as Soon as Possible Give Him an Exact Memorandum of the Stores On Account of the United States that are to Be Sent By the Convoy of March—the Number of tons, either Weight or Uncomberance are to Be Exactly Specified— I will Sollicit for a Protection to the Very Mouth of An American Harbour— Should the Vessels and Officers Be french, they will Probably Better Understand and Keep Close with the Commanders of the Escort— The Minister Has also Very Judiciously shewed that we Must not Accept of Any Vessel Under the Size of Six Hundred tons. He Says the Stores Must immediately Be Collected at Brest, and the Account of them Be Given to Him as Soon as Possible—the Moment the Propositions from Mr. Veymerange Are Come to Hand, I offer My Services to Carry them to Versailles and Render the Bargain as Advantageous as possible to the United States.
Your Excellency Having Requested My opinion Respecting the Importance of the Several Articles in a french list Amounting to 1050 tons, I will only Say that Cloathing, Camp Equipage, and powder are the Most Essential— Small arms Come Next with their flints &c— The Howitzers and Carriages I would Reserve for the Last But if two Vessels of Six Hundred tons May Be Early Procured at a Cheap Rate I would think it important to Send Under that Convoy Every thing that is Already Bought and is destined to North America.
I Had the other day the Honor to Explain to Mr. franklin the Reasons why I imagined the Alliance was Entitled to the Indulgence of a Cruise Which Has Been Positively Promised By Congress— Should it Be Your Excellency’s Opinion that she ought to Cruise for some weeks and then Return to Your Command towards the End of March, Mis. de Castries Has Promised that Barry will Be permitted to Get all American Sailors in Any french Harbour for Whom He will Make an Application.
I Have Had Several Conversations Respecting the Situation of American Affairs— I am in a few days to Be Called into a Commitee of the Three Ministers which I Have Requested Because I think it Better to debate with them All than to divide My opinion into Separate Conferences—in Every Answer to their Questions I will Endeavour to fulfill the Views of Your Excellency, and in Case you Are Satisfied with Your Aid de Camp I am perfectly Happy.
This is a Very Long Epistle for a [?] letter, I will Now put an End to it, But not Before I Have Presented Your Excellency with an Homage of the Affection and Respect I Have the Honor to Be With Your Excellency’s Most obedient Hbl Sevt
Lafayette

P.S. I Hope Mr. de Guichen will Have Gone with those last Nord East Winds— Rodney Has Been Sometime on His Way— There is a Convoy Going from Cork towards the End of this Month Notice of Which Might Be Sent to Barry—all the Ships of the line with Some troops Have left Newyork
  His excelley B. franklin Esq.

Notation: La Fayette Mr. le Marqs. Paris 12.— Fevr. 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 12 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Dear Sir,
Passy, Feb. 12. 1782.
Accept my hearty Thanks for the Pains you have taken, and for your fully informing Letter of this Day. I will endeavour to see M. de Veimerange to Morrow, and will acquaint you with what I learn from him. I pray God to bless & prosper you being ever, Dear Sir, with the greatest Esteem, Your Affectionate &c.
M. Le Ms. de la Fayette.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Nesbitt, 12 February 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Nesbitt, Jonathan

Sir,
Passy, Feby. 12. 1782.
I recd. duly the Letter you honoured me with dated the 4th. Inst. The Bills in question, No. 368 for 60 Dollars & No. 398 for 120. Dollars, in favr. of Mr. William Tent [Trent], dated the 9th. March 79. were both accepted by me on the 21. Jany. 1780. being presented by Mr. P. Dacosta. If you desire any further Information relative to the indorsments &ca. I can procure it for you of Mr. Grand, at whose House they were paid. It is very wrong in Persons sending Bills from America, to indorse them in blanc, as by that means they are made payable to the Bearer, and cannot refuse Payment, tho’ presented by the Enemy.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your &c
Mr. Jona. Nesbitt.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Hubbart, 12 February 1782
From: Hubbart, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honor’d Sir
Mill Prison PlymouthFeby: 12. 1781 [i.e., 1782]
I take this opportunity to Acquaint you of my misfortune in being taken in the Wexford Privateer & sent into this Place. When I left home my Fathers family was well. I am badly of for Cloths & Money if you should think fit to supply me with some shall take it as a great favour Conferr’d on me.
Your Hble Servant
Saml. Hubbart

Addressed: To / Honble / Benja: Franklin Esqr / att / Paris
Notation: Humbart, Feby. 12 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Wyld, 12 February 1782
From: Wyld, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Excellent Sir
Hatherlow Feby. 12th. 1782
The Company are sensible of the Honour done them, by your Excellencies reception of me; and beg you to accept their thanks for the indulgent manner you received Me in, and the especial kindness done to them, by giving Credit to my draft on My Friend, which i’m informed has recd. due honour, as the Remittance was requested and made the 9th. of this Inst. And ’though the Answer you returned to the second article, was such, as they did not expect to have received, considering what was offered in their behalf; yet they mean to emigrate directly, and hope you can have no objection to recommeng us to the Consideration of the Congress for Pensilvania for the expences, that they may be advansed to inable us to begin Business. If our Circumstances be such that we Cannot conveniently do witht. them, the method of obtaining the Loan to give us an only Right in such Machinery as we may introduce I desire you to mention, as those Inventions or any thing else in our power we will willingly set over for securing the repayment of such Money if obtained. They desire you to transmit Protections immediately and the name of any Captain that may appear to you in your situation confidential, as such intimation would of course be a great saving to us, sundry persons of ingenuity and ability mean to attend us, and some method should be thought of that they may be included among us and protected, pray think of the afair respecting a Captain, and communicate the same freely, as you have nothing to fear on his account from our Connection, and we desire to be in Ireland as soon as possible therefore hope you will write as soon as you can with convenience and direct for Mr. Henry Wyld schoolmr. of Mellor, to the care of Mr. Henry Merrick Currier of Chapelinlafirth Derbyshire and if Joseph Hague from Philadelphia has wrote transmit his at the same time, I am for myself and Co Your Excellencies very hble. Servant
Henry Wyld

P.S. Pray make mention whether you think you have Engins introdused into your Country for cuting small screws Much used in putting Engins together, or not, the screws cut by them Engins are all lengths from ½ an Inch to 6 Inches long.

Addressed: Mr. Fardinand Grand / Mercht. / Paris / per the favr. of Mr. Richd. Hennery of Ostend. / [In a different hand:] Evidently for Dr. Franklin
Notation: H. Wyld Haterlow 12. Fevr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 14 February 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 14 Feby. 1782
I had Yesterday the honour of receiving Your Excellencys letter of the 4th. and I shou’d immediately wait upon You at Passy, but I think it better to remain here for your reply to what I shall now write, and that shall intirely govern my Proceedings— I have not Yet been able to procure proper Conveyances for the supply’s that are here, nor indeed Can I say when it will be in my power to do it— I have with Mr. Adams’s approbation made proposals for the purchase of a ship at Ostend, one of those mentiond in my last to You, but there is no Prospect of her being here in less than three or four weeks, and at present there is but one Vessell in this harbour fit to trust a Bale of Goods to America in— She is a good Vessell, built on a Construction for sailing fast, but is unarmed— I am to receive an answer tomorrow whether her Owners will take in any of the supplys for Boston and on what terms— There is an Arm’d ship and an unarm’d Brigantine expected here every day to load for Boston. If I Can do nothing better I shall endeavour to engage as much room on board each as will be necessary, and in this Manner to divide the risk, and get away the goods some how or other. If I wait here untill this is done, it will, I dare say, take up six weeks of my time, and I submit to Your Excellency’s determination, whether in the Mean time you wish me to attend any Consultation with you and Mr. Ridley, when we might determine whether it woud be better for me to return to Amsterdam or proceed to Brest. If you do, the fatigue of the Journey is not the smallest obstacle— I am extremely unwilling to take up Your time by mentioning the Various prospects that arise of shipping the Goods, as upon a Closer examination they generaly Vanish. I shall therefore only add that every thing in my power shall be done to put an end to the business here, every part of which has been involved in difficulty, Vexation and Expence— Part of the goods, proving British Manufactures, I shall endeavour to exchange for those of Germany or Holland, Congress having prohibited the Importation of any into America that are not prize goods—
I shall be much indebted to You for Your sentiments whether my Attendance in France or here is most necessary, and in expectation of them I shall hold my self in readiness to follow Your opinion— I am Yet Very young in office, and therefore take the greater liberty of Applying to you that I may profit by Your Advice, and I hope that You will have the goodness to excuse me— Mr. Williams at Nantes and Mr. Moylan at L’Orient will make inquiry respecting proper ships in those parts. There is one at Nantes, but she is not Yet launchd she is intended to Carry sixteen Nine pound Cannon and will I suppose be ready to sail in June— i have the honour to be with the most perfect respect Sir Your Excellencys Most obed, and Most Humb Serv.
Thos Barclay
His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr

Notation: Thomas Barclay Amsterdam 14 Feby. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Larwood, Van Hasselt & Van Suchtelen, 14 February 1782
From: Larwood, Van Hasselt & Van Suchtelen
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourable Sir!
Amsterdam the 14th february 1782.
We beg leave to inform your Excellency that Since the Month of September last Year we have in our hands 51 bills of Exchange amounting to gether f. 40958 bank drawn by the honourable F. Hopkinson Esqr: countersign’d by Tho: Smith Esqr, commissioner of the continental Loan Office in the State of Pensylvania, dated United State of North America 22d June a° po on the honnourable Henry Laurens Esqr at this Place, in favour of our good friend Mr John Ross in Philadelphia, who indorsed the Same to Messr Parish Thomson in Hamburg; these bills, by the unfortunate detainment of Mr Laurens in England, were not accepted, So we have presented them to his Exellency John Adams commissioner of the United States at this Place, who told us to have no orders for the discharge of these bills, & could not pay the Same, which we are very Sorry for, as the non payment of them will be an unexpected, disagreable circumstance to our good friend Mr John Ross, Who we are informed wrote our Said Hamburg friends, that he had got a Certain information that these 51 Bills would be paid, and as this is rather a Matter of Some consideration, we beg leave to enquire of Your Excellency, if Your goodself Could find no proper means to give Instructions for the Payment of these bills in the present circumstance, which proceeds by the casuall misfortune happen’d to Sir Laurens, which if not happend we persuade Our Selves these bills would have met with due honnour in acceptance & payment. We therefore desire the honnour of your respected answer about this affair, of the above mentioned Congres bills will be paid here thro’ your kind Interposition, or if we are to return the Same with Protests of Non Payment? Your Excellencys kind reply will very much oblige us, who with a tender of our best Services at this Place have the honnour respectfully to Subscribe ourselves with the utmost esteem & regard.
Honourable Sir! Your Excellency’s Most ob hu Servt
Larwood VAN Hasselt VAN Suchtelen
His Excellency Franklin Esqr:

Addressed: To / The honourable B Franklin Esqr: / Commissioner of the United States / of North America. / at / Passy. / near Paris.
Notation: Larwood, Van Hasselt & Van Scuhtelen. Amsterdam 14. Feby. 1782.—