Title: The American Commissioners: Memorandum for Vergennes and Aranda, 25 September 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de,Aranda, Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Conde de

This memorandum, under its calm surface, conveys a sense of depression; and the commissioners had reason to be depressed. They seem to have become suddenly aware that they were in deep financial trouble, because they had made commitments that they did not have the money to honor and that Congress could not. Vergennes, in the wake of the Conyngham affair, refused to see them. Word of the fall of Ticonderoga, and of the growing threat to Philadelphia, produced a general conviction in France that the American cause was doomed. The commissioners’ future looked dark indeed, and perhaps for that reason they put unusual time and effort into composing their appeal to the Bourbon courts. On September 1 they agreed to prepare it and Franklin agreed to draft it; on the 5th he read his draft to his colleagues, who approved. But it must for some reason have become outdated, for on the 13th the commissioners repeated the procedure: they decided again on a memorandum, again assigned it to Franklin, and had his draft three days later. Lee protested that it was not strong enough; unless it said that lack of support would force Congress to make peace, Versailles would continue to procrastinate. Franklin remarked that he did not question French good faith. Lee explained at length why he did, and he and Deane suggested amendments; these Franklin embodied in what was apparently the final draft, read on the 19th. Six days later the commissioners signed the two copies, one for Versailles and the other for Madrid.

Dated at Passy this 25th. of September 1777.
To his Excellency the Count de Vergennes Minister for the foreign Affairs of France, &c. &c. And to his Excellency the Count d’Aranda, Embassador of Spain, &c. &c. A Memorial from the Commissioners of the United States of America.
The Congress some Months since acquainted us, that 80,000 Suits of Clothes will be wanted for their Army next Winter: Also a Number of brass Cannon, Fusils, Pistols, &c. and a large Quantity of Naval Stores.
To pay for these, they acquainted us that they had purchased great Quantities of Tobacco, Rice, Indigo, Pot-Ash, and other Produce of the Country, which they would forward to us as soon as the great Difficulties of procuring Ships, and Mariners for the Merchant-Service, with Convoys of Force sufficient, could be surmounted.
They also directed us to borrow two Millions Sterling in Europe on the Credit of the United States; which Sum, if the Loan could have been effected here, would have been, as the most profitable Way of transmitting it, laid out by us chiefly in the Manufactures of these Kingdoms, greatly to the Advantage of their People, not only encouraging and encreasing their present Industry, but, by introducing the Knowledge of their Manufactures and Produce, and the Taste for them, would have been the Source of great future Commerce.
The Loan was found to be, in our present Circumstances, difficult; and without the Aid of some Credit from France and Spain seems impracticable.
And the Ships bringing the Products of America to us, have been intercepted, some by the Treachery of the Seamen, but chiefly by the Enemy’s Ships of War, which, with the Difficulty abovementioned of finding Ships, and the Blocking up of our Ports, has left us hitherto disappointed of the expected Remittances.
But France having actually furnished us with some Money in regular Payments, and kindly promised us a Continuance of them; and Spain having given us Expectations of considerable Aids, though without specifying the Quantity, the Commissioners conceiving it would not be less than what France was giving; and impress’d with the Urgent Necessity of the Clothing, &c. ventur’d to order 30,000 Suits; and have also sent or contracted for considerable Quantities of Arms and other Necessaries, for which they are indebted.
Spain, after furnishing us with 187,500 Livres in Money, and some Naval Stores sent directly from her Ports (the Value not yet known to us) has desisted.
And the Commissioners find themselves extreamly embarrassed by their Engagements, and likely to be discredited with their Constituents by the Expectations they have given of effectual Aids from France and Spain, if not a Diversion that might be favourable to the States: But the worst is the Prejudice their Cause and Country must suffer by the Disappointment of Supplies.
The Commissioners receiv’d soon after their Arrival, kind Assurances of the Amity of France and Spain, and substantial Proofs of it, which will ever be remembred with Gratitude.
They, by Authority from the Congress, offer’d Proposals for a Treaty of Commerce, and for uniting the Force of the States with that of France and Spain, in Conquering for those Crowns the English Sugar-Islands, with other Advantages and Stipulations, in case Britain should commence the War on account of the Aids granted to us; which Proposals the Commissioners hope were not disagreable, and have long expected with Anxiety an Answer to them.
Some late Proceedings in France, relating to our arm’d Vessels and their Prizes, and to the Exportation of Warlike Stores, and the Cessation of Supplies from Spain, might occasion a Doubt that the Disposition of those Courts towards the United States is changed, if the Commissioners had not the fullest Confidence in those Dispositions as being well-founded in the true Interest of these Kingdoms, and as it is conceived no Cause has been given on the Side of America for their Diminution.
They therefore ascribe the late Strictnesses in France to the Circumstances of the Times; and the Stoppage of Supplies from Spain to the Inattention occasion’d by Occupation in other great Affairs.
And they hope that a little Time will remedy both the one and the other.
In the mean while they request a present Supply proportion’d to their Wants, which will appear by the annexed Estimate.
France and Spain (as they have represented in a former Memoir) will be greatly Gainers by the American Commerce, in Vent of Products and Manufactures, Increase of People by furnishing more Employment, Increase of Shipping and Seamen and of course Naval Power, while Britain is diminished and weakned in proportion, which will make the Difference double. But they offer these Advantages, not as putting them to Sale for a Price, but as Ties of the Friendship they wish to cultivate with these Kingdoms.
And knowing that after a Settlement of their States in Peace, a few Years will enable them to repay the Aids that may now be lent them, they with the more Freedom ask greater Assistance by way of Loan, than they would presume to ask as a Subsidy.
But if those Powers apprehend that the Granting such Aid may be one Means of occasioning a War between them and Britain, and the present Circumstances render such a War not eligible; and if they therefore decline the same, and would advise the Americans to make Peace; it is requested that these Courts as Friends of the United States, would assist them with their Advice and Influence in the Negociation, that their Liberties, with the Freedom of Commerce may be maintained.
And they farther request to be explicitly inform’d of the present Intentions of these Courts respecting the Premises, that they may communicate as much of the same to the Congress as may be necessary for the Regulating of its Conduct, and preventing the Misapprehensions that the late Proceedings abovementioned may otherwise occasion.
They can assure your Excellencies that they have no Account of any Treaty on foot in America for an Accommodation, nor do they believe there is any: Nor have any Propositions been made by them to the Court of England, nor any the smallest Overture received from thence which they have not already communicated; the Congress having the fullest Confidence in the Goodwill and Wisdom of these Courts, and having accordingly given us Orders to enter into no Treaty with any other Power inconsistent with the Propositions made to them, if those Propositions are likely to be accepted; and to act with their Advice and Approbation. And the Commissioners are firmly of Opinion, that nothing will induce the Congress to accommodate on the Terms of an exclusive Commerce with Britain, but the Despair of obtaining effectual Aid and Support from Europe.
But as it is probable that England is not yet sufficiently weakned or humbled to agree to any equitable Terms of Accommodation; and as the United States with an Aid much less than would be spent by France and Spain in case of their entring into the War, will be enabled to continue it with England as long as may be necessary, the Commissioners request that those Powers would resolve upon Granting such Subsidy as may be sufficient for the Purpose; or otherwise lend to the said States the Sum they desire of Two Millions Sterling at the Interest of Six per Cent., which they have all reason to believe they shall be well able to pay after an happy Finishing of the War, and which they mean punctually to perform.
B FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee

    Notation: Remis le 26. 7bre 1777 / 1777. 26. 9bre.

Estimate &c

Ballance of Mr. Grand’s Accompt renderdJune 10. 1777
664178..1..1

Payments to August 14.1777
170196..11..1

Drafts since that Time by the Commissioners & by Mr. Williams
}
30000

Agreements made for 30,000 Suits Cloaths suppose them to cost 35 livres each
}
1,050,000

Ditto for 1000 Fusees

18000

Ditto for 100,000 pd Copper & Tin for casting Cannon
}
150000

Ditto 100 Tons Salt Petre

110000

Ditto for Shoes & for Pistols &c engaged by Mr. Williams including also the Ship for carrying out the Goods ... suppose ...
}
250000

  Repairs of several Vessels ... suppose ...
}
50000

Paid Mr Delap ... per Accompt
}
40000

Cordage, Anchors &c for a 64 Gun Ship
}
200,000

To compleat & load the Ship in Holland the least sum will be
}
550,000

Mr Grand recd. July 10th
500,000

Ballance against the Commissioners by their Estimate

1,454,018..10

2,618,196..11.1
2,618,196..11..1

Ballance as above1,454,018..10
1454018..10

To be received in October
500000

Ballance against the Commissioners after receiving 500,000 will be 954,018..10
}
954018..10

1,454,018..10
1,454,018..10

Ballance as above 954,018..10 is Carried over to the next Page..
}
954018..10

Ballance against the Commissioners brought from the last Page
}
954018..10

Blankets, Shirts, Tent Cloth, Brass Cannon & many other Articles essentially necessary are not reckoned they will amount to a very considerable Sum

For instance 80000 Blankets ... at 7 livres

560000

80000 Shirts 4

320000

20000 pr Shoes .... 3.10

70000

10000 pr Stockings already bot.
}
15000

70000 pr ditto. wanted

105000

100 Tons Powder

200000

Brass Cannon cannot be estimated at present

The Sum which the Commissioners will be indebted in October
}
2,224,018..10..0

The Commissioners Orders are for 80000 Suits of Clothes compleat, but only 30,000 are ordered,

To compleat this Order will want ... 1,750,000

  to give each Soldier two Shirts ... 320,000

  60000 pairs of Shoes ... 210,000

  Furniture for 3000 Horse ... 450,000

  Brass Cannon order’d will at least amount to ... 2,000,000

Adding the Charge of Transportation & Expences of every kind, these Goods must be sent in Armed Vessels

3,000,000

The Congress have order’d Eight Ships of War of the Line to be purchased, which will amount to

7,730,000..0..0

The Ships of War may now be purchased & probably for the money they are estimated at; they are absolutely necessary as well for the carrying out the Goods and Stores engaged, as to open the Commerce and bring back the Productions of America in Payment for the Sum wanted.
The estimate does not include many Necessary Articles, as the Congress could if their Trade was protected by Eight Ships of the Line procure them in Exchange for their Productions.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Sowden], 26 September 1777
From: Sowden, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Holland Septr. 26 1777
Mr. Vincent, The Young Gentleman who formerly lived with me, tells me he had the honour of seeing You, and of delivering my large packet to be forwarded either to Mr. Gordon, or Mr. Rumsey, as You should find most convenient. He is now returned hither, and tells me that on his return from Poitou to Paris, sometime between the 2d and 6th of this month, he called at your lodging with a Letter I sent him addressed to You, but that not finding You at home he left it in charge with one of Your footmen. Not knowing this till his arrival here, and apprehensive lest that should miscarry, I sent You a duplicate of it Addressed under cover to Mr. Chaumont, by the French post of the 2d of this Instant. In each of these I begged it as a favour, that, as I thought the intelligence there given might be of some importance to You, You would do me the honour to let me know that You had received it. But not having yet had that satisfaction, I fear that neither of my Letters reached You. For this reason I send you a second Copy of my Letter by Mr. Vincent, inclosed to Mr. Loyd now at Paris, who will, if possible, deliver it into Your own hands. The following is a Copy of the Letters referred to....
The friends of the Colonies at Rotterdam were alarmed last Tuesday s’ennight at the non arrival of French Letters due that day. And as the Post Master at Lisle wrote to the Post Master there (from whom I had it) that the Mail was not arrived in Course from Paris, many were of opinion that thro’ the influence of Lord Stormount with the French Court, the Letters to this Country were stopped and opened, and such as contained intelligence to this Country, or thro’ this Country to England kept. On the friday following both Mails arrived, tho’ of the real Reason why the first was detained, we are yet totaly Ignorant; it never happed before in the memory of the oldest Man living. I am not without my fears that neither of my above mentioned Letters to You, ever came to hand, and am ready to suspect that sent You by post under cover to Mr. Chaumont, was stopped at the Post office in Paris, opened, and suppressed. It is the opinion of many here that English Guineas have as great an influence at Versailes as among the great in England, and that your negotiations are betrayed by the french Ministry. Be this however as it may, I must entreat it as a favour of some importance to my peace, that you would let me hear from you if it be but two Lines, to acquaint me that you have received this, and to announce the fate of the two former. Please to send it without any direction, under a Cover addressed to Messr. Coysgarne & Lloyd’s Negots a Rotterdam, and as I know your hand perfectly well, Your signature, unless you judge otherwise, will be needless. By my hand, by what I have said of Mr. Vincent, and in my Letter accompanying my Large packet for America by him, concerning my not putting my name, You will easily recollect that, and my place of abode. Wishing You continued Health, and a success equal to Your own merits, and the rectitude of Your Cause, I have the honour to be Sir, Yout obliged Friend and very humble Servant
3 o’clock. We were alarmed here by last Tuesday’s Letters from France with the positive Accounts that Boston and Philadelphia were taken, but the English Papers just arrived are perfectly silent on these Events, and expressly say that Genl. Howe, finding the Delaware, on his entering it, strongly fortified, had retired from it, and was generaly supposed to be gone to Boston. May he have reason to say of it, with a material difference from Caesar’s bostful expression, veni, vidi, abii.


Title: Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, 28 September 1777
From: Thompson, Thomas
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
On Bd the Raleigh at Sea Septr. 28th.Lattd. 49° 35 No Longd. 13° 13 W.
I have the Honour to Acquaint you that we had a fine passage off the Coast of America. The third Day after Sailing I fell in with and took a small Schooner from New York bound to Hallifax in Ballast except 20 Barrels flour, 275 Spanish milled Dollars, 137 Counterfeit 30 Dollar Bills in imitation of the Bills emitted by Congress May 10th. 1775, and 40 7 Dollar Bills, Massachusetts Sword in hand Money making in all 4390 Dollars which I shall commit to the Flames saving a Sample. The Schooner being of Little value we burnt her. Next Day we fell in with a Bermudas Vessel from Hallifax, him I releas’d, after supplying him with provisions which they refus’d to sell him or permit him to carry out of Nova Scotia. Intelligence obtain’d from him determin’d me to proceed to Bermudas to attack a Sloop of War or two that Infested that Island and greatly annoy’d the American Trade to the West Indies. I had a favourable Wind until we got in Lattd. 36° No. when we met with a violent Gale of Wind at South which oblig’d us to run under our Foresail N.E. for two Days, This Course carried us far back to the Northwd. and Eastwd. Finding ourselves thus situated Capt. Hinman and I agreed to stand to the Eastward in hopes of falling in with the Jamaica Fleet or Stragling West India Ship. Next morning at Daylight, Septr. 2nd. we took a Snow call’d the Nanny Capt. Hooper from St. Vincents, part of the Windward Island fleet which had out saild them the Day before; the Captn. and Two Gentlemn. passengers being Old Acquaintance of mine, communicated freely every particular they knew respecting the fleet. We found they were convoy’d by three Sloops of War and a Ship with 22 twelve pounders a very large lofty Ship in form of an Indiaman, the Camel, Druid, Weazel and Grasshopper are the Names of the Convoy. The last three has 16 Guns each, one of the Sloops they said was to leave them in Lattd. 39. and return back, which I concluded was gone. After dispatching the Snow for the first safe Port in the United States we made sail in quest of the Fleet and next morning discovered them from the Mast Head. At Sun Set we were near enough to distinguish the Leading Ship, also the Number which was 60 Sail, bearing E by N. the Wind being then West, I made a Signal as being one of the Fleet left a stern in the Gale, (for I had possess’d myself of the Signal from the prize). I hail’d Capt. Hinman and told him my Intention was to run into the fleet in the morning and attack the Convoy, which I thought we were able to Destroy. I therefore order’d him to keep close under the Raleigh’s Stern, until we came along side of the Commodore which Ship we would both attack. Unluckily in the Night, the Wind Shifted to North, the Fleet then hauld up close to the Wind, which brought us to Leeward in the morning it came on to Blow fresh; at Daylight we saw the Body of the Fleet bearing about N.E. 2 or 3 Leagues Distance, Steering E. NE; we made Sail, and the Raleigh soon fetcht up to the Fleet under double reef’d Top Sails. The Alfred being Tender-sided could not carry Sail and therefore fell a great Way to Leeward and a Stern. I could not take in any Sail for fear of being Discover’d to be a Strange Ship, we therefore kept our Sails shaking in the Wind, thinking the Alfred might come up but to no purpose. Captain Hinman made signal, his Ship was overpres’d with Sail. Seeing no chance of his coming up and fearful of being Discover’d, determin’d me to make Sail and stand into the Fleet and take any chance alone; while we had been laying too most of the Merchant Ships had got a head into the Fleet, however I hauld in and pass’d a few of them, hailed them and desired them to go under the Commodore’s Stern; by this they took us to be some Brittish Frigate which had joind the Fleet. I stood on close to the Wind, making for one of the Ship’s of War which was to Windward of all the fleet, repeating the Commodores Signals; Our ports were down and Guns hous’d. We shot up alongside unsuspected within Pistol Shott. We up Sails and out Guns, hoisted the Continental Colours and told them to strike to the Thirteen United States or I would sink them. The sudden Surprize threw them into Confusion, and their Sails flew all aback, we instantly complimented them with a Gun for each State (a whole Broadside) plump into their Hull. There was a very great swell which made our Shots uncertain, however they told pretty well. They return’d the Fire, and the Action commenc’d, we kept up a very brisk Fire our Second Broadside was Aim’d at his Rigging, which had its desired Effect, our Shot cut away his Top sail Sheets, Top Sail Yards, part of the main Yards Braces Bowlines &c. &c. and at once disabled him, which render’d them incapable of steering the Ship or making Sail toward the Commodore who lay to Leeward; in about a quarter of an hour all hands quitted their Quarters on board the Brittish Man of War; we cleared the Decks instantly, not a Man was seen nor a Gun fired for Twenty minutes before we left her. She lay like a Log alongside of us entirely at the Mercy of our Shot which flew very thick, we fired 12 Broadsides, also a constant Fire from the Musquetry. We were alongside 45 Minutes; when we left her, she seem’d to be water Logg’d and in a most shatter’d condition (as you may well conceive) during this little Skirmage. The Officers and Men behaved with the greatest Fortitude and Resolution, particularly the green hands. I was very glad of this little Opportunity to try the Men and Guns, both of which exceeded my expectations.
We received but little Damage, one Shot went thro’ one side and several stuck in the side, they fired high and shot away some of our Running Rigging their Grape and Musquetry made several holes thro’ our Sails. If it could be suppos’d they had any fix’d intention after such a surprize, they try’d to disable us, that the other Ship might come up to their Assistance. I intended to sink the Ship if I could not bring her off and should effectually sunk her in a few minutes more, could we have staid. But to return to the fleet. At the commencement of the firing it threw them all into confusion. A squall between us and the Fleet, prevented them from seeing us at first, when it cleared up one was running one way and one another, some upon a Wind, some before the Wind &c. &c. The Commodore and the other Ships of force tack’d and stood right for us and had not the Wind favour’d him and our drifting to Leeward, he could not have fetch’d us, and I should have certainly sunk the Ship. However I staid by her until he came pretty near, and was in danger of being surrounded, we then made sail and run down to the Alfred who was laying about 4 Miles to Leeward; when Captn. Hinman see me Engag’d, he hauld up his Courses and hoisted Continental Colours; when we got pretty near the Alfred, I took in the Top Gallant Sails and shortned sail to wait for the Commodore, but he soon tack’d and stood into the Fleet again. It was then about Sun set; we have challeng’d him three Days running since, to come out of his Fleet and Engage us, but he declines accepting the Challenge. They keep close together, himself and the other Arm’d Ships a little a Stern of the Fleet. Fine weather favours them, we await a Storm to Seperate the Fleet and then if any Advantage Offers, we Intend to make the best of it, but it will not do to venture amongst the fleet as they are now prepar’d; neither can we trust to the Alfred’s sailing. Had she got into the Fleet that Day, she is so tender-sided she could not have fit her Guns. She is in my Opinion a very unfit Ship for a Ship of War; had she been a stiff Ship and saild equal to the Raleigh, we should in all probability have destroy’d the Convoy and dispers’d the whole Fleet, badly mann’d as we are, which you must remember is the Case. We have 180 Men chiefly green Hands I cannot trust to working the Ship, were I now to go into the Fleet. If any Ship will Attack, where we have room, we are able to defend or destroy, but nothing further. I should have cut off several of the Merchant Men, but must have by that means been discover’d and thereby lost our Chance at the Kings Ships and I am determin’d never to war against the Merchants where I have an Opportunity of warring against the King. I should have preferred sinking that Ship to the Richest Capture in the Fleet. My Officers are invariably of the same sentiments which adds much to my happiness.
I leave you to judge of the daily mortifications I undergo; in sight of so much wealth―my Ship half Mann’d, the Alfred a dull sailing Ship; whenever we have a chance to push, she cannot follow, yet not strong enough of ourselves to attempt any thing without her. I pity poor Captn. Hinman and Officers, who are always ready to do whatever they can and with whom I am exceeding happy and wish for no change only a better Ship, of which I think them deserving. I hope soon to write you again and give a better Account of the Commodore and his Fleet; I shall take every Advantage consistant with the safety of the Continental Ships; I have left the Fleet for fear they should meet with more Ships of War, but in case of bad weather I believe shall know where to pick up the Straglers; I would not have it understood that I think the Raleigh a fast sailing Ship, I believe she will Sail tolerably well after being clean’d and properly Ballasted. She is stiff, tight, strong and roomy, she works and steers well, and is a good Ship in a Sea, she carries and fights her Guns as well as any Ship can do. Our loss in the Action was One Boy killed, I Ditto wounded and the First Lieut. slightly wounded in the Thigh. Rigging and Sails damag’d considerably, but now all in good Repair. I am Gentlemen Your most obedient Humble Servant
Thos. Thompson
Coppy


Title: Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 30 September 1777
From: Izard, Ralph
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Paris 30th Septr. 1777
I had the honour of receiving this day the Commission, and Instructions from Congress, which you were so obliging as to send me. Accept of my thanks, and believe me to be with great regard Gentlemen Your most Obedient Humble Servant
Ra. Izard.

Addressed: To / The Honble. Benjamin Franklin / Silas Deane, & / Arthur Lee Esqrs.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Filleul: A Wedding Invitation, [on or before 30 September 1777]
From: Filleul, Louis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

M [blank in MS]
[On or before September 30, 1777]
Monsieur FILLEUL a l’honneur de vous faire part de son Mariage, avec Mademoiselle BOQUET, et vous prie d’assister à la Bénediction Nuptiale, qui leur sera donnée Mercredi premier Octobre 1777, à cinq heures du matin, à Passy.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur de francklin / en sa Maison / a Passy


Title: Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1 October 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Of the accounts that we discussed at the beginning of the French period, the following are still applicable: I, III, V–VIII, XI. Four new ones apply to this and succeeding volumes:
XII. An account of payments or loans from the French government, February 28, 1778, to July 5, 1782: Harvard University Library. 1 p.
The entries, aside from a note on the Dutch loan in 1781, are transcribed from an agreement between Vergennes and Franklin on July 16, 1782;  they give the dates of the installments and the total, eighteen million livres. One loan of three million was negotiated in November, 1777; see the headnote on the commissioners to the committee for foreign affairs below, Nov. 30. The first quarterly payment is here dated February 28, 1778.
  XIII. An account of the receipts from American loan offices to February 28, 1778, and of receipts from March 1, 1778, to September 10, 1779: Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 2 pp.
The total of the first account is $7,542,677.67 and of the second $26,013,634.71; only Georgia made no return. BF added a note at the bottom of the page: “Interest to be paid in France of the Sums borrowed before March 1778 amounts[?] to about 452,562 Spanish Dollars or 2,262,810 Livres tournois.” He endorsed the document: “Amount of Money received on Loan to 28 Feb. 1778. Int. paid in France Livres 2,262,810. The rest[?] paid in America.”
  XIV. “Account of Expenditures in Jany., 1778.” University of Virginia Library. 4 pp.
This document, in an unknown hand, actually begins with Grand’s balance on June 10, 1777, and payments to August 14, 1777, and ends with estimates and descriptions of payments since then.
  XV. The Delaps’ Accounts with Jonathan Williams, Jr., for the American Commissioners, November 26, 1777, May 29, 1778. Attested copies, Harvard University Library. 4 pp.
These detail charges for clothing obtained from Sabatier.

In addition two memoranda, both in the American Philosophical Society, deal with payments to escaped prisoners of war. The first, two pages in an unknown hand, may well be the copy of an attempt by John Adams to make sense of the commission’s disbursements; it contains queries about specific payments, beginning on Feb. 3, [1778?], for which vouchers or accounts are missing, and about the relative pay and clothing allowance in the U.S. army and navy. The second, also two pages, is a detailed account of payments to prisoners from Jan. 9, 1778, to Dec. 29, [1779?].


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 1 October 1777
From: MacMahon, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
At the Military school October the 1st. 1777
I make bold to recommend to you the bearer, who is a Clergyman of my country. He has received a letter from Ireland to be forwarded to Albany in North America, and is charged at the same time to have the answer directed to him in Paris. Will you be so kind as to let him know, how he is to send off this letter? I think it may be by means of some Merchant in Bordeaux or Nantes, who could give it to the first Captain, sailing to Boston, or any other part of the Continent. Every body in this house longs to hear good news from that part of the world, but none so much as Sir your most humble and obedient servant
J. MacMahon

P.S. I have been twice lately to wait upon you, without having had the pleasure of finding you at home.

Addressed: To / The Honourable Doctor / Benjamin Franklin / at Passy / chez M. Ré De Chaumont
Notation: MacMahon 1 October 77.


Title: Joshua Johnson to the American Commissioners, 2 October 1777
From: Johnson, Joshua
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Paris 2d October 1777.
I propose to fit out two or three Vessells on my return to England and send to Lisbon, to Load with Salt which I purpose to send from thence to some one of the United Colonies in America. I therefore humbly solicit your Pasports to protect the said Vessells from being Captured by the American Cruizers and to enable me with more security to throw in supplies to my distrest Country; Your concurrence with this request will oblige Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant
Joshua Johnson
To the Honourable the Commissioners of the United States of America.

Notation: Jos. Johnson Paris 2. Oct. 77


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Barbeu-Dubourg], [after 2 October? 1777]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques

[After October 2, 1777?]
You know, my dear Friend, that I am not capable of refusing you any Thing in my Power, which would be a real Kindness to you or any Friend of yours: But when I am certain that what you request would be directly the contrary, I ought to refuse it. I know that Officers going to America for Employment will probably be disappointed: That our armies are full; that [there] are a Number of Expectants unemployed and starving for want of Subsistence; that my Recommendation will not make Vacancies; nor can it fill them to the prejudice to those who have a better Claim; That some of those Officers I have been prevail’d on to recommend have by their Conduct given no favourable Impression of my Judgment in military Merit: and then the Voyage is long, the Passage very expensive, and the Hazard of being taken and imprison’d by the English very considerable. If after all no Place affording a Livelihood can be found for the Gentleman, he will perhaps be distress’d, in a strange Country, and ready to blaspheme his Friends that by their Solicitations procur’d for him so unhappy a Situation. Permit me to mention to you that in my Opinion the natural Complacence of this Country often carries People too far in the Article of Recommendations. You give them with too much Facility to Persons of whose real Characters you know nothing, and sometimes at the request of others of whom you know as little. Frequently if a Man has no useful Talents, is good for nothing, and burthensome to his Relations, or is indiscreet, profligate and extravagant, they are glad to get rid of him by sending him to the other End of the World; and for that purpose scruple not to recommend him to those they wish should recommend him to others, as a bon sujet plein de merite, &c. &c. In consequence of my crediting such Recommendations, my own are out of Credit, and I cannot advise any body to have the least Dependance on them. If after knowing this you persist in desiring my Recommendation of this Person who is known neither to me nor to you, I will give it; tho’ as I said before, I ought to refuse it.
These Applications are my perpetual Torment. People will believe, notwithstanding my continually repeated Declarations to the Contrary, that I am sent hither to engage Officers. In Truth I never had any such Orders. It was never so much as intimated to me that it would be agreable to my Constituents. I have even received for what I have done of the kind, not indeed an absolute Rebuke, but some pretty strong Hints of Disapprobation. Not a Day passes in which I have not a Number of soliciting Visits besides Letters. If I could gratify them all or any of them it would be a Pleasure. I might indeed give them the Recommendations and the Promises they desire, and thereby please them for the present. But when the certain Disappointment of the Expectations with which they will so obstinately flatter themselves shall arrive, they must curse me for complying with their mad Requests, and not undeceiving them, and will become so many Enemies to our Cause and Country. You can have no Conception how I am harass’d. All my Friends are sought out and teiz’d to teaze me; Great Officers of all Ranks in all Departments, Ladies great and small, besides profess’d Sollicitors, worry me from Morning to Night. The Noise of Every Coach now that enters my Court terrifies me. I am afraid to accept an Invitation to dine abroad, being almost sure of meeting with some Officer, or Officer’s Friend, who as soon as I am put into good Humour by a glass or two of Champaign begins his Attack upon me. Luckily I do not often in my sleep dream myself in these vexatious Situations, or I should be afraid of what are now my only Hours of Comfort. If therefore you have the least remaining Kindness for me, if you would not help to drive me out of France, for God’s sake, my dear Friend, let this your 23d Application be the last.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Thornton, 4 October 1777
From: Thornton, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The content of this letter is as puzzling as the writer. The reference to Dieppe indicates that he has recently come from England; he has already been in touch with Franklin, has told him his situation, and promises to call on him within a few days. But in the same breath he says that he is taking off tomorrow for Dijon, and then mentions “Swithzerland.” His plans are impossible to fathom. So, on the information available, is he. His character did not in the long run win respect: Deane came to think him at best imprudent, Carmichael to despise him, Samuel Wharton to suspect him of forgery, and others to consider him an indiscreet chatterbox. Even his identity is an open question. In December the commissioners paid 1,200 l.t. to “J. Dumeneg who went afterwards by the name of Thornton.” An alias is odd, and so is the word “afterwards”; for here is the man writing in October as Thornton. The commissioners knew by the time they paid him that that was not his real name, yet they accepted him. The payment was for going to England as their agent, armed with a letter to Sir Grey Cooper and another to Lord North, to interview and help American prisoners; and this assignment he seems to have performed well. After his return in late January, 1778, he became secretary to Arthur Lee, who twice sent him back to gather intelligence in London. While there he was accused of shady stock speculations, and Lee got rid of him. By then Thornton had become an informant for Whitehall.

Sir
 Paris 4th: Oct: 1777 Hotel des trois Evechez rue Mauconseille
Inclosed you Have the latest papers I brought from Dieppe. As Soon as my trunk arrive I’ll do myself the honor of waiting on you to communicate my papers &c:, which will be in a few days. I am obliged to go off for Dijon tomorrow morning to settle a young Gentleman and Lady from England, the parents having requested it of me.
If any thing was wanting in Swithzerland and that you would chuse to honor me with your commands, you may rest assured that my endeavours shall be fully exerted to give you satisfaction. There is nothing let it be ever so hazardous, that I will not undertake to prove you the Sincerity of my intentions. I have told you the situation of my Affairs; I have therefore nothing left but my good conduct to render me worthy of your Esteem. I have the honor to be with great regard Sir, your most obedient and most obliged Servant
J Thornton

Should you honor me with any Commands a letter directed for me poste restante at Nancy will be delivered to me.

Notation: Thornton 4. Oct 77 Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Yart: A Poem, 4 October 1777: résumé
From: Yart, abbé Antoine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Ecoüis, near Rouen, October 4, 1777, in French: The poem, of sixty-eight lines, is packed with fulsome praise. It describes the Americans as orphaned by Franklin’s absence, and assures them that “loin de l’amérique il la porte en son coeur.” Franklin then first addresses King Louis, adjuring him to avenge British insults and “à l’empire des lys, joins l’empire des mers.” The next appeal is to the Belgians and the Swiss to support the rebel cause until the Americans “regnent, comme vous, libres, independans.”>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 5 October 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

Dear Sister,
Passy, near Paris, Oct. 5. 1777
I suppose some of your kind Letters to me have miscarried, as I have received but one since my Arrival in France. I hope nevertheless that you continue well, and that you are still with my Children, especially as it is supposed that the Howes are gone to Boston, where you must have been again disturb’d if you had return’d thither.
I enjoy here an exceeding good State of Health. I live in a fine airy House upon a Hill, which has a large Garden with fine Walks in it, about ½ an hours Drive from the City of Paris. I walk a little every Day in the Garden, have a good Appetite and sleep well. I think the French Cookery agrees with me better than the English; I suppose because there is little or no Butter in their Sauces: for I have never once had the Heartburn since my being here tho’ I eat heartily, which shows that my Digestion is good. I have got into a good Neighbourhood, of very agreable People who appear very fond of me; at least they are pleasingly civil: so that upon the whole I live as comfortably as a Man can well do so far from his Home and his Family.
I was glad to learn by yours (which was dated December 16. 76.) that your Son Calas was returned, and engaged in the Service of the Publick. I hear he was in France lately, I suppose he brought your Letter as you mention sending it by him; but he did not come up to Paris, and so I did not see him. I wish him Success in his new Employment.
My Grandchildren here are a Comfort and Pleasure to me. I long to see little bold Will. Kiss him for me. In short I long to see and be with you all: But God only knows whether I shall ever be so happy again. I am, as ever, my dear Sister, Your affectionate Brother
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Mrs Mecom / at Mr R. Bache’s / Philadelphia


Title: The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 6[–9] October 1777
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Honorable Gentlemen
 York Town Pensylvania Octr. 6th[–9]1777
Since ours to you by return of the Packet from New Hamshire and duplicates by Mr. McCreary from Maryland, we have not written, nor have we received any of your favors during the last two months, except a letter of old date (Apr. 29th) signed by Mr. Deane and Doctr. Lee. Capt. Hammond being not yet arrived, altho he sailed in April, makes it too probable that he has either fallen into the hands of the enemy or miscarried at sea. Two reasons have prevented us from writing hitherto; because, from your assurances we had room to expect a monthly packet, and because the progressive state of the war gave us reason to look daily for some more decisive event than had happened, and which might warrant the expence of a particular packet; as the casual conveyance by merchant vessels is almost intirely stopt by the number and vigilance of the british cruisers.
We shall now give you an accurate detail of the war in the northern and middle departments where alone it has raged since our last. You were before apprized of the evacuation of Tyconderoga and of the retreat of our army from thence towards Albany. Genl. Bourgoin was rapid in pursuit of his successes, and pressed quickly on as far as Fort Edward upon Hudsons River about 20 miles above Albany. Here his progress was interupted by the American army which halted and was reenforced a little below him. This circumstance with the following events have continued that interruption, and bid fair to render abortive at least the great advantages expected by our Enemies from their first successes on the Lakes. The better to effect his purpose Genl. Bourgoine had detached General St. Leiger, with a body of regular troops Canadians and Indians, by the Oneida Lake and Wood Creek to take fort Schuyler (formerly Stanwix) and to make an impression along the Mohawk river. This part of the plan has been totally defeated by the bravery of Genl. Harkimer with the Tryon County militias, and by the gallant defence of Fort Schuyler by Coll. Gansevort and Lt. Coll. Willet. The former of these met the Enemy in the field, defeated them, and killed a great Number of their Indian Allies. This defeat being obtained by Militia, they dispersed as usual, and left the enemy to collect and lay siege to Fort Schuyler; which was defended with great gallantry by the two Officers above mentioned, untill the approach of Genl. Arnold with a body of troops occasioned the enemy to raise the siege of that fortress, and retreat with great precipitation, leaving their baggage, ammunition, provisions and some Artillery; which fell into our hands. Another body of troops was detached by Genl. Bourgoine under command of Lt. Coll. Baum to the Eastward, for the purpose of collecting horses to mount the Troopers, provisions and Teams for the use of the army. This detachment was met attacked and defeated by the brave Genl. Stark and the New Hampshire Militia at a place called Bennington, and now rendered famous by the total overthrow of 1500 regular troops (posted behind works and fortified with cannon) by 2000 Militia. The two wings of Mr. Bourgoin being thus cut off his body remained inactive until the 19th. of last Month when he moved on to attack Genl. Gates who commands the northern Army and who was well posted at the Heights above Behmus’s. The Consequence of this attack you will see related by Genl. Gates himself among the inclosures, as well as the account of our successes in the rear of the enemy on the Lakes George and Champlain by Col. Brown who had been detached for the purpose by Genl. Lincoln, who is also in Genl. Bourgoin’s rear with a strong body of troops. Thus surrounded on all sides, with little prospect of safe retreat, and a strong army in front growing stronger every day by reenforcements we hope e’er long to be able to give you information of definitive success over the british army in that quarter. An aid of Genl. Gates who brought these last accounts tells us that, by the concurring testimony of prisoners, deserters and our own people who have escaped from the enemy, their loss could not be less than 1000 or 1200 Men in killed wounded and missing; and that Genl. Burgoine himself was wounded in the shoulder by a rifle-ball.
In the middle department the war has been less favorable to us, as you will see by what follows. About the middle of Augst. the british Fleet appeared in Cheseapeak Bay and landed Genl. Howe’s army at the head of Elke, about 50 miles from Philadelphia. Genl. Washington’s army, which had crossed the Delaware on the embarkation of the british army and the appearance of the Fleet off the capes of that river, now proceeded to meet the enemy, and came up with them near Wilmington. After various skirmishes and manoeuvres a general engagement took place at Chad’s Ford over the Brandywine on the 11th. of Septr. last. This battle terminated in leaving the enemy in possession of the field with nine pieces of our artillery. Our loss in killed wounded and missing did not exceed 600: that of the enemy, as far as we have been able to get information was near 2000. An orderly book taken from them since the battle makes it 1900. Genl. Washington retreated across the Schuylkill; and having refreshed his army, recrossed that river in two days after the former battle, with design to attack the enemy, who had remained close by the field of action until he came up with them again. To be the better prepared for battle, and to be guarded against the consequences of a defeat, our army marched without baggage and left their Tents behind. In this situation, and just in the moment of beginning an attack upon the enemy, a heavy long-continued and cold rain with high wind came on, and prevented it. The ammunition in the cartridge boxes was all rendered unfit for use, the arms injured, and the troops a good deal hurt and dispirited. In this situation of things it became necessary to retire from before the enemy to a place of safety, in order to clean the arms, replace the cartridges and refresh the men. The enemy were also without Tents, but they have good blankets, are better cloathed than our men and have tin receptacles to keep dry their cartridges. Genl. Howe judging of our situation put his army in motion, and endeavoured to harrass and distress us by marches countermarches and frequent shews of designing to give battle. After a Variety of manoeuvres the enemy crossed Schuylkill below our army, and, marching to Philadelphia have possesed themselves of that city. Genl. Washington, having refreshed and rested his troops, and being reenforced, is now moving towards the enemy. This unfortunate rain has injured our affairs considerably by having thrown a number of our men into hospitals, and by the distress and harrassment of our Army consequent thereon. However, they are recovering again and we hope will e’er long to give Genl. Howe reason to repent his possession of Philadelphia. The real Injury to America from the Loss of that City is not so great as some are apt at first view to imagine, unless the report and misconceptions of this matter in Europe should too much dispirit our Friends and inspirit our enemies. But we rely on your careful and just representation of it to prevent the ill impressions it may otherwise make.
When this contest first began, we foresaw the probability of losing our great towns on the water, and so expressly told our enemies in the address of the first Congress but, we are blessed with an extensive Seacoast by which we can convey and receive benefits independent of any particular Spot. And it is very far from being clear to us that the enemy will be able to hold Philadelphia, as we are yet masters of the Delaware below, and have hopes of keeping it, so as to prevent the british fleet from getting up to the City. Should this be the case Genl. Howe’s visit cannot be of long duration.
You say that “the vessels of the United States will be received at the Havannah as those of France, the most favored nation.” We wish to be exactly informed whether north american products may be carried thither, or Prizes taken to, and disposed of in that port, or any other port of his catholic Majesty in America. You likewise mention a late draught of the Mississippi taken for the Government of Gr. Britain. We are desirous of being furnished with a copy. It is with pleasure we read your assurance of sending the soldiers cloathing and other materials for the army in time to meet the approaching cold season. They will be greatly wanted. As the degree of success the enemy have met with this year will probably support the hopes of a vindictive court, and occasion the straining of every Nerve for the accomplishment of its tyrannic views, we doubt not your most strenuous exertions to prevent Gr. Britain from obtaining Russian or German Auxiliaries for the next campaign; And we think with you that it is an object of great importance to cultivate and secure the friendship of his Prussian Majesty as well for the preventing this evil, as for obtaining his public recognition of our Independence and leave of his ports for the purposes of commerce and disposal of Prizes. The original Papers, which you mention in a triplicate to have sent, never came to hand so that we can only make conjectures as to the disposition of that Monarch.
The marine force of the enemy is so considerable in these seas, and so overproportionate to our infant navy, that it seems quite necessary and wise to send our ships to distress the commerce of our enemies in other parts of the world. For this purpose, the marine committee have already ordered some vessels to France under your direction as to their future operations, and we expect more will be sent. But our Frigates are not capable of carrying much bulky commodity for commercial purposes, without unfitting them for war, besides the consideration of our being obliged to get them away how and when we can or endanger their being taken, which prevents our sending them to those staple Colonies where the commodities wanted are to be obtained. The reciprocal benefits of Commerce cannot flow from or to N. America until some maritime power in Europe will aid our cause with marine strength; and this circumstance gives us pain least it should be considered on our part as unwillingness to pay our debts, when the truth is that we have the greatest desire of doing so, have materials in abundance, but not the power of conveying them. This leads us to reflect on the great advantages that must unavoidably accrue to all parties if France and Spain were to afford effectual aid on the sea, by the loan or sale of Ships of war, according to the former propositions of Congress; or, if the Farmers General could be prevailed on to receive in America the Tobacco or other products of this northern continent which France may want. We are Gentlemen Your most humble Servants
Benja HarrisonRobt MorrisJno WitherspoonRichard Henry LeeTho. HeywardJames Lovell

P.S. Octr: 9th. On the 4th: an engagement between the two armies took place near Germantown, the circumstances of which may be seen by the inclosed papers numbered 6. 7. 8.
Honble. Messrs. Franklin Deane & Lee

Endorsed by Franklin: From the Committee for Foreign Affairs, York Town Oct. 6. 1777.


Title: Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 6 October 1777
From: Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Port L’orient 6th: October 1777.
We have the satisfaction to inform you of the arrival in this Road of two Continental fregattes one the Rolly of 32 Guns Capn. Thompson the other Alfred Capn: Hindman of 20 Guns. Both sailed from Portsmouth the 22d. of August last. They have brought under our Island of Groix two Jamaica Men belonging to London taken at the mouth of the channell one

  the Jamaica Capn. David Watts
  }

    the Anna & Suzannah Johnson

Both loaded together of

657. Hogsheads of Brown Sugar

210. Tierçons Idem

215. Punchon of Brandy or Rum

    3. Bales of Cotton & five Hogsheads of Coffee

One is a three Decker mounting 16 Six Pounders. Commodore Thompson has no Dispatches from the States for you only a private letter for procuring Guns which since Capn. Thompson has had, he will forward it to you next post being just come on shore too late to write any particulars. Capn. Thompson Brings no news. The fleet of admiral Howe was at sea. The last account was he was standing to the Southward and no appearance of his going to Boston.

300 Royalists had been Killed at fort Standwick and the Commander Sir Jn: Johnson had been slain.
Capn. Thompson had taken a Schooner from New York bound to halifax. Letters and prints give the same account of the fleet. Nobody Knew where they were gone to. The date was of 18th: august and will be forwarded to you next post.
The fregattes have several wants of Cables Anchors Sails Ballast of Iron, Guns and several other things which we will Provide them with having declared them in such a manner as to avoid trouble. They want likely to be graved and it will do well you have the approbation of the Minister that difficulties may not be started.
We will do our best for the Prizes and dispose of them as soon as possible as they stand, before the answer of the court, or any aplication can be made from the Court of England or the owners and will acquaint you with our progress. We have the honor to be with much Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient and most Humble Servants
Gourlade Berard FRERES & Cie. Demonplaisir
Messrs. Franklin Deane & Lee & Arthur Lee

Addressed: To / the Honble Commissioners / of the United States of / America / Paris
Notation: Messrs. Gourlarde Berard & Montplaisir 6th. Octr. 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Gordon, 6[–25] October 1777
From: Gordon, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Oct 6[–25]. 1777.
I wrote you lately by the way of Holland, and sent to the care of Mr. Sowden three anniversary sermons designed for Your Self, Mr. Deane and Mr. Lee. Hope you will receive them, but for fear lest it should be otherwise have sent three more on the same service. Pray you to forward Mr. Parker and Mr. Field’s letters by the first post to London; and Mr. Jonathan Tabor’s by the first post for Holland, as the early recipt of it may be of considerable consequence. You will have from others all the particular news: so that I shall only say, that our military affairs are in my apprehension in a promising way. I do not think that GB will reduce us this year, and if not this year, there will be less and less likelihood of it every year. Wishing that you may have much good news accompanying packet, and that you may live to see and enjoy the establishment of our Independency, I remain with much esteem your sincere friend
William Gordon

The packet for Mr. Welch I wish to remain till it can be sent without putting him to any great expence: a safe opportunity by some private hand will likely offer soon after its being recd.

Oct 25.
The vessel not going so soon as expected I have now to congratulate you upon the great and important news that the express will bring you. God hath indeed done great things for us, and exceeded our most sanguine wishes. This event will I trust bring GB to her senses, unless her ruin is determined, which I apprehend will be rather a disadvantage to the American Continent. Mr. Austin being appointed to carry the dispatches I shall give my letters for Mr. Tabor and the Revd. Mr. Sowden, to his care, together with those for Mr. Field and Mr. Parker. Mr. Sowden has but wrote to day.

Addressed: To / The Honle Dr Franklin / The Honle Silas Deane Esqr / or The Honle Arthur Lee Esqr
Notation: W. Gordon


Title: The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 7 October 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Committee for Foreign Affairs

Gentlemen,
Passy, near Paris, Oct. 7th. 1777.
We received duly your Dispatches by Mr. McCrery, and Capt. Young, dated May 20 and 30. June 13, 18, and 26 and July 2. The Intelligence they contain is very particular and Satisfactory. It rejoices us to be informed that Unanimity continues to reign among the States, and that you have so good an Opinion of your Affairs, in which we join with you. We understand that you have also written to us of later Dates by Capt. Holm. He is arrived at Port l’Orient, but being chased and nearly taken he sunk his Dispatches.
We are also of your Sentiments with Regard to the Interests of France and Spain respecting our Independence, which Interests we are persuaded they see as well as we, tho’ particular present Circumstances induce them to postpone the Measures that are proper to secure those Interests. They continue to hold the same Conduct described in our last which went by Wickes and Johnson, a Copy where of we send herewith, as Johnson is unfortunately taken; We have lately presented an earnest Memorial to both Courts, stating the Difficulties of our Situation, and requesting that if they cannot immediately make a Diversion in our Favour they would give a Subsidy sufficient to enable us to continue the War without them, or afford the States their Advice and Influence in making a good Peace. Our present Demand to enable us to fulfill your Orders, is for about 8,000,000 of Livres. Couriers we understand, are dispatched with this Memorial to Madrid, by both the Ambassador of Spain and the Minister here; and we are desired to wait with Patience the Answer, as the two Courts must act together;  In the mean time they give us fresh Assurances of their Good Will to our Cause, and we have just received a fourth Sum of 500,000 Livres. But we are continually charg’d to keep the Aids that are or may be afforded us a dead Secret even from the Congress, where they suppose England has some Intelligence; and they wish she may have no certain Proofs to produce against them with the other Powers of Europe. The apparent Necessity of your being informed of the true State of your Affairs, obliges us to dispense with this Injunction: But we intreat that the greatest Care may be taken that no Part of it shall transpire. Nor of the Assurances we have received that no Repayment will ever be required from us of what has been already given us either in Money or Military Stores. The great Desire here seems to be that England should strike first, and not be able to give her Allies a good Reason.
The total Failure of Remittances from you for a long time past, has embarass’d us exceedingly; the Contracts we enter’d into for Clothing and Arms in Expectation of those Remittances and which are now beginning to call for Payment distress us much, and we are in iminent Danger of Bankruptcy. For all your Agents are in the same Situation, and they all recur to us to save their and your Credit. We were obliged to discharge a Debt of Merckles at Bourdeaux, amounting to about 5000 livres, to get that Vessel away, and he now duns us every Post for between £4 and 5000 Sterling to disengage him in Holland where he has purchased Arms for you. With the same View of saving your Credit Mr. Ross was furnished with £20,000 Sterling, to disentangle him. All the Captains of your armed Vessels come to us for their Supplies, and we have not received a Farthing of the Produce of their Prizes, as they are ordered into other Hands. Mr. Hodge has had large Sums of us. But to give you some Idea for the present ’till a more perfect Account can be rendred of the Demands upon us that we have paid, we enclose a Sketch, for your perusal and shall only observe, that we have refused no Application, in which your Credit appear’d to be concerned, except one from the Creditors of a Mr. Ceronio said to be your Agent in Hispaniole, but of whom we had no Knowledge;  and we had Reason to hope that you would have been equally ready to support our Credit, as we have been of yours, and from the same Motives, the Good of the Publick for whom we are all acting, the Success of our Business depending considerably upon it. We are sorry therefore to find all the World acquainted here, that the Commissioners from Congress have not so much of your Regard as to obtain the Change of a single Agent who disgraces us all. We say no more of this at present, contenting ourselves with the Consciousness that we recommended that Change from the purest Motives, and that the Necessity of it, and our Uprightness in proposing it will soon fully appear.
Messrs. Gardoqui at Bilboa have sent several Cargoes of Naval Stores, Cordage, Sailcloth, Anchors, &c. for the public Use, consigned to Eldridge Gerry Esqr. They complain that they have no Acknowledgement from that Gentleman of the Goods being received, tho’ they know the Vessels arrived. We have excused it to them on the Supposition of his being absent at Congress. We wish such Acknowledgement may be made, accompanied with some Expressions of Gratitude towards those from whom the Supplies came, without mentioning who they are supposed to be. You mention the Arrival of the Amphitrite and Mercury, but say nothing of the cargoes.
Mr. Hodge is discharged from his Imprisonment on our Solicitation, and his Papers restored to him. He was well treated while in the Bastile. The Charge against him, was Deceiving the Government in fitting out Cunningham from Dunkirk, who was represented as going on some trading Voyage, but as soon as he was out began a Cruise on the British Coast, and took 6 Sail. He is got safe into Ferrol.
We have received and delivered the Commissions to Mr. W. Lee and Mr. Izard. No Letters came with them for those Gentlemen with Information how they are to be supported on their Stations. We suppose they write to you and will acquaint you with their Intentions.
Some Propositions are privately communicated to us, said to be on the Part of Prussia, for forming a Commercial Company at Embden. We shall put them into the Hands of Mr. Lee.
We do not see a Probability of our obtaining a Loan of the 2,000,000 Sterling from any of the Money-holders in Europe, till our Affairs are in their Opinion more firmly established: What may be obtained from the two Crowns, either as Loan or Subsidy, we shall probably know on the Return of the Couriers, and we hope we shall be able to write more satisfactorily on those heads by Capt. Young who will by that time be ready to return. With the greatest Respect, we have the Honour to be Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servants
B. FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee
(true Copy) attest W T FranklinTo the honble the Secret Committee.

This letter was sent 1st By the Benjamin 2d By Capt. Young 3. By M. Deane


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Lovell, 7 October 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lovell, James

Dear Sir,
Passy, near Paris, Oct 7. 1777
I receiv’d your Favour (without Date) communicating a Method of Secret Writing, for which I am oblig’d to you. I have since receiv’d yours of July 4.
I was very sensible before I left America, of the Inconveniencies attending the Employment of Foreign Officers, and therefore immediately on my Arrival here I gave all the Discouragement in my Power to their going over; but Numbers had been previously engag’d by Mr. Deane, who could not resist the Applications made to him. I was concern’d in sending the 4 Engineers, and in making the Contract with them: but before they went, I had reason to dislike one of them, and to wish the Agreement had not been made, for I foresaw the Discontent that Man was capable of producing among his Companions, and I fancy that if instead of America they had gone to Heaven it would have been the same thing. You can have no Conception of the Arts and Interest made Use of to recommend and engage us to recommend very indifferent Persons; The Importunity is boundless, The Numbers we refuse incredible: which if you knew you would applaud us for, and on that Account excuse the few we have been prevail’d on to introduce to you. But, as somebody says,
Poets lose half the Praise they would have got,
  Were it but known what they discretely blot.
I wish we had an absolute Order to give no Letter of Recommendation or even Introduction for the future to any foreign Officer whatever. As to the Instruction passed in Congress respecting French Officers who do not understand English, we never made it known here, from the same Apprehension that you express: All that understood a little English would have thought themselves intitled to a Commission, and the rest would have undertaken to learn it in the Passage. With great Esteem, I am, Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
B. Franklin

P.S. I enclose some Papers given me by the Baron Steuben, a Prussian Officer who is gone over. Perhaps there may [be] useful Hints in them.
Mr Lovel

Notation: Letter Dr Franklin to Mr Lovell


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Condorcet, 7 October 1777
From: Condorcet, Marie-Jean-Antoine-Nicolas Caritat, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce 7 Oc. [1777] a la rocheguion
  Mon cher et illustre confrere,

Permettez-moi de vous demander une Lettre de recommendation pour un jeune home qui se dispose à se rendre a Boston. C’est un avocat qui a des lumieres et du courage, et qui offre également aux américains son bras et sa plume. Tous ceux qui desesperent du Salut de L’Europe s’empressent de se retirer chez vous: il n’est permis de rester qu’à ceux qui conservent encore quelque espérance.
Je suis ici depuis quinze jours avec Me. la Duchesse d’Enville et sa famille. Tous me chargent de vous présenter leurs respects. Nous avons vu avec un grand plaisir que vous aviez celebré l’anniversaire de votre independance, au bruit de la musique hessoise; et nous attendons avec impatience, l’arrivée de l’hyver, et de pouvoir dire, Encore une campagne manquée.
Avez-vous lu dans le volume du 1773 de l’academie des sciences, la petite notice que j’y ai donnée de vos ouvrages selon la coutume de l’académie, et ce que j’ai dit des pointes électriques a propos du memoire de M. le Roi? Je voudrais savoir s’il ne m’est pas échapé d’inéxactitude. Adieu, Mon cher et illustre confrere, recevez les assurances de mon respect, et de mon tendre et inviolable devouement.
Le Mis. DE Condorcet

Le jeune avocat dont je vous parle s’appele Abadie. Il est connu du maréchal de mouchi et recomandé à M. de La faiete. Mais un mot de vous pour quelque citoyen de Boston serait bien au dessus de toute autre recommandation. Envoiez-moi je vous prie votre reponse à Paris a l’hotel des Monoies.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Ponteney, 7 October 1777
From: Ponteney, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Versailles 7. 8bre. 1777.
D’aprés les deux entretiens que j’ay eü avec vous, je me détermine a vous faire passer la notte cy jointe que je suis en état de fournir vous prévenant que si je dois traiter avec vous, qu’il est nécessaire que je sois prévenu pour que je puisse donner les ordres convenables pour remplir les engagemens que je pourrai prendre avec vous au tems désigné. Quant aux arrangemens pour les payemens il me sera indifférent de les reçevoir en argent ou denrée de l’amérique, et je donnerai toute l’aisance et les facilités possibles, des que la fourniture me paraitera assez considérable pour opérer.
Je pourrais encore m’entendre avec vous pour faire conduire en partie quelques objets à la havane, où au môle st. Nicolas isle st. domingue ou vos gens viennent, et ou ils pourroient charger. Si nous conferons serieusement ensemble sur cette partie alors nous nous expliquerons convenablement sur le tout, afin qu’a la datte de mon départ de versailles et retournant chez moy, je puisse d’avance prendre les voyes les plus promptes pour vous servir au tems que vous croirés pouvoir et devoir désigner. Je sçai que vous ne me repondrés rien par ecrit, mais quand vous le desirerés nous nous aboucherons à la campagne, et vous le ferés sçavoir a la personne qui m’a présenté à vous. Je suis bien sincerement Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Ponteney
Mr franklin a Passy.


Title: [Silas Deane] to John Folger, 7 October 1777
From: Deane, Silas
To: Folger, John

This letter set in motion a train of events that culminated in a theft even more sensational than that of Arthur Lee’s papers in Berlin. Folger was one of two John Folgers of Nantucket who were Franklin’s distant relatives;  which one is uncertain. He landed in England in May from a voyage to the Falkland Islands, he said, and then crossed to France by way of Holland in order to enter the American service. Franklin, when he saw him, asked whether he wanted a privateer; no, he answered, because he knew nothing about handling cannon. In mid-July the commissioners sent him to Le Havre to examine a merchantman that they thought of buying. He advised against it, and waited for further instructions; Captain Hynson arrived soon afterward and lodged in the same house. Folger wrote Deane on the 11th, accepting the mission offered him here. The consignment turned out to be five packets. Some that were unmarked he broke open, thinking that they were for him. The crucial one, labeled “Dispatches,” he left alone; it was wrapped in brown paper and sealed, with no impressions on the wax, and tied with string. He put the packets in a weighted canvas bag and locked them in his trunk. Hynson opened it after dispatching him on an errand, slipped the string off the packet of dispatches (he presumably melted and replaced the wax), and substituted blank paper for the contents.
Folger crossed on the Benjamin, and on December 21 landed at Wilmington, N.C., short of money and with no adequate credentials. He was received with suspicion, which increased when Governor Caswell opened the packet of dispatches and found only blank paper. But Folger was allowed to continue his journey to Congress, where the committee for foreign affairs examined him. It informed the commissioners that “he was by no means a discreet person fit to have the charge of what you trusted to him,” and pointed out that “there ought to be the greatest caution used with regard to . . . those persons who are confidentially employed by You.” This mild rebuke was more than warranted. The commissioners had seen little of Folger and presumably had no ground, unless they found some in his relationship to Franklin, for thinking him discreet. They compounded their error in choosing him by sending the dispatches so inadequately wrapped as to invite tampering. Arthur Lee’s experience seems to have taught them nothing about security.

Sir
Paris, Octo 7. 1777
The disappointment in the Pacifique has I learn still detained you at Havre. The Commissioners are sending a swift sailing Vessel with Letters for Congress, which they desire you to take the Charge of, and deliver with your own hand. If you undertake the trust you will on receiving the Packet secure it and fix to it a proper weight for sinking it in Case of being taken. You are by no means to suffer the Packet to go out of your Possession, and for fear of Accident to you, give Orders to the Capt. of the Vessel to sink the Packet in Case of falling into the Enemies hands. You will endeavour to Pilot the Vessel into some safe Harbour and avoid speaking with any Vessel on your Passage. On your arrival you will go in Person express with the Packet to Congress, to whom we recommend you to be handsomely rewarded. Your Expences in getting away from Havre you must send us the Account of using all the Oeconomy in furnishing yourself for the Voyage in your Power, and we will Discharge it. As this is a swift Sailing Vessel, you will have a good Opportunity of returning to your Friends and of rendering an important Service to your Country. In both of which We most heartily wish you Success, and are Sir your most Obedient and very humble Servants.

PS I say if you undertake the trust, as I know not what your engagements may be, but if they should be such that you cannot, I have written to Capt. Hynson praying him to do it and in that Case you will give him this Letter. It is desired you do not mention anything of the Voyage or of the Packet going out to any one on any Account.
Capt Folger


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John James Doerner, 8 October 1777
From: Doerner, John James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 8th. Octr. 1777.
Mr. Doerner just arrived from London tho’ unknown to Doctor Franklin begs leave to present his Respects to Him, and takes the liberty to trouble the Doctor with the enclosed for Sir James Jae (an acquaintance of Doerner’s) that he may be pleased to forward it to Him to Spa in Germany where he understands Sir James at present is, if the Doctor is in correspondance with Him and proposes to write to Him shortly, if not to direct only the letter if He knows his adress and return it by the Bearer or send it as soon as convenient to Mr. Doerner’s Brothers house here Messieurs Lavabre Doerner & Co. Banquiers Rue du Maille; Doerner flatters himself the Doctor will excuse the liberty of the trouble which he would not have given Him could he have discovered any other means to obtain Sir James’ direction.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur francklin / à Passy.
Notation: Doerner 8 Oct. 77.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Doerner, 8 October 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Doerner, John James

Passy, Oct. 8. 77
Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Doerner, and returns the Letter undirected, as he knows not Sir James Jay’s Address: but supposes that if he is at Spa, a Letter directed to him there will certainly be delivered to him, as the Post-Office at such Places generally knows the Lodging of every Gentleman.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Doerner / a Paris
Notation: Mr. franklin 8. Octr. 1777


Title: The American Commissioners to John Philip Merckle, 9 October 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Merckle, John Philip

Sir
Paris Octo 9th. 1777
We have recd. several letters from you written in a menacing Stile, as if we had failed in the fulfilment of our engagements with you;  you must be sensible we never were privy to any Contract with you nor accountable for any thing you had contracted for. But the sole motive of our paying the Ballance due Messrs. Delaps was as well to extricate you, as to free Capt. Cleveland and his Ship from the prodigious expence he had been at for several Months, and that our writing to Mr. Grand was in order to take the articles you had engaged for, on our own Account directly, as your remittances had failed; at the same time as we must in Consequence of taking them make ourselves accountable, we referr’d the articles to Mr. Grand, for his examination and if he approved of them he was to receive and pay for them on our Account. This is simply the state of this affair. Wherein have we failed on our part? And what right have you to complain in the indecent Stile you have of us? The Articles you had engaged are on examination found liable to many objections, which justly discharge us from troubling ourselves any further on this Subject. At the same time we have directed Mr. Sim. Deane who goes for Amsterdam tomorrow Via Dunkirque to examine them personally and to receive or reject them as he shall find them on examination and enquiry. If he should reject them, as he certainly must if he find them improper or not well purchased, You can have no ground of complaint against us on Any Account, but if the Committee with whom you contracted, engaged for such kind of Articles as you have procured, your affair is with them and not with us. We do not think it becoming us to make any observation on the Stile in which you have treated us in your Letters on this Subject, Strict Justice to every one and a Punctual performance of our engagements are the only objects worthy of our Attention. We are &c.
B FS D
Mr Merkle


Title: John King to the American Commissioners, 9 October 1777
From: King, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes October 9th. 1777
Agreeable to my Promise I beg leave to inform you that I shall leave this place in about Nine Days, and will with pleasure take charge of any Letter’s &c. that you may send to America. I have met with no person inclinable to advance their Credit in behalf of the State of Virginia, except Messers. J. Gruel & Co., who have undertakeing for £6000 Sterling and the Goods are now getting ready to be Ship’d immediately for Ocarocoak in No. Carolina. It was necessity that obliged me to engage with those Gentlemen. I shall take care to have proper articles signed before I leave here. Please forward me the latest Paper’s to take with me, on the other side is the Signal to be observed at Cape Henry for the Bennefit of those that may go to Virginia and Maryland. I remain Gentlemen Your Most humble Servant
John King
Honble Doct. Franklin Silas Dean Arthur Lee Esqr.

Signal to be observed at Cape Henry
If it’s very dangerouse to get in that is to say if the Men of War command the Capes Four Distinct Fire’s will be seen.
If they are within the Cape’s and ly in Hampton Road or pretty high up Chesepeak, three distinct will be seen.
If no Danger their Two distinct Fires will appear.
A Guard of 50 Men stationed their for the Protection of Vessells that may go on shore to get clear of the Enemy.
J. King

Addressed: Doct. Franklin / at / Passy / prés de Paris
Notation: Jn. King Oct 9. 77 Nantes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 October 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This is Williams’ first surviving letter after he left for Paris at the end of August. The reason for his trip was the two prizes that Babson and Kendrick had brought in to Nantes earlier that month. Almost immediately after the ships’ arrival, William Lee and Williams sold them and received part of the money. The French government then seized the captures as illegal, and Williams went to the capital to try to get them restored. Sartine’s office referred him to the ministry for foreign affairs, and Chaumont gave him an introduction to one of Vergennes’ chief subordinates. The issue apparently hung in the balance for weeks. But in the end Williams got nowhere, and by early October he was back in Nantes. There he obviously found himself in urgent financial straits; hence the draft on Chaumont for 400,000 livres that is the subject of this letter and his next of October 18.
Why such a large sum and such pressure of time? The evidence provides no clear-cut answer, but strongly suggests that his need had to do with the prizes. British agents, come to sue for restoration of the vessels and cargo to the original owners, reached Nantes about when Williams did. The suit was decided on October 21, when the admiralty court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. Those were the weeks when Williams was pressing for the money. Possibly he had deposited with Chaumont what he had received from the French buyers, who had completed payment since August and now, worried by the legal proceedings, wanted their investment back; more likely the court required him for some reason to have on hand the cash value of the prizes. In any case that valuation, however arrived at, was subsequently accepted by the French government. Although it allowed the ships to be returned to England in December, two months later it reimbursed their American captors to the amount of 400,000 livres.

Dear and honored Sir
Nantes Octor 9. 1777.
I inclose you a Letter to Mr. de Chaumont and a Bill of Exchange on him for 400.000 Livres which please to present immediately on Receipt of this and give me Advise of its Acceptance. Permit me to repeat my Request for Dispatch as there is not a moment to be lost. I am ever Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy. / pres / Paris.


Title: Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, 10 October 1777
From: Thompson, Thomas
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Port Louis Octo. 10th. 1777.
You will perhaps be surpriz’d at two Continental Frigates arriving in France, and not bringing Dispatches or Letters of any kind to you respecting the Public Service. I will therefore do myself the Honour of making known to you the reason of this unexpected appearance in France. Having waited a long time for Guns and being often disappointed, I went in person to Congress to obtain leave to proceed to France and procure Guns and necessaries; I return’d to the Ship again at Portsmouth, on my return I found a probability of getting Cannon in a short time, which I thought would be much better than risquing the Ship to France without Guns; I obtain’d most of them after a long time waiting. Then I was put to a difficulty for Men; however I made up the Complement to 180 being 80 short of our number; however considering the little probability of obtaining more, the Season advancing; the Ship growing very foul; and the chance of being block’d up, or watch’d by Brittish Frigates—I say, taking all these things together I thought best to proceed to Sea and make the best of our way to France making what Prizes in our way, we possibly could Man. From my former Instructions I thought I was authorized to take this Step; therefore without waiting an Answer from Congress I put to Sea, informing them what I had determined; being the Senior Officer I order’d Captn. Hinman in the Alfred to proceed on the Cruize in Company, whose Ship was in the same situation as the Raleigh, respecting Men and Guns and in want of many other Articles not to be procured in America, such as Cables Sails and Rigging. We proceeded in full confidence Congress will justify the Step, rather than the Ships should remain in Port and be block’d up as the other Frigates are. We are now arriv’d, we want our Ships clean’d and repair’d, some Cables Cordage, and Canvas &c. The Raleigh will not want much except some Cables, and a Main Mast, which we had the misfortune to spring at Sea in a Gale of Wind; shall also want Six twelve pound Cannon and some military Stores. I shall use all the frugallity possible, allowing the Ships ought to be well fitted, now they are where Materials are to be had cheap.
We have obtained leave, after various pretences, not consistant with the Honour of the United States, nor the Respect due to a Man of War belonging to a free and Independant Empire. But small Folks must sing small, and for the sake of Convenience must abate their Dignity. My Line of Conduct shall be mark’d with prudence and Circumspection, and the Interest of the States whom I serve, shall be my governing principal; I meet with every personal Respect and the principal People shew a friendly disposition towards America; they seem even to Love them for murdering their Old Enemies the English. I wish they were as little afraid of them as the Americans are. With this you will receive a Letter which was wrote to you at that time for the Special purpose abovemention’d; I don’t know that it contains anything that can be apply’d to the present Cases, but I thought it proper to forward it to you, in order you might see the Contents; The Frigate I have the Honour to Command is of equal Quality to any in Europe and will do Honour to the United States, wherever she goes. I have a very crouded Audience every Day. I should be proud of a Line from you, pointing out a Line for my Conduct during my stay here (which will be as short as possible, except you have any Commands to execute for the good of the Continental Service) if so the Ship shall wait your Commands. I wish I had happen’d in a place where I could have had an Interview. I might have given you a just description of our Naval Affairs; as I flatter myself none have a more comprehensive view, nor have the Honour of the Service more at Heart, and am confident any Measure I might recommend, would be agreed to by Congress.
What we did after leaving New England, will appear by the Coppy Inclos’d of a Narrative of our Cruize, which I have forwarded to Congress by a Vessel I Boarded at Sea. I send you the Minutes of our Voyage afterwards untill our Arrival at this Port; which was on the Evening of Monday Octo. 6th. when the Raleigh and Alfred came to Anchor in Port Louis both in Distress. I orderd the prizes to Anchor without the Harbour under the Island of Groix, until I could be Inform’d what reception we might meet with. They are yet at that place, but not at our Risque. I hope you will approve of our proceedings; the Ships and Cargoes are sold for about half their value; but there seems a necessity for secrecy and Dispatch, and half a Loaf is better than no Bread, says the Old Proverb. I must refer you to Messrs. Berard & Co.’s Letter for further particulars respecting the Ships in the Road. The Frigates we are preparing with all Expedition to heave down, &c. &c. As to News in America when we saild can say but little about it. How’s Fleet was at Sea, seen last, standing out of Delaware Bay, suppos’d bound to Chesapeak Bay. He knows not where to go, he sends his Dove often out of the Ark to see if there is any resting place for his foot on Land, he will not find any except New York. Our Grand Army was at and about Philadelphia, wanting nothing but a General Battle with the Enemy. Ticonderoga to be sure is a cursed Affair and not cleared up to the Satisfaction of the public when I saild; the whole proceedings there are very misterious and very unfortunate at present; but I believe it will turn to the Enemies disadvantage.
The Enemy were at Still-water 50 Miles above Albany dealing out pardons and Proclamations: our Forces were Collected about 10 Miles below; where it was said they would make a Stand; 4,000 under Gen. Sullivan were marching to their Assistance and many other Reinforcements of Militia. All the Enemy can do will not hurt us so much as the Averice and Loss of Virtue among the people, not that they are less united in Voice but less Active in Body; some parts of the Continent are in a seemingly lethargic Security. Necessaries are very high, which some have not fortitude enough to bear with. Short sighted Mortals don’t see the prospect brightning before them of Ease, Freedom and plenty. The Day we saild we spoke a Sloop in Boston Bay, who said an express arriv’d in Boston as he came out, that General Burgoyne was surprized with his Guards, and taken. How far this may be depended on you will judge from the nature of the Information. I wish I could add anything further that would be either Interesting or Amusing. I must beg pardon for the Freedom I have taken in troubling you with this Long and I fear Insiped Letter, but it is stampt with truth and just as things appear to me with respect to America. I am with great Respect Gentlemen Your most Obedient Servant.
Thos. Thompson

Since concluding my Letter, here has arriv’d a small Vessel which came as a pacquet to America. She saild from Portsmouth 4th. Septemr. Captn. de La Mere Bobie;  he was boarded and search’d by an English Frigate of 22 Guns, 50 Leagues from Nantuckett Shoals. He threw over his Mail and all his Letters except one for Mr. Williams which he has sent. He further adds there was no Account of How’s Fleet and Army, and that Burgoyne had lost 2,500 Men in different Skirmages, since he took Ticonderoga, 600 of which number a party of our Militia had taken Prisoners.
This [is] all I can learn respecting American News. I am Your Most Obedient
Thos. Thompson
To The Honb. Benjamin Franklin, Silas Dean, and Arthur Lee. Esqrs.

Notation: T. Thompson Oct. 10. 77. Port Louis


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 October 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and Honored Sir
Nantes Octor. 11. 1777.
Mr. Sollicoffre of whom you have already received recommendations will soon sail to settle in our Country, I believe in Virginia. He requests a Letter of Reccommendation from you to some person in that part of the Country and desires me to write to you for that purpose.
I have been acquainted with him from the time of my first coming to Nantes and have always thought him an upright industrious deserving young man. He has been several years in the Counting House of M. Schweighausser and I believe has always supported that Character. I have never before asked recommendation of you in this way but I am induced now to do it from Friendship to M. Sollicofre. I am ever Yours most dutifully and Affectionatly
J Williams J

Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Passy.
Notation: J. Williams


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Condorcet, 12 October 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Condorcet

Dear Sir,
Passy, Oct. 12. 1777
I send you enclos’d the Letter you desire. But as I am apprehensive that the young Gentleman may have flattered himself with Expectations that are never likely to be answered in that Country, I wish he would consider it well before he undertakes such a Voyage. If he will take the Trouble of calling on me, perhaps I may afford him some useful Lights on the Subject.

I have not yet seen in the Vol. of 1773 what you mention.
I am glad to hear that Madame la Duchesse d’Enville and the amiable Family were well. With the greatest Esteem and Respect, Je suis, Mon cher et illustre Confrere Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin

P.S. I have read with the highest Pleasure your excellent Eloge de M. l’Hopital. I knew you before as a great Mathematician; I now consider you as one of the first among the Politicians of Europe.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Marquis de Condorcet / à l’Hotel des Monnoies / à Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Coder, 12 October 1777
From: Coder, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris ce dimenche 12e 8bre 1777
Des ordres superieurs m’apellent a fonteneblau, je serai de retour demain au soir et aurai l’honeur de vous voir mardi matin sans feaute. Je suis avec respect Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissent serviteur
CODER

Addressed: to / sr franklin / passi


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas Ruault, 12 October 1777
From: Ruault, Nicolas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris le 12 8b. 1777.
Ruault a l’honneur de saluer Monsieur franklin et de lui envoyer les premiers Exemplaires du Bonhomme Richard, avec l’Interrogatoire etc. Il auroit eu le plaisir d’en remettre un plus grand nombre, si l’edition étoit entierement tirée, mais ce sera sous très peu de jours. Il supplie Monsieur franklin de vouloir bien agréer ses très humbles respects.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / A Passy.


Title: The American Commissioners to Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir, 13 October 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir

Gentlemen
Paris 13 Octr. 1777
Yours of the 6th. is before us. When the Private Letter referred to and the situation of the Frigates shall be communicated to us we shall be in a Situation for forming a judgment and writing you more particularly. Meantime we inclose a Letter for Capt. Thompson which we take the Liberty to ask you to deliver to him. We must rely on your assisting these Officers as well to Careen their Vessels and procure the necessary refreshments, as in having the Prizes disposed of to the best possible advantage. We have the honor to remain Gentlemen your most Obedient and very humble Servants
Messrs. Gourlade &c.


Title: The American Commissioners to Thomas Thompson, 13 October 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Thompson, Thomas

Sir
Paris 13 Octr. 1777
We recd. from Messrs. Gourlad &c. an acct. of your arrival and were informed that you had a Private Letter for us which we have not yet recd. Conclude it must Come to hand in the Course of this week. Mean time we desire you would inform us in a Letter under Cover of Messrs. Gourlade &c. what is the situation of your Vessels and what their destination, as well as what articles of supplies you are ordered to purchase &c. so far as may be consistent with your instructions to Communicate to us, that so far as any thing depend on or may be expected from us we may be apprized as early as possible. We recommend to you to write no Letters but under Mr. Gourlade’s Cover who will inclose them to Mr. Chaumont by which means we shall receive them with less danger of their being intercepted and opened. We are with Compliments to Capt. Hinman as well as yourself on your safe arrival Sir Your most Obedient &c.
Commodore Thompson.