Title: Intelligence from Havana and Other Places, 13 November 1778
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

As in past volumes, we print one example of the intelligence reports Franklin received and summarize the remainder. Sent to Franklin by his friend the chevalier de Kéralio, a military inspector with extensive contacts in French ports, the reports for the period covered by this volume increase markedly in both number (fifty-nine in all) and geographical range. Only eight are in Kéralio’s hand, while the rest appear to be the work of different copyists.
Unfortunately, the difficulties in communicating with Philadelphia meant that the information they provided, heterogeneous and ill-digested at best, incorrect at worst, was of little use by the time it finally reached Congress. For the sake of convenience, we summarize these intelligence reports by port, and chronologically within each port. Those from Spain and the Netherlands are grouped by country. Although Franklin was willing to enclose the reports with his infrequent letters to the committee for foreign affairs or the president of Congress, he made no attempt to process the information by separating reliable from unreliable or by analyzing what was significant. This contrasts markedly with the conduct of John Adams who, upon returning to Europe in 1780, sent voluminous analytical intelligence reports to Congress. True, Adams was then an unemployed peace commissioner with little else to do, but Franklin’s lack of interest in providing intelligence cannot be fully explained by the pressure of other business. While it may be explained in part by his dislike of writing letters, Franklin may also have feared interception by the British and realized that by the time the information reached Philadelphia it would be largely obsolete.

Brest
November 27, 1778: The estates of Artois in their General Assembly of 1778 resolved the following by general acclamation: to build at the expense of the province a very strong frigate armed for privateering and bearing a number of 24–pounders, to be named the Artois. After a certain percentage of the proceeds of the prizes has been set aside for those crewmen who have distinguished themselves and to provide for widows and children of those who have been killed in battle, the remainder will be used to arm more privateers. On November 19 a squadron of five ships of the line left on a cruise (to intercept a British convoy, rumor said); ten days later three French ships of the line brought back to port three of the ten prizes they made, as well as 450 prisoners, half of them British troops. The St. Esprit is ready to enter the port with the first good wind. Captains have been named for four ships of the line. Two ships of the line are ordered on a special mission, two others are undergoing repairs. Two frigates are having their hulls coppered.
December 21, 1778: We have had miserable weather for the past two months. Orders have been issued to construct three ships of the line at Brest and four at Rochefort, including one of 110 cannon at each port. The provisions convoys of Bordeaux, Nantes, and Lorient are expected at any moment. Admiral de Grasse with six ships of the line awaits merchantmen he is to convoy, and the chevalier de Ternay sails for India at the end of January with four of the line and two frigates.
December 30, 1778: The armament proceeds briskly. A number of vessels are being built and armed. There is no question of bankruptcy occurring in this province. The ones doing poorly are your financiers, and they cannot blame the perils of war but their own “luxe horrible.”
January 7, 1779: The fleet of de Grasse is armed and equipped for a siege. Its destination is a well-kept secret. The squadron for India will meet three ships there. Bankruptcy in the province is not likely, and British commerce is suffering far more from the war than is French commerce.
January 22, 1779: De Grasse’s squadron has encountered the frigate Belle-Poule 70 leagues out of Brest. The health of the comte d’Orvilliers [commander of the Brest fleet] is a subject of concern here. A list of the names of the captains to command the warships being constructed at Rochefort during the coming year has been revealed.
February 5, 1779: The work goes on more briskly than ever in this port. Ternay’s squadron will be ready very soon.
February 9, 1779: Two ships of the line return to Rochefort. Their mission has not been revealed, but one thinks they went to Coruña to meet a returning East Indiaman and escort it back to Lorient. The squadron destined for India will be ready in eight days.
February 12, 1779: M. de Ternay’s fleet will be ready any day. It is said that the province of New England, of which Boston is the capital, has a navy composed of ten frigates of forty cannon, twenty other vessels of twenty to twenty-four cannons, and a seventy-four-gun ship of the line that will be ready by late March. We have this news from several Frenchmen who have arrived on a handsome American frigate of forty cannon commanded by Landais of St. Malo. Messrs. de Lafayette, La Neuville, La Valette, and three other officers have returned on the same frigate. They tell us that the United States have never been in better shape and that they are capable of raising sixty thousand men. By spring we will have a formidable naval force. Provisions are arriving from all over, and we will soon run out of storage space.
February 14, 1779: The preparation of Ternay’s squadron goes apace. Two thousand men, it is said, will go aboard. Its destination is a well-kept secret, but the probability is that it is North America.
February 24, 1779: The frigate Concorde has arrived from St. Domingue after having been struck by lightning and having fought an English frigate for three hours.
February 28, 1779: A fire that would have been calamitous had there been more wind consumed a ship of the line and a frigate. Yesterday and today the legion of Lauzun embarked on M. de Ternay’s squadron.

From a French Officer at Hasburton [Ashburton], England
November 27, 1778: Three English frigates having run into dreadful weather have been lost. In this country when a general does not succeed he loses his post, and it is certain that Howe will replace Keppel at the head of the fleet. They are anxious about the damage done by d’Estaing’s fleet. Recruits are almost impossible to find, either for land or sea. Lately in Plymouth there was talk of obliging the Americans to serve, but they said they would die in prison rather than betray their country.

Paris
December 7, 1778: A small vessel arrived at Nantes having left Boston on November 4 bringing dispatches from d’Estaing; Versailles had expected to receive them yesterday. It had sailed for fifty leagues with d’Estaing’s fleet and left it in as good shape as one could desire. M. Bojard [Beaugeard], treasurer of the estates of Brittany, is having two ships constructed at St. Malo. The prince of Nassau-Siegen has obtained permission to raise volunteers for maritime service.
December 26, 1778: The Fendant, 74 guns, the Sphinx, 64, two frigates, and two corvettes had sailed from Brest on an expedition under the marquis de Vaudreuil, the object of which is unknown. The duc de Lauzun and part of the legion he had raised also embarked on the squadron. Some believe they are headed for Boston. The Orient, 74, and Artésien, 64, frigates, and corvettes are bound for unknown destinations. The frigate Belle-Poule has taken a rich prize. Kéralio describes himself as “le gazettier” and as usual closes with “son bien tendre et bien respectueux attachement.”
January 5, 1779: A letter from Brest announces the capture of an English frigate Flore by either the Prudente or the Triton. The French captain (the vicomte d’Escars or the chevalier de Castellan) remained on deck, even though wounded, and died just as the British surrendered.
February 3, 1779: News from Brest is of the victory of the frigate Danaé, which captured the privateer Gramby after a fierce engagement. Many were killed and wounded on both sides. The Gramby had been personally outfitted by Lord Gramby, who even provided for the crew’s clothes.
February 27, 1779, Kéralio to William Temple Franklin: Sends greetings to Franklin and Temple from the comtesse de Forbach. Will Temple ask the passengers who returned with Lafayette for news of her nephew, Fontevieux? News from Brest of the 22nd says that the squadron destined for India should be sailing any day. We know nothing more about the affair at St. Lucia than what has appeared in the Gazette de France. A peace treaty has been signed between Austria and Prussia, whereby the emperor has returned four-fifths of the territory he had acquired.

Calvi (Corsica)
December 23, 1778: A privateer from Marseille has dropped anchor in Bastia after taking several prizes. The sailors that Corsica had furnished for M. de Fabry have returned very satisfied with the results of their campaign and hope to be called up again soon.

St. Malo
January 8, 1779: Two French ships of the line that are to join M. de Ternay’s fleet are being armed at Lorient. The account in the Courier de l’Europe of the taking by the English of the Comte d’Artois is incorrect; there is no boat of that name in this port. The General Gates, taken from the Americans and sent to London by the governor of Quebec, was retaken by the French privateer Américaine.
January 13, 1779: Luck has not been on the side of the English. Strong winds battered the convoy they were sending to New England and the West Indies. Several of their ships were tossed on the Picardy shore, and the three warships convoying them went back to port in very bad shape. It is rumored that the disaster resulted in the capture of seven to eight hundred prisoners. The Fier, 50, is at the mouth of the river in Bordeaux along with four frigates ready to convoy the merchant ships about to sail for our colonies. The winds are favorable.
January 23, 1779: Two frigates and a privateer are under construction in Lorient. Two more ships are being armed for privateering. The cutter Guepe is about to sail, and great deeds are expected from the captain, a man so strong he once killed his horse with a blow of the fist.
January 26, 1779: More good news about the Américaine, which has come to port richly loaded.
January 28, 1779: You may already know that nine ships were scattered by winds from their anchorage at the Ile d’Aix. Only one came back; the others may have continued on their way.
January 31, 1779: A ship just arrived in Lorient from Carolina brings unconfirmed news that Admiral Byron’s fleet was caught in a second storm and that he has died of pneumonia. Carpenters from St. Malo are being conscripted to work at Brest.
February 4, 1779: News has come that the frigate L’Oiseau has been taken by the British after a three-hour fight.
February 10, 1779: The frigate Prudente sailing from Brest to Martinique captured a ship coming from Smyrna with a cargo made up partly of silk and sold its cargo in St. Eustatius. Both officers and crew made a handsome profit.
February 18, 1779: We hear from Bayonne that the Spaniards bought every ship, large and small, that was in port.

February 28, 1779: The merchant ship Marquise de Brancas coming from Port-au-Prince with a cargo of sugar, coffee, etc., fought off for more than two hours the attack of an English privateer more heavily armed and put it to flight.

Toulon
January 9, 1779: Four ships of the line have sailed for an unknown destination, and two others are being armed. The Héros, 74, was launched last month, and two others of the line will be launched this month. Orders have been sent to construct the Terrible, 110, and three 74’s. All batteries are being armed, and orders have been given to the surrounding communities to provide necessary help for the transport of heavy artillery and ammunition.
February 2, 1779: A letter from Cadiz says that Spain has recognized the independence of the United States and sent a minister plenipotentiary to Congress. The news seems confirmed by a letter arrived from America saying that this new minister conferred with M. Gérard and would soon be introduced to Congress.

Rennes
January 13, 1779: Tragedy has struck. Montieu’s ship the Flamand, worth 400,000–500,000 l.t., has been shipwrecked at the mouth of the Loire. Chartered from him by a Nantes merchant, she was en route to the United States, and the coastal pilot had left her not ten minutes before. All aboard have perished, but doubtless the King will provide for the captain’s eight children.

Bayonne
January 19, 1779: Letters from Cadiz (January 8) tell of the capture of an English frigate and merchantman by the Toulon squadron. A letter from Ferrol says 15 ships of the line will sail to Coruña and then to Brest. It is said, and I believe it, that there are only four thousand French prisoners in England, compared to more than eight thousand in France. The French nation and the navy in particular seem to me to rise above all others in courage. The Englishman is brave, but he fights with a kind of ferocious despair, the way Linguet writes. But the Frenchman jokes and flirts with death, taunts it and despises it.
January 29, 1779: Although we keep up with all news from the Spanish Court, we know nothing of its intentions. In excellent shape, its squadrons stand in readiness. They have enrolled seamen, but except for those few that do great business by trafficking along the coast, Spanish ships do not move.
February 6, 1779: Various French privateers have all brought their prizes into Vigo. A fleet from Bordeaux comprising fifty-six sail escorted by six warships sailed from the Ile de Ré on the 1st for our colonies.

Bordeaux
January 23, 1779: Forwards list of ships under construction in Rochefort.
February 25, 1779: Relates activities of French privateers.

Dunkirk
January 23, 1779: Eager to prove their zeal and patriotism, the citizens of Dunkirk have 15 privateers at sea which have already captured 2,000,000 l.t. worth of prizes while losing only one small ship. Four navy cutters and three privateers are under construction. Calais and Boulogne have six privateers.
February 10, 1779: The Dutch are waiting impatiently for a response from London to their declaration of the 3rd of the month, and two English couriers have arrived at the Hague; the contents of their dispatches is unknown.

February 13, 1779: Marking the second success of its cruise, a little privateer Maurepas has taken two prizes and ransomed two others for about 40,000 l.t.
February 24, 1779: News comes from Ostend of Comtesse de Provence and Comtesse d’Artois off the coast of England. Of their five prizes only one has reached Ostend so far.
February 28, 1779: In the first application of the rule of January 14, two French privateers have seized a Dutch ship sailing from London with a cargo from the West Indies. If, as it seems likely, this cargo is judged legitimate, the Dutch will be very displeased.

Rouen
January 30, 1779: Between twenty-five and thirty privateers are being built, or equipped, or are already at sea in this province.

Martinique
February 4, 1779: Admiral d’Estaing is now moored with ten of the line. Admiral Byron with fourteen of the line is at nearby St. Lucia, where sailors and soldiers are dying of disease like flies. The two fleets have recently been to sea, but have not engaged.

Nantes
February 6, 1779: A little ship that had left Philadelphia on December 20 arrived the day before yesterday. An American commodore was on board. The captain merely said that all was quiet and that Byron was at New York repairing his ships.

From Aboard the Comtesse de Provence
February 24, 1779: We have made three prizes in the north of England, which we have ransomed. We have put that coast into a state of alarm, but we had to move back because of superior force. I would like to wind up my cruise in the west, but westerly winds will oblige me to finish in the north.

Morlaix
February 25, 1779: The uniforms have been delivered to the Lauzun legion. Ternay’s ships are in readiness and are expected to sail; the legion should be ready as soon as it gets its orders.
February 28, 1779: Yesterday and today the Lauzun legion, three hundred men strong, started marching toward Landerneau; from there it will be ferried aboard sloops to Ternay.

Spain
December 22, 1778, Cadiz: A ship has arrived from Peru with news of improving Spanish affairs there. Although there are forty warships ready at Cadiz and there will be more than fifty in the spring, Spain is a harlot who will only give France the pox.
January 9, 1779, Ferrol: Only one ship has been built here in 1778, but the apparatus is now ready for building more.
January 18, 1779, Madrid: We will have an improved network of roads, God willing. Orders have been sent out to all parts of the country to build new bridges and improve the present system. The Cadiz fleet is ready to sail at the first order.
January 25, 1779, Cadiz: A rupture with Britain is not far distant, and the country desires it. Sixty ships of the line and thirty-six frigates are already armed, and a train of siege artillery is being assembled near Gibraltar.
January 26, 1779, Avila: Preparations never stop in this kingdom. Nobody knows their true object.
February 12, 1779, Cadiz: Never has one seen such alacrity in the building and arming of ships in all the ports of the kingdom. But the government’s intentions are still unclear. Is the object to inspire fear, or is it awaiting a favorable moment to take a side in the contest?
February 13, 1779, La Coruña: A schooner arrived in 33 days from Martinique with news from d’Estaing. This vessel had been sold to the admiral by the famous Conyngham, who had taken it. The news is that St. Lucia has been lost and Byron’s squadron it seems has appeared in Barbados.
February 20, 1779, Bilbao: Two currents of opinion exist in Spain, one believing that American independence has been recognized, and the other that independence would be contrary to our interests in America. In the meantime American privateers use our ports as if they were their own. Three of them are right here, and the Congressional agent Mr. Emery is arming a fourth that was an English prize. On advice from Cadiz, and assuming that the break with England would happen soon, I tried to strike a deal for American goods, but it did not work out. Still I believe that the declaration of war is coming soon.

The Netherlands
January 6, 1779, The Hague: The Dutch will be too prudent to loan much money to the English for fear England will be forced to declare bankruptcy unexpectedly. The English will not lack for money in their own country; it is only sailors that they do not know where to find. The British have recently attempted to persuade the States to modify or renounce Article 11 of the Anglo-Dutch maritime treaty of 1674, by which the Dutch have the right, even in wartime, to transport to France everything except powder and arms. The French ambassador consequently argues that the Dutch would in fact violate their neutrality if they failed to exercise that right. He has asked for an unequivocal response, having rejected the first one given him. The outcome is unclear. If the Dutch had forty or fifty good ships the English would not dare to touch a single Dutch merchant ship, but we have neglected our navy. For the last four years France has made incredible efforts to revive its navy and has succeeded. Consequently the image of the invincible British colossus is already disintegrating.
January 18, 1779, Amsterdam: Nothing positive so far has come out of the meetings between your ambassador and our States. With the exception of Amsterdam, the States told France they would not modify their position of acquiescence to English proposals. People think that France has decided to treat our ships in the same way as Britain has since the break, excepting only those owned by Amsterdam. But can we trust this exception? In order to cover the costs of convoying, our admiralty [Amsterdam’s] has just doubled its charges on imports to two percent of the value of the cargo and on exports to one percent.
January 26, 1779, The Hague: France’s plans to preserve trading privileges for Amsterdam while withdrawing those of the rest of the Netherlands has created a sensation. True patriots constantly oppose the pro-English faction by insisting that it is to the common advantage of the Netherlands and France to observe scrupulously the neutrality spelled out in the Treaty of 1674. The thought that France harbors dreams of conquest is indefensible. Finally, although the navy’s restoration cannot be the work of a day, it is receiving attention.

Nouvelles d’Espagne
la havane, 13. 9bre. 1778.—
Il n’y a rien de nouveau ici; on n’y sait absolument point ce qui se passe dans le continent de L’amerique, parcequ’il n’entre dans ce port aucun navire étranger, si ce n’est quelques batimens de rélache.
Il nous est arrivé un ordre de la Cour de construire ici un vaisseau de 120 Canons et deux de 80; nous avons actuellement sur les Chantiers un vaisseau de 70. & une frégatte de 30.


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 14 November 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

I.
Versailles le 14. 9bre. 1778.
J’ai mis sous les yeux du Roy, Messieurs, les raisons qui pouvoient determiner sa Majesté a accorder la liberté aux Sujets des Etats unis prisonniers en France. Mais elle a pensé sagement que cette faveur ne doit être accordée qu’à ceux qui ont été pris sur des Batimens americains et forcés de servir contre leur patrie. En consequence, Messieurs, il seroit necessaire que vous prissies la peine d’en faire former un état certifié par vous, que vous voudrez bien m’addresser afin qu’il n’y ait en effet que les Bons et fideles Sujets des Etats unis qui jouissent de la Grace que Sa Majesté veut bien leur accorder.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la consideration la plus distinguée, Messieurs, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Sartine
Mrs. Les Deputés des Etats Unis.

II.
à Versailles le 14. Novembre 1778.
D’après ce que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de me marquer, Messieurs, sur la possibilité d’aller enlever les Bâtiments Anglois qui sont partis pour la pêche de la Baleine sur le côte du Bresil, je me suis occuppé de moyens de faire reussir cette Entreprise, mais j’ai en même tems fait reflexion que cette Mission conviendroit parfaitement au Corsaire Americain, S’il étoit encore icy. Je vous prie de vouloir bien me mander s’il peut y être employé.

J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la plus parfaite consideration, Messieurs, votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
signé (De Sartine)
Mrs. Les Deputes des Etats Unis de l’Aque.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 14 November 1778
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London Nov. 14th. 1778
As I was not able to finish as soon as I expected the book I intend to publish, I find my self obliged to spend the winter in this capital, where I enjoye far more satisfaction and happiness then I can ever enjoye in the place, where I am destined to reside.
Tho I have not had the pleasure of hearing directely from you, I had now and then the satisfaction of hearing by some travellers, that you was happy and well. Your old friend, now enjoys a good state of health, beggs to be remembred to you. I saw him this very day.
If you or your Nephew should judge, that the present circumstances of public affaires would rendre for the future the trade, carryed on for my brother, too precarious, it would perhaps be more prudent not to risk too much money, unless properly secured. But of this you will be a better judge upon the spot. Be this recommended to your and your Nephews judgement and kindness.
I am with due respect dear sir your most obedient humble servant
J. Ingen Housz

Addressed: Mr Tourton / a Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur francklin / a Passi
Notation: Ingenhouz. Londres 14 9bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the American Prisoners at Dinan, 15 November 1778
From: American Prisoners at Dinan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dennant Castle November 15th: 1778
The Petition of the under Subscribed Americans Confined in Dennant Castle—Humbly Sheweth,

That your poor Petitioners, Imboldened by your Destinguished Character for Justice, and well known Zeal for our Countrys cause, Once More, Beg leave to lay our Circumstances before you, Being of Opinion our Former Petitiones Unfortunately Miscarryed—as We never Received (or Saw) any Answers—only one Directed to Harisson, Driver & Lamb, desireing all Sutch as were Americans, or had been in her Service, and were Willing to take an Oath of Fidelity, to Stand, or fall by her Cause, shou’d Subscribe their Names in answer to that, which made us your Petitioners, Joyfully Annex ours in Company with the above Persons, but Immagin there is some Missunderstanding, they haveing since Obtained their Inlaregent, and not the least Mention of us—Who Humbly Persume, If our Sufferings, and Servitude, Joined to those of our, Relations, & friends, who are at present in the Service, can any way Claim Your further Notice, no poor Prisoners here, can with Justice have a Better Title to Your Protection, as we have Sarved our Country by land and Sea— Abraham Fairman taken at the Battle of Bunkers Hill, and Sent in Irons on Board the Preston Frigate to England, during which time he Suffered Many Hardships & was afterwards forced into the English Service— John Williams taken with Capn Courtnor on board the Oliver Cromwell, made his Esscape and got home, but was Afterwads taken with Captain Alexander on Board the Dellawire Frigate, at Philadelphia— Keatings Brother in law Captain Tatem, has at present, the Command, of A Company under Lieutenant Colonel Thackson, and so are the most of his friends and Kindred in the service at Virginea, As likewise Wm. Berrys, who was himself Dangerously Wounded, at the Ingagement, under General Moor, on Bald Head, having received A ball thro his Thigh, he was left, at Newburn Hosspital, But when Recovered, went with Capt: Josua Amsted in the Pensilvania Farmer to Bring Stores and Amunition, and Afterward in Cornelius Annilals who was Lieutenant with Capn. Amstead on Board the Pensylvania Farmer, But got the Blueford Scooner, on Board which Scooner he was Taken & Carryed Prisoner to Jamaica, and so Afterwards forced into the English Service, as we have all been, wholy Against our Inclination and to our greatest Regrett, I am fearfull of taking up to much of our Honours time, in Dwelling upon these, Subjects: therefore Conclude Imploaring Your Speedy Answer to this, that we may be Delivered out of our Prest: Uncertain Situation For which Your poor Petitioners, will as in Duty bound ever Pray for Your Success & Aternal Felesity
Wm BerryWm KeatingJohn WilliamesAbraham FairmanRobt: BoughassJohn HanlenJames White

To B. Franklin Esqr—ambasador, for the United States, of America—

Addressed: To / B. Franklin Esqr / Ambasador for the united / States of America, at / Passey Near Pariss
Notation by John Adams: Prisoners, in dinant.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Brillon de Jouy, 15 November 1778
From: Brillon de Jouy, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dimanche 15. 9bre 1778.
M. Brillon presente ses respects a Monsieur franklin, il lui envoye de la part de sa femme qui n’en a nulle connoissance et qui ne revient que demain
l’Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrumque tirannis.
Nouvelle Composition en l’honneur du Docteur franklin qui heureusement pour nous sçait aussi descendre du ciel en terre et du sceptre a la houlette.
A demain le thé.

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / a Passy


Title: John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 16 November 1778: résumé
From: Gilbank, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Nantes, November 16, 1778: Having received no answer from you, I am writing a third time to request money to join my regiment in South Carolina. A convoy is expected and the vessels will be ready to sail. It is the custom of every nation to supply an officer who has been taken prisoner with the amount of his pay to rejoin his station. If this were not so, what gentleman would risk his life and connections in the service of his country?
Certainly Congress would cheerfully do all in its power to relieve an officer in distress; therefore I hope to receive an order from you as soon as the post permits. As a continental officer I have the right to expect this, a state officer here already having an order to receive what he wants. Every officer in the service ought to be treated alike. I hope you will not decline to answer me so that, in the event of a refusal, the issue may at least be presented before the legislature.
A gentleman recently in Paris reports that you are critical of continental officers who idle away their time and fail to exert themselves to find means of returning to their country’s service. Such censure ought not to apply to me. My stay has been unavoidable, no ship having sailed for America since shortly after I arrived. I would embrace any opportunity of leaving this place.>


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 16 November 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

I.
A Versailles le 16. 9bre 1778
J’ai reçû, Messieurs, avec la Letter, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire, le 12. de ce mois, la Copie de celle qui vous a été Adressée par M. Schweighauser Agent des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale à Nantes, au Sujet de l’Escorte qu’il demande, ainsi que plusieurs Negociants Americains, pour un certain nombre de Navires qu’ils doivent expedier vers la fin du mois. J’aurois été fort aise que les Circonstances m’eussent permis de les faire escorter jusqu’à leurs destinations; mais au moyen de celles qu’il a plu au Roi d’assigner à ses fregates et autres Batimens, je ne puis vous offrir de faire convoyer ceux dont il s’agit, que jusqu’au de la des Capes. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la plus parfaite Consideration, Messieurs, votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
De Sartine
Mrs Franklin, Lee et Adams.

II.
Versailles le 16 9bre. 1778.
J’ai l’honneur de vous addresser, Messieurs, le memoire, du Sr. fraissignes Chirurgien francois prisonnier en Angleterre qu’on avoit omis de joindre, a ma Depêche du 5. de ce mois.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la Consideration la plus distingue, Messieurs, Votre tres. h. et t. O. S.
signé De Sartine
Mrs. les Deputés des Etats Unis.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Emmanuel-Pierre de La Plaigne, 16 November 1778
From: La Plaigne, Emmanuel-Pierre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur
Dunkerque Le 16 9bre 1778
La lettre que votre Excellence a écrit à Monsieur Coffyn à mon sujet, eut déterminé mon départ, sans un violent mal de gorge & un gros rhume, qui m’y retiennent jusqu’a demain avec mon frère et mon domestique; mon beaufrère, mon néveu & deux de mes alliés étant déjà partis pour paris. Voilà, Monseigneur, quelle est la famille dont j’avois eu l’honneur de faire mention à Votre Excellence. Mon frère étoit muni d’un des brevets de lieutenant, dont l’honorable congrès de Géorgie m’avoit fait le distributeur. Les autres venoient avec moi comme Cadets-volontaires.
J’ai l’honneur d’informer Votre Excellence, que monsieur Coffyn vient de me compter en ce moment la somme de sept cent soixante une Livres tournoys pour le payement de notre transport, de plymouth à Dunkerque pour notre nourriture jusqu’a ce jour, & pour nous convoyer jusqu’à paris.
Entre-autres obligations que j’ai à votre Excellence, celle-ci n’est pas une des moindres, puis qu’elle me procure l’honneur de vous en remercier, & accellère mon retour peu attendu à mon regiment, dont je suis séparé dépuis si long-tems: d’ailleurs que je pourrai peut-être obliger les mêmes armateurs d’accomplir leurs engagemens envers notre état, d’après les ordres qu’il jugera à propos à Votre Excellence me donner à ce sujet.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec le plus profond respect De Votre Excellence Monseigneur Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
E P De La Plaigne

Notation: De La Plaigne Dunkerque 16. 9bre. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine: Three Letters, 17 November 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

I.
Sir
Passy Novr. 17. 1778
We have the Honour of your Excellencys Letter of the 14 of this Month informing Us, of his Majestys Determination, to grant Liberty to such Americans, as have been captivated on Board of American Vessells by the Enemy, forced into their Service, and afterwards taken by his Majestys Arms.
You will be pleased, to present his Majesty our Thanks for this Instance of his Goodness; which We hope will be attended with happy Effects to the Common Cause.
We shall take the best Measures We can, to inform ourselves, who among the Prisoners, are in this Predicament, and shall present from Time to Time, to your Excellency such Certificates as are required for their Discharge. We have the Honour to be &c.
M. De Sartine.

II.
Sir,
Passy Novr. 17. 1778.
We have received the Letter which your Excellency did us the honour to write to Us, on the 14th. of this Month, and in answer to the Enquiry, contained in it, We beg leave to acquaint your Excellency that there is not now in France, nor to our knowledge in Europe, any Frigate or other Vessel of War, belonging to the United States. If there were, we should not hesitate to order her, forthwith, upon an Enterprise against the English Whale Fishery on the Coast of Brazil; because, those Vessels now in that Fishery being destroyed, and their Officers and Men captivated, the English can never revive this Fishery, there being no such sett of hands in any Part of the British Dominions, none but the Americans having yet learned the Art of killing that sort of Whales; and because, We apprehend, that wounding the English in their Fisheries and Commerce is wounding their vital Parts. Nor is there any Privateer, in this Kingdom, belonging to Americans, that We know of excepting the General Mifflin Capt McNeil, if indeed, he is not yet sail’d, as We expected he would have done before now. But we have no Authority over this or any other Privateer; they all follow the Orders of their Owners, and we suppose as Capt. McNeil has been so long from home, and has made a Cruise already, so extensive, hazardous & fatiguing, it is not likely that he would venture to undertake this other Expedition, without the Orders or Knowledge of his Owners. We have the honour to be, with great Respect, Your Excellency’s, most obedient and most humble Servants
B. FranklinArthur LeeJohn Adams
His Exy: M. De Sartine.

III.
Sir,
Passy Novr. 17. 1778
M. De Fleury, being a Prisoner to the English in America, will be included in the Exchange made there. We shall write to the Congress concerning him and recommend to their Attention the Procuring as soon as possible his Discharge; being with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servants
B FranklinArthur LeeJohn Adams


Title: The American Commissioners to James Smith, 17 November 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Smith, James

Sir
Passy Novr 17. 1778
Your Letter of the 15th We duly received, and have written to his Excellency the Compte De Vergennes upon the Subject of it, and inclosed to him the Certificate from Mr Pain.
Your Request of a Passport, to go to England We do not think We can consistently grant, unless you previously Subscribe the Declaration and take the oath of Allegiance to the united States of America. If you comply with this Condition, We can give you the Customary Passport to Calais.
Dr Smith


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

Sir
Passy Novr 17. 1778
We communicated to Dr Smith, the Letter which your Excellency did Us the Honour to write to Us concerning his Goods. Since which he has inclosed to Us, the Certificate, of Mr Anthy Paine, which We have the Honour to inclose to your Excellency.— If there are two offices, one in which are deposited, Goods Seized, the other in which Are kept Goods only detained, your Excellencys Enquiries, having been after Seized Goods, may possibly be the Cause, why they were not found.— We have the Honour to be,
M. de Vergennes


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Nicolas Jullian and Other Applicants for Emigration, 17 November 1778
From: Jullian, Charles-Nicolas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A number of people, as usual, sought Franklin’s help to emigrate to the New World or recommended their restless friends to his good graces. As far as we know, none of them received any encouragement from him.
Louis Fouché writes from Romegoux in the Charente on December 4. Thirty-six years old, a native of the island of Oléron, and son of Capt. André Fouché who often told him that he had met Franklin in various places, he learned English during a captivity of almost two years in Britain, later fought as an ensign for eighteen months, and took off in 1763 with his father for the American continent where he traveled for nine years through Mississippi, Canada, New England, Georgia, and “les Ilinois.” He acquired a perfect knowledge of commerce during that time, including slave-trading. His father died on the return trip, and most of their fortune vanished in a shipwreck at the mouth of the Savannah. Back in France he found clerical employment but dreams of returning to New England in any capacity and hopes that Franklin, in memory of his father, will grant him his protection. He is trying to embark on the Fier Roderigue and regrets that he missed Beaumarchais while in Rochefort. He has spoken to Chevallié and Montieu, who tell him that the only way to procure a passage is to go as a volunteer. He is willing to do that.
Another applicant, Bellini, is the son of an Italian merchant established in Swabia. He writes from Breslau, Lower Silesia, on December 20, to explain that he has thirteen years’ experience in commerce and wishes, if granted a passport and Franklin’s powerful protection, to settle in America, that land of good faith.
The Reverend Paul Christopher Reiche, who writes in Latin from Dessau, near Leipzig, on January 9, is a cautious man. A Lutheran minister—though not a fanatic on theological points—he is thirty-six, married, the father of four, and would, if he decided to emigrate, bring along his mother-in-law and two servant girls. But will he? He is extremely attracted by American laws and prays for the success of the wonderful new country. On the other hand, he worries about the perils at sea, about his ability to support all his dependents in a land whose language he does not speak, about the wrench of transplantation. That he may be an asset to America, he has studied the strategies of great generals in the past and learned some wiles that might harm the enemy. He encloses the list (sixteen items) of his publications and begs Franklin to help him make up his mind. He is keeping his plans secret in order not to be laughed at.
Massive emigration to Pennsylvania, for industrial rather than agricultural or commercial purposes, is what the abbé d’Amblé proposes on November 30 in a long and detailed letter from La Claireau, in Luxemburg. Sounding more like an engineer than a man of the cloth, he extols the magnificent resources of Pennsylvania in iron, wood, coal, and running water and deplores the fact that the Americans have to look abroad both for weapons and the peaceful products of metallurgy. Given a chance, he could soon master the necessary techniques and lead to the New World a vast number of skilled workmen from Liège, France, Germany, and Luxemburg: a Catholic colony of—one has to face it—hard-drinking men.
On December 26, Franklin receives a visit from a man named Charbonnet, secretary to the commandant of the fort of Brest, the comte de Schomberg. Charbonnet tells the Doctor of two friends of his, living in Lyon, and anxious to establish themselves in America either as merchants or farmers. He leaves a brief note mentioning their names: François Lanthenar and Guigon (or Guigou). Lanthenar, writing from Lyon on January 12, explains their plans in a letter to be delivered by the said Charbonnet. Pennsylvania is the destination of their choice; after practicing commerce for awhile in Philadelphia they want to open a paper mill in the right location or, if that proves too difficult, to farm the land. They could bring 24,000 l.t. with them, but first they need all the information Franklin can provide on the feasibility of their project and the problems of the voyage. On January 27, Charbonnet, back in Brest where he is now serving under the new commandant, the comte de Maillé, forwards Lanthenar’s letter to Passy with a reminder to Franklin of his promise to take an interest in the men.
Finally, Barbeu-Dubourg, whom Franklin once entreated to let up on his recommendations, finds it impossible to resist the pressure of the “principaux Economistes de ce pays cy” and, in a brief, undated note, recommends the talented M. Prevost who is desirous to go to America.

Monsieur,
Cette Le 17e. Novbre. 1778
Veuillés, s’il vous plait ne point rejetter la priere d’un jeune garson, à qui le seul dezir de s’expatrier fait peut être trop hazarder, en luy faisant prendre la liberté de s’adresser à vous, pour vous supplier de voulloir bien le loger à l’ombre de votre Aille protectrice.
Ce n’est donc qu’en nageant dans une mer d’incertitude, que j’oze me permettre de tracer cette missive, dont le seul bût est que considerant son dessein de passer, à l’Amerique Septentrionalle, Il dezirerait fort d’être muni de vôtre recommandation & protection; qui luy sont indispensables pour n’être pas Confondû parmi un tas de gens sans aveu, qui tomberont là bas dès que les affaires le permettront sans rien risquer. Et en effet, sous quelles meilleures auspices pourrait-il se confier à faire ce trajet, si ce ne sont les vôtres, dont le Credit et la renommée commencent à exalter les heureux succès.
Si donc je suis assés [heureux] pour pouvoir me feliciter d’une reussite, j’ozerais vous prier Monsieur de faire prendre des Informations sur mon Compte, chés mon oncle, Jullian, sous directeur des fermes de Languedoc, a l’Hotel de la Reynie Ruë Boulloy, qui même est trés souvent chés Monsieur de Faventine, fermier General du Roy; ou icy (car Je ne Crains pas être trop vain de l’avancer, ou l’on n’a que de bons temoignages à donner sur ma Conduitte) chés Monsieur Pouget, Lieutenant de l’Amirauté.
Heureux! Mille fois heureux! Si parvenû à vous Convaincre de la sincerité de mes sentiments, vous daignés par surcroit à vos bontés me Croire avec le devouëment le plus sincere Monsieur Le plus soumis de vos serviteurs
C. N. JullianCharles, Nicolas Jullian,commis chés MessieursPhillip, Etienne, Laurenset Comp.

Notation: C. Jullian, Cette 17 9bre 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mounier & Denis, 19 November 1778
From: Mounier & Denis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur!
Middelbourg en Zelande ce 19 Novembre 1778.
Nous prennons la liberté, de nous adresser a vous, pour vous enformer que notre Navire Neerlants Welvaart M. [Maitre] Cornelis Thomasse Wesseling parti de Leverpool avec une Cargaison pour Naples & Salerno en Italie, chargé pour Compte Italien, ä eté pris par les Americains, qui l’ont emmené avec eux, en Nouvel Angleterre en Amerique, comme nous avons eté enformé par nos Gazettes, nous vous Solliciterions Monseigneur, de vouloir vous interesser en notre faveur ä ce Sujet, & de faire en Sorte que ce navire soit laissé libre, son fret paÿé, & que l’on nous dedomageroit en quelqué façon du retard qui ä eté occasionné par cette prise, nous ne doutons pas cependant ou il aura deja eté donné libre, &c. parce que ni le navire ni sa Cargaison; ont merité d’etre pris ou Confisqué.—
L’anné passé un navire francois ä ce que nous Sommes informés ä eu le meme Sort que le notre, mais il ä eté donné directement libre, & son fret paÿé.—
Nous recommandant dans votre protection nous avons l’honneur d’etre avec une parfaite Consideration Monseigneur! Vos tres humbles tres ob servitr.
Mounier & Denis

Endorsed: answer’d
Notation: Mouniere et Denis Middelbourg 19. 9bre. 1778.


Title: Franklin and John Adams to William Temple Franklin: Instructions, 20 November and [20–21 November 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John
To: Franklin, William Temple

I.
Passy, Nov. 20. 1778
Instructions to W T. Franklin
You are to go by the shortest Road to Dieppe, and make all the Dispatch possible.
At Dieppe enquire for Mr Baron, Merchant there, and take his Advice whether to go off to the Ship, or to acquaint the Captain with your Arrival send him the Letters you have for him, and desire him to come & meet you on shore. The last is safest for the Intelligence you may obtain, as well as for you, if the Weather should be stormy.
You are to make all the Enquiries noted in the Paper annexed; & put down the Answers in Writing; as well as other Matters he may communicate to you:—in which be very exact and clear.
You are to enquire if he wants Hands, & acquaint him that there may probably be some to be had here at his Return from his Cruise, if that should occasion a Diminution of his Numbers.—
You are to keep an exact Account of your Expences, & use the utmost Frugality therein: By this, your Diligence & Expedition in going and Returning, and your Exactness in executing these Orders, you will recommend yourself to our Approbation.—
B FranklinJohn Adams

1. Force of his Vessel, Number of Men. &c
2. What time he left America, & from what Port.
3. What Instructions he had from Congress.
4. If he knows the Contents of his Dispatches.
5. Ask for News, & Newspapers
6. What Acct. there was of Differences between Count D’Estaign’s People & those of Boston—
7. Whether he was well supply’d with Necessaries there & Provisions.
8. Whether he was repair’d & sail’d; and where suppos’d to be bound.—
9. What the present Situation of the Armies.
10. Whether Burgoyne’s Corps continu’d entire, or were much diminish’d by Desertion &c. & where canton’d.—
11. Whether the great Ships are finish’d, that were building.
12. What the present State of Paper Money.
13. Whether Taxes are begun, to sink it.
14. If he is acquainted with any late Resolutions of Congress material for us to know.—

15. What Persons of Note have of late taken the Oath of Allegiance to the States.—
16. Where the Enemies Fleet were in America?
17. Whether any and what Vessells were bound to France from any Port of America?
18. Whether the Providence Boston and Ranger had arrived and with what Prizes?
19. Where the Warren Rawley Alliance and other Continental Frigates?

II.
[November 20–21, 1778]
Private Instructions to WT Franklin
Upon reconsidering Job Prince’s Letter, it is observable, that there is not a single Circumstance mention’d in it by which one may assured that it is either an honest Letter or a Forgery & a Trick to get into their Power from us some Person of Confidence from whom or from the Letters we might write by him they might pick out some useful Intelligence. The releasing a French Fisherman taken perhaps by a Comrade for that purpose, might be only to commence an Intercourse & procure Trust on our Part. This Captain may be the same Genius that so artfully trapanned Burnel.— You are therefore by no means to go on board his Vessel. But write to him that you have Letters for him from the Commissioners which you are to deliver only into his own Hands, and request his comming on shore to receive them. In the meantime communicate the Suspicion to Mr Baron, and by his Means obtain Authority to seize the Captain & his Boats Crew as soon as they land, & have the Men separated and examined each by himself. If on Examination they appear to be true Men & not artful Enemies from Dover or Guernesey, you may then give him the Letters, & acquaint him with the Reasons of his being so examined, which he cannot take amiss.
It seems strange that a Ship after so long a Voyage should not chuse to enter any Port: That she should come in preference to lie off Dieppe: That the Captain in his Letter to us should not relate a Syllable of News of any kind, should say Nothing of the Port he came from, the Time of his Departure, should suppose us acquainted with every particular concerning his Vessel & her Destination, tho’ he has lost the Dispatches, & yet tell us that tho’ he knows the Intention of Congress he wants our Orders for his Cruise.
B FranklinJohn Adams

Notation by Franklin: Private Instructions to W. T Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Le Baron, [20 November 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Le Baron, ——

Sir
[November 20, 1778]
I thank you for your readiness to serve Capt. Prince. His Bills for moderate Supplies will be honour’d. The Bearer is my Grandson. I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities. I shall answer the rest of your Letter soon. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt humble Servant
(sign’d) B. Franklin
M. BaronTo M. Baron Negotiant a Dieppe.(Copy)


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to “Job Prince,” 20 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: “Job Prince”

Sir
Passy near Paris, Nov. 20. 1778 11 at Night
I have just received yours of the 18th Instant. My Grandson, William T. Franklin, who is the Bearer of this, and will have the honor of delivering it into your hands, sets out early tomorrow morning for that purpose. He is my private Secretary, and is a Young Man of Trust & Discretion, to whom you may safely confide, what you have to communicate to the Commissioners. We have recd no Account of your Vessel or its Destination from Congress, as our Dispatches have miscarried; therefore can give you no Advice till we have more Information from You, than is contained in your Letter.
If you send any Prizes into Dunkirk, address them to Mr Coffyn there, Dieppe Mr Baron, L’Orient or Nantes to Mr Schweighauser, Bourdeaux Mr Bondfield.— In any other, let your Masters enquire for American Agents. I wish you a good Cruise, & safe Return to your Country with much Profit and Honor; being Sir Your most obedt humble Servant
(signed) B. Franklin
(Copy)To Honble Job. Prince Esqr Commander of the Concord Ship of War in the Service of the U. S. Road of Dieppe


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Le Baron, 21 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Le Baron, ——

Sir
Passy Nov. 21. 1778
I write this Line per Post just to acqt you that your Letter relating to Capt Prince is received, and that a Person in our Confidence, as desired by him, sets out this Day for Dieppe with Answers to your & the Captain’s Letters, and will probably be with you soon after your Receipt of this; of which it would be well to give the Captn. Notice, that they may meet as soon as possible. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B F.
CopyMr Baron DieppeLetter to M Baron at Dieppe about Capt Job Prince


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 21 November 1778: résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, November 21, 1778: The Inspector of Artillery visited the port yesterday to inspect M. Bertin’s cannon. On the basis of appearance alone, their quality seems good, but this must be confirmed by testing. I herewith enclose a list indicating their specifications. Other cannon belonging to the same company made from the same mold can be procured from other ports. To test such heavy artillery will be expensive. If you decide to order it, remember to specify the quality of powder as well. M. de La Touche has ordered a frigate to accompany our vessels from La Rochelle to Nantes where M. Schweighauser has goods ready to load. The latest vessel to arrive here sailed from Alexandria September 20. You have all the intelligence we have.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 21 November 1778
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Boston Novr. 21. 1778.
I have just wrote to you by Mr Duncan Ingraham Junr. upon some public Affairs— I beg Leave in this, lest he might be oblig’d to destroy that, should he meet with an Enemy just to mention him to you as my Friend, for whom I have a great Regard— He goes to France on a Plan of Business in his own Vessel: as he is a Stranger there he would be glad to be directed to Men of Probity & Honor in whom he may confide; if you or your Friends would do him this Favor it would not only greatly oblige this my Friend & me, but promote those Mercantile Connections which are one Object of the Alliance— He has good Connections here, and the best Reputation as a Man of Business.
Your’s in ev’ry Sense,
Saml: Cooper
His Excellency Benjn: Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at the Court of Versailles.
Endorsed: Dr Cooper Recommendation of Mr Duncan Ingraham
Notation: Nov. 21. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Dubois, 21 November 1778
From: Dubois, abbé ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
à Nancy le 21 Nov. 1778. Ruë de la Boucherie
Permettez que je mette sous les yeux de V.E. une feuille du journal de Lorraine, où j’ai inséré un petit morceau de Poësie, qui a aumoins le mérite de ne vous être pas indifférent. Vous y verrez qu’aux extrémités du Royaume les François parlent de votre République ainsi qu’ils en parlent à Paris, avec la même estime et le même intérêt. Je ne croi pas qu’aucun Peuple de l’Europe, hors le Peuple ingrat dont vous vous étes séparés, ait vû sans admiration la conduite et les succès des Etats unis. Jamais aucune République ne s’est formée sous de plus beaux auspices. Les vertus, la liberté, la valeur, et, ce qui n’est encore jamais arrivé dans le Monde, les sciences et les Arts ont présidé à sa naissance: et elle aura aux yeux de la Postérité un avantage, dont pas une Nation ne sauroit se glorifier, de n’avoir point à rougir de son origine, et de pouvoir ecrire l’histoire véritable des heros et des savans qui lui ont donné l’existence. Le Nom de Franclin déja immortel dans l’Empire des Talens et de la Philosophie, y brillera parmi les plus grands noms de l’Amérique: et il apprendra aux siecles futurs qu’on peut être tout à la fois et un grand homme de Lettres, et un grand homme d’Etat. Agréez, Monsieur, l’hommage que rend ici à votre gloire et à celle de vos concitoyens, un inconnu qui vous honore et qui vous révère: et qui ose vous le dire, ne pouvant plus tenir secrets la haute Estime et le profond respect avec les quels il a l’honneur d’être De V. E. le Très humble et très obèissant serviteur
L’abbè DuBois


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 21 November 1778
From: Genet, Edme-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Versailles nov. 21. 1778
In a party writing against the Rockinghams I See this assertion—Washington told the Congress, on the capture of Burgoyne’s army that now was the happy time to treat. As I don’t recollect having seen it till now, I intend to give the author the Lye. Be so kind as to let me know wether I can do it without my self injuring Truth.
I am with great respect Your most humble and most obedient Servant
Genet

Addressed: M. Benjamin Franklin / député du Congres a Passy
Notation: Genet Versailles 21. Novembre 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jesse Taylor, 21 November 1778
From: Taylor, Jesse
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Belfast 21t. November 1778
Inclosed is a memorial the Substance of which may already Reached you, in a personal Interveiw with Sir Edward Newenham who promised before he Left Ireland that when he would have the honour of Waiting on you to Lay before you our Wishes— We thought Best in the Body of our memorial not to mention any names to the memorialists, Least your Excellency would have Occation to shew it in some offices where Confidence may be abussed. But if Nescesary, it was Resolved to Request your Excellency to Insert my name Before the Memorial was shewn— Besides this Protecttion thus applyd for it might be Serviceable to the Intrist of america, were several Coppys sent over to this Country, and in hands of some frend to your Cause in whome you can confide—Leaving him the Liberty to fill up the Blanks Left for the names in Case of other adventurers Requiring them, and of these I think their will be a Great multitude from this Country, who but anxiously waite for some mode being pointed out to them how they may avoid some of the presant danger of such a voyage—
Should your Excellancy not approve of the methode pointed out in the memorial for Conveying the Protecttion to me—or do you know of any safer methode of Conveyance your Excellency will be so kind as to adopt it; I have the honor to be Sir your Excellancy’s most obt. Servt for himself and others
Jesse Taylor

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / Versailes
Received & forwarded the 23 feb. 1779. by your Obed. humble Servt per Bastiaen Molewater & Son of Rotterdam—addressed M Ve. Tassin & fils a Paris
Notation: Jesse Taylor. Belfast 21. 9bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 23 November 1778
From: Pickerin, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Brest: Novemr. 23d. 1778
I Assume the Liberty of Writing you per this Post, advising you that Capt. Jones has impos’d on himself the dignity of a Continental Officer, and thereby securing all Desserters from American Vessels. to the great Prejudice of the United States.
As I humbly Conceive it a matter of great Consequence to suffer such Unnatrual & Illegal Proceedings, must humbly request of you to put a stop to his further proceedings—therein, and am Yr Most: Obedt hble: Servt.
Thos. Pickerin

NB I am now here in the Armed Ship Hampden belongg to Woodbury Langdon Esqr. & others; & now bound out on a Cruize—
Hnble. Benjn. Franklin

Addressed: To / The Honble. Benjn. Franklin / Ambassador for the United / States of America. / at / Paris
Notations: Mr Pickerin 23. Nov. 1778 / Mr Pickerin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 24 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
La Haie 24 Nov. 1778
Voici encore une affaire que je ne puis confier qu’à vous seul. La lecture des copies ci-jointes vous mettra au fait de tout. L’affaire m’a paru si délicate, que je n’ai rien voulu faire sans l’avis de G—— F——, qui l’ayant aussi trouvé telle, a cependant approuvé que j’en donnasse un Extrait à notre ami, tant pour voir ce qu’il en diroit, que pour savoir s’il ne seroit pas déjà prévenu de cela par une suite des liaisons précédentes entre Mr. W. Lee & Mr. de Neufville, auquel cas ma prudence eût pu paroître un défaut de bonne volonté. J’ajouterai ici, que notre ami m’a demandé, si je croyois que vous aviez connoissance de la proposition. J’ai répondu que non; & sur la curiosité, toute naturelle, qu’il m’a témoignée de savoir de votre part-même ce qui en est, je lui ai promis que je vous écrirois là-dessus; ce que G—— F—— approuve aussi. Il est donc nécessaire, Monsieur, que vous preniez la peine de m’écrire une Lettre particuliere à ce sujet, afin que nous sachions ce que vous en pensez. Je le répete, l’ouverture seroit prématurée. Je ne suis pas faché pourtant que la glace soit rompue auprès de notre ami. J’ai lu sur sa physionomie, & compris par ses discours, que l’affaire sera faisable en son temps, savoir, quand on ne verra plus ici de revers à craindre pour l’Am——; et qu’alors elle aura le plus de poids si elle vient de votre part. Il ne faut donc point la perdre de vue, pour cela seul qu’elle ne peut avoir lieu d’abord. Elle viendra toujours à propos pour rétablir les finances de l’Amérique. En attendant, il faut aller par gradation avec nos tourbes d’ici; elles ne s’embrasent pas si vite que Mr. L. le pense, peut-être d’après le correspondant de Mr. son frere. Mais ce Correspondant est un esprit ardent, qu’il est bon d’écouter, mais qu’il ne faut suivre qu’avec précaution. C’est lui qui est toujours à la tête des Députations Marchandes comme Orateur, fonction qu’il remplit avec beaucoup d’éloquence & de hardiesse.
Je comprends qu’un Million St. prêté accommoderoit beaucoup les affaires de nos Etats; & plût-à-Dieu que je pusse le procurer: mais de croire qu’après tant de difficultés surmontées, & quand nous touchons au dénouement, le sort de la cause dépende si fort de ce prêt, je ne saurois. J’aime mieux penser, que Mr. Lee a cru cette raison nécessaire pour m’exciter à faire mon devoir.
Je suis avec le plus respectueux attachement, Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S.E. Mr. B. Franklin M. P. des Etats Unis

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin Esqr. / Min. Pl. des E. U. de l’Am. / à Passy./.
Notation: Dumas, to BF. Nov 24. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Matthew Ridley, 24 November 1778
From: Ridley, Matthew
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble Sir
Nantes November the 24th. 1778
The memorandum you were pleased to entrust me with relative to the Manuscripts in the hands of J Massey, I sent to my Friend in London, desiring him to apply to Massey about them.— I have a Letter from my Friend by this days Post adviseing me he had made the application, and was told they had been disposed of some time since.
All my Letters inform me the disposition of Ministry is to try another Campaign in America— Clintons proceedings, in burning and destroying is perfectly consistent with their Ideas of War; and in this mode they intend proceeding— The loss of Dominica appears as a dream; and it is questioned whether the loss of all the Islands will awaken them.
I return you thanks for your Name to a late Paper forwarded me.— With best Wishes for your health I am respectfully Honble Sir Your most obedient Servant
Matt: Ridley

Addressed: The Honorable / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Passy / prés de Paris
Notation: Matt: Ridley Nantes 24. 9bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, [25 November 1778]
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[November 25, 1778]
Le Roi a fait éxpedier, Monsieur, des Passeports pour quatre Batimens anglois, qui doivent venir d’un port Etranger à Dunkerque. Il est également necessaire de les mettre à l’abri d’insultes de la part des Corsaires Americains et je vous prie de m’adresser à cet éffet quatre lettres ostensibles ou passeports, dont ils puissent se servir dans l’occasion. Je vous observe, qu’ils doivent être en blanc ne pouvant être remplis que sur les lieux. J’ai l’Honneur avec beaucoup de considération, Monsieur, Votre très humble et tres obeissant Serviteur—
(signé) De Sartine
M. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 26 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

Dear Grandson,
Passy, Nov. 26. 1778
I receiv’d yours last Evening, with the Copies enclos’d, and am now more certain than before that the whole is a piece of Roguery. As when you receive this, it will be 10 Days since his quitting the Road of Dieppe, if he has not return’d in that time, it is probable he will not return at all; so we would have you return hither without waiting longer for him. If he should hereafter come, and venture on shore, he will be taken by the Orders you leave from the Minister; but I believe he is too cunning for that. My Respects to Mr Baron. I am ever, Your affectionate Grandfather
B Franklin

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur W. T. Franklin / chez M. le Baron / Negociant / à Dieppe


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Leveux, 26 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Leveux, Jacques

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 26. 1778
An English armed Cutter has lately been off Dieppe, and pretending to be an American, has cheated our Friend there out of some Refreshments, &c. and having got the Names of our Friends in other Ports, he may play the same Game all along the Coast. I send you this Notice that you may be upon your Guard—
I requested you some time since to receive & forward to me Mr Collas’s things. If you meet with any Difficulty in obtaining them, please to let me know.
I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr Leveux

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur LeVeux / Negociant / à Calais.—
Notations in different hands: Franklin / Passy francklin recu le 29 9bre 1778 rep le 8 Mars 1779


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Valmont de Bomare, 26 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Valmont de Bomare, Jacques-Christophe

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 26. 1778
Immediately on the Receipt of your Note of the 20th Instant, I made your Proposition to Madam de Chaumont by her Son, she accordingly appointed Wednesday the 25th, which was yesterday, when I expected to find you at Dinner there, and settle with you the other two Points. I imagin’d she would have written to you, she thought her Son had done it, and so it was omitted by all of us, & our Neglect was punished by the Loss of your Company.— If you will do me the honour to come & dine with me on Sunday next, we may then agree on some other Day with that Lady.— For my own Part, I accept with Pleasure the Invitation of Attending your first Lecture on Thursday the third of next Month; and if I can disengage myself from another Engagement, I will also partake of your philosophical Dinner. With great Esteem and Respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
M. Bomare


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Alexis Cadet de Vaux, 26 November 1778
From: Cadet de Vaux, Antoine-Alexis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur le docteur,
ce 26 9bre 1778
Comme Je conçois tout le prix de Votre tems, J’ai l’honneur de vous prévenir qu’il suffira que vous veuilliés bien vous rendre, demain vendredi, ches Mons. du Bourg, entre midi et une heure, au lieu de 11 heures, comme nous en Etions convenus; l’acte qui a lieu ce jour là n’étant pas assés Intéressant, pour que vous l’honoriés d’un bout à l’autre de votre présence.
Je desire que ma cheminée réusisse; et Je ne doute pas que vos conseils ne decident le succès de l’Experience; mais si mon essay était infructueux, J’en serais bien dédomagé par le Bonheur que nous aurons de vous posseder une partie de ce jour à notre college et de vous y donner un témoignage de notre admiration et de nos respects.
J’ose vous supplier de vouloir bien nous emmener Monsieur Votre petit fils.
Je suis avec le plus profond respect, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Cadet

Notation: Cadet Paris ce 28 9bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Solomon de Monchy, 26 November 1778
From: Monchy, Solomon de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
a Rotterdam le 26 Novr: 1778.
Comme j’ai l’honneur de vous être connu, non seulement par les conversations, que nous eûmes autrefois pendant votre séjour ici avec Monsr. Le Chevalier Pringle notre ami commun; mais encore par votre qualité de Membre correspondant de la Société Batave de Philosophie expérimentale de cette ville, dont je suis Directeur; à la sollicitation de mon Gendre Jacob Mounier Négotiant, et Conseiller de la Ville de Middelburg, dans la Province de Zeeland, je prends la liberté de demander votre protection pour un vaisseau, appartenant à mon Gendre, et nommé Neerlands Welvaart, Capitaine C. T. Wessling; chargé en plomb, manufactures &c., parti de Leverpoel pour Salerno et Naples, non pour compte Anglois, mais, comme on me l’a positivement assuré, pour compte Italien; qui a été pris par un vaisseau Amériquain, et conduit à la Nouvelle-Angleterre. Ma demande est donc que ce vaisseau soit déclaré libre, et le fret payé, qu’on accorde un dédommagement pour le tems perdu etc. et que la cargaison soit rendue. S’il étoit possible que votre médiation nous aidât dans cette affaire, vous m’obligerez infinement de me l’accorder.
Il ÿ a deux ans que la Faculté de Médecine de Paris proposa un prix sur la Question suivante: La petite Vérole étant déclarée, existe-t-il un moyen d’énerver l’activite de son virus? et comme les Réponses ne parurent point satisfaisantes, la Faculté proposa une seconde fois la même question au commencement de l’année 1777. Jusqu’ici je n’ai pû découvrir, par les papiers publics, si le prix avoit été remporté, ou si les Réponses avoient encore paru insuffisantes. Si cela ne vous gênoit point, lorsque vous m’honorerez d’une réponse, je serois charmé de recevoir de vous quelqu’éclaircissement sur une matiere aussi importante, et qui intéresse aussi fort les personnes de l’art. Le zele extraordinaire que vous témoignez pour l’avancement de tous les Arts et de toutes les Sciences, me fait espérer que vous excuserez la liberté que je prends de vous interrompre.
A la fin de l’année derniere, j’ai eu la satisfaction de voir ici pendant quelque tems notre ami Mr. Ingenhousz. Je serois bien aise de savoir son addresse, parce que je voudrois lui écrire sur quelques affaires particulieres. Faites moi la grace de croire que l’on ne peut être avec un plus respectueux attachement que moi Monsieur Votre très humble et très affectionné serviteur
S. DE MonchyMed. Doct. & Professor.

Addressed: To / B. Franklin Esqr. / Passÿ / near Paris.
Notation: De Monchy Rotterdam le 26 9bre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 27 October [i.e., November] 1778
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and Dear Sir,
Brest, Octr. [i.e., November] 27th. 1778.
If Mr. Amiel had attempted my life I could not have been more surprised than I have been this day by his telling me that “it is your advice to Mrs. Amiel that he should immediatly proceed from hence to Nantes in order to take passage with her for America”—because “he may possibly find no employment in Europe”— Mrs. Amiels letter is dated the 19th. which consequently was prior to the appearance of my letters of the 16th to your Grandson and M. De Chaumont.— I have read and considered my past letters over and over, and can find nothing in them that I wish had been omitted, or that I concieve can have altered any person who was before my Friend.— Mr. Amiel has already excercised with me near four Months patience in this detested place without any society or hospitallity. After so severe a penance, he ought in reason to be put in a way of redeeming so much lost time; which I think he will not do by taking passage for America. By advices which I have from thence in September every thing was so extremely dear that 8 pounds per week was commonly paid for a persons Board—and the little Navy was in the utmost discredit, so that the Officers even at Boston, could not obtain Men to take care of the few Ships that are remaining.—
But if I am included in your advice to Mrs. Amiel!—Perish that thought.— It is impossible.— Had it been possible for me to anticipate half the heart-aching and Sorrow that I have experienced since my return to Brest—I would have expired on the Rack rather than have undergone as lingering and ignominious a Torment; and I would now lay down my life rather than return to America before my honor is made perfectly whole.
Let them give me powers and I will find a Ship and Men without further loss of time.— If they will allow me a Tender also I know where to find one—and rather than Stop for triffles—if they will agree to my sending suitable prizes to America and Europe at my discretion—I will undertake (should it be required at the risque of my private property) that the Seamens wages shall be paid from the public Funds in America or from the part of prizes which is useually claimed by the Continent.
Your Silence has hurt me—tho I am sensible that I owe much to your good Offices and Wishes.— I beg that I may hear from you—and as I am now determined to leave Brest without Orders, to see what L’Orient will afford for our purpose, please to address to the Care of Mr. Moylan of that City.

I am with Sentiments of true Esteem & Respect Dear Sir Yours Affectionately
Jno P Jones
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: P. Jones. Brest 27. 8bre. 1778.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Mary Hewson], [after 27 November 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson

My dear Friend
[after November 27, 1778]
I am sometimes apprehensive that my not Writing to you, may give you some Pain: but I have fear’d on the other hand that my Writing might subject you to greater Pain. Yet I cannot forbear desiring to know how you do from time to time, & wishing that you should know my Love for you & yours continues unchang’d and unchangeable. I have also great Pleasure in receiving & reading your Letters; and I find that when I do not answer them, I lose that Pleasure by your not continuing to write. I must therefore now and then hazard a Line to you.
I was much pleas’d with the Purpose you seem’d to have of coming over to France; I delay’d writing, either to encourage or discourage it, from the Uncertainty I have long been under whether I should stay here or not; an Uncertainty that I expected would have been remov’d in June or July, but which still continues, in some degree, tho’ I think it is now probable I shall stay. This I shall soon know; and if it is fix’d, I shall be very happy to see you here with all those whom you intended should be of the Party. Travelling in the Winter is disagreable & inconvenient to Women; therefore I would not propose it: but if you shou’d let me know that you resolve upon coming, & when, I will contrive to accommodate you here with suitable Lodgings. Do you think your good Mother is still able to go thro’ the Trouble of being as formerly my Oeconome. Her want of French would be a Difficulty: But that Want, if we made one Family, you could supply. I should be happy in her and your Company. And I could make you happy in the Acquaintance of very agreable People here.
I rejoice to hear that you are likely to have your Affairs finished to your Satisfaction, & that your Health continues. I think you extremely capable of executing with Success & Reputation the Business you had Thoughts of, and which your spending some time here might be a means of promoting. But I hope you will have no Occasion to undertake it. Remember me affectionately to Miss Blunt, Miss Henckels, Miss Barwell, & all other enquiring Friends: Give my respectful Love to your Mother, & believe me ever Your most affectionate Friend & humble Servant.

[In the margin:] How came Viny to break? I send this under Cover to Mr Henckel. You may give yours when you write to me, to Mr Collinson, who can forward it to his corresponding Banker here.—


Title: Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 28 November 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John

Gentlemen.
Chaillot. Novr. 28th. 1778
Your Letter informing me of the Alteration of your Intention, not having reached my House till some time after the Hour you had appointed for setting out for Versailles, I was gone before it arrived. I informed Count Vergennes, that you were coming, & we waited till 5’ O’Clock under no small Embarressment, especially myself, to conceive what detained you.
Count Vergennes says, that as there was such bad Management last year in dispatching our Ships, as to detain the Convoy Six Weeks; he wishes we would write him, when the Ships, for which we now desire a Convoy, will certainly be ready to sail, and he will do all in his Power to obtain what we desire.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Gentlemen. Your Most Ob Servt.
Arthur Lee
Hon. B. Franklin & Jon Adams. Esqrs.

Notation: Hon. A. Lee Nov. 28. 1778—


Title: The American Commissioners to Gentlemen at Nantes, 27 [i.e., 28] November 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Gentlemen at Nantes

Gentlemen
Passy Novr 27 [i.e., 28] 1778.
We are desired by the Ministry to inform ourselves as precisely as possible, at what Time the Vessells bound to America will be ready to Sail.—it is Said that upon a former Occasion the Convoy was obliged to wait a long Time, an Inconvenience that it is wished may be avoided upon this occasion. We beg your earliest Attention to this Matter, and that We may know from you and be able to inform the Minister, as soon as possible, of the Day and the Place when and where the Convoy ought to be ready.
Messrs. J. D Schweighauser Joshua Johnson, Matt. Ridley, Jon. Williams Charles Oglivie, Matt. Meese John Gilbank, Wm. Haywood &c.


Title: John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1778
From: Gilbank, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honourable Gentlemen.
Nantes 28. Nov. 1778
I had the honour of writing to you the 17th. inst. but having reced no Answer take the Liberty to inform You that the Ship I expect to go in to America is expected here hourly—Mr. Livingstone being arrived by Land to day.
Without your compliance with my former request I cannot go with him in which Case I can’t think any blame can fall on me.
Capt. Joiner is now in Paris of whom may be inquired what Rank I bear & what Regiment I belong to.
Mr. Livingstone sails in 6 days at farthest after his Ships arrival here, which only wait for a Wind.
I shall hope, Gentlemen, not be treated with so much Contempt, as not to be favoured with an Answer Which I think my Station entitles me at least to expect.
I am Honourable Gentlemen Your most obedt. hble Servt
Jno. Gilbank1st. Lieut. &c.

Addressed: Aux Honorables / Les Honbles. B. Franklin, A. Lee, et J. Adams, Esqrs. / Plenipotentaires deputès / des treize Etats unìs / de l’Amerique / a Paissy / près de Paris
Notations in different hands: Gillbank 28 Nov. 78 / Mr gilbank


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 29 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Passy Nov. 29. 1778
I have heard nothing from you lately concerning the Exchange of the Prisoners. Is that Affair dropt? Winter is coming on apace. I understand that your charitable Contribution is near expended, and not likely to be renewed. Many of those unfortunate People must suffer greatly. I wish to have a Line from you, informing me what may be depended on. I am as ever, Your affectionate humble Servant
B Franklin
D. Hartley Esqr

Addressed: To / David Hartley Esqr / Member of Parliament / Golden Square / London
Endorsed: DF Nov 29 /78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henri-Maximilien (Henry) Grand, 29 November 1778
From: Grand, Henri-Maximilien (Henry)
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris Novber. the 29th. [1778]
La Personne qui se trouve dans les Circonstançes desagreables que mon Fils a eu lhonneur de vous representer Dimanche dernier, desire infiniment vous entretenir sur le même Sujet, esperant qu’apres vous avoir satisfait sur ses Sentimens & sa façon de pençer, vous voudrez bien lui faire participer, par vos Conseils, a l’Encouragement & l’amitié que vous temoignez a ceux qui sont ou Americains ou partisans de la cause americaine. L’Interet bien vif que je prends a cette même cause m’à engagé a fournir a Mr. Henry Farley l’occasion de se satisfaire en vous presantant ses Respects. Veuillez reçevoir l’assurance du mien & me croire tres parfaitement Monsieur Vôtre très humble & très obeisst. Servr pour mon Pere absent
Hy. Grand

Addressed: The Honourable / Dr. Francklin / Passy.
Notation: H. Grand. Paris 9bre. 29


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon: Four Letters before November 30, 1778
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

We are grouping together four letters from Madame Brillon, three of them unsigned and none completely dated, which appear to be interrelated and to precede her letter of November 30, below. Fragile as it is, we offer here a chronological reconstruction based both on her manner of address, going from a stiff third person to the tender “votre fille,” and on the little we know of external circumstances: the candidacy to the Academy of Sciences of her neighbor, Louis-Guillaume Le Veillard. At some point in late 1777 Le Veillard had presented to the academy a paper on the formation of sulphur, and the commission of judges decided on December 20 that it was fit for publication. Sometime in 1778 he announced his candidacy for adjoint chimiste. Thus letter (I) may belong to the beginning of that year; the “mardi 13” of (II) may refer to January 13, a Tuesday. Since, as Mme. Brillon explains, the electoral process took place in two stages, it is possible that (III) and (IV) were written much later. They both refer to a letter from Franklin, now missing but perhaps written on behalf of Le Veillard, which seems to be the same letter Mme. Brillon mentions in hers of November 30. Therefore, (III) may have been written on November 21, a Saturday, and (IV) on the following day. But the absence of more concrete clues makes it impossible to date these letters with certainty. We therefore offer this tentative chronology as our best guess, and publish the letters without dates.

I.
ce mardi matin
Mde Brillon envoye sçavoir des nouvélles du rhume du papa franklin elle a reçeu une léttre de leur ami mr le veillard qui la charge de réspects et amitiés pour le papa; il revient samedi ou dimanche pour suivre ses projéts sur l’académie; mde Brillon éspére que le papa franklin veut bien pensér aussi a cétte affaire, l’intérest qu’il voudra bien y méttre étant d’un grand poids:
mde Brillon espere que le papa viendra ce soir prendre le thé et la gagnér aux echécs:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / A Passy

II.
ce mardi matin 13 a passy
Je crois mon chér papa comme j’ai eu l’honneur de vous le dire hier, que votre recomandation aux académiciens de votre connoissance sera du plus grand éffét pour mr le veillard; la premiére éléction se fait demain mécredi, il seroit de la plus grande importance pour lui s’il n’est pas nommé, d’avoir les secondes voix, ce qui lui assureroit les premiéres pour l’éléction suivante; il y a deux places vacantes; il s’agiroit mon chér papa de vous donnér la peine d’écrire aujourd’hui aux academiciens que vous connoissés, que vous prenés un intérést trés vif a mr le veillard, et que vous désirés qu’il soit de l’académie; il n’y a pas un instant a pérdre, l’éléction étant pour demain:
Je connois le nombre de vos occupations, et respecte votre tems; mais je crois que vous avés toujours celui de rendre sérvice, votre áme étant faitte pour cétte jouissance; mr le veillard est digne a tous égards d’éstre présenté par vous; mon amitié pour lui, et ma confiance en vous m’ont enhardie a vous demander cette grace; si je l’obtiens je croirés que vous m’aimés bien fort et cela me rendra heureuse; adieu mon chér papa, croyés, et croyés pour toujours que mon réspéct et mon amitié pour vous ne peuvent augmentér, j’ai l’honneur d’estre: Votre trés humble et trés obéissante servante
D’hardancourt Brillon

Je vous envoye la liste des academiciens et leurs demeures, il ne faut leur demander pour l’éléction de demain que les secondes voix, cela est important; il y a tout lieu de croire que notre ami ne sera pas nommé demain, et les premiéres voix qu’il auroit seroient pérdus pour l’éléction suivante, au lieu que les secondes lui assurent ensuitte les premiéres:

Notation: Mde. Brillon

III.
ce samedi matin
Mon bon papa, j’envoye cherchér la léttre que vous voulés envoyér a mr le veillard: votre fille a été bien malade depuis mércredi, elle est mieux aujourd’hui et compte que le plaisir de vous voir cétte aprés midi hastera sa guérison; votre fille vous aime, sa confiance en vous s’augmente chaques jours; si ce fut un bien pour elle toute sa vie d’aimér et d’éstre aimée, de tous les biens votre amitié est le plus grand pour elle; aimés cétte fille, son coeur est ouvért au vostre, son coeur est a vous.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy

IV.
ce dimanche matin
Je vous prie mon chér papa de lire la léttre que j’écris a mon ami, l’abbé de St non et de vouloir bien me la renvoyér, avéc célle que vous me chargés de faire parvenir a mon voisin; je ne sçaurois vous dire combien j’ai été contrariée de voir entre les mains de gents qu’a peine je connois, une léttre de vous que j’avois confiée a un ami: je sens bien, que cette léttre ne peut que faire l’éloge de celui qui l’a écrit, et honorér celle qui l’a reçuë! mais j’aime a mérittér l’éstime d’un homme comme vous par une conduitte sage et modéste, et a en jouir dans le silence; on m’a présque donné l’air d’une fémme légére, et cela m’afflige; au moins mon papa ne le croira pas, il connoist trop mon coeur pour cela, il sçait que l’amitié seule est l’objét de tous mes désirs, que j’aime la vértu puisque je l’aime lui bien tendrement; que je crains le monde, et que je désire sur toutes choses d’estre oubliée des indifférents:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 30 November 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir,
Passy Novr 30 1778
In Answer to your Excellencys Letter of the Twenty fifth of this Month, We have the Honour to inclose, four Papers, with Blancs to be filled as your Excellency may have occasion. These Requests being all the Protection in our Power to give, We hope will have the desired Effect and We have the Honour to be &c
M De Sartine


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 30 November 1778
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 30 novembre [1778]
Voici mon chér papa une léttre du voisin qui vous trouve bien bon de lui avoir écrit, la léttre qu’il m’écrit ne parle que de sa reconnoissance; il vous aime, vous connoit vous apprécie si bien, qu’il deviendroit mon ami par la maniére dont il vous rend justice s’il ne l’étoit depuis bien longtems par ses qualités pérsonnelles.
Nous avons été hiér chés mr mauduit, qui nous a reçu parfaittement, quoique bien fasché de ne vous pas voir; j’avois aussi le coeur tout gros; les couleurs des oiseaux m’ont semblé moins belles, que si je les eusse vues avéc vous: mr mauduit viendra mércredi prendre le thé chés moi, avéc un officiér qui désire fort vous voir; c’est celui qui a amené prisonniér un vaisseau anglois qui avoit pris d’abord le petit bastiment sur lequ’él il etoit; j’ai promis de vous engagér a venir de bonne heure, j’ai dit que j’éspérois que vous ne me refuseriés pas cétte marque d’amitié; adieu mon chér papa ne me distes plus Et aimés moi un peu plus croyés que pérsonne ne vous aima, ne vous aime ne vous aimera jamais plus que moi; mon coeur, le plus tendre des coeurs, a toujours eu un tact sur pour bien aimér ce qui est bon et vértueux; qui pourroisje aimér plus que vous!


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Baron, 30 November 1778
From: Le Baron, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur.
A Dieppe ce 30: 9bre 1778.
J’ay vu arriver icy Monsieur votre petit fils avec grand plaisir, j’aurois desiré qu’il eut eu plus de succés de son voyage, je crois maintenant que le prétendu Corsaire la Concorde ne paroitra plus, au surplus il n’aura tiré aucun fruit de sa supercherie.
Monsieur franklin devoit me laisser une lettre pour remettre au prétendu Capitaine Job Prinse sil venoit chercher réponse à sa lettre, afin de l’engager à venir à terre; il l’a oublié et moy aussi; si vous jugez que cela soit nécessaire, je vous prie de m’en envoyer une, et m’indiquer la conduite que je dois tenir, sil est arrêté suivant les ordres que Mr. notre Commissaire en a de Mr. Desartine.
Je vous fais mes remerciements de vouloir bien vous charger de me tenir compte des débours que j’ai fait à cette occasion. Mr. franklin en a pris la notte, et s’est chargé de les remettre chez Mr. Le Roux chez qui je fais mes payements.
Il doit être de retour chez vous, je le prie de recevoir l’assurance de nos très humbles civilitez, plusieurs persones de la société où il s’est trouvé m’ont chargé de mille compliments, surtout Mr. et Mde. d’Ausseville et de Mde. la Marquise de Pardieu, nous avons été trés flattes d’avoir fait connoissance avec le petit fils d’un homme que l’Europe et l’Amérique regardent avec admiration.

Je serai toujours charmé de vous prouver en toutte occasion le zele et l’attachement respectueux avec lequel j’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur Votre trés humble et trés obéissant serviteur
Le Baron

P.S. Je vous renvoye une lettre que je viens de recevoir pour Mr. votre petit fils.

Notation: Baron Diepe 30. 9bre. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis-Geron Masseure, 30 November 1778
From: Masseure, Francis-Geron
To: Franklin, Benjamin

St. Malo, Novm ye. 30. 1778
May it Please your Excellency I have Taken Liberty of Righting these Few Lines and hope they will find your Excellency well and am Very Sorow to in form your Excellency of My sad Misfortune of Falling into the hands of the Enemy on the 9 Day of Sepm. as I had a packit on Board from his Excellency Partrick Henry of Virginia which was to have been Dispatcht. to your Excellency att. Paris on My arivel But as I found I Must fall a Sacrafice to the Enemy I throw it overboard acording to My orders: and I have the Pleasure to in form your Excellency of My Ascape from the Enemy on the 30. November and am att Present in Sant. Malo. wateend on oppertunaty to Proseed to Virginia from whence I Came if your Excellency has aney Vassell fiting out for a mareca and in want of a Commander I Should be grately Obligd. to your Excellencys. Sarves and Very Glad to Sarve My Cuntry. I Left Virginia on the 31. of July on board of a Schooner belonging to Virginia. . . . I have the Pleasure to in form your Excellency that when I Left Virginia the in habatence ware in high Spririts and Detarmind to Siport there in Depandence with a Spirit becoming The Suns of Liburty. I have Northing of News to inform your Excellency with but what is Reported to Day which is Very Oncerten that is The French has taken Monserat and The Granarda. . . .
I Should be Gratly Obligd. to your Excellency for an answare by the first Post.
I Conclud in Being your Excellencys. Most Obedant Humble Servent—
Francis Geron Masseure

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Benjaman. Franklin Esqr. / att. / Paris—


Title: Franklin’s List of Books Lent, November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Nov. 1778
Books lent
To Mr Le Roy, Adair on Heat
  Count. Montfort Priestly on Education

  Abbé de la Roche two Geneva Pamphlets
  Swedish Ambassador—Carver’s Travels


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Genet, 1 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Genet, Edme-Jacques

Sir
Dec. 1, 1778
I sent some Boston Papers, (as late as the first of October,) last Week, to Mr Vergennes. I suppose you saw them. They contain particular Accounts of the great Harmony between Count D’Estaing’s Fleet & the People of the Country.
I never heard of Gen. Washington’s writing such a Letter as you mention, and therefore I believe the Story to be false.
I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
B. Franklin

Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur Genet / Chef du Bureau des Interpréts / Versailles


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 1 December 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Versailles 1er. Xbre. 1778
J’ai reçu, Messieurs, les quatre Recommandations que vous avez bien voulu m’adresser pour des navires Anglois, et je vous prie d’en recevoir mes remercimens.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec beaucoup de Consideration, Messieurs, votre tres humble et très obeissant serviteur
(signé) De Sartine
Mrs. Les Deputés des Etats unis de l’a.


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, December 2, 1778, in French: Enclosed is the resolution I promised, which deserves to be published in both English and French. I hope for good news from America before the Provincial States [of Holland] reassemble in ten to twelve days. The London Evening Post of November 26 reports Clinton has been roughly handled.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Thiéry, 3 December 1778
From: Thiéry, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
à Paris, le 3. Xbr. 1778
On m’a envoyé de Province une lettre de change de 2000 l.t. de France dattée du 17 aout 1778 a St Pierre de la martinique a votre adresse ainsi qu’a celle de mr. Jean Adams. Elle est a deux mois de vue, a l’ordre de mr. Miguel, rentier de Nancy, qui me prie de la toucher. Il y est dit que cette somme de 2000 l.t. de France est valeur recue comptant de mr. Oreste(?) en celle de 3000 l.t. argent des isles, que vous passerés a Compte des Etats unis de L’Amerique, suivant la resolution du Congrés du 16 Avril 1778 et suivant l’avis de votre serviteur Bingham. Au bas on lit, a mess. Benjamin Franklin et Jean Adams commissaires des Etats unis de l’Amerique.
Vous m’oblïgerés, Monsieur, de vouloir bien me faire dire, si vous avés reçu la dite precedente lettre d’avis, si vous acceptés la lettre de change de 2000 l.t. de France, et en ce cas, dans quel tems vous voudrés l’aquitter ou faire acquitter, et si avant le payement il est necessaire que vous acceptiés par ecrit.
Je suis fort aise que cette occasion se presente de vous renouveller mes anciens sentimens de respect et de veneration et avec lesquels je serai toute ma vie, Monsier, Votre tres humble et tres obeïssant serviteur
Thiéry ecuyer, medecin consultant du roi,de la Faculté de Paris &c. rue St. Honorévis-a-vis le petit hotel de Noailles.

Notation: Thiery 3. Xbre. 1778.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, 4 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Chaumont, Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de

Dec. 4. 9e heure de soir—[1778]
Extrait d’une Lettre de Boston, datée le 28 Octobre 1778.
  Le General Heath de cette Ville a recu hier un Exprés de General Washington, portant que 17 Vaisseaux de Ligne, 20 Fregates, & 170 Vaiseaux de Transport, avoient partis de la Nouvelle York le 19 de ce Mois, & qu’il étoit soupçonné qu’ils étoient destinées pour attaquer Boston.— Il y a d’autres qui croient qu’ils vont aux Isles de Sucre. Ce dernier Opinion je m’imagine est le plus vraisemblable, la Saison étant si avancée, qu’il sera trop hazardeux pour eux d’entrer nôtre Baye—
  Voici, Monsieur, le principal Article de nos Nouvelles.— Il y a dans les Papiers plusieurs Articles qui paroissent annoncer l’Intention de nos Enemis de quitter la Nouvelle York. Je suis, &c.
B Franklin

Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur de Chaumont


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Horatio Gates, 4 December 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend
Boston 4th: Decem: 1778—
This letter will be put into your Hand by The Chevallier de Ramondis, late Captain of The Cæsar Ship of War of 74 Gunns, one of the Squadron of Count destaing: He had the misfortune to lose his Arm, in an Engagement off the Coast, & has since been here for the recovery of his Wound. He is a fine Old Officer of long Service, & Great Merit. I hope he will be Generously rewarded for his sufferings, and Heroic Behaviour— The Chevallier has this morning been presented with a Sword by the Council of this State, and a very Polite Compliment, in the Name of The Inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay—I have wrote a letter by the Marquis de la Fayette to the Count Destaing. A duplicate thereof goes in a few days to the West Indies, if the Count is not in France, my letter will be deliver’d where you will see it.— Appearances seem to indicate the Enemy’s Evacuation of New York, & Rhode Island. What has been resolved at Westminster, may very suddenly change the Prospect; you know how the Political Pulse beats in England, we impatiently expect to be as well inform’d—Party Spirit begins to be somewhat Vehement in America, the Natural consequence of The supineness of our British Foe. I am Dear Friend Your Affectionate humble Servant
Horatio Gates
Honorable Doctor Franklin

Notations in different hands: horatio Gates. Boston 4e. xbre. 1778. / Horatio Gates 4 Decr. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 4 December 1778
From: Genet, Edme-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond Sir
Vlles. dec. 4. 1778
I had in time the papers you mention and you’ll See a translation of the article in question in no. L. which comes forth to morrow.— There you’ll See too the King’s Speech with an abstract of the debate in both houses, which I Suppose you already Know. I hope they’ll please our french readers, who universally take the greatest interest to the american cause now become our own.
I am with great respect Hond. Sir Your most humble and obedient Servant
Genet

P.S. The lye about Gen. Washington I have treated as it diserves.

Addressed: M. Benjamin Franklin Deputé / du Congres a Passy


Title: The American Commissioners to Gentlemen at Nantes, 5 December 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Gentlemen at Nantes

Gentlemen,
Passy Decr 5. 1778
We have, the Mortification to be informed, that our Answer to your Letter, requesting Us to join, in your Request to the Ministry for a Convoy has never reached you. We have the Honour to Send you a duplicate of that which We wrote you on the Eleventh Ulto. and send forth with. We also inclose Copy of our other Letter to you of the Twenty Seventh Ulto., least that should have miscarried also. We have the Honour to be, with great affection & Respect Gentn, your most obedient and most humble Sevt.
Messrs J. D. Schweighauser &c and others Nantes


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1778: résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, December 5, 1778: A brig owned in La Rochelle arrived here December 2, having left Boston November 4 and having sailed thirty-six hours with Admiral d’Estaing. Rumor had it that the fleet was to attack Halifax. Another vessel equipped by Chaumont’s friend, Decater, arrived at Auray, having sailed with the admiral until November 7 when she separated from the fleet. It is said Admiral Byron left New York November 2 with seventeen ships and one hundred transports with five thousand troops. The Boston, the Providence, and the Ranger all arrived with prizes in Boston.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Elisha Clark, 5 December 1778
From: Clark, Elisha
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bolbec [Normandy] December 5the. 1778on Parole—
Inclosed I send your Excellency a Letter from My friend Dr Williams of London if your Excellency Can Comply with the Requst youle Confer an obligation on your most Obedant and humble Servant
Elisha Clark

Addressed: TO / His Excellency Benja. Francklin Esqur. / A Paris—
Notations in different hands: E. Clark & G Williams Bilboa 5 Decr. 1778 / Letter from E. Clark and G. Williams / Dec 5 [torn: 1778?]


Title: The American Commissioners to Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie., 6 December 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie.

Gentlemen
Passy Decr 6. 1778
We have never received from you, any Intelligence concerning the Progress, which you have made, in the Loan, which has been opened by you for the united States of America. We are anxious to be informed that We may be able to acquaint our Constituents, and regulate our own Conduct in other Things. We should therefore be obliged to you for the earliest Information possible, and are your most obt. humble Servants
Messrs Horneca Fitzeaux & Co. Amsterdam.