Title: Montaudoüin to the American Commissioners, 28 January 1777
From: Montaudoüin de La Touche, Jean-Gabriel
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Messieurs
Nantes 28 Jer 77
J’ai reçû la lettre dont vous m’avéz honoré le 21 de ce mois. Je ne crois pas qu’aucun particulier veüille entreprendre d’acheter, d’armer pour son compte le batiment en question, et de le livrer a ses risques dans quelque port de vôtre pais. On ne trouveroit pas d’assurances solides pour une telle entreprise, et les particuliers sont imprudens quand il faut courir des risques aussi considerables. Mais ces risques peuvent être tentés aisement pour le compte du Congrés sans qu’il paroisse en rien dans l’expedition. De cette maniere je ne pense pas que Le Gouvernement y voit obstacle, puisque voilà plusieurs expeditions dans le même gout.
Je fus fort surpris, Messieurs, de voir arriver dans mon cabinet Dimanche dernier a 9 heures du matin Mr. Ducoudray. Je savois le depart de L’Amphitrite du 24. Je le croiois de mer. Il m’aprit qu’il avoit eû ordre de ne pas partir sur ce batiment, et qu’il alloit joindre le Mercure. Il me demanda une lettre pour Mr. Williams qui etoit parti le même matin pour Painbeuf pour expedier le Mercure. Je mandai a Mr. Williams qu’il me paroissoit d’une grande consequence pour vôtre pais que Mr. Ducoudray s’y rendit avec ses principaux officiers. Ce matin Mr. Ducoudray m’est revenu, et m’a apris que Messieurs Williams et Peletier Dudoyer n’avoient pas trouvés convenable qu’il s’embarqua sur ce batiment. Il est revenu avec tout son monde vous ne tarderés pas a le revoir. Je suis bien touché de ce contretems. Je crains qu’on n’ait pris l’effroi trop aisement. Il paroît que l’agent qui a êtè envoié au Port Loüis pour le depart de L’Amphitrite a êtè aussi peu circonspect que celui qui a êtè au havre. Je vous exhorte, Messieurs, a bien choisir ceux a qui vous confiés vos interests. On ne peut mettre trop de prudence dans des affairres de cette nature. Il paroît que l’ordre expedié pour empecher le depart de Mr. Ducoudray a êtè accordé aux importunités du Lord Stormont. Je suis avec un respect infini Messieurs vôtre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Montaudoüin

Je prie très humblément Monsieur franklin d’agréer mes remercimens de ce qu’il a eû la bonté de m’envoier. Voici une lettre de Mr. Williams. Le Mercure a dû descendre hier au soir a St. Nazaire au bas de la Riviere. Le vent n’est pas bon aujourd’huy. Mr. Williams n’est pas remonté de Painbeuf.

Notation: Montaudoin, Nantes 28 Janv. 77


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 29 January 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes Jan. 29. 1777.
My last was written on board Ship at Painbeuf, after sealing it Mr. Niver came on board and I repeated to him my offer to take 4 passengers. I told him to avoid giving any preference, they might settle among themselves either by Lot or otherwise who those 4 should be. He returned without deciding whether he would go or not. The Wind having fail’d us the Ship could not sail that night, I therefore came on shore and found that Mr. DuCoudray and the great part of his officers had returned to Nantes, Mr. Rogers and 5 others remain’d. I again repeated my offer to Mr. Rogers, and particularly with regard to himself, he said he could not think of Going without Mr. DuCoudray unless he had orders so to do from Mr. Deane, and so the others had determined. As there then remained places, and as the Chevalier deBorre came within Mr. Deane’s allowance I consented to his going in the Ship. The Chevalier duPlessis also took passage paying to Mr. Peltier 400 Livres: these 2 are all the passengers on board.
I thought it proper that the best Invoice that I could collect should be sent, I therefore took the liberty to write the inclosed Letter and sent with it. This Letter with all yours, have a particular mark to distinguish their importance, which the Captain only knows, and all Letters and papers that have any relation to America are put into one packet. The passengers also consented to deliver up their Letters of Recommendation and every paper that related as above, which are also at the sole disposal of the Captain. We directed him to tie a cannon Ball to these packets so that in case of being unable to avoid an Examination they may be sunk. The Captain has the sole and supreme authority on board. As nothing more remain’d to do, We returned to Nantes leaving strict orders with the Captain to sail the next morning if possible, if it should be calm we told him to tow down with the Tide, and I flatter myself he is now out of the River. The Chevalier de Borre voluntarily gave me the inclosed paper.
Mr. Du Coudray I hear is gone to Bourdeaux but I rather think he is gone to Paris, if so you will no doubt hear his account of my proceedings. With regard to him, I hope I shall stand justified, for I did not refuse him; but as Mr. Deane appeared very much dissatisfied with his Conduct, as he had such a quantity of Baggage which there was not room in the ship for, as there was a positive order from the King for him to return to his Regiment, and as the Letter to Mr. Peltier announced him to have deceived all concerned and that you had found him out tho’ unhappily too late, I thought I had no Right to take an active part in his Favour, more especialy as if I had taken an active part it would have avail’d nothing, as in this particular Mr. Peltier would not have obey’d my orders. With regard to the other officers I confined Myself to Mr. Deane’s Discription of those that were to go and the Number the Ship could conveniently take. If they did not choose to accept my offer it is their Fault and not mine.
I mentioned in my last that we should be obliged to leave out 40 Bales, but when we came to store the Water and Wood we found ourselves obliged to leave out 43. Mr. de Francy is arrived from L’orient and with Mr. Peltier is about buying a Ship for these Goods and those that are expected, which will amount to upwards of 200 Bales and some of them amasing large ones. If they were closely press’d and pack’d without straw they would not occupy above ⅔ the place they now require. As by my Instructions I am not expected to make any Engagements either as to Ship or Cargo, I shall be a Spectator only of these operations, but justice obliges me to say that the Conduct of Mr. Peltier has been so satisfactory that I not only think him capable but disposed to do the best for all concerned. I have the Honor to be Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant
J Williams Junr

PS The Mercurys provisions upon a Calculation of 5 months will afford upwards of 2 pound of meat and Vegitables per man per day, and 40 Gallons Water per head, which I think sufficient.
The Honourable The Deputies of the United States

Notations: Mr Williams Nantes Jany. 29th 1777. DeCoudray and french officers [in another hand:] to Hon: Deputies U.S.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Dodd, 29 January 1777
From: Dodd, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Jan. 29. 1777.
I make no Apology for troubling you with a request I have heretofore made, of conveying the inclosed Letter, if possible, to a worthy young Woman, who in an unfortunate Hour, went to America; and to whose fortunes and situation there I am a stranger. Anxious for the success of the grand struggle in which you are engag’d, I cou’d have been happy in conversing with you, when I was at Paris; but you was not then arriv’d. If you shou’d see or converse with Mr. Mante who resides at Diepe, but is frequently at Paris, He knows my sentiments, and wou’d be happy to communicate with you. I am Sir with very great Esteem Your obedient humble Servant
W. Dodd
It is not possible to effect a reconciliation? How happy cou’d I be to be any way instrumental in it!

Addressed: Docr. Franklin / Paris.
Notation: Dr Dodd Jan 29. 77.


Title: The American Commissioners to Thomas Morris, 30 January 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Morris, Thomas

Sir.
Paris. Jan. 30th. 1777.
We are inform’d that the Cargoes at Nantes, have been disposed of some time past, yet we are still without any remittance from you. The Congress directed you to pay Mr. Dean for the purposes of our Embassy the sum of ten Thousand pounds; this you must consider as the first and most Important obligation of that kind on you; we therefore must urge your immediate Complying with this order of Congress, and that you remit to Mr. Dean this sum for our use. We have many occasions for money in the public service besides our subsistence, and can by no means consider any partial or temporary supplies in that way as adequate to our purpose: Mr. Gruel, Mr. Montandoin or Mr. Schweighauser will undertake to remit the money hither, immediately on its being lodg’d in either of their hands, as we shall direct. We expect your answer by the first post, and are Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants

    (Signed)

  B Franklin

   Silas Deane
  Arthur Lee

  Paris Janvier 30e. 1777. Endorsed: B. Franklin &ca.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gruel, 30 January 1777
From: Gruel, Jacques-Barthélémy
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Nantes le 30: Janvier 1777
J’ay reçu en son temps la lettre que vous avés pris la peine de m’ecrire le 27 Xbre. dernier. Je suis ainsy que tous les miens tres sensibles aux choses obligeantes que vous nous dîtes, nous desirerions beaucoup que vos affaires vous permîssent de recevoir a la Barberie nos sinceres remerciments de votre gracieux souvenir, nous nous flatons que pour faire trêve à vos grandes occupations, vous nous donnerés la satisfaction de vous y posseder au retour de la belle saison. Vous y trouverés des amis qui vous sont toujours sincerement attachés, et qui ne cesseront de vous etre entierement devoues.
Je reçois l’honneur de la votre du 25: Courant par la quelle vous me demandés a quoy peuvent monter les indigo que j’ay reçu par la fregate la Represaille Capitaine Mr. Wilcken. Vous aurés eté instruit par Mr. Sollier que j’avois vendû cette teinture 7 l.t., ce qui fait un bon prix vû qu’elle etoit chargée de poussiere et grabat, ce qui en diminue la valeur; le net produit se monte a la somme de 41571 l.t.: 17 s: 6: d: sur la quelle somme je vous ay compté icy celle de 2400 l.t. J’ay depuis fait divers petits debours pour votre compte dont je vous enverray la notte par le premier courier, mais il vous revient aux environs de la somme de trente neuf mille livres que vous devés toucher a Paris des mains de Mr. Sollier. Je luy ai remis cette somme, ainsy vous en pouvés disposer à votre gré, et de plus forte somme si vous le jugés a propos. Mon dit Sieur Sollier aura toujours des fonds à vos ordres.
Je suis occupé à expedier dans ce moment le navire le Chester Capitaine Sieur folger pour Nantuket, et le navire du Congrés [le] Succés Capitaine Sieur anderson pour philadelphie. Je vous prie de ne pas differer à m’envoyer vos depeches, je les recommanderay aux Capitaines.
Monsieur Williams votre neveu m’a fait le plaisir de me remettre un petit livre contenant les articles de confederation des treize Etats unis de l’amerique. Je les ay lû avec une vraye satisfaction. Je ne peux que vous faire mes justes et sinceres remerciments de votre souvenir. Je vous prie de me le continuer, et de me donner toujours une petite part dans votre bienveillance. Je la meriteray par l’inviolable attachement que je ne cesserai de vous voüer, ainsy qu’a tous ceux qui vous appartiennent.
Je garde votre lettre pour Mr. Wilckes. Je la luy remettray lorsqu’il reviendra, il a mis en mer samedi dernier 26.Courant.
Tous les miens reconnoissants comme ils doivent l’etre de tout ce que vous me chargés de leur dire d’obligeant, me chargent de vous faire agreer leur civilités respectueuses, ainsy Mesdemoiselles de la Selle qui ne sont pas moins sensibles que nous à votre gracieux souvenir. Voulés-vous bien faire mention de nous tous auprès de Monsieur votre fils franklin. Ces Demoiselles esperent qu’elles pouront cet eté converser avec luy en français, nous l’invitons tous à vous accompagner dans le voyage que vous nous flatés devoir faire cet eté à la Barberie, ce sera pour nous un surcroit d’une veritable satisfaction, c’est ce dont je vous prie d’etre bien persuadé. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeïssant Serviteur
J Gruel

Notation: Gruel, Nantes 30 Janv. 77


Title: The American Commissioners: Memorandum to Vergennes, 1 February 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

This memorandum, most of it in Franklin’s hand, marks a distinct departure from the position that he generally maintained. He “was from the first averse to warm and urgent solicitations with the Court of France,” Silas Deane remarked years later. “His age and experience, as well as his philosophical temper, led him to prefer a patient perseverance, and to wait events, and to leave the Court of France to act from motives of interest only.” Perhaps the intelligence of British plans for the Chesapeake, fallacious as it was, jolted him for the moment out of his patient perseverance. Perhaps he deferred to the views of his fellow commissioners, as he had previously deferred to the views of Congress, and acted against his better judgment “that a Virgin State should preserve the Virgin Character, and not go about suitering for Alliances, but wait with decent Dignity for the applications of others.”

Paris Feby. 1st. 1777.
Messrs. Franklin, Dean, and Lee, Ministers from the Congress of the United States, beg leave to represent to his Excellency the Count de Vergennes.
That, besides the general alarming Accounts of the successes of the English against their Country, they have received authentic Intelligence, from England, that eight thousand Men, chiefly Germans, under the command of General Burgoyne, are to be sent, early in the Spring, to America; and to be employed with some Ships of War, in the Invasion of Virginia and Maryland.
That if not by some means diverted, from their Design; it will be in their Power to destroy a great part of that country, as the Houses and Estates of the principal Inhabitants are situated on the navigable Waters, and so separated from each other, as to be incapable of being defended from arm’d Vessels conveying Troops, the place of whose landing cannot be foreseen, and consequently Force cannot be assembled in all places sufficient to oppose them.
That great Danger is also to be apprehended from the Blacks of those Colonies, who being excited and armed by the English, may greatly strengthen the Invaders; at the same time that the fear of their Insurrection, will prevent the white Inhabitants from leaving their places of Residence, and assembling in such numbers for their own defence against the English, as otherwise they might do.
That the greater part of the Tobacco of those Colonies is probably collected, as usual in the Warehouses of the Inspectors, which are also situated on the navigable Waters, and will be liable to be taken, and destroyed by the Invaders.
That the Destruction of these two Colonies, may probably make a great Impression on the Minds of the People in the rest, who seeing no prospect of Assistance from any European Power, may become more inclined to listen to terms of Accomodation.
That the supplys of Arms and Munitions of War, which they have been made to expect from France, having been by various means delayed and retarded, are not likely to arrive before the Commencement of next Campaign, and may perhaps be dispair’d of, especially if those supplies are to be carried first to the French Islands.
That notwithstanding the Measures taken to convince the Court of Britain, that France does not countenance the Americans, that Court according to our information, believes firmly the Contrary; and it is submitted to the Consideration of your Excellency, whether if the English make a Conquest of the American States, they will not take the first Opportunity of shewing their resentment, by begining themselves the War that would otherways be avoided, and perhaps begining it as they did the last, without any previous declaration.
Upon the whole we cannot on this Occasion omit expressing our Apprehensions, that if Britain is now suffered to recover the Colonies, and annex again their great growing Strength and Commerce to her own she will become the most formidable Power by Sea and Land that Europe has yet seen, and assuredly, from the natural Pride and insolence of that People, a Power to all the other States the most intolerable and pernicious.
We therefore would with deference submit it to the wisdom of his Majesty and his Ministers, whether if the independency of the united States of America and the freedom of a Commerce with them with the consequent diminution of british power, be an object of importance to all Europe, and to France in particular, this is not the proper time for effectual exertions in their favor; and for commencing that war, which can scarcely be much longer avoided, and which will be sanctifyd, by the best of justifications, that a much injurd and innocent people will thereby be protected, and deliverd from the most cruel oppression, and securd in the enjoyment of their just rights; than which nothing can contribute more to the glory of his Majesty and this Nation.
The critical situation of our country, will apologize for earnestly requesting your Excellency to grant us an interview as early as possible; when we may personally explain what we have stated above, and mention other subjects of great importance to both Countries.
B FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee


Title: Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, 1 February 1777
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

A Paris ce 1er. fr. 1777
MM. Dubourg, Debout et Compagnie, ayant pris des engagemens pour fournir a la ferme generale vingt mille boucauts de tabac des crus de la Virginie et du Mariland, se proposent de porter de france dans les ports des Etats unis de l’Amerique des marchandises de fabrique françoise, pour rapporter en retour non seulement des tabacs, mais diverses autres denrées de l’Amerique, à l’avantage reciproque des deux nations.
Ils implorent avec confiance à ce titre la faveur de Messieurs Franklin, Deane et Lee, et la protection du Congrés continental, pour leur faciliter la vente et debit des marchandises Europeennes, et l’achat et aquisition des denrées Americaines à des prix justes et raisonables; et pour leur procurer et assurer la libre entrée et sortie des ports du Continent de l’Amerique, et la sureté de la navigation dans ses parages, autant que la conjoncture presente le comporte.
Ils s’efforceront de meriter cette faveur et cette protection par leur zele et leur fidelité, et par le plus grand empressement a pourvoir a tous les besoins que ces memes conjonctures occasionnent aux genereux habitans des Etats unis, et a leurs dignes et respectables Chefs.
Dubourg

Notation: M. Dubourg’s Request


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Duportail, 1 February 1777
From: Duportail, Louis Lebègue de Presle
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
pithiviers le 1er. fevrier 1777
Mr. de laumoy un de mes compagnons de voyage desirant avoir l’honneur de vous voir se presentera chèz vous lundi 3, a sept heures du soir, Je vous prie de vouloir bien donner des ordres pour qu’il soit reçu et que personne d’ailleurs ne le trouve chèz vous, ainsi que nous en sommes convenus pour moy même. Cet officier vous dira que nous esperons pouvoir estre vers le 15 de ce mois à nantes ou à bordeaux selon qu’il faudra s’embarquer à l’un ou l’autre port. Mais j’ose surtout de vous recommander de prendre le moyen qui nous expose le moins à estre pris ou, si nous avions ce malheur, qui nous expose le moins à de mauvais traitemens. J’ai l’honneur d’etre
Duportail

Je compte estre mercredy au soir à paris toujours à l’hotel d’hollande Ruë du bouloy


Title: The American Commissioners: Two Resolutions, 2 February 1777, 5 February 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To:

The context of these resolutions is the commissioners’ memorandum to Vergennes of February 1, in which they urged France to enter the war. Their instructions gave them almost no practical leverage for achieving that end, and they were considering how far they could stretch the instructions. Congress had authorized them to promise, in the event of a French alliance, that neither party would make a separate peace without six months’ notice to the other. In the first of the commissioners’ resolutions they authorize themselves, if need be, to promise no separate peace, or aid to the common enemy, or relaxation of effort while the war continues. This assumption of authority must have seemed to them, or at least to one of them, extremely dangerous; hence their dramatic pledge, three days later, to do whatever might be needful at the risk of liberty or life. Lee wrote this second resolution, and he was prone to drama if not melodrama. Perhaps his fellow commissioners expected some answer from Vergennes that would put their resolution to the test; more probably Franklin and Deane, for the very reason that they had no such expectation, were willing to humor Lee.

I.
Paris, Feby. 2d. 1777.
It is considered that in the present situation of things at the Courts of France and Spain, we find no probability of obtaining any effectual aid, alliance, or declaration of War against Great Britain, without the following stipulation; therefore
We the Commissioners plenipotentiary from the Congress of the United States of America, are unanimously of Opinion, that if France or Spain should conclude a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with our States, and enter into a War with Great Britain in consequence of that, or of open aid given to our States, it will be right and proper for us, or in absence of the others, for any one of us, to stipulate and agree that the United States, shall not separately conclude a Peace, nor aid Great Britain against France or Spain, nor intermit their best exertions against Great Britain during the continuance of such War. Provided always that France and Spain, do on their part enter into a similar stipulation, with our States.
B FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee

II.
Paris, Feby. 5th 1777.
It is farther considered, that in the present peril of the liberties of our Country, it is our duty to hazard every thing in their support and defence.
Therefore Resolvd unanimously,
That if it shoud be necessary, for the attainment of any thing, in our best judgment, material to the defence and support of the public cause; that we shoud plege our persons, or hazard the censure of the Congress by exceeding our Instructions, we will, for such purpose most chearfully risque our personal liberty or life.
B FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee

Notation: Resolution of the Commrs. Feb. 2. 1777 likewise a Resolution of Feb. 5. 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from M. and Mme. de Saint Wast, 2 February 1777
From: St. Wast, Madame —— Modenx de,St. Wast, Madame —— Modenx de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

2. fevrier 1777. Ruë st. honoré vis avis les jacobins
  Monsieur franklin et monsieur son petit fils sont priés de la part de Mr. et Made. de st. Wast de leur faire l’honneur de venir diner chés eux mercredy prochain 5. fevrier.


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3[–14] February 1777
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

3e.[–14] fevr. 1777
Depuis mes deux Lettres de la fin de Dec. et du 21e. Janvr., dans la dernière desquelles je vous ai rendu compte des lettres reçues du commis de la Maison que vous savez, et de ma présentation au Facteur, j’en ai reçu une autre du premier, dont voici copie.
La haie 21e. Janvr. 1777
“J’ai l’honneur de vous informer que je partirai demain, &c.”
Le 30e. Janvr. je reçus la lettre de Mr. Carm[ichael] du Havre le 21e. Janvr. Indépendamment du grand plaisir que m’a causé sa lettre en me donnant de ses nouvelles, j’ai été bien aise de profiter de cette occasion pour entamer la correspondance avec —— et j’écrivis à ce sujet la Lettre suivante 1er fevr. “Enfin il y a eu &c.”
A cette Lettre j’en joignis une pour Mr. le Commis comme suit “1r fevr. Quoique je m’attendisse &c.”

14e. fevr. 1777.
Ce qui précede étoit écrit, Messieurs, lorsque le paquet dont vous m’avez favorisé en date du 28e. Janv. me parvint le 4e. de ce mois. Il est superflu de dire combien il m’a fait plaisir. Je me mis tout de suite à copier et traduire celle de Mr. Lee, et je l’envoyai au Grand Facteur avec la lettre suivante: 6e. fev. “Dans l’esperance &c.”
Le surlendemain, Samedi matin 8e. j’allai à Lahaie. En passant, je donnai moi-même au portier du grand facteur un paquet contenant copie et traduction des 3 Lettres de Mr. Franklin, des ler. Octob. 23 Dec. 28e. Janv. dernier, comme aussi de celle du Comm. de la Corresp. Secrète du 24e. Octob. dernier avec une autre de moi, dont je n’ai pas gardé copie, où je marquai que j’étois prêt à montrer les originaux de toutes, et notamment de celle du Committé. Rendu de là chez moi, j’y trouvai la réponse du G.F. à mes deux précédentes, dont voici copie:
“J’ai reçu, M. les deux Lettres &c.”
Une heure après, l’un des Secretaires du Gr. Fr. vint me dire de sa part qu’il m’attendoit à 5 h. du soir. J’y fus reçu fort gracieusement. Il commença par me dire, qu’il m’étoit bien obligé, comme particulier, qui prenoit un intérêt de Spectateur à ce qui se passoit en Am. de lui communiquer ainsi les Lettres de mes amis, et qu’il me prioit très fort de continuer en ce sens: que si Mr. le Dr. Fr. étoit envoyé avec caractere pour traiter avec la France (ce qu’il ignoroit, et devoit ignorer), cela se passeroit sans doute entre Lui et le Ministere; par conséquent il ne pouvoit s’en mêler ici &c. Il n’en examina pas moins avidement les Lettres, surtout celle du Committé. Quoiqu’il me fît entendre qu’il n’envoyoit rien de ce que je lui communiquois, je sai à quoi m’en tenir. Je dois même être plus circonspect à présent que ci-devant: car j’écrivois plus familierement au prédécesseur, sachant qu’il corrigeroit dans ses extraits comme je l’en avois prié ce que le zele me faisoit quelquefois dire de trop, au lieu qu’à présent je sai que tout seroit envoyé tel quel. Nous causames ensemble pendant une heure.
C’est à vous, Messieurs, à juger de l’utilité dont la continuation de cette liaison pourra être aux Etats Unis. Pour qu’elle puisse subsister, il faut que j’aie souvent des Lettres à communiquer. Les vôtres ne peuvent servir à ce but, ce me semble, qu’au cas que vous voulussiez faire parvenir indirectement quelque notion que vous ne vous soucieriez pas de dire directement; mais en ce cas je devrai toujours vous nommer, comme m’écrivant, ces choses par maniere de confidence. Il faudroit qu’il y eût à Londres quelqu’un de vos amis, qui pût m’écrire de temps en temps ce qui s’y passe derrière le rideau mieux qu’on ne peut le savoir par la Gazette: en ce cas il seroit bon que vous me missiez en liaison avec lui, en lui marquant de mettre sur ses Lettres pour Mr. Delpueche et de les fermer dans un couvert à l’adresse de Mr. Alexandre Herman Marchand de Vin au Schotjen Dyk Rotterdam; et de me donner aussi son adresse à Londres, si bien que nos Lettres parviennent surement.
Paris à Mrs. S.D. & B.F.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, [3 February? 1777]
From: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This note, unlike the Duke’s others to Franklin at the time, carries a sense of urgency; but the reason is not immediately clear. He encloses what he considers an important letter, which he wants kept secret; some of the news in it Franklin has doubtless heard already at Versailles. Du Coudray, under an alias, is somewhere in the offing. These subjects seem unconnected. But we believe that a plausible assumption ties them together, and at the same time indicates a probable date. The assumption is that the missing enclosure and the note itself are about Du Coudray, and are the outgrowth of what had recently been happening to that harassed officer.
He was unsure, as he had reason to be, of his reception in the United States. As soon as he learned of Franklin’s arrival in France, he became eager to obtain from him a letter of recommendation to Congress; this was one of his motives, rumor had it, for ordering the Amphitrite back to Lorient. He set out from there for Paris, where he saw the commissioners but, as later developments prove, did not obtain the letter he wanted. When he returned to Lorient ready to board his ship, he was stopped by an order to rejoin his regiment; the Amphitrite sailed without him. He decided to defy the order, and on the 26th went to Paimboeuf in hope of boarding the Mercure; again he was stopped, this time by Jonathan Williams.
Du Coudray’s situation was critical, for unless he could leave France he was in danger of arrest for disobeying orders. He took off again for Paris, now under an alias, and arrived there on January 31. His main purpose was to secure passage and a change in orders that would permit him to sail. In his need for help he apparently turned to the ministry of war, but he also needed support from the American commissioners. Deane refused to have anything to do with him. He had two possible channels for an appeal to Franklin, through La Rochefoucauld and the chevalier de Chastellux.
Our assumption, which comes out of this background, is that some one, perhaps the chevalier or perhaps even Du Coudray himself, wrote to explain the predicament to the Duke, who responded by forwarding the letter with this covering note. In that case he did so on Monday, February 3, and the reason for his urgency is clear; he was ignorant of Du Coudray’s whereabouts but aware that time was running out; the defiance of orders, he conjectured, was already known at Versailles. His concern is understandable, and also consonant with what he did a few days later, when he and Chastellux interceded with Franklin and Deane and persuaded them, against the latter’s better judgment, to give Du Coudray the letter of recommendation that he wanted. Hence our assumption, although unprovable, fits the known facts.

Ce Lundi matin [February 3?, 1777.]
J’ai reçu ce matin la lettre ci jointe dont j’ai crû, Monsieur, qu’il seroit bon que vous fussiez instruit, quoique vous aiez pû apprendre à Versailles une partie de son contenu. Si j’avois sû votre adresse à Versailles, je vous l’aurois envoiée tout de suite; je la remets avec la mienne à un de vos Messieurs qui veut bien me promettre de vous la donner, si vous revenez ce soir, ou de vous la faire tenir, si vous ne revenez pas. Je vous prierai de ne la communiquer à personne, et de me la rendre à votre retour. Si j’apprens quelques nouvelles de M. du Coudrai, M. le Blond, j’aurai l’honneur de vous les transmettre tout de suite. Recevez, je vous supplie, mes voeux pour l’Amerique, et l’hommage de l’estime et de l’attachement avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Le Duc DE LA Rochefoucauld

Notation: Lett. from Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld monday morning.


Title: Thomas Morris to the American Commissioners, 4 February 1777
From: Morris, Thomas
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes February 4th. 1777.
I have received your several letters dated the 26th. and 30th Ultimo, and observe what you say with regard to such prizes as may occasionally be sent into the different Ports of France by our American Privateers which will serve for my government in future. As to money matters the sum you require to be paid Mr. Deane farr exceeds the net Proceeds of the three cargoes that are arrived here on account of the Congress, and notwithstanding they are all sold, I have not as yet touched one farthing of Cash on that account. The Cargo by the Fanny Captain Tokely came addressed to Mr. Schweighauser who is to be paid therefrom a Considerable sum he has for some time past been in advance for goods sent to America. The others by the Success Captain Anderson, and the Mary and Elizabeth Captain Young will produce together about 180,000 l.t., and the cost of return Cargoes ordered back by these Ships which are already purchased and paid for will amount to 315,000 l.t., consequently will leave Mr. Gruel in advance 135,000 l.t.. The orders I have from the Committee of Secrecy, relative to the application of the net Proceeds of the sundry cargoes to be addressed me, do not recommend any particular payment to be made in preferrance to another, but they desire I shoud endeavour to supply the different demands made on me in such a manner, as might prove satisfactory to their different Connections here, as well as those at Paris, Bourdeaux &c. and you May depend upon it I shall not deviate in the least from their instructions in this particular by making partial or temporary payments, but supply the money where most wanted, and in such sums as their remittances may enable me. And as it cannot now be long, before other funds arrive, I have concluded to remit you the net Proceeds of the Mary and Elizabeth’s cargo, which you will receive during the Course of the ensuing week, in bills at sight on the Farmers General at Paris to the amount of 90,000 l.t. This will increase Mr. Gruel’s advance to 225,000 l.t., which is a Capital Sum and a Credit not easily obtained in the present Critical situation of Publick affairs. The amount of the Indico by the Reprisal has been remitted to Mr. Solier in the sum of 41,571 l.t. 17. 6 and he will account with you for the same. There is a Ship arrived at Port L’Orient with Rice and Indico, that left Charles Town So. Carolina the 20th. Decemr. last but brings nothing new. The Vessell carried into Gibraltar and onboard a rice cargo on a private account. I hope soon to acquaint you with the arrival of others on account of the United States of America. Captain Anderson is nearly ready to sail. He will wait for your dispatches which shall be carefully forwarded by Gentlemen Your most Obedient Servant
Thos. Morris
To The Honble. Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee Esqrs. at Paris


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 February 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes Feb. 4. 1777.
Since I last had the pleasure of writing to you I have been employed in collecting information relative to shipping, and am sorry that I cant give you any expectation of procuring a Vessell ready built and fitted that will answer for a packet Boat. I have already mentioned two that are here but I apprehend you will think them too large. I have since seen a french Brig but she is so small and so out of repair that I can’t think of recommending her. There is here a little Ship on the Stocks that I am sure is exactly what you want, she is not to be sold but I am informed that another like her may be built in 2 or 3 months. The cost of the Hull compleat I am told will be about 24,000 Livres, and I suppose her rigging &c. compleat for the Sea, will cost near as much more. Ready seasoned stuff may be had and while she is building her rigging &c. may be provided so that in about 3 months she may be ready for the Sea. I have desired a plan of her and two or three other different Constructions which if I return soon I will bring with me, if not I will transmit them. There is also here a new Ship that has never been at sea called L’Euole, 500 Tons, will carry 25 Guns; she is for sale if you want such a one.
The mercury left painbeuf the 30th and I hope to hear no more of her ’till I hear of her arrival, but as the Winds have been westerly for several Days past I fear she has not made great progress.
I wait your orders for my return, and in the mean Time shall endeavour to gain all the Information I can on every commercial subject.
Nothing is doing relative to the remainder of the Goods, as Mr. Peltier waits orders for the purchase of another Ship.
Since writing on the other side I have received the inclosed Memorandum from a Builder; his prices seem to me extravagant, much more so than the Builder I saw this morning; when I have his memorandum I shall be able to make the Comparison. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant.
J Williams Junr
The Honorable The Deputies of The United States.

Notation: Mr Williams Nantes Febry 4th. 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 5 February 1777
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirPhiladelphia 5th. February 1777
We are now in daily expectation of hearing from you; If I am right in my calculations, you have been gone from us fourteen weeks and upwards, and since your departure, our common Cause has under gone a variety of interesting changes and events, which no doubt, you will become acquainted with thro’ the proper channel; our situation at one time was very alarming but thro’ the assistance of divine Providence, and the exertion of our Militia, we have hitherto defeated the enemy’s intention of possessing themselves of this City, and if we [can] get our Army raised in due time (and recruiting I am told, goes on very vigorously) we shall be an overmatch for them in the Spring. The Enemy at present possess Brunswick and Amboy, where they have their Transports ready to receive them in case they are drove off. We are daily attacking and harrassing their foraging parties and out-centries, and scarcely a day passes, that we do not [take] some Prisoners; the Scotch, from their frequent desertions, appear to be sick of the winter’s campaign, and the Hessians complain heavily of being pushed into the Posts of danger, which as they are but hirelings, are no posts of honor to them, they fight not for honorable Victory. Plunder is their aim.
On the approach of the Enemy towards this City I had your Library packed up and sent to Bethlehem, where I intend it shall remain, ’till our public affairs wear a better aspect. I removed my Family, with such things only as were necessary to their comfort, about twenty-four miles from hence, to a place called Goshen in Chester County, having procured in a good farm house, two comfortable rooms for them. They yet remain there, and I shall not think of bringing them to Town ’till it can be done with the greatest safety, for Womens fears are soon alarm’d. The Enemy may determine to pay us a visit in the spring by water, as well as by Land, if they should, I hope we shall be ready for them.
The hurry and confusion occasioned by the unsetled situation of our public affairs have prevented me from looking into, or medling with your papers or accounts, any further than removing them into a place of safety and ’till things become a little settled, this business must lye dormant. I suppose you have been informed from the Congress of their appointing me Post Master General (wh[ich they] did, soon after your departure) and of their reasons for su[ch action?] If they have not furnished you with their reasons, it is out of my power to do it; there is one that naturally occurs to me, but whether it is a good one or not, I will not pretend to determine, it is this, your Services may be required in France, for a much longer time, than you or I perhaps had any Idea of, when you left home, and the Congress soon after your departure sa[w as much?]
As soon as the Loan Office was opened, your money agreeable to your directions, was put out. It is said, that people in general think the Interest of 4 per Cent too low, and that from this cause they are rather tardy in carrying in their moneys. I have had some intimation that the Interest will be raised to 5 per Cent, but I am of opinion that this will not work to any good purpose in this State, for the tardiness of the monied People here, I am afraid pr[oceeds?] more from disaffection than any thing else, and it is certain that these People are monopolizing imperishable commodities at any prices, which is an Evil of so dangerous a nature that it ought to be remedied by our Legislature as soon as possible. With most anxious expectation of hearing from you, and with unfeigned Love to yourself, Temple and Benny I subscribe myself Dear and honored Sir Your affectionate Son
Richd Bache
Dr. Franklin.

Addressed: The Honble Dr. Franklin / One of the Commissioners at the / Court of France, from the United / States of America / Paris


Title: Sir Philip Gibbes: Minutes of a Conversation with Franklin, [on or before 5 February 1777]
From: Gibbes, Sir Philip
To:

[On or before February 5, 1777.]
1st. Conversation. A Conversation with Doctor Franklin at Paris on the 5th of February 1777 or some days before.

I opened my conversation with Doctor Franklin by saying, “My first visit, Sir, was to the Philosopher and the acquaintance. I shall now address you in another stile. I feel myself so much affected by this unhappy dispute between Great Britain and her Colonies, that I determined to avail myself of the little acquaintance I once had with you, to pray you would indulge me with some conversation on the subject. I know I am not entitled to your confidence; perhaps you may think I am not entitled to your communication. I beg, Sir, at once to set you at ease, by assuring you, that if you should judge it imprudent to answer me, or improper even to hear me, I shall rest satisfied with your caution.” The Doctor kept silence, but gave attention: I went on; “Give me leave here to promise, that this visit is not made at the request of, or even in consequence of any communication I have had with any man whatever. I am unconnected, uninfluenced; I feel my[self] independent, and my conduct is directed by my own Ideas of propriety. It has always been my Opinion, that no man is of so little consequence, but that he may be useful, if he will be active. Upon this Occasion I determined not to be restrained by a timid caution from offering myself as an humble instrument, if I can be used, for the general good. I have all the predeliction for America, that is consistent with my attachment to Great Britain. I wish to see peace established upon such constitutional principles, as shall secure the permanent prosperity of both Countries. United, they continue for ever formidable; separated, they soon become weakened.” Here I paused. The Doctor continued silent, but I thought attentive. The interval tho’ short was awkward. I then proceeded; “The work of reconciliation is become perhaps difficult; but it is far from impracticable. I cannot presume to surmise what terms the King and the Parliament of Great Britain may be inclined to grant to America. But I think I hazard nothing in assuring you, that administration is sincerely disposed to conciliate with America. I know your Abilities Sir; I know your influence in America. You owe it to your country, who confides in you. You owe it to Heaven, to whom you are accountable, to employ all your powers to facilitate a reconciliation. This unfortunate business must be terminated. It must end either in absolute conquest by the Sword, or in an equitable Union by negotiation. The first is too horrible to think of. Let me then beseech you, Sir, to devise the means of making known to Administration the terms, which will satisfy America, or of applying to administration to sollicit the conditions which would be granted to America. I want to see a communication opened. I would by no means undertake to convey any thing directly from you to any person in Administration But if I could engage so much of your confidence as to be entrusted with the great outlines of Reconciliation, I think I could find the means of conveying them to Lord G.G.” Here Doctor Franklin answered to this effect “I am much afraid Sir, that things are gone too far to admit of reconciliation. I am inclined to think that America would insist upon such terms, as Great Britain would not be disposed to grant.” (I pass over the Doctors observations upon the harsh treatment of Great Britain to America, and the respectful conduct of America to Great Britain to a certain period. He concluded with saying) “We know that the King, the Ministry, and the people despise and hate us; that they wish the destruction, the very extirpation of the Americans. Great Britain has injured us too much ever to forgive us. We on our parts can place no confidence in Parliament; for we have no security for their engagements. We delayed the declaration of Independency as long as we hoped for justice from Great Britain. It was the people that called for it long before it was made the Act of Congress. It is made and we must maintain it if we can.” Here I begged the Doctor to reflect, “that in cases not immediately within view, the ablest and best of men could only form opinions and take their measures upon the information they received. I wish Sir, said I, that you should be well informed of the sense of the people and the firmness of the Ministry. I speak to you as a man of honour, and tell it you upon the fullest persuasion, that however well inclined Administration may be, it is fixed and determined to prosecute the War with vigour, unless America will submit to reasonable terms. The resolution is taken in conformity with the temper of the people, whose liberal Grants seem to anticipate the demands of the Minister. The ministry and people look to the end, and will not withhold the means. Knowing then the power you have to contend with, Policy, Humanity, and every motive that ought to influence the human mind seem to conspire to direct America to sue for Peace.” The Doctor replied, “I am not authorized to treat or to make proposals; besides this is a very improper time. Great Britain is now flushed with the Idea of victories gained in America. With respect to the power we have to contend with, we know it is formidable, but we know how far it can affect us. We have made up our Accounts in which we have stated the loss of all our towns upon the Coasts. We have already reconciled ourselves to that misfortune; but we know it is impossible to penetrate our country. Thither we are resolved to retire, and to wait events, which we trust will be favorable. We expect to be more powerfully attacked the next Campaign; but we know we shall be better prepared for our defence. What we wanted in the last campaign, we shall be fully supplied with in the next. You observed Sir, (he said) that Great Britain and America united were formidable. We feel the advantages, and wish to preserve the continuance of the union, for we know that separated both Countries must become weak; but there is this difference, Great Britain will always remain weak; America after a time, will grow strong.” At this pause I rose to take my leave. “I am sorry (I said) I cannot induce you to impart any thing to me, which I may hope to turn to the mutual advantage of the contending parties.” He then said, “Tho, Sir, I am not impowered to say or do any thing, I can venture to declare it, as the resolution of America to treat upon no other footing than that of Independency. If Great Britain is disposed to grant Conditions, the proposal of them must come from herself. You may be sure none will ever come from America, after the repeated contempt shewn to her petitions. A reconciliation founded upon a fœderal union of the two Countries may take place. In that Union, they may engage to make peace and war as one state, and such advantages may be granted to Great Britain in the regulation of commerce as may satisfy her.” In my last reply, I took the liberty to say, “I lamented much that Parliament, tenacious of dignity, had refused to receive the demands of America, and lost the happy moment of satisfying them. I hope Sir America pleased with the sound of independency will not prolong the War by a vain struggle for the word. If she can enjoy the advantages without the name, I hope she will learn to be wise and to be satisfied.”


Title: The American Commissioners to the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 6 February 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas

Gentlemen,Paris, Feb. 6. 1777.
Since our last, a Copy of which is enclosed Mr. Hodge is arrived here from Martinique, and has brought safely the Papers he was charged with. He had a long Passage and was near being starved. We are about to employ him in a Service, pointed out by you, at Dunkirk or Flushing. He has delivered us three sets of the Papers we wanted; but we shall want more, and beg you will not fail to send them by several Opportunity’s.
A Private Company has been just formed here, for the Importation of Tobacco, who have made such Proposals to the Farmers general, as induced them to suspend the signing of their Agreement with us, tho’ the Terms had been settled and the writings drawn. It seems now uncertain whether it will be revived or not. The Company have offered to export such goods as we should advise, and we have given them a List of those most wanted. But so changeable are Minds here on occasion of news good or bad, that one cannot be sure that even this Company will proceed. With an Universal Good Will to our Cause and Country, apparent in all Companies, there is mixt an Universal Apprehension that we shall be reduced to Submission, which often chills the purposes of serving us.
The want of intelligence from America, and the Impossibility of contradicting by that means the false news spread here and all over Europe by the Enemy, has a bad Effect on the minds of many who would adventure in Trade to our Ports, as well as on the Conduct of the several Governments of Europe. It is now more than three Months since our B.F. left Philadelphia, and we have not received a single letter of later Date, Mr. Hodge having left that place before him. We are about purchasing some Cutters to be employed as Packets. In the first we dispatch, we shall write more particularly concerning our proceedings here than by these Merchant Ships we can venture to do: For the orders given to sink letters are not well executed: One of our Vessels was lately carried into Gibraltar, being taken by an English Man of War, and we hear there were Letters for us, which the Captain just as he was boarded threw out of the Cabin Window, which floating on the Water were taken up: and a Sloop dispatch’d with them to London. We also just now hear from London (thro’ the Ministry here) that another of our Ships is carried into Bristol by the Crew: who consisting of 8 American Seamen with 8 English, and 4 of the Americans being sick, the other 4 were overpowred by the 8 English, and carried in as aforesaid: The Letters were dispatch’d to Court.
From London they write to us, that a Body of 10,000 Men, chiefly Germans, are to go out this Spring, under the command of Genl. Burgoyne, for the invasion of Virginia and Maryland. The opinion of this Court founded on their advices from Germany is, that such a number can by no means be obtained: but you will be on your guard. The Amphitrite and the Seine from Havre, and the Mercury from Nantes, are all now at Sea laden with Arms, Ammunition, brass Field Pieces and Stores, Cloathing, Canvas &c. which if they safely arrive will put you in a much better Condition for the next Campaign than you were for the last. Some excellent Engineers and Officers of Artillery will also be with you pretty early: Also some few for the Cavalry. Officers of Infantry of all Ranks have offered themselves without Number. It is quite a Business to receive the Applications and refuse them. Many are gone over at their own Expence, contrary to our advice: to some few of these who were well recommended we have given Letters of Introduction.
The Conduct of our General in avoiding a decisive action is much applauded by the Military People here, particularly, Marshals Maillebois, Broglio, and D’Arcy; M. Maillebois has taken the pains to write his Sentiments of some particulars useful in carrying on our War, which we send enclosed.
But that which makes the greatest Impression in our Favour here, is the prodigious success of our armed Ships and Privateers. The Damage we have done their west India Trade has been estimated in a Representation to Lord Sandwich by the Merchants of London, at £1,800,000 Sterling, which has raised Insurance to 28 Per Cent, being higher than at any time in the last War with France and Spain. This mode of exerting our Force against them should be pushed with Vigour. It is that in which we can most sensibly hurt them: and to secure a continuance of it we think one or two of the Engineers we send over may be usefully employ’d in making some of our Ports impregnable. As we are well informed that a number of Cutters are building to Cruise in the W. Indies against our small Privateers, it may not be amiss we think, to send your larger Vessels thither, and ply in other Quarters with the small ones.
A fresh misunderstanding between the Turks and Russia, is likely to give so much employment to the Troops of the latter, as that England can hardly expect to obtain any of them. Her malice against us is however so high at present, that she would stick at no Expence to gratify it. The New England Colonies are, according to our best information, destined to Destruction, and the rest to Slavery under a Military government. But the Governor of the World sets Bounds to the Rage of Men, as well as to that of the Ocean.
Finding that our Residence here together is nearly as expensive as if we were separate; and having Reason to believe that one of us might be useful at Madrid, and another in Holland, and some Courts farther northward, we have agreed that Mr. Lee go to Spain, and either Mr. Dean or myself to the Hague. Mr. Lee sets out tomorrow having obtained Passports, and a Letter from the Spanish Ambassador here to the Minister there. The Journey to Holland will not take place so soon: The particular Purposes of these Journeys we cannot prudently now explain.
It is proper we should acquaint you with the behavior of one Nicholas Davis, who came to us here pretending to have served as an Officer in India, to be originally from Boston, and desirous of returning to act in defence of his Country, but thro’ the loss of some Effects coming to him from Jamaica and taken by our Privateers, unable to defray the Expence of his Passage. We furnish’d him with 30 Louis, which was fully sufficient; but at Havre just before he sailed he took the Liberty of Drawing on us for near 40 more which we have been obliged to pay. As in order to obtain that Credit, he was guilty of several Falsities, we now doubt his ever having been an Officer at all. We send his note and Draft, and hope you will take proper care of him. He says his Father was a Clergyman in Jamaica. He went in the Seine, and took Charge of two Blankets for Mr. Morris.
We hope your Union continues firm, and the Courage of our Countrymen unabated. England begins to be very jealous of this Court; and we think with some reason. We have the Honour to be with sincere Esteem Gentlemen, Your most obedient and most humble Servants
B FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee

Notation: Franklin Deane Lee To the Comtee Feb 6. 1777


Title: The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 6 February 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: President of Congress

Sir
Paris, Feb. 6. 1777
This will be delivered to you by M. de Coudray, an Officer of great Reputation here, for his Talents in general, and particularly for his Skill and Abilities in his Profession. Some accidental Circumstance, I understand, prevented his going in the Amphitrite; but his Zeal for our Cause, and earnest Desire of promoting it, have engag’d him to overcome all Obstacles, and render himself in America by the first possible Opportunity. If he arrives there, you will I am persuaded find him of great Service not only in the Operations of the next Campaign, but in forming Officers for those that may follow. I therefore recommend him warmly to the Congress, and to your Countenance and Protection. Wishing you every kind of Felicity, I have the Honour to be, with the highest Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B FranklinSilas Deane
Honourable John Hancock Esqr Presedt of the Congress

Notation: Letter from Ben Franklin & Silas Deane 6 Feby 1777 per Mons Du Coudray read 3 June 1777 referred to the comee. on foreign applications


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Girardot de Marigny, 6 February 1777
From: Girardot de Marigny, Jean
To: Franklin, Benjamin

6e. fevrier 1777
Mr. Girardot de Marigny a l’honneur de faire ses complimens a Monsieur Le Docteur franklin. Un de ses amis qui est hollandois l’a prié de lui demander si Mr. Adams qui doit être a Philadelphie n’est pas originaire de la haie. Il paroit qu’on y est inquiet d’une personne de ce nom qu’on croit etre Mr. Adams actuellement en Amerique. M. Girardot sera fort obligé a Monsieur Le Docteur des Eclaircissemens qu’il pourra lui donner a ce sujet. Il fait mille complimens a Monsieur Deane et a Monsieur Lee.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / franklin / hotel d’hambourg / Rue Jacob./ hotel Colbert
Notation: Girardot Gill Paris 6 fevr. 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 February 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honoured Sir,
Nantes February 6. 1777.
Inclosed is the proportion of the little Ship I mentioned in my last. The price you will find more reasonable than either of those proposed by the other Builder.
A Ship arrived the other day from Carolina; an Officer who came passenger in her is I suppose by this time with you, I am very sorry I did not see him.
I am much disappointed by not receiving Letters by the post to day, for I don’t know what to do. By my Instructions I am to regulate my stay by Letters, therefore can’t leave this place till I recieve orders, tho’ I am now quite idle.
I apprehend that what passes at Nantes openly will be known in London, for here are several Englishmen and one very suspicious as to his Business. It will be a question whether my return to that Country will not be hazardous as to my person, I assure you however I have no desire to return if I can manage matters here either in a public or private capacity. If I possess any Talents that can in any way be serviceable to my Country they are at her service Gratis, I only ask a Subsistence; but if I can make any commercial Connection with an Individual I must make the best Bargain I can: what I mean to say is, that in the first Instance the Love of my Country will be my motive, in the last the desire of gaining a Fortune.
By advice from St. Domingo and Martinique powder is quite a Drug 35 sous per pound and so much of it that they are obliged to keep it on ship board for want of sufficient magazines. I am in haste Yours most dutifully and affectionately
J Williams J

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin LLD / Hotel de Hambourg / Rue Jacob. / a Paris.


Title: The American Commissioners: Proposed Memorial to Lord George Germain, 7 February 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Germain, Lord George

To the Right Honorable Lord George Sackville Germaine, one of the Principal Secretaries of State to the King of Great Britain.
Paris Feby. 7th. 1777.
Whereas the Snow Dickenson with her Cargoe, which was the property of the Congress of the United States of America, was by an Act of Piracy, in some of her Crew, carried into the port of Bristol in England, and there as we are informed, was converted to the use of the Government of Great Britain; and the perpetrators of so base and dishonest an action, the Mate and Sailors, (who had hired themselves in Consideration of good Wages, and engaged faithfully to work the said Snow in her Voyage to France, but in their way treacherously rose upon the Captain, and took the Vessel from him,) were rewarded instead of being punished for their wickedness.
And Whereas another Vessel with her Cargoe of Tobacco, being also the property of the United States, or of some Inhabitants of the same, was lately carried into the Port of Liverpoole, in England, by a similar act of Treachery in her Crew; and a third has in the same manner been carried into Halifax.
We, therefore being Commissioners plenipotentiary from the Congress of the United States of America, do, in their name and by their Authority, demand from the Court of Great Britain, a restitution of these Vessels and their Cargoes, or the full value of them; together with the delivery of the Pirates into our Hands to be sent where they may be tried and punished as their Crimes deserve.
We feel it our Duty to humanity, to warn the Court of Great Britain of the consequences of protecting such Offenders, and of encouraging such Actions as are in violation of all moral obligation, and therefore subversive of the firmest foundation of the Laws of nations.
It is hoped, that the Government of Great Britain, will not add to the unjust principles of this War, such practices as would disgrace the meanest State in Europe; and which must forever stain the Character of the British Nation. We are sensible, that nothing can be more abhorrent from the Sentiments and Feelings of the Congress of the United States, than the authorising so base a kind of War, as a retaliation of these practices will produce. We are, therefore, more earnest in pressing the Court of Great Britain, to prevent, by the Act of Justice which is demanded, the retaliation, to which necessity, in repugnance to principles, will otherwise compel.
And we hereby notify the said Court, that if the Justice demanded is not speedily obtained, a publick and general Invitation will be given to all Seamen intrusted with british Ships, to bring the same into the Ports of the United States, where the full value of them and their Cargoes will be fairly divided among the Captors, as Legal Prize.
We desire an Answer within four Weeks from the Date of this Demand.
B FranklinSilas Deane

Commissioners Plenipotentiary for the United States of North America
In Franklin’s hand: Memorial to Lord G. Sackville not sent Feby. 7th. 77.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Duportail, 7 February 1777
From: Duportail, Louis Lebègue de Presle
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
paris le 7 fevrier 1777
Je desirerois avoir l’honneur de vous voir pour arreter quelque chose au aujet de notre depart; je vous seray obligé de me recevoir aujourd’huy à sept heures du soir. J’ai l’honneur d’etre votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Duportail

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin à l’hotel / d’hambourg Rüe jacob / A paris


Title: The American Commissioners to the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 8 February 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas

Gentlemen
Paris Feby. 8th: 1777
Since Our last We have received the inclosed Intelligence from London, which we take the earliest Opportunity of forwarding, in hopes it may be received with Our other Letters by Nantes. A Vessel from So: Carolina, loaded by that state, which sailed the 20th December, is arrived at L’Orient with Rice and Indigo. As We were particular in Our last which was sent but yesterday, we have nothing material to add by this but are Gentlemen Your most Obedient and Very Humble Servants
B FranklinSilas Deane
The hon. Messr: Morriss, Jay, &c, &c, Comr: Philadelphia

Addressed: To / the hon: / Messrs Morriss, Jay, Lee &c / Secret Com: of Congress / Philadelphia
Notation: Franklin & Deane to the Comtee Feb. 8. 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Duportail, 8 February 1777
From: Duportail, Louis Lebègue de Presle
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
paris le 8 fevrier 1777
Toutes reflexions faites, je crois que les vaisseaux de nantes nous offrent plus de sureté et de commodités pour notre passage que le paquebot. Ainsi je choisis le premier moyen à moins que vous n’ayèz vous même fait des observations contraires; auquel cas je vous prierois de vouloir bien m’en faire part.
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler de quelques instrumens necessaires à notre profession. Cela consisteroit en trois graphometres, trois boussoles, et trois alidades de planchettes. C’est l’affaire d’une quinzaine de louis. Il seroit à propos que vous les fissièz acheter ou si vous le desirèz je les acheteray et vous m’en rembourserèz le montant. Les instrumens appartiendront à l’état.
Si vous voulèz, monsieur, lundy soir je me rendray chèz vous et nous signerons les conditions de notre arrangement. Si vous prenèz la peine de les dresser d’avance, je vous prie d’y inserer notre titre en france et de laisser à la suite de nos noms veritables la place d’un autre nom que nous prendrons.
J’ai appris aujourd’huy qu’un officier du corps à qui la Cour vient de donner sa retraite doit vous offrir ses services. Quelque party que vous prenièz a son egard je vous prie instamment de ne luy rien apprendre de notre depart. J’ai l’honneur d’etre votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
DP

Notation: Papers concerning / M. du Portail.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 February 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honored Sir
Nantes February 8. 1777.
I recvd your and Mr. Deanes Favour of the 5 Inst. and wrote a short Letter to Mr. D. by Mr. de Francy this morning. I shall do the best in my power for the Interest of the Concerned in everything that comes under my Direction.
I am glad you approve of a Connection with Mr. S. I imagine I can form one in a commercial way, but as I have no capital I must only rely upon my Conduct, which I will always endeavour shall be such as to deserve your approbation; and if you think me deserving of your recommendation I imagine by your Interest in america I could obtain consignments, and thereby make my connection with Mr. S more serviceable than even with a Capital without such assistance. I don’t mean by this to make myself burdensome to you, I only wish for such countenance as my conduct may deserve, and when that ceases to be agreeable to you, I can expect no farther encouragement.
Nantes is very agreeable to me and I think I could be happy to stay here; I am very sensible of the advantage of an intimate acquaintance in so agreeable a Family as I find Mr. Shweighausser’s to be, and I will not as yet determine whether that circumstance may not add to my motive.
I am endeavouring to provide Lodgings for Mr. Lee who I suppose will be here before you receive this. I am with the greatest Respect Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
J Williams

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin LLD / Hotel de Hambourg / Rue Jacob / a / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stewart, 10 February 1777
From: Stewart, Margaret
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Callais 10 Febr 1777
After Your goodness to Me allready; I am Sorry I am under the necessity of troubling You again; which to beg You will lend me fivty Pounds; which I will most faithfully pay You on my arrival at Paris. I have been detained here Some time by being disapointed of Monney due to me in England. I have also a great deal due to me from my Brother; which I have the Senators Remembrancer as a Security for; which as yet has been of little Service to me; but I hope by Your protecttion it may be of Some in france; as Works of Merit meet with great prtection here; if You will honour me with an enswer to this you will Much oblige Your Obliged humble Servant
M Stewart

Pleas to adress Your Letter A Madame Madame Cavendish chez Monsieur Augustin Meurice Calais

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Dr Franklin / A Paris
Endorsed: Mary Stewart Calais 10 Feb. 77.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Walpole, 10 February 1777
From: Walpole, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
London the 10 feby 1777.
Mr. Wharton having signified to me by Letter that in the present unhappy Situation of Affairs in America he apprehends he cannot be of any use in the further Application to Government for Lands on the River Ohio, he therefore finally closed his Account on the 17th August last against my self and Associates, and sent me his Note of Charges, which are included in the inclosed State of your Account with me. I have been prevented from making out this Account ’till now, for want of being able to get sooner the Charges at the Public Offices, and those of Mr. Dagge, whereof you will find Copies here inclosed at length; and your part amounting to £5 17s. 4d. is carried to the Debtor side of your Account, reducing the Balance in my Hand to £111 8s. 9d. Inclosed is also the Account of William Franklin Esq. to whom there is likewise due a Balance of £111 8s. 9d. which Sums I am ready to discharge, on your returning my Receipts, or giving me any other proper Acquital. I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant
Thomas Walpole
To Benjamin Franklin Esq:

Notation: Walpole 10. Feby. 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 11 February 1777
From: Hare-Naylor, Georgiana Shipley
To: Franklin, Benjamin

London February the 11th 1777
After near two years had past, without my hearing any thing from you and while I look’d upon the renewal of our correspondence as a very unlikely event, it is easier to conceive than express the joy I felt at receiving your last kind Letter. The certainty that you are in good health and spirits, and that you still remember your English Friends, is the greatest pleasure we can know during your absence. How good you were to send me your direction, but I fear I must not make use of it as often as I could wish, since my Father says that it will be prudent not to write, in the present situation of affairs. I am not of an age to be so very prudent, and the only thought that occured to me was your suspecting that my silence proceeded from other motives. I could not support the idea of your believing that I love and esteem you less than I did some few years ago. I therefore write this once without my Fathers knowledge. You are the first Man that ever received a private Letter from me, and in this instance I feel that my intentions justify my conduct, but I must intreat that you will take no notice of my writing, when next I have the happiness of hearing from you. You say you are interested in what ever relates to this Family. My Father I think was never better than he is at present, both as to his health and spirits. My Mother has not been so well this last Summer, but I flatter myself, that she has now perfectly recovered, her late indispostition. Emily has only one daughter, a charming little girl, near fifteen months old, whom her Aunts reckon a prodigy of sense and beauty. The rest of my Sisters continue in statuquo; whether this proceeds from the Men being difficult, or from their being difficult I leave you to determine. I often see many of your good Friends, need I add that you are the favorite subject of our conversation? They all love you almost as much as I do, as much I will not admit to be possible. Doctor P. made me extremely happy last Winter, by giving me a print of my excellent Friend. It is certainly very like you, altho it wants the addition of your own hair to make it complete. But as it is I prize it infinitely, now the dear Original is absent. Pray have you met with Smiths Wealth of nations, if not, I venture strongly to recommend it to you. I have read only parts but propose shortly to read it regularly thro. His sentiments are liberal, and the Language clear and interesting, and this is the only book that has been lately publish’d worth mentioning, except Gibbons History of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. It is written in a pleasing elegant manner, his scheme is to unite antient and modern history, an immense work which I wish he may have application to accomplish. I have been at lenght fortunate enough to procure the Economics, which I have read with great attention, as indeed every thing else I can meet with relative to Socrates, for I fancy I can discover in each trait of that admirable Mans character, a strong resemblance between him, and my much-loved Friend, the same clearness of Judgement, the same uprightness of intention and the same superior understanding. I dined lately with Sir Wm. Hamilton, he gave me an account of a new Electrical machine, invented in Italy. It is composed, of bees-wax a plate of metal and a plate of Glass. They are able to take a spark from it at ten inches distance, but he could not inform me why these bodies united produce this effect. Were you in England how happy should I be to have this as well as many other things explain’d by you, but I dont allow myself to entertain any hopes on this subject, as I much fear there is no reason to flatter myself with so pleasing an idea. Envy is reckon’d one of the foibles of our Sex. Till lately I thought I was exempt from it, but now I find a strong inclination to envy your grand-son the having it in his power to shew you any kindness and attention. Did my family know of my writing, my Letter would scarce contain the very many things, they would desire me to say for them. They continue to admire and love you as much as they did formerly nor can any time or event in the least change their sentiments. My paper now reminds me, that it is high time for me to conclude. Assure youself that every good wish for your happiness and prosperity attends you from this House. Adieu mon cher Socrate, conservez vous pour l’amour de moi, et pour mille autres raisons plus importans. Je ne vous en dirai pas d’avantage pour aujoud’hui, mais je veux esperer de vous entretien plus a mon aise, avant qui soit longue. Pray write when ever a safe conveyance offers, since the receiving Letters is reckon’d very different from answering them. I must once more repeat, nobody knows of this scrall, a word to the wise, as poor Richard says. Febry the 11th.

Addressed: A Monsr. Monsieur Francois / chez M. de Chaumont / à Passy pres de / Paris
Endorsed: From Miss Georgiana Shipley London 11 Feb 77


Title: Agreement between the American Commissioners and Jacques Boux, 12 February 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Boux, Jacques
To:

Jacques Boux had achieved an eminence in the French navy remarkable for one who was not of noble birth. The government had called on him in 1771 for advice in reorganizing naval administration, and the following year had promoted him to capitaine de vaisseau. In 1776, however, a new minister shelved his suggested reforms and substituted others. Boux, annoyed at this treatment, turned to Silas Deane and offered him plans for constructing American frigates.
The commissioners were interested in the proposal as soon as they discovered that they had no chance whatever of obtaining, as instructed, eight ships of the line from the French government. Boux was introduced to them, according to Lee, through Chaumont and the Grand brothers, who lauded him to the skies as “the most ingenious, the most disinterested, and the most honest man in France; zealous for our cause, and desirous of nothing so much as to get into our service, so entirely free from any selfish motive that he would go out of it naked, (such was the expression) as he came in.” The commissioners could not understand some details of the plans that he produced but found them plausible, and were persuaded that the frigates could be built most quickly and cheaply in the Netherlands. Although the decision may have been economically sound, it led to future trouble.

  Duplicata
  [February 12, 1777]

Observation 1.
Monsieur Boux ne se détermine a quiter les dousseurs de la retraite dont il jouit apres 30 ans de service, que parce que les circonstances semble l’appeller a un genre de Gloire, ausy Grand que nouveau. L’etablissement d’une puissente marine millitaire est l’objet qu’il se propose, et pour lequel il se deside a entreprendre tout ce qui peut etre honnorable pour y parvenir au mepris de toutes les peines et de toutes les fatigues qui en sont inseparable. La gloire adoussit tout et est la recompense de tout.
2.
Mr. Boux etant millitaire, il ne veut jamais sesser de l’être. Il demande a cette epoque à etre l’egal de l’officier le plus haut en grade dans la marine des Etats uny de l’amerique septentrionalle car il ne veut jamais renoncer au commandement des flotes et des escadres de cette marine, quoi qu’il en deviennent le legislateur et le ministre.
3.
Mr. Boux consent de bon coeur de se transporter partout ou besouin sera pour la construction des vaisseaux de guerre des Etats uny de l’amerique comme pour toutes autre mitions honorable.

4.
Mr. Boux demende qu’on ôbtiene du roy son agrement pour qu’il puissent quiter son pais et aller servir en amerique sans que les pensions dont il jouit luy soient rétiree.
5.
Mr. Boux demende de n’etre point chargé de faire vivre les ôfficier a bord du vaisseau qu’il commanda, voullant manger seul.
6.
Mr. Boux demande qu’il luy soit abendonné la nomination du capitaine ou des capitaines, des vaisseaux qu’il va faire construire, de meme que des 2 premier ôfficier de chaquns.
  We reserve to ourselves the Nomination of the Captain and Officers of one of the Ships, leaving the other to M. Boux.
7.
Mr. Boux demande pour son neveu une commission de Lieutenant de Vaisseau de la marine des Etats uni de l’amerique septentrionalle daté du jour qu’il quitera la marine du roy de france; avec les appointement reglé par le Congré.
8.
Que les frais de voyages de ce jeune officier, de meme que ceux de son sejour en holande pour [exécuter?] sou mes ordres les traveaux de constructions, ou tout autres luy seront payee convenablement.
At Paris, Feb. 12. 1777. The above Articles are agreed to by us, and we shall give M. Boux a Commission when he sails from Europe, appointing him a Commodore in the Service of the United States of America, with the Pay belonging to that Rank; and we agree that the Pay commence from the Day of his setting out from Paris in the Service of the said States.
B FranklinSilas Deane

Notation: Agreement wh Boux


Title: Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 12 February 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas
To: Lee, Arthur

Dear Sir
Paris Feby. 12th: 1777
We inclose this to Care of Messrs. Delaps hoping it will find you safe arrived in that City. Nothing material has occurr’d since your leaving Us; Long Island is repossess’d by the Provincials, but we have not learned the Particulars. One thought we take this Opportunity of suggesting, should you be able to procure a sum of Money either on Loan, or otherways. To remove any Objection that may be made about the mode of supply, there need only to have an Order pass’d to Our Freind in Amsterdam, to hold such a sum at Our disposal, who will instantly advance it. Or as Our Freind may not be known to those with whom you are to treat, or possibly the same Cautious mode may be pursued by them as by some others, There need only a Letter to the Spanish Ambassador at the Hague directing him to order Our Freind to advance the Sum agreed for. The Money if obtained must be raised in that Quarter, and No one can effect it with greater Secrecy or dispatch. We most heartily wish you may not be under the Necessity of having any Cover for what is so much for the Interest and honor of those you are to deal with to have transacted openly, but We have not the Choice of the mode, and the Object is so important that We must if possible obtain it by any means not dishonorable to Us. Wishing you a prosperous Journey We are Dear Sir your most Obedient and Very Humble servants
B FranklinSilas Deane
Hon Arthur Lee Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jan Ingenhousz, 12 February[–6 March 1777]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ingenhousz, Jan

My dear Friend,
Paris, Feb. 12[–March 6]. 1777
I received your kind Letter on the 4th of Jany. It gave me great Pleasure, as it inform’d me of your Welfare, and of the Continuance of your Friendship, which I highly value. If his Imperial Majesty’s Journey to France is only postponed, and not entirely laid aside, I hope I may still have the Happiness of seeing you, as I suppose it will not be so inconvenient to you to travel hither in his Suite, as it would be to go to England (as you wish to do) alone.
Mr. Collard has not sent me the Letter you mention, so that I know not the Contents of it, otherwise I should now answer it. I have waited already too long in Expectation of it.
I long laboured in England with great Zeal and Sincerity to prevent the Breach that has happened, and which is now so wide that no Endeavours of mine can possibly heal it. You know the Treatment I met with from that imprudent Court: But I keep a separate Account of private Injuries, which I may forgive; and I do not think it right to mix them with publick Affairs. Indeed there is no Occasion for their Aid to sharpen my Resentment against a Nation, that has burnt our defenceless Towns in the midst of Winter, has excited the Savages to assassinate our innocent Farmers with their Wives and Children, and our Slaves to murder their Masters. It would therefore be deceiving you, if I suffer’d you to remain in the Supposition you have taken up, that I am come hither to make Peace. I am in fact ordered hither by the Congress for a very different Purpose, viz. to procure such Aids from European Powers for enabling us to defend our Freedom and Independence, as it is certainly their Interest to grant, as by that means the great and rapidly growing Trade of America will be open to them all, and not a Monopoly to Britain as heretofore; a Monopoly, that if she is suffer’d again to possess, will be such an Increase of her Strength by Sea, and if she can reduce us again to Submission, she will have thereby so great an Addition to her Strength by Sea and Land, as will together make her the most formidable Power the World has yet seen, and, from her natural Pride and Insolence in Prosperity, of all others the most intolerable.
You will excuse my writing Politicks to you, as your Letter has given me the Occasion. Much more pleasing would it be to me to discuss with you some Point of Philosophy: And I am ready to promise you, that whenever you give me an Opportunity of enjoying that Pleasure in your Company, you shall not hear a Word from me on any other Subject, or against your Favourite Nation.
I have lately heard from our excellent Friend Sir John Pringle. He is well, except his Insomnia, which I fear grows upon him.
They tell me here that you are married. I congratulate you on that happy Change in your Situation. It is the most natural State of Man. I have lately lost my old and faithful Companion; and I every day become more sensible of the greatness of that Loss; which cannot now be repair’d. Present my respectful Compliments to your Spouse, and believe me ever, with sincere and great Esteem, My dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

March 6. Passy near Paris
Just as I had finish’d writing the above, I receiv’d your Favour of Jany. 29. with the other you had written to me in November last. Being exceedingly occupied here with Business, and moreover continually interrupted by the Civility of Visits, I have insensibly postpon’d to this time the Answer to those Letters, and have kept, unnecessarily, what I had written to go with that Answer. Excuse, my dear Friend, this Delay. Old Men, I find, are not so active as young ones.
With regard to securing Magazines of Gunpowder, I have seen no reason to vary from my Opinion since the Directions given for that at Purfleet. Possibly some Improvements may occur to you, when you are giving the Directions required of you, in which I wish you Success. There is a Paper of mine, in the French Edition, which contains some of the principal Arguments, Experiments and Facts, upon which the Practice is founded.
You desire to know my Opinion of what will probably be the End of this War? and whether our new Establishments will not be thereby reduced again to Deserts? I do not, for my part, apprehend much Danger of so great an Evil to us: I think, we shall be able, with a little Help, to defend ourselves, our Possessions and our Liberties, so long, that England will be ruined by persisting in the wicked Attempt to destroy them. I must nevertheless regret that Ruin, and wish that her Injustice and Tyranny had not deserv’d it. And I sometimes flatter myself, that, old as I am, I may possibly live to see my Country settled in Peace and Prosperity, when Britain shall make no more a formidable Figure among the Powers of Europe.
As to the present State of our Affairs, which you desire to be inform’d of, the English have long boasted much in their Gazettes of their Successes against us; but our latest Advices are, that they have been repuls’d in their intended Invasion of Pensylvania, and driven back thro’ New Jersey to New York, with considerable Loss in three Engagements; so that the Campaign probably will end pretty much as it began; leaving them only in Possession of the Islands, which their naval Strength secures to them; and we shall in the next Campaign be much better provided with Arms and Ammunition for their Entertainment on the Continent, where our Force is to consist of 84 Battalions.
You put me in mind of an Apology for my Conduct, which had been expected from me, in answer to the Abuses thrown upon me before the Privy Council. It was partly written; but the Affairs of public Importance I have been ever since engag’d in, prevented my finishing it. The Injuries, too, that my Country has suffer’d, have absorb’d private Resentments, and made it appear trifling for an Individual to trouble the World with his particular Justification, when all his Compatriots were stigmatiz’d by the King and Parliament, as being in every respect the worst of Mankind. I am oblig’d to you, however, for the friendly Part you have always taken in the Defence of my Character; and it is indeed no small Argument in my favour, that those who have known me most and longest, still love me and trust me with their most important Interests, of which my Election into the Congress by the unanimous Voice of the Assembly or Parliament of Pennsylvania the Day after my Arrival from England, and my present Mission hither by the Congress itself, are Instances incontestible.
I thank you for the Account you give me of M. Volta’s Experiment. You judge rightly in supposing that I have not much time at present to consider philosophical Matters: But as far as I understand it from your Description, it is only another Form of the Leiden Phial, and explicable by the same Principles. I must however own myself puzzled by one Part of your Account, viz. “and thus the electric Force once excited may be kept alive Years together”; which perhaps is only a Mistake. I have known it indeed to be continued many Months in a Phial hermetically sealed, and suppose it may be so preserved for Ages; But though one may by repeatedly touching the Knob of a charg’d Bottle with a small insulated Plate like the upper one of the Electrophore, draw successively an incredible Number of Sparks, that is, one after every Touch, and those for a while not apparently different in Magnitude, yet at length they will become small, and the Charge be finally exhausted. But I am in the wrong to give any Opinion till I have seen the Experiment.
I like much your Pasteboard Machine, and think it may in some respects be preferable to the very large Glass ones constructed here. The Duke de Chaulnes has one, said, if I remember right, to be 5 feet in Diameter. I saw it try’d, but it happen’d not to be in Order.

You inquire what is become of my Son, the Governor of New Jersey. As he adhered to the Party of the King, his People took him Prisoner, and sent him under a Guard to Connecticut, where he continues but is allow’d a District of some Miles to ride about, upon his Parole of Honour not to quit that Country. I have with me here his Son, a promising Youth of about 17, whom I brought with me, partly to finish his Education, having a great Affection for him, and partly to have his Assistance as a Clerk, in which Capacity he is very serviceable to me. I have also here with me my worthy Nephew, Mr. Williams, whom you kindly ask after. The ingenious Mr. Canton, our other Fellow Traveller, I suppose you know is now no more. God bless you, my dear Friend, and believe me ever, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Dr Ingen Hausz


Title: ——— Boilau and Gilles de Lavallée to the American Commissioners, 12[–14] February 1777
From: Boilau, ——,Lavallée, Gilles de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Mercredy ce 12 [–14] fevrier 1777
Mr. Boylau prie Messiers Dean franklin de faire remettre au porteur l’echantillon d’habit fusils sabre bonet &c, &c. qu’il a laissé chez eux. Il obligeront leurs tres humble Serviteur
Boilau

14 fr. 1777
Donner au porteur si il vous plait toutte les choses apertenant a monseur Boileau.
De Lavallee

Addressed: A Messieurs / Messirs Dean & franklin / Equrs / a lhotel dHambourg / rue Jacob
Notation: Boilau, Paris 14 fevri. 77


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Duportail], [12 February? 1777]
From: Duportail, Louis Lebègue de Presle
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[February? 12, 1777]
D’après ce que vous m’avèz fait l’honneur de me mander je me rendray aujourdhuy 12 du courant chèz vous entre six et sept heures du soir. J’ai l’honneur d’etre etc.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin à l’hotel / de hambourg / rüe jacob / A paris.


Title: Agreement between the American Commissioners and Duportail, Laumoy, and Gouvion, [13 February 1777]
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Duportail, Louis Lebègue de Presle,Laumoy, Jean-Baptiste-Joseph, Chevalier de,Gouvion, Jean-Baptiste de
To:

Franklin presumably approved this commitment to the three Frenchmen, and to La Radière four days later; but he soon came to regret the whole business. “I was concerned in sending the 4 Engineers,” he wrote eight months afterward, “and in making the Contract with them: but before they went, I had reason to dislike one of them, and to wish the Agreement had not been made, for I foresaw the Discontent that Man was capable of producing among his Companions, and I fancy that if instead of America they had gone to Heaven it would have been the same thing.”

[February 13, 1777]

Agreement
  Convention

1st. It is agreed that the Congress of the United States of America shall grant to the Chevalier du Portail now Lieutenant Colonel in the royal Corps of Engineers of France, the Rank of Colonel in their Service.
1me. Le Congres des Etats unies de l’amerique donnera a monsr. Le Chevalier duportail Lieutenant Colonel dans le Corps royal du Genie de la France, le grade de Colonel dans leur [Service].

2d. The Congress of the United States of America will grant to Monsr. de Laumoy now major in the Royal Corps of Engineers of France, the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in their Service.
2. Le Congres des Etats unies de l’amerique donnera a monsieur de Laumoy major dans le Corps royal du Genie de la France, le grade de Lieutenant Colonel.

3d. The Congress of the United States of America will grant to Monsr. de Gouvion now Capt. in the Royal Corps of Engineers of France, the Rank of Major in their Service.
3 Le Congres des Etats unies donnera a Monsieur de Gouvion capitaine dans le Corps royal du Genie de la France, le grade de Major dans leur Service.

4th. Messrs. Le Chevalier duportail, de Laumoy, and de Gouvion, shall be at liberty to quit the Service of the united States provided it is not during a Campaign or during any particular service, unless ordered so to do by the King of France: and the Congress may dismiss them or any of them whenever they may judge it proper.
4me. Ces Messrs. serront libre de quitter le Service des Etats unies quand ils le desireront; bien entendu pourtant que ce ne serra pas dans le milieu d’une Campagne, ou d’une besogne commencé, a moins qu’ils ne fussent appellés par le Roy de France, le Congres pourra de son coté les remercier quand il le jugera apropos.

5. If all or either of these Gentlemen should be made prisoners by the King of Great Britain the Congress shall use all due means to obtain their Liberty.
5me. Dans le Cas que ces officiers serront pris par le Roy de la grande Bretagne Le Congres emploira toutes les moyens convenables pour les procurer leur Liberté.

6 These Gentlemen shall use all possible dilligence in preparing for their embarkation in order to reach Philadelphia or wherever else the Congres of the united States may be to obey their orders.
6me. Ces Messieurs se prepareront en toute dilligence a s’embarquer et se trouver a Philadelphia ou a quelque autre endroit où le Congres s’assemblera pour y attendre les ordres du Congres.

7 The pay of these Gentlemen shall be such as is given to officers of their Rank in the Service of the States of America, and shall commence from the date of this agreement.
7me. La paye de ces Messrs. serra la même que celle des officiers de leur rang dans le Service des Etats unies de l’amerique, elle commencera du Jour de la datte des presents conventions.

8th These Gentlemen shall procure and provide for their own passages in such Ships, and in such manner as they shall think proper.
8 Ces Messrs. se procureront leurs passages à leur propre depense, dans telles vaiseaux et en telle façon qu’ils le jugeront a propos.

The above agreement was entered into and concluded by us at Paris this 13 February 1776.
signed  B Franklin
  S Deane
  LE CHE DU Portails
  Gouvion L’AINÉ
  signé pour Mr. de Laumoy
Copy

Note Mr la Radiere was afterwards agreed with on the same terms with the within officers and is to be a Lieut. Colonel.


Title: Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 13 February 1777
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas

Gentlemen,
Nantes Feby. 13th 1777
I arrivd here the night before last, and shall proceed tomorrow. Your Dispatches I receivd from Mr. Montandouine, and they will go on board this day with the others, as the Ship is to sail tomorrow. Mr. Williams has purchasd another Ship, I think the Ct. Vergennes, of three hundred tons, which he expects to dispatch in three weeks. The demand we made upon Monsr. Sollier, had reachd Nantes before me, and was the talk of the Exchange.
Monsr. De Coudray is here incog: determind, as is said, to go by the west Indies. Monsr. Montandouine told me, De Coudray had shewd him a Letter of the strongest recommendation, signd by you, to the Congress, of a late date. I cannot help thinking his Orders to return to his Regiment are fictitious; for there is not an Army in Europe, in which an Officer woud not be immediately broke for disobedience to such Orders. If they are real, he must be out of his senses to act as he does. Mr. Rogers, I cannot find.
I am a little anxious about Baron Rullecour having our commission. Because as he has done toutes sortes des choses in Poland, it is not impossible but he may sell it to the English Ambassador, who will irritate the piratical States against us by shewing them our design of seizing an Island which seems by its situation to belong to some of them. Mr. Morris promises to attend to the remittances as fast as he obtains funds. I think it was your opinion that Mr. Gruel shoud not be left too much in advance, tho it shoud retard his remittances to you; but I wish you woud write explicitly to him on the subject.
I have thankd the Mayor, who is a tres galant Homme. Mr. Morris, I am told, has sold the Tobacco to the Fermiers at 14 Sous; but it is a secret sale, and has greatly chagrind the Merchants here, who think the best Bidder ought to have it at an open sale. They say 15 Sous woud have been given for it. Mr. Morris has not yet explaind this business to me.
I hope to be at Bordeaux four days hence. I have the honor to be, with the greatest esteem, Gentlemen, Your most Obedient Servant
Arthur Lee


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 13 February 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes Feb. 13. 1777.
Upon examination of the Concord, her Inventory was found very deficient, those things which we thought would be a diminution of her price of at least 5000 Livres were not in her. It seems the owner has lately fitted out a large Ship for the Coast of Guinea and has taken from one to supply the other. This determined Mr. Peltier to purchase the Count de Vergennes which is of the same size and age; the difference between them is, that this Ship is not so sharp as the other, and will require some addition to her Riggin &c; but she is more burdensome, and cost 10,000 Livres less money.
No Time shall be lost in dispatching her which I expect to compleat in 3 Weeks from this Date, I mention this that the Charts and Dispatches may arrive in time.
Mr. Lee writes by this opportunity. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant
J Williams
The Honorable The Deputies of the United States.

Notation: Nantes 13th Feby 1777 J Williams Lettr.