Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 15 April 1780
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honnoured Sir
Dunkerque 15th. April 1780.
With inexpressible grief, I have the Honnour to acquaint Your Excellency with the Loss of our poor Black Prince Captn. Dowlin. She has Suffered all the hardships She ever cou’d, from the French, these Few weeks past. The Self-Conceited & Weak Commissary of Morlaix has forced my Correspondants there, to disembark the 22d to 25th. ulto., all her men that wou’d Cruise no longer, altho.’ they had 32 days more to Compleat their engagement; the Crew was reducd to 53. men, which hinder’d Mr. Dowlin to Venture North about. He sailed from Roscoff for this Harbour the 6th. Instant. The 7th. He took & Sent for Cherbourg, the Flora Dutch Brigg Hendrick Rondenberg master, because She appears by her Bills of Lading & the Said Captain’s report, her Cargoe of flaxseed &a. Belonged to Merchants in Dublin. The 8th. She Came up with an English King’s Cutter but was obliged to Leave her off, Being Close Chaced by two Large frigates. The 9th. She Came up with a Brig when Chaced by a frigate Stretching out from the Land, which forced her to Leave the Brig. The 10th. She was again close chaced by the Same frigate under English flagg, Little or no Wind, at 2 PM. Came under the Land at Estaples [Etaples], hoisted French Colours & fired Signals of destress for the assistance of the Forts, at 4. PM, being within pistol Shot of the Frigate (which still kept up her English Colours) the Fort of Berk [Berck] Fired on her, then the Poor Black Prince Stranded, & the Frigate, in 2½ fathom watter, brought down her English Colours, Shewed french Do. & Sheerd off. All the Crew & matterials are Saved. I went on the Spot & had the mortification to See the recke of our poor privateer, which deserved a better fate! I am back late last night with the Men & the Brave Captn. Dowlin. On my arrival, I Learnt that it was The Calonne Commanded by the Ignorant Captn. Guilman, on the first of his Command, that had run our poor Black Prince a Shore. He made a report here on the Subject, fit to Justiffy him Self, but the guard of the Fort that fired on his frigate, & thousands people on the Shore, who saw every thing of this Stupid & Villanous Chace, will Certiffy The above account; & that, She Shewed her Self Clear to every body, to be an English Frigate, & that, Captain Dowlin had fired three Leward guns under French Colours, at different times, an hour before he was forced to run on Shore, or be Taken; & that the Frigate kept up English pendant & flagg all a Long & untill She was fired upon from the Shore. I Beseech Your Excellency to make Complaints on these matters of the Commissary of Morlaix, & of the Ignorant Captn. Guilman, to the Minister of the Navey, Because, The Conduct of both is no Way Tollerable, requires punishment & damages. I wou’d Sooner Sell my Last Shirt, than not procure Soon a Large Cutter for the Intrepid & Clever Captn. Dowlin & I Imagine Your Excellency will readily Back him the Same Commission he has from Congress?
I am going Soon to Cherbourg about the dutch Vessell & the Fitting out of the New Large Cutter for Captn. Edward Macatter, & as She has the name of the Black Princess, his Commission will Serve? The Old & unfit princess is Laid up at Morlaix. I Shall have the honnour to write Your Excellency from Cherbourg, & beseech you will favour me with your answer There.
I have the Honnour to be with Gratitude Honnoured Sir Your Excellency’s Most Humble & most Obedient Servant
J. Torris at Mr. De Chantereyne’s Cherbourg
Endorsed: April 15
Notation: Mr. Torris April 15. 1780—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, 17 April 1780
From: Bancroft, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honour’d & Dear Sir
Monday Morning 17. april 1780.
This morning at about 4 O’Clock I was awaked by the arrival of Capt. Jones & Mr. Montplaisir from L’Orient. The Latter went forward to Paris, but Capt. Jones not having stopped since he Left L’Orient is lain down for a little Sleep. I shall call him in about half an hour & as soon after as he can dress I suppose he will wait on you. He brought me the inclosed Letter from Mr. Wharton, which will inform you of almost all that I yet Know except that the Kings officers at L’Orient have begun to cut up & Pull down a considerable part of the internal partitions &c of the Ship Seraphis, which has much increased the discontent of the Alliance’s Crew.
I am ever with the utmost respect & Affection Honoured & Dear Sir Your most Humble & Devoted Servant
Edwd. Bancroft
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiare &c / en son Hotel / a Passy
Notation: Ewd: Bancroft 17, April 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 17 April 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Amsterdam 17 Avril 1780.
Je suis ici depuis Samedi, chez Mrs. De Neufville, qui me sachant accablé de chagrin à Lahaie, m’ont pressé de passer quelques jours chez eux pour le dissiper, s’il est possible. Si quelque chose est capable de produire cet effet, ce devra certainement être l’amitié de ces braves gens, qui viennent de me convaincre, non seulement que amicus certus in re incerta cernitur, mais aussi, qu’ils sont & seront toujours attachés aux Intérêts des Etats-unis. J’ose donc avancer hardiment, que cette maison mérite leur confiance, & peut & veut leur être très utile. On m’avoit fait accroire, & à notre Ami aussi, que la Lettre avoit été interceptée tout autrement que par Sir G——. On étoit parvenu, Si ce n’est à me faire croire, du moins à craindre que l’on ne parvînt à détacher de moi & Mrs. De N——& notre ami. Ma famille venoit de découvrir ce qui se passoit. Ses allarmes & la terreur m’avoit extorqué le 4e. une espece de palinodie dans une Lettre dont je me répentis d’abord, & que je révoquai énergiquement dans une autre Lettre peu d’heures après, & plus fortement encore le lendemain 5e. Notre Ami a entrepris depuis de me réconcilier avec ———. Il me rapporta Vendredi ce qui suit: “On avoit reçu ma Lettre du 5e.: on ne ressentiroit point les expressions par lesquelles j’avois offensé personnellement dans la Lettre interceptée; on ne l’enverroit point en France; mais on persistoit à exiger que je fisse à Sir G—— une réparation dans les formes.” J’ai dit à notre Ami que je ne le ferois jamais, parce que je ne pouvois parler contre ma conscience. Il a convenu que je ne devois pas le faire. Je lui ai demandé s’il avoit la moindre objection à ce que je le visse lui-même comme par le passé. Il m’a dit, qu’au contraire je lui ferois plaisir. Seulement, qu’il ne se mêleroit plus de ce qui se passoit entre ——— & moi. Je continuerai donc de vous rendre compte, Monsieur, & au Congrès, de ce qui se passe, de la part de notre ami: & si l’occasion se présente de faire plaisir à ——— je le ferai comme s’il m’honoroit de ses bonnes graces. Peut-être vaincrai-je par là son ressentiment: car quant à la réparation, je ne puis croire qu’il l’exige sérieusement, puisqu’il a dit à notre ami, qu’il désapprouvoit l’action qui lui a fait parvenir la Lettre.
Je finis, Monsieur, par vous apprendre, que Vendredi matin les Etats d’Hollande ont accepté unanimement les propositions de la Russie; que personne ne doute que L.H.P ne suivent cet exemple, & que les conférences avec le Plénipotentiaire Russe commenceront, selon toute apparence, incessamment pour les arrangemens à prendre. Je vous félicite de cela de tout mon coeur, Monsieur: car voilà un événement bien important pour l’Amérique. Vraisemblablement ceci nous amenera la paix. C’est le sentiment de notre ami. Je suis chargé de vous présenter les respects de notre ami & de Mrs. De Neufville. Vous connoissez, Monsieur, le respectueux attachement avec lequel je serai toute ma vie De Votre Exce. le très-humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à son Exc. Mr. B. Franklin
Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plenipe. des Etats-unis / &c. / à Passy./.
Notation: Dumas. Amstm. April. 17. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Guillaume Le Veillard, [after 17 April 1780]
From: Le Veillard, Louis-Guillaume
To: Franklin, Benjamin

samedy matin. [after April 17, 1780]
Mr. Le Veillard souhaite le bonjour a monsieur franklin et le prie de vouloir bien luy faire dire s’il peut le prendre en passant pour aller ensemble diner chéz mr. de Malesherbes, et si monsieur Jones y viendra aussi, mr. de Malesherbes ayant chargé monsieur franklin le petit fils de l’y engager.
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin ministre plenipo- / tentiaire des etats unis / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 18 April 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. and dear Sir,
Passy April 18th. 1780
Before I sailed from the Isle of Groa on my late expedition I gave written Orders to every Captain under my command, with proper signals of Reconnoissance and three points of Rendezvous in letters sealed up one within another, to be Opened only in case of necessity.— After every necessary arrangement had been made for the departure of my proper squadron, the Commanders of the Privateers the Monsieur and the La Grandville came on Board the Bon homme Richard and asked my leave to accompany me. They had my permission to sail in company with the squadron; but as they had come under no agreement to continue in company and to act under my Orders, I neither gave them signals of Reconnoissance nor points of Rendezvous. I did not consider that I had any authority over them.
The Monsieur seperated from me immediately after I had passed the entrance of the Channel, & the La Grandville seperated from me a few days afterwards on the Coast of Ireland.— They have a right to share in the Prizes that were taken while they were present with the squadron; but any claim in behalf of the La Grandville &c. to prizes that were taken by the squadron after they had seperated from it appears altogether Unreasonable and cannot I believe be admitted by the Rules of any Flag whatsoever.
I am with great esteem and profound respect Sir Your most Obliged and most humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. &c. &c.
Notation: J.P. Jones L’orient April 18. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Juliana Ritchie, 18 April 1780
From: Ritchie, Juliana
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Cambray. April 18th. 1780.
The 7th. instant, I was favored with the letter that you did me the honor to write to me the 5th. I beg leave to offer you my sincere thanks—for that proof of your politeness & good nature. Tho’ you have not been able to give me any intellegence respecting my husband, yet you have taken a weight from off my spirits, that I am not able to express—as, from your silence, my suffering heart had infered the last event that could befall Mr. Ritchie & that you declined to be my informer thereof.
In Early life, the affections take deep roots, mine have never changed. We were two giddy pated young fools, without reflection, judgment, or experience to guide us—free from those difficulties—that have proved a cause of bitter affliction to us both, I was sent home to my Father, to remain there ’till such time as Mr. Ritchie had settled His affairs & formed a plan for our reunion, soon as possible; but the event has proved, that I have never seen Him since; fifteen years—I have been left to tread the dangerous paths of life, in a base degenerate world beset with many snares— But Heavens Great Mercy has guided me safely through them all, without my having incurred one real or imputed flaw; but so many years spent in painful solicitude & fruitles expectation, successive disapointments—have greatly contributed to distroy my health; sorrows such as mine have been make sad havock in the human frame. The only prospect in which I could rest my hopes of a solace to My ills (for these latter years) was the hopes of our passing the latter part of Our lives in quietness togather; but of that comfort I now despair. The American Warr, the dangers that Mr. Ritchie is exposed to, cast so many bars across my wishes—that I find small ground to Anchor my hopes upon; & the fears I feel for His safety, makes me very meloncholy. Hapilly for me, I have some small fortune, settled upon my self, so securely in trust—as to admit of no innovation, & being reversionary after my death, I could never— (even my-self) convey any part thereof (only from quarter to quarter) to Mr. Ritchie. My yearly income is very small; yet with oeconomey—& attention, I make it sufficient for my support—without incurring either debts or obligations. These countries are much cheaper to live in, then any part of England, & as I have Relations here—(one an Abbesse to a Convent of English Benedictins)—I decided in giving this place the preference. I have resided here almost six years—in great retirement. I came first here with a party of Ladies of fashion, from England who stayed with me three years—since which time I have been alone, in a small house, that has a little garden to it that amuses me, & when I go to the Convent, which is Generally to pass the summer months, I lock up the house, take my maid, my birds, my dog, & cat, & march off—all togather.
You see sir I write to you in the confidence of a friend, & I reley upon your known prudence, to not mention anything I have here related to you, ’tis to your-self only.
It has been my ardent desire to make you a visit at Paris to have the pleasure of seeing you, & chating with you about many things, but it has so happened that I could never obtain my wish in this respect, tho’ I have had two favorable oppertunities offered to me, by most particuler friends—both in the Course of about six months, the first, Sir Patrick & Lady Bellew who pressed me very much to accompany them, but I was to ill to venture, & last, was Lady Kenmor, who acts like a mother to me. I must now resign that wish ’till happier days & Climates. I trust firmly in your good heart, to give me any information you may gain on the part of Mr. Ritchie, please to address me at Cambray—(as in case I am gone to England) your Letter will be forwarded safe to me. But from some late accounts I have received from thence it appears probable that the concerns I have to arange there may be done without my going— I wait for another letter—e’er I decide.
I have real pleasure in knowing that your family were all well in Septr. last— I hope you are in good health, tho’ you are silent to me on that head.
I have the honor to be with great respect sir. Your most obliged humble servant
J. Ritchie
Mr. Franklin.Mr. Franklin
Notation: Ritchi Cambray April 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 April 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & honoured Sir.
Nantes April 18. 1780.
I have by order of M. de Chaumont embraced every opportunity I could to send Cloathing to Brest to be thence exported by M. Bersolle to America, and what I have hitherto sent amount to as follows … Vizt.
3260 Coats.
  3260 Waistcoats
  975 Breeches.
  3300 Overalls
  4530 pr Shoes
  2022 Hatts
  13032 Shirts
  11000 Ells of Linnen for Shirts.
  4500 Stocks.
  2037 Blankets &c
  11 Bales of Hosiery number unknown
These Cloathing are much more unsorted than I wished but as I was pressed in point of Time I thought best to send as much as I possibly could although the Quantities were not in proportion. If it had been possible I should have prefered sending an equal quantity of each kind.—
Mr Bersolle tells me the Fleet is all ready to Sail but as the Wind is contrary I hope these Goods will arrive in time. What method of Conveyance is determined on for the Remainder? I am ever with the greatest Respect most dutifully & Affectionately Your
Jona Williams J.
Notation: J Williams April 18. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 19 April 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
Paris April 19. 1780
I have been informed, that the State of Maryland, have named Mr Charmichael, Mr Johnson, Mr Williams, Mr Lloyd, and Mr Jennings, as proper Persons, out of whom they have desired, your Excellency to choose one, in order to draw out of the English Funds a Sum of Money, they have there, for which the Agent is to have two and an’ half per Cent.
Mr Charmichael, is otherwise employed, Mr Johnson, Mr Williams, and Mr Lloyd are all proper Persons, but perhaps they may be otherwise employed too, except Mr Lloyd, whose fortune, both by himself and his Wife is so ample that it may be no Object.
Mr Jennings, who is not less qualified than any of them, is a Gentleman of Learning, and Abilities, who has left his Affairs from a Love to his Country to whose service, he devotes his Time. He is now at Brussells. As he is a native of Mary land, perhaps his Pretentions may upon the whole, be superiour to those of others, or this Sentiment may be the Dictate of the Esteem and friendship I conceived for him on Account of his Candor, when I was here before.
I intreat your Excellency, not to consider this, as a desire to dictate in a matter in which I have not right nor Colour, to interfere, and therefore ought to ask your Pardon, for presuming to advise.
If your Excellencys decision should fall upon, any of the other Gentlemen I shall be perfectly content and think no more of it. I have the Honour to be with, the greatest Respect, Sir your most obedient and most humble Sert
John Adams
His Excellency Dr Franklin
Notation: J. Adams. April 19. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicholas George Möeballe, 19 April 1780
From: Möeballe, Nicholas George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it Please Your Excellency
Middelburg in Zeeland this 19th. of April 1780.—
To be reported by your most humble Servant the Subscriber having the Honor to be Known in person by your Excellency as former a Colonel in the American Service, Virginia Troupes,— how that a verry disagreable mormure, as well in the Province of Holland as here, do Compel me, as a thrue friend to the American Cause, to Trouble your Excellency with this present, in Hoopes of your Generous Pardon; and reflection that the only motive of me Writing this, arises from a Sincere attachment to both the united Provinces and united States.
A Vessel call’d the Berkenbosch, belonging to Several Gentlemen in the Province of Zeeland who do Leive here in Middelburg, viz. Messrs. van der Perre & Meÿnders etc. was in the Month of January Capturd bÿ the American Fregat the alliance, Commander Mr. P. Jones, the Said Vessel had Taken its Cargo at Leverpool and was Bound to Livorno, the Cargo consisting in Lead and Haring, the first Wholly belonging to the Gentlemen here, and part of the Haring To Mr. Thos. Violetti at Livorno; And the Vessel with Cargo after being Captur’d, is reported here, to have ben Sent, of for Boston or Philadelphia, all onder pretext that such Vessel & Cargo Should be English property; and Whereas the Honorable Gentlemen owners, perfectly well are Known by me, to be the most powerfull and most distinguished in Rank in this Province; and that the Same, before this disagreable inteligence ariv’ed here; by evry occasion deed assure me of their real attachment to America, as they actually, by Several Vessels, have fournish’d the American Correspondents in france with Such articles as America may be wanting, and whereas upon her(?) producing of me American Papers only, I have ben Honored and assiste’d by the Say’d Gentlemen; I have thought it me duty to enquire especially into this matters, at the Same Time assured those Honorable Gentlemen, that this Capture is a mistake only and by no means Consistent with the ordres of Congress; in a manner that the Vessel, Cargo & Crew will be resituted and dammages payd, by properly aplying to your Excellency. In the most Sanguine hoope to meet with your aprobatie for zo doing, and that it may please your Excellen’y, to report Such real fact to Congress, for a Speedy execution, in zo much more as this action otherwys’e might proove alienating both Countries each from another; especially those real owners, which were the most attagh’d to the American Cause, and unhappily own the first Vessel belonging to the united Provinces, that was Captured by the American Power.— It is reported here and in Holland, that the Captain of the aforementiond Vessel has been compelled to give a Certificate setting forth, that, the Cargo was English properties, which I do hope not to be the Thruth; and the Papers there about may be better Testimonies. This I have thought me duty to report your Excellency, as I have an oportunity, and am enable’d to give a thrue report viz. that both Vessel & Cargo do realy belong to the Honorable Mesr. van der Perre & Meÿnders etc: all residing In this Town, exept for as much of part of the Hareng, as do belong to Livorno.— I have the Honor to remain Your Excellencis! most obedient humble & Sincere Servant
Nics: Geo. Möeballe
To His Excellency Doctor Franklin Minister Pleniptaire. for the united States, in France—etc etc etcHis Excellency The Ambassador for the united States of America by His most Christian Majesty & & &c.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Simon-Benjamin Duvivier, 20 April 1780
From: Duvivier, Pierre-Simon-Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Ce 20 avril 1780.
La Médaille dont Votre excellence m’a chargé est gravèe et je la regarde comme finie, je desirerois avant de faire tremper les coins avoir lhonneur de vous en montrer les Epreuves pour profiter de vos avis pendant quil en est encore temps. Pouriez vous me fixer un jour ou je pourois estre sur de vous rencontrer chez vous, ou bien en venant a Paris voudriez vous m’honorer de votre visite et m’en prevenir par un mot d’écrit. Vous verriez chez moy une grande quantité de mes ouvrages que je n’ai pas pu vous porter et qui vous donneroient Surement la confiance pour les autres mèdailles que vous devez faire graver et aux quelles je m’appliquerai comme a celle de Mr. le chevalier de fleury dont jespere que vous serez content.
Jai lhonneur d’estre avec respect de Votre Excellence Le tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
B DuVivier
Addressed: a Son Excellence / Son Excellence Monsieur / Franklin Ministre des Etats / unis d’Amerique près le Roy / de france / a Passy
Notation: B DuVivier ce Avril 20. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 20 April 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and Dear Sir,
Passy April 20th. 1780
It is now near two Years since I was honored by an invitation from the Court of Versailles to continue in Europe, accompanied with a promise of being thereby the more usefully employed against the common Enemy. This invitation I accepted with your and your Colleagues approbation, and my best endeavours have been exerted for the common Cause, as well as to manifest my Gratitude to the King, to his Ministers, and to this generous-minded Nation.— I have not as you will beleive served in this War for Riches, but for Glory and a Glorious Cause; and as I am now returning to my Duty in America I should be happy to carry with me to the Congress of the United States such Testimony of his Majesties approbation as my conduct may be thought to have merited during my absence from that Country.
I am with the most affectionate esteem and respect Dear Sir Your most obliged most obedient and most humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency B. Franklin Esquire Minister Plenipotentiary &c. &c. for America at the Court of France.
Notation: Le Commodore Paul Jones


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-François Prost de Royer, 20 April 1780
From: Prost de Royer, Antoine-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lyon 20. avril 1780
Malgré vos grandes occupations et le tourbillon ou vous avez vécu, vous pourrez encore vous souvenir que J’ai eu l’honneur de vous faire ma cour chez vous en 1776 et 1777 Rue Jacob a l’hotel d’hambourg, et de vous voir souvent chez M. Paulze et M. Elie de Baumont mon ami. Je vous laissai même un mémoire des objets de commerce qui pourroient etablir des raports entre nos provinces et les Etats unis. Je Saisis avec empressement l’occasion de me raprocher de vous.
Mon premier objet dans cette demarche est de vous presenter M. le Chevalier de Pougens des Comtes de Riviere oudeville, nom connu dans les trois Royaumes, puisqu’en 1474 cette famille a donné a l’angleterre une Reine dans la personne d’yzabeau femme d’Edouard IV. Les noms anciens ne sont rien pour vous comme pour moi. Le Chevalier de Pougens a d’autres titres a un bon accueil de votre part. Ce sont ses vertus et l’etendue de ses connoissances.
Destiné a Jouer un Rolle dans le corps diplomatique, placé a Rome depuis 3 ans sous les yeux de M. le Cardinal de Bernis, la même petite verole qui a mis au tombeau la Marquise de Puymonbrun sa niece et l’abbé d’aix secretaire d’Ambassade, a privé le Chevalier de Ces bons yeux avec lesquels Il se delassoit en peignant si bien, et Il S’occupoit en parcourant les biblioteques de Rome, comme Il avoit connu celle du Roi.
Apres avoir fait ici pendant pres d’une année des remedes en partie inutiles, determinè a rejoindre sa patrie, et a y vivre dans la retraite, Il a formè la plus vaste entreprise de litterature. Il vous montrera sans doute, Monsieur, le prospectus qu’il a fait Imprimer ici. En le lisant vous serez etonné de l’etendue des Connoissances qu’il Indique; vous le serez encore plus, quand vous saurez qu’il l’a dicté, et quil n’a pas Vingt cinq ans.
Vous aurez droit, Monsieur, a son hommage par vos vertus, par vos actions, par l’etendue et la bienfaisance de vos connoissances. Je ne fais que vous l’annoncer, et je ne doute pas que vous ne me sachiez gré de vous l’annoncer. Vous êtes le Platon de notre Europe; C’est un jeune philosophe que Je vous présente. Pourriez vous le repousser?
Le 2e. objet de ma lettre est de mettre sous vos yeux le prospectus d’un grand ouvrage que Je vais publier et qui est un dictionnaire de la Jurisprudence francoise.
Independament des choses vraiment Interessantes que Je rassemblerai Dans ce cadre sur l’administration, le droit public, la police, et la procedure criminelle, je dois y parler de quelques Etats, de leurs lois, de leur Jurisprudence. Or les Etats unis de l’amerique ne doivent être oubliés, ni a cause de leur excellente legislation, ni a cause de leur raport avec la france.
Le 2e. Volume que Je mettrai sous presse dans deux ou trois mois, contiendra le mot amerique, Etats unis de l’amerique.
Il ne seroit pas Indifferend, Monsieur, et Il Seroit digne de votre bienfaisance, de me mettre a portée de traiter a fond cet article.
J’ai bien le petit volume Imprimé en 1777 qui contient les differentes constitutions. Mais cela suffit Il?
Vous pourriez me donner ou me faire donner un tableau raccourci, bien Interessant. Vous pourriez me mettre a portée de critiquer ce qui vous paroitroit devoir etre changé. Et cela pourroit n’etre pas Indifferend pour la prosperité même de votre souveraineté naissante.
Ayez la bonté, Monsieur, de reflechir sur ma demande. Songez que mon grand ouvrage, attendu avec Impatience, sera classique, et pourra avoir beaucoup d’Influence sur les raports qui unissent les deux nations.
Si Je connoissois moins la sublimité de votre âme, je ne vous parlerois pas avec cette franchise mais votre bonté me rassure.
Je reviens a mon chevalier qui brule de vous voir. Je vous atteste que c’est l’homme le plus vertueux et le plus savant que Jaye vu a son âge. Jai vécu avec fontenelle, Montesquieu, haller, Voltaire, Rousseau, et Jai eu le bonheur de vous voir.

Il me reste a vous offrir ici mes services, mon zele, et tout ce qui est en moi; trop heureux, Si vous me mettiez en etat de vous y donner des preuves des Sentimens et de ladmiration que vous m’avez Inspirés.
Je Suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
De Royer
M. franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Scott, 20 April 1780
From: Scott, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Naples 20th. April 1780
I arrived here safe on the Evening of the 13th. Currt. after a very dilatory & tedious Journey. On leaving Paris Monsr. L’Abbé Rozier happend to be one of the Company in the Coach & was particularly civil to me. He went no further than Lyons. Here I took the Coch D’Eau for Avignion, a great number in the Boat amongst the number the Marquis de Clugny shewed me great civillities, he was going to Toulon, & from thence to join his Regiment on Corsica. From Avignion I hired a Chaize for Marseilles: was 3 days upon the Road. Staid 4 Days at Marseilles & then went on board a Genoese Vessell departing for Naples—On this Vessell we were a month before we made Civita Vecchia, here staid a few days & hired a Chaize for Rome staid here 5 or 6 Days to see Curiosities & then hired a Chaize for this place & was 4 Days on the road— This is a very good Town & living reasonable.
I have been very kindly received by Sir Wm. Hamilton who has treated me with all possible affabillity & yesterday delivered my Memorial to the Minister of State & he will enforce it with all his power. I don’t yet know the event.

On my arrival here a Letter met me from our excellent friend Dr. P——; he desires me when I have the pleasure to see you again to deliver a message to you but as that is rather uncertain I have resolved to transmit you a copy of the whole letter here enclosed. When I shall leave this place is at present uncertain. We have very warm weather, in short it is summer. Roads dusty & Sultry. Vegitables very forward & in very great plenty of all kinds— Very fine sallading Cabbages, Colliflowers, Green pease, Beans, Asparagus, Artichokes &c in abundance & very good Shambles Meat of all kinds, & plenty of Poultry & Fish— In passing thro’ this Kingdom I percieved the Corn very forward. I saw many hundreds of Acres of Wheat with the ears fully shot. Grass is forward also. I desire my best compliments to Mr. Franklin Junr. & believe me to be with great sincerity & regard Dr Sir Your Mo: Obedt. Servant
Geo: Scott

We have wine both Red & White in great plenty & tollerably reasonable. I pay 6 Grains for a paris bottle & this is near 5 sous french money, but then I take a dozen together. In Taverns they charge 15 Grains.
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: The Honourable / Benj: Franklin Esqr. / Passy / J.H. Myers
Notation: Scott, Naples 20. april 1780.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 21 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Passy, April 21. 1780.
The Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me Yesterday, gives me the first Information of the Resolution mentioned as taken by the State of Maryland relating to their Money in England. If there is no Mistake in the Intelligence, (which I apprehend there may be) and such a Power as is supposed should come to my Hands, I shall then take your Excellency’s Recommendation, (which has great Weight with me) into Consideration. At present I can only say that I shall not name my Nephew Mr. Williams. For tho’ I have a great Opinion of his Ability, and Integrity, and think that by his early Declaration and Attachment to our Cause, and Activity in its Service, he has a good deal of Merit with the States in general, I know of none that he has with Maryland in particular; and as the other four are Natives of that State, I think the Choice ought to be from among them. Mr. Williams will however be very sensible of the Honour done him by being put into the Nomination.
With the greatest Respect, I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedt and most humble Servant.
B Franklin
His Exy. John Adams Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Timothy Matlack, 21 April 1780
From: Matlack, Timothy
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Philadelphia April 21. 1780
To you as President of the American Philosophical society, I beg leave to enclose an oration delivered last month before that respectable society. The revd. Dr Ewing had long ago been appointed to perform this annual duty; but he being chosen Provost of the University, and that seminary having greatly suffered during the war, his whole time and attention were required to reestablish its reputation— he therefore declined the oration. The short time which could be allowed to compose it, deterred those who were anxious to establish, or preserve, a literary character from the undertaking; but, as I had no wish to appear any thing more than I am, the task was very easy to me, and an apology for so crude a performance is only necessary on account of the society, not on my account.
I have the greater pleasure in enclosing this piece to you, as it affords me an opportunity of recommending to your notice a very worthy young Gentleman, Doctor John Foulke, son of Judah Foulke late of this city. His abilities and application to his studies have gained him great respect here, and will recommend him abroad. He has undergone a regular examination before the Trustees of the late College; but by the change in that institution he is prevented from obtaining a diploma, the proper officers not being yet appointed. I know that your benevolent disposition renders it unnecessary to ask your favour toward so valuable a young man; otherwise I should have warmly solicited your interest in his behalf.
The indians have made an attack on our Frontiers, which will distress the inhabitants of Northampton and Northumberland exceedingly. The settlements in those counties being so widely spread, occasions very great difficulties and leaves nothing to be done for their defence, but by invading the indian country, which must be attempted if possible.
I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obedient and very humble servant
T Matlack
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary of the United states of America at the Court of France


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 22 April[–3 June 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ross, John

Sir,
Passy, April 22[–June 3] 1780.
I duly received your favours of the 14th. & 17th. Instant. I am sorry to understand from you that the wollens are in such a situation as to endanger their being lost to the states: But do not see why it should be expected of me to point out a Vessel for them to be shipt in, or to approve or accept of any Contract you may make for the freight of them. The affair is yours, I never had any thing to do with it; I know nothing of it, and am quite sick of meddling as I have been too often induced to do with a kind of Business that I am utterly unacquainted with. If you like Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan’s Vessel to send them in, and approve of their Terms, but want my assistance to pay the freight, I will help you so far. Your retaining the sail cloth Linnens, &c. as a Security for the Payment of your advances, is what I suppose you have a Right to do, I am sure I have none to make any objection to it, nor Should I make any if you thought fit to keep the Cloth also. The long and fruitless attendance you mention, without receiving relief from an order of Congress which you suppose in my Possession, was not occasioned by any fault of mine, since I never gave you any Expectation of paying your Ballance and have done all in my Power that the order requir’d of me. Indeed I cannot find among the Papers any orders relating to your affairs. I wish to see a Copy of that you mention. If I remember right, it was only an Order that you should settle your Accounts with the Commissioners here, which Is done; not an order that they should pay the Ballance. I thank you for your kind offer of carrying Letters for me, and Shall trouble you with a few, one to our common worthy friend Mr. Morris, and heartily wish you a prosperous Voyage.
I am excedingly griev’d at the Discontents that you mention among the People of the alliance. Unforeseen Accidents have occasioned Delays in procuring for them their Prise-money: but the exactest Justice will be done them as soon as possible. I know not what the Manoeuvres are that you mention, which every American will ever consider as an insult offered to the united States. I am sorry to see in some of our Countrymen a Disposition in all occasions to censure and exclaim against the Conduct of this Court towards us, without being well acquainted with facts, or considering the many & substantial Benefits we have received and are continually receiving from its friendship and Good will to us.
June 3. The above was written when dated, but not sent. I now understand that the Ariel is lent us, to help in carrying our Goods, and I hope you will be able to ship your Cloths without freighting any vessel. I have received several Letters from you containing Propositions relating to the Serapis, and demanding money of me; all of which were impossible for me to comply with, and I have not answered them. I had often before assur’d you that I had not the means of complying with your demands, and I take it unkind of you that you still worry me continually with a Repetition of them. It tells me that you do not believe me. I am sorry I have so little Credit with you. My Conduct towards you, (give me leave to remind you) has been more friendly. When you had first embarrass’d your self with a Debt of 20,000 £ sterling in Europe, I interested my self with the other Commissioners, to engage their Consent to furnish you with that Sum. You had it on a Promise to replace it Soon. Instead of doing so, you made use of the fresh Credit it gave you to run in debt as much more. I have had that Tenderness for you, that I not only never dunn’d you for a Compliance with your Promise, but I never before even, hinted your Default to you; tho’ often much embarrass’d for want of the Money. And you dunn me for 20,000 £ more, as if I really owed Such a Sum to you. Yet I beg you will consider this, and Spare me for the future.
Whether you proceed to america, or stay longer here, I wish you all Success and Prosperity in your affairs being with much Esteem (tho’ put a Little out of humour) Your very sincere friend, and most obedient humble Servant
Mr. Ross.(sent June 3d. 1780)


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 22 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir
Passy, April 22 1780.
The Bearer waits upon your Excellency for the order you were so good as to promise on thursday last, for the sale of the Prizes taken by the squadron under Commodore Jones. He waits here for that order only and the ship must be detained at a great expence till it can be executed.
With the greatest Respect I am your Excellency’s, most obedient and most humble servant.
His Exy. Mr. De Sartine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 22[–27] April 1780
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Madrid 22d[–27] April 1780.
I have at length the pleasure of being relieved from much Anxiety by the Receipit of your Letter of the 31st. of March and 7th. of April. I endeavoured to recollect every Circumstance of my Conduct since I left france, and altho’ I found in this Scrutiny that I had left many things undone which I ought to have done, I brought myself in not guilty biased perhaps by that sort of Partiality we usually feel for ourselves. Your Letters have undoubtedly met the fate of several Adressed to me here by others either under a fictitious or my real name. My Impatience to hear from you hurried me to the Post office every day the Courier arrived, and I carefully read the List of Letters there, but M. Clement never made his Appearance. The Ct. de Montmorin soon after my arrival introduced me to the Marquis d’Yranda who has been very polite to me and to whom I am not otherwise reserved, than in forbearing to go so often to his House as he hath desired me. He informed me that he had received Directions to supply M. Jay, but not mentioning my name, I was constrained to make use of other resources. I am afraid the gentlemen you mention left you with respect in their eyes and rancor in their Hearts, if this should be the Case, I hope the fable of the Viper and file will be renewed. I Should be glad to know from M. Grand the nature of M. Lee’s letter to him, because as the last mentioned Gentleman sometimes Sees things in a different Light from any one else. It is not improbable that M. Grand may be led into some error. I have not with me a Copy of the paper, which in Consequence of the Request of many Gentlemen in the House, I laid before Congress, but I recollect the Substance of it Viz that M. Lee has rendered himself disagreable to the Court and Individuals of the french Nation and even suspected by the former and that I derived my knowledge of this from these who were connected with the Court & named the Messrs. Grands on this Occasion. This and much more M. Girard and M Holker confirmed by papers delivered either to Congress or Members of that body, which as well as that written by me are in private Journals or files of Congress. I have heard with much Satisfaction an Account of the generous Conduct which france continues to observe to us. Our Necessities are certainly great and our Reliance on our Ally is in proportion to these Necessities. I hope the articles you have sent will arrive in Safety, for they are much Wanted. Your Letter by the Chevalier de La Luzerne ought to have prevented future Drafts upon you. I was in Congress when it was read and I can assure you that It gave much Satisfaction. I apprehend that you will receive an Aswer from M. J. Johnson at Nantes to whom M. Jay sent your papers and Letters all of which were intrusted to his Care, by a Private Hand last week. I am a little surprized that M Adams had not opened himself to you on the object of his Mission, because an Order of Congress directed all their Resolutions on that subject to be sent to you and these you will also receive from M. Johnson which precludes the necessity of any Detail from me. I always wished to have it in my Power to revisit france and the obliging manner in which you express a desire to see me, hath increased my Wishes, perhaps if your Business should either advance rapidly or meet with unexpected delay. M. Jay may consent to spare me a few Weeks, In which Case I do assure you that I would most willingly ride post night and Day. Several Vessels have lately arrived from America in the ports of Spain and these being Boston News Papers to the 10th. of march from which It appears that the fleet which sailed from N-York on the 26. of December had been totally dispersed by a violent gale of Wind our Cruizers had captured Several of the Transports which were dismasted and otherwise in a very distressed Situation. Some accts. say that many of them left New-York with provisions for 14 days only. I am informed from Bordeaux that Several Letters from America for me brought by the Buckskin were inclosed to me & forward to this City. I have received a packet of new papers from the Gentleman to whom they were instrusted with advice that he had sent my Letters by the same Post, but it appears that they have met the fate of a Letter which you mention from M. Dumas who is much distressed on that Account. I am not Well informed on this subject and am hurt that any difference should subsist between men whom I esteem. I write this by the post, because the Minister of france being at Aranjuez, I know not when he means soon to dispatch a Courier if Letters to me are intercepted either in france or this Country, I must expect that mine to america will run the same Risque, which Circumstance will totally disable me from Serving either my Country or the Common Cause. I approuve of the method of Correspondence you mention because I think our Interest is so much the same, that a knowledge of the designs of each ought to be reciprocal. I have not yet Received Dr. Bancrofts Letter. Pray present him my compliments as also to Billy, whose Copies set me an Exemple I am afraid I shall never be able to imitate. M. & Mrs. Jay are neither in the Best State of Health. They desire me to make the proper Compliments for them to you I am with much Respect Your Excellency most obliged & most Humble Sert.
(signed) Wm. Charmichael

P.S. Madrid 27th. April 1780. Since writing the above I have received my Letters from Bordeaux 27 Days after their Date and with evident marks of their having opened. My last Letter is of the 25th. of December from M. Chase who desires me to present his Respects to your Excellency. I find that the other Servants of the Public will soon be in the same Situation, that you have been, that is drawn upon for money before it is accertained whether they will be able to procure the necessary funds to Answer these drafts. M. Laurence ought to be in Holland at present.
The Executive hath transmitted M. Jay an act of their Legislature appointing you to nominate one out of five members chosen to sell certain funds appertaining to the State of Maryland in the Stock of G. Britain. In case their present Trustees do not chuse to execute that Business. I find that my Countrymen have done me the Honor to put me at the Head of this List. This is incompatible with my present avocation. Disposed I am to render my native States all the Service in my Power, I must in the Case of the Contingincy above mentioned, intreat you not to think of me as I am interested in every thing that Concern my State, I must intreat your Excellency to communicate to me the progress of this Business. Sir John Dalrimple whom perhaps you know personally has been here near three weeks, under the pretexte or in reality of Travelling with his Lady who is in a bad State of health. I have been able to trace most of his motions here, which wear a suspicious Apparance, and having some Reason to think that he means to proceed from hence to france, I think it my Duty to inform you, not from any Apprehension of what he may able to effect, because we have too many Proofs to doubt now, but that the Servts. of our Country should not neglect to give you that advice which I know you will receive from M. Le Comte de Vergennes in case this Philosophical Traveller should Visit Paris for his Health or that of his family at this Crisis, I have the Honor to be your Excellency’s most obliged & most Humble Servt.
(signed) Wm. Carmichael
His Excellency Benjn. franklin Esqe.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 April 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond Sir.
Nantes April 22. 1780.
Capt McKirdy in the Dove is just arrived From Maryland & by him it appears that Clinton has at last appeared in So Carolina: I send you the only important Papers I have recvd by him. Mr Lewis a Passenger assures me that our People are strong in Force in that Quarter & do not fear the Enemy. I cannot find either by Letter Newspaper or Information the smallest Acct of the Mercury Capt Samson who carried your Dispatches in November last, & I apprehend he has suffered a harder Fate than Capture. The Winter for 40 Years Past has never been so severe.—
I refer you to my last to M de Chaumont about the Cloathing, By the Contrary Wind I have great hopes that what I sent to Brest will arrive in Time. I do not continue sending because I Fear to be too late & I wish for orders for the Cloathing I have now by me. Mr Chaumont will tell you that the Farmers have ordered an arrangement to be made with me about the Duties. I do not yet know what it will be but I am assured it will be reduced to a trifle.—

I am with the greatest Respect Your dutifull & Affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
Notation: J Williams April 22 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, [before 23 April 1780?]
From: Grand, Henri-Maximilien (Henry)
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[before April 23, 1780?]
Mr. Hy. Grand’s most respectfull Compliments wait on Doctor Franklin sends him according to his father’s request the inclosed Letter, to which he will be pleased to honour him with an answer as soon as possible. What his Excellency May have determined relative to his Account will also be very agreable as Mr. Grand will loose no time in winding of it up in that form, if it is approved.
Notation: Hy. Grand.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 23 April 1780
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and Dear sir,
Passy April 23d. 1780.
In the Letter that I wrote you from Corogna, in Spain, I remember to have been particular respecting the Brigantine that I had met with off Cape finistere Under Dutch Colours. She appeared to be from Liverpool, having been taken from the Subjects of America by a Liverpool Privater, and sent in a short time before.— The Alliance has very much the appearance of an English frigate, and as I then wore an English uniform, and had my marines dressed in the Uniform that was found on board the Serapis, it was natural for me to think the Master of the Brig Spoke the Truth, when he Said the Cargo was British property, and that he only hoisted dutch Colours, to protect him from the flags of france Spain and America.— It is well known that the dutch do not fit out their Ships in foreign ports and that the Vessel in question was never in holland.— But as the Master was not dispossessed of his Vessel, the property will not be altered by his going to America (unless the Legislature of that Country Should so determin it) and he will be at liberty to sell his Cargo at a Much better market than in any other Part of the world. As to force being used to obtain a declaration from the master it is absolutely false, and you will believe that it was Unnecessary had I even been “Corsaire” enough to have been capable of it.— If there are now any of the Men on board the alliance that belonged to that Brig, Unless they have entered for our service, they Shall not be detained.
The Men I put on board the Brig, had my Orders to assist the master and mate in the Navigation of the Vessel, and in the Pilotage on the Coast of America.—
With great Esteem and Respect I am always Dear sir Your most Oliged and most humble servant
(signed) J.P. Jones.
His Excellency B. franklin Esqr. &c &c.
Notations in different hands: From Capt. Jones to B. Franklin (Copy) / Cap. Jones to B. franklin Passy April 23 1780.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 23 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear sir,
Passy April 23d. 1780
I am Much pleased with the Account you give me, of the Disposition with which the Proposals from the Empress of Russia have been received, and desire to be informed from time to time of the progress of that interesting Business.

I Shall be glad to hear of your perfect Reconciliation with the Because a Continuance of your Difference will be extreamly inconvenient, Permit me to tell you frankly what I formerly hinted to you, that I apprehend you suffer your self too Easily to be led in to personal prejudices by interested People, who would ingross all our Confidence to themselves. From this source have arisen I imagine the Charges and Suspicions you have insinuated to me against several who always declared a friendship for us in Holland. It is right that you should have an opportunity of Giving the Carte du Pays to Mr. Laurens when he arrives in holland. But if in order to serve your particular friends you fill his head with these prejudices, you will hurt him and them, and perhaps your self. There does not appear to me the least probability in your supposition that  is an Enemy to America. Here has been with me a Gentlemen from holland, who was charged as he Said, with a Verbal Commission from divers Cities to enquire whither it was true that amsterdam, had as they had heard made a Treaty of Commerce with the united states and to Express in that Case their Willingness to enter into a Similar Treaty. Do you know any thing of this? What is become or likely to become, of the plan of Treaty, formerly under consideration? By a Letter from Middlebourg to which the enclosed is an answer, a Cargo seized and sent to america as English Property, is reclaimed partly on the supposition that free ships make free Goods. They ought to do so between England and holland, because there is a Treaty which stipulates it; but there being Yet no treaty between Holland and america to that purpose, I apprehend that the Goods being declared by the Captain to be English, a neutral ship will not protect them the Law of Nations governing in this Case, as it did before the Treaty above mentioned. Tell me if you please your opinion.
With sincere Esteem and affection I am ever.
Mr. Dumas.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Octavie Guichard Durey de Meinières, 23 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Durey de Meinières, Octavie Guichard

Passy, April 23. 80
It is certain that Mr. Franklin has promised Madame Helvetius that he will accompany her on Wednesday next to the Pavillions de Chaillot. He has long desired to pay his Duty there, but was afraid to encounter the keen and fine Reproaches of Made de Meinieres, which he had before experienc’d, and which his Conscience told him he deserved. He resolved, however, to venture sous la Protection de Notre Dame d’Auteuil, which he hoped might obtain for him some Clemency. And he is very happy to find, by their very kind and elegant little Billet, that this Arrangement will not be disagreeable to M. & Made. de Meinieres, for whom he has (in common with all that know them) the greatest Esteem & Respect imaginable.
Addressed: A Madame / Madame la Presidente de Meinieres / à Chaillot


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 23 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir,
Passy April 23d. 1780
I thank your Excellency for expediting the Orders relative to the Sale of the Serapis. I suppose similar Orders are gone to Dunkerque for the Sale of the Countess of Scarborough. If not I beg you would be pleased to send them by the Bearer; as the Daily heavy Charge that must arise on a Delay of Dispatching the Alliance, makes me anxious to see the Affair finished.
I am ever with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy M. De Sartine.
Notation: Rep le 5 mai


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Frédéric-Samuel Ostervald & Abraham Bosset Deluze, 23 April 1780
From: Frédéric-Samuel Ostervald; Abraham Bosset Deluze
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris le 23e. avril 1780.
Nous nous proposions de rendre encore une fois nos devoirs à Votre Excellence, mais la crainte de la détourner de ses importantes occupations, nous fait préférer cette voye pour La Supplier de daigner nous apprendre, Si l’offre que nous avons eu l’honneur de luy faire de nos très humbles Services pour quelque entreprise Typographique pourroit lui paroitre mériter quelque attention & nous procurer l’avantage de lui marquer notre Sincere dévouement. Comme nous ne devons plus passer que le reste de la Semaine dans cette capitale, nous desirerions de recevoir dans cet intervalle les ordres de Votre Excellence, au cas qu’il lui plut de nous en favoriser. Nous irions avec empressement les prendre nous mêmes, Si elle le jugeoit à propos.
Nous avons l’honneur d’être avec un profond respect, Monsieur De Votre Excellence Les très humbles & très obéissants Serviteurs
Ostervald & Bosset DeluzeRue Croix des petits champs Hôtel de Bretagne:


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 23 April 1780
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,
London, April 23, 1780.
I write this simply to inform you that I sent you no less than three pacquets and a letter by Mr. Austin, to forward from Amsterdam. I hope they will safely arrive.— Your book is translating in two places in Germany; & Dr. Forster’s son would have translated it himself, had not the advertisements from other quarters prevented him.
This letter may perhaps be delivered to you by a Dr: Hamilton, a strict acquaintance and friend of Dr. Crawford and of whom Dr. Crawford speaks very honorably. He is an Irish gentleman, & having some little independency is upon a scheme of travelling for two years. I do not know that he will present this in person, but if he holds his intention of keeping company with another Irish physician to Paris (who is related to an American major,) you will probably hear of or see him; and it is well you should know that he is trust-worthy: Besides that being on his travels, it can do no disservice to your country’s cause that he should have seen you. When I first heard of the opportunity, I did not know he was the party,— He goes so quick upon my last, that I can only inform you in addition to what I say there, that the Speaker is really knocked up by his chair, and leaves the decision of his resignation entirly to Dr. Fothergill & Mr Pott: The former thinks him gouty, the latter nervous; but he is always well, while following his hounds. Wedderburne will be Chief Justice of the C: Pleas, and as he cannot be in the Commons, if ministry choose not to lose his services in parliament, they must have him in the Lords. If Sr. Fletcher Norton goes then, we shall have six lords made by the law. The County of Lancaster I believe will have a meeting; The dissolution of the Chester committee is a juggle & surreptitious, but the county will probably replace them with some warmth in June at the next County meeting: York is very warm, but there are varieties of opinion from the remains of the old Rockingham system, and the scruples of Sr. G. Savile.
I am, as ever, my dearest sir, yours most devotedly
You know that the Rockingham’s accede with very little exception to Lord S——’s letter.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 24 April 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Amsterdam 24 Avr. 1780
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous marquer dans ma derniere l’acceptation unanime des propositions de la Russie par la Province d’Hollande. C’est un Triomphe complet de notre Ami sur le coryphée du parti Anglois, Mr. Van der Heim Secretaire de l’Amirauté de la Meuse; celui-ci avoit minuté un préavis de l’Amirauté que le G—— P—— montra à notre Ami, qui fit si bien sentir au G—— P—— combien ce Préavis, obscur & chargé de superfluités capables de tout embrouiller, rendroit odieux ceux qui l’adopteroient, que le G—— P—— le remercia, & admit tous les changemens, additions & retranchemens que notre ami jugea à propos.
On vient de recevoir ici une Déclaration de la Gr. Bret. du 17e. de ce mois, déclarant les sujets de cette Rep. “déchus des privileges de Commerce & de Navigation dont elle jouissoit comme alliée de la Gr. Bret. selon les traités, & les mettant à cet égard sur le pied des autres Etats neutres.”
Je viens de recevoir la réponse suivante de Mrs. Enschedé de Harlem, sur les prix que vous demandez Monsieur.
argent d’hollde.

Nonpareil rom. & cursif

        £2.
        6s.

        1.
        -

        1.
        2.

        1.
        4.
        }
        la Livre pesant

        -.
        13 -

        -.
        16.-

        1.
        2.

Caractere de Finance, ou double Médian écrit

Double Descendian écrit

  Double Garamond écrit

    Descendian Duits

    Garmond Duits

  Breviaire Duits

La proportion entre le poinds d’Angleterre & celui d’Amsterdam dont il est question ici est de 107 ou 108 à 100. Ainsi le poids d’Amsterdam est de 7 ou 8 pour Ct. plus pesant que celui d’Angleterre.
Je suis avec un très grand respect, Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S.E. Mr. Franklin
Addressed: His Excellency / B. Franklin Esqr. / Min. Plenipe. of the united States, &c. / Passy /.
Notation: Dumas Amstm. April 24. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 24 April 1780
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles Le 24 avril 1780.
J’ai vu, monsieur, par les deux différentes lettres qui vous ont été écrites de Londres par m. Hodgson, que les Commissaires anglois chargés de l’Echange des Prisonniers n’ont pas interprété dans son sens véritable le certificat que le Commissaire de la marine a délivré au capitaine du Batiment Parlementaire qui a ramené cent Américains à Morlaix, où il espéroit recevoir un nombre égal de Prisonniers anglois conduits en France par les Sujets des Etats Unis. Vous voudrez bien vous rappeler la Négociation des Ambassadeurs de France et d’angleterre à la haie relativement aux Prisonniers conduits au Téxel par l’Escadre du sieur Paul jones. Ces Prisonniers aiant été regardés comme pris en Mer par une Escadre Françoise, et leur Echange aiant été arrêté par les deux Ministres sous cette dénomination; il étoit politiquement impossible de contrarier une opération qui avoit souffert beaucoup de difficultés, en Faisant délivrer 400. Américains en angleterre, en Echange des 400 anglois échangés au Téxel; puisque dans le même tems que 100. américains arriverent à Morlaix, des Bâtimens expédiés de st. malo consommoient l’Echange convenu en hollande par les Ambassadeurs respectifs. Je donnai ordre à m. Boucault à Morlaix de certifier au Capitaine du Parlementaire anglois, qu’il n’y avoit dans ce Port aucun Prisonnier qui peut lui être remis, mais qu’il en seroit tenu compte à la Cour de Londres, et bien loin que l’on put Supposer dans cette conduite une infidelité, il me semble au contraire que la France devenoit alors garant de cet Echange et votre négociation ne devoit pas être interrompue sous ce prétexte. Ce seroit cependant avec grand plaisir, monsieur, que je proposerois au Roi de vous Faire remettre 400. Prisonniers anglois pour procurer la liberté à 400. américains détenus en angleterre. Vous avez pu juger des égards que sa majesté a pour ses alliés par la Facilité avec laquelle elle a bien voulu Faire relacher et remettre à votre disposition tous les Sujets des Etats Unis pris par des François Sur des Bâtimens Ennemis et s’est ainsi privé d’autant de moiens d’Echanger ses Sujets. Mais le Cartel arrêté entre les deux Cours oppose un obstacle insurmontable à sa bonne volonté. Tous les Prisonniers étant renvoiés respectivement, la Cour de Londres ne pourroit apprendre qu’avec Surprise et mécontentement qu’il vous Fut remis des Prisonniers pour consommer l’Echange des Américains qui doit être distinct de celui des François. Vous étes sans doute très persuadé qu’il ne seroit pas possible de l’abuser sur cette conduite qui n’auroit aucun Succès et Seroit d’ailleurs contraire à la Franchise dont le Roi a déja donné tant de preuves à Ses Ennemis. J’ai déja Fait repasser 28. anglois Faits prisonniers par les Etats Unis. Je ne puis que desirer qu’il en arrive un assez grand nombre en France pour consommer l’Echange des 400. Américains auxquels vous ètes justement empressé de procurer la liberté.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la considération la plus distinguée, M.
Copie de la Lettre de m. de Sartine à m. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Diot & Co., 25 April 1780
From: Diot, John, & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

sir
Morlaix the 25th. april 1780
A severe illness has put it out of my power to Send you before now the abstract of the Journal of the Black Prince, Which I hope your Excellency will Excuse me for.

Subjoined We have the honnour to forward it to you. Your Excellency has undoubtedly heard’ere now the unlucky fate of that privateer, which cou’d not Escape being taken by two English frigates, but by Stranding and She is intierely Rackt on the coast of Normandy.
We are Very thankfull to Your Excellency, for the speedy Judgment of the Phillip and wou’d Still be more So, if you wou’d do the like for the Schooner Peter and brig Friendship Notwithstanding there was no papers found on board said Vessells, which generally go with a Single Customhouse bill, which, without Wonder, might have been dispersed and lost on board the Privateer, in the hard Weather She bore afterwards.
We hope Your Excellency, will take the Case into Consideration, and by Sending Soon your Judgment of Condamnation, you’ll do Justice, and will enable the owners of the Black Prince to fit out an other privateer to take Revenge on the desperate Ennemies of the Congress.
We are most Respectfully Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most Humble Servants
Jn Diot & Co
His Excellency Benjin. Franklin Minister for the United States of North america Passy
Endorsed: April 25
Notation: Diot 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 25 April 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir—
Boston Apl 25th. 1780
The Bearer Col: John Tyler a Friend & Neighbour of mine Comes to France partly on Business & partly On Pleasure your Civilities to him as a stranger in France will Oblige your Dutifull Nephew & Hble Servant
Jona. Williams

NB Col. Tyler has aquited himself with Honour in the American Service

Addressed: His Excellency Benja. Franklin Esqr / at Passy in / France / per Col: John Tyler


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Ross, 26 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ross, Samuel

Sir/
Passy April 26. 1780
I received yours of the 17 Instant. The prize money due to Capt. Wickes & the Officers & People of the Reprisal was I imagine received by him before he sailed for America, & in that case it is probable your share was received with the rest. But if any of the prizes remaind unsold when he went away, which I do not remember, the produce of such prizes must have come into the hands of Mr. T. Morris or of Messrs. Morris & Lee, who are accountable for the same. It never belongd to me to pay any prize money due to the captors, for none of it ever came into my hands, and what you received from Dr. Bancroft for which I am to repay him, was not as payment to you, but so much advanced in kindness to you, considering your necessities, which you are to refund when you receive your wages, & which I doubt not you will do on your arrival in America.
I am Sir, your most Humble Servant
B (signd) Franklin

Addressed a Monsieur Monsieur Samuel Ross, a bord de l’Alliance recommandé aux soins de Messrs. Gourlade et Moylan Negts a L’Orient


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Holker, 26 April 1780
From: Holker, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Monteny 26 April 1780
The Vessel is arrived from Amsterdam with the different objects you Recomended to my caire, but as they was consind to Mr Bretin Negt, of this please I have been obliged to let him unloud them, and to Lodge them in the Doyne, than such time as you can send me a permission to Receive them duty free; youl observe that your Caricter at Court Grants you the liberty to Receive any kind of Goods free from Duty, so by your apploying to Mr. Vergen or to Mr. Necker they will give you an Order to the farmer Generalls to take them out of the Burot of Depoe which Order youl be so good as to send me and I shall take caire they air Lodged saife, than you can find a sure occasion to have them Shiped for Emereca.
Youl see I have write you too lines in french so as you may send my leter to the Minister which will saffise with a word from your Self, and by Joyning the Letter of Veteure you ought to have Received from Amsterdam.
I find you had larnd the disagreeable account of the house my Son lived in being Burnd, I am unesey and shall bee, than I can larne the affeare from him Self, the more so knowing the quantity of affears he is charged with, and being feirefull some of his peapers may be Burnd. If you larne anything Regarding this object youl greatly oblige me to let me have it, as allso If you have any Good News, for it wood seem wee have had no accounts that can be depended upon this long time.
My wife Joynes with me in every thing that is kind & Respectuse to you, and shall be happey you Injoye Good health, & that soon we may larne that everything is well, and Mr. Washington in posession of New yourk God send it, for wee shant be happey than wee get those accounts.
It is my oppinion that My Lord North having lost the megorety in the house, will bring about a pease, for I cant see how the Menestery can stand their Ground unless they doe it.
My kind Complements to Mr. franklin and your Grand Son, and ever am most sincerely and ever will be til Death My Dear Sir your Most Obedeant & very humble servt
J Holker

Notation: Holker J. 26. April 1780.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— De Reine, 26 April 1780
From: Reine, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur lambassadeur
a versailles Le 26. avril 1780.
Les harricots que j’ai eu lhonneur de vous donner hier chez Madame, Sont originaire du cap de bonne Esperance, ils ont étés recoltés a versailles. Ce un tres bon farineux, Surtout a l’huile et au vinaigre, en verd et Sec.
Cette espece d’harricot, Monsieur, propagera beaucoup, et je Suis tres persuadé quil reussira tres bien en amerique, ou ils deviendront d’un Secour, et d’une utilité interressante, Surtout pour la mer.
J’ose en outre, Monsieur l’ambassadeur, me persuader que vous voudrez bien me faire la grace de recevoir avec bonté la recette de ce topique. Qui mieux que vous aux yeux de qui rien néchape, Surtout lorsque les choses ont pour principes de contribuer au bonheur de la foible humanité! Vous saurez apprecier mieux que personne la valeur de cette decouverte, dont les effets ont étés prouvés par l’experience.
Je ne Suis point, Monsieur, l’auteur de ce Secret, ce uniquement dans l’Esprit de contribuer a faire le bien! J’ai combattu avec vigueur des prejugés d’autant plus dangereux que les gens de l’art par un principe de cupidité ont interet a le détruire, et il ni a Sortes d’horreurs que Madame toujan n’ai eprouvé. Non seulement j’ai encouragé l’ame honnete et deinterressée de cette femme qui a en moi la plus grande confience mais encore je lui ay dit que je nepargneroit rien pour mettre a portée de faire l’experience de Son topique, et pour empecher qu’il ne Soit perdu.
Quelle Epargne pour les Souverains, Surtout en tems de guerre, independenment de la precieuse conservations des hommes, mais encore Surtout les objets de consommations pour tous les pansements, qui, coutent des Sommes tres considerable.
J’ose vous Supplier, Monsieur, d’etre intimement persuadé, que nul Sortes de vues d’interets nentre pour rien dans mes principes. Et toutes les fois que j’ai Eté assés heureux pour par venir a Contribuer a faire le bien, j’ai toujours été Surpayé d’avance par la Satisfaction indicible que j’ai ressenti!
J’ay lhonneur d’Etre avec autant de considération que de Respect Monsieur L’ambassadeur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
De Reine

ancien Cap. d’infanterie rue Sataury pavillon jourdain aux 4. bornes./.
Avez vous eu des nouvelles du Riz nababe que je vous ay donné pour semence./.

Notation: Le Reine. Versailles 26 avril 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bond, 27 April 1780
From: Bond, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Philadelphia April 27. 1780
The young Gentlemen whom I wish to be so lucky as to be the bearers of this to you, Mr. John Foulke & Mr. George Fox are the sons of our worthy deceased Friends Judah Foulke and Joseph Fox.— They have both had a liberal Education, and are now in the Laudable pursuit of further useful knowledge in Europe: and being desirous of your Advice and Patronage there, have requested me to introduce them to You, which I undertake with Pleasure, as I have no doubt, all your Civilities to them, will meet with the most grateful Acknowledgement, and at the Same time afford you the agreable Opportunity of countenancing & encouraging Merit in your American Children; and directing them to the paths of Public Usefulness.—. Mr. Foulke has deservedly obtained in the Philadelphia University a Diploma of Batchelor of Medicine, where Mr. Fox from Education, Industry & Abilities, was equally Entitled to one in the Arts & may have it when required.
As Nothing can add more to the Wealth, Happiness & Commerce of a Country than the Knowledge of all its Productions, the nature of its Climate & the best Mode of Cultivation, it certainly is a great loss to this vast Continent that Agriculture, Natural History and the Arts, have not been objects of public Attention, amongst us, and as the Knowledge of them is a most delightful & Gentlemanly accomplishment, I have hinted to Mr. Fox, who is a Man of Fortune & Genius and proposes staying some Years in France, that I thought he might do honour to himself, and render very Essential Service to America, by embracing that Opportunity of being introduced to the knowing on these subjects, Especially on Botany, Mines, Fossils, Gardening, Propagation of Fruits, Fermentation of Wine, Beer, Cyder &ac. making Canals, Water Works, Machines &ac. If you find this hint agreable to his Inclination, as you can easily do it, I make no Doubt you will second it properly.— Nature has been very lavish in the distribution of Cold on North America this Winter, it has been the longest & severest, ever known & the most salutary to that part of the Animal Creation, that had Shelter & provision against it, but very destructive to Such as had not. What Effect it has had on Insects, Trees, Plants & Vegetation is yet uncertain. The Philosophical Society will publish an historical Account of it, which will probably be curious & Useful. That Society is incorporated & has a prospect of becoming more Respectable, and have the Materials of Another Volume of Transactions ready for Publication, which is only delayed from the scarcity of Paper. Your Family and Mine are well, & unite in the most Affectionate Compliments, to You with, Sr. your very respectful humble Servt.
T Bond
Doct. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 27 April 1780
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Madrid 27 Ap. 1780
Your Favor of the 7th. Inst. together with a Duplicate of that of the 22d Feby last which I have never seen are come to hand, and give me all that Satisfaction which attends the Removal of Apprehensions of Neglect from those we regard & esteem.
I am much obliged by the Readiness with which my Bills were accepted, and am happy to find that the Reports respecting the fate of others, are as false as they have been injurious. At Martinico the Loan Office Bills sold at a considerable Discount, and indeed it was no easy matter to sell them at all. I shall take the earliest opportunity of setting them and others right about that matter.
On my Return from aranjues where I purpose to go tomorrow I shall transmit the Papers you mention with some others equally interesting. I can easily believe that your Difficulties have been great and various. They were often the subject of Conversation in America and I am sure your Friends as well as Country will rejoice in the late important Successes of your Negociations. The French Court by continuing steady & true to the Object of their treaty with us will obtain those wh. induced them to make it their Conduct towards us hitherto, has I confess attached me to the whole Nation in a Degree that I could not have thought my self capable of ten Years ago. In my Opinion Britain is to be conquered in America, and that it wd. be more for the Interest of her Enemies to confine their offensive Operations to that Point than enfeeble their Efforts by attention to many lesser Objects. Let america be supplied with Money Cloaths & Ammunition, and she will by expelling her Enemies & establishing her Independence do more essential Injury to those imperious Islanders than they have sustained for Centuries.
I have sent the Letters & Packets I brought for you from America to Mr. Joshua Johnson at Nantz by Mr. Boutillier a young Gent of that place and have desired Mr Johnson to send them to you by the first safe Conveyance.
What Aids this Court may be pleased to afford us is not yet ascertained— I hope they will be such as may be proportionate to the common Interest their Dignity and Our Wants— The Minister I am told is able and the King we know is honest. On this Ground I place much Dependence, for I can hardly suppose that either of them will omit embracing this golden opportunity of acquiring Glory to themselves, & Honor & advantage to their Nation by compleating the Division & Ruin of the british Empire, and that by Measures which will in so great a Degree conciliate the Affections as well as Esteem of America.
Mrs. Jay has enjoyed more Health within this fortnight than she has been blessed with for three months past— She presents her Respects to you and begs that your next Letter to me may enclose for her one of the best Prints of your Self which we are told have been published in France but are not yet to be had here— I believe there is no Man of your Age in Europe so much a Favourite with the Ladies.
I am Dear Sir with great Esteem & Regard Your most obedient Servant
JJ

P.S. I have not recd. the Letter to the Marquis DYranda, but have seen him & I given Mr. Carmichael an order on him for the Sum you mention—
His Excy Doct. Franklin

Notation in Jay’s hand: Dr. to Doctr. Franklin 27 Ap. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Wharton, Jr., 27 April 1780
From: Wharton, Joseph, Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada April 27th 1780
The many marks of your esteem for me at Passy, at the same time that they are so many proofs of the kindness of your disposition, lays me under the agreeable necessity of acknowledging them with gratitude and thankfullness. And as that disposition is not confined, but with the most amiable generosity, seeks opportunities of doing good, it gives me peculiar pleasure, that I, even at this distance, can again participate of it, by desiring you to extend it to the bearer, my friend Dr John Foulke.— The Doctor is a Whig in his principles—has subscribed the Test to this State, and though from the singularity of the tenets of the Quakers, he has not been active in the Field, yet, in the line of his Physical profession, has been usefull in the Hospitals. His intention in visiting France, is to improve himself in Surgery and Physic; but being a perfect Stranger in Paris, will stand in need of recommendations to the most eminent in the Medical branches as well as for favorable introductions into the Hospitals.— Will you therefore my good Sir, as my friend is of unimpeached Morals, and his Relations long known for good Citizens, take him by the hand, and recommend him to those Gentlemen who can be most usefull to him? I know you will; and in this happy thought, I subscribe myself Respectfully, Dear Sir, Your most obed & most devoted hb Servant
Jos Wharton

P.S. I beg my best compliments to the Honble Mr Adams & Mr Jay.
His Excellency Dr Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Minister Plenipotentiary from the / United States of America to the / Court of Versailles. / Favored by Dr Foulke / to be thrown over board in Case of Capture / private


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 28 April 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Lond. 28 april 1780
We have at length got some accots from Clinton. A packet which left N York the 30th Mar is and. There are no official dispatches from Clinton himself, but it appears from what I can gather at all quarters, His fleet after much buffiting about & the loss of four or five transports, got to Tybee the beginning of Feby. there took in one Regt, Refreshments &ca & got to the Bar of Chs Town about the 10th or 11th. Mar. The Russell man of war & a packet left the army & fleet there the 12 or 13th, when they had chiefly landed all the troops & took post on James’s Island, but at some distance from the Town. One part of the army was at Stono ferry, but they had not taken or attempted to possess any posts or forts of the Americans— By accots from the quarter of ministry I am informd Lincolns army was between 5 & 6,000 well posted without the Town, that the neck of Land had been seperated by a Ditch from the Town, & that in it there were cross canals cut so as to prevent fire & to form barriers. When Clinton saild from N Y he had but 7,500 men upon paper, so that after his losses, & the Storm it is not likely he can act with more than 5,000 men effectives. I think from the feeble flat manner the whole story is told with in the New York papers, and as it is represented here, that this force is not equal to the reduction of Chs Town. One ship of the line & some transports are said to be lost on the Bar; If so he has but one other of the line & abot. 5 frigates to act against the forts Sullivan & James; There were five or six Amn & french Frigates within the port, & if Fort Sullivan is as Strong as it was in 1776 surely with the additional aid of the ships they may be able to give the English men of war a second dressing. There are many particulars in the papers wch I shall refer You to because they will reach you as soon as this Letter can.
The House of Commons of Ireland, has on the two late important national questions producd a majority in favour of the Court of 39, but it appears directly contrary to the wishes of a great majority of the People— The members of that House have been manifestly touchd by English Cash & they have proved themselves as corrupt as ours in this Country. The affairs of Ireland do not seem to rest upon the hinge of a Parliy [Parliamentary] vote, for the people seem quite ripe to right themselves. Both in that quarter & this every person seems heartily sick of the American War & cordially wish it was given up— The State of that war will be enterd into on tuesday next, when Genl Conway is to move the House about it, & intends as I learn to go into the non expediency of it & to make some proposals of getting accomodation with Ama. They are too secret for me to get at the terms on which such motion is to be founded or what lengths He means to go in his proposals for accomodation, but some say it is on the old score the preliminary to be a truce for a certain time. D H—— and the Genl. tho they do not frequently commune have I believe had some conversations about it, but I am not very sanguine as to expectations of good to arise therefrom.
I have not had any information that Capn. C—— is again taken & hope it is not true. Capt. M——y after making his escape, has been taken & reconfind. No news about the Cartel & little appearances of her again getting afloat. The Cartel to B—— which was seizd is likely to be paid for, but there is not the leas stir or hope about the release of the equal number of Amns. for those 130 wch came over in the two vessels from Boston. D H—— and Mr E——d B——n often express an inclination to hear from You, the Latter about the meddals. Pray what is to be done further about the meddal I wrote to you upon. For since the forwarding Mr. B——k’s letter to you I have not had a line from you about it, nor do I know if the letter got safe, tho I think it was by Cap C——z——u that I sent it.
I am with great Esteem Yours
Wm. S C

Addressed: Monsieur Monr. B. F— / Passy
Endorsed: April 28. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 28 April 1780
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Madrid 28th. Ap. 1780.
In your Letter of seventh Inst. the Receipt of which I yesterday aknowledged by the post, mention is made of a Bill drawn by me upon you for 4564 livs. 18s. 10d. which had been persented and accepted and would be duly paid. I did not Yesterday attend to the Sum, but the fact is that none of the Bills drawn by me on you are for that Sum, so there must either be a mistake in your Letter, or unfair Dealing with Respect to the Bill. On the 3d. march last I drew a Bill in favour of the House of Le Couteulx, at Cadiz for 2564 Liv. 18s. 10d. of which I advised you by Letter of that Date.— All the figures in these Sums being alike, except the 4 instead of the 2 induces me to hope it may be a mistake of Yours. If it should not, the Bill ought not to be paid— I have consulted the Entries in my Books, and am certain I never drew such a Bill.
I am, dear Sir, with great Regard and Esteem, your most obedient Servant.
(signed) John Jay.
His Excellency B. franklin Esqe.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Peters, 28 April 1780
From: Peters, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr Sir
Philada. 28th. Aprl 1780
A Disappointment in procuring a Bill which much chagrines me has prevented my sending you the Ballance of the Money you were so obliging to advance to my Father & for which I beg to repeat my most sincere Thanks. I hope to be more fortunate the next Oppertunity which shall offer. The Difficulty of Remittance is so great that I cannot expect any farther Advances but shall trouble you only when my Remittances shall be sent for the purpose. I beg your Care of the enclosed Letters which I have sent to be forwarded by you. The Enemy had made no Attack on Charlestown the 8th. instant.
I have the Honour to be with the highest Respect & Esteem your very obed Servt
Richard Peters

Mrs. Peters’s most respectful Compliments. Monsr Trecesson’s Draft not yet presented. I hear he is gone to the W Indies where I have written to inform him I am ready to pay the Money when the Bill is presented.
Dr Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States of America / Passi near / Paris / Hond by Dr John Foulke


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 29 April 1780
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
Philadelphia April 29 1780.
At the request of my Friend Mr. John Wilcocks, I take the Liberty of introducing to your Notice & Civilities Mr. Fox, Son of the late Mr. Joseph Fox, with whom you was well acquainted; I have not the pleasure of knowing this young Gentleman, but from the Character I have of him, I trust you will find him deserving of your Countenance & protection— I am ever Hond. sir Your Affectionate son
Rich Bache
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States / of No. America at the Court of / Versailles / Favored by Mr. Fox


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Rittenhouse, 29 April 1780
From: Rittenhouse, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Philadelphia April 29th. 1780
Amidst the many important objects of your attention I doubt not but you sometimes unbend your mind by an Excursion thro’ the fields of Philosophy, I shall therefore make no apology for communicating to you a freak of Nature which seems to be new, at least it is so to us. On the 19th. of August last during a heavy Shower of Rain, not attended by any Thunder lightning or wind, a prodigious Torrent fell on the North or Blue Mountain 10 Miles from Carlisle, and Carried away every Rock and Tree however large that stood in its Course, it likewise tore up the Earth & Stones from 4 to 10 feet deep, and from two to 6 perchers wide, for upwards of 100 rod, that is from very near the top of the Mountain down to the foot of the first Steep Ascent. I had heard such wonderful accounts of the effects of this Cataract that I was induced to take a ride of 130 miles to view the Spot, and spent a whole Day there with satisfaction and astonishment. The facts I am perfectly convinced of by my own observation, and which appear to me most worthy of your notice are these. It was certainly a stream of water falling from the Clouds in a Spot not above 10 yards diameter, and not any Collection of waters falling in rain, on the surface of the Earth. The face of the mountain will not admit a possibility of suppoing it to have been a collection of water already fallen in rain the common way, it being a very high narrow ridge, and the Soil, Stony, Sandy and sufficently porous to drink up rains falling in the common way. And tho’ the Stream seems to have continued some time, certainly at least a few minutes, it nevertheless fell invariably in the same Spot, without moving to the right or left. I should be happy in having your opinion on this matter, my own Conjecture is that a Great Quantity of the Electric fluid, passing silently from the Cloud to the Mountain, carried the forming drops of rain from all quarters of the Cloud to one point, and by uniting them producd this prodigious Cataract—
I am, Dr. Sir, with the utmost respect and esteem, your sincere friend and most obedient humble Servant
Davd. Rittenhouse
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: To His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary from the / United States to the Court of Versailles / Favor’d by Dr. Foulke


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hugh Roberts, 29 April 1780
From: Roberts, Hugh
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dr. Friend BF
Philada: 29. 4 mo [April] 1780
On revival of the memory of the many agreable hours I have formerly passed in thy Company; Joys of an elivating kind arise, and make them appear in prospect: yet to consider the length of time elapsed, it seems as if we had lived in a distant age, & risen to take a view of succeeding generations; where but little of the former appearances remain, or make any legible impression.
I frequently pass the length of a Street, without seeing a person with whom I have any acquaintance, for our old Friends are mostly departed; very few remain here but S: Rhoads, with whom I yet spend some agreable hours, and often make thee, our old friend the pleasing subject of conversation.
I sometimes visit thy daughter Sally with her three fine Children, where in thy late place of Abode, many things around, renew a lively impression of my worthy Friend BF— My former labours in the building, planting and gardening way, begin to appear as Solomon has truely described, to be Vanity; and no other conduct will give so firm a hope, as seeking that wisdom, that is from above—
I expect this will come by the hands of George Fox, a young man of our neighbourhood, of good Abilities and Literature, who now embarks for France, and I think intends to endeavour to improve in the Study of Physick; and if it should fall in thy way, to impart to him, some useful hints, for his conduct in a strange land, I shall accept it as a favour, and they may contribute to stimulate his Spirits to worthy Actions, when noticed by a Gentleman so much remarkt for a truely beneficent mind.
I remain with the greatest esteem for thee & thine
Hugh Roberts
To Benjamin Franklin

Addressed: To / Dr: Benjamin Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ostervald & Bosset Deluze, 3[0] April 1780
From: Ostervald & Bosset Deluze
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris le 31. Avril 1780.
Nous rendons nos très humbles actions de graces à Votre Excellence, de ce qu’Elle a daigné recevoir notre hommage respectueux & nous mettre à portée de voir celui dont toute l’Europe connoit les lumieres & les vertus. Envisageant comme une nouvelle faveur l’ordre que Votre Excellence nous donna relativement au prix de l’impression d’une fueille tirée du caractere appellé Nompareille; nous l’aurions exécuté sans aucun délai, S’il ne nous avoit pas parû nécessaire de lui présenter en même tems, comme nous prenons la liberté de le faire, un essai du travail en ce même caractere exécuté exprès dans l’une des imprimeries de cette ville & qui le Sera mieux encore dans la notre. Quant au prix, nous croyons pouvoir le porter à Quatre vingt & deux Livres la fueille in 12° ayant vingt & quatre pages, et ce prix embrassera avec la fabrication, le collationnage & l’assemblage des fueilles que l’on fait payer à part ici. Si le papier de cet échantillon paroit convenable à Votre Excellence, nous en employerons de la même qualité & nous pouvons, comme nous avons eu l’honneur de le lui dire, le fournir à beaucoup meilleur compte qu’en France ne payant aucun impot. L’augmentation des fraix de voiture Seroient peu considérables, puisque notre ville n’est qu’à cent lieues de cette capitale. Au reste, nous avons Supposé comme à l’ordinaire dans le prix cy dessus, que l’ouvrage Seroit imprimé au nombre de mille exemplaires. Le Second mille & les Suivants exigeroient Cinq Livres de plus chacun pour le tirage. Animes du plus vif desir de rendre notre établissement Litteraire & Typographique utile à Votre Excellence & à Ses respectables concitoyens, qu’il nous Soit permis de Saisir cette occasion pour lui présenter le tableau de nos prix selon les differents caracteres que l’on employe le plus communement avec quelques essais d’éditions Sorties de nos presses, dans lesquelles nous cherchons à reunir la propreté dans l’exécution avec une correction exacte.
Nous continuerons d’offrir à Votre Excellence nos services empressés. Des Helvétiens n’oseroient ils point aspirer à la Confiance de l’illustre représentant d’un peuple généreux qui travaille avec tant de Zêle pour obtenir le plus précieux de tous les biens. Nous Sentirions trop vivement le prix d’un tel avantage pour ne pas chercher constamment à remplir les devoirs qu’il nous imposeroit.
Nous supplions, Votre Excellence de vouloir nous apprendre le jour auquel nous pourrons avoir quelques nouveaux ordres à recevoir de sa part, & nous nous empresserons de nous rendre aupres d’Elle.
Nous avons l’honneur d’être avec un profond respect Monsieur De Votre Excellence Les très humbles & tres obéissants Serviteurs
Ostervald & Bosset DeluzeRue Croix des Petits Champs Hotel de Bretagne.


Title: To William Temple Franklin from the Abbé Thomas du Rouzeau [before 1 May 1780]
From: Du Rouzeau, abbé Thomas
To: Franklin, William Temple

  [before May 1, 1780]
  VERITE∴ UNION∴ FORCE∴
T∴ C∴ F∴

  L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundy 1er. du 3e. mois de D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ 5780. à 11 heures précises. Le très cher et très Illustre f∴ Paul Jones y assistera.

Vous êtes priés d’y venir augmenter les douceurs de l’union fraternelle.
Il y aura Lectures, Banquet et Concert.
Je suis, par les N∴ C∴ D∴ F∴ M∴ V∴ T∴ H∴ & affectionné Frere
L’ Ab. DU Rouzeau

Secrétaire D∴ L∴ R∴ L∴ Des Neuf Sœurs, rue de la Bucherie.
Si vous ne pouvez pas assister au Banquet, vous en donnerez avis au Secrétaire deux jours avant l’Assemblée. N’oubliez point de vous munir de vos ornemens.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin fils / N∴ S∴ ./. A Passý.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 1 May 1780
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honour’d and Dear Sir:
Amsterdam the 1st. May 1780.
May it please your Excellency
That after a longer Silence then we could wish, we take on now the liberty of recalling ourselfs to her remembrance, with assurance that we will be ever devoted to her, and to the American cause which we have the pleasure now, to see more and more of consequence in our Country; the Influence of the French Court the declaration of the Russian Empire and the Resolutions of our States in consequence, give us great hopes that with a glorious Peace, the Connections of the Republicqs may now be soon realised.
We received lately a letter from the worthy American Comodor J.P. Jones, by whoes directions we take the liberty of troubling your Excelly: with the inclosed, we hope she will excuse our desire to have it forwarded.
The Accounts of the despersed fleet of Clinton, who arrived at Georgia with a small rest of his force may prove again favourable to the Cause of the United States, but more so again as we hope to hear soon in its Consequences; and So may the end of this Campain fixe the Constellation, of the new Independent Republick in all her glory.
With the most extended and devoted Regard We have the honour to be Honourd & Dear Sir. Your Excellency’s most obedient And most humble Servants
John DE Neufville & Son


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 2 May 1780
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Honoured Sir
Philadelphia May 2d. 1780
I was willing to take the latest day of Mr Myer’s staying to write to you, as my little Boy was then in the small Pox, that I might have it in my power to tell you it was over. It is and very happily, I happened to miss the time of Mr M.’s going, so that he only took a small letter of recommendation, which I had given him before— this will be handed to you by Mr Robert Meaze a Gentleman at whose Brothers house I was at for four Months after I was drove out of Philadelphia, with all my Family, and treated by them all as a Sister and a Friend, he was there at the time and is a very worthy good young Man, he will take care of the news papers which we send, there goes in the same Ship two of Temples old Friends, young Fox and Foulke, they have letters from Mr B. to you, and will need none to Temple—
The Children are perfectly well little Betsy sings and is as gay as a Bird, much more so than they are at this time, for tho tis’ the second of may we are sitting by the fire, and I am told the Snow remains on the ground in many parts of the back Country, by all accounts the winter in the year forty was not quit so severe as this, tis indeed the first time I ever wished for Summer— Mr Bache is now writing please to remember me afectionately to Temple, and to dear little Ben when you write, I dare not indulge my wishes of seeing you all tho they are very strong, and I hope the time will yet come when we shall all meet, being as ever your Dutifull Daughter
S Bache

Addressed: Dr Franklin