Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 October 1781
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir.
Nantes Octor 29. 1781
I beg leave to introduce to your Notice Monsieur Nordingh Danish Consul for several Ports in France, residing at st Quentin, & partner in the House of Brisac Paulet & Nordingh.
He has a great desire to pay his Respects to you in his Passage through Paris, and being a Gentleman for whom I have a high Esteem I take the Liberty of presenting him to you and am as ever Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques and Anne-Louise Brillon de Jouy, 30 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Jacques,Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

A Passy, ce 30. Octobre 81
Je vous remercie bien, mon cher & respectable Ami, de votre agréable Postscriptum, dans laquelle vous me faites esperer que vôtre Voyage aura l’heureux Effét proposé.
Mon fils est trés sensible à vôtre Bonté en vous souvenant de lui; il presente ses compliments respectueuses.
Nos dernieres Nouvelles de l’Amerique sont bonnes. Puissent ils continuer telles! Je suis toujours heureux quand la France a quelque Avantage sur nos Ennemis.
Le Reste de cette Lettre est pour Madame votre chere Femme. Et comme je propose d’y meler un peu de Galanterie, je vous en avertis, afin que vous aura la belle Occasion d’exercer vôtre Politesse en ne lisant plus loin.
J’ai reçu hier la charmante Epitre de ma cher Amie, dattée le 20, de Marseille. Le grand Voisin m’avoit communiqué auparavant une autre de la même espece, qui contoit l’histoire de votre Voyage. Je lui ai montré la mienne; ainsi chacune de vos Lettres donne du Plaisir à deux Personnes; & si deux cent, ou deux cent mille peuvent avoir l’occasion de les lire, le Plaisir donné sera augmenté en proportion.
Nous sommes tous en grand joie ici de la Naissance de notre Dauphin.— Avant qu’il avoit 24 heures, j’ai été, en qualité non pas d’un des Sages de l’Est, mais au contraire & de l’Ouest, faire mais Adorations, qu’il a reçu bien gracieusement. C’est un heureux Evenement pour la France, & pour la Reine qui est aimée par la France, & pour moi qui les aime tous les deux, & qui suis toujours gai quand je vois mes amis heureux.
J’apperçois que vous risez un peu en lisant que je me range parmi les Sages. Vous étés subtile Logicienne, & vous avez confondú tant de mes Raisonnemens, que je crains pour ceci que je va produire, à vous prouver que j’ai beaucoup de Sagesse. C’est que j’ai été né avec autant que les autres, & que j’en ai depensé très peu, ainsi je dois avoir une Quantité considerable de reste; peutêtre plus même que vous, qui faites tant de Consommation de la Votre, en l’usant tous les jours.
Vous m’avez fournis de jolies Lettres de Change tirées sur Madame le Veillard, sa Fille, & la petite mere Caillot. Je les presenterai demain au soir, & j’espere que ils seront duement honorées, ainsi que ceux sur le Reste des belles Dames de votre Connoissance. Pendant votre Absence, je me profiterai bien de tous les Embrassades que je reçoive sur votre Compte, & à votre Retour je me tiendrai prêt a les rendre fidellement à vous, avec les Interêts.— Mon fils pretende qu’il seroit plus a propos de tirer cette espéce de Traites en sa Faveur; & il se plaint que vous aviez oublié cela.— Mais ils sont toujours bonnes pour moi, car l’amour de l’argent comptant n’est pas diminué par la Viellesse.
On dit que les Dames des Pays que vous avez traversées, & que vous aurez à traverser en revenant, sont plus libertines que ceux de Paris. C’est à esperer, donc, que vous serez un peu apprivoisée par leur Conversation; & que vous retournerez de cette Voyage, comme avec plus de Santé, ainsi avec moins de Rigueur. Vous ne serez pas aussi estimable, peutêtre, mais beaucoup plus aimable. Choisissez.
Mon fils presente ses Respects affectionnées à vous & à les vôtres. Il a été à Chaumont deux Semaines, & il paroit avoir gagné en Santé.
Adieu ma trés chere Amie; & dites pour moi à vous même, toutes les tendres Amitiés que je sens, mais que je ne puis pas exprimer en votre langue, & difficilement dans la mienne.
Embrassez pour moi les aimables Enfans, & le bon Pere Pagin, & notre grand Ami.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Brillon / à Nice


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 30 October 1781
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir/
London 30 Octr 1781
I now remain without any reply to my Letters of the 4th & 18 Sepr, at which I am rather surprised, I find however that Major Cowley concerning whom I wrote has obtained his Parole by which it appears the Black Princess acted under a French Commission he being released as such—
The Commissioners of Sick & Hurt sent for me a few days ago & informed, that they were directed to send 53 Men in the room of those taken in the Snake Sloop as I before mentioned, & they likewise desired that if you upon those Men’s arrival cou’d get up the obligation they gave you woud please to do it, they were taken by the Pilgrim & Rambler Privateers— They informed me at the same Time that they wished I woud write you to know if any & what English Prisoners were now in France taken by American Vessells & if there were any they were ready to proceed to an exchange for Americans confined in England. I beg the favor of you to inform me how the Fact is that I may make the Communication.
I am sorry to inform you that the last remittance of £200 from Mr Grand is expended even at the small allowance of 6 p per Week, I hope therefore if there are the means in your Power that you will send me a fresh supply it being far more nesessary in Winter than Summer— Mr Witherspoon had £20 st. from me in all— I shoud suppose we are at the eve of some considerable Events in America if any thing very particular arrives I shou’d be glad(?) to know it. I am very truly Dr sir Your most obedt Hbe Servt
William Hodgson

Addressed: à / Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a / Passy
Endorsed: answer’d


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 31 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hodgson, William

Dear Sir,
Passy Oct. 31. 1781
I have ordered another Sum into your hands for the Prisoners, and will keep you constantly supply’d so as that you may furnish them with a Shilling each per Week from the middle of November to the Middle of March.
I hear nothing from Digges. Do you know what is become of him?
I am infinitely oblig’d to you and your Friends at Plymouth & Portsmouth for your kind Care of our poor People. I beg the Continuance of it. I wish it was in my Power to supply those honest brave patient Fellows more liberally. I will endeavour, if possible, to make their Winter Allowance 18 pence.
With great and sincere Esteem, I am ever, Dear Sir,
Mr Wm Hodgson Mercht. Colman Street, London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Penet, 31 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Penet, Pierre

Sir,
Passy, Oct. 31. 1781
I have consider’d your Proposition to me, that I should legalize your Bonds for the State of Virginia.
The Manner of doing this, as you explain’d it to me verbally, is by writing on each of them the Word Vue, with my Signature.
I have taken Advice on this Subject, and am informed that it is by no means proper for me to put my Visa on your Bonds, unless I were expressly authorised by the State so to do, which I am not.—
If my Signature was likely to have the Effect you imagine, in procuring such a Loan, I should make use of it in behalf of the United States. But I have great reason to believe your Project cannot succeed in a Country, which being at War wants itself to borrow, and where therefore the Government will probably not permit foreign Loans to be proposed or made by its Subjects.— And every Public Attempt to borrow Money which miscarries, contributes to diminish farther the Credit of those who desire to borrow.—
I cannot therefore agree to concern my self farther in this Affair than I have already done in legalizing your Powers. I am, with much Regard, Sir,
Mr Penet


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bell, 31 October 1781
From: Bell, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

L’Orient 31th Octor. 1781
I had the Honor to Write your Excellency, the 28: of Last Month, to Which I have not been favor’d With an Answer,— Mr. Nesbitt, has Likewise mentiond my Situation to you— I have this Day, recieved A Letter from Captn. John Kinnear, the person for Whom it was proposed I should be Exchanged, Who Engages in Case he Gets his Liberty on Parole, to Make his Appearenc in Limerick, and take up my Parole & Return it me. If your Excellency thinks this can be Admitted, I beg that you Will inform me as Soon as possible, I have now been in this Kingdom, five months at a Considerable Expence, Which Added to my Loss in the Luzerne, the Ship I commanded, is much two heavy for me to bare, & I shall be Reduced to the Greatest Necessity, unless by being Speedely Releas’d from my Parole, I may Return to America, & Get once more into Employment— I once more Request that your Excellency Will Consider my Disagreeable Situation, and have the honor to Remain With great Respect your Excellencys Most Obed. Humb. Servt.
Tho. Bell
his Excellencey Docr. Benjn. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 31 October 1781
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 31 8be 1781
I profit by the oppertunity of the bearer Monsieur Bory to transmit the Bond duely executed for the Commission of the Brig Mariana for which I hold my self obliged to you.
We may flatter ourselves from the receiption Admiral Greaves met with from Comte de Grass of seeing the Southern States freed from the Rapatious ravages of a cruel Enemy.
Permit me to introduce the bearer Monsr Bory to your Civilities his connections are of consideration in this province and his Brothers conected in sundry fabricks of Goods much wanted in America.
With respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obed Humble Servant
John Bondfield

Notation: Bondfield. John. Bordeaux 31. 8bre. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Neave & Son, 31 October 1781
From: Neave, Richard, & Son
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir/
Bornier 31st: October 1781.
We rece’d your very Kind favor of the 12th. of April last, which was detain’d by Accident near two Months at Rouen, & until the Friend who carried you our Letter return’d from Paris.— Since then our distress’d Situation has put it out of our Power to return you sooner, our best thanks for your Friendly Opinion & advice.— We lament the Necessity we are under of Staying so long in this Country, but being without Money or Credit, we must wait with Patience until we can get some Remitted from America.— Mr. Whartons family & Friends cannot be unacquainted with our situation, & though they owe us so much Money, have neither the Honour or Gratitude to releive us.
The Letter you was so Kind as to send us, was from Mr: Carson our Attorney at Phila. He writes friendly & advisd our comig out in the Summer Fleet of this Year. He also mentions an Offer that had been made him of £1200 Stg. for a House & Ground we have in Baltimore Town, which is Lett for £100 per Ann. & the Taxes. We have desired him to Sell it immediately, if the Gentleman will remitt the Money, into the hands of a Banquier at Paris or Rouen, to whome we can make a Title, without running any Risq.— This has somewhat rais’d our Spirrits, hopeg that it may in a few Months put an End to our Distress.
We have not yet rece’d a Line from Mr. Wharton, & we begin to be in doubt we shall never have that Satisfaction, haveing lately heard a Report that he was Kill’d by Accident on Board the Ship, a few day’s before she arrivd.
We wish your Excellency the Enjoyment of your Health, & remain with all Respect and Esteem.— sir Your Most Obedt: & Oblig’d Humble servts:
Richd Neave & Son
His Excellency B: Franklin Esqr: at Passy.

Addressed: His Excelly: B: Franklin Esqr: / &c &c &c / Passy.
Notation: Neave & Son, Mr Rd. Bornier 31. Oct. 1781.


Title: Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1781
From:
To:

Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts
We classify one new account whose entries began during an earlier period.
XXX. Franklin’s Account with Congress, April 12, 1781, to May 4, 1785: American Philosophical Society, 2 pp. An account in William Temple Franklin’s hand, prepared for Thomas Barclay and obviously a continuation of Account XXIX (XXXIII, 3), which records Franklin’s salary payments and his official expenditures. These entries are duplicates of items recorded in other accounts, but occasionally give fuller detail. Temple’s notation reads, “Copy of Acct. deliver’d Mr. Barclay 4 May 1785.”
The following previously identified accounts cover these months: VI and VII (XXIII, 21); XII (XXV, 3); XVII (XXVI, 3); XIX and XXII (XXVIII, 3–4); XXIII (XXIX, 3); XXV, XXVII, and XXVIII (XXXII, 3–4). We offer here a summary of entries which have not found a place elsewhere in our annotation, but which provide insights into Franklin’s private and public life.
Account XXIII (William Temple Franklin’s Accounts, XXIX, 3) ends on February 12, 1782. Temple’s subsequent account books have not been located, and although the surviving receipts for many household expenses will continue to enrich our understanding of the daily workings of Franklin’s home and office, the record will never again be as complete.
The largest category of items purchased during this period, by far, is books—twenty-five works, purchased on eleven different days during the three and one-half months covered by the account. The only booksellers whose names we know are three whose itemized bills survive, and whom Temple names in this ledger: J. G. Cressonnier, Barrois l’aîné, and Pissot, all of whom operated on the quai des Augustins.
From Cressonnier, on November 17, Temple bought a French / German dictionary, “Harrington’s Works,” and a four-volume quarto Don Quixote, “nouvelle edition de Madrid.” On November 18 and 25 Cressonnier sold Franklin La Science du gouvernement in eight volumes, Le Pornographe, Considérations politiques sur les coups d’état, “Livre sur l’électricité,” Les Economiques, and Erasmus, Eloge de la folie “avec figures in 80.” Franklin patronized the other two booksellers on December 21. From Barrois l’aîné he bought the six-volume Recherches sur les finances and Lettres sur les monnoies fictives. From Pissot, he purchased Conjuration des Espagnols contre Venise … and unspecified works by La Bruyère and La Rochefoucauld. On January 17, Pissot supplied an almanach. Books purchased from other merchants are as follows: on November 17, La Cuisinière bourgeoise; on December 14, two volumes Temple calls “Etrennes des Artistes”; on December 29, “Fordyce’s Sermons” and Manuel de morale; the Almanach royal on December 31; Principes d’éloquence on January 15; the eleventh volume of Description particulière de la France on January 16; Jacques Vanière, Cours de latinité and La Croix, L’Origine & progrès de la civilisation on February 11. In addition, Franklin renewed his subscription to the Mercure de France and the Journal de Paris.
A number of entries relate to the general operations of the household. Chocarne continues to supply firewood, and a certain Mazars provides a “hyde” in which to carry it. Roger, a painter, refurbishes Temple’s room. Franklin buys a “pair of Spectacles” from Charles Ciceri, paper from the stationer Cabaret, sealing wax, two pairs worsted hose, and a bathing cap. On December 31 Temple buys on Franklin’s behalf chinaware, candlesticks, a gold cross, and a basket. Guiard, the apothecary, is paid his bill from May, 1780, to the end of 1781. The only medicines from this period date from November 6 and are of an unspecified nature. Added to the subtotal is a tip for the delivery boy. Campo-de-Arbe, maître d’hôtel, is reimbursed his expenses every two months. Coimet, the cook, receives wages and a wine allowance for the second half of 1781, and Joseph Bogey, kitchen boy, is paid for the period from mid-April to mid-October.
The itemized bills from Franklin’s and Temple’s personal servants, Arbelot and Bénard, provide as usual our most detailed information on their masters’ dining habits. For this period, only Arbelot’s bill for November survives. In that month Franklin, occasionally accompanied by Temple, was entertained by Mme Helvétius, the comte d’Estaing, Mme de Saint-Wast, Mme Grand, and M. Foucault. He also dined twice at unspecified locations in Paris, and twice at Versailles. Bénard waited on Temple frequently in Paris for dinners and suppers, in addition to the dinners Temple attended with his grandfather. Bénard’s bill for December and January shows more dinners hosted by the friends mentioned above, as well as the abbé Chalut, Mme Lafreté, the comtesse de Deux-Ponts, the abbé Morellet, and Saint-Auban.
Franklin, as usual, assisted people in need. He gave 6 l.t. on December 2 to a “Poor woman, whose Husband serves in America” and 24 l.t. on February 11 to “a German Officer” who, according to the entry in Account XXX, was “distress’d” and wanted to emigrate to America. He paid Lucien for a pair of shoes made for the American sailor W. Cooch and paid the tavern bill of “three supposed Americans.” He gave 9 l.t. to the church wardens at the Te Deum on December 14 and gave gratuities to his gardeners, coachman, and the servants of M. Brillon and of the comtesse Benyowsky. On January 9, M. L’Escop delivered three copying machines, with accessories, for which he was paid 432 l.t. According to Account XXVII, these were destined for Congress.
Account XVII (Franklin’s Private Accounts with Ferdinand Grand, XXVI, 3) continues to list the larger household payments: Mlle Chaumont for the use of horses and carriages, Poussin the tapissier for the rental of an Aubusson carpet, M. Sellier for the purchase of engravings, Maillet the locksmith, Lahure the tailor, and a final payment to Hémery on December 4 for work in the foundry. Periodic large payments are made to Temple, presumably for operating expenses at Passy.
Account XXVII (Accounts of the Public Agents in Europe, XXXII, 4) shows several payments, under the Franklin and Contingent Service categories, that do not appear in the accounts described above. The London stationer Woodmason was paid for “stationary for Congress” on January 16. The Courier de l’Europe is sent to Congress; the subscriptions for 1781 and 1782 are paid, respectively, in December and February, at a cost of 99 l.t. per year. The New Year’s gifts Franklin distributed at Versailles to ministers’ servants amounted to 282 l.t.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 2 November 1781
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Philadelphia, Novr. 2d. 1781
It is with peculiar pleasure that I obey the directions of Congress in making Communications, which shew their Sense of the Exertions of their Ally, & the merit of the Officers She Employs. The Confidence inspired by the first, & the Esteem Excited by the last, form new bonds of Union between Nations whom reciprocal Interests had before Connected. In this View I flatter myself the Enclosed Acts of Congress will be agreeable to you, & that you will with pleasure Communicate to his most Christian Majesty, their desire, with his permission, to present to the Count de Grasse, two pieces of Field Ordnance, taken from the Enemy at York, with inscriptions calculated to shew “that Congress were induced to present them from Considerations of the illustrious part which he bore in Effectuating the surrender.” I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & Esteem, sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant
R R Livingston
The Hon. the Minr. Plenipy. of France: / :(Copy) No.1.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 3 November 1781
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 3 9bre. 1781
I am honord with your favor of the 25th past. I forwarded by Mr Bory the Bond for the Commission of the Mariana which I doubt not will be deliver’d safe to your hands. I have order’d three hhds [hogsheads] of our best wine to be fined down and bottled which shall be packt with care and held ready to ship by the first conveyances say one hhd by each agreable to your instructions.
We are yet without arrivals from Mons De Grass on this Coast as by the English accounts he could meet with little opossion in the debarking of his Troops we may hope deceided advantages will result from the Expedition.
With respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield
His Excellency Benj Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: A son Excellence / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Ministre / Plenipotentionaire des Etats Unies / a / Paris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 5 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard,Bache, Sarah Franklin

Dear Son & Daughter,
Passy Nov. 5. 1781
Enclos’d I send you some late Letters of Ben’s to me, by which you will learn his Welfare.
I have agreed to take here an American’s Bill for 100£ Sterling lent him. I shall send it to you when I receive it, and I desire you to lay it out for me in a Share of the Bank.

I am well, and shall soon write to you more fully.
I have ordered Casks of the best Claret to be sent you in three Ships.—
God bless you both.
BF
Your affectionate Father


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Catherine de Wesselow Cramer, 5 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cramer, Catherine de Wesselow

Madame,
Passy Nov. 5. 1781.
The Person who will have the honour of presenting you this Letter, is Made. [Madame] Montgomery a Lady of Philadelphia, who has brought over with her an only Son for the purpose of giving him an European Education. I have recommended to her the placing him at Geneva; and as she purposes residing there herself while he shall continue at School, I beg leave to request for her your Counsels, which she, being quite a Stranger will have need of, and which cannot but be very useful to her. She wishes to be lodged in some respectable family; and as she is a Gentlewoman of Good Fortune and Character, such a family will risque Nothing in receiving her. Your Kindness to me and mine has emboldened me to make this Request of your Civilities; and your Compliance will be a great Addition to former favours. With best Wishes of Health and happiness to you and yours, I have the honour to be, Madam, &ca.
Made. Cramer


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Lovell, 5 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lovell, James

Sir,
Passy, Novr. 5. 1781
Upon the Receipt of yours, relating to Messrs Gouvernier & Curson, & Dr. Witherspoon, I wrote to a Correspondent in London to furnish them with what Money they might have Occasion for. The two former did not want any Assistance, the latter took 20 Guineas, which enabled him to come hither where he found a farther Credit from his Father. I shall always be pleas’d with every Occasion you give me of Showing my Respect for your Recommendation. Being, with great Esteem, Sir,
James Lovell Esqr Member of Congress Philad


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas McKean, 5 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: McKean, Thomas

Sir,
Passy Novr. 5. 1781.
Herewith you will receive a Copy of my last; since which I have been honour’d with two Letters from the late President, the one dated Mar 2 relating to Capt. Jones’s Cross of Merit which I have communicated as directed. The other dated July 5 respecting the Release and Exchange of Mr Lawrens. Having no direct Communication with the British Ministers, and Mr Burke appearing by a Letter to me warmly interested in favour of his Friend General Burgoyne to prevent his being recalled, I have requested and impower’d him to negotiate that Exchange and I soon expect his Answer.

The late Practice of sending to England Prisoners taken in America, has greatly augmented the Number of those unfortunate Men, and proportionably increased the Expence of relieving them. The Subscriptions for that purpose in England, have ceas’d. The Allowance I have made them of 6 pence each per Week during the Summer, tho’ small, amounts to a considerable Sum; and during the Winter I shall be obliged to double if not treble it. The Admiralty there will not accept any English in Exchange but such as have been taken by Americans, and absolutely refuse to allow any of the Paroles given to our Privateers by English Prisoners discharg’d at Sea, except in one Instance that of 53 Men taken in the Snake Sloop by the Pilgrim and Rambler, which was a Case attended, as they say, with some particular Circumstances. I know not what the Circumstances were, but shall be glad to see the 53 of our People whom they promise to send me by the first Cartel. I have above 500 other Paroles solemnly given in Writing, by which the Englishmen promised either to send of our People in Exchange, or to surrender themselves to me in France; not one of which has been regarded, so little Faith & Honor remains in that corrupted Nation. Our Privateers when in the European Seas, will rarely bring in their Prisoners when they can get rid of them at Sea. Some of our poor brave Countrymen have been in that cruel Captivity now near four Years. I hope the Congress will take this Matter into immediate Consideration; and find some means for their Deliverance, & to prevent the sending more from America. By my last Accounts the Number now in the several Prisons amounts to upwards of 800. I request also some Direction from Congress, (having never received any), respecting the Allowance to be made to them while they remain there. They complain that the Food given them is insufficient. Their Petition to the English Government to have an equal Allowance with the French & Spanish Prisoners has been rejected; which makes the small pecuniary Assistance I can send them more necessary.— If a certain Number of English Prisoners could be set apart in America, treated exactly in the same Manner, and their Exchange refused ’till it should be agreed to set these at Liberty in Europe, one might hope to succeed in procuring the Discharge of our People. Those who escape and pass thro’ France to get Home put me also to a very great Expence for their Land Journies which could be prevented if they could be exchanged; as they would be landed here in the Ports.
The Ambassador of Venice told me, that he was charged by the Senate to express to me their grateful Sense of the Friendly Behavior of Capt Barry, Commander of the Alliance in rescuing one of the Ships of their State from an English Privateer, and setting her at Liberty. And he requested me to communicate this Acknowledgement to Congress.
There is a Complaint from Holland against Capt Jones, for having taken the Brigantine Berkenbosch and sending her to America; and I have been desired to lay before Congress the inclosed Depositions relating to that Capture, and to request their Attention to it. The Ambassador of Portugal also frequently asks me if I have received any Answer to their Complaint long since sent over. I wish it was in my Power to give him one of some kind or other. But none has yet come to my Hands. I need not mention the Importance of attending to the smallest Complaints between Nations, the Neglect of them having sometimes very serious Consequences.
The Mediation proposed is not yet agreed to by England, who refuses to treat with our United States but as a Sovereign with Subjects. And I apprehend that a Change in that Resolution is only to be expected from Time, the growing insupportable Expence of the War, or a Course of Misfortunes in the Progress of it. The Spirits of that Nation have been continually kept up by the flattering Accounts sent over of our being weary of the Contest, and on the Point of Submission. Their Ministers, as appears by their intercepted Letters, have been themselves so far deceived as to expect daily those Submissions, and to have the Pleasure of laying them before the King. We may perhaps be able to guess a little by the King’s Speech at the approaching new Session of Parliament, whether they still continue under this Delusion. As long as it subsists, Peace is not to be expected.
A Loan has been proposed to be obtained for us of the States of Holland on the Credit of this Government. All publick Operations are slow in that Country, and tho’ the Affair is at length said to be concluded, it is not yet executed. Considerable Advances have however been made here in Expectation of being reimburs’d by it. The last Aids granted us have been so absorbed by my Payment of the Drafts on Mr Jay and Mr Adams, and Acceptance of those for the enormous unexpected Purchases in Holland, which were to have gone in Capt. Gillon’s Ship, but left behind, that I shall have nothing to spare for Extraordinaries unless some of the Holland Loan comes soon into my Hands. I am now told from Amsterdam, that the two Ships freighted there to carry those Goods, are detained, as their Contract was to sail under Convoy of the South Carolina, which left them; and they must now take more Men to defend them, and of consequence claim a higher Freight; and to have it paid before they sail, unless I will buy the Ships and send them on Account of Congress, neither of which is in my Power to do. It was ith Reluctance I engaged in that Affair, having little Confidence in Capt. Gillons Management, and fearing some Embarrasment of our Credit. I consented in fine to engage for the Payment of 10,000£ Sterling, being the Value of the Goods suitable for Congress said to be already shipt in that Vessel; and as there was said to be still some Room and she was thought a safe Conveyance, I concluded to furnish an additional Sum to fill that supposed Vacancy, which I limited to 5000£ sterg more. You will judge of my Surprize, when I saw the Accounts of that additional Purchase, which amounted instead of 5 to 50,000£: I at first absolutely refused to pay for them. But Capt. Jackson came to me from thence express, urged that the Purchase was made by order of Col. Lawrens; that the Goods were on board; that if I would not undertake to pay for them, they must be relanded and returned or sold, which would be a publick disgrace to us; that they were all Articles exceedingly wanted in America &ca &ca in fine I was prevail’d on and accepted the Bills; and was obliged to go with this After-clap to the Ministers, a Proceeding always disagreable after the Disposition of the Funds of the Year have been arranged; and more so in this Case, as the Money was to be paid for the Manufactures of other Countries, and not laid out in those of this Kingdom, by whose Friendship it was furnish’d. This fresh Grant was at first absolutely refus’d; at length I obtained it; and I hoped the Difficulty was over.— But after all, the Officers declare the Ship overloaded, that there was not room to lodge the People and Provisions, nor to act in fighting her; the Goods are turned out into two other Ships, those are left and it is now proposed to me either to buy them or to advance a Freight nearly equal to their Value. I cannot make a new Demand for this Purpose; and I shall not wonder if this Government observing how badly our shipping and transporting the Supplies is managed, should take that Business for the future entirely into its own Hands, as they have begun to do in the Case of Replacing the Cargo of the Marquis de la Fayette & indeed, till some active intelligent Person skill’d in Maritime Affairs is placed here as Consul, I cannot but think it will be much better executed, and more for our Advantage.
Some considerable Parts of that new Cargo are already shipt, and the rest I hear in great forwardness.
The very Friendly Disposition of this Court towards us still continues; and will I hope continue for ever. From my own Inclination as well as in Obedience to the Orders of Congress, every thing in my Power shall be done to cultivate that Disposition; but I trust it will be remember’d, that the best Friends may be overburthen’d; that by too frequent, too large, and too importunate Demands upon it, the most cordial Friendship may be wearied; and as nothing is more teasing than repeated unexpected large Demands for Money, I hope the Congress will absolutely put an End to the Practice of drawing on their Ministers, and thereby obliging them to worry their respective Courts for the Means of Payment. It may have otherwise very ill Effects, in depressing the Spirit of a Minister, and destroying that Freedom of Representation which on many Occasions it might be proper for him to make use of.—
I heartily congratulate you, Sir, on your being called to the honourable & important Office of President, and wish you every kind of Prosperity. Be pleased to present my dutiful Respects to the Congress, and believe me to be, with great & sincere Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
To his Excellency Thos. McKean Esqr President of Congress.

Notations: Letter Novr 5th 1781 Docr Franklin Read 18 March 1782 / Mr Ellery Mr Lee Mr Middleton Mr McKean Mr Jones / R.M.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 5 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morris, Robert

Dear Sir,
Passy, Nov. 5. 1781
Herewith you will receive Copies of my three last Letters to you. I have receiv’d none from you of later Date than the 21st of July, already acknowledg’d: but which I propose now to answer more fully, as I promised.—
The Sentiment you express “That no Country is truly independent, until with her own Credit & Resources she is able to defend herself and correct her Enemies”; appears to me perfectly just. And the Resolutions you have taken of Endeavouring to “establish our Credit, by drawing out our Resources in such a Manner that we may be little burthensome & essentially useful to our Friends”; are such as all good Patriots ought to wish you may succeed in, and should hold themselves ready to afford you every Assistance in their Power.
As in taking your Measures it will be useful to you to know what Aids you may expect from Europe, I think it right to give you my Opinion that you cannot rely on such as may be called very considerable. If Europe was in peace, and its Governments therefore under no Necessity of Borrowing, much of the spare Money of private Persons might then be collectible in a Loan to our States. But four of the Principal Nations being already at War and a fifth suppos’d to be preparing for it, all borrowing what they can, and bidding from time to time higher Interest, it is to be suppos’d, that money’d Men will rather risque lending their Cash to their own Governments or to those of their Neighbours, than hazard it over the Atlantick with a new State, which to them hardly appears to be yet firmly establish’d. Hence all our Attempts to procure private Loans have hitherto miscarried; and our only chance of pecuniary Aids is from the Governments of France or Spain, who being at War with our Enemy are somewhat interested in assisting us.— These two Governments have indeed great Revenues.— But when it is considered that the Abilities of Nations to assist each other, are not in proportion to their Incomes, but in proportion to their Oeconomy; and that Saving and Treasuring-up in time of Peace is rarely thought of by Ministers, whence the Expences of the Peace Establishment equal if they do not exceed the Incomes; & therefore when a War comes on, they are, with Regard to the means of carrying it on, almost as poor as we, being equally oblig’d to borrow. The Difference only is, that they have a Credit, which we want; which we had indeed, with our own People, but have lost it by abusing it. Their Credit however can only procure the Monies that are to spare, and those in so general a Demand are few. Hence it is, and because her Treasures have been long detain’d in America, that Spain has been able to help us very little; & tho’ France has done for us much more, it has not been equal to our Wants, altho’ I sincerely believe it equal to her Abilities, the War being otherwise exceedingly expensive to her, & her Commerce much obstructed.— If the 10 Million Loan in Holland is all apply’d to our purposes, we shall this Year have obtain’d near 20 millions of Livres: and I think there is no Probability of our obtaining the same for the next. Nothing can therefore be more àpropos or more necessary than your Purpose of endeavouring that “our Revenues should be expended with Oeconomy.”— Would to God that Oeconomy could also be introduc’d into our private Affairs: The Money our foolish People spend in Superfluities & Vanities, would be nearly equal to the Expence of the War. But that is wishing Mankind more Sense than God has been pleas’d to give them, and more than they desire, for they have not enough to know they want it; and one may as well wish them more Money.—

It is true that Spain has now got great Part of her Treasure home, and may possibly grant more than she has hitherto done to Mr Jay’s Applications. But tho’ the Sums arriv’d are considerable upon Paper, the King’s Part is not very great, and much of it has been anticipated; so that our Expectations should not be sanguine from that Quarter neither.
I have not propos’d to any Banker here as yet, to have the Connection you mention with our Bank. The Opinion of our general Poverty & Inability, which the enormous Depreciation of our Paper among ourselves has impress’d on the Minds of all Europe, give me no hopes of Success in such a Proposition. I clearly see however the Advantages that you show would arise from the Operation; and as soon as any favourable Circumstances in our affairs may give a probable Chance of succeeding, I shall seize the Opportunity and propose it. Perhaps I may sooner venture to ask privately the Sentiments of our Banker (who is a judicious Man) on such a Proposition, and let you know what he thinks of it.
With regard to the 10,000,000 [l.t.] Dutch Loan, which you seem to have some Dependance on Receiving in Money, I should acquaint you, that if it succeeds, sundry great Sums furnished to enable me to pay Congress Drafts, as well as the Goods now sending to replace the Cargo of the Marquis de la Fayette, will probably be deducted out of it. How much they will all amount to I cannot now justly say: but I think they will cause a considerable Diminution. The Money carried over by Col Laurens was part of the 6,000,000 Gift, and the rest of the Gift has been absorb’d by the Goods he carried over or ordered, and by the various Demands on me & on your Ministers in Spain & Holland, which all finally fall on me.

Thus you see, my dear Friend, I have not endeavoured to flatter you with pleasing Expectations of Aids that may never be obtained; and thereby betray you into Plans that might miscarry & disgrace you. Truth is best for you & for us all. When you know what you cannot depend on, you will better know what you can undertake. I shall certainly do what may lie in my Power to help you; but do not expect too much of me.— If you can succeed in executing the Engagement I entered into with Mr Necker, that will augment my Credit, and of Course my Power of being useful to you. At present it is very good. My Acceptances having always been punctually paid, now pass on any Exchange in Europe as Money; but if I should be oblig’d to fail in discharging any of them, it is gone for ever, and I may be thrown by as a broken Instrumt. of no farther Service. You are so sensible of this, and possess so much innate Honour, that I shall not have the least doubt, in accepting your Drafts, of your enabling me to pay them duly.
There is a little Mistake in one of your Letters, which I ought to set right. You mention France as having guaranteed the Payment of the Interest Bills. There has been no such Guarantee. She has hitherto furnish’d the Money for that purpose, & will I hope continue to do so. I indeed think it probable; but I should be sorry to see it mention’d in any public Paper as an Engagement of hers, and this Hint may prevent it. Perhaps some of the Commissioners may have understood that there was such a Promise, and may have said it in their Letters; but as there is no such thing existing in any Writing between us & the Ministers, we cannot assert and insist on it; for when we first arriv’d and did not well understand one another’s Language, it was easy to misapprehend, and suppose things said that were not, and indeed after such a length of time to forget some that were. And till after the Treaty was agreed on, I think we had nothing from the Ministers in Writing, it seemed a Point to avoid it.

I received the Cyphers; but having perus’d them, I imagine the old one preferable, which I left with you. At least it seems so to me, perhaps because I am us’d to it.
I approve much of your Bank, and shall order Mr Bache to subscribe for me.—
With the most sincere Esteem & Affection, I am, Dear Sir,
Mr Morris

[Postscript:] Major Franks during the short time of his Stay among us, has gained by his prudent & pleasing Behaviour a great deal of Esteem, with all that have had the Pleasure of his Acquaintance. I hope he will get safe home to his Friends.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dorcas Montgomery, [5 November 1781]
From: Montgomery, Dorcas Armitage
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monday 4 OClock [November 5, 1781]
Mrs. Montgomery’s Respectful Compts. Attend Doctr. Franklin, with many thanks for all attentions—will with pleasure deliver the inclos’d for Mastr. Ben—Mastr. Bob’s Compts with a Thousand thanks,— Mrs. Montgomery wish’s the Doctr. a continuance of Health, and every Happiness.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 7 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy. Novr. 7. 1781.
I have been honoured with the following Letters from your Excellency during the last month, viz. of the 4th. 10th. 18th. 22d. 25th. 26th. & 27th. which I should have answered sooner, but that I waited for a safe Opportunity, having reason to believe that all your Letters to me by the post are opened, and apprehending the same of mine to you. I send herewith the Covers and Seals of those Letters that you may judge whether the Impression of your Seal is not as I suppose it to be a Counterfeit. I shall now answer your Letters in the Order of their Dates.
Octr. 4th. I am pleased to find that you are the same Opinion with me as to the proper Charges in our Accounts.
Oct 10. I have now received the Resolutions of Congress for exchanging Gen. Burgoyne against Mr. Laurens, and have sent it to England, tho’ without much Hopes of Success; as I believe the Ministers there had rather at present have the General’s Absence than his Company. They would keep Mr. Laurens to hang him at the Peace, if the war should end in their Favour; and they would have no Objection to Americans Recalling & hanging Burgoyne.
I wonder at your being so long without hearing from Mr. Dana, and I am afraid some Misfortune has happened to him.
I have communicated here your Observations relating to Masts, and make no doubt you have recommended to Congress the taking effectual Measures on their part to prevent that Michievous Commerce. If the English could be remov’d from Penobscot, another of their means of Supply would be cut off.

I have already acquainted you that I will help you to pay your Acceptances, as far as you have sent me an Account of them. I have even ordered a considerable Remittance into the hands of Fizeau and Grand, to facilitate those Payments. But I must repeat my Request to you not to accept any Bills with an Expectation of my Paying them, that are drawn after the End of March last; and I farther beg you would accept no more of the old ones drawn on Mr. Laurens, without first acquainting me with the Number or Value, and knowing from me whether I can provide for the Payment. If the Loan so long expected from Holland does at length take place, as I am now told it is likely to do, my Embarras occasioned by all these Demands will I hope be remov’d by it. If not I must scuffle & shift as I can. God help us all.
Octr. 18. I know nothing of Beer but from Mr. Coffyn’s Recommendation. I am afraid he is one of those poor helpless Bodies that God throws into the World to try its Charity. I had been told that the Dutch had sent to borrow such Workmen from France. I recommended it to send the escap’d Prisoners arriving at Dunkirk rather to Amsterdam than to Paris, because I think there arrive as many American Vessels in Holland as in France, wherein they might return home; and there is not one of those Prisoners who does put us to 8 or 10 Louis Expence in his Land Journey first to Paris & then to the Sea Ports, when he might go to Holland in the Track Schuyts for perhaps 1 or 2. I am sensible that you have not as you say any Public Money in your hands; and having accepted Bills for more than is in mine, my Case in that respect does not differ from yours. These poor unfortunate Men must however be relieved; unnecessary Expence in doing it being avoided we can relieve more of them. We cannot do for them all we wish; we shall do the best we can. I think it quite right you should have Money always at command for that purpose, and am of Opinion the small Sum obtained by the Loan at Messrs. de Neufville’s will be very properly apply’d in assisting the Prisoners. I therefore give my Advice frankly to use it in that Service. And when that is expended, you should undoubtedly be supply’d with more, and will have the Credit you desire at Messrs. Fizeau & Grand’s, as long as we have any.
Octr. 22. By accepting a Mediation I apprehend no more is meant, than consenting to hear and consider what a common Friend may propose towards accommodating a Difference. A Mediator is not a Judge or Arbitrator: When Arbitrators are chosen there is commonly an Engagement to abide by their Determination. But no such Engagement is made with respect to a Mediator. Mediations are however subject to this Hazard, that the Mediator piqu’d against the party who rejects his Advice, joins with the other to compel his Acceptance of it. This perhaps was a little the case lately, in the Mediation of Spain between France & England.
I have just learnt by a Letter from Come. Gillon that Capt. Jackson has left his Ship, and is returning to France. I think with you that it will be proper he should proceed immediately to Holland to take care of the Goods there. But I own I have not so much Confidence in his prudent Conduct, as to wish the Business left entirely to his Discretion. I still feel the Mischief and Absurdity of his buying Goods under the Notion of only filling a Vacancy left in a loaded Ship, and doing this to such excess as to make two Ships more necessary to receive them. I had a Reluctance to any concern with Gillon; I was urg’d into it by Col. Laurens, on the Considerations that the 10,000£ Sterling’s worth he wanted to dispose of were such as the Army needed, were already shipt, and the Conveyance likely to be a safe one &c. I consented to pay for those Goods; and for as much more as might be wanted to fill a remaining Vacancy in the Ship, not exeeding the Value of 5,000£ more. I propos’d that these Payments should be made on your Drafts, that your Excellency might have Occasion to inspect the Conduct of the Business, and be some check upon it. I wish I had impowered you or requested your Care more explicitly: I do not think the least Blame lies on you. Capt Jackson too might be ignorant of the Bulk of the Goods till they were assembled: But methinks Messrs. Neufville might have known it, and would have advis’d against so enormous a Purchase, if augmenting the Commissions, & the Project of Freighting their own Ships had not blinded their Eyes. You will judge that it must be a monstrous Surprize to me, to have an Account brought against me of 50,000£ instead of 5,000. I agreed however to accept the Bills, on Mr. Jackson’s Representation that the Goods were bought & shipt, that the relanding and returning or selling them would make a Talk and discredit us; that they were such only as were absolutely necessary, &ca. and I accepted his Drafts instead of yours, as he said the Ship only waited his Return to sail, and the obtaining your Signature would occasion a Delay of 8 or 10 Days. Thus I was drawn in at the broad End of the Horn, & must squeeze out at the narrow End as well as I can. I find myself confoundedly pinch’d, but I deserve it in some degree for my Facility and Credulity. At present I am not sure of Money either to buy the Ships or pay their Freight as proposed in yours of the 27th. and therefore cannot engage to do either. When Capt Jackson shall arrive in Holland, your Excellency will be so good as to advise him, and I hope he will take your Advice. I should apprehend it is now too late to go North about: and to send two slow-sailing Dutch Ships down the Channel, to run the Gantlet thro’ all the Frigates and Privateers, seems to me nearly the same thing as to consign them directly to some Port in England or Jersey. It was not to give you Trouble, or to avoid it myself, that I refer’d Messrs. Neufville to you for Advice, but really because I thought you understood such Business better than myself, were on the Spot, and equally concern’d for the Advantage of our Constituents. To me it seemed, that the Vessels having contracted to go with their Cargos to America, ought not to have staid behind on pretence of a Right to more Freight because the Convoying Ship had sail’d without them. They might have protested, and have gone without Convoy. If they had a Right to more Freight I suppose they would have recovered it; and if taken, have a Claim to some Indemnification. I did not understand the Compelling a new Agreement by stopping our Goods. I thought it ungenerous in Messrs. de Neufville as well as unjust. The Regularity or Irregularity of their Proceedings being at least as I imagin’d Points of Maritime Law or Custom I had that additional Reason for Deference to your Judgement.
22 Octr. I accepted your Draft of the 22 for 2000 Crowns in Favour of Fizeau & Grand, and it will be duly paid.
25th. The Letter from Dr. Waterhouse, of which you were so kind as to send me a Copy, is coolly & sensibly written, and has an Effect in lessening the Force of what is written against Gillon by Messrs. Jackson & Searle. On the whole, I hardly know as yet what to think of the Matter. If Gillon really produc’d to Jackson the 10,000£ worth of Goods, why did he keep back from him the Bills of Exchange that were to pay for them, & with which Gillon might have paid his Debts; And if he could not produce them, why did Jackson keep the Bills, carry them to Sea, and not return them to me? When we see him perhaps he may explain this. At present I am in the dark. He promised me a fuller Letter by the first Post, but I have not receiv’d it. Com. Gillon writes me, that Jackson & Searle are parted; that the former (with your Son & some other of the Passengers) is gone to France in an American Privateer, and the latter in the Ariel. I hope soon to hear of their safe Arrival, particularly on the Child’s and your Account: Young Cooper is gone to Geneva. Perhaps you may think of sending your Son there for the Winter; in which case if I can be of any Use to you, command me.
Octr 26. The Reason of my thinking we could not depend on receiving any more Money here applicable to the Support of Congress Ministers, is given in the same Letter of Augt. 6. to which yours of Octr 26th. is an Answer; viz. “That what Aids are hereafter granted will probably be transmitted by the Government directly to America.” Should that be the Case, and no Money be put into my Hands to be at my Disposal, what must I do with regard to the Salaries of Ministers? I cannot go to Versailles with a sneaking Petition requesting Money for my Subsistence, for the Subsistence of Mr. Adams, of Mr. Jay, & of Mr. Dana. I believe none of the Gentlemen would like my taking such a Step, and I think the Congress would be asham’d of it. It was therefore I thought it right to give the earliest Notice of what I apprehended might happen, that we might all join in representing it to Congress, in order to obtain the necessary Remittances. You may depend that as long as I have in my Hands disposable Money belonging to Congress I shall never refuse to obey their Orders in paying your Salary; and when I have no such Money I hope you will consider my not paying as the Effect of an Impossibility, and not as you express it a Refusal. The Congress should certainly either supply their foreign Ministers, or find such as can and will serve them gratis, or not send any at all. I hope you have written on this Subject; and tho’ I do not yet clearly see how our Money Affairs will wind up, I shall accept your Draft for another Quarter whenever you please to make it.
Octr 27th. I daily expect the Return of Major Jackson, and think, as I have said above, the Season over for sending those Goods before Winter, therefore if I understood such Affairs, I should defer a little the giving any Orders about the Ships freighted, or the Goods he has put on board them. I did as you observe stop the money Col. Laurens was sending over in Gillon’s Ship, because I saw I should want it to support the Credit of Congress, in Paying their Bills. I think you might have done the same to pay your Acceptances if I had not engag’d for them: And I believe you have an equal Right with me to take care of the Congress Property vested in those Goods, as their Minister; and being on the Spot can better judge from Circumstances of the Steps proper to be taken. I therefore request you would yourself give such Orders as you shall find necessary, and think most for the public Interest, remembring that I cannot undertake either to buy the Ships or pay the Freight. Perhaps it may be best to sell the whole, and purchase with the Money the same kind of Goods in France, which cannot but be more agreable to Government here; and probably they would arrive as soon.
I hope the coming Winter will thoroughly establish your Health. With great Esteem & Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. J. Adams Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Le Guen, 7 November 1781
From: Le Guen, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur. xa
Morlaix 7e. Novembre 1781.
Je prend la liberté de vous remettre Copie de la Lettre que jai recüe de Livourne de Mrs. L’Heritier Huigen & Co. par la qu’elle vous vairés que je suis porteur de la Sentence. pieces. &ca; consernant le domagement pour La Cargaison de salaisons du Navire Suedois La Victoire. Capitaine Charles Gustave Berg; conduit En cette Rade. par La Fregatte du Congré Laliance Capne Landais. La sentence portant comme vous vairés à £64000 l.t. Je me suis adressé à Messrs. vos agents à Nantes à cet Effet; sans pouvoir avoir aucune décissions; ces Messrs. sont resolû à mêttre arrest sur les premiers fonds qui se trouveront En France. appartenant au Congré; ce qui causera de grand frais; voulés-vous bien Monseigneur m’honorer d’une réponse. affain de la faire passer à Livourne; Je me feray un vray plaisir de pacifier cette affaire autant qu’il sera possible; N’ayant rien de plus à Cœur que d’obliger Et rendre mes Services au Congré; c’est ce que Je vous prïe d’estre persuadé ainsi que du profond Et Soumis Respect avec le quel J’ay l’honneur destre Monseigneur Vôtre très humble Et très obeissant serviteur.
Charles Le Guen

Notation: Charles Guen, 7. Nov. 1781.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 8 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, Nov. 8. 1781
The Bearer, Mr Fox, is a young Gentleman of Philadelphia, Son of one of my old Friends, and otherwise well recommended to me by some of the principal People of that Place. I beg leave to present him to your Excellency, and to request for him your Counsels, Civilities and Protection, of which I am persuaded you will find him deserving. With great Respect, I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excellency John Adams Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Castries, 8 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Castries, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix, marquis de

Monsieur
Passy le 8. Novembre 1781.
Le Major Franks qui aura l’honneur de vous remettre la presente, est un officier au Service des Etats Unis, qui est venu par l’Espagne pour quelques affaires particulieres du Congrès et qui s’en retourne avec les Depêches de son Ministre à cette Cour et avec les miennes. Comme je desire beaucoup qu’il ait un Passage Sure, Je supplie votre Excellence de vouloir bien lui accorder la Permission de passer sur le premier Vaisseau de sa Majesté qui partira pour l’Amerique Septentrionale, Si elle n’y trouve pas trop d’inconvenient.
Je suis avec Respect, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
B Franklin
à Son Excellence M. Le Ms. De Castries

Notations in different hands: Repondu le 10. 9bre à M francklin que Mgr le fera avertir quand il y aura une occasion. / M. de la frenaye est prié de vouloir bien rappeller a Mgr dans l’occasion / a m dr f / 11. 9bre.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 8 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir,
Passy, Nov. 8. 1781
It is long since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you. I hope your Health continues.
If Mr Fox, to whom I give this Line, should visit the Hague, I recommend him warmly to your Civilities. He is a Gentleman of good Character, and for whom I have a great Regard, not only as an American and the Son of an old Friend, but for his personal Merit.
With much Esteem, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant
B Franklin
M. Dumas.

Endorsed: Passy 8 Nov. 1781 S.E. Mr. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Laurens, 8 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, John

Dear Sir,
Passy, Nov. 8. 1781
I received your very kind Letter written at Sea off the Coast of Spain. I thank you for the friendly Hint contained in it respecting my Grandson: I see that what you propose for him might have a good Effect; but I have too much Occasion for his Assistance, and cannot spare him to make the Voyage. He must take his Chance, and I hope he will in time obtain as well as merit the Consideration of our Government.
I suppose you have receiv’d, or will receive before this reaches you, Accounts of the Management in Holland that cannot please you. I have written some of the Particulars to the Congress & to Mr. Morris. Capt Jackson’s Account to you will be fuller. I will however give you a short Sketch. It being propos’d to make an Addition to the Goods bought of Gillon, as there was still a little Vacancy to fill up in the Ship, I ventured to engage Payment as far as 5,000£ Sterling for that purpose. On this footing the Neufvilles purchased as much as amounted to 50,000£ Sterling; and the Bulk of Goods so great that two Ships more were necessary to receive them: these two Ships were hired & loaded, & were to sail under Convoy of Gillon: I refus’d at first to pay for that enormous Purchase; but at length was prevail’d on by Mr. Jackson, & accepted the Bills. The Ministers here, justly displeased at the laying out the Money in foreign instead of French Manufactures, refus’d at first to assist me with Funds for Payment of those Bills: My other Acceptances of the Drafts on your Father, Mr. Jay, Mr. Adams & myself, being considered, I found it necessary to stop the Money intended to go in that Ship, in order to save the Credit of Congress. Gillon sail’d without taking the Ships under Convoy; the Owners (who I hear are Messrs. de Neufville themselves) then would not let them go without a new Agreement for higher Freight, or unless I would purchase the Ships which I could not do. I refer’d the Matter to Mr. Adams, who falling sick did not because he could not do any thing in it: The English block’d the Texel till lately; they are therefore still lying at Amsterdam, and as it is too late to go north-about, and gowing down the Channel without Convoy is too dangerous, I suppose they will remain there some time longer. Gillon instead of going strait to America, has been making a Cruize, and after five or Six Weeks put into Corunna for Provisions. There Capt Jackson, Col Searle and other Passengers have left him and are returning to France, fearing that he will at last carry the Ship into England. Capt Jackson writes me his Opinion that he certainly would have done it if the Money had been on board, and thanks me for retaining it. Gillon has written a Sheet of Vindication, & blames Searle & Jackson highly. You know I was prejudic’d against Gillon so much as to unfit me for being his Judge, therefore I leave the Affair to the Judgement of his Superiors. I am just now told that the 10 Million Dutch Loan which you solicited is at length compleated: but as considerable Advances have already been made on the Faith of it, there will be great Deductions, and I would not have you expect too much of it to arrive in Cash. The Replacing the Cargo of the Fayette is almost compleated. Accept my Blessing, and believe me ever, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend & most obedient Servant
B Franklin
My Grandson presents his Respects.Col. John Laurens Esqr.

Notation: Dr: Franklin 8th. Novem: 1781—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, 8 November 1781
From: Grand, Henri-Maximilien (Henry)
To: Franklin, Benjamin

sir
Paris Novr. the 8th. [1781]
I take the liberty to send you by the Bearer two pair of Worsted stockings. The one is English & is the finest worsted. It will become much whiter at the first Wash. The other pair is made in France. I believe this will be smoother to the Skin; they tell me it is of a better Wool than that of the Model you gave me. You will be pleased to return me that you dont like & shall in exchange send you a Second pair of that which pleases you. The Size of that pair made in france agrees best with the Model I also return you.
Our Friends Messrs. Strahlborn & Wolff at St. Petersbourg write that instead of drawing on Paris for which place they have no Exchange, they will be obliged to draw on Amsterdam for their payments to Mr. Dana. But their way of expressing themselves makes it uncertain whether they had or had not then paid Mr. Dana any Money. Nor can I tell, by what they Say, whether he is arrived or not. However if they have paid him any money they will Soon draw.
The Letters from St. Petersburg are, in coming only, 24 days. The same in going.
I am with due Respect sir Your most obedient & Most humble servant
Hy. Grand

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Benjn. Franklin / Passy.
Notation: Hy. Grand Nov 8. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Dun[lap?], 10 November 1781
From: Dunlap, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Haver de Grass 10 N[ovember] 1781
I write you a few lines to inform you that a few Days ago the wase a Cartil Came from King Sail [Kinsale] to this Place theire wase one John Landers formerly Commander of the Privatire Allience Belongin to Dunkirk who came over in Said Vessal & some of his Officers the Day after the Cartil arrived her Capt. John Landers wase put in to Prision without a hearing & his 1st. Lieut. & by all accompts which his Officers will Proove what is Laid to theire Charge that the are both Innocent. It wase the Said he assisted the People in Regard of the Cartile which he can proove he is not Guilty & I no John Landers to be as good a Subject as any ever belon to our Countrie he belongs to Selam in New England and has got a femilie theire & Command Ships out theire. I my Self have Sailed one Cruize out of Dunkirk with him & I know him to be true to his Countrie & if this is the Rules of France that a American is to be put in Prision without any hearin I think it is far from justice & even not one allowd to speake to him. I my Self have been in the Service of my Countrie ever Sience the ware Commensed I have had the Honour to have a Commission from Congress from Lieut. to Commander of a Vessel in the Service. I wase taken Commander of the Brig Retaleation Letter of Marque of 18 Guns belonging to Messr. Morries & Comp. Merchts. in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Bound to Amsterdam & wase taken by Neine Sail of English Friegates in the North Sea & I [think?] it is my duty to inform you of this affair Concerning Capt. John Landers his Mercht. sent one Petition to you about the Same Affair. I Conclude Your Most Humble Servt.
William Dun [torn]

P.S. I think it is hard that a man that Can not Speake french Should be put in Prision and at the Same time innocent of what is laid to his Charge
W.D
To Benjamn. Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Kinnier, 10 November 1781
From: Kinnier, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ancenis 10th. Novr 1781
I Made free upon the 27th of Last Month to write your Excellency to Let you Know of My Being prisioner of ware Ever Since the 19th June. I was taken on the Coast of America By the Sumerset Scooner Leter of Mark from Baltimore in the State of Mereland Capt William Jones Comander on Her Passage from thence to Nantes where we Arived upon the 6th of July and to which I Received No Anssuer which Cased Me to write again as I am Verey Anctious About My Exchaing I Being Let of Ever Since that I Have Been in this place that I Should Be Exchainged Every forteen Days or a Month By the Marchts at Nantes and I Now Sea No prospect of it. I was told About 14 Days after My Arival that your Excellency Had Granted to My Exchaing Being Made Between A Capt Thomas Beel Belonging to Philadelphia who was taken and Caried into Lemerick in Irland and from thence He Had His parole to Come to france upon Conditions to Return a Capt in His Rum or to Return Him Self in Some Limited time. But the Agent for prisioniers at Nantes told My Corispondand their that He would write to Lemerick to Sea if the Agent At Lemerick was willing to the Exchaing Also to which I Never Received Aney Anssuer But I Hope your Excellancy will order your Agent for prisionier at Nantes to Have Me Exchainged for Him as we are Both prisioniers of ware upon An Equall Station Rated which will Cansel Capt Thomas Bell Boands By Me Granting My Recipt to the Agent of prisionier at Nantes and Lifting His parole at Lemerick as Being Exchainged for Him the Ship and Crew that I Comanded Belonged to Glasgow at which place their Never was one American Capt Nor Crew Ever put under Confinement Since the ware took place which My Ouner William Cuningham Esqr Have Hade Maney American Ships taken By His Crousing Vessals and their was Never a Man put under Confinement at Glasgow Since the ware But Set at Liberty and He All ways paid the Capt Board till their was a passage found for them to Get Away So that I Hope your Excellency will Consider upon these Casses as I Have a wife and four Children Left at Home which makes My Case Verey unhappie to Be under Confinement So Long from My familey when I was at Nantes upon the 27th of Last Month I was told their that their was about 18 prisioniers Endue(?) to England Now at present which if So Be the Case I Hope your Excellancy will order Me and Crew to be Exchainged for them which is 8 in all in Number 6 of My people are in the Castle At Nantes and I and the Second Capt are at this place upon parole which Mr Joshewa Johnson Mercht at Nantes is Boand for us when I was at Nantes I Spock to Mr Alexander who was to Set of for parise upon the 27th of Last Month to Represent My Case to your Excellency which I Hope that He Has Don. My Father and I Have Both Served that Gentelman for Maney years at the Time of His Being agent for the farmer Generals for the Tobaca in france So that I Hope He will Asiste Me By Representing My Case to your Excellency. I Hope your Excellency will Excuse Me of Making So free in writting you But Liberty is prasious to All Mankind under Confinement.
I am your Excellencys Most Huble Servt
John Kinnier

P.S. your Excellency will Direct to Me at Ancenise to the Care of Madam Colin
To His Excellency Benj Franklin Esqr Minister plenipotentary of the United States of America at the Court of Varsiels


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 November 1781
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes Nov. 10. 1781.
The Farmers General notwithstanding they had exempted the Cloths employed in the Cloathing from the Duties of Consumtion, have now demanded of me the payment of the whole Duties, which if paid will amount I suppose to 30 or 40,000.
In the first Place these Duties are not due because the Goods have been exported; it is only the Form of the Business that can render them liable, & in consequence of this the Farmers had given Liberty to ship them duty free and even reimbursed what had been paid before that Liberty was obtained. All is since lost, & as if our misfortune was a Reason for paying more & adding to our Loss, they now in direct Contradiction to their own Act re-demand the Duties.
I think all this so absurd as well as unjust that I cannot suppose it to arrise from any other Cause than that he who has the Direction of that part of the Business now, had not formerly, & is ignorant of what his Predecessor has done.—
There is a difference of Cloth cleared & cloth entered which is the weight lost in cutting the Cloaths, this I suppose they may insist on and as it will be an Object of about 12 or 1500 Livres only it is not worth contending more especialy as they have already granted us Favours. I have sated [stated] the whole in a Letter to Mr Darlincourt who is in the Committee for that Business, and accompanied my Letter with other Pieces to prove what I assert. The delivry of these will I am sure do the Business, but I think it proper, as my affairs with the Public are closed, that the Application should go through you which will add such weight as to make the sucess certain.
I take the Liberty of putting a scrip of Paper to this Letter which please to attend to or not as you think proper.
I am as ever Your most dutifull & Affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J

[On a separate sheet:] This Place is more the Resort of Americans than any other in France, and as every one thinks he has a Right to commend or blame every man in public Employ according as his Opinion is, I have an Opportunity of knowing who posseses the popular Esteem & who not. I have always heard you spoken of with the utmost deference & respect, but I yet know that there are now & then some who do not like you. One of these I am told has said publicly that Capt Folger came from Nantucket or Boston with protection from the British General & arrived in the Downs covering himself by a sham Capture; after this it is said he came to France and applied to you for a protection similar to the one he had from the British General, which you granted and Folger in consequence is gone or about going from England to America, and thus carrying on an illicit Trade with the Enemy with your knowledge & support. If you think this worth your Notice please to write me a Line unconnected with anything else that I may shew it, if you do not this note may be put into the Fire. Such insinuations can never materialy affect a Character so established as yours is, Yet I cannot bear to hear even the slightest thing against it.

Billy has given me ample Reason why my Application to Mr De Fleury could not be made, I am not however the less indebted to your Friendship & affection.

Notation: J. Williams Nantes Novr. 10. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de La Chambre, 11 November 1781
From: La Chambre, ——, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Caën le 11. Novembre 1781.
Je suis mortifié de n’avoir pas eu plustôt l’honneur de vous temoigner ma reconnoissance de la lettre que vous m’avez fait celui de m’ecrire le 29. 8bre. der. Des affaires pressées du Service en ont été la cause. Je n’en Suis pas moins pénétré de la bonté avec laquelle vous avez bien voulu me confirmer dans la confiance qu’à son passage icy j’ai marqué à M. Gregory Lieutt. de la marine des Etats unis de l’amerique. Je vous Supplie d’en agréer mes très Sinceres remerciements.
Porteur d’une figure heureuse et le ton qu’il m’a paru avoir d’une éducation distinguée avoient deja bien concourus à me l’inspirer cette confiance; néanmoins j’ai pu lui marquer quelqu’inquiettude: je ne m’en déffend pas, et il ne m’en veut surment point de mal. Il ne pût me justifier Son Etat et les circonstances sont teles, vous le Savez Monsieur, que nous ne devons rien y donner au hazard. Le revers des meilleures apparences, peut quelques fois n’y pas répondre et cacher des perfidies d’une suite plus ou moins importantes, plus ou moins pernicieuses.

J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec Respect Monsieur Votre trés humble et trés obeissant Serviteur
Le Cher. De La Chambre

Notation: de La Chambre 11, Novr. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 12 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Amsterdam November 12th. 1781.
By the last Post, Letters have been recieved in this Town from Mr. Gillon and from a Passenger, Mr. Le Roy, by which and a note upon one of them by Mr. Lagoanere it appears that the South Carolina sailed from Corunna on the seventeenth of October, and that Captain Jackson and Mr. Trumbull are gone in an American Privateer to Bilbao, in order to take Passage from thence to America: so that the proposal I had the honor to make to your Excellency of sending Jackson here cannot take place.
The Goods remain here for Ord[ers?] and for Cash or Credit, to buy or hire [torn] Ships. If neither can be advanced by your Excellency, there remains only one alternative, vizt. either to sell a part to pay the freight of the rest, or let the whole remain here until Congress can give Orders concerning them. Your Excellency must be very sensible, that nobody on this side the Atlantic, except your Excellency, has Authority to give Orders to sell part of the Goods to pay the freight of the remainder.
These Goods would be such an heartfelt Comfort to our brave Countrymen in the Field the ensuing Winter, that I cannot but most ardently wish they might arrive in the Month of January or sooner, and therefore cannot but advise the sending of them, provided it is possible. The whole however must be submitted to your Excellency.

I have the honor to be, with great Respect, Sir your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant
J. Adams
[His Exc]xellency Benjamin Franklin Esq.

Endorsed: answd. 23d.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 12 November 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 12th Novr. 1781
In Consequence of our respects to your Excellcy. dated 20th. Sepr. since which we are deprived of your favors, we Communicated the Contents of the last to his Excy. John Adams Esqr. as soon as his health would admit of it who told us he was quite a Stranger to this business, but would (we think) write to your Excellcy. about it. We have learnt since that Commodre. Gillon had arived at Corunna by a letter from Major Jackson dated [blank in MS] who was to come this way as we afterwards understood but finding now that he is to embark at Bilbao for America our letter on the Subject of Continental Goods may not probably reach him in time. Therefore as from the Miscarying of the Ship Marquis de la Fayette &c. This Cargo may probably be much Wanted in America & that if not quickly dispatched it will be impossible to do it before the Spring— we hope that your Excellency will not blame us, if both from duty as having been employed in this business & Inclination as wishing to Serve America & promote its Interest where we can— We do represent the Matter again to your Excellency in hopes that you may think proper to procure that the Goods be dispatched before Winter. The Owners of the Ships would Certainly ask a much greater advantage on the freight now both on account of the Season and the want of Convoy as on account of the Heavy Expences they were put at by Commodore Gillons leaving their Ships behind — but if proposals were made to buy the Ships they would be we think very reasonable, however we leave this to your Excellencys decision & the persons you may think fit to employ in making a bargain of that sort. It will be only needfull to observe that the Owners of the Ships have now unloaded them, & hold the Goods as a Security to their claims nothing can be done without a previous agreement’s being enter’d in with them on our part our only wish is to see the goods embarked In a proper Manner for America, & we will very readily desist ourselves of the Shares we have in the Vessels for their first Cost as we have Already mention’d to Major Jackson having had no other Inducement in taking them— but from the Constant Aim & Study in promoting the Mutual benefit of America and this Country.
We have the honor to be with distinguished regard and the Highest Esteem Your Excellencys Mot. Obed Hble. Servts.
John DE Neufville Son
His Excellency Doctr. Benjn. Franklin Minister Plenipo: of the United States of America at the Cot. of France Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Laurens, 14 November 1781
From: Laurens, Martha
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Vigan 14. Novr. 1781.
I took the Liberty to write to you some time ago to beg the favor of you to procure a Passport for our family to go to England. To this Letter it did not please your Excellency to make any answer. My Uncles premeditated Journey wholly on my dr Papa’s account was put a stop to by his exceeding ill health, & by a Letter from that Kingdom. I now intrude upon you a second time to communicate to you part of a Letter wch I have just received from a near friend in London, & which has put me into a state of distress easily to be conceived by every sensible & humane mind. Hear Sir, what follows, & be induced to exert yourself in favor of a Man whose Character both Public & Private is too well known, not to render it needless for me to describe it. “I beg you will write to the Ministers at Versailles & Amsterdam, & give them the true account of your Father’s Situation wch I am positive they have not yet received, or would have taken some measures to procure him a more honorable treatment. It is politic to send over the smoothest accounts, but not content with this, they invent the most infamous Lies, to inflame the minds of the People & to induce them to beleive that the treatment wch he meets with is not unmerited. It was reported the other Day that your Father had attempted to bribe his keeper by a Bill, upon an eminent Merchant in the City, but this must be false, for he is denied the use of Pen & Ink, & had when this was published entirely exhausted this Stock in Mr ——’s hands. After 4 Months’ petioning the Secretaries of State for the use of Pen & Ink, he at length obtained it for half an hour, to draw for just as much Money as would suffice for his bare Subsistance, which one would have supposed no civilised Nation would have endeavord to refuse, he was reduced so far as to live 5 days upon a single Fowl, & two days upon 5 pennyworth of Beef. Numbers of People & friends would have supplied your Father with Money, but he has refused every offer of this kind, for he is as proud & as humble as a Gentleman & a Man of Honor ought to be, he is too honest to borrow without a Prospect of repaying, & too proud to beg. Many People in this Country think your Father & friends have no ground for Complaint, supposing that he has 6 s. 8 d. per day (the allowance for all state Prisoners) & that his friends have constant access to him. The truth is that Government has made no Provision for him, & if one can judge from past Conduct would starve him if they could, & during 13 Months close confinement have with the greatest reluctance permitted a part of Mr ——s’ family to visit him 5 times. I have been told that your Father would have been long since released had he had Ears to hear, that is could he have acceded to Propositions incompatible with his Sense of Honor & Integrity, but these he will be forever deaf to.” You see Sir how much reason I have to be affected, & how painful a situation my dr Papa’s must be, & I make no doubt you will do all you can to make it less so. May a kind Providence bless Your Endeavors, & hear my Prayers for my dr Papa, & for a Peace to America as firm & stable, as her Cause is good, & as her sufferings have been great. May I flatter myself Sir that you will favor me with a speedy answer to this Letter that I may know whether there is any hope of his Exchange or at least any attempts to make his Situation easier. Is it not a reflection on America, that one of her Ambassadors a Man of Worth & Credit should in his Prison be so miserable as to want the common necessaries of Life, & no notice taken of it. Be pleased to direct for Mlle Laurens—au Vigan en Cevenes.
In this retired Place living in the oeconomical Manner wch becomes our Situation, I have past the greatest part of 4 years wch I have spent in France. I am, as well as a Sister of 11 years old under the Protection of an only Brother of my dr Unfortunate Father, this dear friend who for many years past has had bad health, received a shock to his Constitution soon after my Fathers imprisonment, wch it is probable will shorten his Days. He would no doubt present your Excellency with his most respectful Compliments— but his declining health, & great Sensibility for my dear Papa have induced me to hide from the Contents of a Letter melancholy enough to produce on him some fatal Effect. & consequently the Liberty wch I have taken to write to you. Accept Sir my sincerest Wishes, that Heaven may long preserve a Life so useful to our Country as yours is— & crown with success your Labors for her welfare—
I have the honor to be with the profoundest Respect, Your Excellency’s most obedt hble Servt.
Martha Laurens

I beg your excuse Sir for the inaccuracies & bad writing of this Letter— it is written with inconceivable haste at 3 oclock in the Morning— not to miss the Post wch setts out early—

Notation: Martha Laurens Vigan Novr: 14. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Prince de Soubise, 16 November 1781
From: Soubise, Charles de Rohan, prince de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris ce 16. 9bre. 1781
C’est avec tres grand plaisir, Monsieur, que je joins icy deux permissions de chasse pour Monsieur vôtre petit fils. Je ne puis en donner dans les Cantons voisins de Passy, mais celui de Pantin est destiné pour les Ministres Etrangers. C’est un des meilleurs de la Capitainerie.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec les sentiments les plus distinguez, Monsieur, Vôtre tres humble, et tres obeissant Serviteur.
Le M P. DE Soubise

Notation: Le M. P. de Soubise 16 9bre 81


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Kornmann & Co., 17 November 1781
From: Kornmann & Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris le 17. 9bre. 1781.
Nous avons eu l’honneur de vous faire parvenir par le Canal de M. Grand une lettre qui nous a eté adressée pour vous par un de nos amis de Conigberg, nous avions prié M. grand d’en Solliciter la réponse et il Vient de nous faire dire que nous devions, Monsieur, nous adresser à vous directement. Nous vous prions, Monsieur, de nous faire l’honneur de nous marquer Si cette lettre aura réponse et de nous l’adresser pour la faire parvenir à notre ami qui nous a expressement recommandé de la Solliciter.
Nous avons l’honneur d’etre avec Respect Monsieur Vos très humbles & très obeïssans serviteurs /.
Kornmann ET C

Notation: Kornman & Co. Nov 17. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dorcas Montgomery, 17 November 1781
From: Montgomery, Dorcas Armitage
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honor’d Sir
Geneva 17th. Novr. 1781.
Upon my Arrival here I had the pleasure of finding Mastr. Bache in good Health as is Mastr. Jonnot, & Monsieur Marignac, who my son goes too to morrow. I have had the pleasure of seeing Madame Cramer, a very Lovely woman who has paid every attention to the Letter you was so Kind to give me for Her. She has procured a pension for me which I purpose going to in a Day or two. Mastr. Bache is at present in the Country at Madame Cramer’s— Her son goes to the same pension that your’s does from all the information I can procure, this undoubtedly is a very proper place for Education, and I flatter myself that our son’s will receive every wish’d for Improvement.— Please to forward the inclos’d my Compliments attend Mr. T. Franklin, who I hope ere this, is intirely recover’d of His indisposition.— Mastr. Montgomerys respectful Compliments attend you (and the above Gentleman) with a thousand thanks for your Kindness, in which I join him, and remain Honor’d sir your Obliged Hble Servt.
Dorcas Montgomery

Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. B. Franklin / Passy
Notation: Dorcas Montgomery. Geneva 17. Nov. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [before 19 November 1781]
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,
[before November 19, 1781]
I have a letter with some philosophical papers which will reach you as soon as I find an opportunity, & by which you will be informed of the reasons of my long silence. In the mean time I proceed to give you some necessary intelligence.
You perhaps have heard that I have made a connection in the family of Mr Manning, a West India merchant; & that Col Laurens also made a like connection, (now ended by the death of Mrs Laurens.) It has by this means happened to me, that I have possession of the following fact; viz “that Mr L——, the president, has exhausted his funds in England, & government has made no provision for his support, by which means he is brought to the verge of real necessity.” The friend who intimates this to me, asks “whether it is not in the power of yourself or Mr J Adams, to lodge a sum of money in the hands of a proper person in England, for his use.” He adds, that “himself and Mr L’s other friends are grieved at his long imprisonment, and anxious to know if any steps are taken for obtaining his enlargement.” Mr M—— [Manning] is & has always been Mr L’s merchant, but you will not wonder that he declines pecuniary assistance, as a man of spirit under his present circumstances.— This is my story nakedly: I know you infinitely too well to think that a syllable more is necessary to secure your attention.
Another opportunity, of a smaller kind offers, for your rendering civilities to the family of Mr Laurens. Mrs Laurens, wife to the Col., lately died at Lisle. The effects she left are few & trifling, but the [magis]trates of the place refuse hitherto to suffer the operation of her will, till the Cols. pleasure is known. Her clothes she bequeathed to her maid, to the amount only of some £20 or £30; & her watch & trinkets to a most lovely child, now in part an object of my cares. These are not matters worth the procuring a power of attorney or the like, from America, in order to settle, and the maid is now detained in Flanders looking after them. A Mr. Cowly a Superior of a convent there, and a Mr De Ronquet, have been written to; and Mr Laurens & Mr Manning, the father & father in law have but one & the same wish on the subject.
Mr H Laurens, a fine, spirited, honorable young man, very intelligent, but somewhat reserved is now with me in the room; as well as the little child. I am, my dearest sir, your ever obliged, devoted and affectionate
V

Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. Franklin, / a Passy, / pres de Paris.
Endorsed: answerd Nov. 22. 1781
Notation: Vaughan Nov. 22. 1781.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson: Two Letters, 19 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hodgson, William

I.
Dear Sir,
Passy, Nov. 19. 1781.
Of the Credit I have lately ordered, thro’ Mr. Grand, of £400.. 15.. 0. sterling, I request you would hold 100£ at the Disposition of Mr. Laurens Prisoner in the Tower, & that you would acquaint Mr. Benja. Vaughan that this Sum is placed in your Hands for that purpose. I shall write to you fully per next Post. With great Esteem I am, Dear Sir, Your &c.
(signed) B. Franklin.
Mr. Wm. Hodgson.

II.
Sir,
Passy, Nov. 19.[–20] 1781.
I duly received your several Favours of Sept. 4. & 18. and Oct. 30. which sundry Circumstances prevented my answering regularly; but I took care to order the Needful into your Hands by a Credit of £400.. 15.. 0. Sterling, which I suppose you have receiv’d.—

Mr Witherspoon has been with me, & has repaid the 20 Guineas you advanc’d to him. I give you a great deal of Trouble; and at present I can only thank you, & that never sufficiently.— Curson & Gouverneur have by a Letter to me acknowledged your kind Care in finding them out & making them the Offer of Money. They had not then Occasion: But still if they should have Occasion for it hereafter, I request you would furnish them, not for their Subsistance only, but for any other important Use in defending themselves and obtaining their Liberty. I inclose a Letter for them.—
The Affair of exchanging Capt Manley against Major Cowley, perplex’d me a little. I spoke to the Minister about it, & tho’ Cowley was not a Prisoner to the Americans he made no Objection on that Account: but I did not press the Affair, because I have found that particular Exchanges by Favour, before their Turns, tho’ they oblige particular Persons, are grievous to all the rest, who are offended with such Partiality, & think themselves slighted & injur’d by such Preference. I honour Capt. Manley & should be glad to serve him, & indeed all the rest. Perhaps you can get him sent over among the 53 you mention. If this is done by your Management it will not be so offensive as if by mine. Cowley has his Parole.— I will get up and return the Engagement entred into by the People taken in the Snake Sloop, or send a Discharge from it, as soon as they arrive.
Our late Success in Virginia gives us the Disposition of a great many Prisoners; and as it may occasion Men to be more wanted there in your Service, I would make a Proposal thro’ you to the Commissioners, which is, that if they will send me over hither all the American Prisoners they possess, I will give an Acknowledgement of receiving them, and engage that an equal Number of English shall be deliver’d for them in America, Soldiers or Sailors or both; for the Men you have are mix’d, a part of them only being Sailors, our Privateers having many Landmen. Or if it should be apprehended that our People deliver’d here may be us’d in Europe against you, & that should be thought more inconvenient, then I would propose that they should be sent home in your Ships and exchanged there by your Admirals or Generals. Some Circumstances of Kindness to them at their Departure from England, Showing a Change of Disposition towards us, might have a good Effect on the Minds of their Countrymen, and tend to promote the good Work of Peace. Please to let me know your Sentiments on these Propositions; and the Sentiments of the Board if they think fit to give them.
I know there has been, as you observe, a great many Prisoners releas’d from Spain, but I have never been able to obtain any Account of them. If the Commissioners have such Account, I am persuaded they will credit us with them. There are I believe a few English Prisoners still in France that were taken by American Privatee[rs,] but I have no Account of them from the Ports. I suppose they are sent over from time to time in the Cartels. There were 17 left at L’Orient last Spring brought in by our Frigate the Alliance. It is long since I heard any thing of them, I imagine they were sent over, and that as we were in debt to the Commissioners they have given us Credit for them & the rest. I shall be glad to know how the Acct stands at present.
I wrote to you sometime since requesting that the Prisoners may be allow’d 1 s. per Week from the middle of November to the Middle of March. I have recd a Letter from sundry Americans in Deal Prison, viz Robert Smallpeece junr, Allen Ord, Ephraim Wales, John Parker, Caleb Miller, Jesse Breed, Edward Hopper, & Amos Easterbrooks: Permit me to recommend these Men also to your kind Care & to the same Allowance. Does not the Revd Mr Denward live at Deal? Perhaps he would be your Administrator.—
I mentioned above, that partial Favour shown to Particulars would be better from another than from me. There are some whom I would wish to favour if I durst, as their Circumstances or Merit seem to claim it: but I cannot well do for one however he may merit it, what I should be under a Necessity of refusing to many, from want of Cash as well as of Orders. I would therefore request of the good & charitable Friends at Portsmouth & Plymouth, who take the Pains of the Distribution, that where particular Circumstances make it appear to them proper, they would sometimes favour certain Persons, in some unknown Name, concealing the Source from whence it springs.— There are Capt. Manley, Silas Talbot, & Zephaniah Hatch, who have written to me: I cannot comply with their Demands without drawing a vast many others upon my back; and I have not answer’d their Letters: But I wish some Addition may now & then be made to their Allowance, tho’ not as from me.
I enclose our last Gazette, by which you will see, that Gen. Burgoyne has now a Companion in Misfortune. This World is full of Changes, & of Chances. War in particular abounds with them. The present I think has done Mischief enough. When will your Rulers be of the same Opinion? I am with others empower’d to treat of Peace, and for the sake of Humanity I heartily wish it; but I draw near the End of Life, & hardly expect that in my time there will be any Use made of our Commission.
With the greatest & most sincere Esteem, I am, Dear Sir,
Mr Wm Hodgson, Mercht. Coleman street London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-François Tolozan, 19 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Tolozan, Jean-François

Sir
Passy, Nov. 19. 1781
Mr Andrews, an American Merchant, informs me, that he has an Affair of Consequence, which is to be determined by your Judgement: And as he has long been detain’d here for want of his Papers which are but lately arrived, and a farther Detention from his Family & Business in America, will be extreamly prejudicial to him, he has desired of me to request your Attention to his Cause as early as may be consistent with the Rules of Proceeding at your Tribunal. Your Goodness in complying with this Request will be of great Service to an honest Man, and very much oblige me. I am, with Respect, Sir
M. de Tolozan


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Comte de Vergennes, 19 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy Nov. 19. 1781.
I have the honour of sending to your Excellency some Advices I have just received. As the Letter from Virginia was received at New-Caste, a Town on the Delaware 40 Miles below Philadelphia, and probably after the Date of your Letters from thence, perhaps you may not have heard before, that M. De Barras had joined M. de Grasse, and that the Northern Troops under the Generals Rochambeau and Washington, had joined the Marquis de la Fayette, & invested Cornwallis at York.—
I am, with Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy Count de Vergennes

Endorsed: M. de R Rep


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Jonathan,
Passy, Nov. 19. 1781.
I received yours of the 10th and have sent your Letter to the Farmer General, which I hope will have the Effect you desire.
The Congress by one of their first Regulations exempted from Capture the Property even of British Subjects coming bonâ fide to settle in America, and of course that of their own Citizens to be drawn out of the British Dominions. I have therefore with my former Colleagues here, granted Letters Recommendatory in such Cases when requested, certifying that it had been credibly represented to us, that certain Vessels or Goods were about to be transported to America by certain Persons described either as Settlers going to America, or as Americans who were by that means withdrawing their Property from England. The Persons who obtained these Letters always took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, and gave Bond with a Penalty of Three Thousand Pounds Sterling at least, to land the Goods in some Port of the United States: and the Goods were stipulated to be such as were understood to be wanted for our Armies or Navy. After all, our Letters, directed to Captains of Ships of War or Privateers, were merely as I have called them; recommendatory, and by no means obligatory. If on stopping such Ships, they find Cargoes not answering the Stipulation and apparently destined for an Enemy’s Port, so that we have been deceived, or if for any other Reason they think they can make good Prizes of them, they will do right to take no Notice of our Letters. Capt. Folgier represented to me that he and some other Inhabitants of Nantucket had Property in England which they desired to withdraw from thence in Goods useful to the States, and requested a Pass-port as they call it, alledging that the Liberty formerly given of such withdrawing of Property was continued by a late Act of Congress ’till the Month of November 1781, tho’ to cease from that time, and he hoped to be in America before its Expiration. Having never refused it in any other Instance of the Kind, it could not be refused to him. I inclose his Bond by which you will see the Terms on which he obtained it. If under Cover of this Pass-port he carries Goods to the Enemy, let our People catch him and hang him with all my Heart, tho’ it be true that he is a Relation of mine; for I always think that a Rogue hang’d out of a Family does it more Honour than ten that live in it. As to my being concerned with him or any Body else in Trade licit or illicit, if they find it out, they are welcome to hang me into the Bargain.
I recommend to your Civilities the Bearer Dr Witherspoon, Son of a Member of Congress my Friend, and wish you to give him your best Counsels if he has occasion for them.

My Love to your other Moitié, & believe me ever Your affectionate Uncle
B Franklin
Return the inclosed Papers when you have done with themMr. Jona. Williams jr.