Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Hutton, 1 February 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hutton, James

My dear old Friend,
Passy Feb. 1. 1778
You desired that if I had no Propositions to make, I would at least give my Advice.
I think it is Ariosto who says, that all Things lost on Earth are to be found in the Moon; On which somebody remark’d that there must then be a great deal of Good Advice in the Moon. If so, there is among it a good deal of mine formerly given and lost in this Business. I will, however, at your Request give a little more; but without the least expectation that it will be followed; for none but God can at the same time give good Counsel and Wisdom to make Use of it.
You have lost by this mad War, and the Barbarity with which it has been carried on, not only the Government and Commerce of America, and the publick Revenues and private Wealth arising from that Commerce; but what is more, you have lost the Esteem, Respect, Friendship and Affection of all that great and growing People, who consider you at present, and whose Posterity will consider you as the worst and wickedest Nation upon Earth.
A Peace you may undoubtedly obtain, by dropping all your Pretensions to govern us. And by your superior Skill in huckstering Negotiation, you may possibly make such an apparently advantageous Treaty as shall be applauded in your Parliament. But if you do not with the Peace recover the Affections of that People, it will not be a lasting or a profitable one; nor will it afford you any Part of that Strength which you once had by your Union with them, and might (if you had been wise enough to take Advice) have still retained.
To recover their Respect and Affection, you must tread back the Steps you have taken.
Instead of honouring and rewarding the American Advisers and Promoters of this War, you should disgrace them with all those who have inflam’d the Nation against America by their malicious Writings; and all the Ministers and Generals who have prosecuted the War with such Inhumanity. This would show a national Change of Disposition, and a Disapprobation of what had passed.
In proposing Terms you should not only grant such as the Necessity of your Affairs may evidently oblige you to grant, but such additional Ones as may show your Generosity, and thereby demonstrate your Goodwill. For instance, perhaps you might by your Treaty retain all Canada, Nova Scotia, and the Floridas. But if you would have a real Friendly as well as able Ally in America, and avoid Occasions of future Discord, (which will otherwise be continually arising on your American Frontiers) you should throw in those Countries; and you may call it, if you please, an Indemnification for the needless and cruel Burning of their Towns; which Indemnification will otherwise be some time or other demanded.
I know your People cannot see the Utility of such Measures, and will never follow them. They will even call it Insolence and Impudence in me to mention them. I have however comply’d with your Desire, and am, as ever, Your affectionate Friend
B Franklin
To Mr Hutton


Title: Gérard to Franklin and Silas Deane, 1 February 1778
From: Gérard, Conrad-Alexandre
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas

Messieurs
A versailles le 1. fev. 1778.
J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avèz fait l’honneur de m’ecrire au sujet de l’article 12. du traité de commerce. Je tiendrai compte de votre demande, mais le traité etant en train d’etre copié, et cet article ayant eté agrée d’après le desir unanime que vous ainsi que Monsieur Lée en aviéz temoigné, je crains fort qu’il n’en resultat au moins des delais. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la consideration la plus distinguée, Messieurs Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Gerard

Je compte avoir l’honneur de vous envoyer demain soir ou après demain matin au plus tard les traités expedies en francois pour y transcrire la traduction angloise.
Messieurs franklin et Deane


Title: Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 1 February 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas

Gentlemen
Challiot Feby. 1st. 1778.
I enclose you a note of the price of Arms in the King of Prussia’s Manufactory, sent me by the Baron Schulenburg; with information that the Director had orders to let us have whatever we orderd. He says they will come cheaper if we do not want them so highly finishd as the King requires them. Shoud you think it proper that any of them shoud be sent to America, I will give Orders accordingly. I have the honor to be with great respect Gentlemen your most Obedient Servant
Arthur Lee

Addressed: The Honble / Benjamin Franklin / & / Silas Deane Esqrs / Passi
Notation: A Lee Chaillot Feb. 1. 1778 to BF. & Sils. Deane


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 1 February 1778
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Nantes Febry 1st. 1778
Before I leave Europe permit me to return you my most unfeighned thanks for the politeness and confidence with which you have treated me since your arrival in France and more particularly for the letter sign’d by yourself and Mr. Deane and addressd to the Committee of Congress for foreighn affairs. If I know my own breast my principal aim has been to distinguish myself from those of my Countrymen, who remained ingloriously abroad while their country was in danger.
My wishes were gratified when I obtain’d your approbation of my conduct, and in spite of the Injurious suspicions entertaind of me by others I was returning happy with that consolation to my Country, untill a letter from Dr. Bancroft and since one from Mr. Arthur Lee by Mr. Thornton give me reason to fear I may be injurd in your esteem. I did once intend to have given you the trouble of reading a detail of my conduct since my residence with Mr. Deane, Because I have experiencd that with the best intentions in these times of general distrust, it is not always possible to escape suspicion and censure. The unexpected attack of Mr. Lee makes that detail in part necessary. The Letter which Mr. Deane has sighnd Jointly with you convinces me that his Justice will excuse me from the rest.
Before I left England, which was in May or June 1776 Mr. Lee and many other Freinds to America intrusted me with Letters to different Gentlemen in that Country; As it was possible I might be taken and yet find means to escape Mr. Lee took the precaution of pasting some information for Congress in the inside cover of a pocket Dictionary, which he also intended to be made use of as a cypher between us. Accordingly after my arrival in France I applied it to that use, untill and after the arrival of Mr. Deane; That Gentleman I soon became acquainted with and addressd to know how might convey the aforesaid letters and information to Congress, because unfortunately my ill state of health prevented me from taking a passage so soon as I wished and had hoped.
Mr. Deane on being acquainted that the information came from Mr. Lee, inform’d me that he was instructed by his constituents to correspond with him and that possibly the information would be of use to him as it might contain some particulars relative to the Situation of our affairs in Europe which it was essentialy necessary for Him to know. On this consideration these dispatches were open’d. Mr. Lee on his arrival in Paris a little time after was appriz’d of the Circumstance and Mr. Lee approvd of the reasons that inducd it. Mr. Lees remaining on the same footing of Intimacy and correspondance with me for many months after is a convincing proof that he approvd of the procedure. His profferd confidence in me on the Berlin Expedition, his total silence untill the present moment on the subject; unless once a very few months ago when at the conclusion of a freindly billet, now in my possession he carelessly askd for this Dictionary which on my part was as carelessly refusd.

There are additional evidence how little he thought of a circumstance which he wishes to bring forward now to injure a man whom he undoubtedly thought too distant to defend himself. I may add that this Gentleman has since given me Letters for his Brother and others which he has told me introducd me to their freindly notice: I appeal to Mr. Deanes recollection for the truth of this narration and if I did not know the man too well I would appeal from Mr. Lee mad to Mr. Lee in his senses. If I have erred I intreat your serious but freindly animadversion. I can bear every thing but the being mentiond with reproach in your letters, for I wish not to be handed down to Posterity either as a fool or what is worse a knave. I am now going to America and possibly may be either taken or lost, suspicions from such sources as the present charge may arise to hurt me with my Country or to wound my memory. I beg leave to mention to you in what manner I have subsisted since my arrival in France.
In May 1776 I receivd £400 sterling from Messrs. Bull Green & Wag [Way?] of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire being part of a Legacy to a Brother in Law for whom I advanced a considerable sum of Money before I left America. I afterwards receivd £200 from Edmund Jennings Esqr. well known to A. Lee Esqr. now a Committee man in the Subscription for the Prisoners in England Who has a power of Attorney from me to receive several thousand pounds the residue of the aforementiond Legacy as also to receive £600 sterling left me by an Uncle in Scotland at the death of an Aunt now very old. Mr. Brice who went with the Marquis La Fayette to America and since Mr. De Beaumarchais advancd me money on My orders to repay the one and the Agent of the Other in that Country.
Some suspicions which I was told were entertaind of me by a person in power made me refrain for some months before I left Paris from going so often to Passy as I used. I did not find that our affairs were the more Secret.

When I was flatterd with the Hopes of going to America by the united concurrence of the Compte De Vergennes yourself and even this Mr. Lee in the manner Mr. Simeon Deane found means to embark, I did not write to one acquaintance out of France, that I might not Give reason to suppose that the secret was divulged by my means. I am greivd at my disappointment, because Untill I know the reasons for it, I am obligd to think unkindly of a man whom I wishd to regard as a freind.
I beg you to excuse the overflowings of a heart ill at ease but not the less sensible of all your favors. I am Sir with great veneration and attachment Your obligd and Obedient Humble Servant
Wm. Carmichael

I have the honor of informing you that Mr. Thos. Morris is dead and that Monsr. La Mothe Piquet sent this day to inform the Commissary that such ships as expected Convoy must immediately sail, his time of waiting them being nearly expird. Mr. Williams being at Paimbeuef, I take the Liberty of informing you of this Circumstance. I think we shall not be able to get away for eight days.

Addressed: The Honorable / Benjamin Franklin / at Passy / Near Paris
Notation: W. Carmicael to B. F. Feby. 1st. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth: Two Notes, [1 February? 1778]
From: Melmoth, Courtney
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Sir
Rue Jacob: Sunday Noon [February 1?, 1778] .
Having an opportunity, without expence, of seeing the Procession of the Cordon Bleau to morrow Morning at Versailles, we are tempted to comply with an Invitation, and are just setting off for that Place; but it is impossible anything should, on our part, prevent our happy addition at the Teatable to morrow afternoon. I am, with the warmest Sensibility, Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
Courtney Melmoth

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy

II.
Rue Jacob: 1 febry. [1778]
The Bearer waits on the honourable Dr. Franklin. From his much obliged and most obedient Servant
Courtney Melmoth
Mrs. Melmoth sends her most respectful Compliments to the Doctor.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Ruthefaud, 1 February 1778: résumé
From: Ruthefaud, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Cantenac, February 1, 177[8?], in French: I see in the newspapers that you have communicated a cure for dropsy to the doctors of Paris, and that they have successfully tested it at the Invalides. The papers did not explain how much tobacco ash is needed, or whether it is applied externally or internally. I should be greatly obliged if you would send this information to M. Delap.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Tartivot, 1 February 1778: résumé
From: Tartivot, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<February 1, 1778, in French: If Frenchmen emigrate to America, I am asked to tell you about two young men from a respectable family who want to spend some years there. They are only sixteen and eighteen but have been trained in agriculture and the lumber trade; they can write a little and have some arithmetic, as well as “l’Esprit de Sagesse et baucoup de Coeur.” In case you want to add good fellows to those already there, tell me what these are fitted for and whether they would be sure of a living if they behave themselves. A good geometrician would perhaps go with them if he were sure of making his way.>


Title: The Navy Board for the Eastern Department to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1778
From: Navy Board for the Eastern Department
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

  Gentlemen:
Navy Board Eastern department Boston N EnglandFebry 2d: 1778
Having presumed to draw a Bill on you in favour of Mr. William Dennie a merchant of this Town for one hundred pounds Sterling, it becomes necessary to Appologize for this Step by Explaining the reasons of our Conduct, which otherways must Appear very extraordinary, as we have neither the Express Orders of Congress for it or have the Honour of being Connected with you in any other way than as public Officers of the Continent.
Congress having directed us to furnish the Honble: John Adams Esqr. (who they have Appointed One of the Commissioners at the Court of France) with Every Accomodation Necessary for his Voyage Among which is the Article of hard money which we have not been able to obtain any other way Seasonably for his passage in the Boston now nearly ready to Sail, without discovering his Intentions which require Secrecy therefore by his Consent and Advice have taken the Liberty to draw on you on this Occasion. We flatter ourselves the Bill will be duly honoured. We have the honour to be Gentlemen with the Greatest respect Your Most Obedient humble Servants
Wm VernonJas: Warren
Honble: Benjamin Franklyn & Arthur Lee Esqrs.

Notations in different hands: Letter from the Navy Board, E. Department respecting their Bill of Exchange. / Navy Board Boston respecting Bill of Exchange 2 Feb. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 2 February 1778
From: Lee, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Chaillot Monday 2d. Feb. 78.
Mr. Lee has the Honour of presenting his Compliments to Doctor Franklin and shall be obliged to him for the loan of the two last Boston papers he has, which shall be returned in an hour and also for the last English papers.
Mr. Lee would be glad to know if any determination is come to, relative to supplying him with the necessary funds, for his appointment in Germany.

Addressed: The Honble Doctr. Franklin / Passi
Notation: W Lee 2d Feb. 78 to B Franklin


Title: The American Commissioners to Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts, 3 February 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Dubbeldemuts, Franco,Dubbeldemuts, Adrianus

Gentlemen
Paris 3d. Feby. 1778
Mr. Dorsius of Charlestown South Carolina is a Gentleman we would recommend to you as one much employed, and of Confidence, and one very proper to act for you in your Affair at that Place. Should Mr. Dorsius be engaged in other Business, or should he or his Friends be so interested in that Privateer which made Prize of your Vessel (which is possible) that he cannot properly act for you, we advise you to apply to the Hon’ble Christr. Gadsden Esqr., sending over the State of your Case and the Certificates properly attested by our Powers of Attorney. I am for myself and Mr. Franklin yours &c.
S.D.
Messrs. F & A Doubledemutts


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 3 February 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passi, Feby. 3d. 1778.
We have just receivd information that Mr. Thomas Morris, at Nantes, one of the commercial Agents of Congress, is at the point of death; and that his Papers, on that event, will be taken possession of by the Officers of the Crown.
As some of these Papers may very materially concern the public business, we beg an Order may be given immediately for the delivery of them into the hands of Mr. William Lee, who was joind with Mr. Morris in that department. We have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants
B FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee
To His excellency Count Vergennes

Notations: 1778. Février 3. / [In Gérard’s hand:] Les ordres ont été expediés le 5.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 February 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
Nantes Feb. 3. 1778.
I have been for several Days down to the Ship and left her at St. Nazare. I have done with both the French Ships. I beg you will please to apply for an order to wait in Quiberon ’till all the Ships join else I am afraid the Brune will be left.
Poor Mr. Morris has finished his affairs in this world. I am much concerned at being absent, but every care was taken of him and all possible Respect paid to his Remains. I am with the greatest Respect Honorable Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant
J Williams J
The Honble The Commissioners of The United States.

Addressed: The Honble / The Commissioners of / The / United States
Notation: Jona Williams Nantes Feby 3. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 3 February 1778
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Golden Square February 3 1778
The enclosed letters will explain themselves. Mr. Wren is a very worthy man (I believe a dissenting Minister) at Portmouth who has devoted his attention in the most charitable manner towards the relief of the prisoners at Forton. When Mr. Thornton went to Forton I advanced him £50 according to your desire. If you approve the Continuance of his plan I can easily transact it here, in concurrence with Mr. Wren. I suppose by Mr. Wren’s letters that the whole of the dinners may come to 4 or 5 Guineas a week. If therefore you will transmit £100 to me by any banker or Merchant we shall have 8 or 10 weeks in hand, and when that is expended I will transmit to you the account. Mr. Thorntons visit and donation to the poor prisoners was most acceptable for it was before the Subscription. He was very popular amongst them and gave them I believe about £40 or 50 in Tobacco tea Sugar &c. &c. They are very comfortably appointed now. I will write again soon. I have not time to write more by this packet, but I cannot quit this paper without Subjoining one earnest caution and request. Let nothing ever persuade America to throw themselves into the Arms of France. Times may mend. I hope they will. An American must allways be a Stranger in france. Great Britain may for ages to come be their home. Yours most affectionately
DH.

Notation: David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Hartley, 3 February 1778
From: Hartley, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
London Feby 3 1778
I am desired by my friend DH to forward you the enclosed Letter which I do thro’ the hands of my Banker Mr. Veron. Should you have occation to write our mutual friend under Cover you may address your Letter to my House under the firm of Messrs. Eyre & Hartley Negts. London. There is no doubt of its coming safe to my hand and you may rely upon my care and attention. I have the honour to be with much respect Sir your most obedient Servant
S: Hartley

[In another hand]: M. Paul Veron Banquier a Paris rue St. Martin vis à vis la rue aux ours.

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin &c &c &c / Passy
Notation: S Hartley address Feb 2. 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 4 [February] 1778
From: Melmoth, Courtney
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir:
Paris, 4th: [February] 1778.
I beg leave in a few Lines, to intimate to you, and thro’ your means to Mr. Dean and Mr. Lee, the nature and extent of those Services which I am so anxious to be retained for. I would chearfully undertake the replies of those inundations of Letters which issue from all sorts of application for offices, and, I think, I could perform this branch to your Satisfaction from the shortest Hints that were given me. I should readily engage myself, also, in transcribing and copying anything and everything that might be laid before me for such Purpose. Besides which, I would dedicate other Parts of my Leisure in such local or other more elaborate Compositions as might, from time to time be judg’d expedient to fan that fire and cherish that principle of the Heart which is so mightily sway’d by the Powers of Language: These Powers, indeed I do not pretend to possess in the degree they are possess’d by many of the Gentlemen who are already engaged in the Cause of America: Yet I believe, there is in the present Business ample Employment for every degree of Eloquence, and, as every man of Talent hath his own Characteristic, everyone may do Services peculiar to himself and there is little fear of a duplicate.
I conceive, Sir, there will constantly be starting up patriotic Exercise in the Course of the Revolution now prevailing; and without presumeing to draw the Line between myself and any other Person, or vaunting the testimony of Friends, or of my public Success, I shall only say once that, as I can already prove I have refused the British Bread of Bribery, so should I be equally ashamed to eat that of the Friends of America were it not gain’d by Ingenuity and Industry. It is upon these Principles that I wish to merit the attention of the Commissioners sent on this amiable Embassy, and I feel that I have an honest anxiety not only for the Cause as a wellwisher, but to be connected with it. A short Trial will easyly prove or disprove my Pretentions; and it is only thus conditionally I should have a Pleasure in my primary Efforts.
Since I had the Honour to see you this Morning Sir, I have endeavour’d to square your indulgent offer of Money to my Exigences: I find it would be practicable for me to smooth all present Ruggedness in my Condition, were you so kind to indulge me with eight Pounds more. I would engage to pay the whole in 4 Months; or should I have the Honour to be employed I would make gradual Deductions to this Purpose from those Profits, which, after Trial, I appeard to deserve, or by any other mode most agreeable to you. At all Events I will venture in one Sentence to say that I will merit future Confidence before I form an Idea of applying for it: With regard therefore to the great object, viz: a Connexion with the Cause of America, I at present desire Employment and not Reward. I am Sir with great Respect Your most obedient Humble Servant.
Courtney Melmoth
PS. I shall have the Honour to wait on you at Passi on Friday Morning Sir.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin. / a Passi


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 5 February 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Feb 5. 1778
I am exceedingly obliged by your interesting yourself so warmly in behalf of those unhappy people. I understand you advanc’d money: Your bills on that account will be punctually paid. As yet I have heard of none.
Understanding that a certain Person promised to make proposals for healing a certain Breach, I postpon’d and delayed a material Operation till I should hear what those proposals were. I am now told that he will not make them till he finds it in his power to do what he pleases. Therefore Adieu my dear friend; and I bid you all Good Night.
Your brave and indefatigable exertions will forever endear you to all good Men.
I write this line from home: and not having your last before me, I must take another opportunity of answering it. I am ever Yours sincerely.

Notation: Benjamin Franklin to Mr. Hartley


Title: Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 5 February 1778
From: Izard, Ralph
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
Paris 5th. Feby. 1778.
When Congress did me the honour to send me a Commission, and Instructions for the Court of Tuscany, they did not inform me to whom I was to apply for money to bear my expenses. I therefore think it proper to apply to you, to know if you have any money belonging to them in your hands, and if it is agreeable to you for that purpose to give me a Letter of credit on your Banker for Two Thousand Louis D’ors on the public account. I have the honour to be with great regard Gentlemen Your most obedient humble Servant
Ra: Izard.
The Honourable Benjn. Franklin Silas Deane, & Arthur Lee Esqrs.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de la Radière, 5 February 1778: résumé
From: La Radière, Jean-Louis des Hayes de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Orbec, February 5, 1778, in French: I take the liberty of requesting you to forward this letter to M. de la Radière, my son. He and three fellow officers of engineers joined your army. We have written him often to give him news of the family, but his most recent letter last September says that he has had no word, and asks that you take care of his mail. I hope you will indulge a father who gives up the company of his dear son to help your compatriots.>


Title: The Franco-American Treaty of Alliance, 6 February 1778
From: Gérard, Conrad-Alexandre,American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To:

The hope of concluding this treaty and the one that follows had been the commission’s mainstay for fourteen months, but negotiating them took less than three weeks. Gérard began the discussions on January 8, and the commissioners concluded them on the 27th by telling him that they had nothing more to propose. Even that short time, nevertheless, was longer than Vergennes had expected. The process, he wrote his ambassador at Madrid on January 30, “n’a pas marché aussi rapidement que nous devions l’attendre de la simplicité de nos Conditions et de l’interest que les americains ont a acquerir un ami puissant . . . D’abord les deputés s’Etoient montrés froids et reservés et . . . ils avoient commencé par Etablir la guerre immediate comme baze de toute liaison. Comme ils avoient parû se relaschér a Cet Egard, nous Leurs fimes Communiquér le 18. nos projets. La discussion fut vive et longue. Enfin ils la terminerent par prendre du tems pour y faire Leurs observations. Ils n’ont pas voulû agir a la legere, car ce n’est qu’après dix jours de reflexion qu’ils nous ont donné Leur reponse. Ils sont d’accord de tous les points a quelque différence près extremement legeres. Le seul sur lequel ils sont montrés recalcitrans est sur l’alliance qu’ils auraient voulu actuelle au lieu d’Eventuelle, mais il leurs a Ete repondu d’un ton si ferme qu’insister sur un changement de cette nature ce seroit rompre toute negociation qu’ils ont pris le parti de se desistér. Tout Etant convenu a quelques modalités près tres indifferentes il ne reste plus qu’a mettre les actes au net et ils pourront etre signés dans les premiers jours de fevrier.” Until the 27th the commissioners had been pressing for some assurance that the alliance would commit France to help short of war, and even after that they made a half-hearted attempt to delete two clauses in the commercial treaty. But by the 30th, after all their bickering among themselves, they were apparently agreed that no point worth fighting for remained.
When they met with Gérard on the evening of February 6 to conclude the business, nevertheless, they continued to raise questions until the Frenchman took up his pen to sign for the government. Their uneasiness is understandable. They had no previous experience in negotiating treaties, and these two covered a range of complex issues. The important ones had been settled, but the commissioners could not stop fussing over minor ones. They wanted to change one of the articles of the alliance; Gérard declined, then agreed to some minor alterations in the separate act at the end. There was discussion of how to denominate Lee in French as counselor at law. He got an assurance that the court would agree, if Congress so wished, to delete the two articles in the commercial treaty relating to molasses. Then at long last the four sealed and signed the documents.

  The Treaty of AllianceTraité d’Alliance éventuelle et déffensive.
The most Christian King and the United States of North America, To wit, New hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhodes island, Connecticut, New york, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, having this Day concluded a Treaty of amity and Commerce, for the reciprocal advantage of their Subjects and Citizens have thought it necessary to take into consideration the means of Strengthening those engagements and of rendring them useful to the safety and tranquility of the two parties, particularly in case Great Britain in Resentment of that connection and of the good correspondence which is the object of the Said Treaty, should break the Peace with france, either by direct hostilities, or by hindring her commerce and navigation, in a manner contrary to the Rights of Nations, and the Peace Subsisting between the two Crowns; and his Majesty and the Said united States having resolved in that Case to join their Councils and efforts against the Enterprises of their common Enemy, the respective Plenipotentiaries impower’d to concert the clauses and conditions proper to fulfil the said Intentions, have, after the most mature Deliberation, concluded and determined on the following Articles.Le Roi Très Chrétien et les Etats-unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale, Savoir New-Hampshire, la Baye de Massachuset, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Newyork, New-Jersey, Pensylvanie, Delaware, Maryland, Virginie, Caroline Septentrionale, Caroline Meridionale et Georgie, ayant conclu ce jourd’huy un Traité d’amitié, de bonne intelligence et de commerce, pour l’avantage réciproque de leurs Sujets et Citoyens, ils ont cru devoir prendre en considération les moyens de resserrer leur liaisons, et de les rendre utiles à la Sureté et à la tranquilité des deux Parties, notamment dans le cas où la Grande Bretagne, en haine de ces mêmes liaisons et de la bonne correspondance qui forment l’objet du dit Traité, se porteroit à rompre la paix avec la France, soit en l’attaquant hostilement, soit en troublant son commerce et sa navigation, d’une maniere contraire au droit des gens et à la paix subsistante entre les deux Couronnes; Et Sa Majesté et les dits Etats unis ayant résolu éventuellement d’unir, dans le cas prévû, leurs conseils et leurs efforts contre les entreprises de leur ennemi commun, les Plenipotentiaires respectifs, chargés de concerter les clauses et conditions propres à remplir leurs intentions, ont, après la plus mure délibération, conclu et arresté les points et articles qui s’ensuivent.
  Art. 1.Article premier.
  If War should break out between france and Great Britain during the continuence of the present War between the united States and England his Majesty and the said united States, shall make it a common cause and aid each other mutually with their good Offices, their Counsels, and their forces, according to the exigence of Conjunctures as becomes good and faithful Allies.Si la guerre éclate entre la France et la Grande Brétagne, pendant la durée de la guerre actuelle entre les Etats unis et l’Angleterre, Sa Majesté et les dits Etats-unis feront cause commune et s’entr’aideront mutuellement de leurs bons offices, de leur conseils et de leurs forces, selon l’exigence des conjonctures ainsy qu’il convient a de bons et fideles Alliés.
  Art. 2.Article second.
  The essential and direct End of the present defensive alliance is to maintain effectually the liberty, Sovereignty, and independance absolute and unlimited of the said united States, as well in Matters of Gouvernement as of commerce.Le but essentiel et direct de la présente alliance deffensive, est de maintenir efficacement la liberté, la souveraineté, et l’independance absolue et illimitée des dits Etats unis, tant en matiére politique que de commerce.
  Art. 3Article trois.
  The two contracting Parties shall each on its own Part, and in the manner it may judge most proper, make all the efforts in its Power, against their common Ennemy, in order to attain the end proposed.Les deux Parties contractantes feront chacune de leur côté, et de la manière qu’elles jugeront plus convenable, tous les efforts, qui seront en leur pouvoir, contre leur ennemi commun, afin d’atteindre au but qu’elles se proposent.
  Art. 4.Article quatre.
  The contracting Parties agree that in case either of them should form any particular Enterprise in which the concurrence of the other may be desired, the Party whose concurrence is desired shall readily, and with good faith, join to act in concert for that Purpose, as far as circumstances and its own particular Situation will permit; and in that case, they shall regulate by a particular Convention the quantity and kind of Succour to be furnished, and the Time and manner of its being brought into action, as well as the advantages which are to be its Compensation.Les Parties contractantes sont convenues que dans le cas où l’une d’entre Elles formeroit quelqu’enterprise particuliére, pour laquelle elle désireroit le concours de l’autre, celle ci se prêteroit de bonne foi à un concert sur cet objet, autant que les circonstances et sa propre Situation pourront le lui permettre, et dans ce cas, on reglera par une Convention particuliére la portée des Secours à fournir, et le temps et la maniére de le faire agir, ainsy que les avantages destinés à en former la compensation.

  Art. 5.Article cinq.
  If the united States Should think fit to attempt the Reduction of the British Power remaining in the Northern Parts of America, or the Islands of Bermudas, those Countries or Islands in case of Success, shall be confederated with or dependant upon the said united States.Si les Etats-unis jugent à propos de tenter la reduction des Isles Bermudes et des parties Septentrionales de l’Amerique qui sont encore au pouvoir de la Grande Bretagne, les dites Isles et Contrées, en cas de Succès, entreront dans la confedération ou seront dépendantes des dits Etats-unis.
  Art. 6.Article six.
  The Most Christian King renounces forever the possession of the Islands of Bermudas as well as of any part of the continent of North america which before the treaty of Paris in 1763, or in virtue of that Treaty, were acknowledged to belong to the Crown of Great Britain, or to the united States heretofore called British Colonies, or which are at this Time or have lately been under the Power of The King and Crown of Great Britain.Le Roi très Chrétien renonce à posseder jamais les Bermudes ni aucune des parties du Continent de l’Amérique Septentrionalle qui, avant le Traité de Paris de mil sept cent soixante trois, ou en vertu de ce Traité, ont été reconnuës appartenir à la Couronne de la Grande Bretagne ou aux Etats-unis, qu’on appelloit ci devant Colonies Britanniques, ou qui sont maintenant ou ont êté récemment sous la Jurisdiction et sous le pouvoir de la Couronne de la Grande Bretagne.

  Art. 7.Article Sept.

If his most Christian Majesty Shall think proper to attack any of the Islands situated in the Gulph of Mexico, or near that Gulph, which are at present under the Power of Great Britain, all the said Isles, in case of success, shall appertain to the Crown of france.
  Si Sa Majesté Très Chrétienne juge à propos d’attaquer aucune des Isles situées dans le Golphe de Méxique ou près du dit Golphe, qui sont actuellement au pouvoir de la Grande Bretagne, toutes les dites Isles, en cas de succès, appartiendront à la Couronne de France.

  Art. 8.
  Article huit.

Neither of the two Parties Shall conclude either Truce or Peace with Great Britain, without the formal consent of the other first obtain’d; and they mutually engage not to lay down their arms, until the Independence of the united States Shall have been formally or tacitly assured by the Treaty or Treaties that shall terminate the War.
  Aucune des deux Parties ne pourra conclure ni treve ni paix avec la Grande Bretagne, sans le consentement préalable et formel de l’autre Partie, et Elles s’engagent mutuellement à ne mettre bas les armes, que lorsque l’indépendance des dits Etats-unis aura êté assurée formellement ou tacitement par le Traité ou les Traités qui termineront la guerre.

  Art. 9.
  Article Neuf.

The contracting Parties declare, that being resolved to fulfil each on its own Part the clauses and conditions of the present Treaty of alliance, according to its own power, and circumstances, there Shall be no after claim of compensation on one side or the other what ever may be the event of the War.
  Les Parties contractantes déclarent, qu’etant resolues de remplir chacune de son côté les clauses et conditions du présent Traité d’alliance selon son pouvoir et les circonstances, Elles n’auront aucune repetition, ni aucun dedommagement à se demander réciproquement, quelque puisse etre l’evenement de la guerre.

  Art. 10.
  Article dix.

The most Christian King and the United States, agree to invite or admit other Powers who may have received injuries from England to make common cause with them, and to accede to the present alliance, under such conditions as shall be freely agreed to and settled between all the Parties.
  Le Roi Très Chretien et les Etats-unis sont convenus d’inviter de concert ou d’admettre les Puissances, qui auront des griefs contre l’Angleterre, à faire cause commune avec Eux, et à acceder à la présente alliance, sous les Conditions qui seront librement agrées et convenües entre toutes les Parties.

  Art. 11.
  Article Onze.

The two Parties guarantee mutually from the present time and forever, against all other powers, to wit, the united States to his most Christian Majesty the present Possessions of the Crown of france in America as well as those which it may acquire by the future Treaty of peace: and his most Christian Majesty guarantees on his part to the united states, their liberty, Sovereignty, and Independence absolute, and unlimited, as well in Matters of Government as commerce and also their Possessions, and the additions or Conquests that their Confederation may obtain during the war, from any of the Dominions now or heretofore possessed by Great Britain in North america, conformable to the 5th and 6th articles above written, the whole as their Possessions shall be fixed and assured to the said States at the moment of the cessation of their present War with England.
  Les deux Parties se garantissent mutuellement dès à present et pour toujours envers et contre tous, savoir les Etats-unis à Sa Majesté très Chrétienne les possessions actuelles de la Couronne de France en Amérique, ainsy que celles qu’Elle pourra acquérir par le futur Traité de Paix; Et Sa Majesté Très Chretienne garantit de son côté aux Etats-unis leur liberté, leur Souveraineté et leur indépendance absolue et illimitée, tant en matiére de politique que de commerce, ainsy que leurs possessions et les accroissements ou conquêtes que leur confédération pourra se procurer pendant la guerre, d’aucun des Domaines maintenant ou cidevant possedés par la Grande Bretagne dans l’Amérique Septentrionale, conformément aux articles cinq et six ci dessus, et tout ainsy que leurs possessions seront fixées et assurées aux dits Etats, au moment de la cessation de leur guerre actuelle contre l’Angleterre.

  Art. 12.
  Article douze.

In order to fix more precisely the sense and application of the preceding article, the Contracting Parties declare, that in case of a rupture between france and England, the reciprocal Guarantee, declared in the said article shall have its full force and effect the moment Such War Shall break out; and if such rupture shall not take place, the mutual obligations of the said guarantee shall not commence, until the moment of the cessation of the present War between the united states and England Shall have ascertained their Possessions.
  Affin de fixer plus précisément le sens et l’application de l’article précédent, les Parties contractantes déclarent qu’en cas de rupture entre la France et l’Angleterre, la garantie réciproque enoncée dans le sus dit article, aura toute sa force et valeur du moment où la guerre éclatera, et si la rupture n’avoit pas lieu, les obligations mutuelles de la ditte garantie, ne commenceroient, que du moment sus dit, où la cessation de la guerre actuelle entre les Etats unis et l’Angleterre, aura fixé leurs possessions.

  Art. 13.
  Article treize.

The present Treaty Shall be ratified on both sides and the Ratifications shall be exchanged in the space of six months, or sooner if possible.
  Le present Traité sera ratiffié de part et d’autre et les Ratiffications seront échangées dans l’espace de six mois au plutôt, si faire se peut.

In faith where of the respective Plenipotentiaries, to wit on the part of the most Christian King Conrad Alexander Gerard royal syndic of the City of Strasbourgh and Secretary of his Majestys Council of State and on the part of the United States Benjamin Franklin Deputy to the General Congress from the State of Pensylvania and President of the Convention of the same State, Silas Deane heretofore Deputy from the State of Connecticut and Arthur Lee Councellor at Law have signed the above Articles both in the French and English Languages declaring Nevertheless that the present Treaty was originally composed and concluded in the French Language, and they have hereunto affixed their Seals.
  En foi de quoi les Plenipotentiaires respectifs savoir de la part du Roi Très Chretien le Sr. Conrad Alexandre Gerard Sindic royal de la ville de Strasbourg et Secrétaire du Conseil d’Etat de Sa Majesté, et de la part des Etatsunis les Srs. Benjamin Franklin Deputé au Congrès général de la part de l’Etat de Pensylvanie et President de la Convention du meme Etat, Silas Deane, cy devant Député de l’Etat de Connecticut, et Arthur Lee, Conseiller ès loix ont signé les articles ci dessus, tant en langue francoise qu’en langue angloise, déclarant néanmoins que le present traité a êté originairement redigé et arrêté en langue francaise, et ils les ont munis du cachet de leurs armes.

Done at Paris, this Sixth day of February one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight.
  Fait à Paris le sixieme jour du mois de fevrier mil sept cent soixante dix huit.

C.A. Gerard  B Franklin.
Silas Deane  Arthur Lee

  Act Separate and Secret.
  Acte séparé et secret.

The most Christian King declares in consequence of the intimate union which Subsists between him and the King of Spain, that in concluding with the united States of America this Treaty of amity and commerce, and that of eventual and defensive alliance, his Majesty hath intended and intends to reserve expressly, as he reserves by this present separate and secret act, to his said Catholick Majesty, the Power of acceding to the Said Treatys, and to participate in their stipulations at such time as he shall judge proper. It being well understood nevertheless, that if any of the Stipulations of the Said Treatys are not agreable to the King of Spain, his Catholick Majesty may propose other conditions analogous to the principal aim of the alliance and conformable to the Rules of equality, reciprocity and friendship.
Le Roi très Chrétien déclare en conséquence de l’union intime qui subsiste entre lui et le Roi d’Espagne, qu’en concluant avec les Etats-unis de l’Amérique septentrionale le traité d’amitié et de commerce et celui d’alliance eventuelle et deffensive, Sa Majesté a entendu et entend reserver expressement, comme elle reserve par le présent acte séparé et secret à Sa dite Majesté Catholique la faculté d’acceder auxdits Traités, et de participer à Leurs stipulations, dans quelque tems qu’Elle le juge à propos, bien entendu néanmoins que si quelques unes des stipulations des dits Traités ne convenoient point au Roi d’Espagne, Sa Majesté Catholique seroit maitresse de proposer d’autres conditions analogues au but principal de l’Alliance, et conformes aux loix de l’égalité, de la réciprocité et de l’amitié.

The Deputies of the united States in the name of their constituents, accept the present Declaration in its full extent, and the Deputy of the said States who is fully impowerd to treat with Spain, promises to sign on the first Requisition of his Catholic Majesty, the act or acts necessary to communicate to him the Stipulations of the Treaties above written; and the said Deputy shall endeavour in good faith the adjustment of the points in which the King of spain may propose any alteration, conformable to the principles of equality, reciprocity and the most sincere and perfect amity; he the said Deputy not doubting but that the Person or Persons impower’d by his Catholic Majesty to treat with the United States will do the same with regard to any Alterations of the same kind that may be thought necessary by the said Plenipotentiary of the United States. In Faith whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the present separate and secret Article, and affixed to the same their Seals.
Les Députés des Etatsunis au nom de leurs, commettans acceptent la présente déclaration dans toute son étendue, et le Député des dits Etats spécialement chargé des pleinpouvoirs, pour traiter avec la Couronne d’Espagne, promet de signer à la premiére réquisition de Sa Majesté Catholique l’acte ou les actes nécessaires, pour lui rendre communes les stipulations des Traités cidessus relatés, et le dit Député se prêtera de bonne foi à l’ajustement des points auxquels le Roi d’Espagne voudroit apporter quelques changemens, conformément aux principes de l’égalité de la réciprocité et de l’amitié la plus parfaite et la plus sincére, ne doutant pas le dit Député que la personne ou les personnes qui seront autorisées par le Roi Catholique à traiter avec les Etats unis n’en usent de même, relativement aux changemens de la même nature que le dit Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis pourra juger nécessaires.

En foi de quoi les Plénipotentiaires respectifs ont signé le présent article separé et secret, et y ont appos le cachet de leurs armes.

Done at Paris, this sixth Day of February, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight.
Fait à Paris le sixieme jour du mois de fevrier mil sept cent soixante dix huit.

  C. A. Gerard
  B Franklin
  Silas Deane

    Arthur Lee

  Deputé plenipotentiairepour la France et
  l’Espagne.