Title: Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 19 October 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: First Joint Commission at Paris

       Marli le 19. 8bre. 1778

      J’ai reçu, Messieurs, les deux Lettres que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire au Sujet de la reclamation que fait M. Izard des Effets pris Sur le batiment le Nil. Je vous ai observé par ma Lettre du 7 de ce mois, que l’Autorite devoit Seulement Suppléer aux Loix lorsqu’elles etoient insuffisantes; et qu’elle devenoit inutile et déplacée lorsque la Legislation etoit claire et précise. Vous devez, Messieurs, Sentir mieux que qui que ce Soit, toute la Justice de ce principe, et je ne doute pas qu’il ne se rencontre des Circonstances où vous pourrez le reclamer vous même avec fondement. La Prise du Vesseau le Nil a été déclarée bonne ainsi que celle de Sa Cargaison, en ordonner la restitution partielle, et enlever aux Armateurs une proprieté qui leur est acquise au moins provisoirement, ce seroit mêler l’Autorité a la Legislation, et introduire une forme dangereuse dans l’administration que Sa Majesté a etablie pour les Prises. Plus vous vous persuadés que la demande du Sieur Izard est conforme aux Traités, plus vous devez croire que Sa reclamation Sera accueillie et les frais d’une requête au Conseil Sont peu considerables. Il est vrai qu’il auroit été possible de les eviter, Si la proprieté de M. Izard avoit été demontrée avant le premier jugement, parce qu’alors il n’auroit été question que de constater cette proprieté qui me paroit incontestable; mais dans l’etat actuel des choses, je suis fâché de ne pouvoir lui éviter les formalités indispensables auxquelles Sa Majesté a dû assujetter ses allies comme ses propres Sujets.
      J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une consideration tres distinguée, Messieurs, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

       De Sartine


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 19 October 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Marly, 19 October 1778

      I have received, gentlemen, the two letters that you did me the honor to write regarding Mr. Izard’s complaint about the goods captured on the ship, the Nile. In my letter of 7 October, I indicated that the government would intervene only in such cases where the laws were insufficient and that such an intervention would be unnecessary and uncalled for when the legislation was clear and precise. You ought to be, gentlemen, in a better position than anyone else to know the justice of this principle, and I have no doubt that you will run into circumstances where you will have solid grounds to invoke it. The ship, the Nile, and its cargo have been declared a good prize and to order a partial restitution and thereby take from the privateers property they have acquired— at least temporarily—would amount to having the government meddle with the law and introduce a dangerous precedent into the regulation of prizes established by His Majesty. The more you are persuaded that Mr. Izard’s request is in conformity with the Treaties, the more you must believe that his claim will be favorably received and the cost of addressing a petition to the Council is not great. It is true that it would have been possible to avoid this if Mr. Izard’s ownership had been proven before the initial judgment, because then it would have been only a question of verifying that ownership, which to me appears incontestable. But, as things stand now, I am sorry to say that he will be unable to avoid the indispensable formalities to which His Majesty has subjected his allies, as well as his own subjects.
      I have the honor to be with utmost consideration, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       De Sartine


Title: Abraham Livingston to the Commissioners, 20 October 1778
From: Livingston, Abraham
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Sirs
      Chs. Town So. Carolina 20th Octobr. 1778

     I did myself the Pleasure to write you 10th and 22d June, to which please be referred; I therein acquainted you that the Honorable Commercial Committe of Congress had ordered several Vessels to this Port for Cargoes for France. The Officers and Mariners of the Ship Flammand absolutely refused to proceed to this Place from the Massachusetts State. The Mellish was destroyed by the Enemy at Bedford, the Ship Hayfield and Brigantine Minerva have been ordered to the West Indias, so that my hopes of sending Remittances to France on the Public Account are for the present frustrated. I think it necessary you shoud be advised thereof, and whenever any thing farther in the Mercantile line shall take Place you shall be advised thereof.
     I remain with due Esteem Your most Obedient Humble Servant

      Abrm Livingston


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Cushing, 21 October 1778
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Boston Octobr. 21st. 1778

     I embrace this Oppertunity by the Brigantine Saturn Rene Maillett Master (which I have dispatched for Nantes) to Acquaint you that your Family are well. I have lately, in Company with Mrs. Adams and a few Other Freinds, been to Visit Count D Estaing and his Fleet at Nantaskett, where we were Agreably and politely entertained.
     The Count has met with a series of Disappointments since his Departure from France, By reason of Contrary Winds he had a long passage and Arrived off the Capes of Deleware two days too late to keep the British Fleet Blocked up in Delaware river, otherways they must have fallen into his hands; at New York he found upon Tryall that there was not Depth of Water Sufficient to Admit his Largest Ships up the Harbour especially as the Enemy’s Ships were then placed; At the Desire of Genll. Washington he took his Departure from thence for Rhode Island in Order to Cooperate with General Sullivan in reduceing the Enemy upon the Island of Rhode Island, he had not been gone two Days from York before a large Fleet of Transports with Provisions Arrived off Sandy Hook from Ireland which if he had staid must inevitably have fallen into his hands.
     Well: as soon as every Necessary Preparation was made for the Attacking the British Troops at Rhode Island upon the very Day when the Descent was to have been made, A British Fleet Appeared off the Harbour, which Obliged the Count to go out and meet them with his Fleet, he immediately sett sail, pursued them and gained upon them, but the very Morning he had Come up with them a severe and very Unusual Storm Arose, seperated the Fleets, and the French Fleet was so Damaged and Shattered that After Calling in at Rhode Island and Informing Genll. Sullivan his Fleet was so Disabled as to not be in a Situation to Cooperate with him he proceeded to this Place to refitt to his great Mortification as well as that of Genll. Sullivan’s; Thus were our fairest Prospects blasted in an Instant for the Enemy must have surrendered in the Course of Twenty four Hours.
     The Counts Departure from Rhode Island and the Expedition’s failing Occasined great Uneasiness and many severe Reflections upon the French. Impressed with the Importance of keeping up a good Understanding with our New Allies I exerted my self to the Utmost to satisfy the People that the French were not to Blame, that they had done every thing in their Power to Cooperate with us in subduing the Enemy, that Providence had Interposed by a Mighty Storm and prevented it and that we must submit, I told the People I had the best Authority for What I advanced upon this Occasion as I had oppertunity with a Committee of the Council to Confer largely with the Count upon the reasons of his Departure from Rhode Island and the Causes of the Expedition’s failing, And that he had fully Satisfyed the Council that he was obligged to leave Rhode Island in Order to refitt, and that he had from his first Arrival in America done every thing in his Power to serve America and to distress their Enemies. The People are now in generall very well satisfyed and I am very Glad of it, for I look upon it of the last Importance to the United States to keep good faith with and to treat her Allies with the greatest Candor and to pay the most sacred Regard to the Treates they have entred into with them. This will lead them as well as the Rest of the European States to place the greatest Confidence in us and be of lasting Advantages to us.
     By the last Accounts from the Southward the Enemy were about Evacuting New York One Hundred Sail of Armed Ships and Transports on the 16 had fallen Down to the Hook and on the 17 Instant Signall Guns were firring all Day for the rest to follow. It is conjectured they are bound for the West Indies, but least they should be Comming to Boston Genll. Washington has Ordered a Detachment of his Army to March slowly this way. Pray let me hear from you by every oppertunity and Inform me of the State of Affairs in Europe.
     I Remain with great Respect Your Most Humble Servt

      Thomas Cushing

     Boston Oct 28. 1778
     The foregoing is Copy of my last; This will be handed you by Mr. Gridley, who goes to France upon Business. I recemmend him to your freindly notice: The British Fleet sailed the 20th Instant from New York, Whether they are bound is not known, some say to the West Indies, some say to this Place. I beleive their destination is to the Former. I remain with great respect yr Sincere Freind and humble servt

      Thomas Cushing

      Inclosed you have the latest news papers.


Title: John Langdon to the Commissioners, 21 October 1778
From: Langdon, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Sirs
      Portsmouth N.H. Octo. 21. 1778

     The Courier d Europe Captain Raffin being ready to sail for France, I have taken the Liberty to mention a matter to you that I think will be of Advantage to our Allies as well as profit to me. My haveing a personal acquaintance with two of your Honors, Encouraged me to take this Liberty.
     The British Navy were in most part furnished with Masts from this Port. I have lately furnished the Count d’Estangs Squadron with all their Masts and sent them to Boston. I shall think myself highly Honored if you would be pleased to mention to the Minister of the Marine of France or any other proper Person that I would furnish the Navy of France with Masts if any Gentleman in France will take the Contract. I will do the Business here on Commission of 5 P.Ct. for the Cargo and Disbursements and five P Ct. on the Sale of any Articles they may send out for payment. You’ll please excuse the Liberty I’ve taken and beleive me to be, Verry Respectfully, Your Honor’s Mo. Hbl. Servt.

      John Langdon


Title: To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 22 October 1778
From: Vernon, William Sr.
To: Adams, John

      Dr Sir
      Boston 22nd. Octr. 1778

     The above of the 2nd. Oct. via Portsmouth by the Dutchess of Grammount Capt. Poidras. This is only to inclose a Letter for my Son, which I beg the delivery of, and to inform you of the Arrival of the Ships, Providence, Boston and Ranger at Portsmouth the 17th. Instant. The dispatches for Congress &c. are all forwarded as directed. Those Ships have Captured only Three small Prizes since they left France, a Brigantine from London for St. Augustine loaded with Provisions arrived, a Snow from Newfound Land with Fish for Cadiz, arrived, a Brigantine from Granada for Leith, with Rum supposed to be retaken. It gives me pain to relate the frequent Losses of our Continental Ships. The Raleigh Capt. Barry fell in with a Fifty Gun Ship and Frigate, the Third day after he Sail’d, whom he Ingaged about Six hours, being over Power’d by superiour strength, run his ship ashore, on an Island near Penobscot. About 90 of his Men escaped on shore, the remainder was taken, and his Ship, the next day got off by the Enemy.

      I am most respectfully Yr. Humble servt.

     Sir
     Boston 22nd. Octr. 1778
     Nothing material hath occur’d since the above, this serve only to convey the duplicate, and best respect, being with truth Yr. Most Obedt Humble servt.

      Wm Vernon


Title: To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 24 October 1778
From: Genet, Edmé Jacques
To: Adams, John

       Monsieur
       a Vlles. ce 24. oct. 1778

      Je viens de traduire pour Monseigneur le Comte de Vergennes, les divers papiers de la gazette de New-York que vous trouveres dans le fragment ci-joint d’une gazette angloise du 17. de ce mois. Il n’est pas douteux que le prochain Courier de l’Europe ne contienne une traduction de ces divers papiers. Toute la france y verra un des deux cotes de la question, c’est a dire, celui sous le quel les Commissaires anglois la présentent sans voir en même tems ce que les américains peuvent y répondre, parceque les gazettes americaines oú seront sans doute les réponses convenables, pourront ne pas arriver en Europe aussitôt qu’il conviendroit. Je prens la liberté de vous prier en conséquence, non pas d’y répondre en votre nom, mais de me fournir des notes d’après lesquelles je puisse, dans le No. 58. des affaires d’angleterre, que paroitroit incessament, combattre les assertions injurieuses des Commissaires anglois, et contre le Congrez et contre ses membres, notament sur l’article des boëtes de Cartouches des troupes du général Burgoyne sur l’Etat ou sont actuellement ces troupes à Boston &c.
      J’en ferai usage, comme de réflexions et observations venant d’un particulier ignoré, et au moins nos Ennemis communs n’auront point l’avantage que l’Europe se remplisse de ses inculpations contre le Congrez et la France, sans que quelqu’un essaye de remettre les esprits sur la bonne voie.
      Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble et tres obéissant serviteur

       Genet

       P.S. Plutot vous pourres m’envoyer vos observations, mieux ce sera.


Title: Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 24 October 1778
From: Genet, Edmé Jacques
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       Versailles, 24 October 1778

      I have translated for his Lordship, Comte de Vergennes, the sundry articles from the New York gazette which you will find in the enclosed fragment from an English gazette of 17 October. No doubt the next Courier de l’Europe will have a translation of these various documents. As a result, France will see only one side of the question, that which the British Commissioners choose to present, without, at the same time, seeing the American response because the American gazettes, which will undoubtedly contain suitable replies, will not reach Europe in time to be effective. I, therefore, take the liberty of asking you, not to reply in your own name, but simply to furnish me with notes from which I shall be able, in the soon to be published No. 58 of Affaires l’Angleterre, to combat the insulting assertions made by the British Commissioners against the Congress and its members, particularly respecting the article on the cartouche boxes of General Burgoyne’s army and the present state of these troops in Boston, &c.
      I will make them appear to be the reflections and observations of an unknown person, and, at least, our common enemies will not have the advantage of flooding Europe with their accusations against the Congress and France without an attempt to set people’s minds on the right track.
      I am with respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Genet

       P.S. The sooner you can send me your observations, the better.


Title: To John Adams from James Lovell, 24 October 1778
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Philada. 24th. Octr. 1778

     I was not a little surprized Yesterday at seing a Letter from you to Mr. S. Adams by Mr. Archer, in which you make no sort of Acknowledgement of any of my numerous Scrawls; 14 or 15 have at least gone on the Way to you.
     I have felt myself lately under the Necessity of letting you go by guess as to what we are doing here. Congress have the Papers of the Committee for foreign Affairs on their Table, and are taking their own Time to execute any Thing material for you to know; therefore I would not take upon myself to give you any Detail of those Matters, further than to say that the Presence of Mr. Deane and Mr. Carmichael seems rather to perplex than clear our Views. Those Gentlemen having been at Variance for a Season and now cordially reconciled, there is a sort of a Task in accommodating the Meaning of Expressions used at different Periods under the Influence of different Passions. The only Result of Interrogatories I forsee must therefore be the Loss of that Time which had better be spent in attending to our Finances. And here, by the Way, I must ask what are become of your Terrors on that Score. Not a Word of Finances in your Letter to Mr. S. A. Do you not know that our Depreciation of Currency is the main Stay of our Enemies. We must immediately Loan 60,000,000 out of Circulation and tax vigorously, or we shall be all afloat.
     Can we not borrow in your Neighbourhood? But, you are a wrong Man to ask. You are averse to Debts abroad. Believe me, it is the general Opinion here that our Sons and Grandchildren ought rightfully to pay a Part of the Purchase we are now making for them. We must therefore contract abroad a Debt for the Payment of which a sinking Fund must be established here. This need not hinder us from rendering such a Provision repealable by the Sale of Property which may easily be acquired southward of Georgia and Eastward of the Province of Main.
     I have been and am much unwell. I have escaped a settled nervous Fever by Care upon the most violent Symptoms. Writing hurts me. Your affectte. Frd. and Servt.

      James Lovell

     Philada. 27th
     P.S. I find Congress has determined on something relative to Doctr. Franklin. Your Situation becoms the next immediate Objects. I will go abroad this Day tho little fit for Business. Your Honor and Happiness are dear to me and to many others. The Delay of republican assemblies is the only Thing against you. Your Character is esteemed. Your Ideas of distributing the Gentlemen abroad are the ruling Ideas here, and will be carried into Effect I am certain. I wish you had been as free in hinting your own Inclinations as some of the other Gentlemen have been. I doubt not your cordial Endeavors for friendly Intercourse with the different Commissioners, recommended by a Resolve of the 22d. (as before) yr.

      JL


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 26 October 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Marly le 26. 8bre 1778

      Je n’ai répondu, Messieurs, qu’à la premiere partie de la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 12 de ce mois, et la Seconde partie renferme des objets interessants. Sans doute, il Seroit a desirer que l’on put rendre á leur Patrie les Matelots Americains que l’habitude ou la Violence ont attaché au Service de l’Angleterre, et se procurer le double Avantage d’accroitre les forces americains en detruisant celles de leurs Ennemis. Mais les Moyens m’en paroissent aussi difficiles que vous le jugés vous mêmes, et dans l’etat actuel des Choses on ne peut se flatter d’y réussir. Vous demandéz du moins que les Sujets des Etats unis pris depuis les hostilités au service de l’angleterre vous Soient remise. Cette demande générale merite un Attention Serieuse, et je la mettrai incessament sous les yeux de Sa Majisté. A l’egard des quatre prisonniers dont vous me demandés plus particulièrement la liberté, c’est avec bien du Plaisir que je donne des ordres á Dinant pour qu’ils Soient remis a votre disposition. J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec la Consideration la plus distinguee, Messieurs, Votre tres humble et trés obeissant Serviteur

       De Sartine


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 26 October 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Marly, 26 October 1778

      I only responded, gentlemen, to the first part of the letter that you did me the honor to write on the 12th of this month, but the second part also contains some interesting points. Without a doubt it would be desirable, if possible, to return to their mother country those American sailors who, through either habit or violence, had been attached to the English service, and thereby achieve the double advantage of increasing American forces while decreasing those of the enemy. But the means to do so seem as difficult to me as they do to you, and in the present state of things one should not delude oneself as to the outcome. Your request that, at least, those subjects of the United States pressed into the English service since the war began be returned to you deserves careful consideration, and I will bring it to His Majesty’s attention presently. As to the release of the four prisoners for whom you specifically request freedom, it is with much pleasure that I am giving orders to Dinant so that they may be placed at your disposal. I have the honor to be, with the utmost consideration, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       De Sartine


Title: The Commissioners to Daniel McNeill, 27 October 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: McNeill, Daniel

      Sir
      Passy Octr. 27. 1778

     We received yours of the 12 Instant relative to your Prisoners. Just at the same Time, was published here the Kings Reglement, on the subject of Prizes and Prisoners, of which We inclose you a Copy. We imagined, this must have arrived with you at L’Orient, so as to make any particular order from the minister unnecessary, for We Supposed from the 7th and 15 Article, that General orders had been given to all the Ports for the Reception of Prisoners to be secured by the Kings officers, and maintained at the Charge of the United States. But as Mr. Moylan informs Us, in his Letter of the 21 that the Difficulty you were under by their refusing to receive them still remains, we Shall directly apply to M. de Sartine and endeavour to obtain the particular order you desire. In the mean Time We wish you to secure them carefully as an Exchange We hope is on the Point of being effected, and it is to your Honour that you will be the Means of delivering from their painfull Captivity, so many of your brave Countrymen. If the general orders are not yet arrived, and you are about to sail; you may assure the officers that if they will take Charge of the Prisoners We shall defray the Expence.
     We think you are in the right in resolving to have a regular Decision about the affair of your Prize. We wish you good success in your Cruise and are &c.


Title: The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser, 27 October 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Schweighauser, John Daniel

      Sir
      Passy Octr. 27. 1778

     We have received yours of the 27th of September, and approve of your Proceedings relative to the Cargo of the Therese, and if any Thing further is necessary for Us to do in that Business you will be so good as to advise Us.
     We are of opinion that you should sign the Receipt to Mr. Williams, copy of which you transmitted Us, as far as the Words United States, inclusively—omitting all that follows.
     If any Demands should arrise against Mr. Williams, in any of the offices or for any Articles of Reperation, which, by any Contracts he made while agent for the Commissioners, he ought to discharge, he will notify Us of it, and We shall take Care that Justice be done: But We apprehend it would not be convenient, to involve you in the Trouble of settling such Demands.
     As to the Request of the Directeur of des Ferms, you are desired to give him, and send to Us, an Account of the Quantity of Tobacco delivered him: and leave the Price, which is settled by the Contract. However We desire you to let Us know the Customary Price of Tobacco at Markett at the Time when this was delivered.
     Mr. Bondfield and Mr. Haywood, have made Us an offer of a Vessell upon Freight to America. We refer his Proposals to you and if you find his Proposals reasonable, you will please to contract with him for the freight of such Quantity of Effects belonging to the United States, as are now in Mr. Williams Hands or your own. You will first however receive them from Mr. Williams.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 27 October 1778
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

      My dear friend
      Philada Octobr 27. 1778

     Your letter written a few days before your embarkation from for France, lays me under an Obligation to renew my correspondence with you. You are pleased to say my letters give you pleasure. This is eno’ for me. Happy shall I esteem myself if thro’ your eminent and useful Station I can convey a single idea that will add a mite to the happiness of our beloved country.
     Many new events have happened in our military and political world since you left us which have opened a new system of thinking and acting among us. The Success of the army in extorting half pay for seven years from the Congress has led them to extend their Views to all the emoluments of a Standing Army. It is treason to oppose the Scheme in a company of Officers—many of our citizens defend it—and the idea once so horrid in the ears of an American is tollerated even among our rulers. The great Object of our Affection now is Independance—the only Objects of our fears and resentments are British commissioners now too contemptible to excite Anger. We have forgotten that we drew the Sword in defence of freedom, and we have not a single suspicion that the destruction of our republics can originate only from causes within ourselves.
     The Eastern States will retain their republican Spirit. But Alas! there is a degeneracy even among them of republican virtue and manners. But the States to the westward of Hudson’s river are nearly as aristocratical and monarchical as they were seven years ago. We hear as much of honor among them, as you do at the court of France. We even advertise Accounts of Duels. It is true we hate our late Sovereign on the British throne, but we have substituted an idol in the room of him from whom and we desire all the blessings of our present glorious revolution from his Arm Alone. We say in contempt of the very genius of republicanism, which supposes as many Servants of the public as there are freemen, that no man but our Commander in chief could have kept our Army together, and that his fall would be the extinction of our liberty. We have lost but few men in battle, and yet every campaign has wasted an Army for us. You know already my Opinion of the cause of the misfortunes which have befallen our troops, and that I have always ascribed them to Other sources than the negligence of Officers, or the Wickedness of Commissaries and Quarter masters General.
     Charecters appear in One age, and are only to be known in Another. General CONWAY who was the nerves—MIFFLIN who was the Spirit—and LEE who was the Soul of our Army have all been banished from Head Quarters. The last has been most unjustly condemned by a Court Martial for saving our Army at Monmouth on the 28 of last June. Genl. Washington was his accuser. The congress I beleive disapprove of the Sentence, but are so much Afraid of the workmanship of their own hands that they are afraid to reverse it. I blush for my Country when I tell you that several members of congress leave the house when the Affair is bro’t on the carpet.
     Adieu—my dear friend. Cease not to love, and serve our dear country. I expect (to speak in the puritanical phraseology of our Ancestors) to see a republican Spirit yet found out upon us. Adieu—yours—yours—yours

      B: Rush


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 27 October 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Messieurs
       Lahaie 27e. Octobr. 1778

      La respectée Vôtre du 10e. m’est parvenue Samedi dernier. Elle est parfaitement comme il la falloit. Le g F en est fort content. J’ai été le même jour la faire lire á notre Ami, et je lui en ai délivré une copie attestée par ma signature. Elle lui a fait un plaisir extrême; et il m’a assuré, à plusieurs reprises, qu’elle en feroit un très-sensible aux Bourguemaitres de sa Ville, à qui il tardoit de savoir si, et comment vous répondriez à la démarche dans laquelle il les avoit engagés, en se faisant autoriser par eux à donner la Déclaration, et á m’écrire la Lettre, dont vous avez copies, et dont les Duplicats sont déposés a la Maison de Ville. Il m’a fort recommande de vous assurer, que la mention de l’Angleterre n’a nullement été faite dans le dessein de faire rien dépendre du bon plaisir de cette nation, mais seulement pour donner à entendre la situation de sa ville, qui, quant à présent, ne peut rien de plus que de souhaitter, que les Anglois soient réduits à ne pouvoir plus rien opposer á l’attraction réciproque. Enfin, il se trouve maintenant les mains suffisamment garnies, pour agir quand il sera de retour chez lui; et nous lui en laisserons le temps.
      L’adresse des Marchands a été presentée á 11. hh. pp. Voici celle présentée au Prince Samedi passé. Notre Ami me la remit le même jour; et je l’ai cru digne de la traduire pour Vous, Messieurs. Il me demande avec anxiété de bonnes nouvelles de l’Amérique; et moi je lui réponds, que la situation de l’Amérique n’est pas á beaucoup prés si critique, et que je n’en suis pas tant en peine, que de celle de cette republique ici.
      Mr. De Welderen a envoyé la réponse du Ld. Suffolk aux Représentations de LL. hh. pp. “La Cour de L — —, dit-il, veut bien rendre tous les vaisseaux saisis, avec depens et dommages, et payer les cargaisons de matériaux pour équipemens, qu elle retiendra; mais son Ambassadr. proposera à ll. hh. pp. de changer à cet égard les Traités, et de consentir qu’à l’avenir cet Article soit Contrebande.” Heureusement il faut l’unanimité pour ce consentement; et Amsterdam ne souffrira pas même l’ouverture d’une telle négotiation. Suffolk ajoute, “comme un trait de la modération de son roi; qu’il n’a pas encore demandé les secours que la republique lui doit fournir par les Traités.” Comme si la republique avoit garanti á l’Angleterre le monopole de l’Amérique. Cela est singulier. Au reste, nous sommes trois ici, qui croyons que cette Lettre n’a pas été conçue en Angleterre, et qu’elle n’a fait que revenir.
      Mr. le Greffier de LL. hh. pp. est pique au vif, de ce que l’Orateur de la deputation marchande lui a parlé très-librerrient, et, sur ce qu’il biaisoit dans sa réponse, l’a taxé d’être Anglois avec la Majorité des Grands ici. On dit qu’il n’y a que la vérite qui offense.
      J’ai fini la traduction de l’Avis d’Amsterdam inséré dans les Actes de la république le 8 Septembre. Je suis occupé à faire des copies pour vous, Messieurs, et pour le Congrès. Dès que la vôtre sera finie, je vous la ferai tenir avec priere d’en vouloir faire tirer deux Copies par un Copiste François entendu et exact, et de les envoyer au Congrès comme Duplicats et Triplicats de celle que je Lui enverrai d’ici: car, d’un côté, je trouve cette piece importante et utile aux Etats unis, tant par la connoissance précise et authentique qu’elle leur donnera de l’Etat actuel politique et militaire &c. de cette republique; que par l’exemple du malaise qu’elle s’est attiré depuis un siecle, en se mêlant trop de la balance chimérique des Puissances de l’Europe et de leurs guerres, en s’imposant le joug d’une Armée permanente, qui engloutit sa marine, et l’asservit en se jetant sans réserve entre les bras de son impérieuse rivale, &c. &c: et de l’autre cote, cette longue piece me prend un temps precieux, et desole ma main, qui a le malheur de trembler. Ma traduction a etc vue et approuvee par notre Ami. Il seroit bon de la mettre aussi en Anglois et si vous aviez un Traducteur qui entendît aussi le hollandois, je pourrai vous envoyer l’Original hollandois.
      Je suis avec un grand respect, et un coeur tout Américain, Messieurs Votre très-humble et très obéissant serviteur

       Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 27 October 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Gentlemen
       The Hague, 27 October 1778

      Last Saturday I had the honor to receive your letter of 10 October. It is exactly as it should be. The Grand Facteur is very satisfied with it. I went the same day to read it to our friend and gave him a copy, attested by my signature. He was extremely pleased and assured me, several times, that it would make a very good impression on the Burgomasters of his city, who were anxious to know your reaction to the demarche that he had them undertake in authorizing him to give the declaration and write me the letter, of which you have copies, and duplicates of which are at the City Hall. He strongly recommended that I assure you that the mention of England was made not for the purpose of having anything depend on that nation’s good will, but rather only to further clarify the position of his city, which at present wishes nothing more than to see the English reduced to total impotence in opposing this mutual attraction. He finally has enough material in hand to act when he returns home, and we will give him ample time to do so.
      The merchants’ address has been presented to Their High Mightinesses. Here is what was presented to the Prince last Saturday. Our friend gave it to me the same day and, gentlemen, I thought it worth translating for you. He anxiously requested some good news from America and I told him that the situation there is not nearly so critical as here and that I do not worry half as much about it as I do for this Republic.
      Mr. De Welderen has sent Lord Suffolk’s answer to the representations of Their High Mightinesses. “The Court of London,” he says, “is willing to return all the captured vessels, with costs and damages, and to pay for the cargoes of naval stores, which she will retain, but its Ambassador will propose to Their High Mightinesses that in this respect the Treaties be changed and that they consent that in the future this article be contraband.” Fortunately, unanimity is required for such a consent; and Amsterdam will not tolerate even the opening of such a negotiation. Suffolk then adds, “it is a measure of his king’s moderation that he has not yet requested the assistance that the Republic is required to furnish in accordance with the Treaties.” As if the Republic had guaranteed England the American monopoly. This is a singular statement. Besides, at least three of us here believe that this letter was not written in England, but merely returned to its point of origin.
      The griffier of Their High Mightinesses was stung to the quick by the spokesman for the delegation of merchants who addressed him in a cavalier fashion and then, as he was hedging before answering, said he was just as English as the majority of noblemen here. It is said that only the truth offends.
      I have finished the translation of the Amsterdam address, which was inserted in the Acts of the Republic of 8 September. I am now making copies for you, gentlemen, and for the congress. As soon as yours is finished, I will send it to you and ask that you have a French copyist make two exact copies and send them to congress as duplicates and triplicates of what I will send from here. I find this piece important and useful for the United States because of the precise and accurate information it gives on the current political and military situation, &c. of this Republic and the illustration provided of the difficulties that it has called upon itself during the last century by meddling too much in the chimerical balance of European powers and their wars by imposing upon itself the burden of a permanent army, which swallows its navy and saps its strength by falling wholly into the arms of its imperious rival, &c. On the other hand, this long piece consumes my precious time and tires my hand, which unfortunately trembles. My translation has been seen and approved by our friend. It would also be worthwhile to put it into English and, if you have a translator who understands Dutch, I could send you the Dutch original.
      I am, with great respect and a thoroughly American heart, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Dumas


Title: To John Adams from the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 28 October 1778
From: Lee, Richard Henry,Lovell, James,Continental Congress, Foreign Affairs Committee
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      In Committee for foreign Affairs Philada. Octr. 28th. 1778

     While we officially communicate to you the inclosed Resolve the Foundation of which you cannot remain a Stranger to, we must intreat you to be assiduous in sending, to those Commissioners who have left France and gone to the Courts for which they were respectively appointed, all the American Intelligence which you have greater Opportunity than they to receive from hence, particularly to Mr. Izard and Mr. Wm. Lee. We do not often send more than one Set of Gazettes by one Opportunity; and we hear of several Vessels which have miscarried.

     Congress must and will speedily determine upon the general Arrangement of their foreign Affairs. This is become, so far as relates to you, peculiarly necessary upon a new Commission being sent to Doctor Franklin. In the mean Time we hope you will exercise your whole extensive Abilities on the Subject of our Finances. The Doctor will communicate to you our Situation in that Regard. To the Gazettes and to Conversation with the Marqs. De la Fayette we must refer you for what relates to our Enemies; and close with our most cordial Wishes for your Happiness, Sir Your affectionate Friends

      Richard Henry Lee
      James Lovell


Title: The Commissioners to E. F. van Berckel, 29 October 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Berckel, Engelbert François van

      Sir
      Passi near Paris, Ocr. 29th. 1778

     Upon maturely considering the Letter and declaration which we have had the honor of receiving from you, we are of opinion that there are some propositions relative to that proposed treaty business which can only be properly discuss’d in a personal interview. We therefore wish that you, or a person authorizd by you, woud meet one of us at Aix la Chapelle, or any other place which you may judge more convenient for conducting this business with the most perfect Secrecy.
     Shoud this proposal meet with your approbation, you will have the goodness to apprize us of the time and place you think proper for the interview. It may be proper that we shoud enquire for one another, wherever we meet, under fictitious names; the fixing upon which we also wish to leave to you.
     We shall be glad of an answer as soon as is convenient for you; and have the honor to be, with great respect Sir most Obedt. & most humb Servts.


Title: The Commissioners to the Comte de Vergennes, 29 October 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de

      Sir
      Passy, Oct. 29 1778

     We have the Honour to inform your Excellency that we are ready to execute and exchange the Declarations, concerning the Omission of the eleventh and twelfth Articles of the Treaty of Commerce, and to request your Excellency to appoint a Day to wait on your Excellency for that Purpose. We have the Honour to be with the most respectful Consideration Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants

      B. Franklin
      Arthur Lee
      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 29 October 1778
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Adams, John

      My dear Sir
      Philadelphia Octr. 29. 1778

     I am exceedingly happy to hear of your safe arrival, and I hope agreeable accommodation at Paris. At first, I doubt not, the splendid gaity of a magnificent Court, accorded not so well with the temperate manners of a sober Republican. But use reconciles most things. It may soon happen that you be desired to visit Holland, where I believe they yet retain much of that simplicity of manners which first raised that people to greatness. Our finances want the support of a Loan in Europe. 81,500,000 of dollars with increasing demands as depreciation advances with emission, cannot be cured by the slow working of Taxes. The latter is, I believe deeply gone into by all the States.
     I have seen your letter to our common friend Mr. S. Adams, and do most thoroughly accord with you in sentiments. The battle of Monmouth in June last, and the subsequent arrival of Count d’Esteing has kept our enemies in pretty close quarters this Campaign at N. York. The better opinion is, that they mean shortly to abandon that City. But where they intend next we are at a loss to guess. Indeed they have such a choice of difficulties, that it is not an easy matter for themselves to determine what course they shall steer. Never did Men cut a more ridiculous figure than the British Commissioners have done here. There last effort is a formal application to each State, and to all the people in each, by a Manifesto sent in Flags of Truce. We consider this as a prostitution of the Flag, and have recommended the seizure and imprisonment of the people, and the publication of their Manifesto. In some instances, the Sea has saved us the trouble by previously swallowing up these silly Missives. I shall be at all times extremely glad to hear from you, being very sincerely dear Sir your affectionate friend

      Richard Henry Lee


Title: Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to Gabriel de Sartine, 30 October 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de

      Passy Octr. 30. 1778

     We have been honoured with your Letter of the 26th. October, and We request your thank your Excellency, for the prompt and generous manner in which, you have given Liberty to four of our Countrymen, who were among the Prisoners at Dinant. Such Examples of Benevolence can not fail to make a lasting Impression on the American Mind.
     Since the Recipt of your Excellencys Letter, We have received another from the American Prisoners at Brest, by which it appears that there are ten of them, from four of whom only we had received Letters when We wrote before, the other six having written to Us, but their Letters miscarried. We inclose a Copy of this Last Letter, and have the Honour to request, a similar Indulgence to all the ten.
     By a Letter, We received last night from L’orient, We have the Pleasure to learn, that Three Whaling Vessells bound to the Coast of the Brazils have been taken by his Majestys Frigates, or by French Cruizers, and sent into that Port. It is very probable that the three Masters of these Vessells and every one of their Sailors, are Americans.
     We are happy in this opportunity of communicating to your Excellency some Intelligence, which We have been at some Pains to collect, and have good Reasons to believe exactly true.
     The English the last Year, carried on a very valuable Whale Fishery on the Coast of Brizil, off the River Plate in South America, in the Latitude Thirty five south and from thence to Forty, just on the Edge of Soundings off and on, about the Longitude Sixty five from London.
     They have this Year about seventeen Vessells in this Fishery, which have all sailed in the Months of September and October.
     All the officers, and almost all the Men belonging to these seventeen Vessells are Americains, from Nantuckett and Cape Cod in the Massachusetts excepting two or three from Rhode Island, and perhaps one from Long Island.
     The Names of the Captains are Aaron Sheffield of Newport,  Goldsmith and Richard Holmes from Long Island, John Chadwick, Francis May, Reuben May, John Meader, Jonathan Meader, Elisha Clark, Benjamin Clark, William Ray, Paul Pease, Bunker Fitch, Reuben Fitch, Zebbeda Coffin, and another Coffin all of Nantuckett —John Lock Cape Codd—  Delano Nantuckett, Andrew Swain Nantuckett, William Ray Nantuckett.
     Four or five of these Vessells go to Greenland—the Fleet sails to Greenland the last of February or beginning of March.
     There was published last Year in the English News Papers, (and the same Imposture has been repeated this year) a Letter from the Lords of the Admiralty to Mr. Dennis De berdt in Coleman Street, informing Mr. De berdt that a Convoy, should be appointed to the Brazil Fleet. But this We have certain Information, was a Forgery, callculated merely to deceive American Privateers, and that no Convoy was appointed or did go with that Fleet either last Year or this.
     For the Destruction or Captivity of a Fishery so entirely defenceless, for not one of the Vessells has any arms, a single Frigate or Privateer, of twenty four or even of Twenty Guns, would be quite sufficient. The Beginning of December would be the best Time to proceed from hence, because they would then find the Whaling Vessells nearly loaded.
     The Cargoes of these Vessells, consisting of Bone and Oyl, will be very valuable, and at least four hundred and fifty of the best kind of seamen in the whole World, would be taken out of the Hands of the English and might be put into gained into the American service, to act against the Ennemy. Most of the officers and Men wish well to their Country, and would gladly be in its Service, if they could be delivered from that they are engag’d in. But whenever, the English Men of War or Privateers have taken an American Vessell, they have given to the Whalemen, among the Crews their Choice either to go on Board a Man of War and fight against their Country or to go into the Whale Fishery. So many have chosen the latter as to make up most of the Crews of seventeen Vessells.
     We thought it proper to communicate this Intelligence to your Excellency that if you find it compatible with his Majestys service, to order a Frigate from hence or from the West Indies, to take from the English at once to profitable a Branch of Commerce and so valuable a Nursery of Seamen, you may have an opportunity of doing it. If not, no Inconvenience will ensue. We have the Honor to be.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 30 October 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Gentlemen
       The Hague, 30 October 1778

      On Tuesday, the 27th, I had the honor to send you a very interesting letter. Already the address, a copy of which was enclosed, has had several important results. I. The Assembly of Holland, which people here thought would be finished today, will resume its sessions next Wednesday. In the meantime, the gentlemen from Amsterdam will go home in order to return Tuesday with some new instructions. 2. The Corps of Nobility of the province, which had already printed up a counter-address, to oppose that of Amsterdam in the Assembly, has prudently withdrawn it. 3. An important personage with good reason to be jealous of the people’s affection and seeing that this petition does not come from a mere party in the Regency of Amsterdam, as people around him have sought to persuade him, but rather expresses a discontent that is increasing and becoming general, seems to be alarmed. The English party is also concerned: on Sunday, Sir Joseph Yorke sent an express to England in a fisherman’s pink from Scheveling, apparently to inform them of events and advise them to moderate and soften their tone.
      Yesterday, as he read Suffolk’s reply to the Assembly, the Grand Pensionary showed by his tone and gestures how much it displeased him. I informed some merchants from Amsterdam of this with a full commentary for their guidance.
      In my letter of the 23d, I spoke to Mr. Franklin in general terms of the demarche that I had undertaken. Today, I have the great pleasure to inform you of its good results. You are aware from my previous letters, gentlemen, that the Grand Pensionary’s sole excuse for remaining inactive was that he could not communicate the treaty without your consent. To deprive him of this pretext I asked the Grand Facteur for his only printed copy, which he was kind enough to give me. With that in hand, on the 22d I went to request an audience with the Grand Pensionary. I gave him the printed treaty on your behalf, adding that out of deference to the Court of France you had awaited its first printing by the French Court, but that now, thinking that the obligations as presented in your letter had been fulfilled in every respect, you felt he could proceed in the manner that he judged would be most agreeable to this Republic. Seeing him taken aback and at a loss for words, I pursued the point by making him understand that, at the very least, he owed you the courtesy of a reply; that you were expecting one; and to prove it I gave him the following extract, signed by me, from Mr. Franklin’s letter of 22 September.
      “We have made Overtures to the Grand Pensionary. We took that to be a regular and Kind mode of proceeding. We expect an answer. If he gives us none, we shall naturally conclude, that there is no disposition in their High Mightinesses to have any connection with the United States of America; and I believe we shall give them no farther trouble. At least that would be my opinion. I know your nation, having been frequently there, and much esteeming the people, and wishing for a firm union between the two republics. On the other Side, our Virgin State is a jolly one, and, though at present not very rich, will in time be a great fortune to any suitor; and where she has a favourable predisposition, it seems to be well worth cultivating.”
      The underlined portions are the little additions that I made to tie together the excerpted passages and make them coherent.
      He read it carefully and by a smile indicated that the ending pleased him. As I arose, I told him that I was prepared to convey to you anything he might like and beseeched him to consider me as zealous for the welfare and prosperity of this Republic, in which I have enjoyed living for so long, as I am a friend of the Americans. He answered, / do not doubt it. I then went to render an account of this interview to our friend and to give him a copy of the aforementioned excerpt, with an attestation of its conformity to the one delivered the same day to the Grand Pensionary. I gave him to understand that I was thereby giving his city something that might one day be used to raise some serious charges if this overture was repressed. He agreed and thanked me profusely.
      There things stood until the morning of the 28th, when an important person in whom we can have full confidence, but who requested anonymity, told me the following: “You are requested to please tell Mr. Franklin that he should not find it strange or incongruous on the part of the Grand Pensionary if he does not answer the letter just yet and to make him understand that there are important, but secret, reasons which impose the need for delay.”
      Moreover, I have noticed that our friend, who until now had been greatly irritated by the Grand Pensionary, has rather softened his attitude toward him.
      I had the honor of receiving the interesting papers that Mr. Lee favored me with under the date of 22 October. After communicating their content to certain people here, I sent a copy to the printer of the Gazette at Leyden so that he can correct in his supplement, or in the following issue, the inaccuracies contributed by his other correspondents on the same subjects in today’s paper. I recommend myself to his good remembrance and friendship and request a continuation of these favors, and am with great respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Dumas

       P.S. I was about to close when I received a Dutch book of 180 pages in octavo. Fresh from the press, it is advertised publicly as being on sale at all the bookstores of the Republic under the title: Examen de la Conduite de la Grande-Bretagne à l’égard de la Hottande, depuis l’origine de la République jusqua’à ce jour; Par un Hollandois bien intentionné; Pour servir à faire connoître le Caractere des Anglois dans leur conduite envers les Américains. This piece is well done and, as one might expect, is very violent against the English. What I had published is mildness itself by comparison. Certainly it will greatly embarrass the English party and is well suited to arouse this nation even more against England. All this should help you gauge the degree to which the ferment increases in this country, as well as the conduct that should be followed to take advantage of it.


Title: From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 31 October 1778
From: Genet, Edmé Jacques
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Passy 31. Octr. 1778

     Your obliging Letter of the 29 is now before me. It would ill become me born and educated in the Wilderness, ignorant of the Commerce, Finances, Views and in one Word the Policy of France, to presume to advise, the Direction of her Armies. The accidental Conversation you mention was among Friends and with that Frankness which is tolerated in all Men in such kind of Companies.
     One Question you propose is what Advantages would result from sending a powerful Reinforcement to the Count D’Estaing.
     I answer, if such a Reinforcement should arrive safe, it would probably destroy the British Power in America.
     In order to see this in a full Light, let Us compute the Number of Mouths which Britain has there to feed. There are 20,000 Men on Board their Fleet, 15,000 land Forces and 15,000 Inhabitants of New York and Newport. In all 50,000 People. This Computation is moderate.
     The Provisions for supporting these People, must go from Britain, Ireland and Nova Scotia. If you had a superiority of Naval Power there you might intercept so many of their Transports of Provisions, as to retaliate upon the English their humane Doctrine of STARVATION. If 12 ships of the Line should go, they with those already there would give such a superiority, as would necessitate the English either to let their fleet and Army fall into your Hands and ours, or to Send an Additional Reinforcement to How.
     Now I conceive it is the interest of France to carry as much of the British naval Power to America as possible, because she can there combat them to great Advantage—1. because The French fleet can be there supplied with Provisions, in what ever Ports of the United States they may happen to be, whereas the English can get no Provisions there but must bring all from Europe. 2. because the French Fleet will have better Accommodations, both of Tradesmen and Materials to refit. 3. Because the French Fleet, being newer and better ships can stand the American Seas better than the English.
     The Season of the Year, will require that all the Men of the Fleet should be furnished with Plenty of thick Warm Woolen Cloathing and Blanketts, and particularly thick milled Mittens for their Hands, without which in the cold Weather, they cannot handle the rigging: But I apprehend, that the Voyage may be performed with Safety, especially as Captains Jones and McNeill are here, and three Whaling Captains are lately taken, who with their Crews might be taken on board the Fleet, and they are perfect Masters of the American seas and Coasts.
     I would not be understood that there is no Risque. D’Estaing, Biron, How are Witnesses that no season of the Year is exempt from storms: But I conceive that with good ships and good Pilots the Risque is not very great.
     It is not very important whether the 12 ships go directly to the Port where D’Estaing is or not. But there is little doubt they may find him at Boston, because I think, at present it is his best Policy to stay there and endeavour to intercept Transport Vessells from Europe and Nova Scotia, and the Men of War that may cruise on that Coast: provided Lord Hows fleet is not so near as to endanger him.
     How far the Commerce of this Nation will be exposed, and what other Inconveniences may insue in Europe, I have not Information enough to judge.


Title: Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to J. D. Schweighauser, 1 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, John Daniel

     Passy, 1 November 1778. Dft, heavily damaged, MH-H: Lee PapersBenjamin Franklin and John Adams asked Schweighauser to help Mme. Gerard, wife of the French minister to the United States, obtain the return of portraits of herself and her son that she had attempted to send to her husband. According to the attached copy of a letter of 26 Oct. from Mme. Gerard to the Commissioners, the portraits were put on board a vessel chartered by Jonathan Williams that was taken and sent into Guernsey. Schweighauser, because his son-in-law was a native of that island, thus seemed to be the logical person to render assistance. No further mention of the matter has been found.


Title: The Commissioners to John Ross, 3 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Ross, John

      Sir
      Passy Novr 3 1778

     We have received yours of the twenty seventh of October, inclosing a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 11. Aug. 1778.
     We shall conform ourselves exactly pay the strictest Attention and Obedience to this Resolution of Congress, and to all others, as far as shall be in our Power; and shall be always ready to receive your Accounts and to settle them, and pay the Ballance if any should appear due, out of the Proceeds of the Cargoes mentioned in the Resolution, as soon as We shall receive them.We haveBut we had not heard the Reason of y
     In Relation to the affair of the Le Brune As We are strangers to the Nature and Circumstances of it, We are not qualified to form any opinion, and if We were fully informed, We have no Authority to give any Advice, concerning it. If it is in a Course of Law, We cannot with Propriety interfere, unless in case of flagrant Injustice, which must be made clearly to appear, and even then We can interfere, only by Application to the King or his Ministersry. We return you all the Papers relative to this affair, and, are, with due Respect, sir, your most obedient humble servants


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 3 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Messieurs
       Lahaie 3 Nov. 1778

      Après le départ de ma Lettre du 30 Oct. j’allai souhaitter un bon voyage à notre Ami, qui reviendra Mardi prochain ce soir.
      Mr. Baker Secretaire de l’Amirauté d’Amsterdam avoit fait une visite de commande à Mr. le Pensionaire Van Berkel. Celui-ci, sentant qu’on vouloit le sonder, prit le parti de s’expliquer trés fortement.
      “Monsieur, lui dit-il, que l’Amiraute prenne garde au Pré-avis qu’elle donnera la semaine prochaine: s’il est de nature à rendre inutiles les représentations faites et à faire à la Cour de Londres, en encourageant, par sa complaisante mollesse, la dite Cour à agir toujours comme elle a fait, je vous déclare, et vousfais serment, que je prendrai ce Pré-avis ad referendum, pour ensuite le communiquer à toute la Bourse.”
      Cette démarche auroit des suites sérieuses: elle attireroit certainement à LL. hh. pp. une troisieme Adresse, porteroit le mécontentement à son comble, &c. C’est conformément au Pré-avis des Amirautés, que se prennent ordinairement les Résolutions quant aux Convois, aux ordres plus ou moins pressants et rigoureux à donner aux Capitaines, &c. Je suis avec un très-grand respect, Messieurs, Votre très-humble et tres obéissant serviteur

       Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 3 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Gentlemen
       The Hague, 3 November 1778

      Following the dispatch of my letter of 30 October, I went to wish our friend a good trip. He will return this evening.
      Mr. Baker, Secretary of the Amsterdam Admiralty, made a command appearance before the Pensionary, Mr. van Berckel, who, sensing that the Secretary wished to sound him out, took the opportunity to express himself in no uncertain terms.
      “Sir,” he said to him, “let the Admiralty be warned about the preliminary advisory it will issue next week: if it is of a nature to render useless the representations that have been or will be made to the Court of London by encouraging the said Court, through an apathetic accommodation, to act as it always has, I announce and swear to you that I will take this preliminary advisory ad referendum and communicate it to the Bourse.”

      Such a démarche would have serious consequences. It would certainly bring a third Address to Their High Mightinesses, raise the dissatisfaction to its maximum, &c. It is in conformity with the preliminary advisory of the admiralty that decisions are usually made regarding convoys, the urgency and strictness of orders given to captains, &c. I am with very great respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 4 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Gentlemen
       The Hague, 4 November 1778

      My last was of yesterday. I have just returned from seeing our friend and, although this letter cannot be mailed today, take the opportunity to give you an account of our conversation while it is still fresh in my mind.
      The gentlemen from Amsterdam returned with strong instructions from their constituents. This perhaps will result in a third address, even more serious than the previous ones. If the evasions continue, Amsterdam will use other means, of which they could not yet tell me. The matter of the convoys will be brought up next week. The day before yesterday Sir Joseph Yorke presented a memorandum, more moderate in form, but still insidious in content, from his Court: 1. to request commissioners with whom he could confer in order to reach an agreement on the interpretation of the treaties regarding prohibited goods; 2. to declare his Court’s desire that the Republic not grant the convoys in question since it cannot allow the said goods to pass. He will find formidable adversaries in those from Amsterdam who are strongly resolved in the absolute negative on these two points. In particular, they have already informed a high personage and the Grand Pensionary of this fact. The irritation with the English is beginning to reach even some members of the nobility.
      The project, as you know, has been drawn up consistent with some additions and fundamental changes of which you are also aware. It is now in the hands of the Burgomasters who will examine the whole and then deliver a copy to me for transmission to you, gentlemen, for your own examination, after which your observations can be returned to them through me.
      He repeated to me, on behalf of the Burgomasters, that they have no intention to make future relations dependent upon Great Britain’s permission, but rather they desire that Their High Mightinesses be able, with the passage of time, to pursue a more favorable course than they can at present. They thought that this circumstance should not be concealed from you any more then their present situation, and their wishes and expectation that you will concur in the demarches they are able to make for their realization.
      I cannot give you, gentlemen, a clearer picture than this. We are dealing with a minority which has this great advantage over the British party: if this state cannot declare itself your friend, it cannot be your enemy either, because of the unanimity required by the Constitution. This alone is of great importance and should encourage us to support and strengthen this minority.
      Each time I see our friend, he reminds me not to forget to communicate any favorable news that I might receive of events in America. He makes too good a use of such information for me to forget, when and if it is within my power.
      The two letters that I owe to the kindness of Mr. A. Lee, have been inserted in the Gazette de Leyde. The Courier du Bas-Rhine has given a very fine tribute to Mr. Joseph Reed, Member of the very honorable Congress, which merits your attention. I would like to send you this issue, No. 88, p. 764, but it is the only copy I have and must be enclosed in a packet for Congress.
      I am, with very great respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Dumas


Title: John Gilbank to the Commissioners, 4 November 1778
From: Gilbank, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

      May it please Your Excellency’s
      Nantes 4th. Novr. 1778

     I took the liberty some time ago to write to your Excellency’s informing you of the Situation in which I found myself, and requesting to be supplied with Money for necessary Expences in the manner in my Letter mentioned or otherwise as should seem meet.
     Not having since that time been favoured with any Answer, I am under the necessity of applying to Your Excellency’s again to be informed, by your Authority, of your resolution in that Behalf; At the same time scarce doubting but that it will be in my favour, When you shall consider that, a negative resolve will preclude me from availing myself of the Opportunity which offers of going to America, and that without a proper supply it will be impossible for me to fulfill my Duty to the Congress.
     Your Excellency’s cannot I flatter myself think my request unreasonable when you shall consider the Contents of my former letter and that not only my stay here has been unavoidable but that it will be requisite to provide several things for a Sea voyage.
     Your Excellency’s will likewise rest assured that had it been possible to have avoided an Application of this Kind it wou’d have been a matter productive of the highest satisfaction to me, as never in my Life did I perceive my feelings so much hurt as to be under the necessity of making it. But precluded, by my Attachment to the Cause of America, from receiving Support or protection from my Family; What must I do? Application to private Gentlemen is equally disagreable to me as wou’d be a pistol Ball thro’ the head, and I wou’d as soon make use of the one as the other; besides I believe every American Gentleman in Europe has occasion enough for what he is possessed of in this part of the World. To whom then must I apply, hard as the task is, but those from whom I have some right to look up to expect protection? If I had not been unlucky enough to have been again taken in my last Attempt to go to America, I had not needed any Supplies; nor have I ever, notwithstanding the many and large Sums I have unavoidably expended, made any Application till I was obliged to it.
     I flatter myself your Excellency’s will order me the Supply I request, but above all I intreat to be honoured with your resolution thereon in as short a time as the Post will permit, as I received a letter yesterday which informs me the Ship will be ready in fifteen days.
     I beg pardon of Your Excellency’s for troubling you so long but hope you will think the uneasiness of Mind I feel arising from my Mortifying situation, a sufficient reason for taking that Liberty. I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

      J. Gilbank


Title: The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 5 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de

      Passy Novr 5. 1778

     We have the Honour of your Excellencys Letter of the 5th. of this Month, but as the Memoire, of the French surgion, which your Excellency proposed to transmit to Us, was, by some Accident omitted to be inclosed in your Letter, We are ignorant of his Case, and consequently unable to inform your Excellency whether it is in our Power to afford him any Relief. If your Excellency, will have the Goodness to send Us the Memoire, We will answer your Letter without Delay.
     In the Mean Time, We may acquaint your Excellency that the United States, have not adopted any Precautions, for sending Succours to their subjects residing imprisond in England. We have ventured, without orders or Permission from the United States, to lend small sums of Money to Persons who have escaped from Irons and Dungeons in Great Britain, to bear their Expences to Nantes, L’Orient or Bourdeaux. But We have sent no succour to them while in England except a small sum of Money put into the Hands of Mr. Hartley to be disposed of by him for the Relief of such as should most want it.
     We shall consider every Frenchman taken by the English on Board of American Vessells, in the same light as if he was an American by Birth, and entitled to the same Assistance from Us, as Americans are in the same situation. We have the Honour to be


Title: To John Adams from Robert Montgomery, 6 November 1778
From: Montgomery, Robert
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Alicante 6th Novr. 1778

     From the Many favours and Civilitys I Received whilst I had the Honour of Paying you My Respects at Passy I am Bound in duty and Gratitude to Make you a Tender of My best Acknowledgements, which Please Accept.
     Since My Return to My House here about ten days Agoe I find no other Novelty than An Order from Court to the Governours of All the Sea-ports of Spain that they Shall Permit all Cruising Vessels to Bring in Condem and Sell their Prizes without Shewing Partiality to any of the States Now at War. There is Also Orders that all Foraigen Merchents Residing in Spain Shall Attend the Governour in Person and give in Writeing their Names and the Nation of which they Are Subjects. This was done here Yesterday and I the Only Person that Subscribed America. This Last Order has given Rise to Many Surmises, as it is Regular with Spain to Order All Merchents Who Are Subjects of any Nation they Are At War With to Retire from this Countrey dureing the War.
     Should Any thing Elce worth your Notice Occur, whilst I am permited the Honour of Addressing you, You may depend on being duly Advised In term. I Am Respectfully Dear Sir Your Most Obed’ Humble sert,

      Robt Montgomery

      As I dont take the Liberty of Writeing Dr. Franklin Pray Present My Complements and best Respects to that Gentleman.
      Arrived here Last Tuesday the Brigantine Mary Amilia Capn. French from St. Johns N F Land with fish who off the Western Islands spoak the Eagle of 74 Guns Capn. Duncan from N. York to England haveing Lord Howe on board haveing Left Admiral Byron in Command.


Title: The Commissioners to the President of the Congress, 7 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Laurens, Henry,President of Congress

      Sir
      Passy, Novemr. 7. 1778

     We have the Honour to inclose a Copy of the Declaration concerning the 11 and 12 Articles of the Treaty of Commerce, which we have received from his Excellency the Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, in exchange for a similar one signed by us, in Pursuance of the Instructions of Congress.
     We have also the Honour to inclose Copies of a Correspondence with his Excellency Mr. de Sartine, the Secretary of State for the Marine, concerning Cases of Rescues and Recaptures, that Congress may, if they judge proper, take some Resolution on this Head. It seems to be equitable that the same Rule should be observed by both Nations.
     We also inclose Copies of a Correspondence on the Subject of Negotiation with the Barbary States. We do not find ourselves authorized to treat with these Powers, as they are not in Europe; And indeed, we are not furnished with Funds for making them Presents.
     We have had the Honour of a Letter from the Auditor general, inclosing the form of Bills of Exchange to be drawn upon us for the Interest due upon Loan Office Certificates, and acquainting us that this Interest will amount to two Millions and an half of Livres annually. When it was proposed to pay the Interest here, we had no Idea of so much being borrowed.
     We shall pay the most punctual Obedience to these and all other Orders of Congress as long as our funds shall last; But we are obliged to inform Congress that our Expences on Prisoners being great, and being drawn upon by Order of Congress from various Quarters, and receiving no Funds from America, we suffer the utmost Anxiety least we should be obliged to protest Bills. We have exerted ourselves to the Utmost of our Power to procure Money, but hitherto with little Success; And we beg that some Supplies may be sent us as soon as possible.
     We are very unhappy that we are not able to send to Congress those Supplies of Arms, Ammunition and Cloathing which they have ordered; But it is absolutely impossible for want of funds; And Mr. Beaumarchais has not yet informed us whether he will execute the Agreement made for him with you or not.
     We have the Pleasure to inform Congress that M. Mathew Ridley of Maryland has made a Present to the United States of a valuable Manuscript upon naval Affairs, which he has left with us. We shall take the first Opportunity of a frigate to send it to Congress.
     We inclose to Congress Copies of a Correspondence between the Embassador of the King of the two Sicilies and us which, as his Majesty is the eldest Son of the King of Spain, is considered as an Event indicative of the good will of a greater Power, altho’ this is respectable.
     It is of great Importance to penetrate the Councils of an Enemy, in Order to be prepared before hand against his Designs: We should therefore be happy to advise Congress of the Intentions of Great Britain, as far as we can conjecture.
     We have every Reason to believe that the hostility of the Disposition of the British Court has no other Bounds than those of their Power. Their Threats however, of large Reinforcements and of Russian Auxiliaries, are without foundation. The Interest of the King of Prussia and of the Empress Queen (who both choose at present to preserve decent Terms with Great Britain) to preserve a close Alliance between England and Russia, we apprehend, will prevent it. In short, we can see no Probability of Englands forming any Alliance against America in all Europe: or even against France. Whereas on the other Side, from the astonishing Preparations of Spain, the Family Compact and other Circumstances, and from the insolent Tyranny of the English over the Dutch and their consequent Resentment, which has shewn itself in formidable Remonstrances, as well as by Advances towards a Treaty with us, there is Reason to believe that if Great Britain perseveres in the war, both these Powers will be at length involved in it.
     The English, the last year carried on a very valuable whale fishery on the Coast of Brazil, off the River Plate in South America, in the Latitude thirty five south and from thence to fourty, just on the Edge of Soundings off and on, about the Longitude sixty five from London.

     They have this year about seventeen Vessels in this fishery, which have all sailed in the Months of September and October.
     All the Officers and almost all the Men belonging to these seventeen Vessels are all Americans, from Nantucket and Cape Cod in the Massachusetts Bay, excepting two or three from Rhode Island, and perhaps one from Long Island.
     The Names of the Captains are Aaron Sheffield of New-Port, Goldsmith and Richard Holmes from Long Island, John Chadwick, Francis May, Reuben May, John Meader, Jonathan Meader, Elisha Clark, Benjamin Clark, William Ray, Paul Pease, Bunker Fitch, Reuben Fitch, Zebedda Coffin, and another Coffin, all of Nantuckett —John Lock Cape Codd— Nantuckett, Andrew Swain Nantuckett, William Ray Nantuckett.
     Four or five of these Vessels go to Greenland. The fleet sails to Greenland the last of February or beginning of March.
     There was published last year in the English News Papers, (and the same Imposture has been repeated this year) a Letter from the Lords of the Admiralty to Mr. Dennis de Berdt in Coleman Street, informing M. de Berdt that a Convoy should be appointed to the Brazil fleet.
     But this, we have certain Information, was a forgery, calculated merely to deceive American Privateers, and that no Convoy was appointed or did go with that fleet, either last year or this.
     For the Destruction or Captivity of a fishery so entirely defenceless; (for not one of the Vessels has any Arms) a single frigate or Privateer of twenty four or even of twenty Guns would be quite Sufficient.
     The Beginning of December would be the best Time to proceed from hence, because they would then find the whaling Vessels nearly loaden.
     The Cargoes of these Vessels, consisting of Bone and Oil will be very valuable; and at least, four hundred and fifty of the best kind of Seamen would be taken out of the Hands of the English, and might be gained into the American Service to act against the Enemy. Most of the Officers and Men wish well to their Country, and would gladly be in its Service, if they could be delivered from that they are engaged in. But whenever the English Men of war or Privateers have taken an American Vessel, they have given to the whalemen among the Crews, their Choice either to go on Board a Man of war and fight against their Country, or to go into the whale fishery. So many have choosen the Latter as to make up most of the Crews of seventeen Vessels.
     We thought it proper to communicate this Intelligence to the Congress, that if they find it proper to order a frigate, to take from the English at once so profitable a Branch of Commerce and so valuable a Nursery of Seamen, they may have an Opportunity of doing it; if not, no Inconvenience will ensue.
     We had the Honour to write to Congress on the 20 July, 17 of September of which we have sent Duplicates and triplicates and to which we beg leave to refer. By this Opportunity we shall send the News Papers which contain all the public Intelligence.
     With great Respect we have the Honour to be Sir your most obedient humble Servants

      B Franklin
      Arthur Lee
      John Adams

      Post. Script. We inclose a Number of Notes of Hand, fourty seven in Number, which have been taken from our unhappy Countrymen who escaped from England, to whom we have lent Money, as they had no other Way of Subsistance.


Title: J. D. Schweighauser and Others to the Commissioners, 7 November 1778
From: Schweighauser, John Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

      Honbl: Gentlemen
      Nantes Novemr: 7th: 1778

     The repeated Captures of American Vessells, many of which notwithstanding the Convoys we have had off this Coast have been taken the day after their Separation, and the Knowledge obtained by Our Enemies of the time of Our Vessells sailing, which induces them to cruize at a greater distance to watch the Moment that the French Frigates part from their Convoy, incline us to wish for more effectual Protection.
     In Addition to these Reasons we beg leave to represent, That many American Gentlemen, Several of whom are in the Publick Service and have already experienced the Horrors of an English Prison and others more Than Once taken on their Passages from hence to America and carried to England, propose to embark on board the present Outward bound Vessells: And as well on their Account as the Importance of the Supplies these Ships will carry to Our Country we trust your Endeavours will be joined to ours to obtain from the Minister of the Marine a sufficient Convoy for the whole Voyage.
     With a View of giving you as little Trouble as possible we have written to Monseiur de Sartine, and We request you to use your Interest at Court to enforce our Petition.
     The Ships here and at Rochelle to the Number of Twelve or more will be ready in the Course of the present Month, by the End of which we hope the desired Convoy may be directed to arrive here.
     We have the Honour to be with great Respect Honble. Gentlemen Your most Obedient & most humble Servants

      J. D. Schweighauser Agent of the United States of America
      Matthew Mease
      Jno. Gilbank
      William Haywood
      John Lloyd
      Nics. Martin
      Ebenr. Atwood
      Peter Collas
      John Spencer
      Jno. Grannis
      Joseph Belton
      Jos. Wm Spencer
      Joseph Hill Jennings
      Richd. Grubb
      Alexr. Dick

      Phil Rd. Fendall
      Danl. Blake
      Clemt. Smith
      Joshua Johnson
      Matt: Ridley
      Jona. Williams
      Cha: Ogilvie
      J. Grubb
      Josiah Darrell
      Cyprn. Sterry
      Wilm Jenney
      Christopher Bassett
      Robert Ewart
      Jno. Tyler
      Daniel Kenney
      Stephen Johnson


Title: From John Adams to Jonathan Williams, 8 November 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Williams, Jonathan

      Dear Sir
      Passy Novr. 8 1778

     I have received your obliging Favour of the 27 of October, and am very much obliged to you for the Trouble you have taken, in sending me the Rum.
     I have not yet received it, but as soon as it comes, I will send a Dozen to Dr. Bancroft and a Dozen to Mr. Alexander as you desire: But I must decline accepting the Remainder as a Present, for obvious Reasons, one among others is that there is no Justice in your putting yourself to the Expence of my Maintenance here, whatever occasion I may have for the Charity of my Friends at home. Please to draw upon me for the Expence of this Spirit, and your Bill shall be paid at sight. I am, with much Esteem, your humble servant


Title: The Commissioners to John Gilbank, 10 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Gilbank, John

      Sir
      Passy Novr. 10. 1778

     We have received your Letter of October the sixth, and wish it was in our Power to do more for officers in your situation than We do, altho that amounts in the whole to a large sum. But as We have already lent you as much Money as We have lent been able to lend to other officers of your Rank and in your Circumstances, it is not in our Power we cannot without a blameable Partiality to lend you any more. We, are, sir your most obedient humble servants


Title: To John Adams from Jacques Le Maire, 10 November 1778
From: Maire, Jacques Le
To: Adams, John

       Monsieur
       Nantes le 10. Novembre 1778

      Le Traité que M. Lee a fait avec M. Bonnefil pour faire passer tous les effets qui sont ici pour le gouvernement de Virginie, fixant mon depart à la fin du present mois, j’ose, Monsieur, Solliciter une lettre de recommandation de votre part en ma faveur auprès de Mr. le gouverneur de la Virginie; veuillez également m’envoyer la reponse de la lettre que je vous ai aportée emanée de lui. Je vous en suplie avec d’autant plus d’empressement que connoissant votre belle ame et votre équité me Justifiera du Zele que j’ai apporté à remplir exactement ma Mission. J’ose sans prevention, reconnoitre dans ma conduite un attachement inviolable et très desinteressé au service des provinces unis auquel je me voue tout entier, trop heureux si je peux vous prouver la Verité de ces Sentimens dont je vous prie de me croire penetré.
      J’ai l’honneur d’Etre avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur

       Le Maire
       Rue de la Casserie a Nantes


Title: Jacques Le Maire to John Adams: A Translation, 10 November 1778
From: Maire, Jacques Le
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       Nantes, 10 November 1778

      My departure being fixed at the end of this month by the contract made by Mr. Lee with Mr. Bonnefil to transport the goods here belonging to Virginia, I dare, sir, to solicit a letter of recommendation from you in my favor for the Governor of Virginia. Also be so kind as to send me the reply to the letter I delivered to you from him. I apply to you all the more eagerly knowing that your generosity and sense of justice will justify the zeal that I have exercised in the faithful fulfillment of my mission. Without prejudice I venture to recognize in my conduct an inviolable and disinterested attachment to the service of the United Provinces to which I am entirely devoted, and I am very happy if I can prove to you the truth of the sentiments of which I pray you know me to be imbued.
      I have the honor to be, with deep respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Le Maire
       Rue de la Casserie in Nantes


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 10 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

       Messieurs
       Lahaie 10e. Nov. 1778

      Ma derniere, de 4e. partit le 6e. Demain sera un jour important, et qui aura des suites très sérieuses, si Amsterdam mollit Nous savons déjà quel sera l’avis préalable des Amirautés. Le Committé nommé pour conférer là-dessus avec Mrs. de l’Amirauté a fait son rapport, que voici:
      1.° On refusera d’entrer en pourparler avec Sir Y. sur le sens des Traités quant aux Matieres de Construction et Agrets. 2.° On insistera fortement sur la restitution des Vaisseaux saisis. 3.° L’Amirauté prendra certains arrangemens particuliers, pendant ces troubles, avec les Commerçants du pays, c’est-à-dire, en bon françois, suspendra les Convois, quant aux susdites matieres. Cette queue gâte tout le reste.
      Notre Ami m’a paru un peu embarrassé. Il a écrit, pour qu’on lui envoie quelques-unes des meilleures têtes de la Bourse, afin de profiter de leurs avis sur cette queue, qu’il appelle un vraie sottise. Une autre personne, très choquée de cette même queue, dit qu’Amsterdam peut, si elle tient ferme pour l’observation rigoureuse des Traités et d’une parfaite neutralité, s’opposer avec succès à cette manoeuvre. Si non, que la soumission servile de la nation au fouet des Anglois lui attirera aussi celui des Francois, qui la priveront non seulement des privileges dont ils l’ont fait jouir jusqu’ici chez eux, mais qui saisiront ses vaisseaux à l’instar des Anglois.

      Il faut donc vous attendre, Messieurs, que ma premiere vous apprenne la nouvelle, ou d’une opposition forte et efficace de la ville, ou d’un coup de foudre lance contre le Commerce et la Navigation de cette Nation. On pourra dire alors, quidquid delirant Britanni, plectuntur Belge. Ce sera leur propre faute.
      Vraisemblablement tout cela traînera un peu encore: car notre Ami m’a dit, que l’Assemblée provinciale ne finira pas cette semaine. Comme je ne puis le voir aujourdhui, parce qu’il dîne en ville, je lui ai écrit la Lettre, dont voici copie.
      Je suis avec un très-grand respect, Messieurs, Votre très-humble et très obéissant serviteur

       Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 10 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

       Gentlemen
       The Hague, 10 November 1778

      My last, of the 4th, left on the 6th. Tomorrow will be an important day and, if Amsterdam softens its position, will have serious consequences. We already know what the preliminary advisory of the Admiralties will be. The committee named to confer on this matter with the gentlemen of the Admiralty has made the following report: 1. They will refuse to enter into negotiations with Sir Joseph Yorke on the interpretation of the Treaties regarding naval stores. 2. They will strongly insist upon the restitution of the captured vessels. 3. The Admiralty will make certain specific arrangements with the country’s merchants during these troubles, or, to put it more plainly, convoys will be suspended for the said materials. This last point ruins all the rest.
      Our friend seemed a little embarrassed. He has written to ask that some of the best minds of the Bourse be sent to him in order that he might profit from their advice on this last point, which he characterizes as being plain foolishness. Another person, extremely displeased by the same thing, says that Amsterdam can successfully oppose this maneuver if it holds firm for the strict observance of the Treaties and a perfect neutrality. If not, the nation’s servile submission to the British whip will also draw down upon her that of the French, who will not only withhold the privileges she has thus far enjoyed in France, but will also follow the British example in capturing her vessels.
      You should, therefore, prepare yourselves, gentlemen, for my next letter, which will inform you of either the city’s strong and successful opposition, or the thunderbolt struck against the commerce and navigation of this nation. Then we can say quidquid delirant Britanni, plectuntur Belge. It will be their own fault.
      This situation will very likely linger a while, for our friend has told me that the Provincial Assembly will not adjourn this week. Since I cannot see him today, because he is dining in town, I wrote him a letter, a copy of which is enclosed.

      I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Dumas


Title: The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 12 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de

      Sir
      Passy Novr. 12. 1778

     Last Night, We had a Letter from Nantes a Copy of which we have the honour to inclose to your Excellency.

     The Subject of it appears to us, of great Importance to the United States, as well as to the Individuals, Frenchmen and Americans, who are interested in the Vessels destined to America, to a considerable Number of Gentlemen and others who are going Passengers in this Fleet, and ultimately to the common Cause.
     It gives us great Pleasure to find so large a Number of Vessels going out upon this Occasion. Their Cargoes are much wanted, to enable our Countrymen to sustain the War.
     We therefore most chearfully join with the Subscribers to the Letter, who have also petitioned your Excellency in requesting a strong Convoy to protect these Ships quite home to America.
     Upon this Occasion, We cannot refrain from submitting to your Excellency our Opinion, that the more of the Kings Ships are sent to America the more certainly France maintains a Superiority of naval Power in the American Seas, the more likely it will be that she will have the Advantage in the conduct of the War. Because the French having the Ports and the Country, the Provisions, the Materials and the Artificers of America open to them, and the English being obliged to derive all these Things from Europe, the former have a vast Advantage of the latter in the Conduct of the War, in that Quarter of the World. Not to mention that the French Ships being newer and in better Condition than the English, are better able to sustain the American Seas.
     Your Excellency will excuse our suggesting one Reflection, that whatever Vessels of War are sent to America, they should be plentifully furnished with Marine Woolen Cloaths, especially Blanketts and Gloves or Mittens, without which it is extreamly difficult for the Men to do their Duty in the cold Season upon the Coast.
     We are with great Respect Your Excellency’s, most obedient and most humble Servants.

      B Franklin
      Arthur Lee
      John Adams


Title: The Commissioners to the Comte de Vergennes, 12 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de

      Sir
      Passy Novr. 12 1778

     The Alliance between this Kingdom, and the United States of America, is an Event of such Magnitude in their History, that We conceive it would be highly pleasing to our Constituents, to have the Picture of their his Majesty their illustrious Friend and Ally, to be kept in some Public Place where the Congress sits.
     We would carefully avoid every Thing which would be disagreable to the King and Queen, and would therefore submit this Proposal to your Excellencys Consideration: and if you should be of opinion that no offence would be given, We request, your Excellencys kind offices, to procure Us for the Benefit of our Constituents, the Pictures of their Majestys the King and Queen, that Posterity, as well as those of the present Generation who may never have an opportunity of seeing those Royal Personages, may become acquainted with the nearest Resemblances of them, which the Arts have devised.


Title: John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 12 November 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Sirs
      La Rolchelle 12 Novr 1778

     Having concluded with Mr. Schweighauser for the publick freight the two Ships are ready and will proceed the begining of Next Week for Penbeuf. We have apply’d for a Convoy for the Ships which we have room to flatter ourselves will be granted and will thereby secure their passage from hence to the Loire, as there will be no delay at Nantes in the Loading all being ready both to Ship and Load before the twenty fourth we hope all will be ready for Sea. The Merchants at Nante have petitiond for a Convoy to sail in all this month and to take the Ships to the American States as these two Vessels will be very Valuable and their Cargoes being the States Property it may be presumed your application would eventualy Secure the Convoy. At all events we must Wait until one is apointed and shall not attempt to Sail without which if orderd for the whole Route will be very Acceptable.
     I have inclosd the Bond but Mr. Livingston esteems it safer to retain the Command in his own hand. As Owners of the Vessel we have indorsed his appointment on the back of the Commission and have subscribed with him to the alteration in the Bond.
     I shall leave this to Day for Bordeaux and at my Arrival shall imediately attend to your Instructions tutching the Cannon belonging to Mr. Le Bertin.
     I have the honor to be with due Respect Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant

      John Bondfield


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 12 November 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Versailles le 12. 9bre 1778

      Mr. Defleury, Messieurs, m’a réprésenté que son fils unique, s’embarqua en 1776 pour se rendre en Amerique, ou il a servi les Etats Unis dans l’Armée du General Washington, avec assez de distinction pour mériter le grade de lieutenant Colonel, mais qu’ayant ête fait prisonnier et conduit au fort St. Augustin il n’a pas encore pû obtenir son Echange, et il se trouve dans l’Etat le plus deplorable. La Distinction que ce jeune militaire à merité au service des Etats Unis, parle en sa Faveur, et je suis persuadé, Messieurs, que vous aurez égard a la demande du Sr. Defleury, et je vous serai obligés de comprendre cet officier dans le premier Echange des Prisonniers. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la Consideration la plus distinguée, Messieurs, Votres tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

       De Sartine


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 12 November 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

       Versailles, 12 November 1778

      Mr. De Fleury, gentlemen, has informed me that in 1776 his only son embarked for America where he has served the United States in General Washington’s army with enough distinction to merit the rank of lieutenant colonel, but that having been made prisoner and taken to Fort St. Augustine he has been unable to obtain his exchange and finds himself in a most deplorable state. The distinction this young man has earned in the service of the United States speaks in his favor, and I am sure, gentlemen, that you will consider Mr. De Fleury’s request, and I would be grateful if you included this officer in the first exchange of prisoners. I have the honor to be, with the most distinguished consideration, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       De Sartine