Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Leopold Besson and Other Favor Seekers, 9 July 1779
From: Besson, George Leopold
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The most obvious category of favor seekers is made up of people who simply want a handout and tell their hard luck story at greater or lesser length. Most persistent among those was George Leopold Besson who penned eight appeals in the course of one year and whose initial plea, dated July 9, is printed below. He tries again on August 27, giving more information about the benefactors who helped him originally in his native Switzerland and enclosing copies of letters written in his favor: one sent from Montbeillard on August 3 by the baron de Goll, chevalier de l’Ordre de L’Aigle Rouge, to M. de Watteville de Belp, treasurer of Bern, and the latter’s answer of August 25 stating that the Bernese authorities had decided to grant poor Besson two louis d’or, once and for all (pro semel et semper) since he really does not belong to Bern but to Neufchâtel. On November 25, Besson reminds Franklin of his previous plea, to which no answer has been made, and adds that he has been advised by someone in the King’s good graces to appeal to the Doctor, so well known for his humanitarian views. He extends his good wishes on January 3, 1780, repeats his previous request almost verbatim, and asks Franklin to return de Watteville’s letter. Another follow-up, written on February 20, expresses despair at the thought that he must have offended Franklin. He asks him once again to return de Watteville’s letter. His next appeal, of April 8, 1780, is addressed to “Monsieur Le Premier Commis de la secretairerie de S.E.M. Le Docteur Franklin” and begs for that person’s intervention on his behalf. He tries once more on June 4, with a different text in which he hints at the superior people in France and the Low Countries who have not disdained helping him in the past. His last letter, of July 29, is a true cry of despair; nobody is coming to his help anymore, he is doomed to perish. Much abridged here, his letters are all quite long and it seems obvious that Franklin never responded.
Other pathetic stories crossed the plenipotentiary’s desk. Two of them came from fellow Masons. André Honoré writes from Paris on the fifteenth day of the sixth month (i.e., August 15 in the Masonic calendar) to invoke the powerful bonds of brotherhood. He is near destitution, along with his numerous family. The meager subsidies he has received from other Masons are running out and he counts on Franklin’s well-known humanity. Dubourg, who is to see the Doctor later in the day, will hand him a brochure about which Honoré himself says that it is not worth reading but will serve as an introduction.
The baron de Sabine explains that for a number of years he has been persecuted by fate and is now in the humiliating situation of having to beg for help. He has not had any bread (which he refers to in Masonic language as pierre brute) for more than forty hours, In another message, sent twice in almost identical form, he states that he is a former captain many times wounded whose wife has been ailing for the last four years. They don’t even have a fire.
On August 17, two pages of convoluted Latin were sent from Lutetia, i.e., Paris, by one Tirsius Tellejus who calls Franklin his generous supporter, his Maecenas, and thanks him for his help on two previous occasions. The lot of writers is a hard one and he wonders whether, in the Republic made illustrious by the Doctor’s merits, there is a place for exiled professors. He will come again to pay his respects.
Charles Blankenberg is “an unhappy young German who, by a marriage contrary to his family, is reduced through a chain of continual misfortunes to the most pitiful condition,” as he relates on August 26. He had flattered himself to find honest employment in Paris (he speaks German, Latin, French, and Italian, and his letter is in fluent English) but is now penniless and indebted; his wife is in despair, their clothes are pawned. He will present himself at Passy the following morning, putting all his hope in Franklin’s “infinite humanity and Generosity.”
Another needy couple sends an appeal from Paris on September 22. Their name is de Samson and the husband identifies himself as an unemployed architect. The cause of their misery is a lost lawsuit. Any help Franklin extends them will be further proof of his well-known kindness. “Obliger est la loi, du héros, et du Sâge.”
Victor Breda, born in Lausanne, sends an undated letter to explain that his situation is desperate. He claims that he was captured during the battle of Trenton (“Trintanne”), carried off to England, and eventually sent back to Switzerland, a country he had left at such a young age that he has no more connections in it, his parents having died during his absence. He has lived fourteen years in America, his brother and sister are there and he hopes to return. But he is penniless and hungry.
An officer by the name of de St. Firmin writes on August 2 to explain that he came to Paris in order to find a position in the army but it took so long that he switched plans and obtained the rank of first lieutenant of volunteers on the Brave Normand. Alas, a two-week illness deprived him of the little money he still had to reach Caen, there is no time to procure the sum from his family, and his last best hope lies in Franklin’s generosity.
Also from Paris comes the imploring letter of August 7 from the widow de Courcy, veuve d’un insurgent, as she dubs herself. Her husband embarked for Boston eighteen months previously, but the frailty of his constitution and the sorrow of leaving his fatherland led him to the grave. She would like Franklin to procure his death certificate and also to give her the means of subsisting until then. She hopes he will grant her an appointment in Passy or Paris. Being of high birth, she cannot possibly see how she might cope honnêtement.
After a widow, a wife. The chevalier de Sauseuil, too embarrassed to explain the “unhappy circumstances” into which he has fallen, entrusts his wife, Franklin’s countrywoman, with the task of paying a visit to him and appealing to his “tenderness and sensibility.” Sauseuil’s letter, written in English, is dated Paris, September 3. He refers vaguely to the possibility of employment.
Only one man, in a refreshing change, really wants to work for his money. Gautray le Jeune, from Bordeaux, throws himself, as he says, at Franklin’s feet on October 30. He loves to work and would accept any position fit for his feeble talents, be it in some financial office or as secretary in France or America. He would even consider the army in which his family has served with honor. Anything rather than go on being a burden to his parents. He worked in Nantes for six years in the commercial line until the war forced him to go home where he feels bored and desperate. He knows Franklin’s goodwill towards the French and puts his trust in him.
One correspondent wished Franklin would help him not merely to find a humble occupation but to earn serious sums in business. G[erv]ais Charles, who sends his plea on July 27 from La Rochelle, dreams of furthering commercial relations between France and America, and in particular between La Rochelle (Canada’s warehouse when it was still a French possession) and Baltimore. He wants to assemble a great cargo but finds his colleagues lethargic in that respect. He has been able to gather only 96,000 l.t. so far and needs 80,000 more which Franklin can certainly procure through his connections and influence. He will, if desired, send the best attestations about his character.
Writing from Amsterdam on July 15 in excellent English, the firm of Wernier, Hartsinck & Wernier express their wish for “connections with the Merchants of the american United Provinces.” Their experience and integrity are well known and they are willing to offer favorable terms.
Business means problems in cashing bills of exchange. Pillat Delacoupe writes from Paris on July 23 that he has waited more than eight days for Franklin to accept seventeen such bills that he has deposited in the hands of banker Grand. Would Franklin please hand those letters, accepted, to the bearer or remit them directly to Grand? Were it not that he is on the eve of departure for a prolonged absence, the writer would not disturb the Doctor for such a small matter.
From Nantes, H.F. Greland sends his request on October 12. He has just received from St. Domingue six bills of exchange drawn by Hopkinson on the American Commissioners for a total value of 174 dollars. Since he does not know anybody in Paris, he is sending them directly to Franklin, with apologies for disturbing him over such a paltry sum.
M. Bourgeois, directeur de la Régie Générale, wonders how he should proceed to cash an effet of December 11, 1778, for 1,500 l.t. by Hopkinson, Treasurer of Loans, on the commissioner or commissioners in Paris. It is countersigned by Jo. Clarke, of the Loan Office of Rhode Island, and payable at thirty days’ sight to Philip Allen for interest due on money borrowed by the United States. His letter is dated October 19.
A different facet of money and its uses is brought to mind by Johann Matthias Diterich who writes in German from Berlin on July 3 in order to urge Franklin to buy a lottery ticket.
Not every favor seeker was concerned with money. Seven people asked Franklin to forward letters for them or give them news of their relatives in America.
On July 10, an Englishman, J. Hare, writes from Venice where he is visiting, to beg Franklin (in English) to send on a letter of his to a dearly beloved brother in Philadelphia from whom he has not heard in years because of the war. He gives assurances that “no one offensive Syllable is in the Packet” which he invites Franklin to examine.
The father of one of the officers who accompanied Du Coudray writes on August 12 from Chauny in Picardy, in the hope that Franklin will forward a letter to the son he has not seen in two and a half years and who lives currently in Boston. The son’s name is de Matigny. Thanks to his knowledge of English, he had become Du Coudray’s aide-de-camp. After the latter’s accidental death, the young man and two of his comrades remained in Boston. Some day, perhaps, Franklin will enable him to send money to that cherished son. The father’s name is Garde de Matigny.
The same set of circumstances serves as background to the appeal sent from Clermont-Ferrand on July 21 by M. de Fontfrede, father of another of the young engineers who accompanied Du Coudray and was allowed to remain in Boston after his death. The last he heard from his son was that, in February, 1778, he was preparing to campaign under the orders of General Guest (Gates). No news since then. Is his son still alive?
The Captain De Frey who serves in Cremona in the Belgiojoso regiment, and appeals to Franklin on September 26, is the brother of the Captain De Frey who serves in the Pulaski Legion. Could a letter be sent from brother to brother?
Another brother anxious to communicate with his sibling turns to Franklin on October 8. His name is A.C. Schüler and he serves as councillor and private secretary of the Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick-Lunebourg. He explains, with more than a little embarrassment, that his brother, desirous to see the world, enrolled in the ducal troops in spite of his parents’ objections. As fate would have it, he was one of those captured along with General Burgoyne and the desolate family has been without news ever since. He knows that Franklin is generous enough to send their letter over to America. It would be best to address it to one of the generals posted along the Virginia coast.
On August 18 J. Carÿ, who is in Paris, wishes Franklin would forward to the French consul a note informing him that the packages that he, Carÿ, was entrusted with have been duly delivered to the Doctor. Someone called Depond(?), living in Loches, encloses a petite missive on September 9, to be sent on, if possible, to Philadelphia.
Two men offered their services as potential consuls. The Irishman Robert O’Connell writes in English from Malaga on August 24. He has lived in Spain and Portugal since 1745, as patented officer and substitute to the Royal Academy of Sciences in Spain, and as keeper of the King’s Cabinet of Physics in Portugal. He has never gone back to Ireland but hopes that a “compleat triumph over our common Enemys” will make his return a possibility. Considering that all the ports of Spain are open to the thirteen United Provinces, he believes that a person acting on behalf of the Americans would be most useful.
Another proposal is sent on September 13 by Jacob Emery. A native of the canton of Bern in Switzerland, he has lived three years in England, eighteen in Spain, and nine in Montpellier, the city from which he is writing. His letter is in French, with an English translation, and he is familiar with the Spanish language as well as with trade. He feels he could be quite helpful, especially in peace time, when North American trade “will soar up.”
A number of people thought the Doctor might help them reacquire their freedom. On September 8, twenty-five-year-old Le Duc sends a little impromptu he did not have a chance to deliver when Franklin visited Bicêtre, the jail where he is held unjustly, a victim of calumny and of his envious family. He hopes his new protector, about whom France entertains such a high opinion, will say a kind word about him to the King.

The vicomte de la Potherye d’Andilly, chevalier de l’Ordre de Malte, needs twenty louis urgently in order to get out of jail, For-l’Evêque to be precise, where he has been languishing for almost three months because of some miserable dettes judaïques. Franklin can do no less than help him since they are fellow citizens, the vicomte being the son of the late major general of troops in Guadeloupe. His family now resides in Canada but, having come to France to look for service, he found himself involved in a series of misfortunes which led to his current deplorable situation, totally out of keeping with his birth and social rank. His letter is dated September 12.
A man called Lucy, notary in Meaux en Brie, informs Franklin on September 28 that two Bostonian sailors are languishing in his town’s jail. According to their story, they were captured by the British and brought to France on a Danish vessel. They have no passport and do not know any French. A young Irish ecclesiastic who has spoken to them will soon relate their plight to Franklin and other important people, but should this take too long, the intendant of Paris may obtain the facts from his delegate in Meaux.
On October 24, J. Grillet, first surgeon on the privateer Le grand zombie, tells Franklin that after his capture while serving under the American flag, he has been kept prisoner for two years in Winchester, and is still languishing there. Now that exchanges are taking place, he wants to be included in one of them.
Finally, there are people whose requests cannot be easily categorized.
On July 13, a journalist at the Courier de l’Europe, named Boyer de la Croix, begs for a fifteen-minute appointment. He is appealing directly rather than through Dubourg and trusts that his devotion to Franklin and the United States will procure him a quick response.
Reminding Franklin that he has been promised a recommendation for his razors, should they prove satisfactory on inspection, a man named Moreau announces on September 28 that he is sending the Doctor four of them, two mounted on tortoise-shell and two on whalebone. He will pay a visit within two weeks to hear Franklin’s decision. His letter comes from Paris.
The name Moreau, belonging to a merchant of the rue St. Martin, reappears in another, undated, document which looks more like an advertisement than a private letter. The handwriting is somewhat different and it is not certain that we are dealing with the same Moreau. This one announces that he has discovered a new metal alloy, totally devoid of copper, and strikingly similar to silver. It is called argiroïde. Having experimented with it to his satisfaction, he is now selling a line of tableware for which he quotes prices and plans to expand his offerings.
A long and flowery letter was sent on September 29 from Rennes. Its author, who signs himself Commandant Brilhacq(?), vicaire général de St. Malo, waxes lyrical over the similarities between the French and American people and suggests that Concarneau, in Brittany, be made a free port for the Americans. He lauds its harbor, its commercial facilities, and its safety guaranteed by the vicinity of Lorient and Brest. Franklin must be aware of this, since he visited Concarneau upon landing.
Charles Phelps writes in English from Philadelphia on September 23. He has seen Sarah Bache two days previously and presented her with his grand plan for raising funds in France in favor of the inhabitants of Charlestown, Massachusetts, the burned-out victims of British cruelty. What better way to bring Catholics and Protestants together? Franklin’s daughter did not seem “in the least” opposed to his idea.
From Stenz, in the Unterwalden canton of Switzerland, comes a very different suggestion. On October 25, Traxler, the statthalter and banneret of the city, offers to raise between four and six thousand men, both Swiss and German, to serve in America. Switzerland’s oldest ally, France, employs twelve such regiments. Should Franklin be interested, he would be delighted to pursue the matter.
An eleven-page letter, unsigned, was sent on July 22. Its author, obviously an elderly man, reveals that governmental organization has been the main object of his study since 1736. He is currently employed but if Franklin could procure him the title of correspondant des Etats unis pour la partie de l’administration, with emoluments equal to what he is presently earning, he would give his whole time to an elaboration of his proposed plan of government for the United States. The gist of it is that if freedom is indeed the key word of most revolutions, it should be preserved but circumscribed as soon as tranquillity is restored. He advocates a constitution for the new country as soon as the war is over, with Washington as governor general and Franklin as organizer of the legal, judicial, and executive systems.
Finally, as usual, there is the poet who delights simply in telling the Doctor of his admiration, without asking for anything tangible in return. He writes on July 18, his name is St. Suire, he is a pensionary of the King living in Passy, and his poem, unfortunately, seems to have disappeared.

  Trés honorable, Trés Illustre, et Trés Gracieux Seigneur.
à Montbeillard le 9.Juillet 1779.

Suplie en très profond respect George-Leopold Besson, domicilié à Montbeillard, et dit, Que feu ferdinand Jérémie Besson, son pére, aprés avoir servi longtems comme bas officier, dans un des Régimens Suisses attaches au service de S. M. T. C., vint se retirer à Montbeillard, ou il est mort, en laissant le trés humble supliant dans un état d’autant plus triste et déplorable, que perclus de la majeure partie de ses membres, allité depuis plus[ieurs] années et sans aucun mouvemens et Sensibilité dés la Ceinture en bas; il se voit privé des ressources qu’il auroit pu trouver dans le travail, pour se procurer les moyens de subsister dont il est absolument destitués.

Dans lintention d’alleger ses maux, il prit la liberté de faire parvenir [il] y à quelques années, sa trés humble requete à M. Le Comte de st. Germain, alors Ministre au Departement de la Guerre et une seconde requête à S. A. M. Le Prince de Montbarrey, actuellement Ministre au même Département, apres y avoir été renvoyé premierement par M. Turgot, en second lieu par M. De Malesherbes, et dernierement par M. Necker, Directeur Général des finances Du Roi, pour qu’il plut aux Ministres de la Guerre, cidessus nommés, lui accorder quelqu’assistance dans l’etat malheureux ou il se rencontre, comme il le justifie par la Lettre jointe de M. Necker; il ose joindre aussi la copie du Certificat de son Médecin pour faire conter de son etat de maladie, et un Lettre en original de M. Le Garde des Sceaux.
Mais jusqu’a present ses requêtes n’ayant point produit les effets qu’il osoit s’en promettre, il vient trés humblement vous supplier, Monseigneur, de lui accorder Votre Protection, vivement persuadé, que si Vous daignés appuïer sa Demande auprés de Monseigneur Le Prince de Montbarrey, elle lui sera aussitôt accordée.
Il ose se flatter que vous lui ferés d’autant plûtot cette Grace, qu’il est connu d’un chacun que Votre Grandeur se plait â faire des heureux.
Le trés humble supliant se voit par une suite de cette déplorable maladie dans l’impossibilité de travailler pour gagner sa vie, celle de sa femme et de ses enfans, et se voyant aussi sans appui et sans protecteur dans le triste et pitoyable etat ou il se trouve réduit, ce qui fait qu’il vient, très humblement, implorer la Clémence de Votre Excellence.
Il a trop bonne opinion de Votre Pieté, pour douter de la Grace qu’il ose Vous demander; Encore qu’il n’a point l’honneur d’etre connu de Votre Excellence, l’estime que tout le monde fait de sa Générosité, lui à donné la hardiesse de la suplier trés humblement comme il fait de lui accorder Votre Protection.
Jusques-ici, Monseigneur, Les ressources que le trés humble supliant à eus pour vivre avec sa femme et ses enfans proviennent, de la commisération, que son état malheureux à excitée, chez differentes Personnes de cette Ville; mais comme [ces?] mêmes ressources ne sont pas toujours égales, et qu’il éprouve journellement qu’elles diminuent, au point qu’à p[eine?] peut il vivre avec le peu qu’il reçoit actuellement, il à osé, Monseigneur, espérer que Votre Excellence, informée de son triste sort, et qu’il est fils d’un pére qui â longtems servi dans les Troupes au service de S. M. T. C., voudroit bien par un Principe de Charité; contr[ibuer] pour quelque chose â son entretient â son soulagement, et â celui de sa triste et malheureuse famille; entretient [que] le genre de sa maladie, l’empêche absolument de procurer. Il ose donc se flatter aussi, Monseigneur, que Votre Excellence, touchee de compassion à la vue de son etat triste, daignera assister le trés humble supliant de ses charités; celui-ci l’assurant trés respectueusement des ardentes prieres qu’il fait â Dieu, et qu’il fera jusques a sa mort, pour sa prospérité, et celle de son Auguste Famille. Il fait aussi journellement des voeux sincéres au Tout puissant pour la prospérité des Armes de S. M. T. C., et celles des Treizes Etats Unis, ainsi que pour la Gloire et la Durée du Règne du Meilleur des Rois. Le trés humble supliant ose s’assurer de n’etre point éconduit en sa demande, parce qu’il sait que Vous étes extrêmement bon, et que Votre Excellence prend un singulier plaisir à obliger un chacun, il en conservera éternellement la mémoire dans son coeur, se sera une Grace spéciale.
George Leopold Besson

A Son Excellence Monseigneur Le Docteur Franklin Ministre et Ambassadeur Plénipotentiaire Des Treizes Etats-Unis De L’Amérique Septentrionale, Auprés de sa Majeste Trés-Chrétienne, Le Trés Auguste et Trés Vertueux Roi De France et De Navarre, &c. &c: &c:

Notation: Berdot fils à Montbeillard 6 aout 1779. Besson, George Leopold


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 9 July 1779
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir,
Bon homme Richard L’OrientJuly 9th. 1779
I should have acknowledged sooner the receipt of Your Orders dated the 30th. Ulto. which I recd. the 7th. Curr. but waited for the letter which yours alludes to from M. de Chaumont which has but this moment appeared and except the Name of a Merchant contains nothing New.
I have had another Proof this day of the communicative disposition of M de ———. He has written to an Officer under my command a whole Sheet on the Subject of your letter and has even introduced more than perhaps was necessary to a person commanding in chief.— I have also strong reasons to think that this Officer is not the Only improper person here to whom he has written to the same effect.— This is surely a strange infatuation; and it is much to be lamented that one of the best of Hearts in the World should be connected with a mistaken Head whose errors can afford him neither pleasure nor profit; but may effect the Ruin and Dishonor of a Man whom he esteems and Loves. Believe me, my worthy Sir, I dread the thoughts of Seeing this Subject too soon in Print, as I have done Several Others of greater importance with which he was acquainted, and which I am certain he communicated too early to improper Persons; whereby very important Services have been impeded and Set aside.
Had I received your Orders two days sooner I should not have Suffered the Alliance to be Hove Down—but, notwithstanding the very bad weather which we have had here, that work is now too far Advanced to save above two or three days by giving up the design.— Besides the Kings Mast Maker has this morning reported that the Bon homme Richards Bowsprit is Sprung.— This has occasioned a work which I did not till now expect, and the Bowsprit will be Landed this Night to be well examined.— I hope it is not much hurt; but should it be found Unfit for Service, I am told that there is an Old Bowsprit now in the Yard that may be conveniently Substituted— And either way the little Squadron will not I think be detained so as to interfere with the execution of your Orders.
When we meet with the Enemies property of no great value or that cannot be conveniently sent into Port, would it not be proper to “Sink, Burn, or otherwise destroy” Such property?— I have Always had such a charge in my instructions from Congress and it is therefore that I Mention it now.— I would also beg leave to ask whether I may or may not Attempt to avail myself of every opportunity that may seem to present itself to distress the Enemy.
The reason why I have not yet Ordered a Court of inquiry is because the Officer principally concerned has been Sick ever since my Arrival— As I am told he is now better the Court will be held and the events transmitted to you without loss of time.— I hope very soon to have the Satisfaction of informing you that I am ready to proceed with a good prospect of executing your Orders; and in the meantime it gives me pleasure to find that your Ideas on that Plan correspond exactly with mine.
In proportion as I am detained here I may be expected to arrive later at the port of my destination; unless ample Success or your Orders to attend to the letter of the Instructions which I have already received should Impel me to Steer for that Port Sooner.

I am ever with Sentiments of real Affection and Esteem Dear Sir Your very Obliged Friend and most humble Servant.
Jno P Jones

N.B. M de Chaumont has written to one of my Captains that it might be expedient for the Pallas & Vengeance to go out for a few days to Cruise after privateers until the Bon homme Richard & Alliance are ready for Service. I have consulted M. de Thevenard the Commandant at L’Orient on the Subject, who is as well as myself of a contrary Opinion—because they would in all probability either return without having had Success, or else after being disabled either by the Seas or the Enemy which would occasion a further loss of time, as our whole force is not more than Sufficient.
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Capt. Jones. July 9. 79.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 9 July 1779
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble. Sir
Philada. July 9th. 1779
I send by this Opportunity Journals & Gazettes with some Letters which were to have gone by Way of Martinique some time ago with others that I hope will reach you by that Channel. I add a Compleat Set of the Journals as far as they are printed viz 1st. Vol 2d Vol and from Jany. to June 12th. this year with two spare Pamphlets of Ns. 2. 3. 11. 12 to make those already sent compleat.
Perhaps I may have the honor of writing again before the Vessel sails out tho she is now falling down the River.
Your most humb Servant
James Lovell
Honble. Doctor Franklin.

Notations in different hands: James Lovell Phyladelphie 9. juillet 1779. / Tripl: June 13 Dup July 9


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 9 July 1779
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Paris July 9/79
I return the american paper with many Thanks. Inclosed, you have the London packet, containing part of Mr. Galloway’s extraordinary Evidence. A Gentleman, a Native of the united States, writes July 2d,— That Sir Charles Hardy sailed out of the Channel with thirty One Sail of the Line, and if the Wind continued Easterly a few Days, several more Ships would follow Him.

I am with the sincerest Respect & Esteem Dear Sir yr. Excellency’s most affectionate Fnd.
Saml. Wharton
His Excellency Benjan. Franklin Esqr.

Notation: James Wharton Paris 9e juillet. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Antes, 10 July 1779
From: Antes, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Grand Cairo July 10th 1779.
You may perhaps still remember a young Man wich in the Year 1763 amussed himself with making Musicall Instruments such as Harpsichords Violins etc. whome Curiosity and Disire of Learning once led to your House at Philadelphia without anything to introduce him but a little American Cordiality. This Man am I. The noble and generous Treatment I received of you that Time, when I have been an intire Stranger to you has all this many Years left a deep Sense of Gratidute and the highest Opinion of your kind and obliging Caracter in my Heart. And this is the only Motive wich induce me to send you with the Pressent a Copy of six Quartettos wich I have lately compossed in my leassure hours for my Frind the Marquis de Hauteford, to make use of at the Harmonical Society of Bengal, where he had last Year an Intention to go, if the pressent War had not make him change his Ressolution. I am very sensible that in Paris you are not in Want of good and much supperior Music to what my poor Talents may afor’d, But poor as the may be, The Composition of a Country, man, and the Manner in wich the are given, as a mere Sign of sincere Gratidute, will perhaps make them agreeable. And if after a fair Trial, by able Performers such as play wich good Expression and Taste, the should still be So lucky to afor’d you some Amussement, I should certainly be extreemly happy. I acknowledge I don’t make Profession of Music, and all I know of I picked up here and there by good Frinds, Therefore I should not be surprized if great Master, should find Faults here and there.
Since I left America wich has been in the Year 64. I employed all my Talents to Mechanic, and chiefly to the Watchmaking Branch, in wich I have been pretty lucky, so that I did something above the common Way.
Being in London in August 69. I took the Liberty to call at your Lodgings, but have not been so fortunate to see you as you had just made a Trip to Paris. Most of my Time since that I have spent here in Egypt, where the United Brethren, to wich Society I belong, have a Missionary Post, tho observe what good may be done for the Furtherance of the Gospel in this Country and Abissiny.
If I could here be of any Service to my Mother Country or to you in Particular I should allways embrace every Oppertunity with the greatest Plassure. I will not begin wich any Discription of Things concerning this Country, well knowing that Paris is not in Want of better than ever I could afor’d. But any particular question put to me I should allways answer with Pleassure according to my Abilities. One Circumstance however will perhaps not be disagreeable to mention that after a few Days southerly Wind, the Heat has been so excessive in the Night between the 6th. of June to the 7th. that the Thermomete of Reaumur rose at 11 a Clock in the Night to the 36th. Degree, wich is a very extraordinary Thing, the greatest heat in the middle of the Day is in Sommer commonly no more but between 25 to 30. Many People died verry sudden that Night and the following Day, but thank God it did not last long.
May God grand soon Peace to the Satisfaction of all to our Mother Country, for wich I have still the greatest Regard, and wish well to evry Individual of it from the Bottom of my Heart.
But pray, give my Leave dear Sir to mention one Circumstance to you by the Pressent. You know that the United Brethren had allways some religious Scrupel of bearing arms, and as long as America has been under Great Britain, we have been exempt of that, and of swearing, by an Act of Parlement. Many Individuals would most probably not have settled in any of the Colonies without this. But since the Independency of the Colonies the have sufferd great hard ships on this Acct. I am fully convinced that nothing can be more just, As that those that can not bear Arms, should contribute to the Expences of the whole by paying their Equivalent in Money and assist in any other Occasion as much as in their Power, wich the also have never refused to do. But I leave it to you to judge if 50 £ Penalty for the Year 77 for every Person from 18 to 53 Years of Age, must not fall very hard and soon be the Ruin of poor working People, wich at the very same Time had given up their large Houses and Workshop’s for a Lazaretto for the Provincial Army. I need not to inform you of what Utility this Society might be to the Colonies, and that the will be as faithful Subjects to the Congress as ever the have been to the King of England, and that out of a religious Principel. You are very well aqainted with their Settlements and Constitution. I dont doubt that by your Influence a little more Indulgence may be used against them. You will excusse the Liberty I have taken to mention this, It has not been my Intention when I began this Letter, But the high Opinion I have of your good obliging Caracter made me free, and full of Hopes that you will take Notice of.
As the above mentioned Quartettos are not yet in the Hands of anybody but my Frind the Marquis the Hauteford, and one Member of the Harmonical Society at Calcutta in Bengel, wich latter is just now taking them to England to get them printed for the said Society. I think it nessesary to aqaint you, that I promissed not to make them publick myself at least in the first 8 Months. I don’t mean by this that your Frinds might not have Copies of, if you chuse it.
It is far beyond my Expectations to have an Answer from you on the pressent, well knowing that all your Time must be employed with Matters of much greater Consequence. It would however be of great Satisfaction to hear that it came safe to Hand, and for this one single Line to my Frind Louis Michael Ollive at Marseille would be sure to reach me.
Pray excuse the Trouble I give you with my long Letter and bad Language. Be assured that is comes from a cordial and sincere American Heart. And give me Leave to call myself Sir Your most obedient humble Servant.
John Antes


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 10 July 1779
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Paris July 10th. 1779
I had the honor of receiving your Letter of yesterday in which you inform me, that Messrs. Bayard, Chaumont, & Montieu were the Merchants you alluded to in your Letter to my Brother, & that you understood their terms were those proposed by Virginia.
The first of these Gentlemen, who never applied to me, I understand is a Bankrupt. The second you may remember declind an application made by us with Mr. King, similar to that by Mr. Lemaire, but to a much smaller amount.
Mr. Lemaire brought Mr. Montieu to my House, as one who had a Manufactory of Fusils. But he made no proposals that I remember at all conformable to those of the State of Virginia. Your Nephew however informs me, that he believes Mr. Montieu sent his Proposals to you in writing. If so I shall be much obligd to you for a Copy of them.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Yr. most obedt. Humble Servt.
Arthur Lee
The Honble. B. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 12 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Digges, Thomas

Dear Sir
Passy July 12 1779.
Your Bill on Mr. Grand will be paid. I am much obliged by your kind Letters, and pray you to continue them. I find it an Endless and fruitless Business to consider and give Opinions upon Propositions of Peace, drawn up by Persons who have no authority to treat. I hope You will therefore excuse my Silence on yours. I can at present only thank you.— We are in daily Expectation of important News.
With great Esteem, I am &c.
M Digges.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 12 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Passy July 12. 1779.
I am glad to hear that another Cargo of Prisoners are on the Way. I will give Directions to assemble an equal Number immediately at Nantes in order to dispatch the Cartel with all Expedition: And I will direct Mr. Schweighauser to correspond more exactly with the Board, and send Returns of the Prisoners as desired. I shall endeavour to obtain Morlaix for the third & subsequent Cartels, as it seems to be so much desired. I have hinted the Proposition of exchanging French Prisoners at the same Place; but am told that such an Exchange will not be consented to, till the Crews of the two Frigates seized by Admiral Keppel before the War commenced are returned. I will endeavour to obtain the Lists of the Prisoners in Spain, and consider of the most convenient means, of exchanging them, on which you shall hear from me hereafter.
With great & sincere Esteem, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
D. Hartley Esq.

Endorsed: DF July 12 1779


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bennett Lloyd, 12 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lloyd, Richard Bennett

Dear Sir
Passy, July 12. 1779.
I received the honour of yours inclosing two Letters from Maryland. I have made some enquiry, and cannot find that any Person here would be willing to purchase Bills upon Maryland; Those who want Tobacco’s from thence having already more Money in that Country than they can well get away, one Cargo from hence being sufficient to purchase several of the product, and Vessels there to freight upon are so difficult to be found, and so hard to be got out of the Bay in the present situation of Affairs, that the Commerce is scarcely practicable.— If I could be of Use to you in this or any other affair, it would be a real Pleasure to me, being with sincere Esteem, Dear Sir Your most obedt. and most humble servant.
Please to make acceptable my Respects to Mrs. Loyd.
M. Lloyd.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Peters, 12 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Peters, Richard

Dear Sir
Passy July 12. 1779.
I have at Length found your Good Father, as you will see by the inclos’d, and have given Orders to furnish him with 100 £. which you will please to remit to me in Congress Interest Bills, or in a Bill from ———.
The Bearer of this M. Vateville who goes over with a View of settling in Pensylvania and leaves some Money with our Banker. He is recommended to me, as a Gentleman of good family & excellent Character by several respectable Persons. M. Le Count De Vergennes, Minister for foreign affairs thinks he would be a valuable Acquisition to our Military, as you will see by his letter to me, wich I send inclosed. I have acquainted the Count and the Gentleman himself that I could give him no promises nor even Expectations of Employment in our Armies, which were full but that there was no doubt of his meeting a hospitable favourable Reception in our Country as a stranger of Merit who desired to become our fellow Citizen.— I accordingly recommend him warmly to your Civilities and Counsels, and Those of my friends, who may with you be assured of my considering them as done to myself, and of my Readiness to pay an equal Regard to their Recommendations. My Compliments to Mrs. Peters, and believe me to be with great Esteem, Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble Sert.
Richard Peters. Esq.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 12 July 1779
From: Austin, Jonathan Loring
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
July 12th. 1779
I have only now to acknowledge the foregoing to be Copy of my last, & to congratulate your Excellency upon the repulse given the British Troops the 14 may by Genl moultrie at Charlestown South Carolina, we have been impatiently waiting for particulars of this glorious Event authenticated by Congress, but some Accident, or a Desire to compleat the Advantage by the Capture of the whole, has hindred— this Defeat will its probable frustrate the Designs of this Campaign; their chief aim at present appears to be to distress us by burning & ravaging defenceless Towns, the Effect has & I imagine will have a different Tendency from what they designed, it rather exasperates than intimidates, & possibly these cruel wanton Barbarities will so entirely disaffect, as to exclude to Eternity all Intercourse with such Savages unless ample reperation is made, should they continue their Depredations much longer as they have lately done at Newhaven &c, we must of Consequence be ever sworn Enemies.
I beg leave to refer your Excellency to the Newspapers I have the Honor to forward by this Opportunity, & to the Letter directed to Mr Adams provided he should not be in France, we understand here he is coming out in the Alliance, his Freinds however hope its only report—
I have the Honor to be, with my Compliments to Mr Franklin, with all due Respect Your Excellencys most Obedient and very humble Servant
Jon Loring Austin
His Excellency Dr Franklin

Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Dr. Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiare de l’Amerique / a la Cour de France— / Passy / pres Paris / per favor Mr Knox
Notation: J.L. Austin June 10. 79


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 12 July 1779
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir,
L’Orient July 12th. 1779
The Bowsprit of the Bon homme Richard, having been landed and examined is found not only Sprung in 2 places but in several others much decayed and Rotten:— It is therefore condemned as being Unfit for future Service.— The Old Bowsprit mentioned in my last is now Undergoing a Survey and is generally expected to answer as a good Substitute for the one Condemned.— M. De Thevenard has shewed me a letter from M. De Sartine expressing a desire that the Pallas, the Cerf, and the Vengeance should go out and Cruise for a few days in the Bay Until the Bon homme Richard and Alliance are again ready for Service and I have given them my orders to depart in Consequence— They are not yet out of Sight.— We are to Rendezvous at Groa about the 20th. or 22d. and I think we shall then be ready to proceed on real Service.
I have inspected very particularly into the Situation of the Bon homme Richard and am sorry to find that it is the constructor’s opinion that the Ship is too Old to admit of the necessary alteration. Thus circumstanced I wish to have an Opportunity of attempting an essential Service to render myself worthy of a better and faster Sailing Ship.— My destination from hence as there is a fair prospect of taking many Prizes makes the greater number of Men necessary; And M. de Gourlade writes this day a proposal to M. de Chaumont to Apply at Versailles for liberty to Embark an hundred to an hundred and Thirty Portuguise and other Seamen that have Arrived here in the Epervier and another Small Vessel from the Southward.— This would be a desirable thing if it could be obtained, because I could afterwards proceed with more confidence and they would be necessary towards Manning the Indien, if that Ship can at last be Obtained.— The Leveller Wherry is now nearly ready for the Sea and would be very Useful if Joined to our little force to take the Merchant Ships while we attack their Convoy.—
I am ever with greatful and Sincere Affection Dear Sir Your very Obliged Friend and most humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Capt. Jones July 12. 1779


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 12 July 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
At the havre 12th july 1779
How happy I feel, when surrounded By so many preparations Against England, My respected friend doctor franklin will easily conceive— There is nothing to be found in france which might offer to me so delightfull a prospect, as those ships, troops, warlike stores of all Kinds which are Getting Ready for to visit our good neighbours—Every thing will be soon provided for and we shall be able within these few days to set of at a moment’s warning—so that our expedition will go on very well on the part of the Army, and we entirely depend on Mr d’orvilliers and his naval circumstances.
The Army is about thirty thousand strong, all in good spirits and will, I am sure, behave in the most Glorious manner—Besides this number we have a Van guard of light infantery and Grenadiers under a reputed General Officer— Heavy pieces of artillery are embark’d with us—there is a Great proportion of engeneers. The more we shall be masters of the Channel the More I think will be undertaken— What I believe to be Certain, is that the Ministry are in Earnest, and I want if possible to give the ennemy some stroke or other before the end of the Campaign— on the other hand I hear that the British fleet is getting strong, and our future motions must as yet be very uncertain.
But if Gibraltar is Besieged, if jamaïca was attak’d, do’nt you believe, my dear doctor, that some thing must succeed, or that at least the ennemy must run the greatest dangers and support an enormous expense.
Theyr succes in Virginia tho not very important I Cant however help lamenting— Suppose as it is reported fort pitt was taken and Mk intoch drove off, that state would be caught at once by the sea side and the back country, which Might good deal distress the trade by theyr cruizing off and destroying in the harbour, and distres the people by those enraged Bands of indians— The Ennemy will Carry on that low pillaging Kind of war, but I don’t Believe them in situation of Carrying on a serious and Military Campaign— Any intelligence you may have from that beloved Country, and from my dearest friend gal washington I beg you would Communicate to me. Pray, My dear sir, let me know if you have any good opportunity of writing to America— how was the paper when Your last news have been dispatch’d to you? For I understand you have Receiv’d some letters.
I wish Spain would declare independency, and send of a frigatte to Boston— that will have A good effect, and I think some intelligences of that kind will be very welcome and very timely in the present instance—
For my part, my dear doctor, however pleas’d I May be with this expedition, my warmest desire is to serve again with My fellow soldiers of the American Army— Whenever my Country and yours will Believe that My going there is more useful than my staying here, I shall immediately set of with the sincerest and highest pleasure.
Let me know, my dear doctor, how far is our little Book advanc’d. I like the idea extremely well, and want it to be soon Brought to the light.
Farewell, My dear friend, I hope I will ever possess a large part in your friendship, and that I deserve indeed by the affection, By all the tender sentiments and high Regard I have the honer to be with dear sir Yours
Lafayette

Notation: La fayette havre 12. juillet 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Speakman, 12 July 1779
From: Speakman, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Gand [Ghent] 12 July 1779
I am a Native of America & am now waiting at this place—with my Wife & Children for an Opportunity to Return—but being at a loss how to find the most Eligible way—& as an American Subject—hope your Excellency will point out the most adviseable method to pursue & also to send a passport for travelling to the place your Excellency advises us to go to—
I am Yr Excellencys most Obedt Hble servt
Richd Speakmanson of Tho Speakman formerly of Boston Carpenter
Please to Direct for me Chez Monsr Everad près la petite Bucherie Au Gand

Addressed: A— / His Excellency Doctor Franklin / A— / Paris
Notation: Carpenter Gand 12. july 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Three Letters, 13 July 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Dear & honoured Sir,
Nantes July 13. 1779.
In answer to the two papers inclosed in your favour of the 9th. Instant, the first containing a Detail of Insults offered to the Spanish Flagg by three american Vessells of War called the Resolution the Plimouth, and the little Resolution said to have sailed from Nantes, and the second containing an account of other Insults offered by other American Vessells in the west Indies to the same Flagg; I have to assure you in general, that I never heard of the Existence of any american Vessells of War of those Names, and particularly I never heard of any such that ever sailed from any Port in France. I therefore believe from these Circumstances, as well as from many others, that the English Cruisers have boarded Spanish Vessells, as well as those of other Nations, under the Flagg of the United States proffessing themselves to be americans, with a view of impressing on the minds of those Nations an Idea of our Ships of war being a set of Pirates.
I will however do all in my Power to gain Information on this Subject, and if I ever find the Smallest Instance of such Conduct in any american, I shall think it my duty, in justice to the reputation of my virtuous Countrymen, not only to expose them by giving immediate Information, but to do all I can to bring them to punishment. I am ever with the greatest respect Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman

Jona Williams J
The Honble. The Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Williams Jona. July 13. 1779.

II.
Dear & hond SirNantes July 13. 1779.—
The enclosed is an answer to Mr A. J. A s Letter to you which you enclosed to me in your last. I did not send it directly because I did not know whether you would approve of my taking notice of your having communicated it to me, but I beg you to send it to him (after perusel) as early as possible.— I am ever Yours dutifully & affectionately
J Williams J

Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / en particulier
Notation: Williams Jona. July 13. 1779.

III.
Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes July 13. 1779.
The privateer Genl Mifflin arrived here the 10th Inst. from a Cruise in which she has taken three Prizes, The Elephant a Kings Store ship, the Brig Betsey a merchant man in Ballast, and the Tartar an english Privateer of 26 Guns & 160 men. The Mifflin mounts but 20 Guns (6 pounders) finding therefor her Enemy Superior, the Commander Capt Babcock made a Desperate attack to board, in which the English Captain was killed and the ship directly surrendered.— Captain Babcock having now about two hundred Prisoners and his Provisions being short he was under the necessity of sending one hundred & ninety of them in the Brig which he gave for the Purpose, and they have since arrived in England as appears by the english Prints.— In order to secure an Exchange of an equal Number of americans Capt Babcock took a Receipt for these Prisoners from the master of the Elephant the master of the Brig & the 1st Lieutenant of the Tartar (the Captain of the latter being killed) promising a Release of american Prisoners accordingly.— I have had this Instrument authenticated by the admiralty of the Place and inclose the Copy in due form to serve as you may think necessary.—
Capt Babcock was obliged to quit the Tartar at Sea the 23d of June and if she is not taken we expect her hourly to arrive.— I shall deliver the prisoners who remain on board the Mifflin into the prisons here and shall desire Mr. Schweighauser to engage for their maintenance or I shall do it myself untill I receive your Orders: The mifflin and her Prizes if they arrive are to my address.
I am with the greatest Respect Dear & hond Sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Williams Jona. July 13 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, [on or before 14 July 1779]
From: Chaumont, Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[on or before July 14, 1779]
M. de Chaumont suplie Son Excellence M. franklin d’ecrire a M. Jones que M. de Sartine desire que M. Chamillard de Varville Lieutenant Colonel d’infanterie aye Le Commandement en Second des volontaires francais du Bonhomme Richard, attendu que M. Chamillard de Varville devoit S’embarquer avec M. le Marquis de la fayette dont il est Connu pour un officier Experimenté et qui a l’avantage d’avoir Commandé dans Les Colonies.
C’est aujourdhuy La poste.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 14 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Dear Sir,
Passy, July 14. 1779
In compliance with the within Recommendation of M. de Sartine, I do hereby desire you to admit M. Chamillard de Varville to the Command en second of the French Voluntiers on board the Bonhomme Richard. Wishing you every kind of Success and Prosperity, I have the Honour to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
To the honourable Jno Paul Jones Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 14 July 1779
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr Sir
July 14. 1779—
Having the promise of getting this safe into a Post office on the other side of the water I have stept into a Coffee House to inclose to you the Satys. and yesterdays Gazettes of the Amn News. Much joy was expressd on the rect of the first wch came remarkably quick from N York, but was as most Gazettes are lookd upon as nothing the day after. There were accots of a later date via Corke, wch. mentiond that Provosts army had been defeated & routed in their attempt to possess Chas Town; The dates of this affair do not seem to confirm this important news, but most people here who wish to establish the falsity of it seem to beleive it true— If it should prove so, the southern parts of America will be left tolerably free from similar invasions.
Our grand fleet is probably saild again from Torbay by this day with an additional three ships, & not a word has been yet heard about the Combind fleet, but there are high fears of its not being far off, and nothing now talkd of but Invasions.
I have had a letter from Peters since I drew the bill on you for £100—& seemingly pacified his fears of being again disapointed of remittances from home. My Bill on you A Monr Grands for 100£ was remittd the 9th Inst. As soon as there are accots. of its acceptance the money will be paid to Mr Peters order. I am to observe to You that the box of books did not amount wholly to ten pounds, but the difficiency shall be accounted for to you. I have not the exact shop bill now with me, or I would inclose it. There was a mistake in the first bill which occasiond the error in me, and which I did not discover until minutely examining it some days after. I wrote You twice lately by private conveyance, & should be glad to have some name given me at Ostend to address Lettrs. to for forwardance &a—as it will be soon very difficult to forward in the usual way. I expect to have another private conveyance in about 10 days till wch time I do not expect any material occurence in this quarter.
I am with very Great regard Yr. mo obedt. & oblig H Sert
V. J—— D

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur B.F— / a Passy
Endorsed: July 14
Notations: Digges July 14. 79. / July 14. 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 15 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard

Dear sir
Passy, July 15. 1779.
The Bearer, M Vatteville, goes over with Views of establiching himself in our Country. He bears the Character here of a Valuable Man, Likely to make a good and Useful Citizen among us. I recommend him warmly to your Civilities and Counsels. Ben continues well and behaves in his College as one could wish. I am ever Your affectionate father
BF

P.S. The Chevalier Crenis has been with me lately and expresses great Satisfaction with the Civilities he received from you and others in America.
Mr. Ricd. Bache.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 15 July 1779
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 15 July 1779
I am honord with your favor of the 4th Instant am obliged to you for the Trouble you took in the Honor done to my drafts. The Master of a Ship arrivd here yesterday taken off Bell Isl left Hampton Road the 22 May past in the Night the English Men of War that lay off Norfolk the reports were all confused of the Actions of the English he threw his papers overboard he saild in Company with 4 Sloops a schooner and a small french Ship all bound to Europe some of them may be dayly expected.
The attention paid at present by the Convoys to the Ships Under their care begins to revive the Trading Body. Two Frigates arrived with a fleet from Brest imediately went on Cruizing Grounds the Frigates with Mons Dorvillier took & destroyd on the Coast of Spain four Privateers & five Merchant men from all wch. we may flatter ourselves to meet due protection I got ensured on the General Mercer for Philadelphia at 30 per Ct. being 20 per Cent lower than any done at this port for twelve months past, a few more favorable Circumstances and we should be again on float. I have the Honor to be with due respect Sir your most Obedient Humble Servt
John Bondfield

Addressed: To / His Excellency Benj Franklin / Esqr. / Plenipotenry from the American States / Paris
Notation: Jonh Bendfield Bordeaux 15 juillet 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Brig, 15 July 1779
From: Brig, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Aix July 15th. 1779
I make free to trouble you with these few lines as knowing you to be a friend to my Country in hopes you will purchase my liberty & a pass to Travel to Burdeaux where I understand there is three frigats fitting out in the American Servise which would be my desire to Embrace the Oportunity if possible. I wrote to my Friend Heifield D. Coningham which knows me to be Master of a ship or Ships out of Philladelphia this fifteen years past & likewise knows my property & Brothers in America & has Receivd no Answer from him as yet. I directed my letters to Bordeaux perhaps he is not there or I would Receivd. a Answer sooner so if my liberty & a pass could be obtaind. by giving any Security Demanded I can have the Best Security in Merseilles for what sum the Parliment Demands that I will go to no other place but Burdeaux or any Other port where you Direct me to where there is an American frigate your answer to this & Instruction where to write to Mr. Coningham will much oblige your Humble Servant
John Brig

P.S. I was taken in the American Servise but was not Imprisoned. I went to Ireland where I traded to Many Voyages with passengers & Servants the Merchants gave me Comand of this Ship. I was taken in here in Merseills & is now on my paroll in Aix
Rd. Doctr. Frankland

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklind / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des etats / unis de L’Amerique En son hotel /a Passy / a Passy
Notations: Brig John July 15. 1779. / John Brig. Aix July 15. 1779 / De B. D. Versailles


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 16 July 1779
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble. Sir
Philada. July 16. 1779
We find from the Minister of France that your Appointment has given high Satisfaction to his Court, and we are encouraged to expect Proofs of its most confidential Reliance upon your Character. We have not had a Line from you of this year’s date; indeed I believe your latest is of Novr. 7th. 1778. Two days ago we received several Letters from Doctor Lee and one from Mr. Izard: the latter March 4th. the former up to April 6th. The Vessel was from Rochelle about the middle of May. It was unfortunate that we did not get the Information of Mr. Lee earlier respecting the Enemy’s designs against Connecticutt: They had accomplished Part of them a few days before.— Will no one under a Commission from these United States retaliate on the Coasts of England for the Burning of our beautiful Fairfield? A single Privateer might I think show, there, a striking Sample of the Species of War now carried on by Britain against America.
We are told this Evening that Genl. Lincoln has had an Advantage over Prevost in an open Field Fight in which the Militia behaved to Admiration, on the 20th. of June.
We forward two Letters for “Our great faithful beloved Friend & Ally Louis sixteenth King of France & Navarre.” We submit, however, the Superscription to your Judgement. You will manage the Invoices by your best Abilities. The Probability of Success was held up to us by one who doubtless makes known by this Opportunity how much our present Circumstances render such Aids essential to us.
A Report of the Treasury respecting the just Stipend of our late and present Ministers at foreign Courts is not quite determined upon. A Determination is peculiarly necessary as to Mr. W Lee & Mr. Izard after the Proceedings, here, of June 8th.
We have put up for you a Set of the Journals which have been printed this Year, adding some spare Numbers to compleat what have been sent in part of the 15.
Presuming from Report and a Passage of a Letter from Doctr. Lee that Mr. Adams is on his Return hither, We do not write to him now. Should he remain in France we beg he may be made acquainted with the Cause of our Omission.
Good as this Opportunity is we expect very shortly a much better when we shall renew Assurances of being Honble. Sir Your most humble Servants
James Lovellfor the Committee of for. Affairs
Honble. Doctor Franklin

P.S. The Letter & Papers respecting Mr. De Francy’s Agency were only this day delivered to us from the Secretary’s Office; but Mr. De Francy has had Sextuples.

Addressed: Honorable / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States of America / Paris
Notation: James Lovell Philadelphie 16. juillet 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Alexis Cadet de Vaux, 17 July 1779
From: Cadet de Vaux, Antoine-Alexis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
ce 17 Juillet 1779
Dans le compte que J’ai rendu (Journal de Paris) de l’acte soutenu au college Mazarin, J’ai cru devoir parler de ce qui vous est relatif, après avoir pris l’attache de M. Barbeu du Bourg.
Je me suis appercu de l’Insuffisance des Expressions pour rendre les sentiments de respect et d’admiration que votre présence inspire, sentiments que personne n’éprouve plus vivement que moi et avec lesquels Je suis Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Cadet LE J.

Notations: Cadet 17 Juillet 1779. / Mr King, Hotel Vauban Rue de Richelieu


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 18 July 1779
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Versles le 18 Juilt. 1779.
Jai lhonneur de vous envoyer ci-joint, M, copie d’une lettre de M. de Sartine; vous y verrez les ordres donnés au sujet des effets du Sr. Samüel Warthon.
J’ai l’hr
M Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 19 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Dear Sir,
Passy July 19. 1779.
I have before me your Letters of the 5th. 9th. & 12th of this Month. I received all the Papers relating to Capt. Landais Prize. That Matter is now under Consideration. I am sorry for the Communication of Plans that you mention, but hope no ill Consequences will attend it.
I think the Instruction of Congress which you mention should be observed; and also that every Opportunity of Distressing the Enemy should be embraced, that is not inconsistent with the Execution of your general Orders.
The Delay of your Cruise occasioned by Accidents makes it necessary to give a longer Time for your finishing it at the Orcades, before you quit it to go to the Port of your Destination. I do therefore at the Request of M. De Sartine, lengthen it to the End of September.
With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedt. humble Servant.
B Franklin
Honble Capt. Jones.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Capitaine Jones. / Commandant la Frégatte le / Bonhomme Richard, au / Service des Etats Unis, de L’Ameque. / à L’Orient
Endorsed: From Doctr. Franklin July 19. 1779. No. 11.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, [19 July 1779]
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Monday Morning. [July 19, 1779]
I send the News Paper, and a short Note from a Friend.—
The packet, which was bringing the Mail of the 6th Instant, was taken by an American Privateer, and carried into Dunkirk. The News from South Carolina, in the News Paper, of the Success of General Lincoln, I think, bears strong Marks of Authenticity upon the Face of it.
I am with great Respect Dear Sir your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servt
Saml. Wharton

I thank you for the Perusal of the within very foolish Paper, and am persuaded, It is the performance of a Junto of American Tories,—Who are Tools in the Hands of Lord George Germaine.
His Excellency Mr. Franklin &c &c &c.

Notation: Saml. Wharton


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marine Committee: Proposed Letter, [after 19 July 1779]
From: Marine Committee
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
[after July 19, 1779]
Inclosed you have a certified Copy of a Resolution of Congress dated July 19. 1779; By which you will perceive the Marine Committee are empowered and directed by Congress to carry into Execution their Manifesto of the 30 of Octr. 1778. In pursuance of this Authority and for the more speedy accomplishment of the Ends proposed, we authorise and most earnestly request you, to take every Measure in your power, to aid and assist us in the Execution of this Business.—
It is not our Intentions to confine the Measures to be used on this Occasion to open and hostile operations; But on the contrary it is expected and we wish and desire, that you would cause, at the Expence of the United States, any of the Towns of Great Britain or the West Indies, secretly to be set on fire. In particular London, Bristol, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh are to be considered as the first objects of national retaliating resentment; and above all, London, the Seat of royal Residence and vindictive rage and the quarter from which have issued the orders for the conflagrations which have by the Enemy been lighted up in these United States.—
America would have the Monarch see, that when provoked she can light up fires even at his own Doors.—And in this Business it is requested, that you will use every possible Exertion. This Measure, in which so many Calamities are involved, and so contrary to the known and acknowledged Humanity with which Congress have heretofore carried on the present war, has, at length become, for the sole and direct purpose of self preservation, absolutely and indispensibly necessary, from the cruel and unprecedented Manner in which our Enemies are daily carrying on the present War. Our Villages on the Sea Coasts are numerous, most of them defenceless, and all of them, with very few Exceptions, exposed and easily accessable to a naval Force, which renders them at any Time a prey to a savage and desolating Enemy.—
The Towns of ——— here to fore laid in ashes, and the late successful attempts in burning and destroyed the Villages of Fairfield, Norwalk and Bedford in Connecticut & New-York, and the unquestionable proofs Congress have received, that the Vengeance denounced against these States in the Manifesto of the British Commissioners will be executed in its fullest extent, has induced them, as the only effectual Means, to put a stop to the further destruction of our Country, to retaliate upon our Enemy by destroying, if possible, some of the most distinguished Cities in Great Britain and the West Indies.—
Our Countrymen have long complained of the slow and forbearing disposition of Congress, when every day announces to them the destruction of some part of their Country. To meet these Ideas, they have at length solemnly determined to revenge themselves on their Enemies, and to leave untried, no exertions for carrying into execution their Manifesto of the 30 of Octr., 1778.
A few determined Men, under the promise of handsome rewards, and well acquainted with the Situation of the large Towns in England & Scotland, will perhaps be the best instruments that can be employed for the Accomplishment of this Work.— We do not however wish to point out any mode that shall be obligatory upon you; your own Judgment and observation will readily suggest to you such steps as are most likely to answer the Ends proposed.—
As the avowed Determination of the Enemy, as set forth by the British Commissioners, is to render us of as little use as possible to our ally, perhaps it would not be improper, if Capt. Jones should be in France, and his own force is inadequate, to request further aid, and attempt the destruction of some of their Towns by a naval surprise.—
How such a Measure will accord with the Sentiment of the Court of France, your Situation will best enable you to determine. If it should appear to you improper to communicate the Matter at all to the Minister of France, you will then forbear to do it.
We cannot conclude without once more earnestly pressing upon you, the Necessity of striking some blow similar to those suggested in the resolution of Congress:— The destruction of a single village would instantly convince our Enemy of the Danger to which they are exposed, and the Necessity there will be, of desisting from the present destructive mode in carrying on the War.

Notation: Entered Page 385


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Bingham, 20 July 1779
From: Bingham, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
St Pierre M/que July 20th 1779
As the recent Events that have arisen from the operation of the two fleets & Armies in these Seas, are of the most interesting  & important Nature, I shall enter into a regular Detail of those that have taken place Since the Date of my last Letter.
The French Forces that sailed in the Expedition to Grenada arrived there the 2d Inst, when 1300 Troops were immediately disembarked, & the Country reconnoitred; A Flag was sent in the next Day to the Governor, requiring him to surrender, & informing him at the same time that the Forces employed in the Reduction of the Island were So far Superior in Number to those engaged in its Defence, as to render all Resistance useless & presumptuous; Lord Macartney expecting the Approach of Admiral Byron to relieve him, returned for answer, that he was ignorant of the Strength of the Enemy, but had great Confidence in his own, & was determined to make a vigorous Defence; In Consequence of which Count D’Estaing prepared for an Attack, & marched his Troops in three Columns at Midnight of the same Day, Stormed the principal Fort & Retrenchments, & carried them sword in hand;— As this Fort commanded the Citadel, the Governor too late convinced of his Temerity, Sent out a Flag & offered to capitulate, but this being now refused him, he was forced to receive the Terms imposed on him, which were to surrender at Discretion—
As no Capitulation was entered into, by the Laws of War the Troops were allowed to pillage & The Remembrance of the Sufferings of their allies might have animated them to do their Duty in that Service; This occasioned many of the Inhabitants to experience some small Retaliation for the great  Excesses of the English Troops in America aggravating the Calamities of War by more than Savage Cruelty.
This important Conquest fell into the Hands of the French the 4th Inst, without any other Misfortune than the Loss of 35 officers & Men Killed, & 71 wounded.
Seven hundred Troops were found in the Fort, of which 168 were Regulars of the 46th Regiment, the Remainder Volunteers & Militia; the Succeeding Days were employed in establishing the civil & military Government of the Island.
1500 Troops were left to garrison it, & the Rest were embarked on an Expedition against St Christophers, when admiral Byron made his appearance; The Count D’Estaing did not hesitate a Moment to weigh Anchor, advance & give him Battle;— Admiral Byron had received an Accession of Strength of three Ships of the Line, in Addition to the Eighteen he had Sailed with from St Lucie— These two fleets that had long been opposed to each other, but had never untill now come to Action, were mutually animated with eager Resentment, with national Antipathy & with all the passions that inspire obstinate Bravery & great Exertions— The Shock of Battle was violent & corresponded to Such Sentiments;—The Sea was smooth, & the Ports of the lower Batteries of the two Fleets were all opened;— The Execution was accordingly great in a Short time;— The Engagement lasted five hours in which Seven of the British Ships were So disabled as to be towed out of the Line of Battle.— Admiral Byron had the Advantage of being to Windward, which prevented many of the Count D’Estaing’s Squadron from engaging.
Night separated the Fleets;— The French were prepared in the Morning to renew it with redoubled Vigor, but no Enemy appeared;— The English had taken Advantage of the friendly Protection of the Evening & made their Retreat—
The Victory was decisive;— Count D’Estaing remained Master of the Field of Battle, & the boasted veteran fleet of the Enemy found no Security but in flight; In whatever Manner their partial Pen may gloss over the fatal Miscarriages of this memorable Day, yet, from a Consideration of the Circumstances, no Perversion of Language can impress on the Mind a different Idea than that they were compleatly beaten—

This Splendid Action, besides the Reputation it has gained, & the Encouragement it has given to the french Arms, will be attended with great & manifest Advantage as Nothing can now oppose their Progress in these Seas, except the Want of a Sufficient Number of Men to secure their Conquests; The french Fleet sustained in the Engagement the Loss of 176 Killed, & 773 wounded— After having disembarked the latter at Grenada, Count D’Estaing immediately took his Departure from thence, & arrived off this place the 18th Inst;— he continued his Route to Guadaloupe, where, his Intention was to take in a few more Troops, to form an Attack against the Island of St Kitts, whose Resistance would be more feeble than that of Grenada, if it was not for the unlucky Arrival of the English Fleet & Transports there, the former in a most Shattered Condition. Perhaps he will now alter his Destination for Barbados or Montserat;— He at present reigns triumphant in these Seas, & has very little Reason to dread being molested in his Operations by another appearance of the English Squadron, who from its precipitate Retreat must have greatly suffered or been greatly dismayed—
The Island of Tobago which is an appendage to the Government of Grenada, must fall of Course, & Some Troops I hear, were dispatched to take possession of it— It is greatly to be regretted that Circumstances will not admit of an Attack upon St Kitts;— The Acquisition of that Island from its local Situation, must be an Event of the greatest Importance, it being the Rendezvous of all the English fleets from the Windward Islands to take the Benefit of Convoy. Besides its Position in the Vicinity of St Eustatia must greatly controul the Movements of the Dutch, who on the least Appearance of active Hostilities in favor of G Britain, might expect to lose that valuable Possession, the greatest Mart of Commerce in these seas—
I sincerely congratulate you on the great & immediate Advantages that will be derived to the United States from the rapid Success of the Arms of our Allies which must convince G Britain of the Folly of persevering in So ruinous & destructive a War, & of the Necessity of withdrawing her Troops from the Continent to preserve the Remnant of her antient Possessions—
Her Commerce must feel most Sensibly the Loss of these important Islands, which must occasion numberless Bankruptcies, from the immense Sums they owe to the Metropolis, they being all established on Loans, which the Planters procure by Mortgages on their Estates;— Another Solid Advantage to be derived from these Acquisitions, is the Effect that the Loss of them must have on the public Credit of G Britain, whose Resources must uniformly diminish with her Trade, which must occasion her operations to be proportionably slow & dilatory—
The infatuated Councils which have brought the British Nation to the Brink of Ruin, still prevail in the Cabinet & are Strengthened with a personal, rather than a national Animosity against the Americans, which has become implacable, & is the Cause of every Consideration of Interest or Advantage being Sacrificed for the pleasure of gratifying it.
Tis the Operation of Such Sentiments that has occasioned positive Orders to be given to the Commander in Chief of their forces at St Lucie, to embark for America all the Troops in the West Indies, after leaving a feible Garrison in that Island, credulously believing that the supposed Superiority of Admiral Byron in these Seas would be a Sufficient Protection for their Islands, & that the internal Devisions which appear to prevail in America, would give them great advantages in the Operations of the present Campaign— Three thousand Troops were accordingly embarked with all their Baggage, & were intended to make a Descent, ên passant, at St Vincent to endeavor to retake it, but the determined appearance of the Caraibs, & the imminent Danger which threatned Grenada, inclined them to lead all their Forces to the succour & assistance of that Island—

Unfortunately their Transports with their Troops were placed during the Engagement that ensued, Seven Leagues to Windward which prevented their being taken.— But one was captured, which had 170 Troops on board— They have arrived at St Kitts with the Fleet, & will in all probability be kept for the Defence of that Island & Antigua, which must inevitably be reduced, if these Troops Should continue their Route to America— It is generally imagined that if the Ressources of G Britain Should not be exhausted, & the War Should continue another Year, that the West Indies will be a busy Theatre of Action, & the Windward Islands in particular a Scene of the most active Hostilities, as the English will naturally endeavor to recover Such valuable Possessions—
I have the honor to be with unfeigned Respect Sir Your Excellency’s most obedt & very humble Servant
Wm. Bingham
Triplicate

Notation: Bingham July 20. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Hill, 20 July 1779
From: Hill, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Gerhaix 20th July 1779
Permit me to inform your Excellency, that I was Surgeon of the British Sloop of War Drake, when She was taken by the Ranger Continental Sloop of War, off Corrickfergus on the 24th April 1778 and was confin’d on board the Patience Brig in Brest Road from the 7th May following, until the 12th Jany. 1779 at which time I was sent on shore to the Hospital at Brest for Cure of a Fever, and on my recovery was sent to this Town on my Parole of honor, on the 26th Feby. last, since which I have been inform’d that the Crew of the said Sloop Drake is return’d to England.—
I beg leave to pray your Excellency to consider my Case, and to grant me permission to return to my native Country as one of the said Sloops Company. I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency that I have received an order, to leave this Province, and go to Angier [Angers], but have leave from Monsieur Laporte Intendant of Brest to remain her a month longer. I flatter myself your Excellency will honor me with an Answer, before that time is expired.
I have the honor to be your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Most humble Servant
Saml: Hill

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr: / Minister and Plenipotentiary / for the united States of / America / at Paris
Notation: Hill Saml. 20. July 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 July 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond. Sir
Nantes July 20. 1779.
Mr Lee in answer to the Gentlemen arbitraters of my accounts wrote a Letter of which the enclosed is a Copy, & this Copy I am directed to transmit to you. I am ever Your dutifull & affec Kinsman
J Williams J
The Hon Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Jona. Williams July 20. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Committee of Commerce, 21 July 1779
From: Committee of Commerce
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Commercial Committee Philadelphia21st July 1779
By a Letter dated New Orleans 10th April last from Oliver Pollock Esquire Continental Agent at that place is the following Paragraph. “I have this day drawn on Messrs. Samuel and J.H. Delap sundry Bills amounting to 10,897 Dollars at 90 days sight, but as it is still uncertain whether Mr. Geronimo la Chapelle will be there when they arrive, or that Messrs. Delaps may have funds of mine in their hands to do honor to those Bills, I have taken the liberty of writing the Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr. your Ambassador at Paris very minutely on this subject in order he may see those Bills paid for the credit of the States: I have taken this precaution in consequence of your Letter of the 12th June 1777 wherein you desire me to let you know on what terms I can sell Bills on France or Spain.”
Now Sir, as this Gentleman in purchasing many necessaries by Orders from the Committee of Commerce is largely in advance (say about 70,000 Dollars) for the United States, and thereby greatly distressed, nor is it in our power at present to give him relief until new Flour is brought to Market, an Article much wanted there, and the only one in our power to reimburse him with. In order to prevent the evil that will inevitably ensue to him as well as to the honor of these States should those Bills be protested, induces us most earnestly to request your interference in this matter, so as to prevent the Bills being protested, and please to advise us with the result.

We have the honor to be With the greatest respect and esteem Your Excellency’s Most humble Servants
signed by orderFra: Lewis
(Duplicate)His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America at the Court of France.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Thompson, 22 July 1779
From: Thompson, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Gentlemen,
Brest, July 22nd. 1779
I have sent to you by Capt. Carey all the Letters that I brought from Boston with me as I am certain they will be delivered to you with the greatest care. He is a Gentleman who came Passenger with me. I shall sail for Nantz in two or three Days where I shall take in a small Cargoe for Boston. I expect to sail from Nantz by the first of next Month. If your Honours should have any Commands, I should be glad to have the Honor to serve You.
I have the Honor to be,— Gentlemen Your most Obedt. & Huml Servt.
Jams. Thompson

Addressed: For / The Honble. Benjamin Franklin / Paris / Favd. by / Cap. Carey
Notation: Thompson Brest 22. juillet 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Four Letters, 22 July 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Dear & honoured Sir.
Nantes July 22. 1779
Since writing you on the 13th Instant in which I informed you that the Privateers complained of by the Spanish Court could not be american ones, I have made more particular Enquiry, and in order to satisfy the Ambassador in the fullest manner I return you the Paper you sent to me with a Certificate from the Brokers here declaring that such Privateers have never appeared in France. I can say nothing about the one in the West Indies but I am convinced that all such Insults have been from the English & not from the americans.
I am ever with the greatest Respect your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
His Excelly Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Williams Jona. July 22 1779.

II.
Dear & honoured Sir.
Nantes July 22. 1779
I informed on the 13th Instant, I informed you that Capt Babcock Commander of the Genl Mifflin Privateer had released one hundred & ninety Prisoners at Sea and I inclosed you a Receipt for the same properly authenticated.— On hearing that the Cartel Ship was arrived in this River I thought it my Duty to claim an Exchange of these Prisoners and accordingly wrote the enclosed to Mr Schweighauser. If you think it is just & expedient to insist on my Receipts being accepted in Exchange for 190 Americans you will no Doubt give orders accordingly.— I am with the greatest Respect Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Williams Jona. July 22. 1779.

III.
Dear & honoured Sir.
Nantes July 22. 1779
This is the 3d Letter I have written to you to day, I write seperate Ones in order to keep the Business of each seperate.— My arbitration goes on but slowly, the Gentn thought it was necessary to write to Mr Lee to make their proceedings perfectly impartial, and he tries by his answer to put a Stop to the Examination; I sent you by last Post a Copy of this Performance, you will see how he tries to twist himself out, and because he knows he can’t support his malicious accusations he wants to impress the Gentlemen with an Idea that they have not sufficient authority, but in spight of all his endeavours I shall I hope obtain my End.— They have examined and approvd of my Vouchers already & from everything that I can discover their opinion is very honourably for me; they have seen that I never have made use of a Sol of public Money for a private Speculation and they have also seen that even were I to be allowed as a merchant would have been by another merchant for doing the same Business, the public would owe me a great deal of money. As soon as it is over I will bring their award to you in Person. I am impatient to do this for I find my presence only can prevent my losing ground when I want to be most firmly established. I hope you have delivered my last to Mr A and that you approve of it. Can any man be more open than I am, they may know the Worst of me with all my heart, and so they hear only truth I do not care what they hear, for I want to conceal nothing.—
I am ever with the greatest Respect Dear & hond Sir most sincerely & affectionately Yours
J Williams J

I have just received your Recommendation of Mr Watteville and I will do all I can for him, but there is no way of his going to America from this at present.—

Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis en son Hotel / a Passy près Paris
Notation: Williams Jona. July 22. 1779.

IV.
Dear & honoured Sir.
Nantes July 22. 1779
This will be presented to you by Captain Foligny who commanded the Marquis de la Chalotais in her first Voyage to America early in the War. He is just returned from the West Indies and being an experienced Officer will be able to give you a good Accot of the naval Operations in that part of the World.
I recommend him to your Civilities and am with the greatest Respect Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona. Williams J
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Williams Jona. July 22. 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Walter Pollard, [before 23 July 1779]
From: Pollard, Walter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hôtel du Roi petit Carousel près de Thuilleries.[before July 23, 1779]
The Arrival of the inclosed Letter to Mr: Pollard makes it unnecessary for Him to trouble Doctor Franklin with the Parcel intended for England. It comes from the Gentleman to whom that Parcel was directed—his respected Friend Mr: J——s, who had undertaken to procure, if possible, what was necessary for Mr: Pollard’s Return to his Family. How the Efforts of his Friend have succeded may be seen in his own Account. Amongst the several Persons to whom the Application was made, Mr: Daniel is alone accountable to the Friends & Father of Mr: Pollard, for his first & last Distresses, having unfairly witholden Supplies from Him not many Months ago, & now (in the present Alarm of the British Commerce) refusing to supply with only a Part the Son of a Gentleman to whom He formerly professed a Friendship. The others if able would unquestionably have lent their Assistance, which would not have been sollicited without the Assurance of his Father’s Ability & Readiness to repay them. This, Sir, is the Subject of this Letter; & the Pain & Uneasiness of being obliged to write it cannot easily be expressed. Mr: P. had requested of them 50£, half of which would serve to pay his Expenses, incurred since his Disappointment of Mr: Norton’s Coming to Paris & the other Half would supply Him to Eustatia. But He is perfectly sensible, that where this Letter is written there must be many others who doubtless have better & stronger Claims to Assistance:—& the Thought of this has long restrained Him from a like Application. However, Mr: Js. having fairly marked the Crisis (and advised to the best of his Knowlege, whatever may be the Merit of his Advise)—the Necessity is too obvious to Mr: Pollard of doing something—but how—He cannot venture to determine. His Duty to His Father (whose Sentiments & Sense of Things are the same with his Son’s) is the first Movement of his Soul; but Necessity (the Cause of which was honourable, though the Effects of it are severely felt by him, as He now finds Himself a Burthen where He vainly wished to be of Service) obliges Him to explain his Situation. He hopes there is no Impropriety in doing it in this Manner  & if any Thing is obscure, & wanting a further Explanation, Mr: P will wait upon his Excellency whenever it may be convenient to give Him Notice.

Notation: From Mr Pollard no Date 1779.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bernard Dehez, 23 July 1779: résumé
From: Dehez, Bernard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<San Sebastián, July 23, 1779, in French: I have the honor of informing Your Excellency that Capt. Gustavus Conyngham, in command of the armed privateer La Vengeance (Revenge), captured the brigantine Le Gracieux, whose French captain, Manuel Augustin Letournois, sailing from London, had entirely loaded his ship with British goods, supposedly destined for Coruña. The prize was brought into this port and the commandant général of the province [Marquis de Bassecourt] allowed part of the goods to be sold at auction. During that time, I rendered essential services to Capt. Conyngham and his crew. Impatient, he sailed away before the trial had taken place, without leaving any retainer to provide for its outcome.
The trial dragged on and ended surprisingly in the victory of the opposing party, whereupon the commandant, in his search for fairness, referred it to the War Council in Madrid. Meanwhile, Capt. Conyngham, who had left with me a power of attorney of which I include a copy, never deigned to answer the various letters I sent him requesting the funds necessary for the pursuit of this judicial matter.
In order to protect Conyngham’s interests, and those of Congress, I entrusted a friend in Madrid with enquiring quietly into the business; he informed me on July 15 that Conyngham has no legal representative in Madrid, but that, given the new ordinance passed by the King of Spain upon his declaration of war against England, the outcome of the trial is bound to be favorable, provided legal counsel is in place.
I beg Your Excellency to give instructions to Messrs. Gardoqui in Bilbao or anybody you choose to provide me with the financial means to pursue this affair which is bound to bring a considerable amount of money to Conyngham or to Congress.

P.S. I am enclosing the text of the ordinance of July 1, to let you appreciate how much it bolsters Conyngham’s claim.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, [23 July? 1779]
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Hotel de Rome Friday Afternoon.[July 23, 1779?]
I have several Letters but no News from London. Sir Charles Hardy’s Fleet was at Anchor in Plymouth Road on the 17th Instant.
I am with the sincerest Respect your Excellency’s affectionate & most obt. Servt
S. Wharton
His Excellency Mr. Franklin

Notation: S. Wharton Paris—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 24 July 1779
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 24 July 1779
The following is a petition rather of a Singular Nature yet I think I have some grounds. In the private Armaments made in this Kingdom on the Granting Commissions I embarkt in order to engage others to the extent of a considerable Sum. Our Vessels took many, but of Little value, of course hurt the Enemy without indemnifying the Interested Twenty Six or Seven prizes produced only to refit the Privateers at Forreign Ports that by Loss’s of our Ships since taken all our Capital is absorbd this is the fortune of War and of which we were aware but in One of the adventures I cannot help thinking myself Agreived. The Ship La Marquise de Lafayette was bought by Gouverment to Lend to Basmarin & Co. who engaged to fitt her out at their expence in being indulged with 18 Months service of the Ship on their application to me I agreed to take an Interest of 25000 Livres and paid into their hands that Sum, she was most compleatly fitted for her Cruise and a few days after she was out fell in with some outwardbound fishermen & Whalemen tho’ but of Little Value to the Owners was a National benifit the number of Prisoners obliged the Captain to put into port to Land them. The Captain hearing of the Failure of the House of Basmarin sent an Express for Instructions. The Interested emediately orderd him to proceed on his Mission and laid in a fresh Supply out of the proceeds of the prizes for a four Months Cruize. Six Weeks after she put into this Port not having had any success to that day. On her arrival Monsr Le Moine Commissaire de La Marine took possession of her in behalf of the King and consequently all our prospects with our Capital is become an entire Loss. As this Vessel was equipt with our Capital was to have been at our disposal eighteen Months was compleatly Mannd and having in no manner diviated from the Original Convention with Gouverment who now taking her into their possession ought to indemnify the Interested for their advances. This being an affair that your Worthy friend Mons. Le Rey de Chaumont can make light give me leave to request your Influence with him if any plan other than this can be offerd to recover my said Capital. It may not be amiss to enforce our Spirritted efforts to set on float these adventures wherin we lose by our Concerns in privateers only lost & taken upwards of 110,000 l.t. including the Twenty five Thousand Interest I hold in this Vessel which becomes a Loss from the Sole motion of the Loss of Possession Gouvernment stand indemnified should they reimburse our advances by the value of the effects they obtain. I do not enter into any of the transactions of the House of Basmarin with whom I have no other conections but in two of these adventures. I only humbly represent my own Griefs recommending my Interest to your protection. I am with due respect Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield
His Excellency Benj Franklin esq

Notation: Bondfield John 24. Juillet 1779.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 25 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

Sir
Passy, July 25. 1779.
Having received Copies of the Papers found in the English Vessel called les trois amis, taken by Captain Landais, I desired a Person conversant in Such Matters to examine them, and I have now the honour to send to your Excellency here with the Remark he has made upon them. What Weight they may have is submitted to your Excellency’s Judgement.
For my own Part, I should be for paying the most perfect Respect to the Pleasure of the king signified in his passport or otherways. But the Captain Officers and People of the Alliance being persuaded by every body that as the Ship and Cargo is clearly english Property and the king’s Commands in his Passport, are directed only to his own subjects, “a tous nos Officiers and Sujets” with the usual Clause et nous prions et desirons que les officiers et Ministres de touts Princes et Etats liés d’amitié avec nous laisse et permette le passage, &c. they believe they are justifiable in taking her, and they would think I did them a great Injury, if I should order them to deliver up their Prize without a legal Trial and sentence ordaining it and It might give occasion to a fresh Mutiny in that ship, very inconvenient to the present service she is engaged in. Indeed I do not think myself authorised to dispose of what they consider as their Property, without such Trial. The Congress have given Orders to all their Captains to submit their Prizes when carried into france to the Jurisdiction of the king’s admiralty Courts having the greatest Confidence in the Justice of these Tribunals. I have the same Confidence and do therefore request your Excellency that a regular Trial of the Validity of this Prize may take place, in the Event of which I shall, and I think all parties ought to acquiesce. With the greatest Respect, I am your Excellency’s


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 25 July 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy, July 25. 1779.
I received yesterday a Letter dated the 20th. Instand, under a Cover mark’d with your Excellency’s Name but the Letter not signed by you or any other Person enclosing a Memoire which is likewise not signed, relating to the taking of the English ship the three friends by Capt. Landais, who is charg’d in the Memoire as having made that Prize in Contempt of the King’s Passport. Having had the Honour of conferring with your Excellency on this Subject the Same Day on which the Letter is dated, and of communicating to you the Reasons offered in the Captain’s Justification, I apprehend that this anonymous Letter which expresses an Expectation that I should order an immediate Restitution of the Said ship, does not come from your Excellency, but is sent me by some other Person, or by some Mistake. I do not therefore here repeat those Reasons, nor trouble your Excellency at present with mine for thinking that a regular Trial of the validity of that Prise, would be the most satisfactory; I have however given them to M. Desartine in a Letter of this Day. With the greatest Respect, I am Your Excellency, most obed.
M. De Vergennes.