Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, [after 26 May 1777]
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored and dear Sir,
[After May 26, 1777]
I catch up my pen in haste: but, it is not that circumstance which makes me omit prefatorial apology, in this attempt to draw You into a literary correspondence. Difference of age and other differences vastly more important vanish, when I consider our relationship as “Friends to America.” And, I am conscious that the service of these United States is the only motive prompting me at this time to an act, otherwise, egregiously vain.

Letters to Congress have been too often cast into the sea by the bearers of them, when in danger of being taken by the Enemy, in consequence of directions given by the Writers. The last unfortunate instance was where Mr. McCreary was bearer for the Honble. Mr. Deane. I think the great ingenuity of that young Gentleman could have found means to preserve a packet in the chase and his after captivity, if he had been emboldened by any consideration to make tryal, under contrary orders. I wish to lessen the necessity of such directions as have been heretofore given, on like occasions.
You have practised modes of secret correspondence. I submit the annexed plan to your judgment. Having gained it by accident, I am satisfied myself that it is sufficiently inscrutable to warrant the attempt of preserving packets of importance thro’ the risques of captivity.
Should this letter arrive unbroken in its seal; we may draw advantage from the Thistle. Should it arrive under dubious circumstances, you may use the Alphabet, and, by one of your ten thousand ready devices, may communicate to me a new Key-Word.
The secret Committee doubtless give you all proper history. I am too young in my present service to know the just limits of communicating those subjects which are most interesting to your Heart. I am With great and sincere Esteem Your very humble Servant
James Lovell
Honble. Doctr. Franklin

    Addressed: To / The Honble: Benjamin Franklin Esqr

 1 a b c d e f g h i j k l m 1 n o p q r s t u v w x y z & 1
 2 b c d e f g h i j k l m n 2 o                           2
 3 c d e f g h i j k l m n o 3 p                           3
 4 d                         4                             4

 5 e                         5                             5
 6 f                         6                             6
 7 g                         7                             7
 8 h
 9 i     Three lines of figures help the eye in making
10 j     angular reference.
11 k     By continuing till the square shall be compleat,
12 1     each letter of the Alphabet will be referable to
13 m     every figure of the 27.
14 n
15 o               Examp:
16 p     chards n char
17 q     Powder & Ball are already sent to the amt.
18 r                 doncha
19 s     ordered, and Cannon as directed will be shipped
20 t        rdo
21 u     by May
22 v
23 w
24 x     14.8.23.14.2.4.14.27.21.12.2. are sent to the
25 y     amt. ordered, and 27.14.1.12.8.14 as directed
26 z     will be shipped by 23.25.11.
27 &


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Bartram, 27 May 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bartram, John

My dear old Friend,
Paris, May 27. 1777.
The Communication between Britain and North America being cut off, the French Botanists cannot in that Channel be supply’d as formerly with American Seeds, &c. If you or one of your Sons encline to continue that Business, you may I believe send the same Number of Boxes here, that you used to send to England, because England will then send here for what it wants in that Way. Inclos’d is a List of the Sorts wish’d for here. If you consign them to me, I will take care of the Sale and Returns for you. There will be no Difficulty in the Importation, as the Matter is countenanced by the Ministry, from whom I receiv’d the List. My Love to Mrs. Bartram and your Children. I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B. Franklin
Mr John Bartram


Title: Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 27 May 1777
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas

Dear Sirs
Vienna May 27. 1777
I reached this three days from Munich and in expectation of hearing from you to Morrow shall not proceed till the 29th. Dresden will be my next Stage.
There is a Cold tranquillity here, that bodes us no good. On ne peut pas echauffer la froi deur alle magne [froideur allemande]. From what I learn we need be under no apprehensions from Russia.
I hope you will not forget to Sound the two Courts, whether they will join mine in declaring us independent. But I am afraid that will not be obtained, and not then unless they are in our favour. I am Dear Sirs Yours

To the Hond. the Commissioners at Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Coder, 27 May 1777
From: Coder, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris ce 27e may 1777
Je prends la liberté de vous envoiér le surplus des modeles que m. dubourg, avoit cru pouvoir vous portér hier a passi, ainsi que la notte si jointe; vous verés Monsieur par le billet que je vients de rescevoir, le facheux etat de mdme. dubourg, que je crois sans ressoursse. Je verai M. bayar cet apres midi, et comme il seroit apropos de l’abouchér avec vous et Mr. deaene, je viendrai ce soir a passi ou demain du grand matin scavoir quelles sont vos intentions a ce sujet a moins que vous ne me les fassiés conoitre par le porteur, qui est un homme sur. Je suis avec veneration Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissent scerviteur
Codercapitaine d’infenteriehotel d’angletere rue de seinefb St germainM. franklin passi


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 28 May 1777
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Vienna May 28 1777
The post in and nothing from you. I therefore shall proceed to Morrow and hope to reach my destination in eight days. The chief purpose for giving Money in my memorial was to pay the Interest of our Loans and Support our funds. I added the paying the Ship we were obliged to build in Holland in lieu of those requested. To these purposes therefore they will expect the Money will be apply’d. Yours &c.
Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Shanly, 28 May 1777
From: Shanly, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir
Paris May 28th 1777
From maney Solicitations Of The frinds To the Congress In Irland, And My Own Intentions To Serve In the Defence Of Liberty And My Contrymen In Amerrica Induced Me To Leave Irland for that Purpos About Six Weeks Ago And I Should Have been Here Long Ago To Weait On Your Hons. Onely I was Taken Ill on The Roade Which Retarted My Jorney A good Deale. You May be Asured That there Is A great Deal of Stedfast Frinds To Your Cause In Irland And That Of The Best Sort Onely That They Dar Not Declare Them Selves Openly And I Should have Large Packetts for You from that Contry But It Would be Dangerous Careying Them In Those Times. However When I have The Honor of Seeing You I will Informe You Of Some Of Them. What Made Them press Me So Much for This Jorney Was That As The Store [story is] the Most Of Your Want Is Offisers That Understands Disipling And They Depending On My Abilletys In That Case. As I was A Quarter Master In Sir Jas. Caldwells Light Dragoons from The Raising of Same Till the General Reduction In 63 When I was put On half pay. I was The Man that Disiplined That Corps I Allso Was Quarter Master And Adjutant for Eight Years In The 8th Dragoons General Seviarn Which Is Quartered In Irland And Onely Quit Them A Verey Short Time Ago. Rickemendations I have from both Regements As I Tould Them I was Going To Serve under Generl. How In New York, Which I can Show You. There Are Allso Maney people More That Would Come On the Same Arant [Errand] Onely Weaiting for My Answer To no what Incoragement I Should Get. I Should be Sorey To Attempt Aney Thing But what I was Throughly Master of, And Hopes To be Able to Convince The Gentelmen That Will place Aney Confidence In Me That I Shall Discharge It To the Utmost Of My Power. As To My Knowledge in Disipling I will Ingage That Time Shall Show It To there Sadisfaction. I am Honored Sir With The Greatest Respect Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
James Shanly

P:S I have Travled Upwards of Five Hundrett Miles on the Above Arant To Gether With passing Two Seas, And Onely My Intention ware well poynted for the Provencial Cause. I Apale [appeal] To Your Hons. Would I Under Take Such A Jorney Which Was Atended With A Good Deal of Expence &c. &c. &c. I Shall Make bould To Call for An Answer. As I Came To be at Your Honos. Disposial I am Content To What you please.

Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin
Notations: James Shanly Paris 28 may 1777. / Direct to Mr. Kirman
College of Lumbard Rue des Carmes


Title: The Marquis de Brétigney: Memorandum for the Commissioners, [after 28 May 1777]
From: Brétigney, Charles-François Sevelinges, marquis? de
To:

This memorandum is the first appearance of an adventurous aristocrat, about whose background little seems to be known. He had been an officer in the garde du corps of the comte d’Artois, the King’s brother, and went to America for much the usual reasons. “Le desir de me faire connoitre, l’envie d’apprendre mon métier, et peut-etre l’envie encore de faire ma fortune militaire plus rapidement, tout cela m’a engagé de passer au service des Américains.” He must have had very considerable means, for he offers here to take ten officers with him at his own expense, along with arms and equipment for a corps of 130 men. He first broached his scheme in a memorandum that he left with Beaumarchais, who then approached Deane. In early June the Marquis and an intermediary, the abbé Le Clerc de St. Etrain, called on Deane but failed to see him; the abbé left what we believe was the present memorandum and a note asking for an appointment.
By Thursday, June 12, when the commissioners had accepted the proposal and planning was in its final stage, the Marquis wrote that three of his officers were to be presented to Franklin next Saturday, receive letters from him to Jonathan Williams, and go to Nantes the following day. On the 18th Brétigney, having heard from Montieu that he would have to hurry his departure, announced that he and the rest of his party would leave on Saturday the 21st, and requested a final interview. When Saturday came he wrote for the last time, asking Franklin to return by the bearer the letters of recommendation for his companions along with one for himself, about which he had spoken, that would enable him to keep the requisite order and discipline among his officers. The latter request elicited the letter to Washington below of the 21st, in which Franklin put responsibility on the Marquis for his companions’ conduct. The letter was not delivered, for the volunteers got as far as South Carolina and were then captured on their way north. Their vicissitudes will appear in later volumes.

Notte
[After May 28, 1777]
M. de Brétigney Capte. d’infanterie avec Rang de Lieutenant colonel a l’honneur de proposer a Messieurs les députés de faire passer a ses frais dix officiers qui veulent bien s’attacher a sa fortune et qui tous ont fait la guerre.

Le Projet de M. de Bretigney est de lever une troupe de chasseurs peu nombreuse, mais bien choisie et commandée par des officiers sages, instruits, et d’une Bravoure reconnue.
Pour rendre la levée de ce corps moins couteuse au Congrés, M. de Bretigney s’oblige d’armer et d’habiller 130 hommes encore a ses frais, en consequence il emporterat de france les armes et les uniformes necessaires.
M. de Beaumarchais a donné un mémoire deja presenté par M. de Bretigney; cet officier donnera a Monsieur Dean tous les Ecclaircissements possibles, M. de Beaumarchais d’ailleurs répondra de luy.


Title: The American Commissioners: Contract with ––– Mercier for the Repair of Arms, 30 May 1777: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To:

<Charleville, May 30, 1777, in French: Mercier will engage at least forty qualified workmen to come to Nantes as soon as possible. He will contract with each of them at a fixed price, not to exceed 2 l.t. 2 sols for each gun that needs to be dismantled, cleaned, and reassembled; any new work will be done as cheaply as possible. He will obtain parts from the manufacturers at the best price he can and no profit for himself. The commissioners will provide a workman with 3 l.t. a day on the way to Nantes, or 5 l.t. should he bring a wife and children, for as many days as Mercier thinks reasonable for the journey; each man, if he performs satisfactorily, will receive 50 l.t. when the project is finished. Mercier may lend a maximum of 500 l.t. to any of them who is in debt. They will be furnished with free lodging, heat, and light, but pay for everything else. They will bring their own tools, except fixtures, or be charged for those provided them. Mercier will arrange to have some swords and sabers repaired at a fixed price and no profit to himself. The commissioners will pay him 7½ sols for every gun and pair of pistols properly repaired, up to a total of 22,500 l.t. for 60,000 arms; if there are more or fewer weapons he will receive the same amount. Should the repairs for any reason stop, he will remain in the service of the United States for three years from the present date, either in France or America, and be compensated at the end as if the work had been completed. He will keep regular accounts, verified at least once a month, of everything pertaining to the operation; these books will be presented for inspection whenever requested by the commissioners’ agent in Nantes. Approved, signed, and dated by Mercier.>


Title: The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 30 May 1777
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Philadelphia May 30th. 1777
We have delayed sending this Packet from a daily expectation of hearing from you, as some letters from France make mention of a quick Sailing Vessel by which we were to receive despatches. Tho’ it must be agreeable to you to hear frequently from us, yet as our Letters by being taken might be of worse Consequence than being delayed, We are desirous of waiting for the safest opportunity, and when you hear not so often as you wish, remember, Our Silence means our Safety. Acquainted as we are with the Situation and Condition of the Enemy, we well know, that the pompous Paragraphs in the London papers, are not the News which the Ministry hear from their Army but the news they make for them.
The Amphitrite is safely arrived at Portsmouth N: Hampshire. The Seine at Martinique, but is made a prize of on her Passage from thence. We request you to expedite the Loan of Two Millions (which we have already sent you a Commission for and now send you a duplicate of the same) for tho’ we conceive the Credit of America to be as well founded at least as any in the world, having neither Debt nor Taxes on her Back when she began the War, yet she represents a Man who with a vast Capital all in Property is unable to make new Purchases till he can either convert some of it into Specie, or borrow from hand to mouth in the mean time. Britain is now fighting us, and the greatest part of Europe, negatively, by endeavouring to Stop that Trade from us to France, Spain, &c. which She has most effectually lost to herself, and we wish those Courts saw their Interest in the same clear point of View in which it appears to us. We have little or no doubt of being able to reduce the Enemy by Land and we likewise believe that the united Powers of France Spain and America would be able totally to expel the British fleet from the Western Seas, by which the Communication for Trade would be opened, the Number of Interests reduced which have hitherto distracted the West Indies, and Consequently the Peace of all this Side of the globe put on a better foundation than it has yet ever been. A Mutual Advantage, as we Conceive to France, Spain, and these States.
That Britain was formidable in the West Indies last War is true, but when it is Considered that her power there arose from her Possessions here, or that she was formidable chiefly thro’ us it is impossible to suppose that she can again arrive to the same pitch. Here she was assisted by numberless Privateers. Here she supplied and partly Manned her Navy, recruited and almost raised her Army for that Service, in short, America last War represented Britain removed to this Side the Atlantic. The Scene is changed, and America now, is that to France and Spain, in point of Advantage, which she last War was to Britain. Therefore putting the Convenience which we might receive out of the Question, by their making an Attack on the West Indies, We are somewhat surprised that such Political Courts as France and Spain should Hesistate on a Measure so alluring and Practicable. We do not mention these Remarks because we suppose they do not occur to you, but to let you know our thoughts on the Matter, and to give you every advantage by conveying our Minds to you as well as our Instructions or Informations.
This Packet brings you compleat Setts of the Philadelphia News Papers filed in order for 17 Weeks, to which we refer you for account of little skirmishes &c. We are Gentlemen your Obedient Humble Servants
Benja HarrisonRobt MorrisJno WitherspoonThos. Heyward Junr.James Lovell

Notation: Committee May 30. 1777.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 31 May 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Honorable Gentlemen.
Nantes May 31. 1777.
I arrived here late last Evening. The Mere Bobie has not taken in the Bales I ordered, on account of a difficulty which the Custom House Officers have made relative to the Duties, but on application to the Directeur des Fermes I have so succeeded, that I am in hopes to have them aboard this evening, and wind permitting, she shall sail on monday morning. It is reported here that Hammond is taken, but the news has every appearance of improbability. I am more afraid (if it has any foundation at all) that it is adams. I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient humble Servant
Jona Williams

Wickes Nickolson and Johnson all sailed the 29th.
I delivered your Letter to Mr Ross the post goes out too soon for him to answer it at present, he therefore desires me to refer you to the next. I hope the same circumstance will be an excuse for the hurry with which this is written.

Addressed: The Honourable / The Commissioners of the / United States. / Passy or / Paris.
Notation: Mr. Williams 31 May 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Philip Merckle, [May? 1777]
From: Merckle, John Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
[May ?, 1777]
This chiefly serves to acquaint you that after taking all possible information from every circumstance in the present conjuncture of time, I have finally determined, to give the commission for the fulfilling of the weighty orders I have had the honour to be trusted with: to the House of Mr. Ambrosius Pool & Comp., Gentlemen of entire confidence and full capacity in business of any sort: and as they are from Switzerland and that their trade is in part for Italy and Germany and in part for one of the Dutch Colonies in America, they may be considered totally out of all connections with the E ... Nation: For all these reasons I have not the least doubt or that this House shall give comple sattisfaction in every sense.
As sone as I will have taken the necessary measures for the expedition of my orders, I am intentioned to make a tour to france, when I shall give me the honour to waite upon you.
I have no particular News to mention, but what is written in the News Papers and spoken in the Coffee House, the only particularity which is comen to my knowledge is, that according all appearance, the Dutch Merchantmen going to their Colonies and coming from the Same, will gett a convoy of Dutch Men of War, to which certain event (which I could not entirely discover) hath given the occasion. I remain with a profound respect Sir Your most obt. Servt.
Joh. Ph. Merckle
To the Honourable Doctor Franklin at Paris

Notations: Mr Merckle / J.P. Merccle no Date


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Coder, 1 June 1777
From: Coder, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce dimenche matin 1er juin 1777hotel d’angletere rue de seine faubourg st g[ermain].
M. dubourg, m’a conselié de vous envoiér Monsieur, un mentau bleu exactement conforme au modelle que je m’etois proposé de vous presentér. Il n’y a de plus que les agréements qui sont en argent, qui doivent etre pour le soldat en fil, ainsi que les epauletes de la veste. L’officier est encore distingué par une echarpe qui scert a portér sabre ou epée et menteau, ce que j’aurai l’honeur de vous expliquér ce soir a passi, a moins que vous ne me fassiés dire par le porteur de n’i pas allér.
Coder


Title: The American Commissioners to John Jay, 2 June 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir
Dunkirk 2d. June 1777.
We refer the Committee to ours to You of the 26 ulto. of which we sent Duplicates, should either arrive, but apprehensive of the Contrary we send you the Substance in this. The Brittish Commerce in Europe, especially in the North, is unguarded, the Greenland Whale Fishery and the Hudsons Bay Shipps in particular. Could two or three of our frigates accompanied by lesser swift sailing Cruisers get into those Seas in the month of August or September, a valuable part of the Commerce of our Enemies might be interrupted. As Tobacco Rice &c. are in great Demand in France and Remittances wanted, we submit to the Congress the sending out some of their Frigates loaded with these articles for Nantes or Bourdeaux, and whilst their Cargoes were disposed of, they might refresh themselves and make a Cruise against the Enemy. The Coast of England to the west is unguarded either by Land or Sea. The Frigates capable of landing five hundred men might destroy several of their Towns, which would alarm and shake the Nation to the Center, whilst the ships might fly and take Refuge in the Ports of France or Spain, but suppose the worst, that they are intercepted in their Retreat, the inevitable Consequences of so bold an attempt will be sufficiently injurious to justify the measure. But this must be done by a Coup De Main and there can be no great apprehension of any difficulty in retreating, since by means of the daily Intercourse between the two Kingdoms we might know the exact situation of the brittish fleet and commerce in the different Ports, and never attempt until we had a fixed object in view, and were masters of every Circumstance. The ship building at Amsterdam will be near as strong as a 74 and may join the squadron in the months of February or March. The East India will be returning to St. Helens, and there waiting for a Convoy, which is a single man of war. Three frigates on that station might effect a most prodigious affair, and if they first came to Europe as in the [blank in MS: guise?] of Trade, it would be much less suspected, as they might set out from a Harbour here, and not be supposed for any other Route but that of going directly for America. We have no more to add than that 4000 Hanoverians are on their march for Stade to embark for America. We are &c.
B. FranklinS. Deane
John Jay Esqr

[Note by Jay:] N.B. The words scored in the aforegoing Copy are inserted from a Letter of the 8. June of the like & no other import that part of the original being too indistinct to be read with Certainty.
J.J.

Notation: Franklin & Deane to John Jay June 2d. 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, [2 June? 1777]
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Monday Morning [June 2?, 1777]
I send inclosed all the Papers that came To hand, also a Letter from Mr. Bingham by which I find the Cargo from Havre in the Ship in which Davis went passanger was arrived at Martinico and I hope by this the whole is safely Landed on the Continent. I am ever Dear Sir most respectfully Your very Humble Servant
S Deane
Hon. Mr Franklin


Title: Concerning Mr. Merckle, [after 2 June? 1777]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

J. P. Merckle had arrived in Bordeaux on the Dispatch and had contracted, but not paid for, a small consignment of goods for her return voyage. He had then gone to the Netherlands, and ordered supplies worth far more than the secret committee had authorized him to spend. In February Lee had complained that the Dispatch was waiting in Bordeaux for a cargo. Three and a half months later she was still waiting; on June 2 John Ross urged that the commissioners pay for what Merckle had ordered in Bordeaux, supplement that consignment with salt, and send the ship as soon as possible. The present memorandum was presumably written after the commissioners decided to act on Ross’s advice and complete the cargo.

[After June 2?, 1777]
Mr. Merckle came to Philadelphia with an Offer to the Committee of Congress to purchase for them some things wanted for the Army, which he said were to be had cheaper in Holland than elsewhere. The Committee made a small Contract with him for that purpose, and furnish’d him with Money to purchase the things wanted. So far as his Contract specifies, any Favour from the Court of France relative to the Duties on those Goods, will be thankfully acknowledged; but it is not desired, that there should be the least Hazard of covering other Goods under such Favour. Mr. Merckle is not employ’d by the Congress in any other Business.

Notation in Franklin’s hand: Concerning Mr Merckle


Title: John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1777
From: Jones, John Paul
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen,
Portsmouth New Hampshire June 3d 1777
I take the Liberty of acquainting you that in obedience to Orders from the Honorable the Marine and Secret Committees of Congress, bearing date the 9th ulto, I immediately repaired here in Order to proceed in the French Ship Amphitrite from hence to Charlestown South Carolina and thence to France. The intention of the Secret Committee was first to avail of this Ships Guns and Men to make a Cruising Voyage to France. On my arrival there, my Orders are to proceed immediately to Paris, to put a Letter into your Hands, and then to take Command of a “Fine Frigate” and to receive Orders from you respecting my future Proceedings. But the Captain of the Amphitrite Monsr: Fautrel, has absolutely refused to permit my Proceeding with him in any other Character than as a Passenger, as he thinks it will be a dishonor to the French Flag to suffer an American Commission to supersede his, nor will he consent to Sail for Carolina unless on Conditions such as Colo. Langdon the Agent doth not think himself Authorized to Insure. A Week hath lapsed since this Account with duplicates hath been forwarded to the Honorable Committee. At the same time Colo. Langdon has proposed to them, that I should proceed directly to France in a new Continental Sloop of War of 18 Guns, which he is now fitting and is in great forwardness. He has also proposed that this Vessell should be continued under my direction in Order to stregthen my hands and enable me the better to Effect any Services which you may find necessary. The Captain of the Mercure, Monsr: Heraut for Nantes by whom I send this, had the Politeness to offer a frank Acceptance of the Proposition which had been made to Monsr. Fautrel, but I declined his Offer, as his Ship is of a very inconsiderable force (consisting only of 10 Three Pounders) and as I did not think myself Authorized to depart from the Express letter of my Orders. I now wait the Secret Committee’s determination, which must reach this Place before either the Amphitrite or the New Ship can be got in readiness for Sailing, and I think the probability is that Colo. Langdon’s proposition will be Adopted.
I ardently wish to be again in Active Service, and in the mean time the Prospect I have of being shortly under your direction affords me a very singular Pleasure for altho’ I am personally unknown to you, I Altogether Esteem your Characters, and have the Honor to be, Gentlemen, Your very respectful, very Obedient, most humble Servant
Jno P Jones
The Honble: B. Franklin, S. Deane & A. Lee Esqrs. Commissioners at the Court of Paris.Portsmo NH. June 3d 1777. (Copy)

Addressed: The Honbl. / B. Franklin S. Dean & A Lee Esqs / Commissioners at the Court / of Paris.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Honorable Gentlemen
Nantes June 3. 1777
I am sorry to find that poor adams is realy taken I hope the mere Bobie will be more Successfull. I sent the Capt. away yesterday morning she must be therefore now at sea. Capt. Wilson in a Large ship Loaded with 1260 Casks of Rice and a quantity of Indigo on Account of the massachusetts States is Safe arrived from Carolina she has brought nothing Fresh and no dispatches.
I have this day drawn on you in favor of Mr. Peltier Du Doyer for fifteen thousand and twenty nine Livers ⅖ being the amount of his Accounts against the Dolphin. I shall by next Post transmit regular accounts of this transaction. Mr. Deans favor of the 29 Ultimo is before me. As soon as the ship from Havre arrives I will take care to obtain particular Information in Every respect with regaurd to her and she shall then have all possible Dispatch. Count Pouloskie arrived here too Late for the Packet but I will do for him all in my power. I find he has another officer with him who he says he must have also a Passage for being one who has always attended his Person.
If I should be able to provide for him before may I suspend your orders about Passengers in the Ship from Harvre and let him go in her? I shall say nothing about it unless I have your leave.
I Inclose a Letter from Capt. Nicholson which he left when he sailed, also a Copy of the Orders I gave to the Capt. of the Mere Bobie. I extracted them from your general orders leaving out such as did not apply to this opperation. I have also drawn on you for 2036 l.t. 10 s. in favor of Monsr. Mosneron payable the 12th Inst. which please to honor. I have drawn both these drafts on Mr. Deane for the sake of conciseness but I shall pass them to the Credit of the Commissioners. I am in treaty about 10,000, pr. of Shoes and believe I shall have them with advantage and Expedition as also the Suits of Cloths. I have spoken to the director Fermes about drawing back the duty (or rather omiting the Payment of it) upon assuring him that the same indiveidual Cloth shall be Exported tho under the form of Suits of Cloths and I believe I shall succeed. If you will allow me I imagine I can have 10. or 20,000 Shirts made to advantage. I shall have 100 Sadles made very soon which I hope to get at a Guinea which is half the price the model cost. Since writing I have Engagd a passage for Count Polouskie in the Massachusetts Ship of war Capt. Fisk who sails this week for Boston but he can have Room only for himself. I am Gentlemen yours
JWMS
To the Commissioners of the United States at Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Coder, 3 June 1777
From: Coder, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce mardi 7 hures du matin 3e juin
Le messagé que j’ai envoié dimenche matin a passi avec le manteau bleud m’ayant raporté que Monsieur frankelin me feroit réponsce, j’ai eté a la campagnie d’ou je ne suis de retour que de hier au soir 9 hures. J’ai trouvé la lettre sijointe, et je me suis empressé de venir à passi prendre les ordres de Monsieur, frankellin, ayant a l’entretenir surtout, de bien des objets tres interessents.
Coder


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-François Eldrad du Puy de Lauron, 3 June 1777
From: Lauron, Louis-François Eldrad du Puy de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Paris le 3 juin 1777
J’eus hier, Monsieur, l’honneur de me presenter ches vous pour vous remettre la lettre cy jointe. Apres le peu de succés qu’ont eu toutes les tentatives que j’ay fait pour faire agréer mes services à votre Republique, je comptais peu, je vous l’avoue, sur cette demarche de ma part, mais je me flattais du moins, d’avoir l’avantage de voir un homme justement celebre, le principal moteur d’une Revolution, qui fera époque dans l’histoire et qui dès ce moment-cy fait honneur à l’humanité, et cette seule idée me consolait d’avance de tous les refus que j’ay deja éssuyé. Déçu de cette esperance comme de toutes les autres, j’essaye la derniere Ressource qui me reste; celle de vous écrire. Il m’eut été trop agreable d’être utile à une nation, qui a de la dignité de l’homme une idée asses juste pour ne vouloir point de maitre, et je suis peutestre en etat de Lui être en effet asses utile, pour que je ne veuille point moi-même éviter de pouvoir me reprocher un jour, de n’avoir pas employé tous les moyens honetes d’entrer à son service. J’ay donc l’honneur de vous addresser personnellement, Monsieur, un etat de mes services, de mes demandes, et des principales personnes qui peuvent vous repondre de moi. Veuilles faire attention, je vous prie, que ces personnes sont des plus qualifiées de ce pays-cy, et aussi éclairées que respectables; que les comptes qu’elles se feront un plaisir de rendre de mes moeurs et de mes talens, ne sauraient par consequent être suspects; qu’à de l’experience, je joins quinze années d’une théorie, d’une étude suivie, peutestre même aprofondie; que je ne demande, ainssi que vous l’aves deja constamment accordé, que le grade superieur à celui qui m’est dû en france; veuillés, dis-je, faire toutes ces attentions, je vous prie, et peutestre avouerés-vous à la fin, qu’il est possible que je merite de n’être pas toujours rejetté, et de n’être pas tout-à -fait confondu avec ce tas d’aventuriers qui ont été se jetter à votre tête, et dont je sens que vous n’aves que trop de raison de ne pas vous louer. Enfin, si malgré tout cela, je n’obtiens encore qu’un Réfus, veuillés surtout, être Bien convaincu, que j’en serai tres touché sans doute, mais que je n’en serai pas moins un des plus grands zelateurs de la cause americaine, et un des plus sinceres admirateurs du Réfusant Lui-même. J’ay l’honneur d’étre avec ces sentiments, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres obéissant serviteur
  LauronMajor d’infantrie. ches M. LeMis. Detrion de Montalambert.-au Louvre.-  T.S.V.P.

P.S. J’ay l’honneur de joindre encore à Cette Lettre, un des memoires que Le Colonel du Regiment, dont je viens d’étre Reformé, presente à La Cour en ma faveur; mais, comme ce n’est que pour vous prouver la verité de ce que j’ay l’honneur de vous écrire, voudries vous Bien, Monsieur, à moins toutes fois que vous ne croyiés en avoir besoin me le renvoyer avant Samedy prochain, 7eme. de ce mois.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas Ruault, 3 June 1777
From: Ruault, Nicolas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris le 3 de juin 1777.
Ruault a l’honneur de saluer Monsieur franklin et de lui envoyer les six exemplaires de ses oeuvres traduites qu’il lui a demandées l’autre jour.
Le prix de chaque est de 12 l.t. broché.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / à Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ――― D’honne, [after 3 June 1777]
From: d’Honne, Madame —–
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris friday morning [after June 3, 1777].
Mrs. D’honne has the honour of presenting her compliments to Mr. Franklin and of Sending him 2 vol. of the history of America and 3 pamphlets which her Son has brought from Lord Shelburne. Mr. Franklin would have had them some days sooner if Mrs. D’honne had known how to direct them.

Addressed: A / Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / à passy / Même Maison de M. Chaumon / ancienne Maison de Mde. Valentinois / à passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, [4 June 1777]
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Wednesday 4 oClock [June 4, 1777?]
Inclosd is the Substence of Ld. Chathams motion. The court numbers show at once the hopes and intention of the Ministry. I am with much respect Your very humble Servant.
Wm. Carmichael

Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsieur le Docteur Franklin / à Passy
Notation: Carmicael


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Reculès de Basmarein & Raimbaux, 4 June 1777: résumé
From: Reculès de Basmarein & Raimbaux
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Paris, June 4, 1777, in French: M. Vanhammé will give you this letter. He has many skills that might be useful, among them a quick and effective way to make saltpetre; and we stand back of him. He knows German, and English well enough to be understood, and is confident of making his way in America; all he wants is free passage and recommendations. We have two ships a month to the United States, but via the West Indies. Although he prefers a direct voyage, easily arranged in Nantes, we will if you prefer accommodate him gratis on one of our vessels.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Josiah Smith, 4 June 1777
From: Smith, Josiah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir.
London June 4th. 1777.
I was born in the State of Massachusetts Bay and educated in the University at Cambridge, where I commenced in 1774 from which Time I applyed myself to the Study of Physic and Surgery till January 1777. when I took Passage in the Ship Montgomery of Newbury Port bound to Bordeaux. But on the 14th of March Just as we were verging upon the Coast of Europe, we had the misfortune to be chased and taken by King George’s Ship Albion of 74 guns; ours being a merchant Ship laden with Masts Spars, &c.: We were sent into Plymouth and there closely confined without the least distinction or defference to rank or title; and part of the time on short allowance. And after being divested of every thing (except our clothes) even to the little money which I had in my pockets, and after much difficulty I obtained my liberty, at the expiration of two months; and this by virtue of my being a passenger and their expecting that for this indulgence I should enter into their service. The ship’s company after loosing all their wages and adventures were turned over to other ships and compelled to do duty; and though they resolutely swore that they were subjects of the United States and beged to be sent to prison with those of their countrymen taken in arms, yet were compelled to serve the king.
I have been at liberty about three weeks; and when I left Plymouth there were about 200 of my country men, prisoners there; and as many more at Portsmouth: the former of which I frequently visited; and informing them that I should go directly to France, they beged of me to represent their situation to your Honour. This I promised to do; as well as many other matters, which nothing but the want of a convenient opportunity prevents my fulfilling.
What principally astonishes our many friends here in England is: that thousands of british seamen shoud be allowed to return to England, at pleasure, to man the kings navy, while hundreds of americans are kept here in close confinement on short allowance! I hoped to have got a passage directly to France, but can not at present; therefore I propose proceeding to Bilboa in a spanish vessel which sails in about 6 days. And from thence (unless a good opportunity presents there, to go home in an armed vessel) I expect to come to Bordeaux. I want much to inform your Honour of the situation of affairs here. Before I left America the Revd. Doctor Cooper, of Boston, was good enough [to] recommend me to you by a letter, which I destroyed with a number of others the day on which we were taken. I have been in my Country’s service by sea; and as I am now entirely destitute in a place where I have no relations, if your Honour could help me to a Surgeon’s birth in some cruiser, that I may support myself, till I can get to America, or help me in any other way I should esteem it a great favour. There is a gentleman, Captn: Brown, lately commander of a privateer, and has Just escaped, who would be glad of like assistance; he is coming to Bilboa with me; he was taken going to France.
If upon receiving this your honour would despatch a line directed to the care of Mr: Gardoqui, Merchant in Bilboa, that I may receive it upon my arrival there, it might do me the most essential service.
If I was in suitable circumstances I should, without delay, do myself the honour of waiting upon you in person. I am your Honour’s most obedient unfortunate humble Servant
Josiah Smith

Addressed: To the Honourable / Benjamin Franklin / Esqr: L.L.D. F.R.S. / at Paris. / [In another hand:] place Louis 15 en Face du garde meuble chez Mr Dean
Notation: J. Smith


Title: Michael Hillegas to the American Commissioners, 5 June 1777
From: Hillegas, Michael
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Dear Sir
Baltimore June. 5. 1777.
Ever since Congress left this place and return’d to Philada: have I been fixed here, I however hope for Orders to follow them before long. I make no doubt but that you are already acquainted with Congress having established a Continental Loan Office taking Money on Interest. I have just now received five hundred Dollars of William Smith Esqr: one of the Delegates in Congress from Maryland, for which have given him a Certificate No. 1m983, Which Certificate he is sending on Speculation per Capt. Thos. Moore bound from hence for France. As those Certificates bear an Interest it is hoped that during these troubles they will inter alia answer as a remittance. But if as a new affair in France they should be any way Questioned, I no way doubt you will do what you can to give them Credit, and that in such way as you may Judge best, either by endorsement or otherwise. I would write you news, but have not any. Capt. Moore I suppose will carry the late papers which will shew That as yet we are not Crushed but that on the Contrary, our Affairs are better than could have been expected. I have the honor of being with great respect and Esteem Your most Obedient Servant
M. HillegasContl Treasr
Doctr: Benja: Franklin or Silas Deane Esqr at Paris

Addressed: Honble. Benja: Franklin & Silas / Deane Esqrs. or either of them Embassadors from the States of America at the Court of France
Notation: Letter from M. Hillegas to Commissioners June. 5. 77


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Michael Hillegas, 5 June 1777
From: Hillegas, Michael
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Baltimore June 5. 1777 in the Evening
Capt. Thos. Moore Master of the Schooner Duke de Chosiel is just about sailing, so that I have only time to inclose you Mr. Dunlaps last Paper just now come to hand, and this with the greater pleasure, as we have given the Enemy a little stroke on the East End of Long Island, which I think will compleatly Ballence their late Excurtion to Danburry in Connecticut. By a Letter from Philada. dated on Tuesday last, there is an Account of a heavy Firing of cannon &c. in the Jerseys having been heard the day before; so that We now daily expect to hear some News. God Bless you, and give you Success in your Negociations is the Prayer and Wish of My Dear Sir Yours very Affectionately
M. Hillegas
My Love to Mr. Deane

Addressed: The Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Embassador from the American / States at the Court of France / Paris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lauron, 6 June 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lauron, Louis-François Eldrad du Puy de

Sir,
Passy, June 6. 1777.
The Persons acting in France for the United States of America, had Orders from the Congress to procure and send over 4 experienc’d Engineers and a few Officers of the Artillery.
That Commission is executed, and those Officers are gone.
The Agents are not authoris’d by the Congress to agree with and send over any other Officers whatever.
Nor to promise any Rank or even Employment to any Officer who may incline to go to America; tho’ at his own Expence.
There are actually at present in that Country a great Number of Officers from almost every Nation in Europe, who cannot find Employment there, the Armies being full.
All who have gone over since my Arrival in France, except the Engineers, &c. above mentioned, have gone without the least Promise of Employment from me, and contrary to my friendly Advice.
The Letters obtain’d from me by the Friends of some of them, have been merely Letters of Introduction and recommending the Parties to the Civilities of my Friends, as Strangers of Merit. I am therefore sorry to find that these are spoken of as Assurances of Place and Rank.
From this true State of the Case, I am persuaded, Sir, that you will not be displeas’d with me, for not complying with your Demands; and resent as a Refusal what arises merely from a Want of Authority, and a Resolution not to deceive worthy Men by giving Expectations or Promises that are not in my Power to fulfill, and permitting them on such Expectations to make a long, expensive and hazardous Voyage, without Assurance of some Advantage.
I return enclos’d the Memoire of M. le Marquis de Bartillat, as you desire.
The Americans are oblig’d by your Good Will to their Cause; accept my Thanks; who have the Honour to be, Sir, &c.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Caleb Lownes, 6 June 1777
From: Lownes, Caleb
To: Franklin, Benjamin

London June 6th. 1777
You will I hope in some degree pardon the Liberty I have taken, of interrupting you at this time, when You are informd the reason of my thus Addressing You.

I am so far made acquainted with Your Commission, as to believe it to be of too much Consequenc to be often intruded with Letters of so trivial and Singular a Nature, wich I could wish for the Good of my Country has not and I hope never may be the Case during the present Glorious Contest, when the Situation of affairs calls every Man, who has the Good of his Country at Heart to be at home and lend a helping hand to secure those inestimable Priveliedges which is undoubtedly the birthright of every American, and which he wishes and expects to enjoy in time to Come (unless he should be absent for some good Purpose or other).
As I am now incapable of rendering any Service to my Country, I thought it would be proper for me (as I receiv’d my existance in America a Country I ever esteem’d and Where by the blessing of God I intend finishing the Remainder of my days) for my own Peace and Reputation to lay before You as an Ambassador of the United States the Cause of my being here, and my reasons for tarrying here untill the ensuing spring that by having Your Advice it might in some degree Alleviate the Censure that might be entertaind against me by my Countrymen, as I am fully determined to abide by Your Instructions whatever my expectation of improvement may be (as that is all I have to detain me).
As I left the Continent with the Consent of both the Officers and Soldiers of the Company I belong’d to, Commanded by Captn. Cowperthwaite, with the Knowledge [of] Mr. Rittenhouse and Mr. Hillegas, by whom I was employed, for the Honourable Congress and Committe of Safety of Philadelphia.

So that having left America with Reputation, should be happy to meet my Countrymen with a Conscience, clear of having Committed any thing that might Subject me to their Censure.
The following is an Account of my time, from my leaving Philadelphia to my Arrival here.
I saled from Philadelphia for Curacoa the 22nd. of July 1776, but falling to Leeward of the Island, we stood for St. Nicholas Mole in Hispaniola where we arriv’d the 4th of September following, having disposed of my Small Adventure, I was applyed to by Mr. Peter Wikoff of Philadelphia, to go to Jamaica to receive a Sum of Money to the Amount of £1800, which he informed me was due him, by Messrs: Morris and Inglis of Kingston (Mr. Wikoff thinking it not prudent to go himself, there being a Proclamation and Reward for apprehending him, upon an Information lodged against him in Dominica) who informed Mr. Wikoff by Letter was ready for any Person he should appoint to receive it.
Accordingly I sailed for Kingston the 21st and arriv’d the 25th. of Sepr. when instead of finding the Money Ready, the Accounts were not drawn out: After Waiting 4 Weeks they were drawn and ballanced in the stead of £1800 being due there was but £500 and of that I could receive but 450 Dollars.
During my stay here I was seized with a Fever. Mr. Morris going to the Mole the Commission of the Sum I was to receive, not being sufficient to pay my Passage up to the Mole, I thought it most prudent both for Mr. Wikoffs Interest and my Safety to send the Money by Mr. Morris.
I being thus Situated from home my Letters of Credit being for Curacoa, and my Cash being low and I in a Weakly State of Body and an information lodged against me, for having bore Arms in the American Service, by a Son of the Widow Craythorne, was advisd to keep Close to my Room. Captn: Gregory of Philada. coming to see me gave me an Invitation on board his Vessel thinking it more likely to restore my Health, than to be confined on Shore, I accepted his invitation, while here I was advis’d of my danger if I went to Kingston as I must have tarried there some time before I could get a Passage to Curracoa, he further extended his Kindness to me and offer’d me a Passage to London. I thought that I could not do better than accepte his Offer, for the following reasons, that I should have a Chance of being taken, and if not, I should see London, be able to inform myself of some of the infamous Practices I always believ’d the M[inistr]y to use in order to Mislead and Deceive the People and what I have found to be the Case (add to this my Curiosity as a Young Man) and then to Return by the Vessel. But since my arrival the Vessel being sold, meeting with some Friends here, I receiv’d a small Sum, sufficient however to keep me from Want, I sat myself to Work at the Engraving Business, (to which I serv’d my time in Philada:) and am now with a Person who (is a friend to America) and hath proved one to me, as he not only gave me employment but does every thing in his Power to perfect me in the Business. This Sir is the true State of my Case and the Motives for proposing to stay untill the Spring, if you Should think it prudent, or Wether by Staying I should Hazard either my Fathers or my Own Reputation. Your Advice on this Occasion will be esteem’d a Great Favour Confer’d upon, and will be Strictly attended to by Sir Your Humble Servant
Caleb Lownes Son of John Lownes

Notation: Caleb[?] Lownes Londres 6. juin 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Porter, 6 June 1777
From: Porter, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
St. Malo June 6th. 1777.
I hope you’l Excuse my Presumtion In thus Addressing you, as, It is not only In Order to Acquaint you of my Misfortune, by being taken on the 1 Inst. of May by the Faydrant Capt. Jervis, within a few Leagues of Nonte River to which Place I was Bound in a Bermuda Builte Sloop Cald the Alice Belonging to Messr. Thoms. Savage, Blake, Russell, Greenwood, & Compy. Merchants In the Charles Town St. Carolina, and after being taken I was Carried Into the Port of Plimouth from whence I have In Some measure made my Escape In a wretched miserable Condition to this Place Yesterday, from the worse than Turkish Enemies the English, and now tho at Liberty Know not which way to turn my Self as I am In a Strange Country the Language the Paeple I am Totally Unacquanted with and Destitute of Every Necessary of Life.
I have Also as I think It a Duty Incumbent on Me to Acquant you of the Curcumstance of Numbers of my Poor Countrymen who have faln Into the hands of the More Cruel than Turkish Ennemies, by Whoom they are Commited to Mill Prison at Plimouth as Felons, After being In Confinement on board the Ships For Some time Past; where they are Deny’d Candle Pen Ink or Paper or even Fire to Light a Pipe and what Is worse their friends are not admitted within the Prison yard walls by the Centries, which are Placd at a few Yards Distance from Each Other. And It is the Particilar Desire of Capt. John Adams that I Should Acquaint you of his being taken on the 9th. Inst. of May by the Same Ship within a League of Bel. Ile [?]. After we Came to Plimouth and had Pasd the Examination on Shore both of Us Got a Clearance throug Favor of Capt. Jervis Immediately. But Unfortunately for him within 3 or 4 Hours Afterwards he was Sent Back to Confinement on bard the Foydrant untill an Answer Should be Received from the Board. I Immediatly made off and Happily Got a Secure Retreat In Plimouth: till Effected In a Disguise my Escape from thence; I shall Sett off Tomorrow for Nants (I Shall make Bold to Acquaint you After Particularly Relative to the Curcumstance of my Poor Countrymen and both [?] their Usage and a Schetch of the Terrible Unheard of Interogatories which they Lay before us to be answerd on Oaths as Soon as I Arrive there).
I dare to say you’l not Call me to mind by my Subscribing my Name as I was but a youth when I had the Honour of Speaking to you at your Lodgings In Craven Street London when Recommended to you by my Stepfather Mr. Hugh Hughes Since which time I have been Employ’d by Different merchants In Several Parts of the World and Scrap’d together three or 400 Pounds and by this Unfortunate Stroke have Lost Every thing. Please to Excuse my Unconnected Manner of Writing for my mind Seems to be a Good Deal Agitated by the Terrible Sceene of Distress that I Seemingly have to Wade through before It Shall Please God for me to Arive Again to the Land of Liberty. Mean While I Remain Your Most obedient and Humble Servant
John Porter.

PS Capt. Adams was Taken In a Schooner the Reason of his being Detaind was as I understand that [he?] had Arms on Board. My Guns when I found I Should Inevitably be taken I hove Over Board and they Never Discoverd that I had any Guns or A Commission as Letter of Mart Untill I was Out of their Reach.

Addressed: His Excelency Benjn: Franklin Esqr / Paris
Notation: J. Porter June 6. 77. St Malo’s


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 June 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes 7 June 1777
Inclosed are the Accounts of the Dolphins out fitts the amount of Mr. Peltier’s you’ll find answerable to the Bill I drew on you. By the other you will find how the money paid to me (mention’d in Mr. Peltiers Account) has been appropriated. Those sums paid for Capt. Nicholson Orders will appear in his Ships account. I also Inclose Count Polouskies Bill on Mr. Beaumarchais for the 20 Guineas mentiond in my last which you’ll please to demand or not as you may think proper. I have pass’d the whole 30 Guineas to your Debt. Capt. Hynson is here and as soon as the ship arrives we shall go on with the Utmost Dispatch. I shall put Sufficient Salt on board for her Ballast for the amount of which I must draw on you. I inclose the Bill of Loading for the 20 Bales shipt by the mere Bobie which I accidently omitted in my Last. I have the Honor to be
JW
To the Honble Commissioners of the United States at Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Massequan, 7 June 1777: résumé
From: Massequan, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Nice, June 7. 1777, in French: I am a Frenchman and have seen in a London paper that French ships with American captains have received letters of marque from Congress. Francis Fowler, a Scot from Aberdeen, commands a settee of mine, and I have proposed that he cruise against the British if you will make that possible. He at first refused. I reminded him that he served fifteen years as a British marine with no reward but a passport, later taken from him; that he had a brother in America; and that love of liberty should make him seek glory in serving the new states. He changed his mind, and his petition for a Mediterranean cruise is enclosed. I will be his guarantor, for I have long known him as honest, experienced, and brave. If you use this new patriot it should be soon, while the weather is good for destroying what little commerce the British have in the Mediterranean.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 June 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honored Sir.
Nantes June 7 1777
Agreeable to my Intention I plainly told Mr. S that the Conditions of partnership which he proposed would not answer. He again told me that he thought that Sum would be sufficient for the purpose, but that the Goods being in hand any Funds in his power to raise should not be wanting. He said however he would agree to advance 20,000 Livres more if it should be wanted, which should not be joined to the Capital, but passed to his Credit, without Interest. He consents also to an article for Dissolution in case the Business should be found not to answer, and that whatever you please to allow me by way of Salary for the Packets, overseeing the reparation of the arms, shipping such Goods as may come to me in Bales, and other Business not of a Commission nature, should be independant of this partnership, but that it should include all public as well as private Business which relates to the Sales of american Cargoes and the purchase of others in return on which a merchants Commission can be charged.

I confess myself much attached to this Gentlemans family and (what I would not say to any one else) I have every reason to believe that I stand extreemly well with his 2d. Daughter. She is indeed a lovely Girl, but my Situation has been such that I have made no declaration, tho as far as her modesty will allow I am sure it would not be ill receivd on her part. The permanency of my Circumstances is the only requisite, to be equally so on the Side of her Parents.
While I am opening my heart to you on this Subject, I can’t forbear doing it on another in which you will find I have been foolish, but I hope not criminal. I have acted as other young men of warm passions have acted, but I have not deviated from the smallest promise, nor can I boast of a difficult Conquest; I don’t mean to throw a Reflection on the poor Girl by the Facility of my Success, perhaps it is a circumstance that ought more to insure my Friendship to her, being the Effect of an unhappy liking she took for me. You will by this time perceive that I mean to tell you I have a Girl in England who has produced me a fine Boy. She was a sort of Confidante to a Noblemans Lady, and since a Milliner; my acquantance with her, my success, (if I may so [call] it,) was without a plan, and wholly the Effect [of accid?]ent. I have neither room or time to enter [into all?] the Details, but I flatter myself if you knew every particular, you would lay more to the score of Folly than of Villany. I have more than once attempted to tell you this, but I had not often opportunity, of seeing you alone, and when I had I felt too much awe upon me to do it. I feared your displeasure, but upon reflection I think I should deserve it more if I concealed it from you, than I can by this frank confession, which I make because I do not wish to keep any circumstance of my life a Secret from you.
The money I have paid to Mr. Vaughan was for this purpose, he has kindly transacted the whole for me hitherto, and I propose [to] request him to continue his friendship by paying for me £25 per an. till the Boy is Six Years of age, when wherever I am I mean he shall be with me.
I beg Sir you will pardon the freedom of this and favour me with a Line that I may know if my conduct has merited your displeasure. I do not expect other than that you should disapprove of it, but ’tis done and I can’t recall it. I am most dutifully and affectionately Yours
J Williams

Addressed: The Hon. / Doctor Franklin / Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [the Duc de La Rochefoucauld], [after 7 June 1777]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de

Sir
[After June 7, 1777]
Excuse if you can my detaining these Papers so long. My Time every day is devoured by Applications of Officers and People who would go to America.
We have no certain Account of the Arrival of the Amphitrite. We fear she has been destroyed by the English with all on board; as they give us in the Papers an Account of their having blown up a French Ship of 24 Guns off the Capes of Delaware.
We have no Accounts mentioning the separate Assent of the States to the Constitution. Nor that it is disapprov’d by any one of them. With the greatest Respect and Esteem, I have the honour to be Your Grace’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin

I have attempted to make some Corrections; but not well understanding French, probably I have not done them well; they are in Crayon, which you can rub out.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ――― de Cardone, 8 June 1777
From: Cardone, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon Venerable Docteur,
8 Juin 1777.
Ouvrés, lisez, tolle, lege le Memoire cy-inclus: vous y trouverez certainement l’expression d’un coeur honête, sans autre intérêt, que celui que l’Esprit d’une Concordance universelle peut inspirer; si je m’exprime fortement, c’est que je sens de même, et que je suis né avec une antipathie incurable contre tous les Monopoleurs; vous en avez éte assez longtems les victimes, pour me passer, même aprouver ma façon de penser; Je vous prie de me faire parvenir un mot de votre main, où de votre part, qui me témoigne, sans autre explication, si vous agréés mes efforts pour vous être utile, et à vos généreux compatriotes: Je suis dans tous les sentimens pour eux et pour vous, Mon Cher Docteur Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
DE CARDONERue de Tournon à l’hôtel duSt. Esprit à Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 8 June 1777
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Paris 8th June 1777.
Inclosed I send you what Papers, and Intelligence came this day per post. The Letters from Hambourgh cost Us 19 Livres postage. We must answer these people, or be ruined with their Expence. I enclose a Letter for Mr. Bingham which if it meets Your approbation, please to return it, and I will forward the Duplicates by different Means. The Letter to Mr. Jay is one of which will shew you the Copy when I have the pleasure of seeing You here. The Man who proposed to engage for the Cloaths is to be here early Tomorrow Morning. I will either wait on You at Passy, or be happy in a Breakfast with You here. I prefer the Latter as I cannot go out untill after Ten. I am most respectfully Your most Obedient and Very Humble Servant
S. Deane

PS. I pray You to bring or send Me the Letters &c. from Ross and Williams which I gave You when last here. The Lettr to Jay is a Summary of what We last Wrote, but Wrote in secret Ink, & to Appearance is a Letter from a French Gentleman here inquiring after some indifferent Objects.

Addressed: To / The hon. / Benja Franklin Esq


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de La Rochefoucauld, [8 June 1777]
From: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dimanche matin [June 8, 1777]
Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld est chargé par Madame sa mere d’engager Monsieur franklyn à lui faire l’honneur de diner chez elle samedi 14. ou Dimanche 15. ou Lundi 16. à son choix; il est prié de vouloir bien amener Monsieur son petit fils à qui M[essieu]rs de Chabot ne veulent pas manquer de faire leurs adieux, et il est prié aussi de proposer à M. Deane le jour qu’il aura choisi.
Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld part demain pour aller passer trois jours à Rouen; il compte, si Monsieur franklyn le lui permet, lui aller demander à dejeuner en passant; et si par hasard il avoit quelque commission pour cette Ville, il s’en chargeroit volontiers.

Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur le docteur franklyn / A Passy
Notation: de la Rochefoucaut sans datte


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bachelier, 9 June 1777
From: Bachelier, Jean-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce 9 Juin 1777.
M. Bachelier a l’honeur de presenter ses Respects a Monsieur frankelin et le prie de Remettre Le memoire sur Le cours d’arts et métier si la Copie est Faite il lui sera bien oblige.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur frankelin / chez mr Le Ray de / chaumont / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter P. Burdett, [before] [10] June 1777
From: Burdett, Peter P.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Carlsrhue [before] June [10] 1777
The Bearer is Baron Steieben of whome I had the honor to write to you by the hands of a Friend about a month since.
He is a Gentleman of Family, Merit and great experience, well known to some of the First Personages in Europe, and hereby gives you sir a strong proof of his Ambition to make the Acquaintance of Doctor Franklin in actualy performing a Journey from Germany to Paris for that Purpose.
I confess it needful to make an Apology to you Sir for having lately troubled you with so many letters unanswered, but I had then something to communicate of too vast an importance for the Hands of The Common post; that opportunity being past I have no more to say than that I have the Honor to be Sir your sencere Friend and Most Humble Servant
P P Burdett

Notation: PP. Burdett june 1777.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes June 10. 1777.
The Wind still continuing to the Eastward the annonyme is not yet arrived. I hope to hear of her tomorrow.
In answer to Mr. Deans favour relative to adams’s Capture I inclose an account I have got from Capt. Porter who is just come to Town. He seems to be a very clever intelligent Man and as I thought my duty to do to a Countryman suffering in the Cause, I told him he should not want while he was here, and that I would do all I could for him to get him home again; he seems inclined to go out in some armed Vessell to have an opportunity of revenging his Losses, and if Wickes or Johnson should come here and have a vacant Birth, I think he would be a good acquisition to either of them. He speaks very well of adams’s Conduct, he says he ran as long as he could ’till his Sails were shot through and through, but what is remarkable not one Shot struck his Hull nor was there a Man hurt. The Mail was sunk. I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble Servant
Jona Williams
The Hon. The Commissioners of the United States

Notation: Jon Williams Nantes June 10. 1777


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes June 10 1777.
The Intention of this is to ask your Interest in favour of a poor american Sailor who I am afraid will otherwise be executed for Murder. The Fact as it was related to me by his Captain is this. The deceased and the prisoner were going asshore in the Boat with only one oar which the Deceased was sculling with, and being a little in Liquour he fell overboard with the oar: the other having nothing to guide the Boat took one of the thwarts and paddled towards the deceased intending to save him if possible. Some Boatmen and others seeing him paddling, and the other in the water, concluded that he was beating him with the Thwart, least he should not die soon enough by drowning. The man did drown and the other on the Strength of these Evidences, was a day or two afterwards seized and now remains in prison. His Name is William McMasters he came to this place in the american Schooner the Mary Capt. Roberts.
Unhappily the Vessell is gone so that this poor Fellow has lost every Evidence that could say anything in his Favour. He cannot explain anything to his accusers not understanding the Language, nor they his. This circumstance with the similarity of the action in paddling in the water, and beating one that was in the water, in which it is very easy for a Spectator at any distance to be deceived, added to the good Character the Captain gives him, inclines me to believe that he is innocent. The Depositions against him are strong, and it is imagined that if he is brought to trial he will be condemned. If you could obtain an order for his release on Condition of his never coming asshore again in this Kingdom, I would put him on board of some Vessell going home and thereby give a usefull Hand and save a poor Fellows Life. The Deceased was also an american. It is several Weeks since the affair happen’d, but I knew nothing of the Fellows being in prison ’till the day before his Capt. sailed. I have the honour to be with great Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble Servant
Jona Williams
The Honourable The Commissioners of the United States.

Notation: Jon Williams Nantes June 10. 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Thuillières, 11 June 1777
From: Thuillières, Jean-François, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A l’hotel de névers rue du bac ce 11 juin 1777.
J’ay oublié de vous dire ce matin que deux dames de la martinique l’une mde. denneville et l’autre la vicomtesse de choiseul sa fille desiroint avoir l’honneur de vous aller voir, elles m’ont prieés de vous demander si vous le trouveriés bon, en ce cas vous voudrés bien me le marquer par un mot d’écrit afin que je puisse leur dire votre reponse, elles sont trés zeleés pour votre cause, surtout en raison de la proximité.
Dans la reponce dont vous voudrés bien m’honorer je vous prirai de vouloir bien inclure la lettre de notre vendeur de baume ne me souvenant plus bien de la facon dont il dit que ce remede doit etre administré. A tout hazard j’en ferai faire l’essay quoy que je ne croie pas plus que vous a son secret magique. J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec beaucoup de consideration monsieur Vôtre trés humble et trés obeissant serviteur
Le Baron De Thuillieres


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [V Dulongprey, Coney & fils], 12 June 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dulongprey, V., Coney & fils

Gentlemen
Paris, June 12 [1777]
I receiv’d your Favour of the 6th Inst. per Capt. Burnell, and am much oblig’d by the Civilities you have shown him. The Prize cannot, as you observe, be sold and Delivered in your Port, it being contrary to Treaties, and to Ordinances made in Conformity to those Treaties; But I suppose it may be done in the Road without the Port, or in some convenient Place on the Coast, where the Business may be transacted without much Observation and conducted with Discretion, so as to occasion no Trouble to the Ministers by Applications from the English Ambassador. I say I suppose this may be done, because I understand it has been practiced in many Cases on the Coast of Brittany. But a formal Order from the Minister to permit such a Sale and Delivery in any Port of France, is not to be expected while the Peace continues, and the Treaties consequently in Force. I request therefore the Continuance of your good Offices to Capt. Burnell, and your Assistance in enabling him to dispose of his Prize in the best Manner practicable; and I shall be glad to hear from you, whether you find such Facilities in the Operation, as that we may conveniently order other Prizes to your Address at Cherburg which may be taken by any of our Cruizers hereafter. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servant
BF


Title: William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 12 June 1777
From: Bingham, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
June 12th 1777
Above is Copy of my last Respects, and am still without any of your esteemed Favors. The last Accounts from America were of the 26 April, by which I find the Operations of the Army had not as yet commenced; but it was expected every Day that the Campaign would open. By an Extract of a Letter from Genl. Washington to the Congress, there is reason to believe that the Intention of the Enemy is to make a Diversion in the Bay of Delaware with a considerable Number of their Troops, whilst the rest march on and attack Philadelphia; but it is to be hoped that by the Bravery and good Conduct of our Army, their Designs will be compleatly baffled. Any News of Consequence that I may receive from the Continent, I shall take Care to forward you by the earliest Opportunity. In the meanwhile, have the Honor to inclose you the latest Gazettes that I have received. Our principal Harbors being blocked up by the British Navy, I am very fearfull of our Commerce being greatly interrupted, and that it will be impossible for the Congress to export Sufficient Funds to preserve their Credit abroad, by enabling their Agents to fulfill their Engagements.
You will please to find inclosed an attested Copy of sundry Expences, incurred on Account of the Ship Seine, since She was taken and carried into Dominica. I have the honor to be with great Respect Gentlemen Your obedient humble servant
Wm Bingham

Notation: Mr. Bingham June 12th. 1777


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 June 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Honorable Gentlemen
June 12. 1777.
I am in impatient Expectations of the Models of the Suit of Cloaths that I may sett the Taylors at work. I met with a Manufacturer from Vire who shew me half a dozen pieces of brown and blue Cloth at 7.10 and 8 Livers. I thought them Little inferrior to what you pay 8 and 8.10 for at Paris. I have therefore made a bargain with him for 60 pieces of the same quallity to be Deliverd me here free of Expence and 5 per Cent allowance on the Measure. I did this because I thought it a good bargain as Cloths are sold in this Country and because even if I should not make up the Cloaths I thought having 60 pieces of Cloths could never be amiss, they are to come to me to be Exported to the French West Indies and I shall afterwards get liberty of the Director of the Fermes to make them into coats &c. on condition of Exportation. All the goods we have hitherto exported in the Mercury and the Therése have been in this way but the Custom House will require a Certificate of the goods being landed in the french Island on penallity of the quadruple of the Duty. I mention this because on the return of the Mercury I expect some difficulty of this kind unless the Officers here can have a hint from authority that they may wink at such as go to America. It ought to be Considered the same thing as if the goods Really went to the west Indies as the Object of the Duty is only for the goods Consumed in this Kingdom and on our part 1. or 2. Sols on Every Ell of Cloth is worth saving. The Utmost I have been able to do as to Shoes is to agree at 3 l.t. 18. Sols all to be made of Mr. Chaumonts Leather which is infinitely better than any other. I have put 1,000 pair in hand and according as I find they preform in the Course of a week or two I shall either engage more or not if Mr. Chamont could give an abatement on his Leather and allow a Credit. I could manage it as to have that advantage to us but as I agree with the shoemakers per pair the abatement and Credit given to them only would be of no Service to us. While this work is going on I have another treaty going forward so by making a Competition I shall have the cheapest. I find I cant get any Diminution of the price of the holsters. I have put 50 Sadles in hand which will cost 27 l.t. each. I order them without the Sheepskin because that can be easily got in America. I have bought a quantity of Corks to fill into the cases of Fuzils. They cost only 4 l.t. 10. per Thousand and being a scarce article in America I think they will be very Acceptable besides which they take up only the Room that would otherwise be lost and preserve the Fuzils from rust. I must draw on you in a few days for 2. or 3,000 Livers my money being allmost out of the 2036 l.t. I last drew for I have
paid for the Count 720
  for 6 pieces of Cloth 647
  the Dolphin  83
   1450
I shall send you monthly Account how all the money I draw for is appropriated. Please to say wether or not I may make the wastecoats and Breeches of Course white Cloth it will come dearer than Tricot but much better.

As Capt. Porter has lost all he had I shall supply him with what is Necessary for his Subsistance here and his passage home taking a bill on his owners for the Amount. If you can find employment for him I think he is deserving and capable. No News of the Annonyeme but I think this wind must bring her in to Day. Inclosed is a Draft on Mr. Chaumont for the Expences of the Mere Bobie which please to pass to his Debt. I have the Honor to be
JW
To The Honble The Commissioners of the United States at Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Coder, 12 June 1777
From: Coder, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel d’angletere rue de seinefaubourg st. germain ce judi 12e juin 1777
J’ay l’honeur de shoitér [souhaiter] le bonsoir a Monsieur le docteur fraklin. Je le prie, de revoir la notte, que je lui ay envoiée avec les modeles en couti. Comme mon intention et celle de M. dubourg (dont la femme est a toute extremité) n’a eté que d’empechér que Mrs. franklin et deane ne fussent eternelement les dupes de l’hinumaine facon de pensér et d’agir heuropéene, notre objét sera toujours rempli, si ces Mrs., en donnant la fourniture, a autres, qu’a la compagnie proposée par Mrs. dubourg et coder, d’apres les modeles en drap, sont aussi bien scervis et au meme prix. Mrs. dubourg et coder, demendent une reponsce prompte et decisive, etant pressés eux meme de la faire a des fabriquants dans tous les genres et surtout a leurs ballieurs des fonds qu’ils tienent en suspends depuis plus d’un mois.

  M. codér ne respire qu’aprés le moment de passér en amerique, ou il se flatte de meritér par sa conduite les eloges du congrés, la confience et l’œstime des generaux et l’amitie des ameriqains. Vous avez du voir, dans les diferentes nottes que je vous ay fait remetre quelle est ma facon de penscer, sur bien des objets, qui doivent vous interessér. Je faits des voeux bien seinceres pour que mes craintes ne se realisent point, et pour que vous jouissiés bientot, dans le sein de l’amerique, avec vos amis et freres, des douceurs de la liberté. Je vous repete encore que pour avoir fait constament mon devoir, j’ai eté exillé quatre fois et qu’il est de toute impossibilite, de faire le bien, dans mon pauvre et degoutant pays ou regnient les tenebres et l’horeur.
Coder


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Timothy, 12 June 1777
From: Timothy, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

12 June, 1777.
Peter Timothy presents his most respectful and affectionate Salutes to his good Friend Doct. Franklin, whom he begs Leave (tho’ late) to congratulate upon the high Honours Thirteen United Free and Independent States have conferred upon him, with a unanimous Voice, an Honour not to be surpassed, more especially in Days when Merit seldom meets its due Reward. He begs Leave also to present him, by Mr. Foligné (who he finds has some Knowledge of his Friend) with two Copies of Journals of the Congresses of So. Carolina, from the Time of their Commencement till a new Constitution was framed, of which six are sent; and the like Number, of a Bill for amending the said Constitution (upon which Timothy is exceedingly desirous of having the Doctor’s Remarks; as well as his Instructions on a Plan of Education for his Son Benjamin Franklin, who will enter his 6th Year 21st Nov. next,) with 6 Copies also of Chief Justice Drayton’s Charge to a Grand Jury in October last and a Sett of Gazettes. Timothy has had a Thousand Things to communicate to his Friend; but so incessantly has he been engaged in public Affairs for full Four Years, that whenever, he would make the Attempt (if he had been allowed Time to prosecute it) he was always at a Loss where to begin or where he should end, and has been there by constantly discouraged. As for the Leisure I must have had, the Doctor may judge, when he is told, that the Opposition to Tyranny was raised by a single inconsiderable Man here, under all the Discouragements imaginable, even Gadsden doubting whether it could be attempted; that when the Spirit was raised, it was to be kept up and improved; against strenous and indefatigable open and secret Enemies; and that then, I was both a Member of and Secretary to the Congresses, General Committee, Charles-Town Committee; Chairman, (and did all the Business) of the Committee of Observation and Inspection, in such a Manner as too many well remember; and also Secretary to the Councils of Safety, who, while they existed, sat Day and Night, without a single Day’s Intermission-continually in Motion from Congress to Committee, from Committee to Council, from Council to Inspection, and so on. I say, if my Friend can have an Idea of the Labour I underwent in these Employments, without mentioning the incessant Calls from one Way or other besides, he would wonder how it was possible for one Man to go thro’ it all and preserve his Senses, and admit that it was impossible to indulge in Inclination to private Correspondence. However, as he has now broke the Ice, he proposes to go on, and will convey from Time to Time such Intelligence as in its Nature or Consequences may be important and be glad at all Times to receive and obey any Commands that his Friend may lay on him, or put it in his Power to continue a useful Member of the United States. The Manner in which this is written and sent, the Doctor’s Goodness will pass over, as it is upon a short Warning that Mr. Foligné embarkes in an Hour, and his Messenger waits. Mrs. T. and little Ben join in Salutes. They all say God bless you; so does Dear Sir Your most affectionate and obedient humble Servant
Petr. Timothy.

When the Constitution was framed, I was unanimously chosen Clerk of the Genl. Assembly. I served one Session, wrote to resign; but the Acceptance of my Resignation was refused; and when the new Assembly was chosen I was reelected, and continue in that Office.
Nothing I more anxiously desire than to hear frequently from my worthy Friend, and to receive such Hints and Information as he is capable of giving.

Notation: From Peter Timothy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington: Two Letters, 13 June 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

I.
Sir
Paris, June 13. 1777.
The Person who will have the Honour of delivering this to your Excellency, is Monsieur le Baron de Frey, who is well recommended to me as an Officer of Experience and Merit, with a Request that I would give him a Letter of Introduction. I have acquainted him that you are rather overstock’d with Officers, and that his obtaining Employment in your Army is an Uncertainty: But his Zeal for the American Cause is too great for any Discouragements I can lay before him, and he goes over at his own Expence to take his Chance, which is a Mark of Attachment that merits our Regard. He will show your Excellency the Commissions and Proofs of his military Service hitherto, and I beg Leave to recommend him to your Notice. With the sincerest Esteem and Respect, I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. Gen. Washington

Notations in different hands: Certificates in favor of French Oficers /
Letter from Dr Franklin to Genl Washington

II.
Sir,
Paris, June 13. 1777.
The Bearer M. le Comte Kotkouski, a Polish Officer, is recommended to me by several Persons of Worth here; as a Man of Experience in Military Affairs and of tried Bravery: He has lost his Family and Estate in Poland by fighting there in the Cause of Liberty; and wishes by engaging in the same Cause to find a new Country and new Friends in America. Count Pulaski, who was a General of the Confederates in Poland, and who is gone to join you, is esteemed one of the Greatest Officers in Europe: He can give you the Character of this M. Kotkouski, who served under him as Lieutenant Colonel. It is with regret that I give Letters of Introduction to Foreign Officers, fearing you may be troubled with more than you can provide for or employ to their and your own Satisfaction. When particular Cases seem to have a Claim to such Letters, I hope you will excuse my taking the Liberty: I give no Expectations to those who apply for them; I promise nothing; I acquaint them that their being plac’d when they arrive is a great Uncertainty, and that the Voyage being long, expensive and hazardous, I counsel them not to undertake it. This honest Gentleman’s Zeal is not to be discourag’d by such Means: he determines to go, and serve as a Volunteer if he cannot be employ’d immediately as an Officer: But I wish and hope your Excellency may find a better Situation for him and that he will be an useful Officer. He has the Advantage of understanding English and will soon speak it intelligibly. He also speaks German and some other European Languages and the Latin. With the truest Esteem and Respect I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. Gen. Washington

Notation: Dr. Franklin’s Letter recommending Count Kolhouski.


Title: The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 13 June 1777
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 13th: 1777
Though the Dispatches prepared some Time since are not gone, we think it best to write you again, and give you an exact Account of the Situation of our Army and military Affairs to this Time. You were formerly made acquainted that, immediately after our important Victory at Princeton on the 3d of January, General Washington took Post at Morris Town; which appears to have been a well chosen Situation. From thence sending out Detachments of his Army, he speedily drove the enemy from Hackensac Chatham Springfield Westfield and Elizabeth Town; all which Places we have possessed ever since that Time; as well as Millstone and Princeton on the West, and Cranbury to the South; the Enemy having been confined to a narrow Communication upon Rariton River from Brunswick to Amboy 12 Miles. About ten Days ago, General Washington moved his Headquarters towards the Enemy, to a Place called Middle Brook about 8 Miles from Brunswick. He has now called in most of his out Posts; and the Enemy have done the same, being chiefly collected about Brunswick, and just upon the Eve of some Movement, which is generally supposed to be intended against this City. We are taking every Measure to disappoint them, and have good Hopes, in Dependance upon divine Providence, as our Army has been augmenting daily for three Months past. It is given out that the Enemy intend to come up Deleware Bay with their Ships, as well as by Land through New Jersey. It is probable that before the Vessel sails we shall have something to add upon this Subject.
In the northern Department Things are yet intirely quiet. We have a pretty strong Body at Tyconderoga: Some small Parties of the Enemy were up the Lake lately a considerable Way but are gone again and there is no Appearance of any important Motion soon. Whether this is owing to their not being ready, or, to a Change in their Plan and the Army in Canada being ordered round to reinforce Genl. Howe, as some late Reports would make us believe, it is impossible to say with Certainty.
A third Body of our Troops is at Peeks Kill upon Hudsons River, to defend the Passes towards Albany, and be ready to fall down upon New York, in case the greatest Part of the Enemy’s Army should be drawn from that Place. The Convention of that State has issued an Act of indemnity, to encourage those who had been seduced to join the Enemy to return; which has had a very happy Effect.
Upon the whole, our Affairs wear as favorable an Aspect as at any Time since the Beginning of the War: And the Unanimity of all Ranks in the different States in Support of our Independence is greater than at any preceeding Period. The arbitrary Conduct the Cruelty and Barbarity of the Enemy for the 26 Days in which they possessed some considerable Part of New Jersey has been of Service to our Cause. See upon this Subject the Report of a Committee of Congress with the Proofs in the News Papers; which you may safely assure every Person is a just and true but very small Sample of their Proceedings. We are your most obedient humble Servants
Benja HarrisonRobt MorrisJno WitherspoonThos Heyward JunrJames Lovell

Notation: Committee June 13. 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 13 June 1777
From: Lee, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir.
Hotel de Grand Villars June 13th. [1777.]
In my way to Town this evening I call’d on Mr. D. to request he wou’d write the Letter to Nantes that had been talked of, which he promised to do, at the same time he inform’d me he was going on Monday next into the Country for some weeks, and proposed that we shou’d together wait on you on Sunday Morning to settle what was best to be done. This proposition was of course agreed to, therefore we shall do ourselves the Honour of Breakfasting with you on Sunday at Nine oClock. I am Dear Sir with Sincere Esteem &c. Your most Humble Servant.
W.L.

Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur Francois / chez Monsr. Chaumont / a Passi
Notation: W Lee. to BF. June 13. 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Achille-Guillaume Lebègue de Presle, 13 June 1777
From: Lebègue de Presle, Achille-Guillaume
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Paris ce 13 juin [1777]
Lorsque j’ai eu l’honneur jeudi de vous presenter l’ouvrage du P. Beccaria que je venois de recevoir de Londres, vous m’avez demandé quelles nouvelles litteraires m’étoient parvenues en meme tems: je me crois authorisé par cette question a vous communiquer une notice d’un fait interessant arrivé je crois samedi ou lundi. Voici les termes de la lettre que j’ai recue hier de Londres, et que j’ai fait passer a l’Academie.
On vient d’eprouver un coup de tonnerre sur une maison près des Magazins de Purflet qui avoit un conducteur electrique a la distance de 40 pieds. La societé royale vient de deputer un comité pour aller examiner ce qui s’est passé: car Mr. Wilson et d’autres mecontens pretendent en faire un argument contre les pointes des conducteurs. Comme je pourrois ne m’etre pas bien expliqué en vous rapportant la nouvelle que je vous ai communiquée en voici le precis d’apres la lettre de Londres.
Le Capitaine Cook ayant appris en route d’un capitaine hollandois, qu’il avoit gueri des scorbutiques sur son batiment, par l’usage d’une plante nommée conferva, dans un tems ou il n’avoit aucun remede usité en pareil cas; Mr. Cook ecrit du Cap de Bonne Esperance qu’il a employé ce nouveau remede avec succès. Cette plante ou mousse marine couvre toutes les parties du dehors du vaisseau qui se trouvent sous l’eau, des qu’il y a trois semaines qu’il est en mer. Ainsi la nature a mis le remede aussi près du mal qu’il etoit possible. On m’a marqué recemment que le chirurgien du centurion avoit fait usage de la meme plante pour prevenir le scorbut durant le voyage du Lord Anson: Elle se mange en salade.
Je desire Monsieur que ces nouvelles vous soient agreables, et trouver des occasions de vous témoigner et ma reconnoissance de ce que vous avez procuré a mon frere l’avantage d’employer ses talens en faveur de la liberté, et le profond respect avec lequel je suis Monsieur votre tres humble tres obeissant serviteur
Lebegue De Presle

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Dr franklin / a l’ancienne maison de mr de chaumont / a Passy / Banlieue de Paris


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Honorable Gentlemen
Nantes June 14 1777.
Soon after my last was seal’d I heard of the arrival of the Annonyme and yesterday morning went to painboeuf with Capt. Hynson to examine her. He will write you particularly on this Subject and by his Letter you will be better able to form a judgment, but so far as I am capable of giving an opinion I must say this Ship by no means pleases me, she is short and not calculated either to fight or run away; she has been repaired and her masts and riggin are in tolerable order, but her Hull is about 20 year old and appears to be a vampt up Thing for Sale. There are on board 4 Guns (3 pounders) one of which is bad, if you choose to have her better armed I must buy the pieces here: She has very good Cables and anchors.
There are on board two officers who embark’d at Havre for the Voyage, as they understood. I have in Consequence of your Letters prohibiting passengers, ordered them both on shore. They are two Brothers and say they were engaged to go in the amphitrite and the elder talk’d much of his being in Congress pay and of the authentic papers he had on board; all he was able to shew me was a Brevit for Captain of a Bomb. I shall steadily adhere to my plan, unless you sent counterorders and desire me to take them.
This Vessell comes hither cleared out for St. Domingo, it will not therefore be necessary to alter it for Martinique, as I suppose whether the apparent Destination is for one or the other place is not material. The Captain I find has been kept in Ignorance of the real Destination of the Ship, he therefore now talks of Gratification, the same as the Captain of the mercury had. I shall keep myself as clear of these sort of Engagments as possible, but I wish to know whether the Vessell belongs to you or whether she is to be on freight, as in the first Case I suppose the Gratifications will come out of the public purse, but in the second out of that of the owner and of course no concern of mine.
There is a Report on ’Change to day that Capt. Rotch (Mr. Chaumonts Ship in which Mr. Bromfield went) was blown up by an English Frigate at the Entrance of the Delaware. I do not find any certain way in which this news can come, so do not believe it, I have not for that reason written to Mr. Chaumont. I have the honour to be with great Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble Servant
Jona Williams Jnr

There is on Sale here the Effingham a prize Ship of 360 Tons which will be sold cheap. The Duc De Chartres a fine French 20 Gun Ship but will come high. One or two on the Stocks nearly ready to be launched, calculated for fine sailors.
The Hon. The Commissioners of the United States.

Addressed: The Honourable / Silas Deane Esqr.
Notation: Jon Williams Nantes June 14. 77


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philippe-François Thiérin, 14 June 1777
From: Thiérin, Philippe-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Paris ce 14. Juin 1777.
J’eus l’honneur le 11 passé de vous etre présenté par Monsr. Harmanson de la Virginie et de vous remettre une lettre d’un de mes Amis de st. Malo. Vous me Promites d’y faire une réponse que vous m’addresseriez pour la lui faire parvenir: comme la multiplicité et l’importance de vos Affaires vous auroient bien pu faire perdre celle ci de vue, permettez moi, Monsieur de vous la rappeller a votre souvenir et de vous laisser convaincre du Profond Respect avec lequel j’ai l’Honneur d’etre Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Ph. FS. Thiérin
chez Mrs. Frin et Cie. Banqrs. rue du Carousel a Paris

Notation: Ph. Thierin Paris 14 june 1777


Title: Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 15 June 1777
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas

Lee reached Berlin on June 4, and soon discovered that his mission would encounter major obstacles. He announced his arrival to Count Schulenburg, the Prussian Minister, and sent him detailed suggestions about how trade might be established between Prussian and American ports. Out of the correspondence that ensued in the next three weeks the central problem emerged: the best carriers, according to Lee, would be American privateers, which could function only if the government opened its ports to them and overlooked the secret sale of their prizes; Prussia had no experience in such matters, Schulenburg replied, and the King would take no steps that might embroil him with Great Britain. Lee’s letters to his fellow commissioners below, June 28 and July 6, continue the account of his frustrations.

Dear Sirs
Berlin June 15. 1777
I had the honour of writing to you from Munich and Vienna from the last of which I arrived here the 4th of this Month. The letters you have received from hence [show] how the wind blows here. I have tried all in my power to make it change. Hitherto in vain. In ten days I shall set out on my return. There cannot be a State of more perfect question than what prevails in this place, what is nearly commercial is plann’d, but whether it will be adopted remains to be determin’d. I have the Honor of being Dear Sir &c.
Les actions defensives n’ont sans doute pas tant d’ecly [d’éclat] que les conquetes; mais elles demandent plus de fatigue plus d’adresse, plus de fermete, et plus d’intrapidité: mémoirs de Montecuculli[?], applicable to Gen. Washington.
To the Commissioners at Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Richard Price], 15 June 1777
From: Price, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

N[ewingto]n G[ree]n June 15th 1777
The writer of this presents his best respects and wishes to Dr. Franklin, whom he always thinks of with particular regard. He begs the favour of him to convey the inclosed letters to the persons to whom they are directed. He Supposes Dr. Franklin has frequent opportunities for sending to New: England; and, therefore has taken the liberty to trouble him with the care of the letter to Dr. Winthrop.
The general talk here of military men and of the ministry is that Philadelphia will be taken, and the war with the Americans decided this Summer. Distrest by the loss of their magazines; disappointed in their views from Europe; discouraged by disunion and desertion among themselves, and threaten’d by an invasion from Canada under Burgoyne, all, it is said, is over with them. Such is the confidence with which this is given out that many of those who are least disposed to credit such assertions are Stagger’d. So certain do the Bishops in particular think the speedy conquest of America that they have formed a Committee for taking into consideration measures for Settling Bishops in America agreeably to an intimation at the conclusion of the Archbishop of York’s Sermon in Feby. last to the Society for propagating the Gospel.

Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / Paris
Notation: Rich. Price