Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 7 April 1777
From: Alexander, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Sir
Dijon 7 April 1777
Your letter of the 4th came to hand this morning and I immediatly Called at the post office, where I found Monr. Dubourgs letter which woud have remaind there untill Doomsday as I am neither known, as Marchand, nor Americquain. The post goes only Tuesday So I expect to save a day by sending you this by my Friend Monr. de Montarché formerly intendant de St. Domingue a very worthy and Ingenious Man, who will be probably Employd in the Finances which he has studied and understands I believe well relative to his own Country.
Inclosed is my answer to Mr. Dubourg with His Contract. When I wrote you on that affair I had really no desire or Expectation of going into business again in that shape. But If I do, the object must be such as will Justify me in it, and I do not think less than 15 without risk woud do. They will probably think it too high, both now and after the Execution, however Successfull I may prove. I myself however allowed much more in proportion, to a Young Man who had neither the Years Experience, nor any other merit but that of Executing orders, during the Last War, on a similar scheme in the W: Indies. His name is stewart now secretary to the Government of Bengal. I notice that You have also made an Agreement with the F:G: but If it is for your Constituents do not you think it may Embarrass them to act in a Copartnary which must be the Case if you join with the others? I presume They woud send home the produce of taxes, and study objects very Important for Them, but not purely Comercial.
On the other hand it is Clear that a purchase managed by one and the same Channel, will be made Cheaper than where there is a Competition. Your measures are likely however to be so much Better taken than Theirs, that the Advantages woud probably be on your side, or to speak more properly the Disadvantages woud be on theirs. And therefore considering the thing merely in a Mercantile light, They shoud be obliged to buy the Copartnary.
It is impossible in a letter to give You any of the Numerous details that are necessary to be Attended to In such an Adventure. The General outline that I have Conceivd is this. That one very stout ship shoud be fitted out for a reason to be afterwards mentiond, and this ship may be Employed on Some such objects as Galvin’s, which will give a large Command of funds abroad indeed the Greatest part of what will be necessary for the Interprize. The Insurance will be done Cheap by such a vessel and on that account a heavy fraught may be put on the outward Cargo to defray the Charges of outfit. But the great object of such an Equipment is to have 250 good seamen in America to Navigate home prize ships to be bought there. During Last war I did in that way things that look like romance. I would propose with this preliminary to send out only 1000 tuns of shipping from France loaded with salt to Clear out for French ports so as to run no risk but on the American Coast, to send 1000 tuns from Holland with sail Duck and Cordage to supply the prizes which will be Entirely destitute. If you are not unfortunate I think the vessels may be bought in America and sold in France so as to pay litle or no fraught for the Tobacco home. The purchase of the Tobacco or the knowledge of the Plan of it shoud be Intrusted with only one person, who shoud after visiting the Country employ people on the spot two or three on every River to buy limited quantities Suitable to the ships that are ready, and these orders to be Extended from time to time as ships are got. The tobacco to be only paid on delivery. Each of the ships from France and Holland Shoud also Carry out 10 or 12 Supernumerary hands to be Employd homeward in the same way, both to secure matters in Case of Ships being lost or taken and to save the Risk of navigation outward in many ships. In this way I think in the Course of 6 Months 13000 hogds. may be shipd to Insure the delivery of 10000 hogds. or it may be pushd faster or Slower agreeable to Circumstances. A number of objections may be started to this proposal. But I think they can all be obviated. Even the difficulty of Conveying Inteligence to get Insurances made in time, which is none of the easiest. I propose to fraught few ships in france because They are not Carriers and a great number woud raise fraughts besides I hold it not bad policy to Interess as many nations as possible in your Comercial Affairs. Perhaps one or two Danish and Swedish vessels might not be amiss and They might be got Cheaper than in France. What are fraughted in this Country will come very dear. In Britain we Count a ship of 200 tuns 400 hogds. Here she will not Carry perhaps 300 hogds. even with the necessary precaution of attending to Her Dimmensions at fraughting. But dear as They will be, it will be Cheaper than buying and outfitting in France, besides that buying, woud employ Capital, which shoud be kept for more Important purposes. I am affraid your Friends will not keep Their secret as you will do. Now were it known It woud start Tobacco 50 per Cent. The reason why I woud not purchase more than half a years supply is That I woud take the benefit of two Crops for the whole order, and next Crop is only made in October. Ships will besides come home safer in winter than Summer.
We have got a third story which I Suspect has some foundation That a new treaty is going forward between France and Britain. It is said both are to Disarm by Sea in a Certain Ratio and that France is to fish on the Banks at large, In which case there will be peace for at least another year. Talking of fleets I know not If you ever attended to the way of fleets drawing up and engaging at Sea. One great Absurdity has been handed down by our Ancestors which is the Commanders engaging in the Center of Their squadrons by which They can neither see nor know what passes at any distance. I have mentiond this to some of our best sea Men who were struck with it. But no Admiral Dare propose to rectify it, because it might reflect upon His spirit. But If the Admirals were to hoist their Flags in the rear onboard of frigates which are placed to repeat signals, They coud see and Direct every thing cooly, and I am perswaded in that Case we never woud have complaints of the Misbehaviour of Captains and Admirals which happens at present in almost every action. If Ever I live to be Ld. High Admiral this practice Shall be Introduced. I know not If I mentiond to you, that the American plan of Debauching the sea Men to Carry in Ships, Is at Great length Explaind in Loyds book. I have seen your Correspondence with Ld. How in the English papers and like it much.
I have been looking into the Ancient Wars and find the loss of troops by Sickness and desertion was much the same as in modern times and much more bloody on the part of the vanquish’d. But you must come to the period where the War lasted Campaigns.
Pray are we to see you here or not? This and for 3 weeks to come will be the best time both for travelling and for Privacy, as we have a vaccation of the Parl[iamen]t.
Your Campaign in America is I Suppose now opend. I take it for Granted General How will still Aim at offensive operations, but If nothing decisive Happens, I hope and believe the next that is 1778 will be the Last land Campaign from England. For unless the troops can live upon the Country no nation can Stand the Expence of Carrying provisions for an Army 1000 leagues. I beg my best respects to your Son and am Joind by the Girls in the kindest wishes for you and Him. I am ever with the warmest Attachment Dear Sir Your most obedient humble servant
W Alexander

One Circumstance has weight with me in insisting upon Terms were I to undertake an affair of this kind. I believe Mr. Dubourg a very worthy Man the other Concernd I have barely Seen. But as They are all Ignorant There cannot be the same satisfaction in doing business with or for Them, as If They were Conversant In it. Ignorance produces indecision and Suspicion, two very disagreeable Companions in such a Journey. I am very Glad to learn that Williams is Likely to obtain a reasonable setlement at Nantes. He understands every thing relative to shipping well and I am Satisfied the Concern or any Concern coud not be in worthier hands.
I am Glad that you are pleasd with De Morveaux book, you will like the Man still better when you know Him. I will send you the second volumne whenever it is printed.
I most heartily thank you for your news. I have got within these two days most agreeable News from Granada, which give me a fair prospect of being once more a great That is an Independent Man. This Campaign promises to be an Important and I hope will prove a decisive one, after which there will be only a Privateering war, which will be Continued because our Rulers will not have humility enough to make Peace. Mr. Montarche I find just now will be latter than the post. So I send it in that way. The Girls join me in their best wishes for your health and prosperity and I am ever with the warmest attachment Dear Sir Your most faithfull humble Servant
W Alexander
As I write by post I send Mr DuBourgs letter Seperate.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsr Franklin / a l’hotel d’Hambourg / Rue Jacob / a Paris
Notations: W. Alexander Dijon. / W. Alexander 7. April 77.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles [?] Rybot, 8 April 1777
From: Rybot, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Hotel de Luynes. Paris 8th April 1777
I did not imagine you would have hesitated to pay me the trifling sum I disbursed for Mr. Wood, as had I not assisted him he must (as himself declared) have staid at Calais till you had, which besides the expence, might have been detrimental to your concerns by the delay; tis true I have no immediate call upon you, but as a man of known integrity; I am persuaded you would not have me be a sufferer, by an act, from which you reaped the benefit. I should have declined troubling you further on this Head, but I forgot to desire the Letter Mr. Carmichael left with you, which, do me the favor to deliver the bearer, if you do not chuse to pay him the money. If you do, he has my receipt and you will thereby oblige Sir Your most obedient Servant,
Cs Rybot

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsr. Le Dr. Franklin / a Son Hotel / a Passy.
Notation: Rybot.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles [?] Rybot, 9 April 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rybot, Charles

Sir,
Passy, April 9. 1777.
I believe it is very unusual for one Man to pay another’s Debts without being desired so to do by the Debtor, or knowing that he acknowledges the Sum demanded to be due. Mr. Hood is as much a Stranger to me as he is to you. You have lent him 3 Guineas: I have lent him 30, supposing him an honest Man: By the Account you give me of his Treatment of you, and which I do not doubt, he appears to be otherwise; and from the Falshoods he told you and wrote to you there is reason to question the Truth of what he has said of his Estate and Ability to pay. These are certainly no Inducements to me to advance more on his Account. The Letters he brought for me were of small Consequence and the Packets contain’d only Newspapers: The Benefit therefore which you suppose I receiv’d by your helping him on to Paris, is vastly less than the Damage I shall suffer by his coming thither, if I am not repaid. And I imagine that if a Man intrusted with carrying Letters to you, should obtain a Credit by shewing them, you would hardly think yourself oblig’d to pay his Debts. In the Memorandum you left with me, you have not given your Address in London. Send me that, if you please. I shall take the same Care and Pains to recover your Money as my own, and when recover’d shall faithfully remit it to you. This seems to me all that you can fairly desire of Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B F
Mr. Rybot

Notation: Answers to Rybot & DelaHaye


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Feutry, [9 April 1777]
From: Feutry, Aimé-Ambroise-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[April 9, 1777]
Feutry supplie Monsieur de Francklin &c. de vouloir accepter cette foible marque de son estime et de son respect. Ce Robinson et ces opuscules pourront peut être amuser ses petits Enfans. A demain à onze heures Jeudi matin hôtel de hambourg.
Feutry attend ses autres ouvrages, moins frivoles, mais peutetre plus tristes, pour des français S’entend.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François Georgel, 9 April 1777
From: Georgel, Jean-François, abbé
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel de Soubise ce 9 avril 1777.
L’abbé Georgel demeurant ches S.A. Mgr. le prince Louis de Rohan et cy devant chargé des affaires de france a la cour de Vienne a L’honneur d’adresser a Monsieur francklin le jeune homme porteur de ce billet. Il est breton, de parens d’extraction Noble et ancienne. Destiné a être officer dans le regiment de dragons de la Rochefoucault ou il etoit Cadet gentilhomme, il vient de subir la réforme. La forme actuelle du Militaire francois ne lui montrant qu’une perspective très eloignée et brulant du desir de se signaler, il s’offre a passer en amerique si Monsieur francklin veut bien lui assurer un grade et un traitement. Il a du talent et a eu une tres bonne education: il etoit cy devant page de S.A. Mgr. le prince Louis de Rohan pendant L’ambassade de ce prince a Vienne, et s’est distingué dans tous les exercices qui préparent au penible Metier des Militaires.
Monsieur francklin voudra t-il bien se rapeller que l’abbè Georgel a eu L’honneur de le voir et de lui remettre une lettre de Mr. Le Docteur Ichquenauss? L’abbe Georgel offre a Monsieur francklin L’hommage de sa respectueuse consideration.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / hotel dupon Mahon [?] / Rue Jacob
Notation: Georgel, Paris 9 Avril 77


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, [c. 10 April 1777]
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
[c. April 10, 1777.]
Je partois pour Passy, lorsque ma femme s’est trouvée si mal qu’elle a eté obligée de se mettre au lit. A peine a t’elle deux jours par semaine d’une santé passable; c’est ce qui m’a empeché d’avoir l’honneur de vous voir depuis si longtems. J’attens impatiemment des reponses de Dijon et de Nantes.
Voicy une lettre que je reçois dans le moment, qui etoit tellement cachetée que je n’ai pu en defaire la 1e. envelope sans dechirer la seconde. J’ignore l’adresse de M. Thomson pour la lui faire tenir. Je vous prie de vous en charger, ou d’en charger mon domestique a son retour. J’ai l’honneur de vous souhaiter le bonjour, une parfaite santé et de bonnes nouvelles; et de vous reïterer les assurances de mon inviolable devouement
Dubourg

Notation: du bourg


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

Gentlemen
Nantes April 12 1777.
When I wrote last the Cutter was arrived tho’ I did not know it. As soon as I received your orders I lodged the necessary ones at painbeuf for the Capt. when he should arrive. He had then come up to town and of course did not receive these orders ’till he returned to his Vessell. This little accident has been attended with no other disadvantage than the loss of 2 or 3 days time.
I have got her in an unfrequented part of the River, where the necessary alterations to receive 8 3-pounders 4 2-pounders for bow and stern Chases and 10 Swivels will be made as soon as possible, in the mean time the most cautious steps are taking to secure the Crew. When this Vessell is ready for the Sea, she will still be French property and apparently bound to Gorée, when american Colours are hoisted the real design can be no longer conceal’d; for fear of difficulty with the Commissaires in altering the property again, it may be necessary to have a hint from Authority that the officer may venture to shut his Eyes: of this you are the best Judges. Capt. Nicholson desires me to ask for a Commission for a Lieut. There are on board the Cutter two young Fellows named Fay and Antoine Rozet, who were given to understand by Mr. Ariez at Havre that they were to pass to america in this Vessell passage free. They call themselves officers, and say they have received 50 Crowns (petits ecus) advance. I know nothing more of them, but least they should injure us by chattering I told them that I would write to you and act as you may order with regard to their passages in some other Vessell, telling them that this must depend on their discretion. I hope this will keep them quiet for 8 days at least, but I have promised nothing. If you know anything of them and think them worth the expence, I dare say they would be glad of a steerage passage in some american Vessell, in the mean time I will try to persuade some Captain to take them for the Service they will be able to do on board. Mr. Hood has applied to me for money. I told him that I apprehended your orders for advances had reference only to his passage, and the necessary expences, that as soon as I could obtain a passage for him upon an estimate of this I should pay them and take his note as you order, but that I should not think myself justify’d in advancing any indefinite Sum. I received Mr. Deans favour by Monsr. Olsenne and shall give him all the information relative to american Commerce that I can. I have the honour to be with great Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble Servant
J Williams
The Honorable The Deputies of the United States

Notation: Mr. Williams to Hon: Deputies U.S (12 April 1777.)


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

Gentlemen
Nantes April 12. 1777.
Since writing by this days post I have received the inclosed plans and Memorandum from Messr. Jean henry Wilfelsheim & Compy. who wish to be employed to build in some port in the Baltic Sea ships of war on account of the Congress if they or you for them will give orders. They say that they can do this in a very advantageous manner that being the Country for Wood Iron Hemp and naval Stores. If you think such an undertaking worth prosecuting and will either keep the Plans for your own Government or will send them to the Congress they are at your Service (but if you at once decide not to have any thing to do in the Business it is desired that they may be returned). If you desire particular proposals I will examine into the whole Intention but without your permission I did not think proper to make farther Enquiry as it may only give False expectations. In the mean time I think it my duty to communicate thus Far and have the honour to be Gentlemen &c.
It is reported to day that a privateer called the Dr. Franklin has carried 3 prizes into Bayonne.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 April 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honored Sir
Nantes April 12. 1777.
I am obliged to you for mentioning the welfare of my Friends which gives me great satisfaction.
The many Instances you give me of your friendship demand my warmest gratitude and lay me under indispensable obligations to endeavour to merit your Favour by my conduct, which is the only return I can make.
The circumstances you mention for my private Government shall be attended to with Caution and whatever Business falls into my hands I will endeavour to execute well. The Goods you will have occasion to ship I suppose will be such as the public service requires, I therefore at this time can’t forbear observing that as it requires a great deal of time to convey the Goods from the different parts of the Kingdom to the place of shipping, the orders should be given so early as to give time for this transportation that a Ship may not be waiting on expence. These orders should also be divided according to the seasons in which they will probably arrive else the Goods will come indiscriminately and there will be winter ones in summer and summer ones in winter. I take the liberty of making this observation because I have an Instance of this before me the Cargo now shipped on board the Count de Vergennes consisting of both linnens and woolens for Winter.
The young Gentleman who delivers this is from Mr. Schweighaussers’ Counting House, I send it by him because the packet is large for the post, and because he is desirous of having it to say that he has seen Dr. Franklin. In return for a great deal of good nature and civility I could not refuse what will give you no trouble, and what he will think a very great Favour. The Gentleman who gave me the inclosed plan is connected with the House mentioned, and I think him a very worthy good man. The House I understand is a very good one, but if you think any thing about the plan I will endeavour to get the best Information. I am with the greatest Respect and Esteem dear and honored Sir Yours most dutifully and affectionately
J Williams Junr

Addressed: Doctor Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Court de Gébelin, 14 April 1777
From: Gébelin, Antoine Court de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 14e. avril 77
Je prens la liberté de Vous recommander un jeune Suisse, M. Guez, de Lausanne fils d’une ancienne connoissance de M. Hutton, et d’un de mes Amis, reçu Chirurgien à Montpellier, qui vient de quitter sa Patrie pour aller offrir ses services dans les Colonies Angloises qui vous doivent tant. Je verrai avec la plus vive reconnoissance, tout ce que l’illustre Docteur Francklin voudra bien faire en faveur de ce jeune homme dont le Pere etoit deja très distingué dans la Pharmacie et qu’il a eu le malheur de perdre depuis quelques années. J’aurois eu l’honneur de vous le presenter moi même si je n’etois retenu dans ce moment par les soins qu’exige l’impression et la composition du 5e. vol. du Monde Primitif; c’est mon Beaufrere qui me remplace à cet egard et qui saisit avec empressement cette occasion de Vous rendre ses devoirs.
Il vous parlera aussi, Monsieur, d’un de nos Amis communs M. Pierre Dutilh de Bordeaux, Negociant habile et de la plus grande probité qui seroit très flatté d’etre honoré des commissions de vos Negocians, surtout pour les vins, Eaux de vie, epiceries &c. et dont on seroit certainement satisfait; je vous aurois aussi beaucoup d’obligation si vous vouliez bien nous faire donner à cet egard les renseignemens necessaires ou faire recommander notre Ami.
Je profite de cette occasion Monsieur pour vous faire presenter le 4me. Vol. du Monde Primitif ouvrage pour lequel vous m’avez fait l’honneur de souscrire. J’en devrois faire passer un aussi à M. Rush, qui est egalement souscripteur.
Si les Colonies etoient dans un Etat plus tranquille, j’oserois esperer que Vous auriez la complaisance d’interesser vos amis à cette Souscription. Personne ne le merite plus par l’estime et la veneration avec lesquelles il a eté dans tous les tems Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Court DE Gebelin

Notations: Court de Geblin 14 avril 1777. / A. Guez de lausanne en Suisse


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 14 April 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard

Dear Son,
Passy, near Paris, April 14. 1777
The Bearer Mr. Guez, being well recommended to me as a skilful Surgeon, and otherwise of good Character for his Morals and Prudence, I recommend him to your Civilities and Advice, which as a Stranger he may have occasion for: And as he has not sufficient to pay his Passage here, and will not be able to provide such a Sum immediately there, I desire you to advance it for him out of my Money left in your Hands, and take his Bond for repayment in a Year. I request likewise that you will endeavour to introduce him to some Employment either in the Army or Navy; or if those are full, into some Town or Place where one of his Profession may be wanted. Ben and Temple continue well, with Your affectionate Father
B Franklin
R. Bache, Esqr

Addressed: To / Richard Bache, Esqr / Philadelphia


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Paul Veron, 14 April 1777
From: Veron, Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris ce 14. Avril 1777.
Mr. Monge de Beaune vient de m’envoyer par sa lettre du 11 du courant la lettre que j’ay l’honneur de vous acheminer par la presente, en me recommandant de vous la remettre en main propre, s’il m’est possible. Comme j’ignore votre adresse, Monsieur, j’ay envoyé aux informations, d’un côté, l’on m’a dit que vous etiés souvent à la campagne, d’autres m’ont dit qu’ils ne sçavoient point votre demeure. Mais m’ayant été assuré que Ms. Grand et Cie. avoient l’honneur d’etre connus de vous, et qu’ils pouroient vous voir soit en ville ou à Passy, sous peu, j’ay crû Monsieur ne devoir pas hesiter de leurs remettre le presente contenant la ditte lettre qui m’a été adressée pour vous, avec priere de voulloir bien vous l’a faire parvenir aussitost qu’il leurs sera possible.
Mon dit Sr. Monge m’avoit indiqué de m’informer de votre demeure chez Mr. Kornemann, ce qui ne m’a point reussy n’ayant point trouvé ces Messieurs.
Le dit Sr. Monge me marque qu’il est prié de la part des personnes qui luy ont envoyé cette lettre de leur en procurer reponse, si cela est possible; si vous souhaités Monsieur me la faire tenir, je l’achemineray aussitost que je l’auray recuë pourquoy vous avés cyaprés ma demeure. J’ay l’honneur d’etre Monsieur Votre trés humble obeissant serviteur
Paul Veron
Paul Veron negt. Ruë St. Martin visavis celle aux ours à côté du caffé maillard

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / à Paris.
Notation: Paul vron Paris 14 avril 1777.


Title: Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 15 April 1777
From: Wickes, Lambert
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

This letter speaks of preparations for a major American naval move, Wickes’s cruise in the Irish Sea. The commissioners had summoned him to Paris in mid-March, and out of their consultations had come the plan for the cruise. The tiny squadron was to consist of the Reprisal and a cutter, renamed the Dolphin, which had been intended for a packet and was now converted into a warship under Nicholson’s command. The idea of buying a frigate was dropped; but the brig Lexington had arrived with blank naval commissions from Congress, and Wickes’s suggestion here that she be added to his squadron was promptly accepted.

Gentlemen
Nantes April 15th, 1777
We Arrivd hear Late Last Wendnesday Night; and the Cutter Got up to pileren thursday and friday We Went on bord her in order to Give the Nessesary orders for fitting her. After Doing this We Went Down to Pain Beaf in order to procure All the American Seamen in our power. We Was tolerable Suckcesfull. We have Now Nine Americans Engaged Includeing Captn. Clarke and the Docktor. The Captn. and the Crue that Came from Haverdegrass in the Cutter is Inclined to Giv us Sum trouble but I Am in hopes We Shal be Able to take Such Measures as Will prevent them from Doing any Dammage. The Cutter is a fine Stout vessail And much Better than I Exspected She Would be for the purposes intended. We Shal mount her With: 10 Carage Guns And 12 Swivels and About 30 men. She is Now in the Carpenters Hands and I Am in hopes We Shall be Able to Get her fitt for Sea in 6 or 7 Days. I Shall Remain hear With Captn. Nicholson Until he Gets things in A fair Way and then Make the Best of my Way for L’Orient. I think our Little Squadren Would Receive a very Nessesary Addition of Streng if joind By Captn. Johnston of the Lexington if he is Not Distened for Any Particular Service or Cruize Would be Glad if he Would join me. I think you Would Do very Well to procure the Kings Pass for All persons Who Comes from parris to this With your Dispaches or Any other Urgent Business Where Dispach is Required. I think this hint Nessesary on Account of A Number of Delays that We met With from the postmasters and post Boys Comeing Down, and I Beleav We Should hardly Got here yet if We had not forced them to procead by Beating and hard Threats. From Gentlemen your Most Obligd Humble Servant
Lambt. Wickes

Addressed: To / The Honbl. Doctr. Benjamin Franklin / Paris.
Notation: Capt. Wickes April 15. 77. Nantes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nathan Rumsey, 15 April 1777
From: Rumsey, Nathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honorable Sir
Nantes 15th. April 77.
The dispatches by Mr. Cunningham arrived safe late on Sunday Night. The Packet falls down the River to day, and if the wind continues fair, will sail tomorow.

I have my faults, and perhaps they are conspicuous but Nemo nascitur sine Vitiis. I doubt not but Ennemies have made a Handle of them to rob me of your favor and good Opinion for the Loss of which I am sincerely sory. My Views at leaving my Native Land were to serve it; they shall be the same on my return; and I hope my general Behaviour will be such as to merit again Your approbation. As far as my Assistance may be necessary to forward the Dispatches to Congress, it shall be heartily given.
I wish you all possible success in your laudable Commission and have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant
Nathan Rumsey.
Doct. Franklin

Addressed: A l’Honorable / Doct. Benjamin Franklin / A l’Hotel D’Hambourg / Rue Jacob / a / Paris.
Notations: N. Rumesy 15. April 77. / Rue Royal Place de Louis 15.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 April 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honored Sir
Nantes April 15. 1777.
I am fearfull you will think me too troublesome in so often diverting your attention from other important concerns, but I can’t help requesting your opinion on the inclosed articles before I consent to them, as when I am once engaged I must continue, and it is too important on my side to agree without the necessary previous Consideration. Please to return the Circular Letters.

Your Favour of 20 March is but just come to hand. I am with the greatest Respect most dutifully and affectionately Yours
J Williams

Addressed: Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Joseph Raup de Baptestin de Moulières, 16 April 1777
From: Baptestin de Moulières, Antoine-Joseph Raup de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Le 16 avril 1777.
Dès que les Etats-unis de l’Amerique commenceront a jouir de la tranquilité qui, selon toute apparence, va bientôt succeder a la plus injuste et la plus revoltante de toutes les Guerres, Leur premier soin sera sans doute, de se livrer plus vivement que jamais au goût que vous leur avés donné pour les sciences et les arts, sans lesquels un Etat ne saurait etre florissant; c’est vous, Monsieur, qui les avés portés dans cette nouvelle republique dont le bonheur comme la Gloire seront egalement votre ouvrage, Et tout ce qui peut tendre à leur accroissement est fait pour vous interesser.
C’est a ce titre, Monsieur, que je vous prierais de m’accorder un moment pour conferer avec vous sur un objet qui y est relatif. Je suis avec autant de respect que d’admiration, Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Baptestin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Franquelin, 16 April 1777
From: Franquelin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A paris ce 16 avril 1777.
La crainte de troubler vos grandes occupations m’a empêché jusqu’à ce jour de me présenter devant vous: mais pressé par ma famille, j’ose donc vous prier de me permettre d’avoir l’honneur de vous voir pour verifier si effectivement nous sommes descendus de la méme souche, comme plusieurs de mes parents me l’ont asseuré; peut-etre n’esce que le desir qu’ils ont, ainsi que moy, d’appartenir à un grand homme. J’ay l’honneur, en attendant votre moment, d’etre avec un tres profond respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Franquelin
avocat au parlement de paris rüe de Bercy fauxbourg St. Antoine

Notation: Franquelin. 16. Avril 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Feutry, 17 April 1777
From: Feutry, Aimé-Ambroise-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Ce jeudi matin de bonne heure, 17 avril 1777.
J’ai eu, hier, L’honneur de vous adresser quelques mémoires; j’ai celui de vous envoyer une Bagatelle qui vous prouvera du moins que je desire Le bien. J’attends toujour vos ordres et suis très Laconiquement, très Belgiquement, et très respectueusement Monsieur votre très humble et très obeissant

P.S. Quand j’aurai sous La main mes autres ouvrages, qui forment sept à huit volumes, j’aurai L’honneur de vous en faire hommage.

Notation: Feutry


Title: The American Commissioners to the Comte de MercyArgenteau, 19 April 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Mercy-Argenteau, Florimond-Claude-Charles, comte de

Sir
Paris, April 19. 1777
By direction of the Congress of the United States of America, we have the Honour of informing your Excellency, that they purpose to send a Minister to your respected Court, with all convenient Expedition, properly impower’d to treat upon Affairs of Importance.
In the mean time we beg the Favour of your Excellency to inform your Court, that we are instructed and authorized by the said Congress to sollicit its Friendship, to request that it would afford no Aid to their Enemies, but use its good Offices to prevent the Lending of Troops by other Powers to be transported to America for their Destruction; and to offer the free Commerce of the said States to the Subjects of Austria; which Request and Offer we now hereby make, and we beg your Excellency would transmit the same to the Ministers of your Court, for their favourable Consideration. With great Respect we have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants
B FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee
Commissioners Plenipotentiary from the United States of North AmericaHis Excelly. M. le Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, Imperial Ambassador.

Addressed: A son Excellence / M. le Comte de Mercy-Argenteau / Ambassadeur de l’Empereur, & de sa / Majesté Imperiale, Royale & Apostolique / l’Imperatrice Reine de Hongrie & de Bohéme / &c. / à Paris


Title: The American Commissioners to Baron Schulenburg, 19 April 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Schulenburg, Friedrich Wilhelm, baron von der

Sir,
Paris 19 April 1777.
We received the letter which you did us the honour to write to us of the 15th Ultimo and should earlier have replied particularly thereto, but from the daily expectation we had of recieving orders from Congress of the United States on this important subject. We have their commands to inform his Prussian Majesty’s Ambassador here, that they propose to send a Minister to your respected Court with all convenient expedition properly impowered to treat upon affairs of importance, and that we are in the mean time instructed and authorised by the Congress to solicit the Friendship of your Court, to request that it would afford no aid to their enemies, but use its good offices to prevent the landing of troops by other powers to be transported to America for their destruction, and to offer the free Commerce of the United States to the Subjects of Prussia. We have taken the earliest opportunity of obeying these commands. But considering the great importance of establishing a free commerce between the two Countries as soon as possible, and confident that every objection may be obviated, and the wished for intercourse opened and established on the most certain and beneficial grounds to promote the Interest of both Countries, We propose that one of us shall wait on your Excellency as soon as conveniently may be done, to explain personally the Situation of America, the nature, extent, and importance of its commerce, and the methods by which it may be carried on with Prussia to mutual advantage. In the proposed interview we are confident the Difficulties mentioned by your Excellency may be surmounted, and a very considerable part of American Commerce be turned to Prussia by measures neither dangerous nor expensive. We have the honor to be &c.
SigndB. Franklin
  S. Deane
  Arthur Lee
To his Excellency Baron Schulenburg at Berlin

Notation: Letter from the Commissioners in France to Baron Schulenburgh apr 19th. 1777. inclosed in a Lees Letter apr 8 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François de Brahm, 20 April 1777
From: Brahm, François de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Coblence Le 20 d’avril 1777
Mon fils qui est oficier de S. el. E. de Treves, mais qui est pressentement au service de la Republique d’amerique, en qualité de capitaine d’artilerie à demandé à l’electeur son Maitre la permission, (qui’il n’avoit que pour deux ans,) d’oser rester jusqu’a que la geure soit finie, et il vient aussy de la recevoir. Elle est cy jointe, avec une lettre de moy, et de mes autres enfans. Je vous suplie dont [donc] de lui faire parvenir ces ecrits, aussy-tot qu’il sera possible. Vous m’obligerés infiniment, etant avec parfait Estime Monsieur votre très obeissant serviteur
DE Brahmcapitaine de S. el. E. de Treves.

Notation: De Brahm Coblence le 20 d’avril 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jabez Maud Fisher, 21 April 1777
From: Fisher, Jabez Maud
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monday April 21. Rue Jacob. Hotel de la grande Bretagne Mr. Fisher presents his respectful Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and informs him that he shall set out for London on Thursday next, when if Dr. Franklin should have any Commands to his particular Friends Dr. Forthergill and Mr. Barclay or any other of his Friends, Mr. Fisher will with great Pleasure take them under his Care and deliver them with Fidelity. If Dr. Franklin should not incline to write and has any verbal Message to deliver to those Gentlemen, Mr. Fisher would do himself the honour to wait on him for that Purpose.
Mr. Stevenson and Mr. Lownds present their respectful Compliments.

Addressed: Dr: Franklin / Passy.
Notation: Mr Fishers Note


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jabez Maud Fisher, 21 April 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Fisher, Jabez Maud

Passy April 21. 77.
Dr. Franklin presents his Respects to Mr. Fisher, with Thanks for his obliging Offer of taking Letters under his Care to the Dr.’s Friends in London: but apprehending that a Correspondence with him at present may be attended with some inconvenient Circumstances to his Friends there, he has generally avoided writing to any of them since his Arrival in France, except in Answer to Letters received. He is however much oblig’d to Mr. Fisher, and wishes him a good Journey. He only requests Mr. Fisher would present his affectionate Respects to Dr. F. and Mr. B.
Compliments to Messrs. Stevenson and Lownds.

Addressed: Mr Fisher / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from —— de Bragelonne, 21 April 1777: résumé
From: Bragelonne, ——, de Filley de la Barre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Bordeaux, April 21, 1777, in French: M. Delap has promised to forward you my letter and the attached memorandum. I am a man of standing, an old soldier allied with the most respectable houses in the kingdom and descended from generals. An impoverishing lawsuit has compelled me to put to use my observations made during many campaigns. The memorandum will show you the importance of my ideas, and your country needs to profit from those wise in the military art.
After more than thirty-five years of work I have perfected a new gun carriage. I have other suggestions as well, even more advantageous for your cause, but let us begin with this one. I will explain it to M. Delap, who, though young, strikes me as knowing the ways of the world. Please give him any directions needed for reducing the delays that usually ruin such cooperative ventures.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Feutry, 21 April 1777
From: Feutry, Aimé-Ambroise-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris ce 21 avril 1777. au Soir
Donner un petit pois pour une grosse fève, comme dit un ancien proverbe Belge (et je suis de cette bonne Nation) voilà mon histoire avec vous. J’ai eu L’honneur de vous adresser une partie de mes foibles ouvrages, et vous me gratifiez de vos oeuvres scientifiques! J’ose encore, Monsieur, vous envoyer La bagatelle ci Jointe, dont L’avertissement seul et l’introduction, doivent, ou peuvent se lire. J’attends, de flandres, mon choix d’histoires morales, en 4 parties, et mes mémoires de La cour d’Auguste (Octavien César) pour Les mettre à vos pieds. Daignez, Monsieur, me donner Le jour, Le moment précis, où je pourrai avoir Le bonheur de vous voir, de vous admirer, de vous entendre et de m’instruire. Si je L’osois, je dirois, ici, Barbarus hìc ego sum, quia non intelligor illis. Je suis avec autant d’estime, d’attachement, que de respect et de vénération Monsieur votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
Feutry.
Maison de Mr. de Cormainville Maréchal de Camps, ès armées du Roy. Barriere ste. anne, à la nouvelle france.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, [21 April 1777]
From: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Lundi matin [April 21, 1777].
Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld fait bien des complimens à Monsieur le Docteur franklyn, et le prie de vouloir bien, s’il a achevé de lire la Traduction de la Constitution de Virginie, la lui renvoier, parce qu’il voudroit avoir le tems d’y faire quelques corrections, pour lui demander, s’il est nécessaire, quelques derniers éclaircissemens Vendredi; il espere et Madame sa mere aussi que Monsieur le Docteur [se rappelle?] l’engagement qu’il a pris de venir diner avec eux ce jour là, et d’amener Monsieur son petit fils.
Si Monsieur franklyn a la suite de la Constitution de Maryland, le Duc de la Rochefoucauld lui sera obligé de vouloir bien la lui renvoyer, et lui renvoier aussi les deux Remembrancers qui contiennent celle de Virginie.

Notation: de la Rochefoucaut


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Sowden, 21 April 1777
From: Sowden, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Rotterdam April 21 1777
As a proper apology for this intrusion, permit me to inform You, that tho’ not honoured with your personal acquaintance, I have an high respect for your Character, founded on your well earned Fame, and the perusal of your useful and ingenious works. I am also under some obligation, for your readiness, about ten Years since, and in Answer to a Letter with which I troubled You, in furnishing me with such Authorities, concerning the non existence of a Town in the County of Glôster in North America, where a vision was said to have happened to one Chamberlain A Minister; as enabled me effectualy to crush a Fabula anilis, that had made many silly good people in this Country half frantick with Enthusiasm. Forgive, Sir, this strain of Egotism, which in the present Case cannot well be avoided, while I proceed to inform You, that for these last 28 Years, I have been Minister of the English Presbyterian Church on the Dutch establishment, in this City; that I am intimate with Dr. de Monchy, medical Professor of this Town, and with Your old Friend Dr. Kippis, nor am I totaly unacquainted with that excellent Man Dr. Price, to whom I have lately forwarded some Letters that reached me by way of France, and whom I have desired, in Case he apprehends any thing from Ministerial vengeance, to come and reside here.
These Circumstances however, Sir, would not have induced me to trouble You, had I not been prompted by the Reverend Mr. Gordon of Jamaica plain near Boston, with whom I was formerly intimate in England, and who has corresponded with me during the 9 Years that he has resided in America. In a Letter that reached me the week before last (inclosed in one to a Mr. Tabor of this place) by way of Paris, he complains that for a year past, he has not received one Answer to the many Letters he has sent me, and desires me to send my future Letters for him to You. This, Sir, is a Liberty I dare not presume to take unless I previously obtain your permission. If I am so happy, my Letters for him shall be sent open to You, that you may see what I write, and be sure of Your Man. As they will contain nothing but a recital of publick affairs here; and in England, relative to America, there will perhaps, be several things in them that you would be glad to see, and to the perusal of which you are heartily welcome. The favour of forwarding my Letters to Mr. Gordon will be peculiarly acceptable at this time by reason of the departure of my good Friend Mr. Rumsey. With him I had an acquaintance here, and a correspondence ever since his residence at Nantes, which by the sudden and melancholy Death of his Father, demanding his return home, is now broken off, so that I cannot, as formerly, send my Letters by that Channel. In Case You permit me to forward my Letters for him, or Mr. Gordon, to You, I shall probably trouble You once every 5 or 6 weeks, and, if the connection of the post office here with that of Paris will permit, shall frank my Letters.
This being an introductory Letter it is proper to close it with my name, and equaly proper, beset as You are with Lord Stormont’s Spies, to send it inclosed by a Merchant of this City to his Correspondant in Paris, to be by him delivered at your lodgings, and, if possible, into your own hands. But if You permit me to write again to You, and will furnish me with any particular address, for the sake of greater safety, I shall not in future put any name or place of abode, an omission that, after this hint, will amply answer the purposes of both.
In return, Sir, for the trouble I am now giving you, I can only say, that if You think I can serve You in transmitting any Letters You want to have forwarded to any of Your old Friends, by a very secret and safe mode of conveyance, or in forwarding any Letters from them to You, by the same mode, I am much at Your service, and that, if I know myself, You may depend upon the most confidential honour and secrecy. Please to direct to me thus: A Monsieur Monsieur Sowden â Rotterdam. Should any Letter come inclosed to You from America with no other address than A Monsieur Monsieur, upon it, please to supply my name and place of abode, and dispatch it by post.
We have an excellent Paper published twice a week in this Country. It is printed at Leyden, and is known here by the name of the French Leyden Gazette, tho’ it is entitled Nouvelles extraordinaires de divers Endroits. If it reaches Paris, I would by all means recommend it to Your perusal. It contains a faithful and judicious compend of English news, and abounds with pertinent remarks. I once more entreat You would excuse this trouble, and also to do me the justice to believe that, with a most sincere esteem, and profound respect, I am, Sir, Your very humble Servant
Benjn Sowden

PS. Excuse my sealing this with a wafer. I was desired to do it for the greater conveniency of inclosing.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur Franklin / â / Paris / [In another hand:] Legrand fils negociant rue St. Denis presque visavis celle de la heaumerie a Paris.
Notation: Ben. Sowden Ap. 21. 77


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Pierre-Joseph Perreau], 22 April 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Perreau, Pierre-Joseph

Reverend Sir,
Passy, April 22. 1777
Mr. Mercley whom your Reverence mentions as having made Promises to Monsieur your Brother, was employ’d as a Merchant to purchase some military Stores for the Congress, but I know of no Authority he had to engage Officers of the Marine, or to make any Promises to such in our Behalf. I have not myself, (as I have already had the Honour of telling your Reverence) the least Authority from the Congress, to make Promises to Officers to encourage their going to America; and since my Arrival in France I have constantly dissuaded all who have applied to me, from undertaking the Voyage, as I knew how difficult it would be for them to find Employment, a few Engineers and Officers of the Artillery excepted, who are gone. Nevertheless, if your Brother continues resolv’d to go thither, at his own Expence, and the Risque of finding or not finding Employment which I cannot advise him to do, I will give him Letters of Introduction to Gentlemen there, recommending him to their Civilities; but I must at the same time caution him against having any Reliance on those Letters as a means of procuring him a Command in our Armies, since I am by no means sure they will have any such Effect. I will, if you please, give him a Letter to Gen. Washington; but then I should have the State of his Services to enclose; and if accompanied with Recommendations from some General Officers of Note, it will be so much the better. My Door is never shut to your Reverence when I am at home, as I am almost every Evening. With great Respect I have the Honour to be Your Reverence’s most obedient and most humble Servant.
B F
Bishop of Tricomie

Notation: Letter to Bishop of Tricomie


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Cauffman, 23 April 1777
From: Cauffman, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Vienna 23 of April 1777.
Difference of station, the most honourable place, you hold in one of the most glorious causes, which man e’er beheld from the very creation of the world, and the numberless occupations, which the love of Mankind and our dear Country has conferred upon you, restrained a long time the ardent desire I had of writing to you. However at length I thought it an essential part of my duty to pay my respects to a man, for whom, tho’ I had never the honour to know him, I have always nourished the highest esteem and veneration, not only as one famous in litterature and of the most unblemished character, but much more as one, to whom Posterity is so much indebted for his glorious endeavours to maintain the liberty of almost one quarter of the World. Surely then, Sir, you’ll not take amiss my boldness, especially if you consider that presumption itself, if well grounded, is laudable. I was born in Philadelphia, and sent abroad in the most tender years to imbibe knowledge, particularly in the medical way. I have studied a considerable time in this University, where I have had the satisfaction to see my labours crowned with honour. My only wish and desire is to prove one day or other serviceable to my Country, for which, tho’ my youth and my not having accomplished my studies till now have rendered me hitherto incapable, I should be happy in spending the rest of my days, my repose and blood. Let our foolish modern moralists ridicule love for one’s Country as much as they please, I shall always think it the first duty of Man to serve his Country, as much as ever lies in his power, it being the dictate of reason, Nature and own proper instinct. Though I have not had the honour to serve America in person, still I have the satisfaction to think, that I am in some measure concerned. The present war has put me into somewhat critical circumstances, as my Father has been therby hind’red in sending my remittances; however I glory in this small misfortune, as I am at least in some respects touched by the present calamities. How happy should I be if I could partake of everything in person! It is cheifly for this reason that I make bold to trouble you with the present. I have applied myself with an indefatigable zeal to my studies, in order to prove one day or other a worthy citizen of America, to which the success I have had in ’em convinces me I can be serviceable at least in the branch I profess, witness the inclosed attestations, which I thought myself bound by duty to send you, that you may be convinced of my sincerity and nothing less than boasting. One of ’em is from the renowned Dr. De Haen, the other from the learned Dr. Stoll his successor; I have particularly studied Anatomy and Surgery thinking that the Army will stand in most need of these two branches. If therefore you find my presence of the least service in the present contest, I am ready to return to my native shore by such means, as you shall be pleased to prescribe to me, being much more contented with a less lucrative but still more glorious station, than with the most brilliant office, which I have reason to expect in this University, for our Country is always to be prefered to any other whatever in the world, especially when it is engaged in an affair that concerns it’s aras et focos. But should you think it more adviceable for me to remain some time longer in Europe in order to enable myself in some other branch &c. &c., I submit to your advice and judgment, only beseeching you to point out some way, by which I may be supplied from my Father with necessary remittances towards the prosecution of what you may advise me. If you should desire to be informed on any matter whatever in or concerning the Austrian Dominions &c., which can be of any service to our Country, you can but command. No pains shall be thought too great, no stone left unturned, to procure you proper information; and tho’ you may be, as is natural, somewhat diffident in trusting any thing to an unknown person, still you’ll certainly always find in me a faithful and an honest man. Put me to the trial, and let the event speak. This is but a hint of what could with reason be enlarged. I have given no description of my Family, as I suppose it known to you: all we have to boast of is honesty, and this, I think, is sufficient in the depraved age we live in. Nor do I immagine that my being educated in the catholic religion will prove any obstacle to serving my Country, and doing the duty of an honest and worthy citizen. I cannot persuade myself, that such great and thinking men, under whose direction America so gloriously proceeds, will any ways oppose my ardent desires for so trivial a reason. Certainly the many able pieces which they have bestowed on the public to the admiration of all Europe, convince me of the contrary. But to make an end to tatling, I finish by beseeching you to second the wishes of one, who would be happy in contributing something to american liberty, and showing on all occasions the high esteem he has for a man, whom the Almighty has bestowed on our Country as it’s Saviour and protector. Sir I remain with due respect your ever Devoted Servant,
Jos. Cauffman

P.S. I make bold to beg the favour of a line or two at leisure in answer to the inclosed. My directions are A Mosr. Jos: Cauffman. M.D. et Membre de la faculte de Vienne chez Monsr. de Stoll Professeur en Medicine a Vienne en Autriche.
NB. Many able officers, even of rank, who have served in both of the last wars in Germany have expressed a desire of taking part in the present contest, provided they had previous intelligence of the conditions, upon which such a step could be undertaken. Several have beged me to write to you on this topic, which I have done by way of hint in compliance to their repeated requests.
I beg you would forward the inclosed attestations either to America, or send me them back to Vienna: if you send any to America be pleased to direct ’em to my Father.

Notation: Caufinan 23 April 1777.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to La Rochefoucauld and the Duchesse d’Enville, 25 April 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de,Enville, Marie-Louise-Nicole-Elisabeth de La Rochefoucauld, duchesse d’

Passy, April 25. 77.
Mr. Franklin rejoices to hear that Monsr. le Duc de Rochefoucauld, and Madame la Duchesse d’Enville, in whose Welfare he is much interested, are both on the Recovery.
Art. 4. M. F. thinks the Error is in the Number of Districts, which ought to have been 24.

Art. 9. Is also misprinted. It should have been that two Members are to be removed at the End of every Year.
Art. 13. The Word Fees does not signify a constant Salary, but a particular Sum allow’d by Law to be receiv’d by an Officer, for every Act done by him in the Execution of his Office, which Sum is usually proportion’d to the Trouble of each Act.
Art. 19. The Intention of the Exception is to reserve to Virginia the free Navigation of those Rivers, which are the Boundary between that State and Maryland; but not to exclude Maryland from the Navigation of the same Rivers.
In the Money of the Massachusetts Bay, Old Tenor signifies the State of Depreciation their Money was in, when a Shilling Sterling was equal to ten Shillings of their Paper. This State of Depreciation continuing a long time, the Prices of everything were conformable to it, and the People being accustomed to reckon in that Money, continued to do so after the Paper was all call’d in and destroy’d. Lawful Money only now passes there, which is reckon’d by adding one third to Sterling Money: Thus the third of a Guinea is seven Shillings sterling, which being added to Twenty-one Shillings, makes 28s. the Value of a Guinea in lawful Money, according to the Act of Parliament of Queen Anne. Old Tenor is now only Money of Account, no real Money of the kind now actually existing.
Mr. F. will be glad to hear when the Health of his Friends is perfectly re-established.


Title: The American Commissioners to [the Conde de Sousa Coutinho], 26 April 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Sousa Coutinho, Vicente, conde de

Sir
Paris, April 26. 1777.
The Congress of the United States of America have seen a paper purporting to be an Edict of his Portuguese Majesty, dated at the Palace of Ajuda, the 4th. of July, 1776. in which the said States are treated with Contumely, their Ships however distress’d, forbidden to enter any Port in his Dominions; and his Subjects every where forbidden to afford them the least Shelter or Relief. But as this Instrument has not been communicated to the Congress with any Circumstance of Authenticity, and appears only in the Gazettes which frequently containing fictitious Pieces are not to be rely’d on; as a long Friendship and Commerce has subsisted between the Portuguese and the Inhabitants of North America, whereby Portugal has been supplied with the most necessary Commodities in Exchange for her Superfluities, and not the least Injury has ever been committed or even offered by America to that Kingdom; the United States can scarce bring themselves to believe that the said Edict is genuine, and that Portugal which but little more than a Century since, was with respect to its former Government in a Situation similar to theirs, should be the first to reproach them with it as a Crime that rendered them unworthy the common Rights of Humanity; and should be the only Power in Europe that has rejected their Commerce and assumed to judge of their Cause, and condemn them without Authority, Hearing or Enquiry: We therefore being Ministers of the Congress of the said United States have been charged by them to represent to his most faithful Majesty their sincere desire to live in Peace with all Mankind, and particularly with his Nation; that if he has been by their Enemies surprised into the issuing such an Edict, he would be pleased in his Wisdom to reconsider and revoke it; and that he would henceforth permit the continuance of the said Friendly and Commercial Intercourse between his People and theirs which has ever been so advantageous to both: This Representation we now take the Liberty of making to your Court through the Medium of your Excellency; and whatever might have been its Reception if it had been made before the late Change, we do not now allow ourselves to doubt of its having in due time a favourable Answer, being persuaded from the equitable Character of the present Government, that the Measure in question cannot be approved of, and such unworthy Treatment continued towards an inoffensive and Friendly People. With great Respect, we have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants,
B FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee
Commissioners Plenipotentiary for the United States of North AmericaHis Excellency the Ambassador from Portugal

Notation by Franklin: Portugal [In another hand:] Letter from Commrs to the Ambassador from Portugal, at the Court of France. [In a third hand:] Ap. 26. 77.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jan Ingenhousz, 26 April 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ingenhousz, Jan

My dear Friend,
Passy, near Paris, April 26. 1777
I find by your Favour of the 2d Inst. that my Letter to you had been stopt in the Post Office. I am sorry I omitted Payment of the Postage; it was thro’ Ignorance. As you mention having order’d your Banker to forward it, I hope you have it before this time. I shall take care of this.
It is probable that I shall remain here still some Months, so that if you resolve to call at Paris in your Way to England, I shall once more enjoy the very great Pleasure of seeing you in this World.
As to the Peace you so much desire between America and England, there is at present no Appearance of its soon taking Place. The several States having separately, during Years past, and the Congress for the whole, sent Petitions, Remonstrances, and humble Addresses without Number: to the King and Parliament, which were all treated with Contempt, and answered only by additional Injuries, no farther Proposition is to be expected from them, especially since they have settled their new Government, after being compelled to relinquish and renounce their Connection with Great Britain. And I imagine Britain is yet too proud to make any reasonable Propositions on her Part, and has not yet suffer’d enough by the War; which I therefore [think?] is likely to continue a long time, as we on our part are every Year in a better Condition to support it.
Here is nothing new in the philosophical Way, or I should have a Pleasure in communicating it to you. The Emperor is arriv’d, and very industrious in seeing every thing worth a Sovereign’s Notice: The French appear to be much pleased with him.
I hear sometimes of our Friend Sir John, by means of M. Le Roy: but my Regard for him prevents my writing to him directly, as his having any Correspondence with me would if known be certainly made use of against him by his Enemies, and hurt him with the King; &c. I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Feutry, 26 April 1777
From: Feutry, Aimé-Ambroise-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce samedi 26 avril 1777.
Feutry supplie Monsieur Franklin de vouloir bien accepter L’ouvrage ci Joint. Il aura certainement L’honneur de se rendre, demain dimanche, à sa gracieuse invitation. Il assure ici Mr. Franklin de son Respect, de sa vénération et du desir sincère de mériter son estime et son amitié. &c.


Title: Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 27 April 1777
From: Wickes, Lambert
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen,
L’Orient April 27th. 1777
I wrote you last post acknowledging the receipt of your letters by Capt. Johnston and informing you of my Intentions to proceed to Nantz and there wait the Arival of Capt. Johnston. I am very Sorry to inform you of the Mutiny that has happend amongst my People since my Arrival, they have all refused to go to Sea untill they received their prize Money; With much threats and a promise that the prize Money should be paid before they left Nantz, have prevailed on them to go to Nantz, but do not expect to get them from there till they are paid. As the time they ship’d for was One Year, which is now expired, I hope you’ll be punktual in giving orders to Mr. Morris for paying them as soon as We Arrive in order [to] prevent delays, I think this will be Necessary in order to prevent any dispute between Me and Mr. Morris. The People has promised to Continue in the Ship and behave well provided they receive thier Money and if not, I shall be under the disagreable Nessesity of Proceeding directly for America, with a few the People I Can get to go with me, which will not exceed 30 or 40 Men. I have this day received my certain Orders from Mr. Gonet, Commissary of this port ordering me out this day and not to offer to Cruize or make any Prizes on the French Coast on any pretence whatever. These orders was handed to me to Sign which I refused to do and told the Commissary I would comply with those orders, as far as was Consistant with my orders from the Honble. Continental Congress of the United States of America. I told him that I never had Cruized on the Coast of France or Made Prizes on Said Coast, nor would I do it. I should be glad to receive your Advice on those different Subjects as soon as Possible.
I Also take this Oppertunity to recomend Mr. Gourlade to your honours Particular Notice and think him Worthy of your Utmost Confidence and hope for the future you’ll render him every Service in your Power, as he has been very Active in rendering me every Service in his power. I have made him my Confident in regard to Prizes and the Signals to be made by them agreable to a requ’st in a paragraf of your last letter to me. If they should fall in here I make no doubt but he will do every thing in his Power to give you Satisfaction and hope you will favor him with your Instructions in regard to the Sale of the Prizes that may Come in here. Mr. Gonets orders was in writing, that he wanted me to Sign but I told him I could not Sign them or receive orders from him or Mr. Sartine or any other Person except the Honble. Congress or their Commissioners. I imagine you’ll hear this from the Minester at Paris, which makes me more particular in my Answer. From Gentlemen Your most Obedient Humble Servant
Lambt. Wickes

P.S. If you should have any other business to Transact I think Mr. Gourlade the most proper Person you Can Imploy at this Port. I have had Ocasion to take Mony of Mr. Gourlade, to pay the Ships disbursments and he would have Advanced the Money to pay the People but I did not like to give a Bill for So large a Sum without your Orders.
L:W:

Addressed: To / The Honble. Dr. Benja. Franklin / at / Paris
Notation: Wickes 27. April 77.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Bachelier, 27 April 1777
From: Bachelier, Jean-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Ce 27. avril 1777.
Dans la crainte d’avoir mal datté La lettre que j’ay eu l’honneur de vous ecrire et a Mr. de chaumont Je vous adresse celle cy pour vous assurer que c’est lundy 28 avril que Mr. Parens nous attant a sevres ou nous devons diner chez luy. Je vous prie d’en faire part a Mr. Le Ray de chaumont. Je suis avec Respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Bachelier

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur frankelin / chez Mr. Le Ray De / chaumont / a Passy
Notation: Bachelier, Paris 27 Avril 1777


Title: Feutry: Verse for Franklin’s Portrait, 27 April 1777
From: Feutry, Aimé-Ambroise-Joseph
To:

Passy, ce 27 avril, 1777.
Vers à mettre sous le Portrait de Monsieur de Franklin etc.

Honneur du Nouveau Monde et de L’humanité,
ce sage aimable et vrai Les guide et les éclaire;
comme un autre Mentor, il cache à L’oeil vulgaire,
sous les traits d’un Mortel, une Divinité.

Feutry
Par son très sincere et très humble admirateur

Notation: Verses


Title: The American Commissioners to [the Committee of Secret Correspondence], 28 April 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas

Gentlemen
Paris, April 28 1777
We wrote to you pretty fully on the State of Affairs here, in ours of the 12th of March and 19th of this Month, since which there has been little Alteration. There is yet no Certainty of a sudden Declaration of War, but the Preparations go on vigorously both here and in Spain, the Armies of france drawing towards the Sea Coasts, and those of Spain to the Frontiers of Portugal; and their fleets fitting in the Ports: But the Court still gives Assurances of Peace to the British Ambassador, The Nation in general all the while calling out for War.
We have receiv’d the Resolution of Congress of Feb. 5. for sending over a great Quantity of Cloathing upon the Credit of the States, in Case We cannot borrow Money of the Government to pay for them. We wrote before that the Loan proposed was at present impracticable; and we have not yet receiv’d the Credit We expected from Spain; the Arms We have bought, Ships building and the Brass Cannon ordered will demand great Sums; But as We shall receive a Payment from the farmers general next Month, and hope you will be very diligent in sending Remittances, We shall go as far upon our Credit as it can carry us, in sending the Cloathing required. Flints sufficient, we apprehend are already gone.
We have according to Orders notified the several Courts of the Intention of Congress to send Ministers to them: and delivered a Remonstrance to the Portugueze Ambassador concerning the Proceeding of that Court. As the Minister for Prussia may not soon arrive, and that Court has shewn a Disposition to treat, by entring into a Correspondence with us, We have thought it might be well that one of us should visit it immediately to improve its present good Dispositions and obtain, if possible, the Privilege of their Ports to trade and fit Ships in, and to sell our Prizes. Mr. Lee has readily undertaken this Journey, and will soon set out for Berlin, with Mr. Carmichael, who has already been there and pav’d the Way, and whom we recommend to Congress as a faithful serviceable Man, that ought to be encouraged.
Hon. the Secret Committee.(Copy)

Notation: Dr Franklin believes there was some additions made to this Letter before it was sent, but is not certain. W.T.F.


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes April 28. 1777.
The Thérese sailed as I wrote last and was at St. Nazare the 26th, the Wind continuing fair she has no doubt continued her route. You may date the Departure of Capt. Hammond at nearly the same time as the Therése overtook him at St. Nazare. I have a Letter from Mr. Rumsey which says he expected to sail the next day.
We have received accounts that the rising States Capt. Thompson a privateer from Boston has brought into L’orient an english Ship from Lisbon with 84 pipes of wine and a Quantity of Fruit: this may be depended on [In the margin: This I find a mistake.] The privateer went out again to sea, ’tis said to bring in two other Vessell she had taken; this seems to be conjecture only.
I wrote some time since that the lease of the Magazine and outhouses should be renewed now if at all, as it will expire in a few months. Another person has applied for it. I therefore beg to know by return of post whither you will continue it or not. I understand the shortest term is 5 years, it now stands at 1800 Livres, this is high, but in my opinion you will not find another in Nantes that will answer your purpose so well on every Account.
I mentioned the other day the number of Bales now here, since which we have advice of 40 more being shipped from orleans and it does not appear that this is all.
I leave this Letter to go by the post tomorrow, as I am going to Painbeuf immediately to dispatch Nicholson and I do not intend to return ’till I have seen the last of him.
After he is gone and his accounts settled I shall have little to do, therefore with your permission I will come for a few days to paris to give a full account of all my proceedings and to make what other commercial arrangements you may think proper to honour me with.
The arms I ship by Adams will go on board to day. He is ready for his dispatches. I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant
J Williams
The Hon The Deputies of the united States.

Notation: Nantes, J. Williams 28 Ap. 77.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 April 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honored Sir
Nantes April 28. 1777.
I have spoken to the Gentleman who gave me the plan. Mr. Anthus the second in the House has thoughts of going into that Country soon, in the mean time they will make the necessary enquiries relative to Seamen. I understand the place they propose to build in is not in the Government of Sweden but of prussia.
I have returned the articles to Mr. S. to make the additional one relative to the dissolution in case of its not answering. As to Capital he observed it would be as much as would be wanted in the manner we propose to do Business there being only the ordinary charges requisite to be paid, and as to advances that should never be wanted, the Goods being arrived. I have the highest Confidence in Mr. Alexanders Sagacity and wish you to send the articles to him: I want to converse with you and him which is better than writing.
I am obliged to break of being just setting of to Painbeuf. I am ever most dutifully and affectionately Yours
J Williams Junr
I sent your Letter to Mr. Rumsey

Addressed: Doctor Franklin.


Title: [The Marine Committee of Congress] to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1777
From: Marine Committee of Congress
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
April 29th 1777.
Should you see this Letter it will be forwarded to you by Thomas Thompson Esqr. Commander of the Raleigh, Frigate in the Service of the United States of America. This Ship was built in New Hampshire where is no Foundreys for Casting Cannon and the distance from the places where they are Cast to Portsmouth where the frigate now lies is so great that we think it better to put on board such Guns as can be got for her in the neighbourhood and send her to france to be compleated, than to Hall them by Land such an amazing distance, or than to trust them by Water to her, or her along the Coast to them, now that the enemies Ships are so numerous and powerful at the Mouths of our Bays and Harbours. We have ordered her to Brest as the most suitable Port for supplies. Captain Thompson will transmit you an Indent of all the Guns, Stores and Materials he wants and we hope you may procure and order for his being Supplied out of the Kings arsenals or Stores. Orders are given to the Commercial Agents to pay your drafts for the amount of such supplies, but if you cannot obtain them in the way proposed you will write to the said Agents William Lee and Thomas Morris Esqrs. to purchase every thing necessary on the best terms and in the most expeditious manner they can.
We have told Captain Thompson if you have any particular service, Cruize or enterprize, to point out for the benefit of these States, that he should obey your Orders; otherways to return to America well manned and fitted cruizing on our enemies ships the whole voyage. You will therefore write to him giving such Instructions as you may think best calculated to promote the honor, Interest and welfare of these States. With great esteem and regard we remain Honorable Gentlemen Your obedient Servants
The Honorable Benjamin Franklin Silas Deane & Arthur Lee Esqrs.


Title: Acknowledgments of Poetic Offerings to Franklin: Five Models, [Spring?], 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

These drafts are impossible to date, except perhaps in a general way. Four of them were composed after Franklin’s move to Passy at the end of February, and are in the hand of Le Veillard, his friend and neighbor there. The fifth is in the hand of the abbé Martin Lefèbvre de la Roche, a house guest of another neighbor, Mme. Helvétius; it does not mention Passy, but is so close to the others in substance that it would appear to have been written at about the same time. If there were any particular period when Franklin was inundated with verses, these replies might be assigned to it; but the effusions that survive are too scattered to offer a clue. The only remaining clue is that he apparently did not draft the notes himself and then have them corrected, as he did with later exercises, but prevailed on friends to write them for him; this lack of confidence in his French suggests an early date, and we are therefore assigning the models to the first months in Passy.

I.
Monsieur
Passy ce [blank]
Je me rejouis pour ma patrie de ce qu’elle a éxcité assez d’interest parmi les guerriers de l’europe pour engager un grand nombre a sa deffense; je vous remercie en particulier, Monsieur, de vos intentions pour elle et je reçois avéc reconnoissance les vers que vous voulez bien m’addresser, mais malheureusement je n’ai pas assez d’usage du françois pour en connoître tout le prix; je souhaite que vous soyez bientost delivré des contradictions que vous éprouvez et je suis Monsieur Vostre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
B.F.

II.
Passy ce [blank]
J’ay l’honeur de vous remercier, Monsieur, des vers que vous m’avez addressés, je n’ai point assez de connoissance de vostre langue pour en sentir tout le prix et vous donner mon avis sur leur impréssion, mais je ne puis qu’estre reconnoissant des sentiments que vous temoignez pour ma patrie et pour moy. Je suis tres parfaitement Monsieur Vostre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
B.F.

    Notation: Models of Notes written for Dr. F.

III.
Passy ce [blank]
J’ay l’honeur de vous remercier, Monsieur, des vers que vous m’avez addressés, je n’ay point assez de connoissance de vostre Langue pour en sentir toutes les beautés, mais je ne puis qu’estre reconnoissant des sentiments que vous temoignez pour ma patrie et pour moy. Je suis tres parfaitement Monsieur Vostre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
B.F.

IV.
Passy ce [blank]
Je n’ay pas, Monsieur, assez de connoissance de vostre langue pour sentir tout le merite de la poësie française, j’ay cependant l’honeur de vous remercier des vers que vous m’avez addressés et des sentiments qu’ils expriment pour ma patrie et pour moy. Je suis tres parfaitement Monsieur Vostre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
B.F.

V.
Je vous suis obligé, Monsieur, du beau poëme que vous m’avez envoyé. En le lisant, j’ai eu regret de ne pas assez bien connoitre vôtre langue, pour mieux sentir et aprétier vôtre ouvrage. Je vous remercie en particulier de m’y avoir nommé, en parlant de plusieurs gens celebres de vôtre Nation. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec estime M.
B. Franklin


Title: Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1777
From:
To:

We have already discussed and described in the previous volume most of the accounts that are relevant to this one; only two of the ten listed there, nos. II and VIII, no longer apply. All that need be done here is to give details of the one newcomer.
XI. Ferdinand Grand’s Accounts with the Commission, June 10, 1777, to February 11, 1779: Harvard University Library, 33 pp. plus a 1-p. extract.
These deal solely with public transactions for the commissioners; they are presumably in the hand of one of Grand’s clerks, although they have marginal notes by William Temple Franklin. Sixteen sections in chronological order, consisting of debits and credits, cover periods of between one and three months apiece; at the end of each a balance has been struck.


Title: The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 May 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

The commissioners had been plagued from the start by the lack of regular and reliable communication with America. On April 1 they had signed a contract with Chaumont for establishing a packet service; now, a month later, the service was ready to start as soon as the first packet arrived from Morlaix and took on her cargo. The commissioners put Williams in charge of this new operation, as the first step in making him their sole agent in Nantes. They had lost confidence in Penet, Gruel, and especially Thomas Morris, and at this time apparently washed their hands of them all. Williams’ promotion may well have brought greater efficiency, for the young man was competent; but the decision subsequently opened Franklin to the charge of nepotism.

Mr. Williams
Paris May 1. 1777.
Mr. Cornic of Morlaix will order to your Care a small Vessel design’d as a Packet for America. You will see by the Contract Copy inclosed, we are to load goods to a certain amount, as she is instantly to be dispatched. We desire you would put the quantity of Goods to be sent in her out of the Bales on hand. We have order’d that future Packets coming from America or else where to Nantes for us shall be under your direction, of which we have informed Mr. Penet and Mr. Moris. You will therefore on the arrival of any Vessel from America with Dispatches for us inform the Captains or Persons charged with them of your appointment receive the Letters and send them to us in the most safe and expeditious manner, plan for which of Mr. Chaumont is inclosed. We advise you to charge the Person bringing Dispatches to say not a Word of his errand to any one, and we confide in your prudence to conduct the receiving as well as the expedition of the Packets with all possible Secrecy. We are sir yours &c.

      (signed)
      B. Franklin

      S. Deane

    Arthur Lee

Copy of a Letter from the honble the Commissioners at Paris to Mr. Jonn. Williams at Nantes.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [John Bradford], 1[-27] May 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bradford, John

    Sir
    Paris May 1[–27]. 1777.

I received your Favour of Feb. 25. by Capt. Adams. I congratulate you on his safe Arrival with others of our American Ships, it being rather wonderful that so many get in through all the English Men of War actually cruizing in the channel and Bay of Biscay to prevent them. I make no doubt but Messrs. Penet & Morris will take proper Care in disposing of the Cargo and Shipping the remittance: And We have given Orders to Mr. Jonathan Williams (formerly of Boston) who resides at Nantes, to add as much to her Cargo, as she can carry consistently with her fast sailing, in Military Stores or Cloathing for Soldiers, of which a great Quantity is in his Hands, and shipping for America by him with all Expedition. His Diligence, Fidelity and Correctness in Business, have given us great Satisfaction, and we recommend him therefore warmly to our Friends, who may occasionally want an able Factor at Nantes, where he is about to settle. I have written to Mr. Cushing some News of one of your Cruisers, which he will shew you if requested. Captain Wickes of Philadelphia, having put his Ship in good Order at L’Orient is about to make another Cruise, with two stout Tenders, before he returns to America. They sail in a few Days. It is extreamly mortifying to proud Britain that all her boasted Naval Power cannot prevent her being insulted on her own Coasts. I am, Sir, very respectfully Your most obedient humble Servant
  B. Franklin.

  May 27.
This goes by our first Packet. You will see by the Papers that one of our Cruisers has taken a Packet from Harwich to Holland and carried her into Dunkirk, whence it is said he was fitted out, which being contrary to Treaties he has been stop’d there, but will soon be discharg’d. Capt. Wickes with his Consorts is sailed.
(Duplicate)


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 1 May 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Samuel

Paris, May 1 1777
It was with great Pleasure I received lately the Letters of my Friends from Boston by Capt. Adams. They were the first that got to hand since I left America. I thank you for your kind Congratulations on my safe Arrival here, and for your good Wishes. I am, as you supposed, treated with great Civility and Respect by all Orders of People; but it gives me still greater Satisfaction to find that our being here is of some Use to our Country. On that head I cannot be more explicit at present.
I rejoice with you in the happy Change of Affairs in America last Winter; I hope the same Train of Success will continue thro’ the Summer. Our Enemies are disappointed in the Number of additional Troops they purposed to send over. What they have been able to muster will not probably recruit their Army to the State it was in the beginning of last Campaign; and ours I hope will be equally numerous, better arm’d and better cloathed than they have been heretofore.
All Europe is on our side of the Question, as far as Applause and good Wishes can carry them. Those who live under arbitrary Power do never the less approve of Liberty, and wish for it. They almost despair of recovering it in Europe; they read the Translations of our separate Colony Constitutions with Rapture, and there are such Numbers every where who talk of Removing to America with their Families and Fortunes as soon as Peace and our Independence shall be established, that tis generally believed we shall have a prodigious Addition of Strength, Wealth and Arts, from the Emigrations of Europe and tis thought that to lessen or prevent such Emigrations, the Tyrannys established there must relax and allow more Liberty to their People. Hence ’Tis a Common Observation here that our Cause is the Cause of all Mankind; and that we are fighting for their Liberty in defending our own. ’Tis a glorious Task assign’d us by Providence; which has I trust given us Spirit and Virtue equal to it, and will at last crown it with Success. I am, ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B. Franklin
I hope Messrs. Bowdoin and Quincy with their Families continue well. Pray present my best Respects to them.Dr. Cooper


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Winthrop, 1 May 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Winthrop, John

Dear Sir,
Paris, May 1. 1777
I received your kind Letter of Feb. 28. which gave me great Pleasure.
I forwarded your Letter to Dr. Price, who was well lately, but his Friends, on his Acct., were under some Apprehensions from the Violence of Government, in consequence of his late excellent Publications in favour of Liberty. I wish all the Friends of Liberty and Man would quit that Sink of Corruption, and leave it to its Fate.
The People of this Country are almost unanimously in our favour. The Government has its reasons for postponing a War, but is making daily the most diligent Preparations; wherein Spain goes hand in hand. In the mean time America has the whole Harvest of Prizes made upon the British Commerce; a kind of Monopoly that has its Advantages, as by affording greater Encouragement to Cruisers, it encreases the Number of our Seamen, and thereby augments our naval Power.
The Conduct of those Princes of Germany who have sold the Blood of their People, has subjected them to the Contempt and Odium of all Europe. The Prince of Anspach, whose Recruits mutinied and refus’d to march, was oblig’d to disarm and fetter them and drive them to the Sea Side by the help of his Guards; himself attending in Person. In his Return he was publicly hooted by Mobs thro’ every Town he pass’d in Holland, with all sorts of reproachful Epithets. The King of Prussia’s Humour of obliging those Princes to pay him the same Toll per Head for the Men they drive thro’ his Dominions, as used to be paid him for their Cattle, because they were sold as such, is generally spoken of with Approbation; as containing a just Reproof of those Tyrants. I send you enclos’d one of the many Satires that have appear’d on this Occasion.
With best Wishes of Prosperity to yourself and to my dear Country, where I hope to spend my last Years and lay my Bones, I am, ever, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant
B.F.
To Mr Winthrop–Boston


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 1 May 1777
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Nantes May 1. 1777
Capt. Nicholson is by this time alongside of Capt. Wickes under his american Colours. I have not yet collected all the Bills but I imagine this armament will cost you upwards of 300 Louis exclusive of what we were obliged to pay to the french Sailors from Havre and advance Wages to the present Crew which may amount to 150 more.
I have shipped on board Capt. adams 30 Cases of 525 Fuzils and 450 pair of pistols. I intend to send Leather enough for the Holsters if I can obtain it in time; I find this will come to about five Livres per pair: the money for this, and for the Cutter I am obliged to Mr. Peltier for. I shall therefore be glad to have a sufficient sum ordered to be paid me here, to enable me to discharge it.
Capt. Wickes had given orders to Capt. Johnson to meet him at L’orient, we were obliged to dispatch a Courier to Bordeaux to change these orders, as the post would not arrive so soon as the Lexington would probably be sailed.
All the Swivels the Cutter brought from Havre Capt. Nicholson has condemned not being fit for Service. I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble Servant
J Williams Junr
The Honourable The Deputies of the United States.The Hon. Deputies

Notations: Mr. Williams Dolphin Expence / J. Williams to Hon: Deputies U.S. (1st: May 1777.)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Roberdeau, 1 May 1777
From: Roberdeau, Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Philada. May 1st. 1777
Being one of the Committee for Foreign applications I had it in my power to pay the more immediate attention to your recommendation of le Chevalier de Mauduit du Plessis and through Favor of Congress immediately procured him a Commission for Capt. of Artillery and he was with out delay in two or three days after his arrival here forwarded to General Washington.
I have met with irreparable Loss of my dear Mrs. Roberdeau which is such a source of Affliction that I shall not attempt the unnecessary work of informing you of the State of things here, knowing you will have intelligence from better hands by this Conveyance. I beg the favor of a safe conveyance of the enclosed Letters. May God succeed your faithful Endeavours for our America. I am Dear Sir Your most obedient and very humble Servant
Daniel Roberdeau
Doctor Benjn. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ――― Adoubeden with a Covering Note to ―――, 2 May 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adoubeden, ——

Madam,
Paris, May 2. 1777.
It would be a pleasure to me if I could comply with your Request to place your Son in our American Army. But it is absolutely not in my Power. Some old experienc’d Engineers and Officers of Artillery have been desired from Europe, but they have long since been engag’d and gone. And we have so many young Gentlemen, Natives of our Country, who are desirous of Serving in the present War, and ready to fill every Vacancy, that a Stranger who is unacquainted with our Language and of course must be less useful, cannot reasonably expect a Preference in his favour. I cannot therefore advise you to send your Son thither. I hope he will meet with something better in his own Country. I have the honour to be Madam, Your most obedient humble Servant
BF
Copy

Sir
Inclos’d is a Copy of the Letter sent to Madme. Adoubdan, which having it seems miscarried, I give you the Trouble of conveying this to that Lady, agreable to your Request; and have the Honr to be, Sir, &c.


Title: The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 2 May 1777
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

On April 17, 1777, Congress renamed the committee of secret correspondence the committee for foreign affairs, and we adopt the new title at the beginning of this volume. The commissioners, however, did not learn of the change for months to come, because they received no word from the committee until September. The present letter, drafted on May 2, was held up by lack of a secure conveyance; and the delay permitted two new committee members to sign it after they were appointed on May 26. The committee’s next letter, of May 30, was then put with it, and a sentence inserted in the first one between the salutation and the May 2 date: “The former of these Letters will serve to shew that at the Time of writing them we had nothing material to inform you of, and are now sent rather for your Amusement than instruction.” But neither letter was in fact sent; instead new ones were added to the pile on June 13, 18, 26, and July 2. Then at long last the opportunity came, by a continental sloop that escaped into the Atlantic from the Maryland coast, and the packet of dispatches reached Passy on September 10. “Tho’ it must be agreeable to you to hear frequently from us,” the committee explained on May 30, “yet as our letters by being taken might be of worse consequence than being delayed, we are desirous of waiting for the safest opportunity....” Hearing frequently from Philadelphia was more than “agreeable” to the commissioners, as they had pointed out months before; it was the condition for their effective functioning. But the condition, while the Royal Navy sealed the Delaware, was contrary to fact.

Philadelphia May 2d. 1777.
Your Dispatches dated Paris Feb. 6 and 8 were safely received about the middle of April. We observe your Remarks on the timorusness of the French Merchants respecting the forming trading Companies which you say is occasioned by the change and fluctuation of News. That the spirit for Trade will always be governed by the rise and fall of Military Strength, is a Maxim always to be admitted in the first attempts to establish a Commerce between any two Nations, because Success in War is supposed to give Security or Protection to it; But this timidity ceases naturally as soon as a Trade is opened for losing or gaining after that equally produces a Spirit of adventuring farther. Therefore we wish to enter into a commerce with them as soon as possible; because as nothing can abridge or prevent their Profits but the Enemy making Prizes of their vessels, the Consequence will be, that they will either be encouraged by the Gain, or aggravated by the loss to come to a Serious understanding with the Court of Britain. We advise you to be constantly holding up the Great advantages which the Crown and Commerce of France would receive by their possessing themselves of the West Indies, and we trust to your wisdom in making all the use possible of the English News Papers as a channel thro’ which to counteract the Tide of folly and falsehood of which you complain, and rest assured that every Material event either for or against will be dispatched to you with the utmost expedition.
By information from N York it appears that the more discerning part of the English Generals begin to give up the thought of Conquest, and of Consequence, the fear of totally losing the trade of America must accompany the despair of Arms, therefore we conceive that the english papers are calculated to deter the french Merchants from beginning to taste the Sweets of our Trade. Their falshoods rightly understood are the Barometers of their fears, and in Proportion as the Political Atmosphere presses downward the Spirit of Fiction is obliged to rise. We wish it to be understood that we pay too much respect to the wisdom of the French Cabinet to suppose they can be influenced by such efforts of visible despair, and that we have too much reverence for the Honor of the American Congress to prostitute its authority by filling our own News papers, with the same kind of invented Tales which characterize the London Gazette.
We observe that General Howe in his letter to Administration printed in the London Gazette of Decr. 30th. apologizes for not having written to them since the taking possession of New York (nearly three Months). Here is the proper field to speculate on Silence, because his business is Conquest, ours, defence and repulse, and because likewise he has the Sea more open to him than we have, had he any thing to send that would please, therefore Silence on his Part is always to be understood as a Species of good News on ours.
The Congress highly approves your dividing yourselves to foreign Courts and have sent Commissions for that purpose, and likewise Commissions for fitting out Privateers in france. The Mercury from Nantz is safely arrived at Hampshire. The Amphitrite and Seine we are yet in hopes of. We shall notice the Conduct of Nicholas Davis. We have presented Marshal Maillebois Sentiments on the Mode of war to Congress, who are greatly pleased therewith and entertain a high respect for the Author.
Our last Accounts gave you the State of News down to March, since which nothing Material has happened. The Enemy wearied and disappointed in their Winter’s Campaign still continue in a State of Dormancy at New York and Brunswick. The Congress is Return’d to Philadelphia. General Washington remains at Morriss Town and occupies the Same Posts as when the last dispatches were sent you. The Principal Object now is the Recruiting Service which has been greatly promoted by some late Resolves of Congress. Our Troops have been under inoculation for the Small Pox with great Success, which Purgation we hope will be a Means of preserving them from fevers in the Summer, however, it will frustrate one Cannibal Scheme of our Enemies who have constantly fought us with that disease by introducing it among our Troops.
When we look back to the Beginning of last December and see our Army reduced to between two and three thousand Men occasioned by the expiration of the Time for which they were enlisted, we feel ourselves exceedingly happy in Contemplating the Agreeable Condition and Prospect our Affairs are now in. We have since that Period reduced the Enemy more than our whole Army at that Time consisted of and Scarce a day passes in which they do not suffer either by Skirmishes or desertions.

The Congress have it in Contemplation to remove the Garrison from the present Fort in the District of Ticonderoga to Fort Independance in the same District which they Judge will command that Pass with greater advantage and is a much healthier Situation. We mention this as the Enemy will probably give an Air of Triumph to the evacuation should it be done. The distance between the two forts is about a quarter of a mile.
As General Howe is preparing a Bridge of Boats we think it possible that he might by a Sudden and forced march reach this City but we are clearly of opinion that He would be ruined by the Event, and tho’ we are not under much apprehensions of such a movement, yet we think it proper to give you the Case with our opinion thereon. We are Gentlemen your Obedient Humble Servants
Benja HarrisonJno. WitherspoonRobt MorrisThos. Hayward Junr.James Lovell