Title: Nathaniel Dowse to the American Commissioners, 5 May 1778: résumé
From: Dowse, Nathaniel
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, May 5, 1778: I sailed from Virginia as master of the Mercer, with tobacco consigned by Congress to the Delaps. On May 4 my crew mutinied and took me in to Whitehaven, where I was imprisoned until I escaped and found a vessel that arrived here yesterday. I tender you my services. Several local merchants have made me offers, but I shall wait until I hear from you. John Adams, Esq., whom I know, will answer any questions you may have about me. Please let me have your answer soon.>


Title: Marie Silvestre Grand to the American Commissioners, 5 May 1778
From: Grand, Marie Silvestre
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Ce 5 may [1778]
Mme. Grand presante une requette a Messieurs Les Deputés assemblés pour luy accorder un jour pour luy faire l’honneur de venir Diner ches elle a commencer des samedy Prochain son demenagement ne luy ayant pas permis de le faire plutot.

Addressed: A Leurs Excellences / Messieurs Les Deputés / De Lamerique septentrionale


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Harmon Courter, 5 May 1778
From: Courter, Harmon
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Gentleman
Boston May 5th 1778
I have the Pleasure to in forme You Of Our Safe Arivle At Boston After A passage Of 7 Weaks and 2 Days. We had Nothing but Contrary Winds the hole Passage. The Capt. And All his Officers have Yoused Me Very Well. Our Armeyes Are in good Sperits. The Nuse is that Admiral how and All his Ship Crue Are Lost in A gale Of Wind. This Day I set Out for Congres. Capt. Nickleson has Rive Safe At Portmout And the french 20 Gun Ship At Boston After 10 Weakes Passage And Mr. Dean had Arived safe in Plimot and Was Gone to Congres and I have No More Nuse At Present and So I remain Your Gentlemen Your Most Respect Humble Sarvent
Harmon Courter

Addressed: To / The hon: Benj. Frankling Esqr. / Member of Congress / for North America / At Paris
Notation: Herman Courters Letter. Boston May 5. 1778


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 6 May 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Passy, Wednesday May 6 [1778]
Messieurs Franklin, Lee and Adams present their respectful Compliments to his Excellency le Comte de Vergennes, are extreamly sensible of his good Offices in obtaining the King’s Orders relating to the Presentation of Mr. Adams to his Majesty on Friday next, and will do themselves the Honour of waiting on his Excellency on that Day agreable to his obliging Invitation.


Title: Franklin’s Inventory of His Linen, etc., 6[–11] May 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

May 6[–11], 1778
Account of Linnen &c. taken this 6th of May 1778

Shirts of No. 13
5

“
  odd ones
  4

  “
  of No. 12
  6

  “
  of Do. at the Wash  query 4
  5

  “
  of Do. on my Back
  1

  “
  of Do., dirty
   1

  22

Several gone to be mended

Stocks clean
  6

  “
  at the Wash
  5

  “
  foul
  1

Drawers
  5

  Hand kerchiefs Cambrick cross Barr’d
  9

  “
  White cambrick
  2

  “
  ““at the Wash
  1

  “
  Silk
  5

  Caps
  7

  Edg’d Ruffles spare Pairs
  4

7
  {
 White
  Silk
  Stockings
  Pairs

“
  “
  “
  at the Wash

“
  “
  “
  Wearing

“
  “
  “
  foul

  3

    2

    1

    1

  Striped Do.
  1

  Stockings white Worsted Pairs
  2

  “
  grey
  1

  “
  black
  2

  “
  black Silk
  4

  Calico Bodies
  2

  1 Nightgown
  1

  May 7. brought home from the Mender

  Shirts No 13
  5

  “
  odd ones
  3

  Stocks
  4

Stockings white Silk pair
  1

  May 11 Brought home from Mender

  Shirts odd ones
  2

  Stocks
  2

  White Silk Stockings Pairs
  2


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 6 May 1778
From: Genet, Edme-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

V[ersai]lles. May 6th. 78
The inclos’d just arriv’d from London into Mr. Genet’s hands are by him immediately dispatch’d to his Honour Benjamin Franklin and accompanied with Mr. Genet’s most humble duties.

Addressed: M. Benjamin Franklin député du Congres / Americain A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Jean-Baptiste Le Roy], [6 May 1778]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mercredy matin [May 6, 1778]
Voulez vous bien mon Illustre Docteur que je vous demande deux choses dans ce billet, dans l’impossibilité ou j’ai été de vous les demander tous ces Jours cy que je comptois vous aller voir. La premiere ce que vous dites de la dedicace du Tableau de l’histoire de la Hollande aux treize etats Unis et si vous consentez que l’Auteur la mette à la tete de cet ouvrage. Vous savez que je vous remis cette dedicace il y a eu hier huit Jours pour en avoir votre opinion. Ma seconde demande c’est si vous trouvez bon que je vous nomme du nombre des commissaires qui doivent rendre compte à L’Académie du projet proposé par M. De La Blancherie pour entretenir une correspondance et une communication avec tous les Savans de L’Europe. Il m’a dit que ce projet vous avoit beaucoup plu. Les commissaires qui seront avec vous de ce projet sont M. De Lalande M. De Condorcet et moi.
Je vous prierai aussi mon Illustre Docteur si vous avez vu quelque nouvelle interessante de L’Amerique de m’en mander un mot. Adieu Mon Illustre Docteur il me tarde bien je vous assurre d’etre votre voisin.

Addressed: A Monsieur Franklin / Deputé du Congrès / à Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel-Antoine de Lorthe, 6 May 1778
From: Lorthe, Gabriel-Antoine de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bordeaux le 6e May 1778
J’ai eu l’honneur Monsieur d’aller chès vous à Philadelphie, et de suivre avec Mr. Roger vos expériences d’Electricitè. On ne peut pas avoir fait d’aussi grandes decouvertes dans cette Sçience, sans ètre Géomètre. Dans cette Idèe je prens la liberté de vous demender vôtre avis, sur les ouvrages sous ce ply, que j’ay l’honneur de vous faire remêtre. Je suis avec Respect Monsieur Vôtre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
G.A. DE Lorthe

Endorsed: De Lorth Mathem.
Notation: 16 [sic] May 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Reinier Arrenberg, 7 May 1778
From: Arrenberg, Reinier
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
Rotterdam 7 Mai 1778
Il y a deja longtemps que mon ami le reverend Mr. Sowden vous a repondu sur l’affaire des Bibles Angloises, que vous avez dessein de faire imprimer en Hollande, en effet de quoi je lui ai donné une preuve de Non-parel caractere de Haarlem, et prié de vous communiquer, que ayant moi même une imprimerie, je pouvois facilement imprimer ces Bibles et que Mr. Sowden pourra les corriger. Ayant longtemps, mais en vain, esperé de recevoir le reponse, nous craignons que vous n’avez pas recu la lettre, et mon ami Dubbeldemuts ayant occasion pour vous remettre celle-ci je prie d’envoyer quelque reponse a Mr. Sowden ou a moi.
Par cette occasion, je prends aussi la liberté de vous prier de m’envoyer quelques nouvelles certaines de l’Amerique, ou m’indiquer le maniere pour les avoir, voulant avec plaisir payer touts les frais, car on n’a pas d’autre nouvelles ici que celles qu’on tire de les gazettes Angloises et qui sont presque touts fabuleuses.
Enfin j’ai l’honneur Monsieur de vous féliciter avec l’heureux changement des affaires dans l’Amerique, qui sera bientot l’etat le plus libre et florissant de tout le monde, et il fait beaucoup de plaisir aux Hollandois, parceque leur sort a eté si semblables a celle des Americains. J’espere que le Ciel vous accordera encore une longe vie afin de voir l’etablissement parfaite et glorieux de la liberté et independance de votre patrie.
Je suis bien curieux si Mr. Kaarten vous a remis les Actes de la Societé Batave. En faisant le compliment de Mr. Sowden et en attendant votre favorable reponse, j’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une profonde estime, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres obeïssant serviteur
Reinier Arrenberg

Addressed: A Monsieur / Benjamin Franklin / chez Mr. Le Ray de chaumont / Passy / hotel Colbert
Endorsed: Arenberg of Rotterdam concerning the Bibles 7. May 1778.


Title: Antoine-François Quétant to William Temple Franklin, 7 May 1778
From: Quétant, Antoine-François
To: Franklin, William Temple

Sir
Paris. May the 7th. 1778.
I send you the English original of the Conscious Lovers which you seemed to be desirous of. I wish it may ascertain your favour to the french translation and also to the further scheme which I intended to promote by it. Let me be so bold as to offer here to your Grand father My respectful hommage and make you remembered of your promise of coming to dine with us on Tuesday of the next week. I am ordered, sir in this very instant to let you know that you are earnestly desired and depended upon by all of this house and especially by, Sir your Most obliged and Obedient servant
Quetant.

Don’t forget that we are at la Cour Neuve near St. Denys and that the Strait way there is by the Bois de boulogne, the chemin de la Revolte Leading to St. Denys where you’ll find a hundred persons (if Mr. Feutry should fail you) to shew you our habitation. Let it be said without offense of the good Gentleman but as he is Sometimes out of conceit with his memory I thought it not amiss to take this precaution.
Be so good, Sir as not to let go this ragged copy of the Conscious Lovers out of your hands, because there are some lines of discourse which I made use of and are never to be found elsewhere. You’ll therefore greatly obblige me in sending it me back when you shall have done with it. As to the time, ’tis yours as long as you will.


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 8 May 1778: résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Bordeaux, May 8, 1778: Vessels from Georgia have arrived with news that a shipment of specie had been landed from Havana; the state’s currency is greatly inflated. Friends in Cadiz write that the government is making it difficult for them to sell Conyngham’s prizes, and ask whether the ships might be addressed to me; what am I to tell them? I assume from your silence that you disapprove my request to fit out an armed vessel here. The new mast for the Boston delayed her for 15 days, but she now has it on board. Capt. McFarland sailed yesterday; Mr. Barnett came with him but failed to get passage home; I shall try to procure him employment. The Governor of Goree, who landed last evening, told me that two American privateers put in there in February with three prizes; he had to order them to leave within 24 hours, and has since heard nothing of them.>


Title: Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 8 May 1778: résumé
From: Simpson, Thomas
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brest, May 8, 1778: After the capture of the English warship Drake, Capt. Jones appointed me to take her to Brest. I enclose a copy of his instructions. On May 5, while she was in tow, he ordered me to cast her loose and—so we all understood—make my own way to port. We were chased by a brig, tried to rejoin the Ranger, and did so early in the morning of the 6th. The Captain put me under arrest for disobeying orders; I beg to be tried as soon as possible. For my character I refer you to a letter from John Langdon, which Capt. Jones told me he forwarded with his first letter to you from Nantes.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gléyo La Chesnaÿe, 8 May 1778
From: Gléyo La Chesnaÿe, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lorient 8 May 1778.
Comme je suis à la veille De partir pour l’amerique anglaise, et que vous avez bien voulu m’honorer Desja De votre confiance, j’ai pris la liberté De vous offrir mes services. Je commande un brigue De 200 tonneaux et tres bon marchant. Si vous avez quelque ordre à me donner pour ce paÿis soyez assuré, Monsieur, que personne ne pourait les suivre avec plus De zele ainsi que Du soumi respect avec Le quel j’ai l’honneur D’etre, Monsieur, votre tres humble et obéissant serviteur
  GLÉYO LA CHESNAŸE

  En cas, Monsieur, que vous Daigniez m’en charger, je compte partir sous 15 jours, et Mon addresse est,
  à gléyo lachesnaÿe
  à st. Brieuc
  C’est moy, Monsieur, qui ai commendé la mere Bobie.

Notation: Glégo de la Chesnaye L’Orient 8 May 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Feutry, 8 May 1778
From: Feutry, Aimé-Ambroise-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Ce 8 mai 1778
Un heureux hazard m’a fait enfin rencontrer, dans une vente publique, L’exemplaire, ci-joint, que je cherchois depuis plus de 15 mois, et dont l’édition étoit épuisée il y a fort longtemps; Je vous supplie de vouloir bien en recevoir l’hommage, et le placer a coté de mes autres foibles oeuvres. Dans ce choix d’histoires, Monsieur, sous le voile de l’amusement, on trouve des vérités fortes; telles sont celles renfermées dans le discours de Cornal, page 69 de la 1e partie du 1er vol: Jusqu’à la page 72, et dans le morceau intitulé origine de la ville d’Elcabir, en Afrique, page 109 de la 2e partie de ce même 1er vol.. J’ose me flatter, Monsieur, que vous applaudirez aux moeurs honnêtes qui regnent dans ce petit ouvrage de ma jeunesse, (en 1753) et que M. votre aimable petit fils pourra s’en amuser quelque fois un moment à sa toilette.
J’aurai L’honneur de vous faire ma cour dimanche prochain en allant diner chez Mr. de Chaumont. Si j’osois, je vous supplierois, Monsieur, de m’obtenir de madame Grant un mot de recommandation, pour moi, auprès de mad. de Thélusson, son amie, afin qu’elle daigne appuyer un placet que je dois présenter à Mr. Necker Le plutot qu’il sera possible. Je suis avec un attachement tendre et sincere, une gratitude vive et durable, et un respect mérité et sans bornes Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
FEUTRY

Notation: Feutry 8. May 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Rïou, 8 May 1778
From: Rïou, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Brest Le 8. Maÿ 1778
La crainte que Le Capitaine John Paul Jones n’aye pas le moment de vous ecrire par ce courier J’ay L’honneur de vous Doner avis de Son arrivée en ce Port ou Il a amené une fregatte du Roy D’angleterre armé de 20. Canons qu’il a pris a La Mer apres une heure et Demy de Combat sanglant. J’ay L’honneur D’etre avec un Profond Respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres Obeissant Serviteur
Rïou AINÉ

Endorsed: Niou l’ainé Taking of the Drake may 8. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Massachusetts Board of War, 8 May 1778
From: Massachusetts Board of War
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
War Office. Boston 8 May 1778.
We are honord with yours of the 17th February and made happy in being acquainted by it of the Alliance lately formed between his most Christian Majesty and the united States of America, in which, considering our Scituation, that young Monarch hath evidenced a dignity of Mind, which will be of more lasting honor than can be conferrd by a Crown. Justice holds the Scail of Nations and the Beam kicks up with Britain. France has seizd the happy moment and perhaps by her new ally may lay a foundation, at least, to prevent Brittain longer ruling the World, as she has too long done by her Fleets.
Your heart (great or) good Sir, no doubt longs to hear of the Firmness of your American Friends. Congress we think hath discovered it by a late Resolve, occasiond by the insidious Bill of Lord North, once read in the British house of Commons, in a Manner that must do them great honor with the impartial world; especially considering they knew not but that they stood alone to struggle with the whole force of a powerfull enemy: at such a time they nobly dared to speak the sentiments of their hearts and the language of America. The World by this must be convinced that honorable Body are bottom’d on right principles; and Heaven we believe, to give the Opportunity, prevented Mr. Dean’s earlyer Arrival, but brought him finally just as his Intelligence was needed.
The dispensations of Providence, thro the whole of this unnatural and cruel War, hath been truly astonishing. When we have been brought low, God hath helped us. These young rising States seem designed by Nature as a happy Assylum for the poor and oppressed of every Nation, as their 13 united States are blessd with all the fruitfull Climates of our Globe, and here all her various productions, the exoticks, may find a Mother’s bed. Many Waste Places yet remain, and what compleats the Blessing to the poor and oppresed is a long remove from the land where Tyranny and Oppression reign.
7th. This day by Letters received from our Friends Mess. Guardaqui of Bilboa dated the 2 April we are advised of the honor conferred on you in being received by his M.C.M. Embassador from these American States; on which we most sincerely congratulate your Excellency, rejoice with our Country in general and this State and Town in particular. God Almighty make you a Minister for good!
The same Letter informs us of the hasty, impolite removal of Lord Stormont from Paris, and the arrival of the Duke de Noilles in that City. Poor Brittain seems left to be her own Exec[utione]r. By a War in Europe, which seems inevitable America we hope will have, at least, a rest sufficient to acquire Fresh Vigor. We are, may it please Your Excellency, your Excellencys most Obedient humble Servants.
His Excelly B. Franklin Esqr.


Title: La Rochefoucauld to William Temple Franklin, 8 May 1778
From: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de
To: Franklin, William Temple

Brest 8. Mai 1778.
Je suis bien reconnoissant, Monsieur, de ce que, au milieu des importantes occupations que vous avez il vous soit resté quelques momens pour vous souvenir de moi. Je voudrois bien mais je ne l’espere pas être le premier à vous apprendre la rentrée ici de votre brave capitaine Jones après plusieurs expeditions brillantes et ramenant une frégate Roiale de 20. canons; il est arrivé cette nuit, j’aurai grand plaisir à lui faire mon compliment sur son heureuse campagne; je l’avois vu partir d’ici, et je ne croiois pas l’y retrouver aussitot: vous aurez surement son détail par ce même ordinaire, il y a l’article de l’incendie dont on seroit un peu fâché si la loi de la guerre n’autorisoit pas les représailles.
Je vous remercie des résolutions du Congrès que vous m’avez envoiées: avant de les savoir, je les aurois devinées, parcequ’il est de l’essence d’un peuple courageux, et ami de sa liberté, d’être fidele à ses engagemens et de ne poser les armes que lorsqu’il a complettement assuré cette liberté; or pour la vôtre, il vous faut la réunion de la Nouvelle Ecosse et du Canada: on dit ici que vous avez envoié M. de la fayette avec un corps considerable; je souhaiterois fort pour l’honneur de ma Nation qu’un françois eût la gloire de donner la liberté à ce pais.
Puisque vous avez bien voulu penser une fois à moi, je me flatte que vous voudrez bien y penser encore, et me donner les nouvelles interessantes que vous recevrez peut être bientôt d’Amérique. Voudrez vous bien vous charger de mes complimens pour M. le Veillard, faire agréer à Monsieur votre grand pere l’hommage de ma veneration pour lui, et rendre justice à tous les sentimens avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Le Duc DE LA Rochefoucauld

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur W.T. Franklin / a Passy près Paris / A Paris
Endorsed: M. le Duc de la Rochefoucault Brest 8 may 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Bertin, [before 9 May 1778]
From: Bertin, Caroline (Charlotte)-Bertrande Chapelle de Jumilhac-Cubjac
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Before May 9, 1778]
Mde. Bertin prie Messieurs Francklin et Lée de luy faire l’honneur de venir diner chez elle Samedy 9 May 1778.

R.S.V.P.

Addressed: A Monsieur/ Monsieur Francklin / a Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Monsieur and Madame de Lafreté, 9 May 1778
From: Lafreté, Angélique-Michèle-Rosalie Jogues de Martinville,Lafreté, Angélique-Michèle-Rosalie Jogues de Martinville
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Surênes ce samedi 9. may. [1778]
Mr. et Mad. De Lafreté ont passé hier chez Monsieur Francklin, pour avoir l’honneur de le voir, et lui proposer de venir diner demain dimanche à surênes avec Monsieur son fils, et Mr. Adams. Si ces Messieurs ne le peuvent pas ils sont priés de le faire scavoir aujourd’hui ou demain matin, et de choisir eux mêmes un jour dans la semaine prochaine.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / Député des Etats unis / de l’Amérique / a Passy


Title: Franklin and John Adams to Monsieur and Madame de Lafreté, 9 May 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John
To: Lafreté, Angélique-Michèle-Rosalie Jogues de Martinville,Lafreté, Angélique-Michèle-Rosalie Jogues de Martinville

Passy May 9. [1778]
Messrs. Franklins and M. Adams are extremely sorry that they were not at home when M. and Mad. de la Freté did them the Honour of calling at Passy. They are engag’d to morrow and every day next Week: but if it should be convenient to M. and Made. de la Freté, they will do themselves the Honour of dining at Suréne on Monday the 18th. Instant, which is the first Day they have free of Engagements. They wish to hear of happy Success in the Inoculation.


Title: John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 9 May 1778: résumé
From: Jones, John Paul
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brest, May 9, 1778: I arrived last night with the British warship Drake, and will soon give you an account of the cruise. I have almost two hundred prisoners, but there is danger they may be surrendered without an exchange. I plan to refit the Drake as fast as possible and send them in her to America, for I will not give them up while there is any alternative. If the Minister agrees to hold them for exchange, let me know before the Drake leaves. I have confined Lieutenant Simpson for disobedience.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from S. and J.-H. Delap, 9 May 1778
From: Delap, Samuel,Delap, Jean-Hans
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 9 May 1778
We take the Liberty of forwarding you inclosed two Letters that have come to our Hands for you.
Two French Vessels have arrived here within these few Days from Charles Town South-Carolina. Do not learn by them there was any thing new. We have the Honor to be with greatest Respect Sir Your most obedient and humble Servants
S & J H. Delap
The Honorable Benjamin Franklin Esqre.

Addressed: To / The Honorable Benjamin Franklin / Plenipotentiary from the United States of America / at the Court of / Versailles
Notation: Delap May 9. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deucher, Riedÿ & Co., 9 May 1778
From: Deucher, Riedÿ & Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourable Sir
Nantes 9 May 1778.
We understand that there is a Ship belonging to Bordeaux that is arrived to Bilbao from Virginia, which has conducted there a Member of the Congress, together with a Pilote, and hearing that this Gentleman intends returning to his Country with the Pilote by the first and good opportunity; there is here a very fine Fregate called the Bergere Capt. Saujon carrying twenty Guns, and a good Sailor, bound for Virginia. We should be very glad to procure a passage to the abovementioned Gentleman. This ship would be fit for sailing in about fifteen days, if the owners Messrs. Corperon, could procure about twenty Seamen that are absoluty necessary to compleat the crew which should consist of eighty Men. If this Gentleman would embrace this opportunity and that You, Honourable Sir, by Your good offices in speaking to the Minister could procure the Expedition, we should be for ever obliged to You. The name of this Gentleman being unknown to us, and having heard that he lodges in Your Hotel, we find our selves under the necessity of importuning You, and pray You to be so good as to pardon us the Liberty we take, and intreat You to believe us with the most profound Respect Honourable Sir Your most humble and most obedient Servants
Deucher, Riedÿ & Co

Notations: Ducher Riedy & Co. / [in John Adams’ hand:] 9 May 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 9 May 1778
From: Genet, Edme-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir
Versailles May 9th 78
I’ve just receiv’d your kind favour of April 28. by which you let me know the paper I wanted is not yet publish’d. I’m afraid there is a mistake Since that very same paper came last night to my hands by a way which I made no great dependance on. I was to take the liberty of informing you of it that you might not be at the trouble of procuring a Copy.
I hope, Sir, you have receiv’d a parcel with a letter from me two days ago under the contre-seing of our Minister.
I’ll make a proper use of the Resolution of Congress of december 19th. Unhappily it came too late for my next pamphlet which comes forth to morrow.
Permit me, Honored Sir, to observe you, that your letter has been in the hands of the carier the space of ten days, which wou’d be an inconvenience in case of any commands you wou’d honour me with. Had you Sent it by the post, I wou’d have receiv’d it the next morning, and franco too, as I pay no postage. I am with due respect Honored Sir Your most humble and most obedient Servant
Genet

P.S. I have a paper of the 4th.
Orders arriv’d may 1st. at Portsmouth for the following Ships to be got ready for Sea as expeditiously as possible, to Sail as a fleet of observation to watch the motions of the french

  guns

Princess Royal
90

Bedford
  74

Cornwall
  74

Conqueror
  74

Culloden
  74

Cumberland
  74

Fame
  74

Grafton
  74

Invincible
  74

Russell
  74

Sultana
  74

Stocks as per last.
On the 3d evening, about eight o’clock, a Messenger arriv’d at St. James’s from France, charg’d with dispatches of the utmost importance, which were immediately Sent off to the King at Portsmouth. Nothing from America.
You know the Drake Sloop of war has been taken after a hot engagement by the Ranger and has had 22 men killed besides Capt. and Lieut.
M. Benjamin Franklin Député du Congrès Américain a Passy

Notation: Genet. Versailles May 9. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from La Blancherie, 9 May 1778
From: La Blancherie, Claude-Mammès Pahin de Champlain de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris le 9. Mai 1778 ancien college de Bayeuxrue de la Harpe
Vous me trouverez bien ingrat de n’avoir pas encore été me mettre à vos pieds et vous témoigner ma reconnoissance. Une multitude d’occupations m’a dérangé jusqu’à présent et m’a privé du plaisir que j’aurois eu à remplir ce devoir. Je vous prie, Monsieur, d’en croire ces protestations et tous les regrets que j’en ai. Je me dédomagerai au premier moment en allant offrir mes services à M. Votre fils et à M. Adams et à vous, les hommages du profond respect avec lequel je suis Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
La Blancherie

Notation: De La Blancherie Paris 9 may 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, 10 May 1778
From: Deux-Ponts, Marianne Camasse, comtesse de Forbach
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Le 10 May 1778 forbach par saarlouis
Me voila enfin dans ma chaumiere mon cher Monsieur franklin, ou il y a un siecle que je fait le projet d’avoir L’honeur de Vous ecrire, sans avoir jamais pu l’executter, des soins et des affaires indispensables, m’en ont ravis la Liberté. Mais je tient un Moment qui ne m’echappera pas, et que je n’employerois qu’a vous dire combien tendrement je vous aime respectable homme, si mon coeur affligée de ne vous plus voir, n’avoit aussi besoin de vous parler de ses regrets. Ils sont vifs et doivent l’être, puisqu’ils sont une suite des moments heureux que votre amitie m’a fait passér. Je les compte, et me les rapelles avec attendrissement, et le paralele meme de leur peu de durée avec L’eternité de la privation a Laquelle mon absence de paris me comdane, ne leur fait rien perdre de leur prix. Mon ame tient un registre exact des biens dont elle a jouie, qui quoi que bien inferieures sans doute aux affections contraire, trouve dans la vivacite de ses sentimens des compensations au peu de proportion qu’il y a de L’un a L’autre; ainsi mon cher Monsieur francklin le bonheur de vous avoir connue ne peut être eclipsé par la facheuse prevoyance de ne vous revoir que Phivert prochain. Mes regrets sont balancés par le charme de me rapellér votre merite, vos vertue, votre amitie, et c’est en m’occupant de vous de cette maniere mon respectable amis, que je fait diversion a la peine de ne vous plus voir. J’ai eût de vos nouvelles indirectement par plusieurs de mes amis, qui connessant tout mon attachement pour vous, se sont empressés de m’en donnér. Je scait d’ailleurs que tous vos succes se soutiennent et meme s’accroissent, et cela fait les delices de ma solitude. Il semble que votre gloire est la mienne, que votre bonheur m’appartient. Ce qu’il y a de certain exelant homme c’est que vous avéz rendue ce bonheur necessaire au Mien; je Vous demande en grace de me donnér des nouvelles de tout ce qui peut l’interesser. Vous le devés a la tendre amitié d’une de vos amie plus americaines que tous les americains du monde et qui a L’honeur d’etre Mon cher Monsieur franklin avec les sentiments les plus distingués Votre tres humble et tres obeissante servante
M: Douairiere DU S[ÉRÉNISSI]ME Duc DE DEUXPONTSCtesse DE FORBACH

Mes enfants Vous presentes Leur homage. Mes nouvelles d’allemagne sont tres paciffiques en depit de deux Armées en presence L’une de L’autre. L’on negotie un Accomodement qui ne sera pas infiniment favorable a la Maison palatine mais qui previendra des calamites publique, et cela vaut mieux. Rapelléz moi je vous prie au souvenir de Mr. votre fils et vos aimables voisines Mad. helvetius et Mad. Brillion.

Endorsed: Made la Comtesse de Forbach


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 10 May 1778
From: Price, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May 10th [1778]
Dr. P. is very Sorry the bearer of this has any reason for giving Dr. Franklin any farther trouble; but he doubts not but Dr. F—— will receive him with his accustomed goodness.
Is there any truth in the Stories propagated here that the Congress is divided; that Genl: Washington is grown unpopular; that his army deserts in great numbers; and that the Sufferings of the Americans are excessive? The Commissioners are gone assured, that the terms they are impower’d to offer by the conciliatory Bills, tho’ much Short of Independence will be accepted. Is there any reason to expect this? Any notice which Dr. F may take of these questions to Mr. P——r, or any intelligence which he can give with propriety, will be gratefully accepted by Dr. P—— who indeed, in these Sad times is extremely anxious. He wishes his particular remembrances may be deliver’d to Mr. L—— and Dr. B——. Mr. Curteis and Mr. Webb are both broken and ruined. Many events of the Same kind have lately happen’d; and there is reason to fear they are but the beginning of Sorrows.
A family in which Dr. F—— used to be very intimate, and particularly the amiable Miss G——a, are very inquisitive about him, and wish him to know they are all well, and that they always remember him with particular affection and regard. The Society of whigs at the L—— never forget him.

Addressed: To / Dr F——
Notation: Dr Price


Title: James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 11 May 1778
From: Moylan, James
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
L’Orient 11th. May 1778
I am this moment informed by a Gentleman from Brest, that the Ranger Frigate Cap: J. Jones arrived in that port with a prize of 16 Guns the 8th. Instant after laying a Town on the Coast of Ireland under contribution. I have not yet learned any further particulars of his Voyage, but I suppose Cap: Jones will inform you of them when he gets ashore. I have the honor to remain respectfully Honorable Gentlemen your assurd humble Servant
James Moylan
The Honorable Plenipotentiary Ministers of the United States of America

Addressed: The Honorable Plenipotentiary / Ministers of the United States / of America
Endorsed by John Adams: James Moylan 11 May 1778


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 May 1778: résumé
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brest, May 11, 1778: You will have heard the news of Capt. Jones. He needs about £2,000, he tells me, to equip the Drake before the French court intervenes; he can only draw on you.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 12 May 1778
From: Melmoth, Courtney
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Paris 12 May 1778
I wish you would (in the present Exigence) extend your Confidence in me for the 15 Louis, as it would be of infinitely greater Service; and I hope you will believe I would not forfeit my Esteem with Dr. Franklin for 5 Guineas more or less. No, Sir, be assur’d I will, in the course of a very short time, either come myself to discharge my Pecuniary obligations at Passi and Paris, or else I will empower a Person to shew that I do not want either Probity or gratitude: As I shall certainly set off in a Day or two and privately[?] you will extremely honour me by giving the Money to the bearer. Mrs. Melmoth begs it to be rememberd that she is amongst the thousands of your warm Admirers, and I am with the most affectionate Zeal, and most cordial wishes Sir Your most grateful Servant
Courtney Melmoth

I return the Latin M.S. which I found too technical to do justice to; it is however admirably worth the translation of an abler hand. I will return a Note of hand immediately on the receipt of your indulgent favor. Indulge me by preserving the knowledge of my going to England totally to your own breast and that of your Grandson, as the least mention might prevent even the justice of my Intentions.
May God bless you Sir.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passi


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Courtney Melmoth, [on or after 12 May 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Melmoth, Courtney

[On or after May 12, 1778]
It was with greater Inconvenience to myself, than you perhaps imagined that I furnished you with the 38 Guineas before, and now with 12 more, which make the whole 50 Guineas. I have too many Occasions for Money here, and too little to answer them. But I have relied and do rely on your Honour and Punctuality for the speedy Repayment: I wish you and Mrs. Melmoth a good Journey. It shall be a Secret with me as you desire, but I am sorry to understand that it is necessary. I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
Which I hereby desire you will make into the Hands of Mrs. Margaret Stevenson at Cheam in Surrey, to whom I shall send your Notes.

Notation: To Mr. Melmoth


Title: John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 May 1778: Letter and résumé
From: Bondfield, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

I.
Honored Sirs
Bordeaux 12 May 1778
I have just time in Compliance to Mr. Livingstons request to write your honors that an offer has been made him of a vessel to be compleatly fitted and armed provided your Honors will grant a Commission. His desires in this appears to spring from the advance it would give him of rank at his Arrival in America.

If this should meet your approbation your answer by return of Post will be in time [to] permit my soliciting in his favor. His experience and steddy perseverance will by being in Command give him greater opportunities than in a subordinate Station. With great respect I am Your Honors Most Obedient Servant
John Bondfield
The Honble. The Commissioners

Addressed: The Honble. Benj Franklin / Arthur Lee and John Adams Esq / Commissioners from Congress / Paris
Endorsed by John Adams: Mr Bondfield 12 May 1778

II.
<Bordeaux, May 12, 1778: A ship from North Carolina has brought tobacco, and a letter to me saying that Edenton has become the port of America. The Boston is taking on provisions and will leave soon; the expenses, despite every effort, are becoming heavy, and she is short of seamen. Jersey privateers infest the coast of Spain, but we hear of no British cruisers in the Bay of Biscay.>


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 12 May 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, May 12, 1778, in French: I shall not speak of my compliance with your orders of April 30 until I have more to tell. Your sealed letter I have been unable to present because a wind from the west prevented me. I have persuaded my friends to send a single ship to America, uninsured to preserve secrecy, and have promised to recommend them.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Gabriel Bouffé, Gabriel Bouffé, and Louis Guillaume le Veillard, 12 May 1778
From: Bouffé, Pierre-Gabriel,Bouffé, Gabriel,Le Veillard, Louis-Guillaume
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris ce 12 May 1778.
Deux Particuliers desireroient acquerir une ou plusieurs parties de Terreins dans la Province de Pensilvanie pour chacun une Somme de Douze Mille Livre Tournois, ensemble Vingt quatre Mille Livres a Employer dont
Douze Mille Livres pour et au nom de Gabriel Bouffé de Paris
Douze Mille Livres pour et au nom de Pierre Gabriel Bouffé de Paris.
Les dits Sieurs desireroient que les dits Terreins fussent d’un Sol susceptible de culture façile et Fertile, principalement pour le Tabac et a défaut pour les Grains et Paturages. Il conviendroit aussi qu’ils fussent auprès de Rivieres Navigables et de Philadelphie afin que l’Exportation des Denrées du Crû fut plus façile et moins dispendieuse.
Au surplus on ne peut sur ces divers objets que s’en rapporter a l’Intelligence et aux connoissances locales de la personne qu’il plaira au Docteur Franklin d’employer.
L’on ne peut pas Limiter certaine quantité de Terrein parceque cela dependra du prix que l’on sera obligé d’y Mettre. D’ailleurs il est essentiel que touttes les parties soyent a portée de Rivieres Navigables et que par la trop grande Etendue d’une seulle portion de Terrein, Les fraix d’Exploitation n’en deviennent pas trop considerables aux Extremités. Un Troisieme Particulier voudroit aussi acquerir une portion de Terrein d’un seul Morceau pour la somme de Douze cent Livres ou environ. Il souhaiteroit que sa Possession fut le plus près possible de celles de Messrs. Bouffé et de Philadelphie sur le Rivage de La Dellaware et s’il se peut qu’elle fut traversée par un Ruisseau capable de faire tourner un Moulin. Le Titre de cette proprieté sera au nom de Louis Guillaume Le Veillard Ecuyer Gentilhomme du Roy de France. Il est Interressant que les Actes de ces diverses Acquisitions soyent revêtus de touttes les Formalités Necessaires, designant les Bornes et qualités des Terreins de chaque Particulier afin de les reconnoitre aisément. Que chaque Particulier aye son contract ou ses Contrats absolument Independants les uns des autres mais que ces diverses Possessions soyent Voisines les unes des autres le plus possible pour la facilité de l’Inspection Generale. On est prié de procéder le plutôt possible a ces diverses Acquisitions pour lesquelles suivant toutte Apparence on fera remettre les fonds de partie en Totalité entre les mains de la Personne que le Docteur Franklin indiquera. Mais dès le moment ou l’on trouvera a acquerir si l’on n’a pas reçu de fond pour les dits Particuliers, l’on peut sur le Champ tirer partie ou le tout au meilleur Change possible sur Messrs. Bouffé Pere et fils Banquiers a Paris au Terme qui conviendra le mieux. On peut compter que ces traittes seront exactement accueillies sur le premier avis qu’on leur en donnera tant pour ce qui concerne Mr. Le Veillard que Messrs. Bouffé.
Nous aurons la plus grande obligation a Monsieur Le Docteur Franklin de vouloir bien faire executer nos Intentions cy dessus détaillées Lui donnant tout pouvoir a cet Egard.
  Pierre Gabriel Bouff́eGabriel Bouff́eLouis Guillaume Le Veillard

Endorsed: Messrs. Bouffé’s & Veillard’s Request to purchase Lands. in America.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 12 [May] 1778
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[May] 12 [1778]
To Dr. Franklin in passy that sir john should recommend in his case the [illegible] aethiopicum, if he could relay on the frensch making well the sal diureticus and reducing antimonie into an impalpable powder, but that [they?] faced this difficulty little. I acquaint him with my invention of kindling a candle by an electric explosion of a little vial; and of Dr. Priestley’s invention of reviving the ashes into charcoal again. I ask a new protection against the American Privateers. If Mr. Williams has not employed all the money in the trade I would employe it in the Loterie Royal; I ask him to speak about it to Mr. grand.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from C.-J. Le Roux, 12 May 1778
From: Le Roux, C.-J.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
A Paris. 12. mai 1778.
Tandis que vous travaillez avec autant d’ardeur que de succès au bonheur des hommes je m’occupe essentiellement de celui des enfans. Puisse cet Ecrit mériter votre suffrage! Il est digne de votre approbation, au moins quant aux vues que je m’y propose, qui sont: de diminuer le temps, les peines et les dépenses qu’exige le mauvais système d’Education. J’ai l’honneur d’être très respectueusement Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Le RouxM[âitre] de Pension au college Royal deBoncourt montagne ste. Genevieve


Title: The American Commissioners’ Passport for Joseph Waldo and Thomas Brattle, 13 May 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Waldo, Joseph,Brattle, Thomas

May 13, 1778
Nous Benjamin Franklin, arthur Lée et John adams deputés plenipotentiaires des treize états unis de L’amerique septentrionale pres sa majesté tres chretienne,
Prions tous ceux qui sont a prier de vouloir bien laisser passer surement et librement Messieurs Joseph Waldo et Thomas Brattle Ecuyers Americains et Sujets des dits Etats, allant en Angleterre par Calais sans leur donner ni permettre qu’il leur soit donne aucun empechement mais au contraire de accorder toutes sortes d’aides et assistances comme nous ferions en pareil cas, pour touts ceux qui nous seroient recommandés.
Enfoi de quoi nous leur avons délivré le present passe port valable pour Un mois signé de notre main contresigné par l’un de nos secretaires, et au bas duquel est l’empreinte de nos armes.
Donné a Passy en notre hotel Le 13 May, mille sept cent soixante dix huit
B FranklinArthur LeeJohn AdamsW.T. Franklinsecry. pro tempore

Notation: The Honble Commissioners Pasport [illegible] Paris


Title: James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 13 May 1778
From: Moylan, James
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honorable Gentlemen
L’Orient 13th May 1778
I beg leave to refer you to my last of the 11th since which I received a letter from Lisbon dated 21st. April of which the following paragraph is a copy.
“The Peace and Plenty Privateer from Belfast, has brought in here the Brig Dolphin Cap: Turner, bound from Boston to Bilboa with 135 Hhds. of Tobacco a parcel of Rice tar and Staves. She is about 140 Tons and had eight French Officers passengers, with Dispatches from Congress (to whom she belonged) which capn: Turner distroy’d.” I have nothing more to add than that I am truly Honorable Gentlemen Your assur’d humble Servant
James Moylan
The Honorable Plenepotentiary Ministers of the United States of America

Addressed: The Honorable Plenepotentiary / Ministers of the United States / of America
Endorsed by John Adams: Mr Moylan. 13. May 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 13 May 1778
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Boston. 13. May. 1778.
Having been inform’d that the French Frigate from Corunna with Duplicates for the Congress, is immediately to sail, I sit down to congratulate you on the agreable Prospect of our Affairs, and to acknowledge your kind Favors of the 17th. and 27th Feby. last, which were the more welcome as I had not heard from you by Letter for a twelve month, and as they bro’t us the most happy Tydings. I thank Heaven that has crown’d your important Services to our Country with so much Success. You once told me in a Letter, as you were going to France the Public had had the eating your Flesh, and seem’d resolv’d to pick your Bones. We all agree, the nearer the Bone the sweeter the Meat. I receiv’d your Letter of the 27th Feby., which first came to Hand, on a Sunday, just as I was going to perform divine Service in Public. I had Time just as I was stepping into the Pulpit only to read the first Paragraph containing an assurance of the signing the Treaties. For this I gave public Thanks, and implor’d the Blessing of Heaven on the King of France and his Dominions. It was a new Thing in more Senses than one, and struck the whole Congregation with an agreable Surprize, who most cordially joyn’d in that Act of Devotion. Your agreable Dispatches came at a most seasonable Time. After having done great Things we needed something to give [?] us a new Spring. Congress had languish’d for some Accounts from you; and by some strange Fatality had receiv’d none for a Year. They however had by this Means an opportunity of doing themselves peculiar Honor for uncertain as they were what Turn Things would take in Europe; and Genl: Howe, by Order of the British Ministry, taking the first opportunity of sending to them North’s two Bills, after one reading only, and notwithstanding Reports receiv’d of large Reinforcements coming from Britain, they pass’d the most firm and spirited Resolves upon that Occasion. This Circumstance ought to be mention’d to their Honor in Europe as well as America.
I know not the Name of the Commander of the Frigate, or rather I have forgot it, by whom this may be deliver’d to you: I had the Honor of dining with him and all the French Gentlemen here, and Mr. Holker &c. at a public Entertainment, and Yesterday at Genl: Heath’s; I hope they will find no Reason to complain of their Reception. I hope soon to write you a long Letter; but am now oblig’d to close with ev’ry Sentiment of Esteem and Friendship, Your’s
S.C.

Addressed: The Honorable / Benjn: Franklin Esqr. / Plenipotentiary from The States / of America / At the Court of France.
Notation: S. Cooper Boston 13 May 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, Sr., 13 May 1778
From: Cushing, Thomas Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston May. 13. 1778
I am now to Acknowledge the receipt of your agreable Favor of the 27 Feby. last. I sincerely rejoice with you on the Success of your Negociations in France, in the Completion of two Treaties with his most Christian Majesty. I sincerely wish they may be attended with the happiest Consequences to both Countries: Congress had received Lord North’s Speech and the two Bills for quieting America before Mr. Simeon Dean arrived with the Two treaties with France, and whilst entirely Ignorant of them passed a number of Observations respecting said Bills much to their Honor. Inclose you a paper in which they are Inserted; I am extreamly oblidged to you for the honble. Notice you have taken of my son and for the many favors shewn him while in France. I thank you kindly for recommending me to the Gentlemen of Trade in the Several Ports in France as a Factor. You may depend upon my best endeavors to honer your recommendation by a Careful attention to any business with which they may intrust me, and that your many Favors shall be gratefully resented by Your sincere Freind and most humble Servant

Thomas Cushing

P.S. The Captain will deliver you some News Papers.Honble. Benja Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: To / The Honbl: Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Commissioner at the Court of France / at Paris
Notation: T. Cushing Boston May 13. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Gordon, 13 May 1778
From: Gordon, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Jamaica Plain May 13. 1778
I must first of all congratulate and thank you, for and upon the treaties. We have not had them yet from Congress, but have learnt their contents in general, and approve of them. As a native of GB I could have wished that my countrymen had been wise in time, and had known in their day the things that made for their peace and happiness; but heaven means to humble them. The French have acted with much judgment and on the soundest principles of good policy: by not grasping at an exclusive trade, and leaving it open for the rest of the world to trade with us upon an equal footing with themselves, they have prevented all the umbrage that might have been taken by other powers. I inculcate, and shall continue doing it, the necessity of acting in all our public measures and engagements with the utmost honor and integrity. But being a young nation and the reins of government having been greatly weakened thro’ the peculiarity of the times, we shall for a while be apt to fail in punctilios and to fall into some irregularities, which the more sensible Europeans will impute to our infancy. American fruit you know matures apace; and we as a people shall ripen fast into that behaviour which will be pleasing to the polite, tho’ attended with certain modes and manners necessarily belonging to that freedom of spirit and prevailing independency and equality so general to the New Englanders.
We expect to have the report of a war between G B and France confirmed every hour. In that case, should the troops be withdrawn, and only a few cruisers be left upon the coast, the common cause I humbly apprehend may be greatly promoted in consequence thereof. The whole coast might be soon cleared by prudent management and profound secrecy, and all the American ports be thereby opened for traders and prizes, which might get into them more easily than into European ports while the neighbouring seas swarm with British ships. I have the highest opinion of secrecy in war. It supplies the place of numbers. It animates the assailants. The darkness and unexpectedness of the manoeuvre damps the courage of the assailed. I was early struck with the reply made by the Prince of Orange to an Officer who asked him the reason of an extraordinary movement and promised repeatedly that he could keep a secret: thank God my tongue is endowed with the same grace. I have admired the manner in which the Arch Bishop of Cambrais recommended this grace to the Dauphin in his Telemachus. The French Court have it in their power to keep their expeditions more private than the [torn: British?]. Was a proper advantage to be made of this power, they might weaken the British navy greatly. Instead of directing their navy into large fleets, were they to send them out to fall upon British ships in particular stations they might find their account in it. You will be able to learn the number and size of the ships that will be left upon the American station, should the French ministry send a superiour force to Boston while they pretended to send it elsewhere, they might upon coming into port and gaining intelligence of the enemy direct themselves accordingly. Upon the supposition that it is possible for a French squadron to make their appearance in the neighbourhood, in conformity to the surmised plan, I will act myself to gain information as to the naval force of GB in the ports and upon the coasts of the continent, without letting others into the secret, which information I will readily communicate to any French gentlemen as you may advise. I only desire that as few as possible may be privy to the scheme, and that they may consist of those that keep what is committed to them.

You will receive so many letters by this conveyance, that it will be needless for me to mention news. Shall put you up a few papers. Am much obliged to you for your two letters, and for the assistance given me in getting some to my friends. Must beg the continuance of your good offices. Wishing you may live to see the Independency of America fully established, GB owning it, and peace restored, I remain with great esteem your sincere and affectionate friend
William Gordon

Hope Mr. John Adams is safe at Paris. His family were well lately. Saw his parson on the monday at Cambridge. Respects to him, Messrs. Lee and Dean.
From the letters I have published you will learn what are my notions of religious and civil liberty; I can therefore with consistency express my wishes that France would be so wise as to tolerate protestants.
I have left Mr. Sowden’s and the letters for England out, and have only put the newspapers design’d for Mr. Sowden together under cover, as I am a stranger to what you will know to be the best way of forwarding the same.

Addressed: The Honle Dr Benjamin Franklin
Notation: W. Gordon, May 13. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, 14 May 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<Passy, May 14, 1778: American warships have hitherto taken between four and five hundred prisoners, who were released because we could not confine them in France. Now Capt. Jones has brought into Brest nearly two hundred, whom we should gladly exchange for our seamen in England, but who we fear will be released in turn. We have found legal opinion that release is not mandatory, and we should welcome your advice on whether there is any way to retain these prisoners until they can be exchanged for ours.>


Title: The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 14 May 1778: résumé
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<York, May 14, 1778: All goes well with us, and we are preparing for either war or peace. Our enemies have fostered doubt about our perseverance, but the enclosed report of Congressional action in rejecting British overtures will, when published in Europe, show that our politics are based on integrity and fortitude. To preserve the union with France, so happily begun, we call your attention to Articles 11 and 12 of the treaty of amity and commerce: we fear that the second will be detrimental to that union, and you will be authorized to procure its abandonment in return for our abandoning Article 11. Congress has unanimously ratified both treaties in confidence that amendments will be negotiated. It has also issued a proclamation to restrain the misconduct of commanders of our armed vessels, and we hope that quarrels over prizes will diminish now that France has so magnanimously reimbursed the owners of those prizes that were returned.>


Title: The Massachusetts Board of War to the American Commissioners, 14 May 1778
From: Massachusetts Board of War
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Sirs.
War Office 14th May 1778.
Your esteem’d favours of the 21 December per Mr. Dean 12th. February per Capt. Senneville, and 17th of same Month per Capt. Courter, we had the Honor to receive.
Agreeable to your request, we have furnished Capt. Courter with every necessary for his Journey to Congress, on which he set out the 7th. Instant, being the second day after his arrival with us. The money and other Articles advanced Capt. Senneville We have, by advice of the Council, charged to the United States.
Every Mark of Distinction Government could shew, and all the Assistance this Board could give, Capt. Senneville has received, we flatter ourselves, to his entire Satisfaction; and happy shall we esteem ourselves if by any Exertions on our part we may be in the smallest Degree instrumental in Strengthening and Cementing the Union between the Court of France and the Independent States of America.
This Important and Fortunate Event has already produced the most Salutary effects: It has had a tendency to fix the Wavering, confirm the Doubtfull, and diffuse Spirit and Animation through the whole. Our Moneys, those Sinews of War, have acquir’d new credit and value; And firmniss, resolution and unanimity Pervade the Thirteen United States.
But, while we devotely adore that Almighty Being, to whose interposition in our favour we are to attribute our present happy Situation, We wish not to be forgetfull of those Worthies, by whose unremitted assiduity’s this most arduous Business has been thus gloriously accomplished.
May every Happiness, Temporal and Eternal, attend your Excellencies, and may Succeeding Generations, as they Rise, call you blessed. We have the Honour to be with profound respect May it please your Excellencies Your most obedient and very Humble Servants
Sam Phps SavagePrest Per Order
Their Excellencies: Benjam: Franklin, & Silas Dean Esqrs

Addressed: Their Excellencies / Benjamin Franklin & Silas Deane Esqrs / Ministers Plenipotentiary / from the United States of America / at the Court of / France. / à paris / favour per Chevalier de Senneville
Notation: Letter from board of War May. 14. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Christopher Gadsden, 14 May 1778
From: Gadsden, Christopher
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Letters of introduction or recommendation, like this one, required no answer and therefore fall into a category of their own. We summarize here a few other such letters that come within the period. On April 10 Etienne Cathalant writes Deane from Marseilles to introduce his son and John Turnbull, of Livingston & Turnbull in Gibraltar, and asks to have the travelers presented to Franklin and Lee; he has already written the latter. His son, though young, knows much about local trade with America. On the same day Terrasson, who signs himself as a royal secretary, addresses Deane from Lyons to ask him and Franklin for letters of recommendation for the writer’s son, who is embarking with a consignment of goods from the firm and from Le Couteulx & Cie. in Cadiz for Edenton, N.C.; the young man or one of his brothers will set up a commercial agency there if he can establish the necessary connections. On the 21st John Keeling, in Paris, ventures though he is unknown to introduce the bearer, Michael Savage, a young man of good family who has alienated it by his attachment to the American cause, and who wants service at sea in any suitable capacity.
On May 6 the duc de Charost recommends a Sieur Desprès, who has supervised some construction on the duc’s town house to the owner’s satisfaction. On the 12th the marquis de Cossé writes for one de Marson, a lifelong student of diplomacy and politics; he worked under the abbé de La Ville and the marquis himself, and the work has borne brilliant fruit. Franklin will be pleased with him. On the 15th Abraham Livingston, in Charleston, introduces to Franklin and Deane Joseph Brown, a young man of distinction in the state who is making a tour of Europe and will probably come through Paris. On the 18th Ferrand Dupuy, also in Paris and representing Nassau-Saarbrücken at the French court, introduces the bearer, who on his way to Boston underwent a “Revolution de Mer”: he was captured, imprisoned, and sent back to France; Franklin will be struck by his account of his misfortunes. The account, by François La Marège, explains that he is eighteen, a goldsmith and clock-maker from Limoges; he came to know Pierre-Emmanuel de la Plaigne, who recruited him for the American service. The youngster bought two uniforms, muskets, and sabers, and enlisted three of his friends. They went to Bordeaux with de la Plaigne, who induced them to embark on a small, almost unarmed ship that was about to sail; he would meet them in Boston. They were captured by a Jersey privateer, stripped of their good clothes, manacled, and then imprisoned on Jersey until returned to France in rags. The young man is undiscouraged. He still wants to get to Boston, and to stay in America after the war with an uncle who is a citizen; but he needs help. Franklin turned the matter over to some one unnamed, who refused to do anything on the ground that the United States was not concerned. Dupuy wrote again on the 20th in great annoyance: surely the republic will take care of some one who, thanks to its agent’s ineptitude, has sacrificed so much for it, and who has furthermore a profession and enough English to get by, and intends to become a citizen?
On the 25th Taverne Demont d’Hyver, burgomaster, as he styles himself, of the town and territory of Dunkirk, introduces the head of the local firm of Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie., who is attached to the good cause and wants an interview. (This contact, as will be seen, bore fruit the next year.)

Dear Sir
Chas. Town So. Carolina 14 May 1778
I take the Liberty to introduce the Bearer Mr. Thomas Waites to your Notice, a Young Gentleman who was educated at Philada. and of best Connections here. His Business to France is on our Common Cause and if he arrives safe intends himself the Honour to wait on you at Paris. Shou’d he have Occasion for your Countenance, I shall be extremely obliged to you to give it; Your Time must be so continually employed and we know always for our Good, that ’tis a Sin against America to trespass upon it in the least.
By the last Accounts from Pennsylvania We were just about opening the Campaign and Our prospects very promising. I am Dear Sir with great Sincerity and Esteem Your most obedient humble Servant
Christ. Gadsden

P.S. Shou’d Mr. Deane be with you, pray make my Compts. to him.

Addressed: To / The Honble Benja. Franklyn Esqr. / Ambassadr. to the united States / of America / at / Paris / per Favr. of Mr. Thos. Waites
Notation: Chris Gadsden 14 May 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Tuthill Hubbart, 14 May 1778
From: Hubbart, Tuthill
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Boston May 14th. 1778
I have inclosed You One Letter I received from Aunt Mecom to forward You.
It gave real pleasure to your Friends to hear of your welfare after an account circulated of an attempt on your Invaluable Life tho’ not Effected it was said left You in a languishing condition. Pray God preserve You to return to Your Native country long to enjoy the fruit of your Exertions for their Bennefit. I but this moment heard that the Frigate was to sail for France. I have inclosed You what Pappers I could get on this short notice. Suckey and Judith desires their Duty to You and beleive me to be with the greatest respect Your Most Affectionate Nephew
Tuthill Hubbart
To Doctr B. Franklin Esqr

Endorsed: Tuthill Hubbart
Notation: May 14. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 14 May 1778
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London May 14 1778
You will have recieved my lettre of May 12th. which I forwarded by my Bankers. Tho I had this inclosed in hands, yet I did not think it prudent to put it into mine, because I did not know, what it mayt contain.
I send it you by an oportunity, which Mr. Elmsley affords me, it will be carry’d Save to Calais; from whence it will meet with no more obstruction.
Mr. Elmsley afforded me allso the two oportunities by which I have sent you the 2 copies of Gen. Pownals book and the copper plate of the fire place with 94 copies of it; which all I make no doubt but you will have recieved in its time.
I hope to meet you in the cours of next month at Paris and to find you in good health and happiness. I am dear sir Your most obedient humble servant
J Ingen Housz


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Agathon Guynement de Kéralio, 14 May 1778
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A L’Ecole Royale m[ilitai]re, Le 14e. mai, 1778
Vous vous rappellerés que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler d’un négociant de Brest, qui se proposoit pour être Le correspondant du congrés dans ce port: j’ai celui de vous adresser Le mémoire qu’il m’a fait parvenir. Je ne le connois pas, mais on m’a assuré qu’il avoit autant de probité que d’intelligence c’est ce dont il ne vous sera pas difficile de vous informer, si vous jugés a propos de contracter avec Lui.
Permettés encore, Monsieur, que je vous remette la note cijointe en faveur de Mr. le chevalier de Bazentin. Il me paroit difficile d’obtenir ce que desirent les personnes qui s’interessent à Lui mais je n’en suis pas moins persuadé que le congrès fera à votre recommandation tout ce qu’il lui sera possible de faire, pour procurer la liberté à ces malheureux officiers.
J’ai des nouvelles de Mad. La Douairiere des Deux-Ponts en date du 6e et elle me mande “quand vous aurés occasion de voir Monsieur Franklin, parlés Lui de mon amitié et de mon admiration.” Je Lui ai répondu que j’avois eu L’honneur de vous voir dimanche dernier, que nous nous étions beaucoup entretenu d’elle et que vous deviés Lui écrire pour la sommer de la parole qu’elle vous avoit donnée de travailler à un plan d’éducation pour le sexe. Soyés toujours bien persuadé de la tendre et bien juste vénération avec laquelle je suis, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Le CHR. De Keralio

Vous savés sans doute que L’armateur Le ranger est rentré à Brest la nuit du 7e au 8e de ce mois, avec une frégate angloise de 22 canons, une autre prise et après en avoir brulé trois autres et Descendu en angleterre et en écosse. On me mande qu’il a ramené 200 prisonniers.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from La Blancherie, 14 May 1778
From: La Blancherie, Claude-Mammès Pahin de Champlain de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur le Docteur
Le 14. Mai 1778
M. Le Roi me charge de vous faire savoir que MM. de l’Académie des Sciences, voulant me donner un quatrième commissaire, vous nommerent hier. Que ne dois-je pas espérer sous de si heureux auspices! Je me mets encore une fois à vos pieds, monsieur le Docteur, pour vous supplier d’honnorer aujourd’hui de votre présence l’assemblée des Etrangers, des gens de lettres et des artistes. Messieurs Le Roi, de condorcet et de la Lande, tous trois commissaires de l’Académie doivent y venir vers cinq heures et demie. Ce nouveau témoignage de votre protection et de votre approbation, appuyera mieux que toute autre chose ma demande pour celui de l’autorisation que je sollicite du gouvernement. Que vous dirois-je, monsieur? Vous consacrez votre vie si utilement pour le bonheur des hommes que je crois vous rendre véritablement les hommages qui vous sont dûs de leur part, en vous procurant l’occasion d’exercer votre générosité. Je vous confie dans ce moment tous les intérêts les plus chers à un coeur sensible, et je m’assure que vous ne m’accuserez pas d’indiscrétion; parce qu’en effet je vous devrai tout ce qu’il est possible de vous devoir. Et je me ferai toujours un devoir auprès de ma nation et des pays étrangers de vous rapporter les succès d’un établissement qui sera aussi glorieux pour l’une qu’avantageux aux autres. Quant aux sciences, elles vous doivent trop aussi pour que ce vous ferez pour elles en ceci, soit compté pour quelque chose.
Je vous envoye, monsieur le docteur, la traduction de l’ouvrage de M. Volta sur l’air inflammable des marais. Je souhaite que vous en soyiez content. Je vous prie de permettre que j’aye l’honneur de présenter mes très humbles respects à M. Adams. Je desirerois bien qu’il pût aussi venir à l’Assemblée. J’espere y voir M. votre fils à qui je fais mes tres respectueuses civilités. Je suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur le Docteur, Votre tres humble et tres obéissant serviteur
La Blancherieancien college de Bayeux rue de la Harpe

Notation: De La Blancherie 14 may 1776


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lotbinière, 14 May 1778: résumé
From: Lotbinière, Michel-Alain Chartier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Hôtel Dauphin, Rue Croix des Petits-Champs, [Paris,] May 14, 1778, in French: Enclosed is a letter given me the other day by M. Holquart, whom I introduced to you. It is to M. Lannouette from his sister, who wants it forwarded as safely as possible because it is important to her. M. Holquart has read it, and assures me that it is about family matters to which no one could take exception. If it can be sent via some one in Canada, let me know so that I can write my family by the same channel.
I have been down with fever since I saw you last, confined to my room on a strict diet. Purging has cleared my head and improved my right shoulder, which all winter has been rheumatic, I think with a touch of gout. I will come to see you Saturday if you are free. Have you put in a word for me with M. de Vergennes, and with what result? Please remind him of me; he is important for our common interests and future cooperation. May I have the address of Mr. Hayward, now in Bordeaux?>


Title: The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 15 May 1778
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Gentlemen
In Committee for foreign Affairs York Town,May 15 1778
Your pressing request for 5000 Hhds. of Tobacco, is a matter as embarrassing to Congress as to yourselves. Their anxiety to get it to you is as great as yours to receive it. We have already lost considerable Quantities in the attempt, and thereby furnished our Enemy, Gratis, with what was designed to discharge your Contracts with, and promote the Interest and Commerce of our Friends. We request your particular attention to this information. It is a matter of the highest moment to our allies as well as to ourselves. In the present State of things it is very probable that England will not interrupt the Trade of France in her own Bottoms, and our desire is, as well for her Benifit as ours, that France would open the Trade from her own Ports, so that the Intentional advantages of the Treaties may fully operate to both Countries; We need not enlarge on this head, as your own discernment and Judgment will furnish you with all the reasons necessary therefor.
In addition to what is mentioned in our Letter No. 7 respecting the 11th and 12 Articles we observe that the 12th is capable of an interpretation and misuse, which was probably not thought of at the Time of Constructing it, which is, that it opens a door for all or a great part of the Trade of America to be carried thro the french Islands to Europe, and puts all future regulations out of our Power, either of Imposts or Prohibition, which tho’ we might never find our Interest to use, yet it is the keeping those in our Power, that will hereafter enable us to preserve equality with, and regulate the Imports of the Countries we trade with. The General Trade of France is not under the like restriction; every Article on our part being Staked against the Single Article of Melasses on theirs. Therefore the Congress thinks it more liberal and Consistent that both Articles should be expunged.
We have no material military Transactions to acquaint you with. The Enemy yet remain in Philadelphia, but some late movements make it probable they will not stay long. Our Army is yet at the Valley forge. The Enemy thro’ the Course of the winter have carried on a low, pitiful, and disgraceful kind of war against Individuals whom they picked up by sending out little parties for that purpose and revengefully burning several of their houses. Yet all this militates against themselves, by keeping up an inflamable Indignation in the Country towards them; and on the whole, we know not which most to wonder at, their folly in making us hate them, after their inability for Conquest and desires of Peace are confest, or their Scandalous barbarity in expressing their Resentments.
You will see, Gentlemen, by the Contract which the commercial Committee has signed with the Agent of Mr. Beaumarchais that Congress was desirous of keeping a middle Course, so as not to appear to slight any determined Generosity of the French Court, and at the same Time to show a Promptness to discharge honourably the Debts which may be justly charged against these States by any Persons. We depend upon you to explain the Affairs fully, as you seem to make a Distinction between the military Stores and the other Invoices, while no such Distinction appears in the Letters of Mr. Deane and Mr. Beaumarchais. In short, we are rather more undetermined by your late Dispatches than we were by your long Silence.
Congress being at this Time deeply engaged in a Variety of pressing Business and the foreign Committee thin of Members you will be pleased to excuse us from being more particular in our Answer to your several Dispatches as well as in our Information of the State of our Affairs. We are Gentlemen Your very humble Servants
Richard Henry LeeJames Lovell

PS You will see what we have written to Mr. Dumas, and will point out to us what will be our Line of Honour to him and Justice to these States.
The Honble. Commissioners at Paris

Notation: May 15. 1778
Endorsed by John Adams: Comtee. foreign affairs. May 15 ans. July 29. 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodge, 15 May 1778
From: Hodge, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

His Excellency Doctor Franklin,
Cadiz May 15th 1778
I should not trouble your Excellency with writing, but having wrote to Mr. Deane immediately after my arrival here upon the 26th of March and having receiv’d no answer, makes me conjecture that He had taken his departure from Paris before the arrival of my letter. I shall take the liberty of inclosing to Your Excellency the Copies of two letters, which I sent to the Governour of this Place, the One of the 17th of April in regard of the English Consul claiming three Sailors belonging to Capt. Cunyngham, the Other of the 5th of May in respect of three American Prisoners having sworn ashore from a British Frigat that was laying in Cadiz Road. The three Seamen claimd by the English Consul from Capt. Cunyngham were born in England, but have been in America since they were Children, one of which had a Wife and several Children in Philadelphia. Yet the English Consul had the assurance to demand these Men as British Subjects. But my representing the situation of theise Men, together with my going Nine Miles distance to inform General O Reilly (who is Commander in Chief of this Province) of the affair, I got liberty for the Men to proceed in Capt. Cunyngham, or any other Vessel I thought proper to send them in. But in respect of the three American Prisoners, who made their escape from the British Frigat, I am sorry to inform your Excellency, that the Poor Fellows were dragged on board the Frigat by permission of the Governour, and very probably One or more of them sufferd death for desertion, they being obligd to enter on board the Frigat, when they were taken Prisoners, or otherwise were not allowd sufficient to subsist upon, as they informd me whilst ashore. The French Consul and Mr. Le Couteaulx my Merchant at this place, did me the favor to go to the Governour with me to represent these Men as Americans but the Governour replyd that the English Consul demanded the Men as British Seamen, and that unless The French Consul or Mr. Le Coutealx could demand them, He should let them go on board. The French Consul told the Governour that I was come in favor of the Sailors, the Governour answerd that I was a Stranger and unknown to him, and of consequence there being no proper Person to reclaim the Men, he could not prevent the Captain of the Frigat taking the Men on board. I hope Your Excellency sees the injustice and Cruelty of the Order given to the Capt. of the Frigat to take these Prisoners from a Neutral Port on board his Vessel. I cannot restrain informing Your Excellency likewise that many American Prisoners make their escape from Gibralter, and cadiz being one of the most Capital Sea Port towns in Europe, together with its being adjacent to Gibralter, the Prisoners always makes for this place, and are generally destitute of the means of supplying themselves with the necessaries of life. In this situation I found several since my arrival one of which being very ill, I was obligd to put him into the Hospital, where he still remains at a Livre per day. Many of these poor Men have been so distressed as to be Obligd to apply for Assistance from the English Consul. I beg my Compliments to be presto your Son, and accept the best Respects Most Excellent Sir, from Your Excellencys, Most Humble and Most Obedient Servant,
Wm. Hodge

Endorsed: Mr Hodge
Notation: Cadiz 17 avril 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, [15 May 1778]
From: Hutton, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[May 15, 1778]
My dear friends Letter of May 10. came to my hands this 15 May. I did not leave with you, but sent to you, an account of the Vessel by the Post under some inclosure to some friend, which I hope you received in due time, in the mean while to avoid giving you trouble I send the Account I got this Evening.
The Sloop, Good Intent, Capt. Francis Mugford burthen about 70 or 75 Tuns the Cargo Consists of some Bricks for building Chimnies about 5000 I believe. Provisions and Necessaries for the poor Missionaries and their assistants, some Ironmongery and Tinware for the use of the Indians and Missionaries. The Crew consists of the Capt. and mate, three men and one boy. There are to be three women Passengers and one Man Passenger. The Vessel goes from London to Labradore. No man but a true man, none but our Vessel shall make use of your kind favour.
In my Soul and Conscience I believe that those of whom I had a good opinion meant and mean Peace and not Division, but as they could not be supported here in your main Preliminary Independence, they try to do as well as they can. If I did not believe they mean Peace I would by no means have any thing to say to it. But surely the Squadron from Toulon means us no good. I am sorry for it. I wish still for Peace. I wish it possible. I do not despair, but will hope to the End. My Health is as well as my Spirits will allow. I hope to recieve your kind favour under Cover to Mr. Anton Seyffert Zeist près d’Utrecht, if even it contains an additional favour from Mr. de Sartine. Our people about 20 will almost certainly perish if the Vessel be taken. She has orders to go strait to Labradore and has nothing at all to do at Newfoundland. It is not a trading Vessel but a Charitable one. It will bring in return to help pay the Expence of providing Necessaries and Provisions, what Train oil or Whale bone the Missionaries and their Assistants may earn or get by their Labour. You know our Society for the Furtherance of the Gospel among the Heathen consists of poor hearty people, who do as Zeal enables them hazard and risk the Expences, and blessed be God can never be rich as they neither seek it, nor can attain it. I am your most affectionate and most obliged
JH.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Grand / Banquier / Paris.
Notations: Hutton / Hutton. May 15. 78


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Edward Bancroft], [after 15 May 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bancroft, Edward

[After May 15, 1778]
Be so good as to answer to our Friend that it is impossible Mr. Hartley could have said what is represented above, no such Thing having ever been intimated to him; nor has the least Idea of the kind ever been in the Minds of the Commissioners, particularly Dr. F. who does not Care how many Spies are plac’d about him by the Court of France having nothing to conceal from them.


Title: The American Commissioners to Sartine, [16 May 1778]: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de

<[Passy, May 16, 1778:] Basmarein, Raimbaux & Cie. informs us that it has applied to the government for a frigate to defend its commerce and make reprisals for its losses; we request that it may have one, and will give the ship a commission and a letter of marque.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Thomas Simpson, 16 May 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Simpson, Thomas

Sir:
Passi May 16th. 1778
We have received your State of your Arrest. As you cannot be tryd here according to the regulations of Congress we have desired Capt. Jones to procure you a Passage to America by the first Opportunity and provide you with whatever may be necessary for your defence.

We are sorry for this event and hope you will be able to justify your conduct. We are &c.
To Lieutenant Simpson of the Ranger

Notations: To Lieut. Simpson of the Ranger May. 16. 78 / [in John Adams’ hand:] Letters and other Papers March 1778


Title: The Commerce Committee to the American Commissioners, 16 May 1778: résumé
From: Commerce Committee
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<York, May 16, 1778: We enclose a contract with Theveneau de Francy as agent for Caron de Beaumarchais. You will please liquidate and send the property of the accounts of Roderigue Hortalez & Co., taking care to distinguish the property of the crown from the company’s private property. We send an invoice of the articles to be imported from France, and the relevant actions of Congress. The British blockade has prevented exporting tobacco to you, but we have sent several ships to South Carolina for rice.>


Title: Members of the Drake’s Prize Crew [to the American Commissioners], 16 May 1778
From: Members of the “Drake”’s Prize Crew
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Brest May 16th. 1778
We the subscribers (persons put on board the Drake by Capt. Jones’s order, from the Ranger, to man her, under the Command of Lieut. Simpson,) do hereby testifie, that when a sail was seen on Our Lee quarter at Day Light in the morning of the 5th. May, the Drake (then in tow by the Ranger,) was hail’d from her, and ordered to Cast Off and to make the best of our way, that Lieut. Simpson did ask what the order was, Desired Mr. Hill to ask again who accordingly did ask whether we should make the best of our way, and was answered from the Ranger, Ay, Ay. Lieut. Simpson did Express great Anxiety and Concern at the Order, and said that Capt. Jones had been very Careful of the Drake till then, and was leaving her in a place of the greatest Danger, that he, (said Simpson) had rather loose ten prizes, than Loose the Drake. They then reefed the main top mast, which was carried away by making sail In Compliance with Capt. Jones’s signal the Night before, it being weakened by a shot in the Action with the Ranger. Soon after our parting with the Ranger, a brig under our Lee tack’d, and Kept her wind for us, which we took for a privateer. We ware Ordered by Lieut. Simpson to be as Expeditious as possible to make what sail we could in the best manner, our ship then in a shatter’d Condition, and to get our guns ready, that if she Came up, we might make as good defence as was in our power. The wind favouring us we kept Clear of him till Dark, when the ship’s course was ordered East till ten o’ the clock in the night, to fall in with a ship on our Lee quarter at a great distance which we took to be the Ranger. And after that having sounded, hauled up SE, and again more Southerly, the Lieut. thinking As he said, we were not far enough to the Southward. In the morning we saw a ship a stern, which Lieut. Simpson said was the Ranger, at which he Expressed great satisfaction. The Ranger made her Signals, which were answered on board the Drake. On her Comming up, Capt. Jones ordered the Course ESE. Mr. Simpson told him that he was afraid we were not far enough to the southward; however obeyed the order. After that Capt. Jones Ordered to bring too, and sent his boat a board, in which came Lieutenant Hall, and superseded Mr. Simpson. Then made sail, and both Ships were haul’d up more southerly, and could not wheather Ushent but after beating that afternoon, and the night following, were the next morning obliged to bear up, and ran down the North side of Ushant and beat thro’ the Four passage to get to Brest. We are also sensible that Lieut. Simpson did use every endeavour to Comply with the Signals from Capt. Jones, and always attended to the supporting, Refitting, and making such sail, as the ship’s mast and rigging Could possibly bear, to keep company with the Ranger for which purpose himself, with the people, were almost Constantly on deck, and that when the people complained for want of rest, he exhorted and cheered them by saying that their wou’d be great honour to us, getting in such a prize, that Although it was fatiguing the time wou’d be Short the prize our own, with an addition of bounty from Congress.
In wittness of the truth of which we hereunto set our hands.

Benjn. Hill
Edrd. Myers
Edward GaleSaml: Odiorne
Thos MeadJohn Whalen
John ColbathOliver Crummet
John GaroinEdmund Boyenton
William AllenWilliam Jones
Obadiah DonellEbenezer Watson
John Caverly[Illegible]
James SmithWilliam Fennel
John ParsonsWilliam English
William PirkensEphm Grant’s Mark X
  Caleb Emery’s Mark XMark Staples’s Mark X
  Danl. Sargeant junr. his Mark X

Notations: Peoples certificate that were on board the Drake May 1778 / [by John Adams:] Certificate for Lt Simpson, 16. May 1778


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Sutaine de Bourez[?], 16 May 1778: résumé
From: Sutaine de Bourez, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Paris, May 16, 1778, in French: When I paid you my respects in Passy several days ago, you asked for a memorandum about what is due me from the estate of my nephew, Du Coudray. I am asking only for the papers that I am told were in a particular trunk; I have the best right to them because we often worked closely together. His other effects belong to his brothers and are not my concern. If this trunk can be found and set aside, I wish you would send it to M. Gribeauval, who will accept and forward it.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Ferdinand Grand, 17 May 1778: résumé
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand

<Passy, May 17, 1778: We wish you to pay money from our joint account only on our joint order, and to send us all letters addressed to Mr. Deane on the business of the commission.>


Title: The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 17 May 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Jones, John Paul

Sir:
Passi May 17th 1778
We have heard of your arrival at Brest with a prize, and are surprisd that you have not given us an Account of that and of your other proceedings. We desire you will not take any measures relative to the prizes and prisoners you may have made except in securing them, nor incur any considerable expence without our orders. Upon the receipt of this you will immediately send us an Account of what you have done upon your cruize, of what your prizes consist, what repairs you want, and what farther measures you propose to pursue. Upon all these subjects you will wait our directions.
Lieutenant Simpson has stated to us your having put him under Arrest for disobeying Orders. As a Court martial must by order of Congress consist of three Captains, three Lieutenants, and three Captains of Marines and these cannot be had here; it is our Desire that he may have a Passage procurd for him by the first Opportunity to America, allowing him whatever may be necessary for his defence. As the consequences of an Arrest in foreign Countries are thus extremely troublesome, they shoud be well considerd before they are made. We are, Sir, yours &c.

To Capt. Paul Jones

Notation: To Capt. P. Jones May 17. 78


Title: Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 17 May 1778: résumé
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John

<Chaillot, May 17, 1778: Because I am not well enough to come to Passy I send you my drafts of important letters; alter them as you wish. If our subordinates disregard our orders, and involve us in debt without accounting for what they spend, we and the public suffer.>


Title: [Vergennes] to the American Commissioners, 17 May 1778
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

A V[ersai]lles le 17 may 1778
J’ai rendu compte au Roi, Messrs., de l’assûrance que vous me donnez que le Boston, qui se trouve dans le port de Bordeaux, est une frégate appartenant aux Etats-unis et armée par les ordres du Congrès. S. M. a décidé en conséquence que ce vaisseau éprouveroit le même traitement qui est d’usage à l’égard de ceux de toutes les autres puissances; et cette décision va être communiquée aux fermiers-généraux, afin qu’ils puissent faire passer des ordres qui y soient conformés à leurs employés à Bordeaux.
Mrs. les Députés du Congrès de l’Amerique septentrionale


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne, 17 May 1778
From: Juigné, Antoine-Eléonore-Léon Leclerc de, bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Paris le 17 mai 1778
Un Jeune homme, Monsieur, nommé Gelé m’a dit qu’il vous avoit offert ses services et demandé de l’employer en qualité de Secretaire. Quoique je ne sois point connu de vous, il desire que j’appuye sa demande de ma recommandation. Je ne connois point personnellement ses qualités et son merite; des personnes en qui j’ai toute confiance m’ont assuré qu’il avoit beaucoup d’esprit, du talent et de l’acquit, un excellent caractere. Je m’interesse a lui a cause de son Pere qui exerce dans ma ville Episcopale la profession de Medecin avec honneur et même avec distinction et qui joüit de l’estime de tous les honnêtes Gens. S’il vous est possible, Monsieur, d’être utile a son fils, je vous en aurai en mon particulier une tres sincere obligation. J’ai l’honneur d’être tres parfaitement, Monsieur, vôtre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Ant-E.L.Ev[êque] C[athédral] de Châlons
M. Franclin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Penet, 17 May 1778
From: Penet, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 17 may 1778
Je n’est peut [n’ai pu] vous envoyer plustot la nouvelle Debitée dimanche 10 may sur la Bourse de nantes au sujet Des deux navires le Lion et le Duc de choiseul. Cy joint la note je ne vous le donne pas pour certain. J’auréz l’honneur de vous presanter mes respects Demain. Monsieur, votre serviteur
P. Penet

Je vous seréz infiniment obligé la nouvelle leue [lue] de vouloire bien la faire passer a Mr. Lee a chaliot.
tourné s.v.p.t.
Un petit navire parti de la Carolinne du Nord Le 7 avril dernier, armé par des juifs qui ont passés dessus, ariva a paimboeuf Le samedy au soir 9 may et donna entre autres nouvelles celle de la perte de la fregatte Le Lion, et du duc De Choiseul qui ont été rencontrés a La hauteur des Bermudes par un vaisseau de Guerre de 60 pieces de Canons. Le Lion a sauté en l’air et le duc de Choiseul aprés avoir eté rasé a eté obligé de se rendre et a eté conduit a st. augustin.
Cette nouvelle affligeoit beaucoup La place de Nantes et on attendoit avec impatience que ces juifs auroient montés pour avoir d’eux mesmes les details de cette affaire. Nous sommes partis de Nantes le Lundy 11 May, nous ignorons si cette mauvaise nouvelle s’est confirmée. En raprochant La datte du depart de ces deux Navires de la Baye de Quiberon de celuy de ces juifs, il y avoit 42 jours d’Ecoulés. Si cette nouvelle est controuvée il est singulier que ces juifs ayent nommés ces deux navires qu’ils ne connoissoient pas. Nous donnons cette nouvelle comme ayant eté debitée dimanche 10 May sur la bourse de Nantes. Nous souhaittons Bien qu’elle soit fausse.

Notation: Penet 17 May 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 17 May 1778
From: Valltravers, Johann Rodolphe
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
Roccall, At Bienne, in Switzerland, May 17th. 78.
Uncertain, as I am, of the Fate of my Letters to Your Excellency, particularly of my last of the 14th. of last month: I still venture on the common public Conveÿance, for Want of a better one. Even ÿour own Letters to me, I am afraid, are Subject to the Inspection of Government, when brought by the Postoffice. What confirms me in this apprehension, is my not recieving that printed Copy of your alliance with his most Christian Majesty, which Your Excellency has been so good to promise me six Weeks Ago, and which I much long to peruse. All Packets to Switzerland, Your Excellency knows, must be free’d up to Pontarlier, Versoix, Beford [Belfort], or some Frontier-Town. But, in Case our Correspondence should be more regularly established, in Favor of both the American and the Swiss XIII. Cantons, by the Mediation of France, on a rational and solid Plan, (as I hope it may, with Your approbation and Concurrence), in that Case, our Packets might be dispatched under Cover to the Marquis de Polignac, french ambassador at Soleures, but 4 Leagues distant from this my Seat, by the office of Compte De Vergennes at Versailles which will be safest, quickest and cheapest, nor disagreable to that Minister, as expressive of our mutual Confidence in Him and his K.

A mutual Sincere Friendship between the two Republicks, and Support of their civil, political and religious Liberties and Independencies, may most probably be brought about, when tendered by the Congress, backed and urged by France and Supported by Motifs of greater Security against all Invasions and Incroachments by troublesome ambitious Neighbours. I could Suggest to our Swiss cantons several particular Considerations of true Interest on both Sides, was it made my Vocation to explain, that would bear great Weight among which, the great number of Swiss industrious Emigrants now in America; the necessity of guarding against the ambitious views and pretensions of the House of Austria against our Liberties, by the addition of the american alliance to that lately renewed with France, and of your Protection, by the means of your Navÿ; the great Increase of your Power under a wise, free, and liberal Constitution, likely to become the Great Supporter of all free Governments, even that of Great Britain not excepted; the Resource of our too great Population, hitherto eased by military and servile Resources abroad; finally, the respectable Bulwark your states oppose to all religious, as well as civil oppressions. I could add many more, and solve many Doubts and objections, could it be done within the Compass of a Letter. Please, dear Sir, to consider of it; and when relished, to command my hearty Service, whilst unengaged in any other Employ; recomending the same kindly to your Excellency’s Superiors: that I may act under their and your Direction properly authorised and supported. Was I rich, I would require no other Fee, or Reward, but the Heartfelt Satisfaction of devoting mÿself to your just and Glorious Cause. But, alas, my ten Years indefatigable Zeal in promoting the laudable Views of an excellent Prince in Germany, unhappily ruled by Knaves, Thieves, and Priests, has nearly ruined me! The service I humbly presume to offer requiring many a Journey to the Several Cantons and to their Diettes, or Congresses, cannot be effectually nor decently done without credentials and Some pecuniary assistence; so long only, as will appear expedient, and truly beneficial. Happy, if Your Excellency’s Disposal of my poor abilities, (such as Your own good self, and President Laurens may believe them Serviceable,) can furnish me with frequent opportunities, to convince Your Excellency of my never ceasing Veneration and faithful Attachment!
Rudolph Valltravers

Notation: M. Valtravers


Title: Quétant to William Temple Franklin, 17 May 1778
From: Quétant, Antoine-François
To: Franklin, William Temple

Dear Sir
La Cour Neuve May the 17th. 1778.
In receiving your thanks for a very trifling matter, let me return you my hearty acknowledgement for your kind remembrance and very polite letter. Nobody should be more proud than I to deserve a little share in your favour and that of your worthy grand-father. How much such an honour would prove useful for me, I am more able to feel than to express it. All the people of this house are taken with your charming character and fine qualities. They give me order to let you know by this their acknowledgement for your compliments to them and also how they should be glad to hear them from your own mouth. You’ll find the same sentiments in every place but nowhere more sincere than here in every respect.
Let me return you my hearty thanks for the newspaper you send me. I’ll keep it as shortly as possible in order to deserve from you a continuance of the same. Do your utmost to take a journey this way, the sooner the better since we are all true lovers of you and especially Dear Sir your most obbliged and obedient Servant
Quétant

Endorsed: Mr. Quétant 17. May 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ———, [before 18 May 1778]: résumé
From: ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<[Before May 18, 1778], in French: You know about the prize, we believe, that the famous Cunningham, in the corvette the Vengeance belonging to Congress, made last December of the French ship Le Gratieux, Captain Augustin Letournois, bound from London to Corunna with a cargo of English manufacture. This Captain [Conyngham], believing that the goods were English property, put a prize master and four sailors aboard the ship and ordered her to our port. But bad weather forced her to put in at San Sebastian, where the Marquis de Bassecourt, Governor of Guipuzcoa, had the master and seamen imprisoned. When Captain Cunningham heard of this, he urged us to recommend him to our friends in San Sebastian to obtain freedom for the sailors, without whom he could not carry out the projects he had in mind. We realized the possible benefit to Congress, and recommended him most urgently to Messrs. de Larralde Diusteguy et fils. They introduced him to the Marquis, who released the men on parole.
The governmental tribunal in San Sebastian declared the prize illegal, and the case was appealed to the Supreme Council of War. Captain Letournois there urgently demanded his expenses with interest and exorbitant damages, and indicted the conduct of the authorities in San Sebastian. The person who assisted our friends there finds himself in danger of being held to account by the Council of War. The repercussions may fall on us. Although we have nothing to fear, we cannot be indifferent to ill consequences for those who acted on our recommendation, which was inspired solely by concern for the service of Congress. [Remainder missing.]>


Title: Christian Stenger and William Straughan: Petition to the American Commissioners, 18 May 1778: résumé
From: Stenger, Christian,Straughan, William
To:

<On board the Ranger, May 18, 1778: One of us commanded the Dolphin, sunk with her cargo, and the other the Lord Chatham, captured in the Irish Channel. We have dependent children, eleven and eight of them respectively, and they will be reduced to begging if we are held for long. Capt. Jones gave us an “Ovasif Promisse” to release us in return for our help in navigating off the Irish coast. If you agree, let us be put on one of the Dutch ships now in Brest, which will take us to some French or Spanish port where we are sure to find merchant friends.>


Title: Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 May 1778: résumé
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brest, May 18, 1778: Mr. Schweighauser writes Capt. Jones that I pretend to an authority that is his, by right of a letter from Mr. William Lee, to dispose of the Ranger’s prizes in this port. I came here to help Capt. Jones, and have not interfered in commercial matters. The Lord Chatham will either be sold by the admiralty or entrusted to M. Bersolle; another prize, now empty, is used as a prison ship; the Drake is being refitted to take the prisoners to America. I have done what I could to forward the business, for otherwise I should have been remiss in my duty. If Capt. Jones succeeds in exchanging his prisoners, the Drake can be bought or rented from the captors and sent to America with a great part of the stores I have ready at Nantes. I am on my way to Paris.>