Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 29 March 1780
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Madrid 29 Mar. 1780
The Count De Montmorin is so obliging as to offer me an Occasion of writing to you by a Courier which I am loth to refuse for fear of betraying a Want of Respect to you or give Reason to others to suspect that I have no Share in your Confidence. I have nothing material to communicate unless the uneasiness I feel in being left here ignorant of the Situation of our affairs in any other Part of the World and without any Sources of Credit or Intelligence but what I disire from my self be a communication that I ought to make to you. M. Jay is on the Road from Cadiz which Place he left the 21st. inst. I expect him here the last of the Week. I cannot help repeating the Satisfaction I feel in the candid Conduct of Ministers of this Court, which will enable M. Jay immediately on his arrival to enter upon the Execution of the Business on which he is sent. The Court Seems determined to prosecute the War and is taking measures to provide the funds necessary to support it. It appears to be however rather a War of the Court than of the Nation. There is Reason to suspect that our Enemies are not idle here and that their Communications pass by the Way of Lisbon. Should you have an Opportunity of obtaining any Information on this Head. M. Jay will be much obliged to you for it. Should any Letters from America or Elswhere be addressed to your Care you will oblige us in sending them hither by one of the Couriers dispatched to the Ct. De Montmorin whose Politeness & friendship is the only Consolation I have here. I beg you to present complements to Dr. Bancroft and your Grandson and to believe me. With great Respect your obliged & Humble Servt.
(signed) Wm. Carmichael.
His Excellency Benjn. franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Collins, 29 March 1780
From: Collins, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Shearburg March the 29 1780
As you are the gentleman orethersed to hear and Redress the Complants of those americans who has Bin presners In England I make Bold to Rite to your honer as a Child wold to a father for I hop Sir you wold Be a father to me at this presant time. I wold Informe your honer that I was taken the 9 of September In the yer 1778 In a Contenantle Brig Resestance mounten 18 guns William Burk Capten. I was In Compasity of a mid shipman on Bord Bound with Exprest for Counde Eastin [Estaing] who Being at that tim at Rhodisland the 14 day I was put in Rhodisland preson with 9 pepole with me the 22 day I was taken out on Bord the Culloden an English 74 gun Ship while I was on Bord wee tuck Sevrel Verseles and one the Brig Standley Mr. degrass Capten. In Sight of the french fleet I was on Bord till wee arive at milford haven and the 15 Day of december wee was put on Shore In pembrock prison wile I was on Bord I was used very Barbrosly and always Intisening me to Enter But I Refused after Being In preson 12 months and 6 day I and 20 americans Brok out of preson tuck a Small Sloop 7 mile up the Rever past By Sevrel firgets and tenders and Came Safe to france after Being at Sea 3 days without water or pervisens and as ther Being no Contenantle Ship as I Cold go on Bord of for I had not money to last me to aney plase ware thear was aney for I had no more then what I Sold the prise for I thought proper to go on Bord the Black prences Cuter I wold Be glad to Informe your honer of my transaxanes But I have not time when I Came to france I had no Clothes I hope your honer will Be Pleased to let me have a little money for what little I had I Bought Clothes with and if your honer Shold Command me to go on Bord of a Contenantle Ship I am at your Sarves. The Black prences is holed up and I am partley agred to go with Capten Wile In another Cuter of 20 guns at Shearburge In Compasity of thir leutanent. Sir I am your most obedant humble Sarvent
Charles Collins
To the Right honoreble Docter fraclen
Addressed [in another hand]: To / His Excellency Doctor Franklin / at Paris
Notation: Collins Charles March 29. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Blackit, 30 March 1780
From: Blackit, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond: Sir
Dunann Prison the 30the: of March 1780
This is to acquaint you that I was lately Boatswain of the Princess Privateer belonging to america. I must give to understand that about two month ago we took a Prize, a brigg belonging to Wales the mate of which was brought on board the Princess Privateer & about forty or fifty prisoners more being on board; & about three weeks after the taking of the Said Brigg when I was on shore at Risco [Roscoff] refreshing myself whilst we were cleaning the bottom of the Sd. Princess, the Capn: Sent a Guard of Soldiers to take me up who did so, & conducted me to the common prison where I was detain’d one day & the next was remov’d to St: Pauls [St. Pol-de-Léon] where I was confin’d in the Common Prison among Theives & Murderers for the Space of nine days with very little to Subsist on, & from thence was remov’d to Morlax where I was confin’d to the Common Prison. About three weeks after that was march’d to Dunann with the English Prisoners where I now remain in the Common Prison & all for no other cause against me that that a fals report that the mate of the Said brigg should say that I had agreed with the Prisoners on board the Said Princess privateer to take her away from the Capn: & the rest of the crew & carry her into England which was a fals report & the Said mate of the Brigg namely Mr: Phillips Denies that any such thing was ever talk’d of by me who is with me ready & willing to prove to the Contrary— Therefor Hond. Sir I shall not only Esteem it a favour but likewise a particular mark of friendship if you would be so kind as to stand my friend & let me have a Lawfull Tryal, & if anything shall be prov’d against me I am ready & willing to be convicted as the Law shall direct & prevent my being sent to England in a Transport where I have no business which favour will greatly Oblige Sir your most Obet: & very Humble Sert.
Peter Blackit Boswn.

P.S. I have about ten Thousand Livers prize money Due to me

Addressed: To / the Honl: Docr: Frankling / American Ambassidor / at / Paris / or elswhere
Notation: Blackit Peter, Prison, 30. march 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 March 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & honoured Sir
Nantes March 30. 1780
I informed you in my last that the Farmers insisted on the payment of the Duties, & even made a merit of not seizing the Goods. I am sure this is because they do not understand the nature of my Request for it is not an exemption from any Duty which I ask, but I ask not to pay a Duty which I am only liable to by having employed one or two hundred of poor People. I have written another Letter to Mr Paulze which I inclose you will see by it how reasonable my request is & if they understand it I am sure it will not be refused. I have been already obliged to pay 600 Livres duty and if it is paid on all the Cloathing it will I suppose amount to 10,000.
I am ever most dutifully and affectionately Yours
Jona Williams J
Doctor Franklin

P.S. My Uncle is going out to America, as I do not know how he may be received having been a Kings Officer before the War, I shall take it is a great Favour if you will favour him with a short introduction to the President of Congress, meerly to express that he has not been employed by the English King since his Commn in America 10 Years since, that he has been in France 18 months, & that you wish him to be receivd by his Countrymen. This Letter I dont mean to be delivered unless there be occasion but having it with him open it will be a sort of Certificate. I hope you will see no impropriety in my Request and kindly grant it.—

Notation: J Williams March 30 80


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Carmichael, 31 March[–7 April 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Carmichael, William

Dear sir,
Passy, March. 31st.[–April 7] 1780.
I received by M. Gerard your kind Letter written at Philadelphia. His safe Return has given me great pleasure.
As soon as I received yours of Jan 25 from Cadix, I order’d a Credit of 1000 Louis d’ors to be Lodg’d for Mr. Jay and you, by Mr. Grand with his Banker at Madrid. He wrote by the next post. It does not appear by yours of March 13, that you had then been acquainted with this, or received my Letter. This Surprized me, and I enquired of Mr. Grand about it, who tells me that a Letter from his correspondent of march 12. mentions the Receipit of the Order; and he supposes that Mr D’yranda would soon find you out.

The Ms. De Lafayette is gone again to America. He took leave at Court in his American Uniform. He carries with him a warm heart for our Cause and Country. Dr. Bancroft is just returned here from L’Orient, Where he has been to assist in getting one of our Frigates out, the alliance. He will probably write to you by next post.
I thank you for your Intelligence of the state of affairs at home, and for the Extracts of Mr. Lee’s Philippics against me. Such they were intended. But when I consider him as the most malicious Enemy I ever had (tho’ without the smallest Cause) that he Shews so clearly his abundant Desire to accuse and diffame me, and that all his Charges are so frivolous, so ill founded, and amount to so little. I esteem them rather as Panegyrics upon me and Satyrs against himself.
I am glad to understand by yours of Feb. 19 and Mar 13. that you had met with so agreable reception at madrid. The more so as I once imagined that the long Delay of that Court in acceding to The Treaty had a dubious Appearance. Here I have every Proof of the utmost Cordiality, and the sincerest Good will to us, and our Cause. It is true I do not obtain all I have been directed to ask for. The Committee of Commerce sent me over an Invoice of Goods amounting I guess to more than twelve Millions of Livres. I have been obliged to abridge it greatly, the Sum granted me not sufficing. I Send however some of the most necessary articles, viz 15,000 compleat Dresses for Soldiers 15000 new fusils, and 1000 Barrels of Gun powder. If Mr. Jay can obtain a Sum from Spain it may help to Supply the Defficiency. You have reason, as you say, to pity my Situation. Too much is expected from me, and not only the Congress draw upon me often unexpectedly for large Sums, but all the agents of the Committee of Commerce in Europe and America, think they may do the same when pinch’d alledging that it is necessary to The Credit of the Congress, that their particular Credit should be supported. From the Desire here of carrying on the War without levying new taxes, and the Extraordinary Expence of the Navy, so much money cannot be spared to us as is imagined in America, but essential aid will be given us this Campaign either by an actual Junction of force or Concert of Operations in the United States, or by a powerful Diversion in the West Indies, a very considerable armament of Ships and Troops being on the point of departure for those Countries.
Mr. Adams is at Paris, with Mr. Dana. We live upon good Terms with each other, but he has never communicated anything of his Business to me, and I have made no Enquiries of him, nor have I any Letter from Congress explaining it, so that I am in utter Ignorance. Indeed the Congress seem very backward in writing to me. I have no answer to a Long Letter I wrote by the Chevalier de la Luzerne, nor even an Acknowledgement that it came to hand; Pray can you tell me the reason?
Friday April 7 Having met with some Interruption I did not finish my Letter in time to go by the last Post. Mr. Grand has Since read me part of a Letter from Mr. Le Marquis d’Yranda in which he mentions his having seen you; and his Willingness to serve Mr. Jay and you, but that you appear’d somewhat reserved. We concluded that you had not received M. Grand’s Letter which went at the Same time with mine (of which Latter I inclose copies) because he had acquainted you with his having recommended you to The Marquis, and had given you Such a Character of him as would have induced you to have conversed freely with him. We could not imagine how these Letters could miscarry: But since Mr. Grand left me, I have Thought that you may possibly have forgotten that you advised me to direct for you under the name of Mr. Clement, to be left at the Post office, and perhaps you have not asked there for a Letter so address’d. I am concerned lest your not receiving the Credit contained, might have incommoded you.
I did not imagine Mr. Jay would have Staid so long at Cadiz, or I should have written to him there. After some Doubts about the manner of our future Corresponding, I am inclined to Think the best way will be to convey our Dispatches with those of the respective Courts, the fidelity and honour of the People managing the Post Offices not being so much to be rely’d on, and we shall probably have no Secrets that our friends may not safely be acquainted with, and not proper to be known by others. M. De Vergennes informed me the other Day, that Mr. Jay was on his Way to Madrid and I therefore now write to him there. I wish it had so happen’d that he had first called at Paris, and if he could spare you a few Weeks to take a Trip hither, to visit your old friends, it would besides the Pleasure of seeing you be a great Satisfaction to me, who am at present very ignorant of the true State of America, and I am persuaded such an Interview between us would be useful in many respects.
Dr. Bancroft yesterday read me a Letter he had received from you, in which you express your surprize at not having heard from me. You will now find that I had written by the very first Opportunity after the Receipt of yours from Cadiz. He will write you by next Tuesday’s post.
Messrs. Lee and Izard are gone to L’orient in order to embark in the alliance together, but they did not Travel together from hence. No Soul regrets their Departure: They separately came to take leave of me very respectfully offering their services to carry any Dispatches &c. We parted civilly, for I never acquainted them that I know of their writing against me to Congress. But I did not give them the Trouble of my Dispatches. Since Mr. Lee’s being at l’orient he has written to Mr. Grand requesting a certificate from him in Contradiction to some thing you had said of him in a Paper delivered to Congress. I suppose Mr. Grand will explain this to you. There has been a fracas between our friends Sir Geo. Grand & Mr. Dumas, in which both have been to blame, and each ought to forgive the other. It relates to a Letter from Dumas to you which had been intercepted. I suppose he will acquaint you with the affair, and if you should not fully understand it from his acct. I can give the Explanation.
I retain my health a merveille; but what with Bills of Exchange, Cruizing Ships, supplies &c.— besides the proper Business of my Station, I find I have too much to do. Your friend Billy (who presents his Respects) is a great help to me or I could not possibly go through with it.
With sincere Esteem and affection I am, Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant.
William Carmichael Esqe.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Dumas], 31 March 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir,
Passy, March 31. 1780
I wrote to you yesterday relating to the Affair of your Letter to Mr Carmichael that you might know exactly the Truth of the Transaction. On Reflection I think it proper to add, that what I wrote was for your Satisfaction only; and that as the making it publick would give infinite Pain to a very worthy Man, Mr. F. Grand, who would then appear in the Light of Delateur de son Frere; & it can serve no other Purpose but that of Vengeance on Sir George, and be of no Advantage to you, I must insist on your Generosity in keeping it a Secret to yourself. In this you will also very much oblige me, who would by no means have my Name publickly mention’d on this Occasion; and I depend on your Compliance. With great Esteem, I am ever, Dear Sir Your most obedt. huml Servt
B. Franklin
Endorsed: Passy 31e. Mars 1780 S.E. M. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 31 March 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

Dear Sir,
Passy, March 31st. 1780.
I received yours of the 14th by Mr Dryburugh. I had also another from Mess. Gourlade and Moylan acquainting me that they had received the Ransom Money about 200£ sterling, as paid to me, agreable to the Bill of Ransom; and had given my Acct. Credit for that Sum. This lays me under a Difficulty, for I am thus become accountable for that Sum to the People of the whole Squadron that was under your Command; and if I give it to him, as you seem to desire, I am liable to repay it out of my own Pocket, which I cannot afford. If you had given him what you thought he merited, and satisfied the People with regard to it, I should have made no Objection. As it stands, I can do no other than pay the Sum received into the Mass that is to be divided among the Captors. I furnish’d him however with Ten Pounds more than you had advanced to him, to help him home; and it may be right, if you think fit, to recommend him to Congress.
I think the Copper that was at Nantes, is gone for America, but if any remains, I shall be glad that you can take it, and will write Accordingly.
When in mine of the 18th I mentioned 24000 l.t. Livres to be advanced for the Accommodation of the People of the Bonhomme Richard, I meant it also for those of the Alliance, and desire it may be so understood.
I understand that Orders are gone down to value the Prize Ships the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough. I shall endeavour to procure another for dividing the Sum they amount to among the Squadron. But this will I fear occasion such delay, that you will not be ready to sail with the Convoy. As the usual Forms of Examination of the Ships and Stores &ca and the Evaluation of each Article, may take some Weeks; during all this time too, an enormous Expence is going on in maintaining so many People. These Things perplex and chagrin me exceedingly and I earnestly wish to have nothing more to do with Ships, being quite a Novice in such Business.
There is now a Proposition of sending by you besides the 15,000 small Arms, 1000 Barrels of Powder. The Powder is already at Port Louis, and two thirds of the Arms. I shall be able to write more precisely about this tomorrow. I am sure of your Willingness to take all you can: but I doubt more is expected of you than is possible.
With great Esteem I am, ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedt and most humble Servant.
W.T. Franklin for B.F.
Honble Comme Jones.—
Notation: Wm/B. Franklin Per B Franklin No. 30 mar 31—80


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 March 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Jonathan
Passy, March. 31. 1780.
I have received yours of the 26th. I am promised an Answer from Mr. Paulze this Morning and If I receive it shall send it to you by tomourrow’s Post. This Soliciting of Interested People to forgive Duties they think their Right, is an odious Task to me. I had rather at any time, If I could afford it, pay ’em myself.
Mr. Chaumont thinks Mr. Bondfield’s Propositions too high and advises me not to accept them. Having no Judgment in such Business my self, I wish much to have nothing more to do with it. I am heartily tired of Ships, and Cruizes, & &c.
Mr. Scheweighauser having long had the Care of Supplying what was needful to The Americans at Nantes, I must necessarily either confide in him or appoint some body else. The latter I am not inclined to do, as I daily expect the Congress will put their port affairs on a new footing, by establishing Consuls. I can therefore do nothing more for Capt. Hendricks.
I have no doubt of your doing every thing in your Power and for the best, in the affair of the furniture. People some times demand more Expedition than they expect in order to obtain all that is possible. Mr. Chaumont is eager to dispatch Business but he respects and loves you, as does, Your affectionate Uncle BF. If there is any Sheathing Coper belonging to The Congress in the hands of Mr. Scheweighauser, obtain it from him by showing this, give him a Receipt for it, and send it to Capt. Jones.
Mr. Jona. Williams.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris: Two Letters, 31 March 1780
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Dear Sir
Philada. March 31st 1780
I have just recvd by the hands of our mutual Friend Mr Holker your favour of the 22d Octr last recommending the affairs of Monsr De la Freté with Mr. Roulhac of Edenton to my assistance. I had already engaged in that service and you may depend that every recommendation of yours has the Force & effect on my mind that you wou’d wish for. I shall ever feel myself pleased in the execution of Your Commands. I beg to trouble You with a letter for your Friend Monsr Dumas in Answer to one from him & with sincere attachment & Esteem I remain Dr Sir Your most obedt hbl sert
Robt Morris
His Excy Benjn. Franklin Eqr.

Addressed: To / His Exelly. Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States of America / at the Court of / Versailles / [in another hand:] per the Fier Rodrigue / Cap Monteau
Notation: Robt. Morris Philadelphia March 31. 1780

II.
Dear Sir
Philada. March 31st 1780
I do not know that what I am now going to write is in the least degree necessary or that Mr. Deane will thank me for it but the thought has just struck me, that as he has constantly & invariably manifested a Warm attachment to your Person and Character, in his examination before Congress in his Publications, & in all his private Conversations at which I have been present, it might be some satisfaction to you & him, to have a testimony of this kind from a Friend to you both, who having nothing to seek or ask for himself can mean nothing but to promote that Harmony & Friendship which he wishes to continue in existence between two Worthy Men; I consider Mr. Deane as a Martyr in the Cause of America after rendering the most signal & important Services he has been reviled & Traduced in the most shamefull manner. But I have not a doubt the day will come when his Merit shall be universally acknowledged and the Authors of those Calumnies held in the detestation they deserve.
My own Fate has been in some degree Similar, after four years Indefatigueable Service, I have been reviled & traduced, for a long time by whispers & insinuations which at length were fortunately wrought up to Public Charges; which gave me an Opportunity, to Shew how groundless, how Malicious these things were, how Innocent & Honest my Transactions, My Enemies ashamed of their persecution have quitted the pursuit and I am in the peaceable possession of the most Honourable Station my Ambition aspires to, that of a private Citizen of a Free State. Yourself my Good Sir have had a share in these Calumnies but the Malice which gave them Vent was so evident as to destroy its own Poison, they coud not cast even a Cloud over your justly & much revered Character. These things have taught me a lesson of Philosophy that may be of Service. I find the most usefull members of Society have most Enemies because there are a number of Envious beings in the Human Shape and if my opinion of Mankind in general is grown worse from my experience of them, that very circumstance raises my veneration for those Characters that justly merit the applause of Virtuous Men, in this light I view Doctor Franklin & Mr. Deane and under this View of them, I assert with an honest Confidence, that I have a just & equitable title to a return of that Friendship which I think it is honourable to profess for them with that degree of truth & affection which impresses me to it. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedient & very humble Servt.
Robt Morris
His Excy Benjn. Franklin Esqr Minister Plenipotentiary Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 31 March 1780
From: Sarsfield, Guy-Claude, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
Paris le 31 mars 1780
Pouves vous me dire ou Est un mr d’orbrais qui, allant en amérique chargé de quelque Commission de votre part, a Eté fait prisonnier? Il doit Etre a present de retour en france. Il S’est chargé de quelques bagatelles pour moy, Je Suis surpris de ne pas en entendre parler.
En relisant la lettre ou on m’en parle Je vois que Jay mal traduit ce n’est pas une commission que vous lui aviez donné but he had a Commission from you.
Si vous n’en avez pas entendu parler depuis son retour, vous savez au moins ce qu’il etoit avant Son depart. Je vous prie d’avoir la bonté de me le dire cela pourra m’aider a le retrouver.
Vous connoisses les sentimens avec lesquels Jai L’hr detre my dear sir votre tres humble et tres obeist serviteur
SARSFIELD
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin ministre / plenipotentiaire des Etats / unis d’Amerique / A Passy
Notations in different hands: Sarsfield 31. mars. 1780 / hotel de sarsfield


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 31 March 1780
From: Torris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honnd. Sir
Dunkerque 31st. march 1780.
I have Recd. the Letter your Excellency did me the Honnour to write me the 21st. Feby., with the Judgement for the owner’s adventure, which I have sent to Quimper corantin, & am thankfull for same.
The Papers relating to the Betsey, have been sent by the admiralty of Brest, to Mr. De Grandbourg Secretary to S. A. S. the Duc De Penthievre, by Error, & it Is in vain I have Sollicited till now, they Shou’d be Transmitted to your Excellency. I Imagine they are sent to M. De Sartine; & I beseech your Excellency, to make an enquiery after them, to expedite forthwith the Judgement. Messrs. Diot & Co. my Correspondants at Morlaix, are very anxious to get forthwith the Judgements for the Last 3. Prises to our Black Prince, of which the Papers have long ago been sent to your Excellency Viz. Brig Philip, Capt. Geo. Hoare, from St. Lucia to London Schooner Peter, Capt. Thos. Byrne, from London to Madeira Brig Friendship Capt. Pretty John from Lisbon to Dartm[torn]
I Beseech your Excellency will dispatch me these Judgements Immediatly, as we cannot Sell without, & the Merchandizes are spoiling.
I am with gratitude & greatest respect Honnd. Sir Your Excellency’s Most Humble & most obedient Servant
J. Torris
His Excellency Dr. Franklin
Endorsed: Mar. 31.
Notation: Torris 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to King Louis XVI, [March 1780]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Louis XVI, King

[March, 1780]
M. franklin attendoit L’arrivée de la fregatte La Confederation, pour envoyer a Philadelphie des Munitions de guerre, et L’habillement Complet de quinze mils Soldats, qui en Sont absolument Depourvus.
Cette fregatte etoit destinée a porter M Gerard en france, elle a été dematée de tous Mats Sur le Banc de terre Neuve, et est en Relache a la Martinique; ou elle Sera employée a des Correspondances entre la Martinique et L’amerique Septentrionale, ou a Convoyer en france les Navires Marchands.
M. franklin ne peut Supléer au deffaut de Cette fregatte, qu’en implorant au Nom des etats unis de L’amerique Septentrionale, les Bontés de Sa Majesté très Chretienne; pour accorder incessamment un vaisseau de Guerre, dans lequel il puisse faire Charger Les Munitions de guerre et Les habillements, dont Les troupes americaines ont le plus pressant Besoing. Il est d’autant plus essentiel que Ce Vaisseau Soit d’unne marche et d’unne force Superieure, que rien ne pouroit Remplacer la perte des dits aprovisionements. Il est a desirer que Ce Vaisseau Soit pris dans Le port de Rochefort parceque les habillements Se font a Nantes.
Le Dit vaisseau peut Se Rendre a L’amerique Septentrionale avec trois mois de Vivres parcequ’il en trouvera abondament a Philadelphie, ou de Memoire d’homme on n’a jamais fait de Si Bonne Recolte que la derniere, ainsy que dans tout Le Continent.
Au deffaut d’Equipages francais on poura y Supléer par des Equipages americains, qui attendent leur Echange en angleterre Contre Les Prisonniers que L’Escadre Jones a fait Sur les anglais.
Le Vaisseau de Guerre qui Sera accorde Sera a mesure S’il est destiné ensuitte pour les Colonies francaises, de proteger les Navires Marchands qui Sont en grand Nombre et qui porteront des vivres de toutte Espece.
M. franklin Suplie Sa Majesté très Chretienne, de luy accorder avec Bonté unne prompte Reponse Sur Sa demande, attendu qu’il ne peut Retarder les avis a faire passer au Congrès Sur les Secours qu’il est Chargé d’envoyer.
Notation: fin mars 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from American Gentlemen in France, [March 1780]
From: American Gentlemen in France
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
[March, 1780]
The Glory acquired to the American Arms and the injury done to the Common Enemy of France and America, by the Squadron lately under Commodore Jones have afforded us very great Satisfaction, and this would be sensibly increased in our minds and advantageously Communicated to our Countrymen on the other side of the Atlantic, with other very beneficial Effects there should His most Christian Majesty be graciously pleased to add the Serapis Ship of War to the infant American Navy.
Deeply & gratefully Sensible of the Obligations already Conferred on our Country by the King and his Ministers we should not venture to sollicit this new favour did not particular Circumstances at this time encourage us to do it.— On one hand the great and increasing number of French Ships of War, will as we are informed afford Sufficient Occupation for the Seamen of this Kingdom and on the other, we see many American Seamen, who have escaped or been lately released from English Prisons now waiting at L’Orient and other French Ports, where no American Vessels are in need of their Services; many others as we understand are likely soon to arrive and fall into Similar Circumstances of whom a Considerable number may probably be lost to our Country, unless the means of preserving and employing them can be Obtained.—
We think therefore that the Serapis having Surrendered to the Flagg of the United States, might under the same Flagg be most speedily and advantageously manned and employed against the Common Enemy so as effectually to serve the Cause and promote the Interests of our illustrious Ally as well as of the United States.— We therefore beg that you Sir will be Pleased to Communicate to the Kings Ministers these our Sentiments and Wishes, and to give them such Countenance and support as they in your Superior Judgment may appear to deserve.—
We have the Honor to be with great Respect, Sir Your most humble and most Obedient Servants

John Bondfield
Richard Chamberlayne

William Haywood
Henry Ash

Edwd Bancroft
Daniel Loring

John Williams
Geo: Moore Jr

Jonatn: Nesbitt
Peter Amiel

Jas Cuming
Jona. Cole

Thos: Bell
Christn. Wilk

James Moylan
John Kendrick

Jona Williams J
John Coggeshall

Joshua Johnson
Moses Grinnell

Jno. Ross
Nicholas Bartlett

Jno Green
Francis Robins

Jos Meredith
Wm White

John Gale
Nat. Cutting

Saml Smith

The Honble: Benja: Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, at Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, March 1780
From: Fleury, François-Louis Teissèdre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
paris, March 1780
Obliged to joign immediately My Regiment at Brest I can not possibly Receive Myself, the Medall, which you was so good, agreable to the dezire of Congress, to have struck for me, but my father will be proud to Receive it in my absence.
If you thought proper to send it, (with a Letter for me) to Mr. L’abbé gibelin, hotel de sabran, Ruë fauxbourg st. honoré; he would forward it to my father, & I would be very gratefull of your kindness.

The medall voted for me by congress, is a silver one; but I could wish, besides, to have one of gold struck at my own expences. It will not hurt the dies; I leave the money for that purpose in the hands of the medaillist. He will keep the gold medall for me till my Return. I hope you will not have any objection.
I have the honor to be with great Respect of your excellency, the most humble servant.
L. Fleurÿ


Title: Franklin and Chaumont to Arnauld de La Porte, with La Porte’s Reply, 1[–5] April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Chaumont
To: La Porte, Arnauld de

Monsieur
Versailles ce 1er. avril 1780—
M. de Sartines m’a autorisé en mettant L’apostille au memoire cy Joint de vous Confier L’objet dont il Sagit. M. William Neveu de M. franklin doit envoyer de Nantes de L’orient et de Morlaix L’habillement Complet pour dix mil hommes, et M. de Beaumé a envoyé de Paris douze Caisses de Medicaments, Le tout a L’adresse de M. Bersole a Brest pour estre Embarqués par vos ordres et estre Remis a M. holker Consul de france et agent de la Marine a Philadelphie, pour les tenir a la disposition de M. le Marquis de lafayette. J’ecris en Consequence, Monsieur, a M. Bersole de prendre vos ordres Sur ces objets, pour quil fasse Marquer les Balots de la Marque que vous luy indiquerez afin qu’on puisse les Reconnoistre et les Remettre a leur destination par tout ou ils arriveront.
La Majeure partie de Ces Balots doivent, Monsieur, estre arrivés a Brest ou y arriveront dans Les Dix premiers Jours de ce mois, et Je prends La Liberté de vous observer qu’il est Bien essentiel qu’ils soyent embarqués, on Les avoit destinés pour L’hermione et unne gaucherie en a privé M. le Marquis de lafayette. Je vous Suplie en graces d’en proteger L’embarquement, ils Sont destinés a vêtir des Soldats qui Sont Nuds. Je Crois vous en dire assez pour que vous Jugiez de leur veritable destination.
Je Suis avec Respect et attachement Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Leray DE Chaumont
M. le Docteur franklin, Monsieur, me Charge de vous temoigner toutte Sa Reconnoissance des Bons Services que vous Rendez a Son Pais.
B Franklin
M. de la Porte intendant de la Marine a Brest

Vls [Versailles?] ce 5. avril
Le temps ne me permet pas, mr, de repondre au long à la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’hr. de m’ecrire de Versailles le 1er. de ce mois. Je n’ai que celui de vous informer que j’ai pourvû à l’embarquement des Ballots que vous avez à Faire passer à mr. holker pour les tenir à la disposition de m le mis. de lafayete. Les 100. ballots adressés par m Williams à m Bersolle s’embarquent actuellement. Les 12. caisses de medicamens ne sont point encore arrivées, elles le seront egalement dès qu’elles seront rendûes Msr, Si toutefois elles le sont à temps. J’aurai l’honneur de vous adresser la facture; Elle sera adressée de maniere à cacher la destination, et en même temps à assûrer la remise des effets à Mr. holker.
En me pretant en ce qui depend de moi à cette expédition Je remplis le service du Roi, et j’execute les ordres de mon ministre. Je serai très flatté que mr. Le Dr. franklin veüille bien voir de plus dans l’empressement que j’y mets mon devoüement pour les Etats unis de l’Amérique et mon respect pour sa personne.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Dorsett, 2 April 1780
From: Dorsett, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
April 2th 1780
This Comes to Let You know that I am one of Maryland Who Saild from Alexadria and had the misfortune to Be taken the Day after we Left the Capes of Virginnea they Being Scarse of Provisions Sent all the men a Shore On perroal Except me only they Carried into Newyork the Prize Master Being a friend to a Maricah Gave me Liberty to Make my Escape if I Could I found that it was Impossible to Get to Maryland I was Resolv’d to keep Clare of the Prison Ship so I met with Capt Alexandria Kenniday who Toald me that he was of Virginnea and that he Intended the first Oppotunity to Go into Virginnea after he made another Voige to london to which I Thought it would be the Best Chanse I Should meet with So I Embraseed that Opportunity and Saild for London and was taken and Carried into fackum [Fécamp] and then I was in Some Hopes of Geting to amaricae so much the Soonner as I had fell into the hands of them that are Uniteed with amaricae but I find it to the Contrary I will not go into England unless I am foursd against my will I think it a very unjust thing to be Treated in the manner that I am; to be a prisner among friends as I Exspected them; I Sent a Line to the Commeserys and He Sent word Back that he Could Not Let me have my Liberty without your Consent I Shall Take it as a Particular favour If you will Send a Line or too that I may Get my Liberty to go to amaricae and in So Doing You will Grately Oblige Your humble Sert
William Dorsett
Addressed: A / Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Plenipotentiaire / Des Etats unis de Lamerique / A Passy proche / Paris
Notation: Dorset Wm. April 2. 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 2[–5] April 1780
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Craven Street April 2.[–5] 1780
It is long since we had a line from you, but we have sometimes heard of you; to hear you are well gives us pleasure. Though you do not write I trust you do not forget us, nor wish us to forget you, therefore I take this favourable opportunity of sending you a long letter, such I intend it to be, for I fancy I have a great deal to say, as it is so long since we have had any communication.
You know that my affairs are settled in a manner that affords me a competent income. My mother and I continue upon the same plan we entred upon when we went to Cheam, and I have no thoughts of altering it, for, by not extending the plan, I shall be rich enough to indulge myself, and my children, in any occasional expences that will essentially gratify me, or benefit them. Thank God! We are all in good health; my mother had an alarming attack about three months ago, but is now quite recovered. William is a boarder at Cheam School, which is my chief inducement for residing in that place. Many people say it is a disadvantage for a school-boy to be within sight of his home, but I am conceited enough to think I know better, and that, as I never take him from the school when any business is going on, I do not impede his progress in learning, but add a little to his stock of knowledge, and sow some seeds of virtue which he could only by chance catch from those who have not my interest in the harvest. He is a very good boy, and I hope not dull, though I cannot boast much of his scholarship; whether the fault lies with him or his master I will not determine, perhaps more rigourous methods would quicken his speed, for he is indolent, but it is the maxim of that school not to flog except for offences which their laws deem criminal, and a deficiency in learning is not in the catalogue of those offences. I approve the principle, therefore must abide by the consequences, and give up my son’s proficiency in latin for the sake of what to me appears more important. I am not without ambition, and a mother’s cannot be so highly gratified as in her son’s rising to distinction, but I would not sacrifice one worthy principle of his mind for the highest honours that learning can attain. William learns anything with great facility, but he does not make it his own, notwithstanding his memory is retentive. During the christmas holidays I employed him in getting by heart passages in verse which he did with great precision, and repeats them with propriety. I likewise exercised him a little in addition & substraction, which he is fond of. You know I am a bad arithmeticien, but I am proficient enough for my pupil at present, and it gave me pleasure to observe how readily he took my instructions. I was his writing-mistress too. You may laugh if you please, but I sent him to school writing a better hand than when he came home. The retirement of our situation gives me time to do many things for my children, which in the bustle of the world I could not do. My two little ones can now read very well; that is the whole of their scholarship, and much patience it cost me. Few people consider the acquisition so wonderful, as, to a reflecting teacher, it appears. How much did I wish that your alphabet & orthography were established! For I was perpetually told: “It does not sound so, Mama.” Thomas is very quick & very inquisitive. Notwithstanding his extreme volatility he will stop to investigate anything that excites his curiosity. His soul overshoots his body; indeed I apprehend his perpetual activity wears him, and prevents his growth. He is healthy & well proportion’d, but extremely diminutive. Elizabeth is much taller & stouter. I think she will be tolerably handsome, and as I leave her form to Nature I flatter myself her whole figure will be pleasing. Her understanding is no way deficient, and as I shall do my utmost to qualify it properly I hope to see her a truly agreeable woman. I am thankful for the great blessing of three children with sound constitutions, perfect forms, good understandings, and amiable dispositions. I flatter myself that you will have some pleasure in reading this account though perhaps it will prove no more than that I love my children, and that I love you, two truths you were not unacquainted with; as to the evidence I meant to give, you may not depend upon it as it is a mother’s. William just now asked me if I should ever go to you. His sister, who stood by him, immediately said “I shall.” I can assure you she depends upon being your grand-daughter. I asked her what I should say to you for her. She could think of nothing but how you do; of her own accord, she said ask how Temple does, & Mr Bache. Those were her own words, so pray tell Mr Bache that she paid him more respect than she paid his cousin, for she gave him the title of Mr which she did not bestow upon Temple. My friend Temple will forgive the omission. I asked Tom what he had to send. “Duty” was his reply, “and my love to Temple.” William was asked next, and he said “Duty to my Godpapa & love to Temple.” Having filled almost five pages with myself and my children, it is time to turn to something else. I write this at Mr Whitefoord’s by whose favour this conveyance is procured. He desired me to make his best respects to you, and to say he does not despair of seeing you here, an event much wished for by many, though, I fear, not by those who can bring it about. I think you are all in the wrong, it is only we who have nothing to do that are quite right. My mother & my daughter dined at Mr Theobald’s last friday, at which time your health was drank; my daughter reminded me to tell you so. All our friends in this street are well, my family occupies the two opposite houses; the inhabitants on the other side are much your friends, and very kind to us. We have another between this & Charing Cross who lately sent you an account of our welfare. I do not recollect any event among our acquaintance, but the death of Mrs Henckell, my friends truly estimable mother. A tedious, hopeless illness rendered desireable that event which she looked to with fortitude & resignation.
I received a letter from Mr Williams of 12th Octr. which I answered in Jany. I have not heard from him since. I hope he & his lovely wife are well. I was much pleased with that event, for I think him too amiable to remain unmarried, and Mariamne well deserves a good husband, so I hope they will enjoy all the happiness which such a union promises. I hope you will find some way to send us a line when you or your secretary have time to write it. I see no objection to the conveyance by post. I do not recollect whether I told you that Mr Collinson declined the charge of our letters.
April 5th.
As Mr Strange has not called I kept my letter open till now that we return to Cheam. We take back with us Mr Whitefoord’s daughter whom he now publickly introduces as such, and is very fond of. She is a fine girl, but wants tuition, which my mother & I have undertaken to give her; between us we hope to make her useful and agreeable; without such friendly assistance she would stand no chance of being qualified to fill an honourable station.
Our friend Mrs Wilkes has just established a house at Richmond in which she now has six young ladies whose education she superintends, and has £100 a year from each. She acquits herself as you would expect, and I dare say you will rejoice at her success. Mr W. is gone to Algiers. The eldest son was well provided for at New York but was obliged to come home on account of his health. Charles is a fine youth, but not yet in any way of acquiring a subsistence. Fanny is with her mother: Mrs Montague very kindly patronizes her. Do you know Mr Barrow is dead?
I must now finish my letter. Adieu!
Your ever affectionate
Mary Hewson


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 2 April 1780
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Versailles le 2. Avril 1780.
J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer ci joint un mémoire imprimé qui m’a été adressé par les armateurs du Corsaire François qui faisoit partie de l’Escadre du Commodore Paul Jones. Ils réclament leur Part dans la totalité des Prises faites par cette Escadre combinée; Ils établissent leurs prétentions sur des faits qui paroissent mériter votre attention; Je vous prie de vouloir bien me faire part du Jugement que vous en aurez porté.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre, Monsieur, avec la Consideration la plus distinguée, votre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Sartine
M. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Patrick Dowlin, 3 April 1780
From: Dowlin, Patrick
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Excellent Sir/
Roscow [Roscoff], Apl. 3d. 1780
Yrs. I Recd. the 27th ult, wherein you were pleased to Inform me of my future Conduct in Regard of Prisoners, which I wou’d be glad to know Sooner as I have been destressed so far as to Set 21 Men at Liberty they Signing Proper Duplicates for the Same and I being on the Enemies Coast Short of Provisions &c. caused me to do the Same, has took two of the Enemies Packets, who threw their Dispatches over Board, very near taken a third, but Was hinderd by being too near a Sand Bank Close to Dublin Bar, so was Obliged to Tack Ship and Stand to the Southwd. On the 19th. Ult. the Princess our Consort and me Came to Ancher in Morlaix Road. I am Sorry to Inform yr. Excellency of the Bad Usuage Recd. by the French Men Entertained in my Vessell, who have Acted neither as Sailors or Soldiers, and Contrary to the Contract between France and the United States, I have, always, being denied the Priviledge of said Contract as in any port I Have put into they, the sd. French hath found favour from the Commissary’s of sd. Ports. Contrary to the Interests of United States, being Disabled of our Crew by the Departure of the French who left me I am Constrained to go to Dunkirk when propperly Cleaned and Provisions got on board, here at Roscow, but hopes that with the few Country Men I have to bring the Cutter Safe and if any thing Offers I hope to Annoy the Enemy on our Passage to Dunkirk, the full copy of our Journal you shall Receive if fortune favours me so far as to Arrive at Dunkirk, yr Commands will be Agreeable to Me, when you Receive another Letter from me as I mean to Sail at the first Opportunity for sd Port. Give my Respects to yr. Excellency’s Nephew, and the rest of American Gentlemen at Paris of yr Acquaintance, I Remain Sr. Yrs Sincerely
Pat Dowlin
Addressed: his Excellency / Benjamin Franklin at / Passy near / Paris
Notation: Capt. Dowling. April 3. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 4 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Passy April 4th. 1780.
If by any Operation of War in the ensuing Campaign, the Regiment of Neustrie should happen to be near your army, the Chevr. Le Veneur, Lieutenant Colonel of that Regiment, will probably have the honour of paying his Respects to your Excellency. He is recommended to me by Persons of Worth, as a Gentleman of Excellent Character, highly esteemed by all that know him. As such I beg leave to introduce him to you, and to request for him those Civilities which you afford with Pleasure to strangers of merit.
With the greatest Esteem and Respect, I have the honour to be, y. Ex. m. o. and most h. S.
His Exy. Genl. Washington.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Juliana Ritchie, 5 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ritchie, Juliana

Madam
Passy April 5th. 1780.
I have received the Letters you did me the honour of writing to me the 5th. and 29th. of last Month. I have never learnt any thing of Mr. Ritchie since I left America in 1776. The officers that left that Country last year are scarce any of them now at Paris, nor do I know where they are at present, but I will make what Enquiries I can, and if I learn any thing important for you to know, I shall communicate it to you, either at Cambray or in England, when I know your address. My family at Philadelphia which you so kindly enquire after, was well in september last. The communication between the two Countries is so interrupted and so many Letters are taken or sunk for fear of being taken, when the Vessels that have threw them are chased, often when they are chased by friends, that I do not wonder at your not hearing from Mr. Ritchie, who perhaps writes but seldom, being myself sometimes near a year without Letters from those who have written frequently.
With great Regard, I have the honour to be, Madam Your most obedient and most humble servant
Mrs. Ritchie.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Guillaume-Thomas-François Raynal, 5 April 1780
From: Raynal, Guillaume-Thomas-François, abbé
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a paris rue neuve st Roch le 5 avril [1780]
L’abbé Raynal a eté plusieurs fois a passy pour avoir l’honneur de voir monsieur le docteur, sans pouvoir le joindre. Il le supplie de vouloir bien recevoir ses hommages, et de lui renvoyer ses livres et ses papiers. L’amerique est devenue si interessante pour toutes les nations quon ne peut instruire trop tot le public de ce qui la regarde.
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le docteur franklin / a passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Jean-Georges Cabanis, 6 April 1780
From: Cabanis, Pierre-Jean-Georges
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Auteuil Le 6 avril [1780?]
Je vous Renvoye L’Epreuve Corrigée. Vous pouvez actuellement La tirer; je La crois Correcte. Je me sais bien bon gré de pouvoir vous être bon à quelque Chose. Ne m’Epargnez pas, je vous prie. Vous savez Combien nous avons de plaisir à penser à vous à Auteuil, et par Conséquent Combien nous Desirons que vous pensiez un peu à nous. La bonne Dame & L’abbé de La Roche vous font mille Complimens pleins D’amitié. Agréez Les sentimens de veneration et de Respect tendre que vous m’avez inspirés.
Je suis Monsieur votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur
Cabanis
Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / a Passy
Notation: Cabanis


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 6 April 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
London 6 April 1780.
I wrote you a few days ago by Capt Snelling, and sent a few news papers & books. I now embrace the oppertunity by capn. Cozeneau to send you the news papers of the day & a few political publications, which tho in the lump may not be worth your reading, will in some measure shew the disposition of the times, which seem to be galloping fast on to some serious rumpus among the People— Many go so far as to talk of a Revolution— a great majority of the People seem bent upon a reform in the Constitution, to reduce the power of the Crown, to have a better Representation, & to alter the duration of Parliament to triennial; I do not apprehend there will be another septennial Parliat in this Country.
Among the Pamphlets I send, You will see “A Memorial addressd to the Sovereigns of Europe on the State of Affairs between the old & new World.” I wish you to look at it, & should be glad to be at yr. elbow during the reading, because it is the work of Pownall, who I am very sure frequently acts & writes under the beaming influence of Ministry—tho it has a specious appearance of being written to favour America, I do not like the manner he draws the attention of the Sovereigns of Europe (particularly the Dutch when talking of the Spice Islands) towards my Country. The other things are all on the score of Plans for Assosiations— Resolves of Committes Reports of the Deputation which may be calld the Congress—&ca. &ca. They will convince you of the distracted state of this Country, but to what good end these movements among the People may lead cannot at present be assertaind. They cannot fail however of doing good for America, however biasd the minds of the leaders may be (from pride, resentment, or former follys) against the giving america Independence or doing what is honorable & just towards Her. I am sorry to say it, but there does not appear among the People, those Assosiations, or Committees, any common principle of Union which can be made the foundation of Union, & bind them together against both the terrors & allurements of the Court.
The Petitions now before Parliamt are to be read today & it is supposd a considerable concourse of People will attend the avenues to the Ho. If these petitions & the clamours of the People who attend them operate in the manner which many foretell England is still a free Country; if not— then may we pronounce that spirit to be evaporated, by wch alone the sacred flame of liberty can be nursd.
The papers sent, & the Bearer of them (who is known to you) will give you all the publick news— We have yet nothing from America on Genl. Clinton since the 26. Decr.; but the report or rather the lye of yesterday was that He had arrivd with abot.⅓d of His fleet & had made a landing in Georgia. There is to be no troops or even Recruits sent to Ama. & it may be satisfactory to that Country to know there will be no offensive Campaign this year to the noward. Discovery having been very lately made, that a fleet & army are going or gone from Brest, for Canada or Halifax six sail of the line or seven are getting ready with all speed to go under the Command of Graves to Ama. 15 to 20 days will be the soonest they can sail. The West Inda. fleet is still detaind by contrary winds upwds. of 200 sail of Ships convoyd by Comme. Walsingham whose squadrn. consists of four of the line, one frigate, one twenty, and three fire Ships, most likely they will sail as to day. When this fleet gets out to the Wt Indies, it is supposd the force of the fleets for the Summers work will stand as 30 or 31 of the line English to 35 french exclusive of Spanish.
Captain Jos: Cozeneau is the Captain of the Cartel from Boston to Cornwall. His vessel is now calld the Penelope and has got round to Liverpool from whence she is meant to proceed homewards with some useful Articles. Mr. Dunkin the owner of Her & a Citizen & residt of Boston will write you the particular state of the vessel and of those parole Prisoners whom He brought over. He with Capt. Cozeneau is a supplicant to you for a pass to convey their property in safety. They are good men & true, & I hope it will be in yr. power to grant what they request. Capt Cozeneau will explain every thing to you, and as He is personally known to you, I need not here add any thing in His favour.
I am to offer you Mr. T——es [Temple’s] Comps. & best wishes— We often drink your health, & as we wish for a prolongation of yr. Eye sight, we are to beg you will send over by the Bearer a Spectacle glass that will sute your sight— A Gentleman here is possessd of a remarkable bright Cristal which was found in the Cherokee Country & He wishes to make you a present of a pair of spectacles from it.
Inclosd you have Mr Banks ansr. to you about the medal for Capt Cook. I do not like his letter very much— He can never convince me that He is a friend to the Liberties of mankind or that his mind is not biasd by political opinion. I wish much to contrive the getting a gold medal for Congress, & will lend my aid here for doing so in any mode or manner you may point out. He has in ansr. to yr. Letter to me about getting a medal for the Duke De Croy, said that it could not with propriety be given as it woud open a door to various other applications for similar presents.
I have taken the liberty to inclose you a letter for Mr. Carmichael which I am to beg a forwardance of.
When you have read the News papers & pampts you will oblige me to let Mr J Adams see them which may save me an expence of sending duplicates— My present finances obliges me to be thus œconomical.
I am with the highest esteem Dr Sir Yr obligd & obt Servant
TD

I should be thankful for any Amn. News papers or intelligencs that may be worth publishing in the Remembrancer or News Papers—

I hope the Box of Books & psls of Stuff has got safe to hand.
I forward to You under another Cover two Letters from Mr D. H to the Chairman of the York Committee which He begs me to forwd. to you— The Inclosd has been some days in my possession.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Passy
Endorsed: April 6 80
Notation: April 6. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Van de Perre & Meÿners, 6 April 1780: résumé
From: Van de Perre & Meÿners
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Middelburg, April 6, 1780, in French: Monseigneur, we beg you to help us obtain the restitution of our ship the Berkenbos, Capt. Arÿ de Neve, captured by Capt. John Paul Jones in early January, on its way from Liverpool to Leghorn with a cargo of herring and lead. The ship was sent to Boston or Philadelphia under the false pretext that the cargo was English property, after the captain had made that statement under duress, as we heard from a witness just returned to this city. Would Your Excellency see to it that we obtain 1. the return of the ship; 2. the return of the cargo as belonging to neutrals—the lead to us and the herring half to us and half to T. Violetti from Leghorn—; 3. reimbursement of the expenses and damages caused by this unjust capture; 4. the release of that part of the crew that Paul Jones kept on his board. We have full trust in your willingness to help us since our cause is just.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 April 1780
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes April 6. 1780
The Courier having passed by L’orient I did not receive your Favour of 31 March ’till yesterday.
The Permission I ask of Mr Paulze is no exemption from a Duty which is a Right and if the Farmers choose to understand the Matter they will see it is not. I have declined Mr Bondfields proposition & shall send Goods to Brest as fast as I possibly can agreeable to Mr de Chaumonts orders.— Mr Schweighauser informs me that all the Sheathing Copper he had was shipped in the Providence.—
I suppose you have Letters by the Buckskin which is arrived at Bordeaux. I shall be glad to know if you have any interesting news. I am informed that the State of Maryland has taken some notice of me about the management of their Funds in England, but I do not well understand what it is. If you have any account of it please to let Billy drop me a Line. I am ever your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
Doctor Franklin
Notation: Jona Williams Apr 6. 1780


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Peters, 7 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Peters, Richard

Dear sir
Passy, April 7. 1780.
I assure all the Officers who apply to me to be introduced in to our service in America, that our armies are fully officered; that there is no vacancy in which they can be plac’d, that a great Number of good Officers who had been here to offer their service, are actually returned to france for want of Employ, and that this must be their Case if they go over. But I have the misfortune not to be believed by some of them who determine to go notwithstanding and run all risques. I hope however that I shall be beleived on your side the water when I assure you that I do not give them the least Encouragement or Expectation knowing too well the Embarassment the Congress was Subjected to by the recommendations extorted by Importunity from Mr. Deane, and the Expence it occasion’d. The Gentleman, M. d’Angely who is the bearer of this, is one of Those who countrary to my advice is resolved to make the Voyage. His Goodwill to our Cause will merit your Civilities and Counsels. It is to those only that I take the liberty of recommending him. With sincere Esteem, I have the honour to be, Dear sir,
Richard Peters Esqe. Member of the Board of War.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 7 April 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lahaie 7e. Avril 1780
J’ai l’honneur des trois vôtres, deux du 29 & une du 31e. Mars. La terreur & la ruse, jointes au désespoir de ma famille, qui avoit découvert (je ne sai comment) ce qui se passoit, & qui se croyoit perdue avec moi, m’avoient fait tourner la tête, & extorqué ma Lettre lâche du 4e Avril. Selon ce que l’on m’avoit fait entendre, & à notre ami aussi, nous devions croire que la Lettre avoit été ouverte & envoyée à Mr. l’Ambassadeur ou par le département des affaires étrangeres, ou par le Me. d’E—— Et notre Ami m’avoit exhorté à appaiser, comme je pourrois, Mr. l’Amb. qui se trouvoit offensé (& avec raison) de ce que l’humeur du moment m’avoit fait dire dans la Lettre interceptée, qu’il protégeoit Sir G—— je ne Savois pourquoi, ni ne voulois le savoir, & que je ne le croyois pas grand ami des Am——. J’avois donc écrit & envoyé cette Lettre du 4. Le soir du même jour je reçus vos Lettres, Monsieur, avec celle de Mr. F—— Gd., comme aussi celle de Mr. B——. Quoiqu’il fût tard, j’écrivis néanmoins une 2de. Lettre à Mr. l’Ambr., pour lui dire que ma Lettre du matin ne devoit point sortir de ses mains, & que le moindre usage indiscret qu’en feroit Sir G——, lui seroit plus pernicieux qu’à moi. Le jour suivant je lui écrivis la Lettre, dont voici copie.— Vous comprenez, Monsieur, qu’après la foiblesse que je venois d’avoir, je ne pouvois garder entierement le silence, & que la Lettre du 5, qui révoque cette foiblesse, étoit nécessaire pour mon honneur. La vengeance, que je vous sacrifierois toujours volontiers (& le sacrifice ne seroit pas grand) n’y entre pour rien. J’espere que cette derniere Lettre engagera Mr. l’Amb—— à mettre fin à tout cela. Je me tairai. Mais il est nécessaire que Mr. F—— Gd. oblige son frere à se taire aussi, & qu’il lui écrive très fortement pour le lui enjoindre. Ayez la bonté, Monsieur, de lui en faire sentir la nécessité absolue.
I write to day to the Gentleman you know according your orders, as well as to Mr. Enschede at Harlem for the prices of such of his characters as you wish for. I shall give yr. Excy. the Explanation you desire respecting the subject of my last Letter to the 657y.
Le Mémoire Russe pour inviter L.h.p. à faire cause commune avec l’Imperatrice, afin de protéger le Commerce & la navigation des neutres, & la Déclaration de la même remise aux Ministres des Cours de Versailles, Madrid & Londres à Petersbourg, paroissent ici généralement approuvées. Nous verrons ce qui en résultera de cette approbation du public.
La bigarrure des 4 lignes Angloises ci-dessus, au milieu de mon françois, est l’effet de ma distraction. Il m’étoit venu une visite. En reprenant la plume, je croyois avoir commencé en Anglois.
Je suis avec un grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
D

Vous trouverez, Monsieur, le Mémoire Russe à L.h.P., & la Déclaration aux Cours, dans le Supplément à la Gazette de Leide No. XXVIII.
Passy à S. E. M. F—

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Ministre Plenip. des Etats-Unis / d’Amérique / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas, la haie April. 7. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Conrad Zollickoffer, 7 April 1780
From: Zollickoffer, Jean Conrad
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
Bordeaux le 7. Avril 1780:
Pendant Mon Séjour à Philadelphie J’ai eû l’Honneur de faire la connaissance avec Madame vôtre Fille, & Monsieur Hillégas Trésorier Général des 13. Provinces Unis. Touttes ces deux Personnes que J’ai l’aissé en parfaitte santé m’ont chargé des Lettres pour vous Monsieur, dont J’ai l’Honneur de vous les Envoÿer par Monsieur De Freÿ Capit. de Cavalerie au servises des Etâts Unis.
Je souhaitte qu’il aÿe le Bonheur de vous trouver Monsieur dans une santé parfaitte pour le Bonheur de l’Etât, & que ces Lettres vous donnent bien de la satisfaction.
J’eûsse désiré que le tems m’eût permit de vous les rémettre Moy même, c’eût été pour Moy la plus grande satisfaction, mais comme Je suis bon Républiquain (Etant suisse de Nation) Je Suis bon ameriquain. Je m’occupe de faire icÿ, un, ou plusieurs armements, de même quà Nantes, pour que les Habitants de L’amerique ne soÿent pas dans le Cas d’Etre depourvû de ce dont Ils pourront avoir besoin.
Comme pour completter mon Entreprise Je pourrois avoir besoin de quelqu’Interessés, par conséqt. Mon voyage pour Paris pourroit dévenir Indispensable, Je me réserve allors l’Honneur de vous présenter Monsieur mes très humbles devoirs, & Celuÿ de vous assurer de Bouche que Je suis avec la sousmission la plus réspectueuse Monsieur Vôtre Tres humble & Tres obéist. serviteur
J. C. ZollickofferChez Mr. Deneker Riedy & Comp. à Nantes

Comme J’ai apporté avec Moy pour une Certaine Somme des Billets de Loon office, voudriez vous Monsieur me faire la Graçe de me faire marquer à Nantes s’il y a Moÿen de les Négotier à Paris, & Comme Il faut m’y prendre.
à Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin Ministre de l’amerique Septentrionale

Notation: Zollikoffer Apr. 7. 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 8 April 1780
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

8e. Avril, 1780.
Messieurs des Deux-ponts, Monsieur, m’écrivent du 2e. et me chargent de vous parler de leur bien tendre vénération et de Leur reconnoissance. Vous devés avoir reçu une Lettre de L’ainé: ils avoient Leurs ordres pour s’embarquer le 4e, et le 8e tout devoit être prêt à mettre à la voile. Ils passent L’un et L’autre à Bord du vaisseau L’éveillé de 64 Canons.
On m’assure que Suivant des Lettres de Londres, nommément adressées à M. de Sartine, Le feu ayant pris au Magasin à poudre au Port-röyal de La jamaique, ce magasin qui étoit Le plus grand et presque le Seul dépôt avoit sauté et presque ruiné Le Fort et endommagé beaucoup de vaisseaux dans le port.
Vous connoissés Le tendre respect avec lequel je suis Monsieur Votre tres humble et très obéissant Serviteur.
Le CHR. De Keralio
Notation: De Keralio 8. Avril 1780.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarsfield, 8 April 1780
From: Sarsfield, Guy-Claude, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

samdi 8 avril [1780]
Jay Eté tres faché Monsieur que Mr Votre petit fils et vous vous Soyez trouvés Engagés mercredi mais vous pouvez m’en consoler aisement en me donnant Jeudi ou Samedy. Je vous offre ces deux Jours afin que vous Choisissiez celui qui vous sera le plus commode. J’ay Eu si peu lhonneur de vous voir cet hiver que Je desire infiniment que vous ne me refusiez pas. J’espere que Mr De Malesherbes y pourra venir.
Vous Connoissez les sentimens avec lesquels Jay Lhr DEtre Monsieur votre tres humble Et tres obeissant Serviteur
SARSFIELD
Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ministre / plenipotentiaire des Etats / unis d Amerique / A Passy
Notation: Sarsefield


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Theobald Jennings et al., 10 April 1780
From: Jennings, Theobald
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honourd. Sir.
Bayo April the 10. 1780
This to Inform your Excellency of our Safe Arrival from forton prison Which Place We had been Confined for the space Of Six or Seven Months and no hopes Of A Cartel Which Was our Occasion of Runing away took a small boat and on the 8 Ultimo We Arrived Safe Within Six Miles of this place Where We was Received with great kindness by the Inhabitants, to Acquaint and Let your Excellency Know that We Are Very Destitute of Almost Every Nessessary of Wearing Apparal the three Undernamed persons Taken in Capt. Manly by the Surprize Frigate and Carryd. to England Theobald Jennings Draper Tomar prize Masters, Jarvis Sammis Carpenter, Johannis Lunblood & Robert Fowler, taken in the Mary and Elizabeth Benjamin Wicke Commandr. John Tuck in the Rambler John Stephens of Marblehead Joshua Woodman taken in the General Glover Nicholas Bartlett We Mean to go for America the first Opportunity and as soon as We Receive An Ansr. from your Excellency We Shal Set out for Brest there to Embark for America And Would Be glad your Would Order Something for to bear our Exspences there as We are very Destitute of any hard money and We the Undernamed persons doth Remain Your Ever And Obedient Countrymen
Theobald JenningsDraper TomarJarvis SammisJohannis LunbloodRobert FOWLERJohn TuckJoshua Woodman
Benjamin Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 10 April 1780
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
L’Orient April 10th: 1780
The Two Bills which I have the honor to inclose you for Acceptance were sent me by Edward Bird Esqr: of Philada: with orders to procure payment for the same, unless I had advice that Major Peter Scull was arriv’d in France.— The firsts of these Bills were deliver’d to Major Scull & the seconds were forwarded by the Diana, which Vessell I understand is unfortunately Captured by the Enemy.— You will observe that through neglect or mistake, Mr. Bird has not Indorsed the Bills which I now inclose you, but I hope Sir, that Circumstance will not prevent their being duly honor’d.— I must request that you will take the trouble to return me these Bills as soon as possible.— I have the honor to be with Sentiments of great respect. Sir! Your most Obedt. humble Servt:
Jonatn: Nesbitt
The honble: Benjn: Franklin Esqr:—
Addressed: The honble: Benjn: Franklin Esqr. / at his Hotel at / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Etienne de Chezaulx, 11 April 1780: résumé
From: Chezaulx, Jean-Etienne de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Bergen, April 11, 1780, in French: I have received both of your letters of February 21st and am extremely grateful for them. I wish I could have done more to serve American interests, but my efforts were not totally fruitless since the Danish government has agreed to bear all expenses incurred by your people here, both before the restitution of the prizes and since then. The needs of the crews have been more than fully met. M. Danckert D. Krohn, a man of goodwill, who advanced the necessary monies, has been reimbursed. Your sailors who currently have no ship will sail for Dunkirk next Thursday on the chartered Danish ship Fortune, weather permitting. The prize captains—whose conduct has been exemplary—have received money from the government for extraordinary expenses. The local governor, M. Bager, has shown them much kindness, so that all ended well and the only unresolved point is how much damage you will obtain from the Danish court. I hope Congress will be satisfied.
The Governor Johnson, a merchant ship of yours loaded with Virginia tobacco, entered this port on March 4. I had its captain, Michel Baudee, raise the French flag in order to obtain the same privileges as French shipping and he obtained permission to sell his cargo. I reported my actions to Naval Minister Sartine and Ambassador La Houze. I have asked M. Krohn to act as its commissary, under my guidance. P.S. Enclosed is a letter from your officers.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 11 April 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
La Haie 11e. Avril 1780
Puisque dans l’honorée vôtre du 29 Mars vous me demandez de vous expliquer l’affaire du Pilote Anglois avec Mr. Jones, je dois supposer que Vous n’avez pas reçu la copie du Certificat qu’à la requisition du dernier je vous avois envoyée dans une de mes Lettres du Texel ou d’Amsterdam: Ce qui ne seroit pas surprenant, vu l’état de confusion & d’anarchie où nous étions là pendant quelque temps. Quoiqu’il en soit, pour vous épargner la peine de chercher, j’aime mieux joindre ici une autre Copie de ce Certificat. Quant à Mr. Gordon, si j’ai bien compris ce qu’on m’en a dit, il doit être Consul de cette Rep. dans le Nord de la Gr. Br. Ce qui est sûr, c’est qu’il avoit écrit une Lettre à L.H.P pour réclamer ce Pilote Jackson de Hull, comme pris & retenu illégalement, contre les conventions, selon lesquelles on ne doit point enlever les Pêcheurs & Pilotes côtiers. Cette démarche de Mr. Gordon ayant donné lieu à des discours fort injurieux, non seulement pour Mr. Jones, mais aussi pour les Américains en général, j’ai pris le parti de faire parvenir une copie du Certificat au G—— P——, et de lui écrire la Lettre dont vous avez copie, afin que L.H.P, & Mr. Gordon, & l’Angleterre, pussent savoir au vrai l’histoire de ce Pilote, comment on en avoit agi envers lui, & ce qu’il étoit devenu.
Notre Ami m’a promis de me raccommoder avec le gd. Facteur. Il m’a dit aussi que l’on délibere aux Etats d’Hollde. sur l’invitation de l’Impe. de Russie faite à cette Rep.; que notre O E N O P M B E X C G T N U T N T P D C P C Z L B D T C L X C traversent cela tant qu’ils peuvent; mais qu’ils ne reussiront pas.

Je suis avec mon respectueux dévouement pour toujours Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéissant servit
D
Passy à Son E. M. Franklin
Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. plenipe. des Etats unis / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas, la haie April. 11. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas White et al., 11 April 1780
From: White, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May it please your Excellency
Bergen April 11th. 1780
We received your kind letter of the 21st. of Febry. with the greatest pleasure as you have therein approv’d our conduct whilst in this place & given us orders to proceed immediately to France, if the ships were not restored. We shall therefore in consequence of the King of Denmark’s, as well as your Excellency’s orders sail for Dunkirk the first wind. All proceedings with respect to our affairs have been regularly settled, for which we refer to the copies of accounts already forwarded to your Excy. by the French Consul. Our expences whilst on board the ships were paid by the English Consul & those since by the King of Denmark, which enables us to proceed without drawing bills upon France.
The kind reception we met with from the Governor, Consul & Mr. Khrone deserves the greatest approbation as they have done every Thing in their power to serve us in all exigencies; we accordingly waited upon those gentlemen with your Excellency’s thanks in respective letters, & received public assurances of their readiness to serve us or our countrymen upon any future occasion.— The Governor Johnson with tobacco from Maryland having put in here in distress; & her men having put themselves under the English protection, Monsr. Chezeaux as well as ourselves thinking it for the benefit of America to supply them with 5. or 6. men we shall do it with pleasure.
We have the honor &c.

  (Signed)
    Thomas White

    Thomas Fitzgerald

      Alexr Moore

      James Hogan

    Nathl. Marston

His Excy. Dr Franklin Esqr. Passy.(Copy W: Short, Secy)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Officers of the Alliance, 12 April 1780
From: Officers of the “Alliance”
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Ship Alliance Road LOrient 12 April 1780
We the Officers of the Frigate Alliance under the Command of the honourable John Paul Jones Esqr: beg Leave to Represent to your Excellency that our circumstances are Really Nesessitous, and that we are alarm’d at having Received neither wages or prize money since the Ship is so nearly prepared for Sea.
We have waited with all possible patience in Expectation they would be paid us, from the propriety of it and some favourable Reports. Now as your Excellency is the person Authorised to Interfere on our part we flatter ourselves from your known benevolent disposition, that your Excellency will do every thing in your power to Obtain for us Justice and froward the Ship’s sailing.
Our situations are such in the town that we should be very unhappy to Leave it before we Receive our wages & prize money to enable us to discharge our Debts Contracted through mere necessity: it is of great Importance to us all especially to a number of men half naked, which is absolutely the case with two thirds of our Crew, many of them have families in America who are also in want.
We think it unnessesary to trouble your Excellency with a Detail of every particular, Assuring ourselves that your Excellency will take it into Consideration and Indulge us with an Answer—In the mean time we wish you health and every Blessing and are with the greatest Respect & Veneration Your Excellencys Most Obedient and most devoted Servants

James Degge I Lieut

James Lynd do

John Larchar Junr

Fitch Pool
M Parke Capt Marines

Samuel Guild
James Warren

Isaac Carr
Thomas Elwood

Arthur Robertson
Thos. Hinsdale

James Daly
James Bragg

Jno. Jarvis
Benjamin Pierce

N Blodget
John Darling

A Windship
Chipn. Bangs

L’Orient: 12 April 1780—
To his Excellency Dr. Benja Franklin Minister plenipotentiary to the United States at Passy, near Paris
Addressed: To his Excellency / Dr. Benja Franklin / Minister plenipotentiary to the thirteen / United States / at Passy / near Paris
Endorsed: Officers of the Alliance April 12 1780


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Trumbull, 12 April 1780
From: Trumbull, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
Lebanon Connecticut. April 12th: 1780
This will be deliver’d to you, by my youngest Son Colo. John Trumbull, whose Ambition of gaining a more extensive knowledge of foreign Nations, leads him to Europe.— I have to beg your notice of Him, while He may remain in Paris, and your Advice and Assistance in whatever He may request.—in fine I wish you to be his patron.—and I assure you, that nothing can give me more pleasure than to hear from you, that his manner of improving his Time.—and his Companions, meet your Approbation.
I have likewise to beg you to give him Credit, in Case of any Accident, as being made a prisoner &c.—and promise the most punctual Attention to his Bills drawn in your favor, for whatever Amount.
Of the News political or military, I cannot give you a better State in writing, than my Son will give in person.— I beg leave therefore to refer you to him, & am Sir, with every sentiment of Respect & Esteem Your most Obedt: Humble servant
Jonth: Trumbull
His Excelly B Franklin Esqr
Addressed: His Excelly. / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Minister Pleni: from the U. States of / America, at the Court of France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 13 April 1780
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lahaie 13e. Avril 1780
Depuis le Mémoire présenté par le Plénipe. de Russie à L.h.P., dont voici copie, ainsi que de la Déclaration de la même Cour aux Puissances belligérantes, les Etats Provinciaux d’Hollande déliberent sur l’invitation de l’Impératrice; & il n’est pas douteux (je le sais de notre Ami) que la Résolution que la Province prendra là-dessus la semaine prochaine, ne soit conforme au voeu général, qui est pour que cette Republique entre dans les vues de l’Impératrice. Or comme les Résolutions de cette Province sont ordinairement adoptées par les autres, on s’attend à voir cette rep. prendre un parti qui accélerera la pacification générale. Les plus outrés du parti Anglois, voyant qu’ils ne peuvent empêcher la résolution sans se rendre absolument odieux, cherchent, tant qu’ils peuvent, à l’énerver par l’insertion d’expressions obscures & ambigues, qu’ils y veulent faire mettre: mais le bon parti s’occupe à balayer cette poussiere à mesure qu’on la jette en son chemin.
Quant aux deux autres objets qui occupent cette République, savoir aux Convois illimités & aux secours demandés par l’Angleterre, la Province d’Hollande a déjà, depuis plusieurs semaines, unanimement résolu les premiers, & décliné les derniers, comme ne tombant point sous le casus foederis en cette guerre. Les Provinces de Frise, d’ Overyssel & d’ Utrecht ont successivement accédé à cette Résolution; & l’on s’attend à la même accession de la part des trois restantes.
On dit, depuis quelque temps, que Mr. Lawrens, ancien Président du Congrès, est désigné pour venir ici, d’abord incognito, pour ne déployer son caractere de Plénipotentiaire que lorsqu’il en sera temps. Avec cette précaution sa venue pourra faire un bon effet. Mais il seroit très-nécessaire que je le visse avant qu’il vît personne, pour lui faire connoître la Carte du pays. Les uns assurent qu’il est parti d’Amerique, & en chemin; les autres qu’il est déjà en Europe. Notre Ami me demande ce qui en est; & je ne puis le Satisfaire. Vos avis, Monsieur, & vos lumieres sur son sujet, me seroient bien nécessaires, et par conséquent doublement précieuses.
J’ai pris la liberté de tirer sur V. Exc. à une usance à l’ordre de Mrs. J. De Neufville & fils les £2700 qui me sont alloués pour ma subsistance & fraix d’Agence ordinaires de la demi-année courante.
Je suis avec un très-grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas

Notre Ami se proposoit hier de voir Mr. l’Ambr., & de le réconcilier avec moi. Il me dira demain le succès de ses bons offices.
Passy à Son Exc. M. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin / Esqr. Min. Plenip. des Et. Un. / &c. / Passy./.
Notation: Dumas, la haie April 13. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anton Georg Eckhardt, 13 April 1780
From: Eckhardt, Anton Georg
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
Utrecht 13 Avril 1780
Je proffite du voyage de Monsieur Le Comte du Pac a Paris, et de ces offres Obligeants a veuiller vous remettre celle ci, pour vous accuser Monsieur La Reception de votre gracieuse Lettre, a laquelle jaurois dabord répondu ci je navois crû devoir premierement attendre la lettre que Vous me annonciez de Monsieur L’academicien Le Roi, que je nai cependant pas recû jusqu’a present. Je Suis Chagrin Extremement ainsi que mon frere d’apprendre l’Etat dIndisposition ou vous vous trouvé Monsieur que nous Esperons cependant naura pas de Suitte; et que la belle Saison dans laquelle nous allons Entrer Contribuera a un prompt et Entier Retablissement.
Nous sommes on ne peut plus Sencible Monsieur de loppinion avantageuse que vous veuillez avoir de nos applications et de la bonne volonté d’aider a lEtablissement que nous desireriont de pouvoir faire dans qque [quelque] Paÿis oû ces applications et nos divers objets pouroient Etres Utiles, et jose nous Récommander de nouveau a votre Digne Protection a cet Egard: nous desirerions Infiniment que Monsieur Le Comte du Pac qui prend tout l’interest a notre sort pouroit apprendre qques nouvelles desirables de votre Pard, et ci vous nous Conseilleriez de faire un tour a Paris avec quelque Esperance de Succes a i réussir pour un Etablissement ou celui de lun ou lautre de nos principaux objets, quand nous Seriont bien Charmés de pouvoir vous presenter nos Devoirs Monsieur: néanmoins nayant recû aucune nouvelle de Monsr Le Roi de l’accademie des Sciences, et ayant apris par Monsr: Lavocat Le Roi (qui vous remi notre premiere Lettre) que vous Etiez dIntention dEcrire pour nous a Londre, nous prenons la Liberté de vous remettre que ce en Cas vous pensiez quil ne nous Serois pas Conseillable daller en France mais plustot en Angleterre, que nous sommes prets a Suivre votre Conseil Monsieur mais que nous osons desirer allors cette bonté de votre Digne Pard de vouloir nous accorder qque Recommandation a Celui ou ceux que vous i Croiriez le plus a meme d’aider a notre Etablissement et celui de nos objets ûtiles, ce qui nous encoûrageroit dont a i faire un tour, quand nous avons lieu dEsperer quavec de tels Recommandations, et en demontrant lutilité de nos objets principalement celui de notre Fabrique, que nous avons Perfectionné de beaucoup depuis que vous en avez vu les Echantillons, nous pourrions i Reussir. Jose dont remettre ceci a votre meillieur avis et Conseil Monsieur, et appres nous i avoir Recommandé et vous avoir assurer de notre vive gratitude et des Sentiments d’attachement les plus Devoues.
Jai Lhonneur dEtre avec le Respect et la Consideration la plus Distinguee Monsieur Votre Tres Humble et Tres Obeissant serviteur
A: G: Eckhardt FRS

P.S. Je prend la liberté de Joindre ici qque Memoires de nos principaux Objets, que je crains monsieur Le Roi ne vous aura pas Remis, ne les ayant peut Etre pu trouver chez un ami ou je lavois addressé et qui en avoit des Exemplaires. Je me flatte que vous i trouverez deduit clairement les avantages de ces machines.

Notation: Le Comte de Bellegarde, rue des Maçons sorbonne, no. 9


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 14 April 1780
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
London 14. Apl. 1780
Since my last to you I have recd a few lines from your Relation by the hands of Mr. L——g——n, & am very much surprisd to hear that the maps &ca. forwarded to amstermdam have not yet got to hand. They went very early in Jany by the Ship Lady Elizabeth Klaas Doorn Commandr, the box markd B F and a Card naild to it with the Direction For Messrs. Fizeau Grand & Co Amstermdam. I shippd it myself & long ago forwarded the Capts Rect and the bill parcells for it— I think it may be better got at by Mr. F writing a line to Mr. Grand at Amsterdam about it.
We have an arrival from St. Kitts the 5 March an Expedn. (of abot 4,000 Men) was then talkd of as nearly ready to rendevous at St Lucie from the quarter of Antigua. That part of the French fleet wch. was reported to be blockd up in Guardaloupe very easily found its way to Martinico & after the junction the latter end of Apr. formd a fleet of 14 sail of the line &ca. We are given to understand here that when Monr. Guichens Squadn. gets there, & the other five which went before him, the French will have 36 sail; There is not much boasting of superiority & I beleive there will not be more than 31 English of the Line.
The Wt. Inda. Fleet saild the 8th 200 Sail Of merchantmen under convoy of 4 of the line, one frigate, one 20, & 3 fire ships. Adml. Graves (whose destination is generally said to be to America) was to have gone with 7 Ships but the Crews of several of them mutinyd, and one ship the Invincible remains so refractory as to have cut away all her boats & the Crew have confind their officers to their Cabins. Most likely by this day it is all right, & the Ship on Her voyage— This fleet was hastily got ready in consequence of some advices that A fleet with troops on board was going from Brest to Ama. some say to Canada. We have yet no accots. of Clinton & Co. The general opinion is, that He has got to the Coasts of Georgia (some say to Beaufort) but the storms have left him in such a situation as to make it very improbable He can succeed against Chas Town— The Ship from St. Kitts brings an accot of another of His fleet being wreckd on the Rocks of Bermudas that vessel had foreign troops & some horses on board. Mr. Jonathan Loring A——s——n has been with me a few days. He left B——n the 24th. Jany. & was unlucky on His voyage to F—— in a small unarmd vessel The Zephir. There was nothing particular in the news way when He left that place. You will hear more of him soon. The new Protector was to take Her departure abot the 1st. Mar & will likely bring Mr. A——s——n a packet to yr. care. Another packet would sail in abot. 3 weeks or a month after the Zephyr.
Mr. H——n [Hodgson] is rather anxious to hear from You he not having a letter since the arrival of the Cartel without any passengers. This causes much murmuring at Forton & several have forced their way out since the vessel returnd & continue flying up to L——n. On the 13th. Int. the numbers were 227 at Fort——n and abot 85 at P——h— Mr Drouillard wrote to his friend at that place to supply Capt. M——y [Manley] with the sum some time ago orderd. Whether this has Enabled him to take a journey or not I cannot yet learn but I apprehend it has for silence is always the Ansr. to letters when things go well.
I fear Capt. C——m is again taken with 4 others. The Capn. of the Privateer who took the vessel from F. writes “she was a small vessel loaded with salt wine &ca. on board her were five Passengers among them the celebrated Capt. C——“ the Passengers are kept on board the Privateer still on a cruise, but the Prize is arrivd.
This Day in the Commons the Petitions of the People are to be debated. Some of the late Petitions & all the subsequent Resolves at the adjournd meetings, declare the mischief done the Country by the war is intollerable & the people do not seem enclind to bear it longer. Most of them declare openly that the evil is in the prosecution of the war in America & pray it may be given up. Mr. D H moves the house this day on that theme, & many people think the debate of to day will evince a disposition in the House even on the treasury side of it, to give up the principles of the Amn. war. The voice out of doors is universally for accomodation with Ama. & many of those who were violent a Year or two ago for the prosecution of it with severity & rigour now go so far as to openly wish peace with Ama. on the terms of avowd & declard Independence.
I am with the highest esteem Dr sir Your very Obt. Servt
W Ross

I will keep this open as long as I can in order to give You any news that may come out from the quarter of the House of Commons. J. T—— [Temple] often desires me to mention Him to You & I think it will not be long before you see him.
The Speaker was taken ill & all business of course stopt to day many say it was a political illness & that some moves in Admn. will be the consequence— By his speech, it would seem He wishd to resign & most likely He will not be speaker very long— The House wishd to have an adjournment for some days. & monday week they are to meet agn.

Addressed: A Monsr. Monsr. B. F— / Passy
Endorsed: April 14 80
Notation: April 14. 80


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 14 April 1780
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Madrid 14. April 1780.
On the 26th. Jany. last at Cadiz, I did myself the Honor of wrinting to your Excellency a Letter, by M. Gerard, enclosing one for the honorable Arthur Lee Esqe. and Copies of others I had written to the spanish and french ministers, and among other things informing you, that several Letters or rather large Pacquets directed to you were in my Possession, with which I was much at Loss what to do, and requesting your directions. I have also written to you other Letters of Later Date from the same Place, advising you of Bills I had drawn upon you viz, the 28th. Jany., 3d. march and 20th. March.
As the Receipt of other Letters carried by M. Gerard from hence to Paris has been acknowledged, there is no Room to Apprehend that mine to you by him, has miscarried— I find it therefore difficult to account for my not having been favored with a single Line from you since my arrival.
Your Letters should immediately on my arrival have been sent by the Post, but it being well known that all Letters whose Contents there is Reason to suppose interesting, are inspected in the Course of that Conveyance I would not prevail upon myself to expose yours to that Treatment especially as there are indorsements on some of them being sunk in Case of Captaine [Capture]. Nor did it appear to me more prudent to send them by a Special Express, because being a Stranger I knew not whom to trust or in whose Recommendations to confide.
But as between two and three months have already elapsed without my receiving any orders or advice from you on the Subject I should Expose myself to Censure were I longer to forbear transmitting them in such manner as appeared to me least hazardous. I shall therefore deliver them in a Bag Sealed and directed to M. Joshua Johnson at Nantes this Evening, to Monsr. Henry Bouteiller a young french Gentleman, who will set out for that Please [Place] to morrow, and who travelled from Cadiz here in company with me. From the Character which I received of him there as well as my own observations of his Conduct since I am induced to confide both in this Honor and his Care. I shall enclose this Letter to Mr. Johnson and request the favor of him to send it to you together with the others by the first safe Convoyance and I shall apprise him of my Objections to their going by the Post. Among them are some directed to Persons of Suspicious Character in Britain, and were all delivered to me by the officers of the Confederacy at martinico, except the one directed to Mesrs Mary Brown at Trees Bank Scotland, which was committed to my Care by her Sister, a Daughter of Peter Van Brugh Livingston Esqe. of Baskindridge— The Contents of it are perfectly unexceptionable, and would give more Pleasure to an American than a Briton.
As not only a good understanding but also a constant Interchange of Intelligence and attentions between the public Servants at the different Courts are necessary to procure to him [his] Constituents all the advantages capable of being derived from this Appointment, it would give me very sensible regret in [if] my Endeavours to cultivate the one and engage the other should prove abortive.
I this moment recd. a Note from the Marquis d’Yranda, informing me that M Grand of Paris had desired him by his Letter of the 22d. feby. to hold at my Disposition the Net Produce of Nineteen thousand nine hundred and twenty one Livres Tournois which I might receive when I thought proper—from the Particularity of the Sum I conjecture this to be in consequence of your Order.
I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
(signed) John Jay

P.S. I have just rec’d from M. Lee an answer to the Letter I took the Liberty of sending inclosed to you by M. Gerard.
His Excellency Benjn. franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 14 April 1780
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Versailles le 14. Avril 1780.
J’ai lu, Monsieur, avec beaucoup d’attention la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 20. mars dernier au Sujet de l’Enquête que vous avez fait faire sur ce qui s’est passé entre le Commodore Jones et le Capne. Landais. Puisque vous avez trouvé beaucoup de Contradiction dans les Declarations des parties, et dans les preuves Ecrites qu’elles ont produites pour les appuyer, Je pense comme vous que le seul Parti a prendre est d’assoupir entierement cette affaire qui, Si elle étoit renvoyée à l’Examen d’un Conseil de Guerre en amerique, ne pourroit faire que le plus mauvais Effet.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une parfaite Consideration votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur,
(signé) De Sartine.
M. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Delleville, 15 April 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Delleville, Philippe de

sir
Passy, April 15. 1778, i.e., 1780
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 10th. Instant, relating to the seven Americans who had Escaped in a boat from England, and arriv’d on your Coast. I beg you to accept my thankful Acknowledgements for the hospitality you have shown them—. I hope they will be allow’d to sell the Boat to furnish themselves with necessaries. Monseigneur l’amiral has always been so good as to permit such application of the property. If more should be wanting to enable them to travel to Brest, in order to obtain a Passage thence to America. I beg you would furnish them therewith, and I will immediately reimburse you by paying your Draft upon sight. With great Respect I have the honour to be sir
Mr. Philippe De Delleville Lieut General de l’Amirauté a Bayeux.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from B. Barbier, 15 April 1780: résumé
From: Barbier, B.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Nantes, April 15, 1780, in French: Monsieur, please interest yourself in the dishonesty with which one of your fellow Americans, John Green, has been treated. Last April he obtained the command of the brig Patriote, owned by M. Gruel, on condition that he invest 10,000 l.t. in the venture, which he did. On Jan. 6, having settled all his affairs, Capt. Green hired a pilot and sailed but the ship soon ran aground and was lost. He managed to save most of the cargo, unpacked it to dry, and discovered he had been abominably cheated. Gruel offered him a compensation of 50%, which is far from covering the discrepancies between the prices charged and the cargo’s real value. I, too, have a financial stake in the ship and together we presented our case to the Admiralty court. We have the greatest confidence in the integrity of the judges, but you know how prejudicial to affairs judicial delays can be. In particular they have become an obstacle to the business of Capt. Green, who has obtained a ship at Lorient. He has been there a week, and I am the only Frenchman ready to assist him. You are the support of Americans, particularly in France. We ask you to expose our complaints to the chancellor of France, so that he can have the procureur général of the Parlement of Brittany intervene with the admiralty judges. The honor of the Nantes business community and the interests of your compatriots require that we expose Gruel’s unfaithfulness and dishonor. M. Penet can testify as to the manner in which he has abused the confidence of Americans who addressed themselves to him. Messrs. D’Acosta frères can bear witness to my honorable conduct.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Chantereyne, 15 April 1780
From: Chantereyne, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Cherbourg le 15. Avril 1780
Je suis chargé de Larment [l’armement] de la Black Princesse capne Edward maccatter, pour M. Torris. Nous avons besoin de votre Protection auprès de M. Mistral & de M. deshayes comres. de la marine au havre & a Cherbourg, tant pour obtenir des matelots irlandois quètrangers qui Sont en diverses prisons, ou viennent dans des Prises. Si vous voulliès bien, Monsieur, leur ecrire une lettre de recommandation, Je suis tres persuadé que ces Messieurs auront tous les egards que votre excellence merite a juste titre.
Jai lhonneur detre avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre tres humble & tres obeissant serviteur
De Chantereyne
M. Le Dr. francklin
Notation: Chantereyne. Apr. 15. 1780